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wind. Bar 31.15 . There has been a good
deal of S.W. wind lately, but no severe
blizzard since Xmas. The light grows
much stronger each day.
"New Years" day passed very quietly . All
the Captains and some of the officers called
during the day & in the evening as we
were alone. Will took some flashlight
photographs of the Cabin.

Saturday January 25.
For the last week excitment has run
high & the Thermometer has run low.
From the 16^th till the 20^th it blew the
hardest gale we have had at Herschell
Island. The wind varying from West
to North West, and snow drifting in
[clouds?].
Monday the 20^th being the 31^st Anniversary of
my birthday a party was got up by the Ladies
& I was easily trapped into going for a call
on board Str "Beluga" where everyone had
met to surprise me. The evening was passed
in playing Progressive Whist (at which I won
the 1^st prize) dancing & music. A new
England Supper at 11 o'clock, & all had
a good time. A native on board about
midnight, with word that a number
of sailors had run away taking 18 dogs
and a quantity of provisions. It was
found out later that 7 men had gone, and
dogs from nearly every ship.
21^st It was found tha 2 men were missing