The
_Hecla_ carried sixty-two and the _Fury_ sixty persons.

The ships sailed from the Nore on the 19th of May, 1824, accompanied by
the _William Harris_ transport. Captain Parry received his instructions
to make the best of his way to Davis Straits, to cross over to Lancaster
Sound, and, proceeding through Barrow Straits, endeavour to make through
Prince Regent's Inlet a passage into the sea which bounds the American
continent on its northern coast, and thence westward to the Pacific. At
the Danish settlement of Lievely the ships received their stores from
the _William Harris_, which returned home. On leaving the harbour, the
_Hecla_ struck on a sunken rock, but without receiving much damage. On
the 17th of July the ice began to close round the ships, and from that
time forward the crews were constantly employed in warping or sawing
through the frozen mass. On several occasions the _Hecla_ received
awkward nips, and it was not until the 9th of September that they got
into open water. On the 10th of September they entered Lancaster Sound,
and found it free from ice; but on the 13th they had the mortification
of perceiving the sea ahead covered with young ice, through which they
made their way until they came to the entrance of Port Bowen, into which
the ships were warped by the ist of October, and here took up their
winter station. The usual preparations for passing that dreary season
were made. Numerous whales were seen off the coast, which would have
afforded a rich harvest to a whaler.

Parry's first care was to find occupation and diversion for the seamen.
As many of their former amusements were worn threadbare, he proposed a
masquerade, in which officers and men alike took part. Admirably
dressed characters of various descriptions made their appearance, and
were supported with a degree of spirit and humour which would not have
discredited a more refined assembly. It does especial credit to the
disposition and good sense of the men that, although the officers
entered fully into the spirit of these amusements, which took place once
a month alternately on board each ship, no instance occurred of anything
that could interfere with the regular discipline, or at all weaken the
respect of the men towards their officers. Mr Hooper, purser of the
_Hecla_, superintended the school, aided by other officers. The
progress of the men was surprisingly great. He also attended to the
cultivation of that religious fee