Journal of a cruise in the US ship, Vincennes, to the North Pacific Ocean, China Sea, Behring Strait, etc. by William Stimpson, 1853-1855
Page 167
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Transcription
218 January 1853 Nikaid J. Lameja-sima. Among the novelties were a Ne- mertes, a Planaria, a large, pretty-colored, barniform Actinia, a few Annelides, a Do- rin, and a Synapta. Two strange Mol- lusks were also found, one an Onchid, with branched papillae on the posterior part of the back, the other a Patella- like gastropod with a coriaceous test. Coral's abounded on the rocks below low-water mark. Two species of Helix, also common in Loe Cho, were abundant under the stones in pastures, in company with an indigo-colored O- niscus or pill-bug. Weather fine. Temp. 66° 20th At 3 o'clock in the morning we were found to be dragging our anchor and as it was blowing a gale, and the wind veering, rendering our berth very unsafe, we got underweigh at 4 o'clock. The wind which had been veering to the Eastward, came round a- gain to the Northwestward, blowing heavily and in squalls, with thick weather. We com- menced beating up for Ousima under treble- sheeted topsails and courses. At noon we were in N. lat 28°12' E. lon. 129°47' N.N.W. gale. Temp. 56° At Sunset we were sufficiently under the lee of Ousima to be in smoothish water. 219 January 1853 Ousima Sail was then still further reduced, with the view of keeping our position during the night. 21st Sunday N. lat. 28°11' E. lon. 129°35' Strong N.W. wind Temp. 62° This morning we found the ship still at a considerable distance from the land, having drifted to leeward during the night. Nikaina was in plain sight to the Northeastward, while the lar- gier island (Ousima) could be seen with its numerous bays and headlands well defined. The former island can be seen from the latter in clear weather. It was just after sunset when we an- chored in a Bay (?) of Sina-u (?) on the East side of Ousima near its southern extremity; the wind still blowing violently from the Northwestward with rain-squalls. Whirlwinds were frequently met with near the land, com- ing from the defiles among the mountains. 22nd Parties were sent out to make surveys of the different coves near by and to communicate with the inhabitants, who were seen collected in crowds at various points where landing was practicable. It is probable that ours is the first European vessel which has visited this is- land, in recent times at least. I went ashore in a boat with Mr Moore. When we reached the beach, the people rushed