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Wednes. Oct. 25. 7 P.M.

For the first time we were able to turn
our thoughts to other work. The brig stands
well out of water and if the chains are
only strong enough we will present the
novel spectacle of a brig high and dry
spending an Arctic winter on an Arctic
ice bed, that ice being at once our
bane and antidote.

We worked at the hold and on
deck for the housing. From our lodge
room to the forward timbers is now
one long clean sweep.

Mr. Wilson the same, stand imposing
Morton doubtful. Being totally unable
to keep Brooks from stumping about I
placed him formally upon the sick list.
Carpenters bench moved into our little
dormitorium.

9. P.M

A true and unbroken auroral
arch the first yet seen by us in Smiths
Sound. It extended from [blank] to
[blank] passed between Castor and Pollux
and attained the culmination of
its segment [blank] or 11 1/2 points E. of
these stars. Making [blank] W. of
true N. It colour was that of simply luminescence,
but entirely Bright. No pendant
hung from the lower curve of the
arc but from its outer an active wary
moment dissipating itself into barely
perceptible [?] was here and there
broken by rays nearly perpendicular but
slightly inclining to the East.
The atmosphere was beautifully clear.
The Barom giving [blank] and the
Deck Therms: [blank]