by John Marshall

“ If my opinion can in any state operate to place your mind at ease, I can with great truth assure you, that I am satisfied, that so far from the loss of the Proselyte operating unfavorably to you, I feel convinced the contrary will he the case. For I really consider much praise is due to you, for having so perseveringly kept on your station, in compliance with your orders; and it will afford me pleasure to hear, that you are early put into the command of a much better ship. ”

“ At 8 A.M. we left the ship, and after a most severe and hazardous walk on the ice, for nearly 8 miles, we with the utmost difficulty reached the island, and I am happy to say, without the loss of a single man; but some are much frost bitten and others very severely injured by falls. I cannot conclude without expressing my approbation of the cool and steady conduct of my officers and ship’s company on this trying occasion. I have the honor to remain, &c.
(Signed) ⁠“H. Lyford.” ”

“ The prospect of getting away, however, was very remote; and the supply of provisions so small, that it was found necessary to go upon an allowance of 8 ounces of rye bread, and one dried skate between every three men, per diem. Their whole stock of bread was soon expended; the poor Danes were almost as badly off as themselves. ”