But the cry was still Westward Ho! Pushing onwards, the _Assistance_ and _Intrepid_ were finally stopped by an immense field of ice extending from Griffith Island to Cape Walker, entirely precluding further progress. On September 10th the _Resolute_ and _Pioneer_ joined company, then Mr Grinnell’s schooners, and Penny’s brigs were seen in the offing. It was then that I made the acquaintance of Dr Kane on board the _Rescue_. But progress for that year was finally stopped. The American vessels were unprepared for a winter and parted company to return home. Like Ross’s ships, however, they were beset in Lancaster Sound and were forced to winter while being drifted down Baffin’s Bay, their crews suffering great hardships and privations. Penny’s brigs, and the little _Phoenix_ with Sir John Ross on board, wintered in Assistance Harbour. The squadron of Commodore Austin--a brevet rank universally given to him by his followers--had to winter in the pack between Cornwallis and Griffith Islands, but within a short walk of the latter. Never, before or since, had so large a body of men assembled together in the Arctic regions, never for a nobler purpose, and never better organised. The arrangements for keeping the living decks dry and sweet, for bathing and washing clothes, for ventilation, and for exercise, were admirable, and perfect health was maintained. All hands were kept fully employed and amused. The chief work was the preparation for the search by sledge travelling. There were various classes of instruction for the men, and a class for navigation. A fine theatre on the upper deck, with a beautiful proscenium and appropriate scenery, was erected on board the _Assistance_. There were plays every fortnight, one acted by the officers and another by the men, winding up with a pantomime and songs composed for the occasion. For the play-bills, printed on silk, wood blocks were cut of the Royal arms and other adornments. A monthly newspaper called the _Aurora_ appeared on board the _Assistance_, the _Illustrated Arctic News_ in the _Resolute_, and another more short-lived paper called the _Minavilins_. The Commodore revived the _bal masqué_ on board the _Resolute_, in memory of those in which he had taken part in the winter of Parry’s third voyage; and there was also the “Intrepid Saloon.” Ashore the ravines of Griffith Island were explored in the winter walks, and collections of fossils made. Captain Austin had a permanent Sledge Committee of heads of departments. But he was a good judge of character; he had the great merit of appreciating M’Clintock, and every detail was practically left to that officer. He had inaugurated autumn sledge travelling and depôts had been established for the spring journeys.