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58 Letters written during the late Voyage of Discovery ter was hoisted up above the head of the Hecla’s main-top-mast (which, as I formerly mentioned, was retained in its place for that and other purposes when the ships were dismantled), and the lower end carried clear of the ship and rigging down to the ice on the outside. We are now firmly installed in our winter-quarters for a long time to come, in which little variety of importance can be looked for in the transactions or occurrences of our secluded little so ciety. I must, therefore, lay aside my pen for the present, to resume it occasionally, as matter may present itself, from which information or amusement may be collected. Health and com fort to all at home. Ever your’s, most truly, < &c. &c. LETTER IX. My n ha it Brother, Winter Harbour, 1st Jan. 1820. You will not question my sincerity when I declare, that the greatest hardship we experience in this expedition, particularly since we have been fast beset in the ice, arises from our inability to relieve our relations and friends from their anxious apprehen sions and forebodings, on the subject of our mode of existence, and even of our existence itself in any way. But, believe me, such imaginations are not confined to your happy side of the Atlantic. We, also, in spite of our indispen sable occupations, find abundance of time to conjecture, how you may all have passed these nine eventful months since we put to sea. I left you all in that most desirable situation which results from good health, equable spirits, commendable pursuits, encouraging prospects, easy circumstances, and moderate wishes. The happiness accruing from such a combination I have too often witnessed to have any doubt of its permanency. But accidents may happen, changes may supervene ; my mother’s affectionate anxiety for her first-born may impair her usual good constitu tion ; Mary is but delicate ; you yourself may draw too freely on your fund of animation and vigour;—thus, at times, I indulge my mays, until, copying from the practical philosophy of honest Sancho, I am ready to exclaim, Body of me ! things are not half so bad as all this comes to.