Elbe. The day being fine, with a fair wind from the N.N.E., the
Proserpine's course was steered for the Red Buoy, where she anchored
for the night. It was then perceived that the two other buoys at the
entrance of the river had been removed: a consultation was therefore
held with the pilots, in the presence of Mr. Grenville, as to the
practicability of proceeding up the river in the absence of the buoys.
The Heligoland pilot, and the two belonging to the ship, were
unanimous in declaring that there was not the slightest difficulty or
danger in ascending the river; they professed the most perfect
knowledge of the passage, and assured Captain Wallis they had no fear
of carrying the vessel to Cuxhaven provided only he would proceed
between half ebb and half flood tide; for in that case they should be
able to see the sands and to recognise their marks.

The next morning (31st), the Proserpine was got under weigh, and
proceeded up the river, having the Prince of Wales packet, which had
accompanied her from Yarmouth, standing on ahead.

At four o'clock in the afternoon, when they were within four miles of
Cuxhaven, the weather became very thick, and some snow fell, so that
Captain Wallis was obliged to anchor.

At nine o'clock, P.M., the wind changed to east by south, blowing a
violent gale, accompanied by a heavy fall of snow, which made it
impossible to see beyond a few feet from the ship; and what was still
worse, the tide and the wind brought such large masses of ice against
the ship, that, with all hands upon deck, it was with the greatest
difficulty they prevented the cables being cut, and were able to
preserve their station till daylight.

By eight o'clock next morning, the flood tide had carried up most of
the ice, and left a passage clear below the ship, while all above it
was blocked tip. The Prince of Wales packet had gone on shore during
the night; and, warned by her fate, Captain Wallis determined to
retreat out of the Elbe. Mr. Grenville was very anxious to be put on
shore as speedily as possible, his mission being of much importance;
but the river was so completely blocked up above them, that there
seemed no possibility of effecting a landing at Cuxhaven: Captain
Wallis therefore got his ship under weigh, and stood out to sea,
intending to land Mr. Grenville on the nearest part of the coast of
Jutland, if it were practicable.

The pilots were congratulating the captain on the frigate's getting
safely out