“We first sounded up to the head of the Fiord, which gave an
opportunity for our landing a travelling party under command of Dr.
Rae, to examine the inland ice and nature of the country. A party also
went to the Old Nordisker Ruins, at Igalikko.” Returning with the “Fox”
to Julianshaab, October 27th, Captain Young then surveyed the estuary
of the fiord, and from the soundings obtained, says, “I am of a decided
opinion that a _depth of not less than 150 to 160 fathoms_ can be
carried from the middle of the fiord abreast the settlement, out to
sea, with a general muddy bottom.
“_This depth of water will effectually preclude injury to the cable
from the largest icebergs ever seen upon the coast._ Although many
bergs lay along the coast, we saw none aground in this valley of the
fiord, nor according to information obtained from the residents, have
they been seen grounded in that channel.” Captain Young then proceeds
to say--“This report and my previous letters will show that my decided
opinion (so far as we have been upon that route) is favourable to
the practicability of the undertaking, and that Julianshaab will,
under all circumstances, be well adapted for the reception of the
cable. With regard to the operation of laying the cable, I consider
that no apprehension may be felt on that point, for from the sudden
disappearance which we witnessed of the ice from the coast, and from
the ice _usually_ dispersing from the south-east shores of Greenland in
the autumnal months, opportunities will always occur when a ship having
the cable on board and lying in readiness in Julianshaab, may depend
upon having a period of clear and open sea. _The cable once laid, no
drift ice can in any way injure it, if the proper precautions are taken
in securing the shore end._”