Most anxious to know the real state of the ice in the western sea [Peel Sound]—upon which our hopes so entirely depend—I intend starting this evening by boat, as far through Bellot Strait as the ice will permit, then land and ascend the western coast-hills. 1st Sept. [1858]—My boat party consisted of four men and the Doctor, who came with me for the novelty of the cruise, bringing his camera to fasten upon anything picturesque. We landed near Half-way Island, and pitched our tent for the night. Early next morning I commenced the rather formidable undertaking of ascending the hills . . . Long and anxiously did I survey the western sea, ice, and lands, and could not but feel that in all probability we should not be permitted to pass beyond our present position. . . . . 6th.—Steamed through the clear waters of Bellot Strait this morning, and made fast to the ice across its western outlet at a distance of two miles from the shore. [M'Clintock, pp. 192, 193, 195]