we were fast again.

The wind died down during the day and the pack opened for five or six miles to the north.

It was still loose on the following morning, and I had the boiler pumped up with the intention of attempting to clear the propeller; but one of the manholes developed a leak, the packing being perished by cold or loosened by contraction, and the boiler had to be emptied out again.
The pack was rather closer on Sunday the 17th.

Top-sails and head- sails were set in the afternoon, and with a moderate north-easterly breeze we tried to force the ship ahead out of the lead; but she was held fast.

Later that day heavy pressure developed.