July 28/29, A Fair Wind

July 28—We have a fair wind! Around noontime it turned to the northwest and we got in such a rush to bring the magnetic equipment on board, cast off and make the most of it, that for two hours or so you would have thought our friendly berg was home to a colony of black ants busily going about their business. 

Around 3 p.m. we finally cast off and, with a final wave to the Enterprise, set course for Lancaster Sound. I am sorry we did not have the chance to return the hospitality of those stout men and, more important, pass on to them a short letter for delivery to you, but we must take what the fates offer and make the most of it, and if they suddenly give us a fair wind we cannot turn it down. 

There is a feeling amongst some that, if we make Lancaster Sound by the first or second day of August, and if the ice remains as open as it is we may complete the passage this year and set through Behring’s Strait before it becomes blocked for the winter.

I hope not. 

I have my heart set on spending a winter in this strange land we are approaching, and if we rush through there will not be time for proper readings of the magnetic phenomena which are of the utmost importance in advancing our understanding of that mysterious force, or time to collect adventures with which to regale you upon my return.

July 29—At dinner today, Sir John reaffirmed his doubt that there is an open sea around the Pole. He treated us to his belief that it might even be possible to reach the Pole over the ice by wintering at Spitzbergen, then and going in spring before the ice broke up and drifted to the south, as it did with Parry on it. Fortunately, Le Vesconte was not one of the diners and so did not have to hear his cherished theories so put to the test.

Sir John pointed out how desirable it is to note everything, and give one’s individual opinion of it. He spoke delightfully of the zealous co-operation he expected from all, and his desire to do full justice to the exertions of each. “We are the only vehicle,” he reminded us, “for the transport of knowledge from this far corner to the great seats of learning. It is a heavy responsibility and one which must be given prominence.”

He then told all the officers that he was desired to claim all their remarks, journals, &c on our return to England. This is common practice and will serve to provide material for his narrative of our voyage, and indeed he shall have my journal for what it is worth. This I shall regard as an extended personal letter and thus not feel constrained in what I say to you by the possibility of it being perused by other eyes. Thus I shall feel free to mention my fellow adventurers’ little faults, failings, and peculiarities—in all charity of course—for the entertainment of your inquiring mind. But enough for now. Good night and God bless.