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1861 Jan 2d Wedns

indeed) throw my pen aside as to attempt to tell the glory & beauty now prevailing in the Southern E. & W. Heavens!
Where shall I begin? How shall I say it? I leave it with my loud but hallowed expression as I stood witnessing the scene before me:
'Great God'!

Thursday, Jan 3d, 1861

Ther. 23° Minus - Bar. 29.350. Wind light N.W. Fine. 
Last Eve, I presented [[Chirnerarchu?]] & Kok-er-zhun, each a pair of wool mittens as neither had any fit to keep their hands comfortable on the contemplated trip 
Also presented C. with a pouch of shot.
Capt. B. gave him a flask of powder & Mate G. a pair of Water proof (native) mittens.  

The Morn fine - stars & Moon shine with cleare lustre. The Aurora at VI not to be seen at 4 in various parts of the heavens.  Their indescribable beauty & constant changeableness made a scene never to be forgotten.

The men Innuits of the N. Star village on hand early this Morning for sealing on the new made ice out in "Rescue Bay".  I hope their efforts will be successful as their families are suffering for the wherewith to live.

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[1860 Jan 3d Thurs.

Que-jes-se is down this Morning thinking to start off with Sterry & the rest of the advance party for Frobisher Bay.  A misunderstanding had arisen as to the day - to-morrow Friday, being the time.  I shall now continue preparations for "Frobisher"!  How my soul longs to determine the limits of that hitherto questionable discovery.

It was thought by Capt. B. that as the day was fine, it would be well to send Sterry & the others who were to go in advance right away - but on hunting up the dogs could find only 3 the others having probably gone up to the other village.  Sterry had his ration for 30 days dealt out to him (2 cakes of bread per day = (60) which was all he asked.  This, of course, is to be divided between 2. -  I find to-day, that some of the hands forward actually dispose of all their daily ration of bread [[space]] for the preservation of the lives of the natives.  This bespeaks a nobleness not often exceeded.

It is a fact not to be concealed that there are many of the natives actually in the want of the provision they should have to continue life.  The "George Henry" cannot alleviate all their necessities or her voyage will be ruined.  Long has been the time that Capt. B. has liberally supplied the natives with the wherewith to live or a great portion of it.  But he has now to contract