the first time of my seeing the same since I came in here being 17 weeks Note that though the Sun at this time did not remain above the Horizon quite so long as it does in England and its Meridian Altitude but little yet their day was even as long considering the more early day-break and the more lasting twilight in the evening And who knows not that upon the 10th of this Month the days and nights are equal all the World over The 3d Thursday It proved a very fair day with much Sun-shine and little Wind we had not seen the like before in this place This put such Life in our Men that they got up our Top-Masts at once and loosed the Sails for drying them they having continued still folded up now for some time and according to our expectation they were found well here being no fear of their getting heat to rot them In the afternoon our Men went ashore to get Dills and Periwinkles some dragged in the Long-Boat and got Scallops and others in the Skiff with their Nets made good purchase of Sea Eggs. When night came on I could not but observe our people as busy as they are usually in a Cooks Shop about the Exchange of London between the Hours of Twelve and Two only with this difference that every man was there both Guest and Servant This with a Kettle that a Sauce-pan and the other a Dish or Platter some dressings Dills some Scallops Muscles and Periwinkles and others boiling Sea-eggs in Broath and some were brewing of Mead so that at both Hearths there were scarce room enough for one to get in between to light a Pipe I can't say of Tobacco for there was none but what I had what the men smoak'd for such they took as much pains to prepare as to Cook a dish of Meat The 4th Friday In the morning the Wind was at West South West a strong Gale with clear weather but at Noon it snowed However we got a Boat load of Wood. Toward night fell little Wind and that at North North West The 5th Saturday It proved a hard storm Southerly so that I was forced to strike our Yards and Top-Masts and let fall our Sheat-Anchor it freezing very hard all day with clear Weather over head The 6th Sunday We heaved up our Sheat-Anchor again the day beginning with little Wind and continued handsome Weather till eight at night when the Wind came to South South West and it fell a Snowing The 7th Monday It blew hard in the â—orning at W. S. West and a great Sea â—me tumbling in which obliged us to let â—ll our Anchor again At noon it abated â—nd came more Westerly at 8 at night we â—nd a Storm at N. N. West but blowing â—â—y and indifferent warm The 8th Tuesday The day broke with â—tle Wind but that running from E. to S. â—d S. W. and to W. S. W and then a fresh â—le but dry and warm We got a load of â—ood and filled a Cask of Mead for the â—en that were to go in the Boat At this â—ne I found all of our men complaining of â—ins in their Bones which my Chirurâ—on did conclude were the effects of the â—ost in their Limbs generally remarkable â—on the abatement of the weather which â— found true observing upon the return of â—tream Frost we were without Ailment â— upon a Thaw we felt the same pains â—in The like indisposition I experienced my self at such times The 9th Wednesday The fairness and â—mness of the weather gave us opportunity getting two turns off our Hawse heaving our Sheat-Anchor drying our Top-Sails and fetching three Hogsheads of Wateâ— We likewise fixed a Fire-hearth in our Lonâ— Boat which we made two days before anâ— fitted a Sail to spread over the same if the should be forced to lye in her and got aâ— things ready to set her forth at half a hours warning The Wind came to S. West the Sky looking Squauly but prove very fair The 10th Thursday We had goe weather in the Morning and a Southerâ— Wind I caused all my Men but four whâ— were sick or unsound to cast Lots whâ— should go in the Boat and they fell to 〈◊〉 as able as I could have picked out Hoâ— beit two of them bought it off with 〈◊〉 others for ten Shillings each to be paâ— them when they should receive their â—â—spective wages at the end of the Voyagâ— My Mates drew by themselves and the Lâ— fell to my Second Mate a man fit enougâ— for the business I immediately sent the away with Money Linnen-Cloath aâ— other things which I judged might be â— for Traffick with the Inhabitants if thâ— should find any Towards Noon the Wind came Westerly â—ith much Snow withal Freezing hard â—â—t handsome weather of Wind and at â—â—ght at night it came to the N. N. West â—â—d brought back our Boat again having â—ade little discovery The 11th Friday The Wind was â—utherly and the Morning fair so I sent â—e Long-Boat away again on her former â—rand With those I had on board I got Skiff of Wood I mean the soundest of â—em for the rest had the Frost in their â—et or Hands The Wind continued in the â—ne Quarter all the Afternoon but at night â—â—w very hard The 12th Saturday It blew hard at S. E. and froze sharply all day The 13th Sunday It blew fresh at S. by â—st all day but dry over Head with a â—d Frost The 14th Monday The weather was â—ry uncertain sometimes Squauly now â—h Wind and then fair and clear While was so all that were on board and able went ashore gathering Dills and Periwinkles and such as they could get for thâ— Belly The 15th Tuesday In the morning iâ—proved fair and clear so that some of ouâ— Folks went ashore to seek for Provision anâ— others continued in the Skiff dragging foâ— Shell-fish Those upon Land happeneâ— to espy two Boats coming into the Bay anâ— rowing towards the Ship They presentâ— imagined 'em to be some of their Comâ—pany sent out 4 days before and fell â— Hollowing to their Fellows in the Skiff which so affrighted the people in the Boat that they immediately turned about anâ— made away And though I called to thâ— Skiff with all speed to come aboard anâ— sent a man to the point to see for theâ— yet such haste they made as to be out â— sight before he came Soon after some â— them appeared upon the point and contâ—â—nued looking upon the Ship a good whiâ— In the mean time I sent a man up one â— the Hills to discover which way thâ— went but he returned without being abâ— to give any Account of them So we lost thâ— opportunity of Commerce with them wâ— then if they had not been unluckily scaâ—â— by noise would doubtless have come on board us of their own accord for the Ship lay in a manner between them and our men in the Skiff and ashore and I guessed they were wholly taken up with the
wind at North West moderate weather with some Snow That night I was much troubled with consideration of the place where we lay that if the Wind should come to the North East with any Gale we might blow off the Bank and then into more hazardous because more unknown places 27th Wednesday at break of day I got my best Bow-anchor aboard and warped further into the Bay where I Rid having withal two Haulsers fastned to a Rock on shore We continued to fit the Ship for the Sea when it should please God to give us opportunity The wind was yet Northerly clear weather so that we saw Land on the West side over against us which we saw not the day of our first coming in and I judged it might be eight miles off 28th Thursday This day proved very bad weather with much Snow and the Wind shifting sometime at N. E. at N. and N. W. so that we could not but acknowledge the Providence of God in directing us to move where we were for had it not been done we must have been blown from our former place Then I went my self to search and sounded the Bay and Harbour all over and made what discovery I cou'd of things about us finding a good watering place and plenty of Wood near at hand At my return upon complaint of some of our mens embezeling and stealing our Bread I ordered it to be locked up For it began to look with little Hopes of getting out till the light Moon came We got a Boats load of Wood and one of Water that night on Board and began to consider further as to our safety in that place should the Wind Wester and break our Haulser ashore 29 Friday at break of day I went and sounded from my Bow-Anchor to the Eastern shore and found 40 Fathom a little from it still depthning towards the said shore Whereupon arguing with my self that after removal of the Ship further in I might set sail and come out out as easily and yet in the mean time be secure in the worst weather I removed farther into the Harbour even to the place where we lay all Winter This we had scarce done and made our Ship fast but it began to blow right in and soon after it proved such a storm at N. W. that had we kept our late station we had in all likelyhood been lost Here again our men were made sensible of the Goodness of God towards us by a fresh instance Then having account that our Pease were unreasonably wasted I ordered a Barrel of them with two great Bags of Bread of two hundred and a half each to be brought up into the Round-house with all small provisions as Butter and Cheese and Fruit to secure them there and reduced our men to half Allowance that we might have sufficient wherewith to go to Sea For here we abode as Necessity drove us and not with any Intent of Residence as yet I observed at this time the days to shorten exceedingly being now not above seven hours according to the explained meaning of Day in the Paragraph aforegoing 30th Saturday I moored the Ship with two Bowers to the Offen along the Bank that is to say one to the South East and the other to the North West and carried both the Kedge Anchor and Warp Anchor ashore and placed them together each with one Flook in the dry shore burying them with Stones for the better holding To one of these my Kedge Haulser to the other my Stream Cable was fastened likewise a new Towline to a great Stone lying all as one to the West South West So between all these she swung by the Head Take notice the Harbour was in fashion like an Oven lying South East and North West being a mile from the Mouth to the bottom and two Cables length viz. 400 yards in Breadth or Wideness and lying thus we shut the Ovens mouth that is we could not so lying see into the wide Fuell My best Bower lay in 21 fathom and my small Bower in 19 the middle of the Harbour being of that depth both upward and downward but showling toward either side with good Clay ground It blew hard all day with much Snow and some small Rain so I spread a Sail over my main Deck the weather being so sharp there was no standing upon the same without it 31. Sunday It blew a Storm all day at North West insomuch that we could not continue the Covering aforesaid but were forced to take it down and put the Sail together again November 1. Monday I sent all hands ashore to get firing for the Snow encreasing we feared our Wood would all be buried under it Our ordinary manner of Wooding was to go in the Long-boat with 16 or 18 men to the shore upon which the Trees grew almost from the Beach half way up the Hills They were Birch mostly with some small Trees like Willows the biggest of either not exceeding a middling mans Thigh and the appearance of them above the Snow not above three yards We cut them as the depth of the Snow suffer'd us some nearer some further from the Root for the plenty we had eased us from digging much Besides unless the Snow was newly fallen the surface of it was so hard Crusted by the frost as to bear Notwithstanding some accidentally plunged in now and then but recoverably The dragging of the Trees thereby was no less easie being upon a descent and we lopped them near the shore for convenient putting on board and stowage We got that day a Long-boat full that is about a Cart-load as I judged or more 2d Tuesday I got two Boats full of Wood more Much Snow fell this day in Squauls with hard blasts from the North West till towards night 3d Wednesday It being fair weather I sent my Skiff with Hooks and Lines to take Fish but in the Fuel they could find no ground with a hundred fathom of Line yet they made some tryal nearer the shore without perceiving any to bite There were but four men employed in this Expedition the rest went with the Long-boat a Wooding as before but with greater toil and labour occasion'd from light Snow fallen the former night This night also added more it freezing hard withal and the Wind Northerly 4th Thursday it proved fair over head the Wind North East and moderate This day we got a Boats Load of Water consisting of four Hogsheads full at the same time two of our men got up the tops of the Hills to the S.W. side to see what they could discover and brought word they had met with the prints of Deers Hoofs producing a piece of an old Horn they had found as a testimony Likewise of Bears Wolves and Foxes these three are easily distinguished The Impression of the Bear being flat and long and like that of a Humane Foot those of Foxes and Wolves are like Dogs the latter bigger They saw small creatures too running and playing which they
believed were Foxes The watering Crew also said they saw the steps of Deer where they had been The 5th Friday The wind was at South E. but with such a Storm that we could not think of Loosing our Ship for the Sea However I sent 6 men armed ashore for discovery or what they could get but the Wind and Snow was so severe upon their Faces that they could not proceed farther than the first Hill so they returned and onâ—y reported they saw a River on the East side of the Hill that was frozen fast The 6th Saturday I got a Boat load of Wood. It froze extream hard the wind at N. E. turning to the N. W. towards night and began to blow The 7th Sunday It proved a fresh of wind at N. W. all day freezing hard The 8th Monday It blew so hard at S. W. that it broke all our Shore Fasts pulleâ— home our small Bow Anchor and droâ— the Ship on the N. E. shore with her Steâ— aground but by good hap our best Boâ— Anchor brought her up and swung the Shâ— into deep water So we rode between of Bow Anchor it proving moderate weathâ— towards midnight The 9th Tuesday I got my Anchor on boarâ— and moored the Ship in her old place 〈◊〉 laying the best Bower to the N. W. the She Anchor to the S. E. and Small Bower to tâ—â— N. E. and carried all Haulsers and Towlinâ— to the Anchors on the dry shore to the Vâ— S. W. of us This we did as out of hopes 〈◊〉 getting to Sea this light Moon for our Ruddâ— Head was wrung in peices by a blow gâ—ven against the ground the day before anâ— somewhat damaged in the lower part 〈◊〉 then made the Ship as snug as I could bâ— taking down our Mizen Top-mast Crotcheâ— Yard and Spritsail Yard with our Low Yard fore and aft but our Sails we could not uâ— bend being so hard frozen The winâ— came N. W. which forwarded us in fasâ—ning our Ship and that was both our daâ— and nights work The 10th Wednesday I got two Haulâ—ers more ashore it blowing a hard Gale at S. E. till 10 at night Then the wind alâ—ered and became fair About this time the Hawks we had aboard all died within few Hours one of another We had likewise 〈◊〉 Foxes to have been brought over one of which our Men eat some days before unâ—nown to me and this day they roasted â—nother which I saw the flesh looking â—lack like a Hare but upon taste I liked â—o such rank Venison The third ran â—own into the Hold and could not be preâ—ently found but a mouth after having â—laid the thief with a peice of our Beef he â—as knock'd on the head and being too can for food was thrown over board The 11th Thursday It Snowed much â—ut thawed as it fell the Wind at N. W. with a strong Gale I made all haste possiâ—ly to get our Rudder head mended by â—xing a piece of Plank on the one side of â—t It being bad weather that was all we â—ould do in a days space which exceeded â—ot 6 hours and no better than Twilight Neither could our men endure the Air at â—uch Work longer then a quarter of an â—our without coming in to warm themâ—lves The 12th Friday I got another piecâ— of Plank on the other side of the Ruddâ— Head it proving handsom weather and verâ— clear whereby we perceived something iâ— the lower part of the Rudder as broken but upon tryal with our Poles and Boaâ— hooks found only a small piece of the heâ— bruised with damage inconsiderable The 13th Saturday It proved fair bâ— with some Snow I took the Boat anâ— rowed into the Bay on the other side of thâ— point and at the bottom of it I found River running in but so frozen as to hindâ— further discovery of it but by soundinâ— the Entrance we found 12 Foot water 〈◊〉 half Tide Going ashore on the North sidâ— I saw a great run of water falling into thâ— Bay thereby near the shore along Woody Valley Not far from this placâ— I observed the Snow to lie in Ridge such as we make upon Land where we soâ— our Winter Corn its Surface being harâ— crusted with Ice with something appearing above it like Straw There were little moâ— than the bare ears without any grain in them four or five Inches long so that therebâ— I had hold enough with my hand to puâ— up the whole stalk which was about 3 fooâ— in length I was under full belief that this was Barley â—at I cou'd not satisfie my self that any had â—en reaped off there seeing the Snow coâ—ered the Stubble To the unbelieving Reaâ—er I have only this to offer to evince the â—ossibility of it viz. That the soil was â—ood as appeared by the plenty of Wood â—ear it the ouzy shore and Clayey bottom â—f the Bay the place lying open to the â—outh and defended against the North â—ast by the Mountains Withal it must be â—onsidered that the Sun is here about six weeks above the Horizon and the days beâ—ore and after much longer than with us â—n England at those times That the bringâ—ng of this grain to perfection requires not â—bove 14 weeks after Seed time in more â—outhern Regions At Narva in Livonia I my â—elf have known the same Corn in the Ear within a month or 5 weeks after it appeared above ground Hereabout I found an Anchoring place but so steep that whoever uses it must trust chiefly to the fasts he makes on shore There was another also at the bottom of the Bay a mile in but the hasty deparâ—ure of Light made our Discovery incompleat So we returned all of us on Board miserably cold I could not but observe that as we went and came by the Fuel thâ— Wind was at N. W. but where the Ship rode our men on board had it all day Easterly The 14th Sunday It blew a hard storm aâ— N. W. pulling home our best Bow-Anchor until such time as the small Bower and Haulsers ashore assisted and then by all three she rode till the Gale was over which was not before nine at Night The 15th Monday The wind was at N. fair and we hauled our Sheat Anchor farther into the Bay The 16th Tuesday We had a hard Gale at E. N. E. so that it pulled home our Sheat Anchor There was much Snow all day and night the wind after some time coming to the N. N. E. with somewhat more moderate weather At this time two of our Company were mightily for fitting up a House upon Land and putting provision therein for subsistance in case we should be forced ashore and wracked But I could not comply with such advice knowing the Ship to be warmer than any thing we could build ashore with the Materials Time and Light we had to do it Withal I â—agin'd that if we had had a place to our â—ish upon Terra Firma I could not have â—erswaded them to do what they did but â—hat
head but â—â—oze exceeding hard we fetched a Boat â—â—â—d of Water Our Men thought it good â—ews when I told them this was the Shortâ—â—â— Day and now we should make our selves ready for the Sea as fast as possibâ— we could In order thereto I gave my chiâ— Mate directions for Rowing up the Fuel oâ— the morrow to take a full view of the first Bâ— we came by This was matter of Encoâ—ragement to them and kept them in action tho I did it with little hopes of suddâ— Benefit thereby The 11 Saturday It proving fair I sent tâ— Boat into the outermost Bay to view it anâ— get acquainted with some place of shelteâ— that we might make use of in case wâ— should not be able to regain the Harbour 〈◊〉 proceed at our first putting out They râ—turned and brought me word there was â— good Road within an Island that lay in tâ— Bay which made me resolve if the weathâ— held open that we could work to maâ— out for the Sea by Moonlight The 12th Sunday Was a fair day thâ— Wind at S. W. The 13 Monday It continuing fair weatheâ— we got up our Spritsail-Yard and Fore-Yaâ— cross again filled a Boat Load of Wateâ— and got two Wouldens on our Rudder Heaâ— the Wind Easterly The 14th Tuesday So close all day as to â—e scarce good Twilight A young Man in â—ir Company took a Bible of a small print to â—y if he could read in it but could not disâ—rn â—m his Letters at twelve at noon Howâ—er I got up both my Top-Masts and Main â—ard cross hoised my Mizen yard and â—uled aboard one of my Haulsers The â—ind at W. S. W. The 15th Wednesday We had as little light â—is Day as the Day before with uncertain â—eather sometimes blowing fresh and someâ—mes Calm but the Scudd came very swift â—t of the West S. W. all day we got but â—lf a Boat load of Wood. At 9 at night 〈◊〉 blew a Storm at N. W. with much Snow â—hat we were forced to strike our Yards â—nd Top-Masts as fast as we could The 16th Thursday It continued blowing â—ard at W.N.W. Snowing much and freezing â—t so extravagant a rate that every thing â—ecame Ice that was capable of being made 〈◊〉 The 17th Friday It blew hard at S. S. E. â—ith more Snow and at 3 at night or in the after part of the day as you will pleaâ— to call it it proved a storm out of the samâ— point The 18 Saturday The Wind was all Southerly blowing hard and freezing severely but dry over head Bad as it was we fetched a Boat load of Wood and some werâ— ashore in the Skiff and got Periwinkles ' Twaâ— strange how these little Creatures coulâ— live and endure so much Frost for as sooâ— as the Water was gone from them theâ— would soon be covered with Ice but thâ— returning Tide melted it These we too off the Shore at low water and broughâ— them on Board where we boiled them iâ— the Shells and picked out the Snail or thaâ— part that was Meat The 19th Sunday It blew hard at S. S.W with much Snow and hard Frost The 20th Monday It blew desperately harâ— at N. E. with much Snow and severe Frost Our day at this time was not 4 hours and â— half long The 21st Tuesday In the Morning the Wind was at N. W. at Noon all Northerly aâ— night N. E. with little Snow but continued â—ost About this time I observed the â—cooping or Emptying of the Boat was a â—hing of too great Labour for the Boys to â—o so I ordered the Men to take their â—urns This was very grievous to them 〈◊〉 in a nights time it would be half full â—f Snow and the Water in the bottom froâ—en pretty thick so that they must first â—hrow out the Snow then break a hole in â—he Ice and by that scoop out the Water â—nd at last take away the Ice with Shovels The Stem of the Boat too would in that time be covered four or five Inches thick with Ice and about the edge of the Water also which we were forced to break off with Mauls or Wooden Beetles During this our people suffered so exceedingly as to come aboard with their Limbs almost stiff with Cold and their Hair so frozen as to hang with large Icycles in the fashion of great Taggs The 22d Wednesday Close Snowy weather all day and the Wind Westerly but by that time it was quite dark it came to the N. E. blowing fresh Here I think it proper to set down my Constant Observation of the Sky towards the North Pole which I had made daily for four weeks laâ— past viz. That even during that time oâ— Light we called Day it continued alwayâ— black as if it were a dark Cloud forerunning a Squaul It reached from N. W. 〈◊〉 N. E. in the form of a Rain-bow the Artâ— elevated fifteen or twenty Degrees Whicâ— made me conclude that something fartheâ— to the North there must be a continuaâ— night all that while The 23d Thursday The morning waâ— fair but by noon the air was thick with Snow I got a Boat load of Water and some Wood and gave every man two pound and a quarter of Honey to make drink against Christmas I find no notice of Wind taken this day and likewise of some few before but I am assured it was too dark to think of stirring we could not see to eat our meat at noon without Candles of which we consumed plenty bringing about 500 weight from Russia for though we kept two Lamps burning day and night we yet used Candles upon frequent and moving occasions The 24th Friday It proved fair and clear the Frost not excessive so that we cleaned our Decks from Snow and Ice The Wind was Northerly all day but towards night it came to the East Our men being very melancholy to think of their Friends at home providing good chear I told them they should not pinch on the day following and accordingly ordered every Mess should have full allowance This put an end to that kind of discourse and they seemed pleased with the expectation of such a Feast but thought not of * Sea term for pinching the Belly Hauling Sharp for it afterward The 25th Saturday Being Christmas day in the former part of the day we had good weather the Wind at S. W. but for the latter part it blowed and snowed After Dinner I spared out of my own store to every two men a Bottle of Strong Beer which they took thankfully and made their hearts truly glad About six at night as I was walking upon the Deck I observed it so bright for a quarter of an hour that we had it no lighter for some days at Noon since our being here This must be from some Northern Glance the more remarkable then as unusual in close weather The 26th Sunday It proved indifferent fair with small Snow like rain that is becoming drops of water upon its a lighting or
falling upon the Deck the Wind at S. W. The 27th Monday I fetched a Boat of Water the weather being fair and calm This day I took up a Hogshead of the Merchants Honey and shared it equally giving each man his part to make Mead as formerly The 28th Tuesday The last night was warm and a small Thaw we had the day held fair and the night ensuing continued Calm The 29th Wednesday Still over head fair enough but it froze again excessive hard The Wind at N. E. The day now was 5 hours long and at Noon time we saw it was perfect day The 30th Thursday It blew hard at W. S. W. with some Snow I sent the long Boat a Wooding and 3 hands in the Skiff for Water and the latter I accompanied in order to visit the inside of those Houses that were just by us which our men discovered soon after our coming into this Bay or Cove Here were dwelling Houses for 3 Families as near as I could guess each having another for Cattle adjoyning and one for drying of Fish which was open like a Cage with Poles lying across I carried things with me for clearing the way to the Doors from Snow and approaching them I found the dwelling Houses were built above 5 foot from the Ground and 12 foot broad in form round The Walls were made of Stones and Moss between them instead of Morter and Roofed with the same by the help of Rafters or Split Trees their lower ends resting upon the wall and their upper joining at the top against a hollow Stone which served both for Chimney and Window And for a Hearth there was a flat Stone laid somewhat above the Ground and on one side a Cabbin big enough for two people to lye in with some Straw in it there left which I guessed was all their bedding In one of them I found a Barrel of Rye Meal but so bad as not to be used for Food We met there with a piece of a Printed Book with a form of Prayer therein of the Danish Language as one of our Men told us who understood it being by Birth of that Nation In the Houses for Cattle were Stalls and Partitions of Sticks crossing one another as Hurdles are made such as are in Gentlemens Stables to part their Stone-Horses with Boards too at the Bottom They were so small as to contain nothing bigger than Sheep or Goats the latter being more frequent in the Neighbouring Countries The doors of these Folds or Houses were not above 3 foot and a half high and 2 in breadth they were half full of Snow so that no dung could be observed To one house was an inclosure like a yard with a Pond of Water but frozen Likewise there was a place discernable where they hauled their Boat upon Land when they had been a Fishing The 31st Friday In the Morning it blew hard at S. W. but the latter part of the day was very warm and it fell a Raining and thawed very much This made us wish for a Light Moon to be going with January the 1st Saturday It blew hard at West but warm to admiration so as to make a very great Thaw even the tops of several small Hills that laid under the higher ones became bare and clear of Snow Withal a great deal of Snow that lay upon many parts of the Ship was melted off At the same time came a great Sea into the Bay where we lay breaking very high at the Harbours mouth but towards night the Wind was at W. N. W. The 2d Sunday The Wind was at S. W. blowing hard It continued still thawing all this 24 hours The 3d Monday We had a warm fair and dry day with little Wind and that at S. W. This was the first day we could open any Sail since we came in here so we opened our Mainsail to Air it and found no harm done to it notwithstanding it had continued so long furled up which we greatly feared before We got a Boat of Water too The 4th Tuesday Still fair over Head and moderate as to Wind which was at the S. S. W. but the Frost had made its Return I sent the Boat into the Fuel to see if they could take any Fish but they got none One Hogshead of Water more they got filled and put between Decks The 5th Wednesday It blew fresh Northerly with some small Snow and froze hard again I sent my Men a Wooding where they could not but observe what alteration the late open weather had made upon the Trees disposing them to flourish by moistening their Bark and opening their Budds considerably which the returning cold had nipt again Likewise upon the Hills that were bare by the Thaw they found plenty of Green Juniper of which they gathered and brought on board a great many Branches Withal they peeled off the Tender Bark of the Willow-like Tree and bound it up in several Bundles to hang near the Fire and dry for an intended use This over and above their Load of Wood which they made good The 6th Thursday 'T was very fair over head but blowing pretty hard at S. S. W. the Frost too encreasing Yet they made shift to get a Boat of Wood with more Juniper and quantity of Bark as before The 7th Friday It proved very bad weather the Wind high at N. W. and much Snow again This days confinement gave our people leisure to advance a new project and make tryal of what they had got to supply the want of Tobacco with which had they been sufficiently stockt it would have been a great Relief to them and a choice entertainment For my own part I had just enough to allow my self 3 or 4 Pipes in a day and could not find in my heart to spare any to my best Friend Though it could not but greive my Spirit to see one Smoaking instead of it meer Rags of Fustian torn from a Coat-pocket But this was before they found out the use of something more like it being parts of dryed Plants I mean the tops of Juniper before-mentioned and the Willow Bark dryed These they now began to shred small with a Knife and mix together in proportions according to each mans fancy and to fill their Pipes therewith All that take Tobacco know these have no agreement with the other as to virtue and effects nor yield the like pleasure or benefit But the Smoak I am sure was not ungrateful and possibly not unwholesom both for the takers and Company and in my opinion it was no mean Invention in such extream necessity The 8th Saturday The weather as bad as the day before both of Wind and Snow and freezing hard However we cleared our Decks of Snow and Ice and stowed what Wood we could spare out of the Fore-castle and Steerage to make fit for the Sea having hopes that it would please God to give us opportunity by this light Moon The 9th Sunday The night past was very stormy blowing hard
Idea of the Temperature of a Climate than by remarking the weather daily and the hourly changes of it Others may be mightily chagreen'd at the tedious entertainment of every days letting fall the Anchor and heaving it up again of hoisting and lowering their Yards and Top-Masts c. It might be no great diversion to those that did it but it may be some to the Reader if it does but raise his pity and compassion for 'em under so much labour and such slender refreshment such uncomfortable dark work with such muzzel'd hands almost without Fingers and Limbs so benumm'd and feeble to perform it Neither was it altogether necessary or meerly impos'd by their Captain as exercise but in order to their safety and to keep themselves in a posture suitable to their reviving hopes of getting away It cannot be omitted in relating their sufferings and how they spent their time as being part of the story Others again are strangely offended at the perpetual mentioning of Dills Periwinkles Scallops c. and yet if these minute matters had not been set down they would be ready to say how did they go to work to live all the while they ought to answer themselves and to be satisfy'd commend the vigilant Master for providing so well for his House in ordering to each his proportion and so equally directing their services for the preservation of the whole Family The same answer will serve for Wooding and Watering their manner of doing and repeating it with such toil and hazard Perhaps a refin'd Linguist may be disgusted at so much Tarpawling expression and so many words not allow'd to be English I shall first tell him that this Watry Language is brought upon Land to be shipt off again speedily for the sake of such who understand it readily and have heard it in its proper place And then I appeal to Gentlemen and Scholars for persons of Candour and Learning will consider that to go about to express this in other terms would make it all Paraphrase and that wretched stiff and formal Besides the words themselves are expressive enough and distinguishing and what a Language need not be asham'd of They are what are found in other Books of the same subjects and if they are not 't is pity they should not be received or made a part of the English Tongue by joyning them with others of common use and more known For some ease to such an explanation in the Margin has been added to a few and if they will please to make enquiry into the others they will have the pleasure of becoming more knowing than before In a word our Author has exactly observed the order of time and successively mentioned the days without so doing a Journal would be lame and defective His abounding in minute Passages and light Contingencies was to make the History full and entertaining His Maps and Descriptions are accuraâ—e his observations as judicious and faithful as any of the same kind and beyond what might be expected but to give Reasons or assign Causes for strange appearances change of Wind and Weather effects of cold or what else betided him is wholly left to you and he pretends only to furnish you with Matter of Fact upon which you may depend as true ERRATA PAge 21. l. 12. add in the Height of Summer p. 72. l. 19. r. as wâ— lay p. 74. l. 14. r. the Wind Southerd p. 108. l. 5. for Masts r Matts p. 109. l. 2. r. to his p. 110. l. 2. r. and then to the Ibid. l. 14. r. shifting between Calwick on the Cape North Cape Island Flemings Bay Swetwell Old Priest A Scale of 20 degrees to one degree AN ACCOUNT OF A VOYAGE FROM ARCHANGEL IN RUSSIA In the Year 1697. I Sailed over the Bar of Archangel on the 8th of October 1697. about four in the afternoon in the Ship called the â—n of Yarmouth Burthen 250 Tuns â—d bound for London by that time it grew dark I came to an Anchor to gâ— all things fast for the Sea The Winâ— South South East close weather The 9th being Saturday by the firâ—â— light of the Morning I weighed Anchoâ— and made the best of my way at 6 in thâ— Evening I got the length of the Lanâ— of Cats-nose the Wind S. S. E. fine weather The 10th Sunday At break of Day wâ— were the length of Cross Island and just aâ— it was Dark I got through the narrow thwart Cape Loganness the Wind then a S. S. W. and good weather The 11 Monday As soon as it was light I found my self even with the Island of Lambasco and at 4 in the afternoon the High Land of Swetnose bore South from us distance 15 Miles from whence I took my departure The Wind was then at S. East handsom weather Tuesday the 12th proved very fair and almost stark Calm so that I made my way W. N. W. but 26 Miles distant from the Place whence I began my reckoning the day before to the Noon-Tide of this â—hence forward being computed as part of day ensuing Wednesday the 13th continued so Calm â—ll the 24 hours that I made my way North not above 13 miles The Breezes we had were at N. W. and W. Thursday the 14th began fair with somewhat more Wind first at N. N. E. afterward at N. W. with * A Squaul is a sudden shower of Rain or fall of Snow â—â—â—â—nded with Wind Squauls My way was W. by N. dist 40 miles Friday the 15th The whole 24 hours the Wind kept shifting from N. and W. N. W. and in the night little my way exceeded not 16 miles N. W. Saturday the 16th For the first 12 Hours the Wind continued to shift to and fro between the W. N. W. and the N. N. E. with uncertain weather At 8 in the morning it came to the S. W. and began to blow hard and we had a very great Sea out of the West Sunday the 17th Till Midnight we had frequent Squauls and in the Morning it began to blow from the S.W. so as to oblige us to takâ— in two Reifs of our Topsails and a greaâ— Sea came rowling out of the West Notwithstanding I made my way good N. W. halâ— West dist 69 miles This day I had an observation and found my self in the latitude of 70 degrees and 15 minutes Monday the 18th Towards Night iâ— proved a sore Storm but it came down gradually first putting us past carrying ouâ— Topsails then our Foresail at length being under a Main Course by four in the Morning our Main Tack broke Afterward â— lay under a Mizen during the fret of Wind till it was fair Day and then I set my Mainsail I made my way that 24 hours N. W. half West 50 miles the Wind shifting from S. West Tuesday the 19th At 2 in the Afternoon the Wind came to S. E. by East and held Calm all Night by six in the Morning it was East still little Wind but at ten we had such
the only way of preserving our selves â—nd all we had about us was by keeping it â—ogether and making the Ship the sole â—lace of Retreat and Refuge Besides I ever â—urred them up to action expressing daily â—he hopes I had of getting out foreseeing â—hat by their sitting altogether by the fire â—hey might grow diseased and unfit for serâ—ice on the contrary that exercise and the â—xposing themselves to the air frequently would render them more Hardy and Healâ—hy 17th Wednesday 'T was handsome weaâ—her of Wind and that at N. W. but with much Snow yet we hauled out our Sheat Anchor again 18th Thursday For wind as before I began now to consider that the Frost might render our Iron Anchors so brittle as to make our Dependance on them not secure Thereupon taking with me some men ashore with Iron Crows and Shovels I endeavoured to break ground which when I found possible I ordered the Carpenter to cut a new Mizen-Mast I had on Board not yet used Of the biggest end I took twelve foot and after a hole of 7 foot deep had been digged with no small Labour I placed it filling the hole with Earth Stones and Water which being frozen might the better fix it as a post for a Cable to be fastned to But that night I forbore using it being not willing to shake it before it was fully established The little Light we had was not above 5 hours continuance The 19th Friday It blew strongly from the S. S. East and held very clear As soon as it was light I got my best Bower-Cable hauled up I took also a peice of a Junck Cable about twenty Fathom long and made it fast to the Stake above mentioned which stood off to the S. and by W. and seased an Eye at the other end Then I took one end of my best Bower Cable the other being fast to the Anchor and after I had made an Eye on that also with two Louff-Tackles I brought both as near as I could together which was within 3 fathom and seased them This I had scarce done but there came down so much Wind at S. S. E. that we feared all would have been pulled to pieces But every thing holding so well our men could not but acknowledge the hand of Divine Providence in what had been done that day For hereby we were preserved not only then but all the Winter 20th Saturday By the first light of our slender day we perceived our Skiffe full of water at our Stern which we hoisted on Board to mend again You must note we could keep no Night Watch our men not being able to walk the Deck half an hour for Cold. I now made strict Enquiry into the quantity we had of Pease left getting a Barrel out and measuring them Of these afterward I delivered out 4 Quarts a day for all our Ships Company being 24 men and Boys and this I did four days in a week I likewise made search into our other provisions and found we had 530 pieces of Beef of four pound each Of Fish we had but 6 days left allowing four North-Sea Cods a day nine days Flower and Cheese allowing two pound of Cheese a day for four men with a Kettle of Hasty Pudding for the whole Ships company that being the best way of using my Flower Seeing now little hopes of getting home before March at the soonest we considered that Store must be kept for the Sea when it should please God to send us thither nor had we reasonable expectation of getting relief in this place 21st Sunday One of our Boys complained of his Feet being sore our Chirurgeon immediately viewing them found the effect of the Frost there up to his Ankles especially one very dangerously but by his Skill and Diligence he recovered them in Ten Days 22d Monday It proving fair we fetched a Boat of Wood great quantities of which we burnt every day And here it will not be amiss to mention our manner of keeping Fire I caused the Iron Hearth in the Fore-Castle to be brought into the Steerage and ordered the Carpenter to make a Hearth as big as conveniently could stand in the Fore Castle which was five foot nine inches square every way Then I sent ashore for as much Clay and as many Stones as filled it up this was sufficient to accommodate sixteen men sitting close about it at once Moreover I directed the Cooper for making a Chimney to the Steerage in the manner following viz. by staving an empty Butt or Pipe and reducing the staves at one end to the breadth of two inches each so that being Hoopt again it exceeded not the wideness of a Firkin at the Top keeping the former breadth or capacity in the middle still enlarging or standing more open at the bottom The distances or interstices there between the Staves we filled with pieces of Wood and made all tight with Clay and Stones which when we had so finished we placed upon the Grating This made the Steerage very warm but in all the time we kept Fire there we were obliged to keep the door open for admittance of Wind to give the Smoak vent About eight this night the Wind came to the S. S. E. with Snow and hard Frost but at two in the Morning there was clear good weather 23d Tuesday We had no foul weather bâ—t so close that we could scarce call that Light we had day However we made shift to get a Boat of Wood being in great fear of losing the day wholly At eight at night it blew from the S. S. E. but towards midnight the wind came more to the Eastward with handsome weather 24th Wednesday It proved fair and clear the Wind Southerly We cleared the Deck of Snow and Ice which was grown a foot thick near the Scuppers 'T was sometimes squauly but at eventide I saw the Northern Glance That is a stream of light enlightening all the Hemisphere so as one may read very well with it 'T is of a Pale-Yellow or Buff-Colour like the Inmost Circle of the Rain-bow appearing for a Quarter of an hour then vanishing and renewing it self again by intervals during the space of five or six hours Sometimes this Meteor seems a bright nimble moving Cloud at another time two of them rushing and encountring one another like Armies engaged and now and then I have thought with a grumbling noise akin to Thunder We reckon the Frost to occasion them and whatever Reflects or Emitts the light in that manner cannot be far from the Eye being so plainly to be discerned and so exceeding swift 25th Thursday It being fair I endeavoured to clear the Hawse but there was so much Ice upon the Cables I could not do it This day two of my men went up the Hills but wanted Light to make a discovery 26th Friday Still fair and clear and by the Light we had I brought my best Bower Cable to the Stake on shore and served it well with old Ropes
to prevent its chasing the Wind at E. N. E. and freezing hard The 27th Saturday It proved fair and Calm with some little Snow I got a boatload of Water and served all our Cables to prevent Chafing both ashore and at the Hawse I had complaint made me that some had stoln Fish and broiled it but upon strict enquiry I found such a thing could not be done privately by reason our men sat constantly round the Hearth in the Fore-Castle from 6 or 7 in the Morning till 8 at night at which hour or soon after I ever caused the Fire to be put out fearing the continual keeping it might endanger the Ship or occasion other Disorders Nevertheless I caused the Fish that hung overboard for watering to be hauled in and viewing it well by the manner of it I judged that the pieces diminished were not cut off with a Knife bur rather seemed bitten by some living Creature which I supposed might be a Seal that I had seen sometimes about the Ship So I put the Salt-fish into a Bag and by a Line hung it over the Ship for freshning And in the mean time I got a great Shark-hook and baited it with a piece of the same hanging it a foot under water in a place where the Seal used to show himself I stood upon the Watch and just as it was dark the Seal came and took it making a bustling at the side of the Ship I presently took hold of the Rope to which it was fastned and found it too heavy for me which made me call for help but before it came he got loose and I saw him set his Feet to the Ships side and fling himself off After this we saw him no more in the Bay 28th Sunday It was still Calm but with more Snow and close weather 29th Monday I hauled my Sheat-Anchor further out the Wind at W. S. W. blowing fresh with Snow but at 4 at night it began to Thaw considerably I then shared all the Bread in the bread-Room being but 5 pound and a half for each man 30th Tuesday It froze hard again even our Beer between Decks so that our Men could get nothing but water to drink which had not stood above 12 hours but became all Ice I considered that for them to drink warm water might not be so good for their Stomachs and to stave our Casks would be of ill Consequence for us when we should have occasion for them at our going to Sea I then brought up a Cask of my own Honey of which I distributed about 2 pound and a quarter to each Man for them to boil in their Water to make a kind of Mead withal This they drank and were not offended with the Ice in their Mouths as before The Wind all this day at S. S. East and the Frost so excessive that we feared the Spring Heads would e're long fail us so that we bestirred our selves for a Boat load of Water December the 1st Wednesday It proved fair which encouraged me to send my Mate in the Boat up the Fuel even before it was light chiefly to see if there were any Anchoring places for us to make use of in case we should put out and not be able to regain our Harbour He returned and brought word that he saw only two Islands on the West side and that the Fuel ran up a great way very wide where they had much Wind But where the Ship lay we found little all day 2d Thursday 'T was fair weather of Wind out of the S. East corner but froze hard all day with some Snow You must know our brightest time now at noon exceeded not the light that comes an hour before Sun rise in an Equinoctial day in England 3d Friday The Wind as before and pretty calm still but freezing exceeding hard Howbeit we went ashore for Wood of which we got not above two thirds of a Boat full so short was our day and this especially so very close that we could not â—iscern the tops of the Hills all that â—ght The 4th Saturday The Wind kept at S. E. â—ir and freezing hard but towards night â—me Snow It was light now but 3 hours â—nd a half as I observed by my Watch which â— my warm Pocket went well and to my â—eat Comfort kept its integrity in the worst â— times The 5 Sunday We had handsome weather â— Wind with some Snow and about 3 at â—ght a small thaw The 6th Monday Being moderate weather â—ut close and freezing we fetched a Boat â— Water All our men went ashore some â—ith Guns and among them they shot a â—hite Partridge which was very good Meat â—e rest employed themselves in gathering â—scles Periwinkles and Dills These â—lls are dark brown Weeds growing and â—nging upon the Rocks and to be come â— while low Water a sort of Sea Plant or â—rb common enough in the North of Enâ—â—â—nd but more frequent in Scotland There â—m told they are eaten raw but by boiling they become soft and look greene tasting not much unlike a Colewort Oâ— way of dressing them was first to boil thâ— in fresh water which took away the Salâ—ness natural to them and after that boilinâ— them again in our Beef Broth they suâ—plied the place of a Sallet to eat with 〈◊〉 Beef By some Scottish men on board 〈◊〉 were happily instructed in the use 〈◊〉 these The 7th Tuesday It proved fair aboâ— head the Wind S.S.E. but freezing very haâ— We got some empty Cask from betweâ— Decks to fill them fearing more and moâ— to depend upon the Springs For our mâ— were lately at a great loss for them aâ— found it difficult digging in the Ice The way was when they went for Water tâ— observe the Drains upon the Shore and 〈◊〉 along the sunken or depressed places in tâ— Snow which were formed from the Springs â— the upper Grounds joining in their Desceâ— and making Gutters some with streaâ— large enough to turn a little Mill. Thâ— Channels were covered with Ice like a Ceiliâ— under which the Water ran freely but â— come at it they were forced to dig through â—now and break through Ice to dip in their â—owls and fill their Pails which when full 〈◊〉 carried to the Boat where the Hogâ—â—ead stood with open heads to receive them 〈◊〉 notwithstanding they made all possible â—â—ste aboard and had not above a furlong â—o Row by that time they got to the Ship â—he Water would be covered with a pretty â—hick Ice The Pails too thereby were so â—rozen both within and without as to weigh much more and hold much less â—nd we were forced to thaw them contiâ—â—ally for a new days service The 8th Wednesday We had it fair and â—eat with a small Thaw the Wind Weâ—â—erly We filled some Water and put it â—own into the Hold. The 9th Thursday We had very fair weaâ—â—er and so warm as to make a consideraâ—â—e Thaw The Wind W. S. W. The 10th Friday 'T was fair over
still in the Morning at S. S. E. with excessive Frost and some Snow but towards noon the weather mended in all respects The 10th Monday We had a Storm but of the N. W. violent and furious and I think with the most Wind that ever I observed in my Life though I have used the Sea these 38 years It Snowed very hard withal and froze at a great rate insomuch that the forepart of the Ship by the dashing of the water against her and the mounting of the Foam by the Tempest had nothing but what was covered with Ice The 11th Tuesday It continued blowing hard at N. W. with Snow and hard Frost The night past we lost 13 pieces of â—eef as they hung a watering which at â—hat time was a great mortification to us For â—ur way was to put our Beef into a Wicker-â—amper and hang it by a Rope at the Ships â—de two foot under water now the Rope â—athering a Quantity of Ice and the exâ—essive Wind giving the Ship some Motion â— was thereby chafed asunder and the Beef â—t drop It is to be observed that we â—ould not freshen our Meat after the manâ—er usual at Sea by putting the same into 〈◊〉 Tub of Sea-water for that would have â—een all Ice in a few hours and the flesh â—ill as hard and salt as before the Wicker-â—amper too was to preserve it from Voraâ—ious Fishes as the Seal before spoken of The 12th Wednesday It blew fresh at â— S. W. and froze smartly We got our Warp Anchor and two Haulsers on board â—nd made four pair of Graplines or Creepâ—rs with which we went to try if we could â—lank the Hamper and recover the Beef we â—ost two nights before but we were not so â—ucky as to light upon it But my Mate in holding the Line while â—e was creeping or searching for the Hamper got the Frost in his Fingers insomuch thaâ— the next day morning he found Blisters risen upon them and his Thumbs as if they had been scalded And after the water waâ— let out by opening them his hands were so raw as to make him uncapable of going aâ— wooding The 13th Thursday The Wind was a S. E. and moderate enough but the cold aâ— rigorous as at any time before and this day with a considerable Rime Frost However we got a Boat load of Wood buâ— when our Men came aboard they complained much of the Frost being got into their Feet and Hands some only blistered others turned black and without feeling Our Chirurgeon opened the Blisters and by Fomentations and other applications he recovered them and where it was turned black he cut off the dead and senseless part and healed them after some time 〈◊〉 wherein he manifested himself to have a good understanding in his business by the success he had seeing none had any losâ— of an entire part or joint but purely of what Flesh or Skin was mortify'd before he saw it and they all became serviceable by that time I got home or soon after In justice and gratitude I am obliged to mention his name WILLIAM BROWN of Great Yarmouth and educated there under his Father of the same profession The 14th Friday Fair and clear weather we had but it froze so vehemently that I durst not let any man go out of the Ship or do any work that day Cherishing â—nd giving rest to the disabled and reserving the sound The 15th Saturday Still clear as the day before but freezing exceeding hard â—he Wind in the morning at N. E. but at â—ight S. E. with a violent storm At noon â—e reckoned the Sun made his first bodily â—ppearance in our part of the world for the â—ear ensuing The day 8 hours and a half â—â—ng The 16th Sunday It blew hard at N. W. in the morning at noon the Wind â—as at N. N. East and freezing but not â—o hard as before The 17th Monday We had much wind â—t N. VV. with some Snow the Frost too â—e look'd upon as less vehement than formerly The 18th Tuesday The morning was blustering and cloudy the Wind at N. VV At noon it cleared and we saw the Sun-beams gilding the tops of several Hills to our great joy and comfort For we had noâ— seen Sun-shine before in ten weeks Afteâ— noon the Wind came to the N. E. fine weather We got a boat load of wood and two Hogsheads of water The latter waâ— difficult to come at the Springs being alâ— frozen up only the run of the great Spring we found gliding under the full Seaâ— mark The 19th Wednesday It was calm and good weather I caused the Decks and Scuppers to be cleared of Ice and Snow In doing which we were forced to heat Crowâ— of Iron red hot and so by degrees melâ— a way through the Scupper-holes and freâ— them from Ice And with the same Instruments and Axes cut through and raise up the Ice upon the Decks and to heave oveâ— board Notwithstanding it froze extream hard at this time yet we had warm hopeâ— of getting to Sea the Wind being at S. E. The 20th Thursday The Wind was at W. S. W. and moderate neither was it so cold as the day before freezing no harder than it does in a hard Frost in England We hauled the Ship about twice to clear the Hawse and in the afternoon went and got Periwinkles Muscles and Dills The 21st Friday It blew hard at W. N W. but was very warm so as to cause a small thaw We got a Boat load of Wood and another of Water and at the Edge of the shore our men saw Eggs one of which they pulled upon Land with a long bent stick and brought it on board These are likewise called Sea-Urchins having somewhat growing upon the Shells like Thorns or the Bristles upon the Land Hedge-hog The shape is round and flattish the shell thin and the Bristles easily rub off For a further description I must refer the Reader to Authors that treat of such things 'T was good news for me to hear of them knowing what benefit they might be to us and therefore I caused a piece of Iron Hoop to be fixed to the end of a Pole and made a Net like a Fishermans Lead-net against the next day The 22d Saturday The Wind was at West S. W. the weather fair too and indifferent warm We first cleared the Deck of the Wood brought in the day before and stowed it down into the Hold for a Sea store Afterward some went ashore with the Pole and Net aforesaid and got store of Eggs while others went a Gunning who shot only a small Fowl calle◠〈◊〉 Greenland Pidgeon I do not remember â—or the first two months and more after I came in here I ever saw any but two Birds or Fowls flying and they were two Crows of a Dunâ— colour not different from ours so called and by some Royston-Crows These flew often near the Ship and at length were so tame as to light upon our Deck one of
which our men shot poor and lean as he was and nothing but Skin Bone and Feathers But before I came away I saw several of the Greenland Doves aforesaid and Fowls like what we call Kitties pick up things at low water which I guessed might be Periwinkles and Sea Eggs especially For one day though I have not set it down punctually I bear it well in mind I went my self ashore and a furlong up the Hills I found the Shells of Sea Eggs which I judged might have been carryed up by such Birds They are special good Food and â— doubt not but the Birds suck out all their â—nwards though we eat only the yellow â—art like an Eggs yolk and throw away the other white or jelly part That we take â—nd put into a Sauce-pan and pour to it some Beef Broth which with a little Pepper strewed upon it and stewed together makes a very good Dish The 23d Sunday We had it fair and clear all day the Wind Southerly and the Frost very moderate The 24th Monday Still fair and clear the Wind Southerly We got our Kedge Anchor on Board but much trouble had we to come at it We were forced to dig through a great deal of Ice and the ground it self frozen deep under which one flook had been long buryed We shifted one of our small Haulsers too at the stake where the Cable was fast got both our Top-masts up hoisted our Mizen-yard and got our Fore-yards up with an intent to be jogging but before night it began to blow at S. S. W. The 25th Tuesday It blew very hard insomuch that I was forced to strike both Top-masts and lower all down again Besides it froze extreamly hard all this 24 hours Thus were we fatally baulked and our design of stirring put a stop to when we had Provision enough left to go to Sea with I can't say without great hazard of want and danger of weather could we have held on our purpose The 26th Wednesday It continued still blowing and the Wind all Southerly so that at certain times when the blasts came violently off the Hills notwithstanding the Hawse was very foul and thick frozen yet the Cable would be pulled stark out of the Water The Haulser too at the stake on shore having a great weight of Ice upon it would nevertheless be stiff-strained above the Water as level as that of a Rope-dancer when it is made fit to walk upon It being to admiration that the Stake Cable and Haulsers should hold The 27th Thursday The Wind and weather still the same as the day before blowing fiercely but clear over head and freezing at a great rate The 28th Friday The Wind kept its place but grew more moderate the Frost still excessive However I got a boat load of water and another of wood The 29th Saturday It blew smartly out of the South and froze so extraordinary hard that the water we brought on board the day before was a solid Body of Ice For having occasion to Brew that morning it being late before the water came on board over night I caused one of the Hogsheads to be digged into to see if any water could be found in the Cask and in the midst there might be the quantity of about two Gallons lying in a hole of the depth of 14 inches and 3 inches width of that I made Mead which proved excellent good and some of the very same I brought with me to England The 30th Sunday It blew a hard Gale at S. by E. freezing withal but not so hard as two days before The 31st Monday We had as much Wind as the day before and from the same point but dry overhead and freezing to extremity There was a Hogshead that stood an end upon the Deck full of Water with its head open which froze gradually downward so as to force the bottom out and raise the Cask three inches from the place it stood on and became a whole Column or Solid Body of Ice Another at the same time that laid along with its Bung open froze in the like manner bursting open the undermost staff upon which it rested I leave to the Reader to assign the natural reason of this only taking along with him this remark that it lay upon a pretty thick Ice that covered the Deck How long they had been both filled I cannot say punctually the first might be one of them brought on Board the Friday before the other possibly have lain longer as designed for a Sea store This brings into consideration the daily toil our Cook had with an Iron Crow to break asunder Lumps of Ice to put into the Pot. In doing which he was obliged to arm his Hands with Furr Gloves and Mittens otherwise the Iron would have cleaved to his Fingers and carryed the Skin along with it The same Cloathing or defence our men constantly used not only abroad in Wooding and Watering but also in their work aboard as handling the Ropes or whatever else they touched or moved Over and above when they went in the Boat upon frequent expeditions whether for carrying out or weighing of Anchors or going ashore for the many purposes before-cited they put on their Russia-Boots which were wide like those worn by Fishermen and lined with Bears-skin These they were all furnished with but two or three who were glad to supply the want of them by tying old pieces of Canvas about their Legs and over their Feet February the first Tuesday It continued still blowing hard at S. by E. clear withal and about noon we saw the Sun shine into the mouth of the Harbour He might shew the whole of his face but little of his power for it froze so excessively this day that the Ice hung upon the Ship in some places full two foot thick and at the edge of the Water it was of a great breadth So that the Ship having a small motion made such a noise that the night before we could not sleep for it To prevent which we hauled the Long-boat about the sides and with two great Beetles or Mauls broke it off and sometimes a piece of half a Tun weight would drop at once The 2d Wednesday It blew hard at South with clear weather but froze so very hard that now all the Cables were past handling which mightily discouraged us and almost stifled all thoughts of going To mention all the Discourses our people had at times and upon several occurrences would fill a bigger Volume and a great many more I had set down had it not been so great a trouble to write 'T was vexatious enough to get my Ink ready for use and no less to keep it so a Boy being forced to thaw it as oft as I had occasion to dip my Pen. The 3d Thursday All the night past stormy and the Wind Southerly but it froze not so hard as the day before we got a Boat load of Wood and another of Water As moderate as the weather
Temperature of the Air as to cold than we should have found upon any part of the shore For I am perswaded that no House we might have made there could with the same manner of warming it that we made use of in the Ship have preserved us so well Besides a coldness perhaps from the Earth it self I am sure a small height in the Atmosphere makes a sensible Variation as to heat and cold in the same place Not to offer at any Reason but our men found it so by daily experience when they made but small ascents in Wooding and Watering And the Mountains or greater Hills which lay about us being as near as I could guess above three hundred Fathom higher than the surface of the water in the Bay seemed to have endured the utmost force of the Frost having Crowns or Caps of Ice three or four Fathom thick in some places and over-hanging like a Pent-house or Precipice with a horrid prospect at distance We took 2 turns off the Hawse cleaned the Ships Deck of Snow and Ice and cleared the Scuppers At midnight it began to blow a storm at S. W. but towards morning the Wind came to the N. W. by W. the Storm continuing so that I was forced to let fall my Sheat-Anchor The 23d Wednesday The Wind held hard at W. N. W. with much Snow about 10 in the Forenoon the Wind came to N. E. by N. continuing to Snow At noon we heaved up our Sheat-Anchor the Wind easing but the evening it came more out of the Bay This day as I was walking upon the Deck came a Fox upon a small Hill over against the Ship and stood a while looking upon us but soon ran away at a little noise we made The 24th Thursday We had the Wind at S. E. in the morning with a gentle Gale but freezing extraordinary hard Howbeit we got a Boat of Water and cleared our Decks from Snow and Ice At noon the Sun shew'd itself upon our Masts I got my Fore-Top-Mast up with my Mizen-Yard and Fore-Yard and towards night the Wind Southerd I then made a strict Survey of all our Provision shifting it out of one Cask into another that I might be certain how much there was and found but 154 pieces of Beef on board I gave to each of our men a pound and a quarter of Honey for the use so often mentioned before Some of them had been ashore this afternoon to get Dills and Periwinkles but the weather was too cold to be endured and they were forced to return aboard presently The 25th Friday By break of Day the Wind being Easterly I got all my Yards and Top-Masts up and the men went ashore to cast off the Cable with a full Resolution for Sea But before they could clear the Ice and come to cast it off the Wind came to S. W. and W. S. W. beginning to blow and Snow Before night I was forced to strike both my Top-Masts and lower all down again snug and at 10 the Storm was so furious that our Men were contented to to abide here notwithstanding their late earnestness to be going acknowledging it a mercy from heaven to be detained The 26th Saturday The Wind was grown moderate by the Morning and at noon 't was quite Calm we took two turns off our Hawse and in the afternoon got a Boat load of Wood the Skiff too went a dragging geting but 15 Scallops This mild Day gave us opportunity to observe that the Sluces or Drains of Water that fell into the Bay were so considerable as to make a small motion toward the Sea at low Water It is to be noted we had no River running into this Harbour or any which we call back-waters but the fore-mentioned drains all of them not being sufficient to supply a Current It flowed South West aâ— a full and New Moon rising and falling aâ— Nep-Tides about eight foot and at Springâ— Tides about twelve or fourteen How iâ— was in the Fuel we can give no positivâ— account but by my observation upon somâ— points the Tide did seem to move indifferently strong for when I was out with the Boat I perceived some Riplings and our men in searching fell in with pretty strong Tides but could not inform me distinctly Above all things I well remember the old Finnish People when they came aboard our Ship told me there was never a Rock or dangerous Shoal in the whole Fuel And I have taken care to have the Depth of water and anchoring places marked in the Charâ— faithfully according to the several Discoveries made by me and my Mate and the distances of places computed with the best of my Judgment To which I refer the Reader Towards night the Wlnd Souther'd blowing and freezing hard The 27th Sunday We had a small Snow falling all day but so very mild withal that it melted as it fell and that likewise that which laid before upon the Ship and toward night it turned to rain wrth the Wind at S. W. The 28th Monday The morning was Stormy the Wind at West so that I was necessitated to let go my Sheat-Anchor but toward noon the Wind eased and I heaved it up again I called all my Company together and told them that the time had spent so much of our Provision that we could not venture to Sea with what we had remaining where we should be bereaved of all the little comforts and helps we had from the Shore And therefore while we had any thing left we must go and make search for people whereby to get Provision to carry us out of this place and to our much desired homes That since Almighty God had wonderfully preserved us till this time when the weather was grown more moderate and the days of a brave length we ought not only to express our Thanks in words to that Being of all Goodness for our preservation past but to be active and industrious for the future shewing our selves thereby more reasonable Creatures And finding such discourse to have some effect upon them I ordered the Long-Boat to be immediately hoised in and Cawked and other things done that might be for the safety and conveniency of the men in her It proved a fair day and thawed whereby we got one side Graved in a few hours fitted her Sails and put many things in readiness March the 1st Tuesday The month and day began with fair weather and after we had made an end of trimming the Long-Boat and got her out we went all hands ashore to get what we could for the Belly and towards night got our Yards and Top-Masts up resolving to keep in a moving posture The 2d Wednesday It began to blow hard at W. S. W. and so came to S. a violent Storm insomuch that we were forced to strike both Yards and Top-Mast down again but towards night the Wind eased and it froze at an excessive rate This day the Sun shined on board the Ship over the Hills it being
sight of the Ship where by my order we lay silent and hid and for the future I commanded every one to be so upon the like occasion These people we suppose were coming to take their Summer Habitation in the Houses we described before for to me it seemed as if there were Cattle and Children in the Boat but I could not by all the Enquiry I made of those whom I saw afterwards learn who they were or whether I guest aright of their intentions In the Afternoon it blew fresh at S. S. E. However we filled 3 Hogsheads of water The 16th Wednesday All the Forenoon was calm and fair which our men spent in dragging for Scallops and Sea-Eggs and gathering Dills and Periwinkles at low Water At noon I took Boat and rowed out to a Hill lying at the Mouth of the Harbour and went up it as high as I durst venture to look about the Fuel And S. of us I thought I saw several Islands but could not discern the bottom of the Fuel which ran in very far and wide The 17th Thursday It continued fair and our Men went ashore a Wooding but had not been gone above two hours before they discovered a Yaul coming towards the Ship and according to the order given before we let 'em come aboard us very silently expecting it was one of the Boats we saw two days before But it proved to be a Yaul that came from the North Cape with four of our own men in her and one Finlander sent by my Mate to satisfie me how things stood there with the Long-Boat And indeed it was high time to release me from the fears I was in about them He sent in her a Barrel of Beef a Barrel of Rye-Meal 40 pound of Oatmeal 80 pound of Stock-fish with other Provisions of Flesh viz. Mutton Pork and Venison all dryed and a small Cask of Beer They likewise brought us the news of a Peace concluded between England the rest of the Confederates and France and gave me the following account of what hapened to them from the time of their departure After we had sailed to the other side of the Fuel we got sight of a little Yaul and gave her chace having the Wind of her and it blowing fresh They made for the shore and just as they landed we fell in with them There were but three men in the Boat who got out and run for it upon the Snow two of which our men could in no wise overtake but the other they caught He was an old man and they were his Sons Our Crew treated him civilly and having two Danish men born in the Company they fell to discourse him and soon settled a right understanding between one another that he immediately called the young men that stood a loof off to see what would become of their Father They readily obeyed and parlying with them altogether our men offered them two Dollars if they would conduct us to a Priests House or some Town where we might get Provision for Money or Goods So they came to an agreement the old man and one of his Sons forthwith stepping into our Boat But we having a brisk Gale in towing the Yaul after us pulled her Stem in pieces and so were forced to cast her off the old man bidding his Son that was in her to go ashore and directed us to keep on our way This we did till we came to the outermost point where we went ashore finding there some Houses and about four Families the Hamlet or Village being called by name of Swetwel In this place we took up our Lodging all night and the day following being stormy we durst not put to Sea All this time we received kind entertainment from the Inhabitants and our Company likewise were as free of what they had to them The day after being Sunday we parted from thence and with all speed made for the Town of Colwitch upon the Cape where we arrived by two in the Afternoon the people being at Church After Sermon they came all and made much of us hearing our story and admired that we were able to live on Board in so extraordinary hard Winter for so it was accounted with them They seemed very kind to us till the Minister and the Merchant fell out about selling our Provision For one said it belonged to him and the other as much but between them both we were furnished at their own rates being glad to get it any way It happened at this time there was one from the Governor of Ward-house who came to look after the Salvage of a Dutch Fly-boat that was lost in the same Storm that drove us in c. and from him they had the good news of the Peace That night I dispatched away the same Boat again which was a Yaul belonging to some of the Town of whom our people had hired it for four Dollars and sent her to the same place upon the Cape with more Goods and Money for purchasing more Provision with order for my own Long-Boat to return on Board with all convenient speed Yet as I understood afterward they were in great danger of being lost had not one of the Inhabitants coming along with them and knowing the Coasts well happily directed them to a place of safety during the Storm they met with The 18th Friday In the morning it blew a Storm at S. S. E. but towards noon it abated yet Snowing much till 5 in the Afternon becoming then fair and clear with little Wind and that shifting to W. S. W. The 19th Saturday We got a Boats loading of Wood it continuing Calm and fair till 5 in the Afternoon from which time it Snowed till 8 at night But all the while moderate as to Wind. The 20th Sunday In the morning came a Yaul from the Ministers House that lived fifteen miles from us towards the North Kyne and in her a Clerk or Secretary of the Governors that resides at Wardhouse This person was the same that our Men before had told me of who came now on purpose to see me after he had crossed over the Fuel to make his return his way being then all over Land and that upon the Snow He told me that he boggled neither at Mountain or Valley but could go in 14 hours time 16 Danish Miles which make 64 of ours And accordingly shewed me how he was fitted for such a Journey having with him a Leathern Canoa in the fashion of a Weavers Shuttle only turned up more at the ends This was carried in his Boat when he went by Water but at Land it served as a Sledge does in Holland when the Rivers are frozen having 3 Iron Keels at the bottom and being drawn by a Rain Deer It had a covering like a Deck with a hole in the middle coming close about his waste So that with a Furr Coat over the upper part of his Body and other Cloathing beneath he was well provided against the worst of weather In
his hand he carried a Paddle or small Oar to keep him from overturning In the way are no Inns but he makes his nights Lodging at some Ministers House where he still finds free quarter He informed me of two Dutch Ships that were forced into the Harbour of Ward-house by the same Storm that forced me in where I then lay that he supposed they were now going to Sea their men having laid on board in order thereto 3 days before he came from thence I thought that might very well be considering the great advantage they had of me being at the principal Town of the whole Country even where the Governor himself lived where they could want for little but had good Danish Houses with Stoves in them to keep them warm And one thing this Gentleman told me too considerable to omit namely That from Ward-house aforesaid there went a Post to Copenhagen every fortnight So that if any Ship be forc't in there or thereabouts by stress of weather finding a Ministers House they may send to the Town and from thence to any part of Europe In this Boat came the Ministers Son who brought both dry and new Fish and pretty store with several presents from his Father as a Calf new killed with Cheese and Milk for my Men also dryed Mutton and Hams of Bacon Venison and Partridge The 21st Monday It blew fresh at S all day notwithstanding there came a Finnish Boat on board me and brought me store of Fish and dryed Mutton with a small parcel of fresh Butter and Cheese I bought all they had but some Venison and Partridge which at their going away they presented me with I giving them in gratuity such as I had viz. a few Raisins a great rarity with them and some Mead. Their Venison was lean and horridly black but the Partridges were dainty being fresh killed and fat The 22d Tuesday It proved a Storm the Wind all Southerly withal freezing exceeding hard but dry over head The 23d Wednesday It was so fair and calm that we cleared our Hawse This day came another Boat on board and brought us Fish of several kinds both dry and wet viz. Cod Ling and Turbut some Butter and Cheese with dry'd Flesh of the sorts aforesaid Note that this Meat was not salted but prepared thus for keeping by being hung up in their Chimneys It had little of goodness or nourishment and scarce appeared to swell by boyling But I took all they had in truck for Cloath and Cloaths made up and some I bought with Money The Boat they came in was of the fashion of a Norway-Yaul big enough for six Rowers and so many they had but some others had but four being less and likewise there were for two only The people are low of stature of Limbs well set fresh colour'd in the Face though of a dirty hue and an ill smell attending them But whether it is from their lying in their Cloaths or their natural savour perhaps derived from their constant Diet upon Fish I could not determine with my self Their hair is generally light coloured and lank cut like the Danes They wear their Beards of a full growth young and old Their Habit too is like the Norwegians viz. Close Breeches short Coats both made of course Cloath with Caps of the same furred Their Shoes are pulled up half way on their Legs like Boots with Toes turning up like the tip of a Half Moon painted and furred within One thing peculiar in this peoples Garb I observed and that was they every one carried a small Powder-Horn hanging under their Chins by a string about their Necks For what use or purpose I could not learn tho I asked them as well as I could but could not explain their Answers for my Dane that remained on board was then as I thought almost at the point of death that is so weak as not to do the work of an Interpreter The Governour 's man too could not speak Dutch enough to be intelligible to me when I enquired into the same thing three days before though I understood he was a German born The 24th Thursday It proved fair the Wind at South West we got a Boat of Wood. Toward night it wester'd and about 8 our Long-Boat returned on board and brought with them a Barrel of Beef a Barrel of Rye-Meal and 3 hundred weight of Stock-fish with other Provisions which we wanted namely some dry'd Mutton and Pork and some Bread also with Butter and Cheese to our great comfort we being therewith sufficiently stored for the Sea And from them I took this following relation That the Town of Colwitch and the Cape consisted of about 14 Houses with as many Families and one Church The Houses are built after the Norway fashion of Wood with Stoves placed in the middle or so as to warm the Rooms without the sight of Fire they being a kind of Ovens and are heated after the same manner Their Houses have Windows of Glass but with Wooden Shutters both inward and outward which they make close in the Winter by stopping or caulking them with Moss So they keep up several weeks in the dark and cold season burning great Tallow Candles continually some of which our men saw The Church was of the same materials with their Houses being one Room able to contain about thirty persons Four or five of these Churches or Chappels are served by one Teacher about three times in the year for it is to be supposed they only Congregate in the Summer They are usually placed about five or six miles off each other or nearer according as the Country is more or less populous But one Pastor lives generally fifteen miles from another who is maintained by every tenth Fish and where he resides not he empowers one to gather the Tithe as they take them By this means they are furnished with Merchandize which they sell or exchange for other things they want with Ships that come yearly to their Port Town to fetch them and bring goods accordingly Hence they come to be the most wealthy and considerable of the people They are Lawyers Justices of the Peace and customarily sole in Authority For their Education is the most liberal being as I was informed in a School or petty University in Norway near Dronthem They too observe the greatest Hospitality all Travellers being entertained by them and furnished with Sleds or Rain-Deer from one to another the like also was I told by the Governour 's Man before when he informed me of their way of Travelling They breed Cattle of a small kind with Goats and Sheep and Swine also The former are fed in the Summer with Grass of which they have plenty at that time but in the Winter they gather Rock-weeds at low Water and Boyl them in Coppers â—ade for the purpose to take the Salt â—t and then give them to their Beasts to â—t They have Horses too of very mean â—ature who have the same food But the
noon the face of things was altered and I got another Observation finding my self thereby in the Latitude of 71 degrees and 46 minutes Then we set our Main-Sail again but there was no spreading it it was so hard frozen and to pull it down we were forced to bring the Tackle to our Tacks and Sheats straining them as hard as we durst for fear of pulling the Sail in pieces after all we could not get it above half spread We set our Sprit-Sail too but all the Watch which were ten Men were two hours in getting it loose In the afternoon I went about setting my Fore-Top-Sail but could not get it out of the Top by all the ways we could devise I made my way S. W. 3 d. West distances 35 Miles The 3d Sunday It was moderate enough as to Wind and that between the N. and East but it froze excessively This day with great toil and labour I got both my Top-Sails set loosing the Sails by degrees and letting them dry and bringing the Sheats to the Windles with Looff-Tackles I got them spread I made my way S. W. by S. distance 73 miles The 4th Monday We had mild weather this day the Wind shifting round and now and then it Snowed I made my way W. S. W. 1 d. West distance 54 Miles The 5th Tuesday The Wind came to to South and so to West blowing hard that we were forced to take in our Top-Sails and at last our Fore-Sail At ten in the forenoon we Reefed our Fore-Sail and Mizen and tacked to the Southward so that I made my way W. by N. distance but 34 Miles The 6th Wednesday Little Wind had we all this day and that running round the Compass but the Frost fixt and severe The way I made was S. S. E. 1 d. East distance but 19 miles The 7th Thursday Not much Wind to day but shifting between the South and W. S. W. with close weather Notwithstanding I made my way S. by East distance 22 Miles The 8th Friday The former part of the day it blew very hard obliging us to hand both our Top-Sails but in the after-part proved so moderate that we set them again the Wind shifting from S. to S. W. by S. we made our way West half Southerly distance 63 Miles The 9th Saturday It proved Squauly but indifferent as to Wind. We handed our Fore-Top-Sail twice and set him again as otf The Wind shifting between S. and S. W. I held my course for 51 Miles West half Southerly The 10th Sunday We met with hard Gales first at South and then coming to West which put us under a Main course I held on my way S. W. 5 d. Southerly distance 65 Miles The 11th Monday It remained stormy weather attended with abundance of Snow falling and exceeding hard Frost I was forced to Reef my Main-Sail as well as we could but in a sorry manner stubborn as it was and so much Snow lodged in it The Wind was at S. E so I made my way West 42 Miles The 12th Tuesday The Wind came to E. S. E. and so about to N. by W. with a great deal of Snow and freezing extraordinary hard I made my way good to the South 92 miles The 13th Wednesday Good weather enough as to Wind but the Snow fell very thick At Midnight it blew from the N. W. towards day from the E. and by S. little Wind. At break of day it fell quite Calm freezing very hard I made my way South distance 94 miles The 14th Thursday The Wind came to N. E. and then to North W. blowing so very hard that I could carry nothing but a Fore-Course we had a great Sea out of the South but in the morning I set my Main-Sail again after the best manner I could so hard frozen was it that I could not get it above half spread though I lower'd my Main-Yard above 3 foot down I made my way South distance 117 Miles The 15th Friday We had a Brave Wind from the W. and by N. which made us strive hard to bring our Fore-Top-Sail to be serviceable getting it off the top and by meer strength forced open some part of it and so stood away with it for four hours after which time it relented enlarged and became more useful By which means I made my way S. distance 123 Miles The 16th Saturday It blew a stout of Wind at N. N. W. so that I had made my way S. by W distance 142 Miles By twelve at noon we saw Fowley Island to the E. S. E. of us distant eighteen Miles We had brave moderate weather at this Time and now we heard Rats about the Ship who began to be Infense and Vexatious to us in seizing upon our new Stock-fish It is manifest they kept close all the cold season but our sick Men who lay below with my Surgeon and Carpenter who was an old Man and kept constantly a Lamp burning by him never saw any of them or perceived them in the least to stir How they lived so long on Board we guessed afterward when we found they had eaten holes in our Masts and made themselves places to lye in And for drink they could get none but by licking the Ice Casks though no body saw such a thing done by them The 17th Sunday It continued fair the Wind at West At Sun Rising I saw Shetland and the Isles of Fair and Fowley altogether it being very clear so early At ten I discerned Orkney and at twelve at noon I took my departure from Fair Isle which then bore North from us distant thirty Miles being very fair weather The 18th Monday The weather held as before but the Wind was shifting between the W. and S. W. I made my way S. S. E. distance 82 Miles The 19th Tuesday The day began with a fresh of Wind at W. N. W. and a little before noon we saw 3 Ships steering towards us Whereupon as not depending upon what the Governor of Wardhouse his Secretary had told us or giving entire credit of his news of a Peace with France I caused a clear Ship to be made and put our selves in as good a posture of defence as we were able I furled my small Sails and Main-Sail and by that time one of them came within shot of my weather Bow I fired a shot for him to come Leeward of me which he very honestly did and confirmed the news of a Peace to the great joy of our Hearts for God knows we were but in a bad condition for managing our Guns in a way of fighting This Ship was a Flemish Fly-boat bound to Greenland for Whale-fishing We presently after saw more Ships bound to the same place and two Fisher-boats also But being now out of fear for Ships we took no notice of the rest I made my way this 24 hours S. half West distance 113 Miles The 20th Wednesday The Wind turned to the S. W. by W. so that I could not Seas in with our North Course but was forced to stretch it away to the Southward The 21st Thursday The Wind returned to the N. N. E. and to the N. E. At 4 in the afternoon we had the sight of Fulness to the S. and by E. off us And no small surprize was it to us to see all the Land covered with Snow at this time of the year A prospect of ones own Country had been agreeable no doubt to any of us after so long an absence by constraint and misfortune but much more had she had the usual garb of the season Soon after the wind came to the East and obliged me to tack to the Norward in the night we had much Snow and a fresh Gale shifting N. E. and by N. and East North East The 22d Friday In the Morning with a North N. E. wind I came into Yarmouth Road and thanks be to God gave my Owners a sight of their Ship one of them as I was told but 3 hours before having proffer'd his part for 3 Guineas which was now worth 150 pounds The Wind holding in the same point and a fair Tide with me I made no stop but put through the Road and ran that night into Alborough Bay where the Wind coming Westerly brought me to an Anchor so I Rid all night The 23d Saturday By day-light perceiving some Colliers coming out of the Nesse I hoisted out my Long-Boat and got some fresh provision among them to our great Comfort That afternoon I got out of Sled way the Wind still at West The 24th Sunday The Wind coming to the N. W. I got up to the Buoy off the Middle of Lee. It was calm and very warm which brought our men into many Complaints as pain in their Limbs c. So that the next day I thought fit to send two of them up the River I took notice of one of our Company that went well to his Cabbin but when we called him out to heave up the Anchor he was so swoln that we feared he would burst But then being got above Gravesend I hired a Wherry and sent him up with three more supplying their places with some fresh and able men to bring up the Ship I and all the rest perceived our selves manifestly the worse for the warm weather as we called it but 't is well enough known almost to every one living that such a Temper of Air in England both then and for some time after was scarce ever observed when the year was so far advanced FINIS