pleasing and accurate delineation of the celebrated iceberg in Amsterdam
Island, opposite where the ships lay; which measured three hundred feet
high, and out of which a cascade of water was then flowing.
It may not be improper to mention, that these icebergs are large bodies
of ice which fill the vallies between the lofty mountains; and present,
towards the sea, an almost perpendicular face of a very lively light
green colour. In these regions, it will readily be conceived, the
numerous black mountains, white snow, and beautiful green of the ice,
must form a very romantic and peculiar picture. Large pieces frequently
break off from these icebergs on the Coast; and fall, with great noise,
into the water: one such piece, which was observed to have floated out
into the bay, grounded in fourteen fathom; yet was still fifty feet
above the surface of the water, and preserved all the lustre of it's
enchanting original colour. Thus, amidst the dreariest scenes, has
nature bounteously provided that there shall still be something to
delight the eye; amidst the most imminent dangers, something to animate
the heart.
The pleasures and the perils of this voyage, however, were now equally
at an end; but it's beneficial effects, and it's agreeable
recollections, were never to be eradicated or effaced.
In October 1773, the Racehorse and Carcass were both paid off; and these
friends and companions, fully sensible of each other's worth, separated
with sentiments of a sincere mutual esteem.
Captain Suckling, as usual, welcomed the young hero on his return; and
had the satisfaction to learn, from Captain Lutwidge, as well as from
Captain Phipps, that his nephew was in all respects worthy of every
encouragement that could be bestowed on him. There wanted not, however,
this stimulus, in the bosom of that worthy man, to excite his
affectionate regards for the promising son of his deceased sister. With
the honest and feeling heart of a true British naval commander, he ever
acted as a parent to all her children.
A squadron was, at this time, fitting out for the East Indies, under the
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