midnight
Once or twice his craft missed stays in consequence of getting so much by the head , and it was deemed necessary to heave-to , and take to the axes . A great deal of extra and cumbrous weight was gotten rid of , but an hour of most precious time was lost . By the time Daggett was ready to make sail again , he found his return round the headland was entirely cut off , by the field 's having come in absolute contact with the rocks ! It was now midnight , and the men on board both vessels required rest . A watch was set in each , and most of the people were permitted to turn in . Of course , proper look-outs were had , but the light of the moon was not sufficiently distinct to render it safe to make any final efforts under its favour . No great alarm was felt , there being nothing unusual in a vessel 's being embayed in the ice ; and so long as she was not nipped or pressed upon by actual contact the position was thought safe rather than the reverse .