December 14th and 15th, 1840.
The wind remained unfavorable, and the sea was so high that it was impossible to attempt to get out of the bay, except that the Frenchman went on board once or twice, ( 056 ) and, to cheer up our low hope of ever getting into the open sea again, brought the news that the ship was still in good condition. We were pretty much prepared for the fact that we would have to make our return journey on foot overland. Plans had already been made as to what and how much everyone should carry and almost no one was bold enough to hope that we would be able to travel by ship. December 16th, 1840.
We were not a little happy to see this morning that the wind had died down and that the sea had become calmer. We quickly made some breakfast and then tried to get the ship out of the bay. But while we were eating our breakfast, the anchor cable gave way and the cutter came ashore. Now, it was said, everything is lost, let us save what can be saved in terms of food and other things, and then entrust ourselves to the protection of God. But an attempt was still made to make the ship afloat, so all ballast was thrown overboard, an anchor was made with the remaining cable and stones and, supported by the returning tide, it was actually possible to get the ship afloat again. Now all the things that had landed earlier were quickly re-embarked, with the ( 057 ) native helping so bravely that everyone admired him, taking some ballast and before three hours had passed, we were sailing back home on the high seas. Our hearts were grateful and glad, and no one was ashamed to confess it. We could neither reach Franklin Harbour nor find any other safe bay, so we had to be content to spend the night under sail in the open sea, which was by no means pleasant because of the late rise of the moon, and seemed dangerous because of the many sandbanks in the gulf itself. Yes, before we saw the sun go down we came to a sandbank, so what was there not to fear from the night?

December 17th, 1840.
We reached Franklin Harbour at midday, but as we were entering, through unforgivable negligence, we once again came across a sandbank that delayed us for several hours until the tide came in. We caught a lot of fish here again and W. Smith [and me] went ashore on this side of the harbor entrance but saw nothing but brush.

December 18th, 1840.
Early in the morning we set out to take on the ballast we were missing and after breakfast the anchor was raised again. The wind did not stay in our favor for long ( 058 ) and we therefore had to spend another night in the open sea, a dangerous night, so that we hardly expected to see the morning alive.

December 19th, 1840.
Dr. Harvey thought that Budlo or Lipson Cove wasn't far away, so we tried to work there, even though the wind and a high sea were against us. But it was already afternoon and we had only gained a few miles, while the place that Punalta called Budlo still seemed miles away. Under such circumstances, and fearing a similar