David Brainard's Diary, March 1 - June 21, 1884
DateMarch 1 - June 21, 1884
ms numberMss 189
abstract
DAVID BRAINARD’S DIARY March 1 — June 21, 1884
written at Camp Clay Cape Sabine Ellesmere Island
" Words written in these journals are inadequate to express or describe the horrors of our situation, and I doubt if any intellect is equal to a full comprehension of our circumstances unless having passed through a similar experience. "
— Sgt. David Brainard
Title page supplied by transcriber. All pages
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transcribed. The transcription starts on page 73 of the
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Note: the transcription starts on page 73 of the
journal.
Saturday March 1st 1884
Clear but with fresh westerly wind which at times caused much drift. Temp at 7
am. -35 but it rose to -28 and barometer fell in a corresponding manner. Today I
had the large sledge unlashed + ready for repairs on Monday. Yesterday I had
Bender and Whisler repair the
small one. The former lost an extra part of the shot gun but it will not prevent
its use. I took an inventory of the meat yesterday + found that 319 pounds
remained. Lt. G – last night said that if circumstances were
favorable he would increase the provision on next Wednesday and pull out for
Littleton Island on the following Monday. Rather prematurely I think.
Lockwoods mind is weak — he is badly demoralized
by his condition as the pitable exhibition about bread the other night will
show.
Connell is the one man in our mess who has not lifted a
finger to assist the cook or help himself during the entire winter. When asked
to cut seal skin he said, "I cant handle a knife.!" He had to get
Schneider to cut up the butter for him. He
has never yet cut a stick of
wood nor voluntarily done anything. He was one of the ring-leaders in the
conspiracy against Fredericks and suspicion point to him as
the one who broke into the barrel of hard bread + into the commissary store
house.
I sent him out to dig snow but he slighted + neglected his work. Yesterday he
growled + used insolent and abusive language when I ordered him to get up to
hold a candle for those working on the sledge. For this breach of discipline
which in our isolated condition amounts to mutiny I desire to have him tried by
a court martial on our return to the U.S.
No one went out on the hill today owing to the storm.
On Henry’s birthday Long forgot
to add tea to his pot + gave out the warm water which was not detected by anyone
— we are evidently losing our palete or taste.
A few days ago Connell told Fred that
he did not want him to do anything for
him in the line of foot gear + that his
(Fred) work had been left on his other pair. Today he
requested Fred in the most humble manner to make a pair for
him.
The Dr + Lt. K. who at one time had formed (apparently) a colation
against the C.O. are growling and quarrelling almost daily.
As they are now most likely separated the C.O. can
conciliate each by himself.
Conversations on food are being renewed with greater vigor than before.
Fred through with boots + today began on sleeping
stockings. Schneider is now moulding a number of candles
for use in journey. I prepared a large piece of tin to mark the grave of
Cross. Cannot afford wood for that purpose.
C.O. has named the small lake which supplied us with
water so long Cross Lake.
Sunday March 2nd 1884
Clear but with brisk westerly wind and a tempt of -22°.5 at 7 am + -24 at 5
pm. Much drift all day. Fine stew of 4 ½ oz H.B. pemmican + 1 of l.g. + 3
of bread. Last of the lemons issued excepting two. Lockwood
is improving in strength but his mind is as weak as ever + is generally much
demoralized as the exhibition about the bread will show. He has repeatedly told
falsehoods lately about chewing tobacco + also about taking his exercize. Elison is keeping up splendid spirits.
Monday March 3 1884
Clear + high westerly wind all day which at times amounted almost to a gale.
Tempt at 7 am -27.5 + at 2 p.m. -25. C.O. said this morning
that according to my list the rations should last until the first week in April
+ if no opportunity of crossing occurred before the 16th inst we would have to
make up our minds to remain here + depend on game,
but if none could be depended on, why we will then
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
On my recommendation C.O. appointed
Frederick a sergeant in place of
Cross, desceased, in return for his excellent work
during the winter.
Biederbick troubled with cramps but recovered. I brought in
one of the runners of large sledge for Whisler to repair.
Bender made candle-sticks.
Schneider is making candles of stearine.
Frederick still working on sleeping stockings.
Ralston’s hand improving. Drift to dense to admit of a satisfactory view
of the water spaces. Tempt. inside this morning +21.°5.
Tuesday March 4, 1884
Cloudy with light snow + high westerly wind continues with drift. Tempt. at 7 am
-21.5 + at 5 p.m. -23. No work on sledge owing to indespotion of Bender.
Lt. G. made reduction in bread to 8 oz per day. A
corresponding increase will take place in the meat when the [illegible] I issued the last of the blubber, H.B. + Am pemmican
today.
Wednesday March 5
[illegible] Fair. Wind is relentless — furious as
yesterday. I went on hill, the water line appeared to be further removed than
ever but the ominous clouds concealing coast beyond show that water still
exists. Cape Hawks + Napoleon with the mountains beyond — (Hayes
delectable mts.) were distinctly visible. Tempt. 7 a.m. -22 at 11 am, -23 + at 2
p.m. -19. I issued the last of the corn, soup, tomatoes + potatoes today.
Bender not well.
Tempt. inside +19. Bacon stews have now been introduced + generally liked except
the strong rancid flavor, which however I like as it is something distinct +
pronounced from the ordinary stews. Bender has lost part of
gun by his carelessness.
Thursday March 6th 1884
Clear. Wind subsided about noon but blew freshly from west in the evening. Tempt
at
7 am. -20.8 + at 5 p.m.
-24.°5. Inside it stood at +22. I issued the last can of lard today. Went on
hill + saw water extending to the north as far as the eye could reach +
resembling a sluice way on account of its direct course to the south. Worked on
sledge + found 2 knees broken in left runner. Fred
completed sleeping stockings today + tomorrow he will be ready for the sleeping
bags. Last of the oxtail soup eaten this morning.
Friday March 7th 1884
Clear and calm nearly all day. Rice saw the sun for the
first time this morning. Long went to the summit of Bebee
Point + then N.W. to the open water which is but little more than a mile from
there. Following down along the line of water to Brevoort Island he found it to
run to within 200 yds. of the island. He ascended the island + saw open water
extending North, South, + East as far as the eye could reach. A few pieces of
ice was drifting in the water. He saw tracks of 2 different bears + 1 fresh of a
fox. Lt. K. went out to the iceberg + broke through ice, narrowly
escaped death by drowning. He saw tracks of bear and a fox neither
of which was fresh. Much open
water about the berg which will be a Paradise for seals in a few weeks.
Rice went on the hill + got a view of the open water which
is quite extensive yet but an improvement over yesterday. He saw a brace of
ptarmigan + sent for gun but they flew away + were not again found.
Whisler worked on sledge again today.
Fred got out the sleeping bag to be cut down for the
men but finding it so badly frozen that work was out of the question.
The last of the chocolate + cloud-berries were issued today.
Much growling was again introduced by Bender this evening.
In the discussion (about mess arrangements) he flatly contradicted the
C.O. + used profane language in his replies.
Henry + Lynn are also of very poor material + show up in the worst
possible light.
Lockwood had a violent dispute with
C.O. in which the excessive stupidity of the former was
patent.
Tempt. inside this morning + 27 Outside at 7 am. -15.4 at 2 p.m. -18.
Saturday March 8th 1884
Gale set in from the South East at 2 a.m. + continued without intermission during
the entire day. It is I think the worst storm that we have yet had. Tempt inside
on rising this morning + 28 Outside -3 at 7 a.m. + at 1 p.m. -2.°4.
Last of Rice + Tomatoes used in soup this morning. Eng. bacon (4 oz) used this
evening.
Whistler
[illegible] completed repairs on the sledge runner this
morning. Fredericks made a 3 man bag into one for 2 men
today. Began on an new barrel for fuel — only 1 more remains 2 stoves
cooks a meal for us now. Ralstons finger feels better. Hair
cutting was extensively carried on for the first time this winter. Our hut
assumed quite the appearance of the interior of a tonsorial establishment. Mine
was about 5 to 6 inches long.
Sunday March 9th 1884
Full force of the gale was broken at 4:30 a.m. but it however continued to blow
at intervals all the remainder of the day. Tempt. at 7 am -10 + at 3 P.M.
-8.°4 Inside +26 Barometer which has been falling for two days rose rapidly
all day
Drip inside during the evening meal. C.O. has decided to
send Long + and native Fred with the
small sledge + 6 days provisions to Alexandra Harbor for game, starting on
Tuesday morning, the weather permitting. I very much desired to go with
Long but the Lt. decided to send
Fred instead. A fine stew this evening of Polaris H.B.
+ lime juice pemmican made us as nearly happy as it is possible. The morning
"Son of a Gun" was a superior one but we missed the raisins sadly.
Monday March 10th/84
The gale continued all night with relentless fury but about noon it abated to
fresh wind from S.E. but no drift + the sky became nearly clear. Tempt. at 7 am.
-9.°5 + at 2 P.M. -6.°5. I went on
the hill + saw narrow line of water with ice beyond
as far as eye can reach. G—coast clear + plain to be seen.
Rice afterwards ascended higher + reports ice extending
all way across to opposite shore but much broken. Now if tempt. would fall
suddenly we might yet get across to Greenland this
spring.Biederbick detailed for cook in place of
Long. I issued 6 days meat + bread to
Long at rate of 8 oz of former + 10 of latter + 8 days
of alcohol + ten in addition to 1 pint of rum in case of sickness. He will
probably leave in morning.
I went hunting this morning up coast but saw nothing — not even a trace.
We are now burning stearine candles as our blubber has given out. More
dissatisfaction occurred in mess this evening + the cook has received orders to
make division of food + pass his plates alone.
Tempt. inside +30 Excessive drip today.
Tuesday March 11th/84
Clear + calm. In evening however a light westerly wind. A most beautiful day. Sun
for the first time flooded our house with its beams. Tempt. 6 am -19.°1 + at
5 p.m. -21.°5 In the sun the tempt in a few minutes at 10 a.m. rose to
12.°0.
Rice + Ellis went out with
Long’s sledge to west end of Cocked Hat Island +
report the travelling good. Long started soon after them +
overtook them near the island. They saw a raven but could not get a shot. They
stood the trip well. [illegible] From the hill I saw that no
apparent change had taken place in the ice since yesterday + Greenland shore
still visible + very little vapor. I feel very much encouraged now + if a few
nights of cold calm weather does not cement the ice then there is no hope for
our crossing this Spring, but must wait here for the ship. Our rations will last
until April 10th after that we have no hope
without game — What we are asking ourselves
will Long do for us at the [illegible]
Glacier Valley in the way of game. I had Jens lash longer
sledge today so everything is now in readiness.
I saw track of a solitary ptarmigan in the rocks above camp. Our evening stews
have been cut down to 1 pot instead of 2 except on Friday + Sunday in order to
save fuel. Our wood I think may run to the 18th or 20th if used as judiciously
as formerly.
Our evening readings continue + the days are passed in talking about food +
noisy discussions generally chiefly about Germany. Silence however reigns
supreme here sometimes for an hour at a time when all subjects appear to have
been talked out. Last of our grain corn used this morning.
Wednesday March 12th/84
Tempt at 6 a.m. -25.°1 at 1 P.M. -16 6 P.M. – 23.°5. Fair weather
— with light westerly wind + a few flakes of snow falling occasionally. I
went to Cape Sabine hunting + was driven back by a teriffic storm which came
over the island. I had nearly reached the locality of the cache but owing to the
severity of the wind I had to turn back. Saw nothing but track of a solitary
fox. Last storm has broken into the floe for over a mile west of Sabine. No ice
in the water but it was as clear as in August. I followed along the water + came
home by the large berg where there is a few pools of open water. I do not think
the water so extensive to the South as in Kane Sea owing to the absence to the
dark water clouds. During the afternoon the sun came out and shone beautifully.
Fred began work on the bag. Elison’s bread reduced from 16 to 12 oz but 3 oz beef is
added to his ration.
Thursday March 13th 1884
Clear + calm. Tempt at 6 a.m. -23 at 2 P.M. -21.1 + 6 P.M. -25.8. In the sun it
was up to -7. at 10 am. Ptarmigan tracks seen by Rice this
morning + later Lt. K. + myself went out to look for them but saw nothing.
They had visited every point about us probably last evening. The channel looks
more favorable today than ever before — dark clouds have nearly all
disappeared and light fleecy vapor taken its place. I think that the narrow part
of the strait will choke + cement if a few days of calm + cold will follow now.
The barometer which has been vascillating lately is now quite steady.
Long + Frederick (E) are having good
weather for their hunt. I have very little confidence in his securing large game
but will depend more for seal in April + the arrival of a party from the other
side if the ice closes in the strait.
Lt. K. is ill.
Friday March 14th 1884
Clear + calm. Tempt. at 7 am. -27.2 + at 7 P.M. -30.5 During middle day it rose
to -21.0. Bright sun. Long + Fred
returned at 7 P.M. yesterday very much exhausted having been unable to get into
the sleeping bag owing to its being frozen stiff + hard as a plank. They reached
Cape Veilie the first evening + passing around Alexandra Haven + the deep fiord
to Mount Carey they ascended the mt. + saw about 10 miles on North + 20 on south
side of Hayes Sound more than the English. He saw 3 previously undiscovered
capes on North side of Sound the most distant of which Lt. G. named Cape Long. The Sound appears
to be the narrowest at Weyprect Island + widest 15 miles further on. They
returned to sledge near Cape Veilie after an absence of 14 hours. Here
Long was taken ill but speedily recovered under a dose
of hot rum + aromatic spirits of amonia. In 14 hours more he reached home having
traveled probably about 70 miles + [illegible] in
consideration of his weak condition made one of the most
remarkable journies on record. He saw no sign of
game except a fox track. This is a bitter disappointment as we had good reason
to expect much from Alexandra Haven owing to the reports of the English.
C.O. is going to send him out again in a few days with
myself. I having volunteered several weeks ago. We will probably be absent 8
days + may cross Buchanan Strait to Bache Island.
I shot 3 ptarmigan this morning + nothing was waisted — even the feet,
heads, legs + intestines were used. Rice went across
Garlington Isle to Rosse Bay to select a route to Eskimo Point to search for the
meat abandoned last fall. He returned at 7 P.M. + reports the route practicable.
He returned by way of Sabine + and says ice is nearly closed on this side but
thinks that there is open water near the Greenland coast. See saw no trace of
game. C.O. notified me that he has promoted
Biederbick to first class Hospital Steward —
subject
of course to the
approval of Surgeon General. He has already passed an examination for the
position + owing to his duties on the Expedition is certainly entitled to it.
A fine stew of 5 oz Eng. pemmican + 2 ½ oz bread per man this evening.
Long complains that the native was not true + faithful as
usual on this trip — adversity does not agree with him. Spring tide today.
On recommendation of Dr. Pavy
Elisons bread is increased to 1 lb. per day + [illegible]
his meat to 6 oz. It may be necessary yet to go to Cape Hawks to secure the
bread mouldy + rotten as it is in order to save our lives. I think we can live
little more than a month longer on our present rations.
Tempt. inside +28.
Rice saw a raven near Sabine but could get no shot.
Saturday March 15th/84
Clear + calm. Tempt. inside +28.°6 Outside -30.°8 at 6 a.m. at 11 a.m.
-21 + at 5 P..M. -31.°3. I went hunting toward Cocked Hat Island
but saw nothing but a few old
ptarmigan tracks which were evidently made by the birds I shot yesterday. They,
by the way, weighed 3 lbs. + 10 oz including the heads, feet and intestines.
Lt. K. went out to the N.E. beyond the berg to open water +
saw track of bear 4 days old + also saw 5 dovekies. This is cheering news, +
makes us feel more hopeful of the future. The bread ration has been reduced to
50 oz per week beginning on Monday morning.
The sound looks still more favorable today than yesterday — the pools near
Sabine are evidently closed but a large polynya is observed to the north. I saw
the loom of the Greenland coast through the vapor on that side which already
indicates open water in that vicinity. The fact is I think that the S.E. wind of
last week drove the pack to this side, leaving a large water space on that
shore. A very enjoyable stew of tallow 1 oz + 2½ oz bread this morning.
Sunday March 16th 1884
Clear + calm. Tempt. at 6 am. -34.7 at 10 under influence of the sun it stood at
-19 + at 5 P.M. -31.7. Inside + 27.°0. Strait looks still more favorable
today. Long + Frederick (E) went out
to the open water with Kyak + returned with 4 dovekies + reported having seen +
fired at a small seal. the dovekies are small but plump, + have their winter
colors which are white with black points. They saw several more, but were unable
to secure them. Everything now looks more favorable for our safe return to our
homes instead of leaving our bones to bleach in this desolate region + under
these uncongenial skies. If the game fails us (which I think probable) we still
have hope of assistance from the party under Lt. Garlington
or if the sound closes of retreating to Littleton Island when we are on our last
legs.
I think our rations will last until about the 15th of April + if the meat is
found at Eskimo Point we may live until the 25th of next month.
A stew this evening of
1 oz
lime juice 2 oz of Suet pemmican + the Ptarmigan (2½ oz) make a very good
stew. The last hard bread pudding was had this morning.
Conversation on the subject of food is now the principal topic.
Longs report with reference to the birds + seal has had
a very fine effect on spirits of a certain few. Lt. G is going to send Jens + myself to
Rice Str. to look for seal. I also volunteered to go down to the cache of
[illegible] near Brevoort island in search of game + also
to observe the chances for future operations. I today proposed to
C.O. to try to catch shrimp + will prepare net for that
purpose tomorrow.
While on the hill for the purpose of observing the condition of the Sound the
sun shone so bright that I lingered for a long time on the rocks to enjoy it. I
was forcibly reminded of the words of Kane when on observing the sun for the
first time
after [illegible] its winters absence remarks that it gave a sensation
like bathing in perfumed water. As an inducement to the raven to visit us I
exposed a tempting fox skin.
Monday March 17th
Cloudy in morning but soon clearing remainder of day was fine. Tempt. at 6 am -25
+ at 5 P.M. -23.5. It rose at 11 am. in the sun to 11.9.
[illegible] Inside +26.8.
Storm in strait which broke much of the newly formed ice + probably our last
chance for crossing is now lost. Barometer falling slowly. We have now had a
week of good weather. Jens shot a ptarmigan this morning
near hut which weighed 20 oz. The dovekies (4) weighed 1 lb. each. Lt. K + Jens went out to open water but
killed nothing. They however saw a seal but got no shot. I made apparatus for
the purpose of catching shrimps. Rice will take to to Beebe
Point
to test it tomorrow. I
worked on the large sledge + began making new [illegible].
I found 10 oz English chocolate which had fallen behind a barrel + overlooked.
Our ration is now 11 to 12 oz per day, no more. The chocolate is to be kept for Elison. His ration is now 16 oz bread + 6 oz meat daily
— he keeps in wonderful spirits. A large pool of water has opened up about
the large berg near the shore. We may expect to find many seal there in a short
time. High wind with drift at 7 P.M.
Tuesday March 18th 1884
Cloudy + stormy, snow drifting + high N.E. winds all day. Our camp somewhat
protected from the force of the wind by the high point of rocks on the shore.
Tempt. 6 a.m. -16 at 11 a.m. -7 + at 2 P.M. -15. Tempt. inside this morning
before lighting the fire +25.°8. Barometer has been nearly stationary today.
I prepared the [illegible] + put the finishing touches on the
large sledge so that it is now ready for
any emergency.
I went on the hill this morning + saw that a terrific storm was in progress in
the sound + the newly formed ice suffering greatly in consequence.
Long did not go out during the storm. The raven visited
the fox skin which I exposed on a rock in front of the house a few days ago +
being very wary escaped the shot gun which was speedily brought.
Wednesday March 19th/84
Cloudy blustering + stormy disagreeable day with fresh westerly wind which at
times came in violent gusts hurling the snow in all directions.
Tempt. at 6 a.m. -16.3 at 11 a.m. -9.8 + at 5 P.M. -12. Inside +24.8.
Lockwood is improving in health + strength. Barometer
has been rising slowly all day, which fact gives us hope of a better day
tomorrow. The storm has broken a large pool about Expectation Berg, from which
we may expect to get seals.
The reduction in rations has again revived our old conversations on the subject
of food
+ our time is passed
quite pleasantly in telling to one another the bills of fare that we would order
if we were in the States today. It is very pitiful to hear these things but when
the relentless wolf Hunger is gnawing in this terrible manner what is one to do
— It cannot be helped.
The storm is damaging the sound greatly — the ice has broken again + a
great sea is now rolling where a few days ago was new ice. I find that the
tallow in Eng. bacon cans is excess — or in addition to the 40 lbs as
marked.
Thursday March 20th 1884
Clear with fresh westerly winds which caused drift at intervals. Tempt. at 6 a.m.
-20.°2 at 5 P.M. -19 at noon it raised to -14. Inside +27°.0. Barometer
stationary. Long went out to the open water notwithstanding
the wind + saw 2 dovekies. Rice went down to Beebe Point to
test my shrimp net — he found that with a slight modification of net the
fishing could be made successful. He brought in about 2 ounces.
Rice saw the raven again + Henry saw
an owl taking flight to the north.
Fred (E) is slightly ill.
The storm did not break the ice as much as I had expected. Lieut.
Kislingbury is a
great sufferer with a swollen finger caused by being pierced by a needle. Lynn is evidently losing his mind — the trip last fall
probably the cause. The Dr. has remarked the change in him.
At my suggestion the C.O. has directed that the men of the
party take turns in conveying out to the open water the kyak to lighten the
labors of the hunters. Last of potatoes + extract of beef used today.
Friday March 21st/84
Cloudy with fresh westerly wind + Tempt -19.8 at 6 a.m. + -13 at noon + -22.2 at
5 P.M. Considerable drift during the day. At 1 P.M. the barometer began falling
rapidly again. I made a light dip net for the shrimp fishing + also a long hook
for fish. Gardiner has invented a hook to drag up sea weed
which can be eaten.
Lt. K fainted away while the Dr. was
lancing his finger. Schneider has been moulding candles.
The stew of new pemmican was particularly fine.
Both the natives are very much swoolen about the
face + limbs. The Dr. says it is a dropsical effusion
— the same as troubled me a few days ago. Tempt. inside +25.
For continuation of March 22 see page 119
Saturday March 22nd/84
Cloudy with light westerly winds in morning. During the afternoon wind headed
around to South-East + light snow began falling. Tempt. at 6 a.m. -14 at noon it
rose to -3.°0 but at 6 P.M. it had fallen to -12°.0.
Long went out with Jens to where
the open water had been two days ago but returning later reported the pools
entirely closed by new + drift ice from the north + that it was all thoroughly
cemented. He says that no water for a distance of 3½ miles exists beyond
the point previously visited while hunting. He returned to the berg but saw
nothing of seal. Rice was quite successful in shrimp
fishing today — having caught about 6 ounces. He expects to get at least a
quart tomorrow. I made two nets this evening for him — using fox skins for
bait. The dovekie legs make excellent bait. He was not successful in securing
sea weed but with a slight
N.B.
It is quite probable that the reader may (+with good reason) think me insane when
he glances over the entries which follow: but on reflection he will be
charatible enough to credit me with a sound mind and — an empty stomach. I
will state in explanation that owing to our megre diet + the constant gnawing of
hungar our thoughts could suggest little else but food + our conversation during
the long days of gloom + darkness were chiefly on this subject; and as each new
dish was suggested and discussed I began this list at the request of a few of my
comrads, but mainly as a guide to my future epicurean operations, am I so
fortunate as to ever again rest my limbs under a civilized table.
D. L. Brainard
Cod fish balls, ham and fresh eggs — Rice
Make pudding of ginger snaps (Son-of a Gun) Gelatine, Nelsons + port wine to be
made up at home. Honey on oatmeal. Introduce at home Tapioca, Sago, Blancmange,
preserves of various kinds, Crab apple cider, cocoanut pudding, Gelatine,
arrowroot, maccaroni + cheese. Get California port + muscatel wine from
Lt. Greely who sends for them to California.
Wintergreen + sassafras for flavoring cider press [illegible]
for winter use by corn, wheat, or alcohol. Tongues + [illegible][guess (ljw): sounds] of the cod or salmon, also the
row at St. Johns. Soft shell crabs on toast. Frogs on toast. Deviled crabs.
Tripe, stewed, fried + pickled. Jelly cake with alternate layers of chocolate,
cocoanut paste + orange. Roast Kid. Lentil soup. Peas (green) cooked with yams +
carrots. Green peas boiled [illegible] like potato cakes.
Stuffed eggs, Dr. Pavy. applesauce flavored
with cinnimon or nutmeg with
lemon rind.
Prepare cake with layers (like jellycake) + each alternate one having paste made
of crushed oranges, sugar, yoke of egg. the other paste of cocoanut, sugar + the
white of an egg — the body of cake to be that of the sponge cake.
Noodles fried in eggs. Beef, Sheep hogs or calves heart well larded with
breakfast bacon or pork (former preferable) + baked in oven.
The Rote-te-Gritza a German dish — Israel. Kidneys
stewed in lime. Green corn pudding Mrs. Greely. Licorice
drops to remove odor of brandy + Parsnip cakes.
Honey with [illegible] on buckwheat cakes,
Israel. Suet pudding. Sweet potato cakes. Don’t
forget Quince — also citron preserves, Ralston. Paste
of hickory nuts + eggs + sugar use for jelly cake. The meats of nuts may also be
mixed in cake dough. In ordinary cake (loaf) stir whole strawberries or other
fruits + serve with sweet sauce like pudding cake,
Schneider. Fruits (Strawberries, bananas, peaches etc)
mashed + mixed in ice cream.
Fort Conger — 65 feet in length by 21 in width + 3 lean tos — one at
each door. It stands east + west extends north + south faces to the west on
Discovery Harbor.
Camp Clay on Clay Penn. at Cross Lake 18 by 25 feet — covered by canvas
supported in middle by whale boat + on sides by oars. Walls 4 to 5 feet high of
stone + banked outside with snow walls. the tempt. inside has ranged from +14 to
+40.
New sledges made by Elison in 1882 (October) were 111 + 107 lbs respectively +
Total number of Musk-Oxen killed at Ft. Conger 103 animals.
Latitude of Camp Clay 78° 46’ North
Maccaroons a pastry. Marshmellow a confectionary.
Get Hub Punch at fancy grocers. Also the brandy peach. Use the Mango, Citron,
plum, peach, pear, quince, apple, tomato, + the cucumber for sweet pickles.
Scramble eggs over fried noodles, Elison.
Discountance canned fruit + favor preserves. Macarroni with ham instead of
cheese. Milk should be used in baking Maccaroni. Lt. G’s puff-balls or fired muffins filled with fruit
of various kinds. Sliced pineapples + oranges with sugar as a layer for jelly
cake. The sauce may be made into a paste, Rice. Potatoes +
tart apples boiled + mashed together, Ned. Pears with skins
cooked as vegetables with boiled liver. They may also be boiled by themselves
— first paring + quartering. Make Crabapple jelly turnover.
Remove core from large sweet apples + fill cavity with sugar, butter + spices to
suit taste. Place them
in a
deep earthen or procelain dish on a bed of bread crusts half covered by water +
the top sprinkled with sugar. Serve hot + with light sauce, make hard sauce with
cream instead of wine. Don’t forget tripe in all formes.
Boiled leg of mutton with caper sauce. Stew of shrimps. Strawberries with sugar
and wine. Apple pudding — Whistler. Poppie seeds in cake + cookies by
Ned — superior to carving. Blood sausage (of
German butcher) to be fried before serving, Elison. Purchase in Washington sweet potatoes, peanuts +
fruits to send home by freight. Send maple molasses + sugar to Elison, Lt’s G.
L. + K, also Rice. Bhl. assorted eating
apples to Rice.
Get liver sausage for lunches, best + cheapest — Ned — Molasses
candy take butter + vinegar — Gardiner. For roast
turkey, venison or cold meats use cranberry sauce, currant or any tart jelly.
Soft shell crabs on toast the first thing in Washington. Baked apple dumpling
the first thing at home.
Lt. G. promises Dutchess Pears from his home, also scions of
his brothers best apple trees. My father is to reciprocate.
Israel to send me scions from Porter apple tree —
the latter apple is a particularly fine one for fall eating. Introduce at home
for cultivation the white currant, the white + yellow raspberry especially the
latter which is better than the red. Fig, apricot, or peach paste — the
second is best. Can be obtained in any confectionary store. Cream chocolates.
Candied and dried French prunes. Dried citron in sugar — to get in fancy
grocers. Bet a quart maple molasses against pound of goose sausage with
Israel on result of Longs hunting
— I lost molasses — Get smoked goose sausage in Jewish butchers.
Lemon Pie in the Vienna Café also the apple. Citron preserves with lemon.
Sweatened corn bread with finely chopped apples at home. Corn bread with chopped
suet intermingled. Lt. G. — Chocolate creams. Lard scraps or cracklings
with fried potatoes — Elison. Purchase honey made in the fall during the buckwheat
season — it is of a brown color.
Spanish hash — Lt. G. Get mince meat [illegible] in
Philadelphia — Gardiner. Guava jelly either in jars
or boxes — the former the best. Proctor’s Star charts for students
$2.50 — For general knowledge of solar system +c procure Newcombs + Haldens Popular Astronomy + Tait’s
astronomical discussion in the International Scientific Series — Procure
the latter work of which there [are] eight or nine volumes published. Tribune Almanac the best
for general information — the Scientific American also publish a similar
work of great value.
Lost bet of Boston Box Oyster Stew with Biederbick. Bet
copy of Plutarchs Lives with Ralston that seal would be got
on or before April 18th 1884 and won Scollops [illegible]. Elison’s egg pan-cake. Lt. Greelys
corn fritter.
Send Elison syrup + maple sugar + 20 lb cheese.
The same to Lt. G.
Maple sugar [illegible] also maple creams. Liver dumplings
— Elison. Baked peaches with cream. Preserve both the green +
ripe tomato but separately.
Lost bet of cream pie with C.O.
Use blood (beef or goose best) in hash, gravies + stews. It may also be dried or
frozen + used
as required. It
may be seasoned, a little milk + a few eggs added + fried or scrambled like
eggs. this dish is recommended by Shorty + Israel.
I made bet of Putmans Dictionary of Dates that our new pemmican had lime juice
in it. (April 18th 1884)
Use the wild grape jelly in a pie — it is also best for tarts. Whistler for tomato butter. Fry the dumplings left over from
chicken pot pie + scramble eggs over them, Elison.
Bet with Elison of 1 gal. maple molasses against 1 gal. of home made
wine that we would be on board the vessel on or before the 1st day of July 1884.
Bet the same against a bushel of peanuts + on the same date with Lt.
Greely.
Get good work on Natural History. Purchase Eugene Sue’s Mysteries of Paris
+ The Wandering Jew.
Boil ham in sour cider instead of champaign after first parboiling it in water.
Get recipe from Champaign cider from Israel’s mother.
Don’t forget to have
Long make noodles (in every form), rum jelly a la
Conger, [illegible] army plum duff, liver dumplings, puff
balls, baked beans a la Conger + other German dishes when he visits at my home.
Also baked macaroni + cheese a la Conger.
Blank page.Blank page.Blank page.Blank page.Commissary used at Fort Conger from 31st day of July to the 9th day of August 1883. The last date inclusion.
| Milk | 17 | cans |
| Potatoes | 10 | " |
| Soup M. L. | 2 | " |
| Oatmeal | 1 | " |
| Sauce Cranberry | 22 | " |
| Corned beef | 3 | " |
| Roast " | 2 | " |
| Asparagus | 6 | " |
| Tomatoes | 5 | " |
| Eggs | 8 | " |
| Onions | 13 | " |
| Apples | 6 | " |
| Cornmeal | 1 | " |
| Currant Jelly | 2 | " |
| Butter | 30 | " |
| Bread | 40 | " |
Articles in commissary stores condemned at Ft. Conger during the month of
August 1883.
Bread
100
lbs.
Tea [illegible]
3
"
Pepper
1
"
Butter
9
"
Onions
1
can
Cranberry sauce
1
"
Roast beef
1
"
Potatoes
1
"
Beans
4
"
Eggs
2
"
| Bread | 100 | lbs. |
| Tea [illegible] | 3 | " |
| Pepper | 1 | " |
| Butter | 9 | " |
| Onions | 1 | can |
| Cranberry sauce | 1 | " |
| Roast beef | 1 | " |
| Potatoes | 1 | " |
| Beans | 4 | " |
| Eggs | 2 | " |
Deduct from Inventory
Cache at Cape Baird when on retreat by boat August 10, 1883.
| Corned beef | 180 | cans |
| Roast " | 24 | " |
| Extract " | 25 | " |
| do Mutton | 7 | " |
| Beans, baked | 97 | " |
| Apples | 24 | " |
| Soup Oxtail | 24 | " |
| Cranberry sauce | 24 | " |
| Milk | 12 | " |
| Butter | 72 | lbs |
| Pepper | 2 ¼ | " |
| Bread | 976 | " |
| Salt table | 12 | " |
| Potatoes English | 14 | " |
| Pemmican lime juice | 135 | " |
| do Polaris | 225 | " |
| do English | 84 | " |
| Bacon English | 20 | " |
| do U.S. | 158 | " |
| Tea[illegible] | 20 | " |
| Coffee Rio | 37 | " |
| Tobacco [illegible] | 40 | " |
Cache taken from Carl Ritter Bay August 12th/83
Bread
125
lbs.
Pennican H.B.
110
"
Corned beef
24
cans
| Bread | 125 | lbs. |
| Pennican H.B. | 110 | " |
| Corned beef | 24 | cans |
Cache of English rations lifted at Cape Collison August 22nd 1883
| Pemmican plain | 224 | lbs |
| Bacon | 84 | " |
| Stearine | 120 | " |
| Bread | 120 | " |
| Salt | 1 [illegible] | " |
| Pepper | ¾ | " |
| Onion powder | 1 [illegible] | " |
| Beef | 16 | " |
| Alcohol | 2 ¼ | gal. |
English cache of provisions removed from Cape Hawk’s Aug. 26th 1883
| Stearine | 342 | lbs |
| Potatoes | 168 | " |
| Bread | 250 | " |
| Rum | 6 | gal. |
| Pickles, onions | 10 | " |
Cache taken from Cape Sabine of 240 rations
| Bread | 210 | lbs |
| Bacon | 92 | " |
| Beef | 240 | " |
| Dog biscuit | 220 | " |
| Potatoes | 30 | " |
| Chocolate + Sugar | 30 | " |
| Tea + Sugar | 15 | " |
| Tobacco | 7 ½ | " |
| Salt | 1 14/16 | " |
| Pepper | ¾ | " |
| Onion powder | 1 14/16 | " |
| Stearine | 120 | " |
| Matches, wax | 3 | boxes |
| Wicks | (no) | 50 |
Sat March 22nd Continued
modification of the large pole he thinks that it may be successfully manipulated
for the amiloration of our condition. He reports the fishing necessary at low
stage of tide owing to crack closing when high. He saw either a petrified tree
or a whale bone in sea at the glacier where he fishes. The shrimp are very
small. I am going into Rosse Bay tomorrow if the day is good, to look for seals.
Tempts. inside +26.
C.O. announced this evening that after the first week in
April if no game was secured he would reduce the food so as to extend it until
May 1st.
Sunday March 23rd 1884
Clear with light west wind. Barometer fell slightly early this morning. Tempt at
6 a.m. -25.°5 at noon in sun -12 + at 6 P.M. -22.8. Inside +29.
The indefatigable "rustler" (Rice) as he would be called in
the west arose at 3 a.m. to visit nets. He did not get many and a guy broke +
much of the haul lost in consequence. He went
down again at dinner time + secured about 4 pounds
of the little animals. I went across Garlington Island by the ravine to head of
Rosse Bay where I examined the front of the glacier for half the distance across
bay, but discovered no evidence of any water having been there during the winter
nor any hole or opening that an animal could get through. The ice (floe) along
the front had been much broken but the openings which were made were immediately
closed by the advance of the glacier. On my return to the island I examined all
the ice-bergs in bay + found none of them aground + consequently no place where
a seal or walrus could get through to the surface. I found all the north side of
bay a perfectly level plain of new ice.
While on the floe a high wind prevailed — eddying about with great
velocity. In crossing the island on my return I encountered a severe wind storm
with blinding drift through which I could scarcely struggle. My nose, face, +
fingers were quite badly frosted. Saw track of a fox + ptarmigan in Rosse Bay.
Long had been out to the water + saw nothing but a
dovekie. Use of wood
discontinued + the burning of alcohol for cooking began this evening.
Bender made a fish hook.
Monday March 24th 1884
Clear with light westerly wind. Tempt. at 5 a.m. -23, at 11 am in sun it rose to
-6, but at 2 P.M. it had fallen to -21. Inside +28.8 Rice
went down again at 3 am. + again before breakfast + again in the evening
capturing in all about 7 pounds. This is highly gratifying + hopeful for our
future.
A terrible scene occurred this morning. While cooking breakfast (tea)
Biederbick fainted + others immediately complained +
Israel followed in an instant. Others rushed out of the
door, the lamps were put out + the plugs in the ventilation which had been
forgotten were taken out. Nearly all those who went out immediately fainted, +
were more or less frost-bitten. Lt. G. + myself quite severly. Through the exertions of
Gardiner some of us were probably saved. Lt. G. said he thought me dead when he came out, I was lying
on my back with my face perfectly rigid + white + to all appearance stifly
frozen. Gardiner
afterwords fainted + has since
been feeling badly. He said that I was down about a dozen times. Several fainted
afterwords when in the building. All but Pavy,
Frederick, Elison, Salor, Henry
+ the two Natives fainted. The Dr. worked like a Trojan to
assist the others. It was like our snow house experience caused by Carbonic acid
from our lamps + from ventilation — the [illegible]
having been forgotten in top of boat.
Two + one half ounces of bread extra was issued by Lt. G. on account of our condition this evening. About
½ lb of bacon in Lt. G’s mess was stolen during the excitement + much
indignation felt, but the contemptable thief was discovered first by the bacon
which he bolted having made him sick. + in consequence threw up and afterwords
Jens acknowledged to have seen him take it. He will
never be acknowledged by the remainder of us if we succeed in getting out of
this scrape + will be at once
ostricized when we reach a place of safety. A fox track was seen at hut +
Jens afterwords saw him + followed the little fellow
towards Sabine but the rascle proved himself to wily. Rice
says he liked a few shrimps at the fishing place. Fox, bear + seal skins, the latter
tanned, are being used for bait for the shrimp also seal lashings + dovekie
legs. My fingers are very sore + much swollen. When outside + still conscious I
looked down at my freezing hands + thought "My poor fingers if I ever get out of
this scrape alive I will have to lose them — they are to far gone to save
now."
I shot a white fox at 8:30 P.M. which weighed 5 lbs 2 oz net. The intestines etc
will be eaten as heretofore.
Tuesday March 25th/84
Clear beautiful day with light westerly wind in the morning but calm in the
evening. Tempt. at 6 a.m. -28. at noon it had rose to -0.5 in the sun. At 5 P.M.
-12 (in the shade). Rice + Whistler went down to shrimp nets at 3 am + set a net at the
large berg. Owing to the baits having been disturbed by the ice very few were
obtained. In the evening however he obtained nearly 4 lbs of fine fellows.
Schneider makes his baits by sewing rocks in skins.
Long + Fred (E) went down to the open
water today + former reported having seen two holes recently made by walrus or
seals near Cape Sabine with shells scattered about showing that the animals had
been up. All we now want is warm weather for a few days.
Fred came in in an exhausted condition nearly
unconscious. He was supported by Long all the way from
Sabine. If it had not been for his timely assistance Fred
must have perished.
The affair of Henry’s was opened by himself this morning + all the
disgusting details came out — Jens illustrating how
he had observed Henry to steal the bacon.
Fredericks + Biederbick told how
they had observed that he ate none of his rations previous to the discovery of
the bacon in his can which he had thrown up. Lt. L. testified to having smelled the bacon while
Henry was vomiting. Long that he
had seen him drink two rations of rum when we were recovering yesterday morning.
Ellis that he had stolen canned goods at Fort Conger.
Connell that he had circumstantial evidence of his
having stolen canned goods from the pile last fall. Rice stated the case very
clearly + suggested that he be confined as a prisoner. Lt. G asked the opinion of each man + without a single
exception all were unanimous in the opinion that he was guilty. He then placed
Henry in arrest + he is not to leave his bag without
permission + is to be accompanied by a man whenever he
goes out of doors.
He (Henry) stoutly protested that he was innocent of the
crime charged against him + played the abused. A stew this evening of ½
oz lime juice Pemmican 1 ½ oz bacon + 3 oz of shrimp was of a
particularly fine flavor + one of the best stews of the season. These shrimps
have opened up to us an avenue of escape from this country.
Tempt. inside this morning on rising +27. Biederbick was
relieved from cook this evening + Lynn detailed in his place. Ellis last
evening asked to be allowed to eat tea leaves as he wanted to "fill up" as he
said. This evening he was detected in taking a sly smoke in violation of orders.
No change in the open water in the sound. Lt. G’s hands were frozen much worse than was at first
supposed — They are very much blistered. My own are very sore + kept me
awake much of the night but they will not interfere with my duty.
Supper cooked by light given through holes (ventilators) in boat.
Wednesday March 26th/84
Cloudy + calm in morning with Tempt. at 7 a.m. of -10 at 11 a.m. it stood at zero
+ at 4 P.M. -2.°0.
Rice saw ptarmigan track on Cemetery Ridge + he,
Long + myself hunted successively but without success.
The wind rose + snow began falling at 7 a.m. At 11 a.m. the wind changed to the
South East + blew a gale — one of the severest of the season. I was out
hunting + was blown down by its force. Rice was not
successful with his nets today. He with a total disregard for personal safety
went down to visit the nets through the howling storm this evening. At the bay
he caught a few specimens of crustacean which were placed in alcohol.
Schneider + Whistler made for Rice a spear + hook (the
two latter made by Bender) with which to secure sea weed
(kelp). Tempt inside +27.
The Eng. Chocolate which I found a few days ago + which was saved for Elison was found missing this morning + circumstances strongly
point to Henry as the guilty party + the time was soon
after our trouble on Monday.
Lt. Greely announced publicly today the appointments of
Sergeant Fredericks + Hospital Steward
Biederbick. It was discovered today that
Ellis had been smoking the roots of saxifrage.
Fred (E) is but little improved. Lt. G’s hands are quite badly frost-bitten. I find that
the tallow in the bacon can is extra (8 lbs of tallow to 20 of bacon). A shrimp
stew made fat with 1 ½ oz of tallow was excellent.
Thursday March 27th/84
Weather fair + calm. Tempt. at 7 a.m. -12. at noon -10 + at 5 P.M. -9. Gale
subsided at midnight.Lt. G’s birthday — 40 years of age.
Long + Jens went out to open
water, Salor carrying kyak the latter returned in about two
hours with 15 dovekies which Long had shot +
Jens secured with kyak. Lt. K + Connell immediately went out
with more ammunition + they soon all returned with 18 more dovekies making 33 in
all, which is equal to as many pounds of meat. Great cheering + good feeling
prevailed + Long was the hero of the hour when he threw the
birds at the Commanders feet as a birthday offering.
Rice’s days work amounted to 12 lbs of shrimp + he
made three trips to secure this result. This has been a fortunate day for us as
45 lbs meat or food has been added to our larder. This is I think the turning
point in our fortunes. I went hunting for the ptarmigan but could not see any
trace of him. Saw dark spot at bay + went out but it proved to be a discolored
piece of ice. Henry asked to be allowed to do his duty +
said that C.O. would kill him with injustice if he did not.
He cried like a child but his
request was received in silence + ignored by all as he is socially.
Snow began falling at 7 P.M. Jens was taken ill this
evening but speedily recovered under effects of a dose of aromatic spirits of
amonia + rum. Fred volunteered to go out tomorrow but will
not be allowed + cursed + got angry with jealousy. Long
shot 5 more which were lost. They are beginning to turn their plumage to black.
Rice is using their heads + [illegible]
[guess (ps): leg ]
of wings for bait.
Ellis was detected in eating stearine again + was put under
guard but he begged + cried + was released.
C.O. has set the time for the departure of
Rice at about the 8th of April for Baird Inlet for
meat.
Israel tells me that he caught the Dr.
stealing bread from Elison’s can yesterday. I took an inventory of the
rations today. The morning stew of 36 oz bread + 12 oz tallow + 7 oz shrimp made
an excellent meal.
The cooks are using about 2 ½ oz alcohol per man per day.
C.O. has owing to our improvement in our circumstances
decided to have a warm
stew each evening — he says that he had rather use the fuel now + eat the
pemmican cold during the warm weather which will follow.
Schneider is showing himself to be a shining light + is
trying to redeem himself in the eyes of his comrades for his wrong doing last
fall. C.O. has decided to send out wall tent to be pitched
near open water to keep the kyak in to prevent carrying it in every night.
Tempt. inside + 25.
Friday March 28th/84
A beautiful bright day + calm in morning but light west wind in the evening.
Tempt. 7 a.m. -24 at 4:30 P.M. -18. In sun it rose to +5.0. Inside + 26. I went
out at 9:30 to Payer Harbor across Garlington Island. Barometer on ice-foot
30.28 at top of glacier 29.44 at summit of island 28.51 at ice foot in Payer
Harbor 30.12. The altitude of the island is thus about 1900 feet. Had great
difficulty in clambering down cliffs into harbor, stony. I found
many traces of ancient Eskimo
encampment + the relics of a broken bone sledge with wooden runners. I found a
good place for our own camp near two small lakes if C.O.
should decide to move party down in warm weather so as to be within easy reach
of the vessel. Record cache in good condition. Pool of water between Brevoort +
Stalknect Island.
Saw two seal blowing holes — one near the former island + the other
between Sabine + Bebee Point at ice foot. The former newly made. From Brevoort
Island I followed the open water to a point north of Cape Sabine then turned
home. It washes the east side of the island. Saw large flocks of dovekies, fresh
fox track + old bear track. Sledge track of last fall across Payer Harbor quite
plain — this gives me hopes
that the track remains in Baird Inlet + that
Rice may be able to find the meat.
Jewell started out with kyak but being to weak gave it up.
Lt. K then took it out. Long shot 14
dovekies. Rice the faithful + indefatigable worker captured
27 lbs shrimp in the morning + 24 lbs in the evening. He made 4 trips to his
nets. This is a pretty good showing for the day. Tent taken out of house but so
full of ice that it was not taken out to ice floe, but put on rocks to thaw out.
Fred (E) shot 1 of 2 ptarmigans seen by
Rice on Cemetery Ridge. He came in badly broken down
from the exertion + says he will never reach home. The other native is in
excellent spirits. The stew this evening had 6 oz shrimps in addition to 5 oz of
bread meat + dovekie. This indulgence was owning to the clear capture of
Rice this morning of 27 lbs. C.O.
notified me that from next Sunday only 4 oz bread per day but for
the decrease in bread a
corresponding increase in meat would be made. Lt. Lockwood
is getting much stronger. In fact he is quite himself again — he seems now
[illegible] almost hourly. The evening readings for the
present have been discontinued — owing to an inclination to sleep rather
than hear them. When on summit of island I had a good view of the water. It is
free of all ice except light ice of only two or three days old + any vessel
could steam up the Sound without difficulty or hindrance. It [illegible] in close to Isabella + appears to reach the Greenland
coast. I think that next year (summer) will be similar to the year 1881 —
the channel open.
Saturday March 29th/84
Gale set in about 8 a.m. + continued all day with heavy snow + drift. Tempt. 6
a.m. -4.°5 at 9 a.m. 0 + at noon +1.0 at 2 P.M. -5. Breakfast of 4 ½
oz bread, 1 oz bacon + 6 oz shrimps but no tea this is an improvement on our
usual morning meal.
For evening 1 [illegible][guess (ps): 1
⅓] oz dovekie 1 oz bacon, 2 ½ bread + 11 oz shrimps. This
was a most delightful stew + its solid contents more than we have been
accustomed to for both meals. We are already beginning to feel the change
although we have had only 3 big meals. The talks about food is not heard any
more. Rice went down at 4 am to bait nets + again to
[illegible] at 8, result 12 lbs. Owing to storm he did not
go down again but contented himself with killing a ptarmigan + discrying 5 more.
Long went out to open water but it soon drove him back
so he cached kyak near water. Alcohol discontinued + stearine used this evening.
Tempt. inside +25. All have complained of feeling chilly during last 2 days.
C.O. tells me that he will send me in charge of party
to explore Hays Sound. Israel + Fred
will accompany me for 10 days. I made shot cartridges from those of the rifles.
C.O. tells me that the Dr. has
tried to compromise the old affair at Fort Conger + wants to form an alliance
with him, but he (C.O.) refuses it. He refuses to denounce the
Dr. with response to purloining Elisons bread
as he is afraid that the Dr. may refuse to afford
medical aid.
Bread has been reduced to 3 ½ oz per day. The last of our roast beef was
issued yesterday.
Elison the poor devil often complains that he feels his toes
burning + the soles of his feet itching when he has neither toes nor feet. He
has been kept in ignorance of the fact during the entire winter. The rations of
Long + Jens increased 5 oz per day
in dovekie meat.
Sunday March 30th 1884
Gale continued all night with relentless fury but a slight lull occurred at 4
P.M. but in an hour it had begun again as strong as ever. Tempt. at 1 P.M. -3 at
6 P.M. -5.5 Inside +20.°5 the coldest for a long time but a comparatively
comfortable night was spent by all owing to our increased food.
I went out hunting during the lull this evening but after two hours tramp
returned without having seen anything. The water has broken away all the newly
formed ice + encroached slightly on the old floe — the kyak however is
safe. Fox stew in which shrimp
enhanced largely with 1 oz bacon — rather thin affair. Barometer
fluctuating greatly — this storm began with a rising barometer. Ralstons
finger pronounced for duty by Dr. Pavy.
Monday March 31st/84
Gale continued all night with terrific violence—lull of an hour about noon
but began again soon afterwards. Tempt. at noon +3.0. Long
went out on floe + brought kyak in near land. He visited the open water + saw
lots of dovekies + white caps. The water had broken into floe up to Beebe cache.
No ice discernable in water. Jens went out during lull in
storm + saw 2 ptarmigan. Fred (E) sick but a drink of rum
restored him. Sgt. Fred also ill + Scheider cooked supper
for him. Stew thin + unsatisfactory.
Tuesday April 1st 1884
Gale subsided at 4 a.m. Cloudy weather calm from 9 a.m. Tempt. at 5 a.m. -5.5 at
11 a.m. +6 at 2 P.M. +10 + at 3 P.M. +7.5 + at 3:45 P.M. +2.°5. Inside +25.
Rice made 4 trips secured 30 lbs. shrimp.
Long shot 11 dovekies + saw 4 seals one of which he shot
at. He saw a walrus on the ice near Cape Sabine. I went hunting for ptarmigan
saw two + fired at them twice at 10 + 20 paces respectively + neither was
injured. The shot cartridges made from rifle bullets are not a success judging
from my experience today. I found many meat caches + circles of stone indicating
where the natives had pitched their summer tents + I also found a skull of a
walrus of great antiquity also another piece of bone very friable + rotten.
These prove substantially to
me that they (the natives) used to spear the walrus when they crawled up on the
rocks to sun themselves.
This is the worst day that I have ever passed in this place. I am so weak from
hunger that I can scarcely walk + our wan pinched faces look wishfully toward
the South for relief from that quarter. My physical energies seem to be resisted
or reacted upon by my moral power + it is with the greatest effort that one can
walk at all. No tea this morning but a poor thin stew — this evening
however we done better.
Wednesday April 2nd
Clear with brisk west wind all day. The tempt. has been remarkable uniform having
remained at -13 all day. Inside it stood at +27. Rice +
Fredericks remained at shrimp fishing for 7 hours +
brought home 32 lbs. Long + Jens were
prevented from doing anything in the hunting line by the ice crowding down. The
great water channel which two days ago was entirely free of ice
apparently to the Greenland shore was last
evening filled with ice which crowded down from the north. As the opposite coast
is very distinctly outlined today, it indicates that the ice has completely
choked the channel or otherwise the low temperature would cause much vapor +
conceal the land.
I went hunting, saw ptarmigan tracks but no birds.
Fredericks this evening relieved from cooking +
Schneider detailed instead — the former is
preparing for his trip to Eskimo Point with Rice for the
English meat abandoned last fall when the disaster occurred. They start next
Sunday. Fred (E) has had his rations increased to the same
amount as the hunters (¼ dovekie — 4 oz) but he does not improve +
is very sulky + angry because he is not given more food. He is without doubt the
most unreasonable savage living. Although we are using 3 oz dovekie 2 oz bacon 2
½ oz bread + about 12 to 15 oz of
shrimp per man per day we all feel weak and hungry
— the shrimp possess very little nourishment. We are all longing for a
thick stew of seal meat + blood to strengthen our reduced + emaciated bodies.
Food, food, food is the constant topic of conversation — this gnawing
hunger has driven every other thought or feeling from our minds + left us but
little better than animals with nothing but the instinct for eating. The animal
passions peculiar to men in good health are now dormant + forgotten in our
weakness + the craving for food.
Thursday April 3rd 1884
Clear with light westerly wind. Tempt. 6 a.m. -16.5 + at noon -9 at 6 P.M. -14.
In sun +15 + at same time another ther. in shade indicated -8. Inside +25.
Rice went down early, but owing to scarcity of bait got
but 15 pounds + he worked faithfully all day to get those.
Salor assisted him + he will now take charge of the
fishing. Long + Jens again went out to
the water which had opened out
slightly during the night. They saw fresh bear tracks two or three dovekies +
shot at a seal but got nothing. Lt. K. went out to the open water but returned tired + empty
handed. Long shot two ptarmigan near camp on his return
this evening. I went hunting about the camp but saw nothing but fresh fox track.
I found another skull + some small bones of a walrus near the Eskimo caches.
They were so rotten + indicated such antiquity that I am prepared to state that
from my observation the Eskimo remains at this point are of an earlier date than
those described by me + others in the vacinity of Fort Conger. Rations of
Fred (E) increased to ½ dovekie per day extra. +
he eats it raw. The ice appears to have [illegible] in the
sound is very closely packed + throws off no vapor so the G. coast is more
distinct now than ever before. It would not surprise me if it yet froze over
during this month. Toward the north however in Kane’s Sea a few pools are
to be seen.
Friday April 4th 1884
Clear and calm with a tempt of -10 at 5 a.m. In an hour the sky had clouded, the
wind blew briskly from
the
east + the tempt risen to +8. At 8 a.m. it grew calm + Long
+ Jens went out to the open water. I went to Cape Sabine.
During the night channel cleared out again — Greenland coast distinctly
outlined. Storm arose (snow + wind) at 12 N + I turned back first finding a bear
track not more than two days old which led north over the new ice which was in
motion when the tracks were made. Long also saw the same
track. He also saw seal + only two or three dovekies. Salor
with an inferior bait had very good success with his shrimp fishing —
catching 15 pounds. I saw fresh fox track + the raven was seen several times.
Tempt inside +26.5. Sky cleared during the evening + the tempt. fell to -8 at
5:30 P.M.
I propose to make a trip in a few days to the valley opposite Longs Point + on
west side of Rice Straits. Bender complaining bitterly with
a sore chest.
Lynn and Lt. L ration increased ¼ dovekie per day.
Saturday April 5th 1884
Clear with light west wind. Tempt. 6 a.m. +10 at noon -6 at 4 P.M. -13.
Inside +28. Fred (E) who has been ill for several days died
at 9 a.m. the cause was probably owing to the exposure incident to his trip with
Long to Mount Carey on short rations. In fact he slowly
starved to death. He was buried at 2 P.M. + salute fired over the grave. His
comrade did not display the stoicism that is usually attributed to his race but
exhibited signs of deep emotion. He talks hopely of the future + recomends Eskimo Point as a good hunting ground. The
hunters (Lt. K.
Long + Jens) returned at 1:30 P.M.
from open water having seen nothing. I worked all day getting
Rice’s outfit ready. I am afraid that
Lt. L. + Lynn will soon follow Fred (E) as they
are very weak + cannot eat the shrimp stew. ¼ of a dovekie is now to be
issued daily to each.
Jens is to receive a double ration until further
orders. Jewell + Bender are also very
weak and look badly.
The death of the native was very sudden + unexpected. He passed away very
quietly + without pain. He ate his breakfast two hours before his death + was
out of doors twice during the night.
Whisler cut 2 holes in boat over which he nailed canvas to
supply us with windows. The light does us good + is the means of saving us much
fuel. Salor caught 12 lbs shrimp with the skins and
skeletons of two dovekies. Rations for Rice 6 oz bread + 8
of pemmican, 6 alcohol.
Sunday April 6th 1884
Cloudy, calm. Tempt at 4 a.m. -10 at 6 -5 + at 3:30 P.M. +2 at 7 P.M. -8 Inside
+27. Lt. K.
Whisler
Ellis + myself went with small sledge taking sleeping bag +
6 days provisions for Rice + Fred to
summit of Garlington Island. Weak very weak 4 hours + 10 minutes to summit + 1
½ hour to return. Rice + Fred
started at 9:15 PM with our best wishes + prayers. Long had
no success hunting. He saw 1 seal + 2 dovekies.
Salor caught 15 lbs shrimp. Ravens now seen every day.
Lynn our genial comrade has during the winter been rather
petulant + irritable owing to the Isabella trip when his mind was undoubtedly
affected. Talked [illegible] to Ralston
at 11 a.m. + then soon after became unconscious and at 7 P.M. passed quietly
away. How indifferently we look at anything of this kind now — what
stocism is shown. Rice + Ralston slept
soundly in the same bag with the corpse +c Reflections on his past life +c Light snow fell during the morning, but cleared in evening. A fine
Eng. pemmican stew of 5 oz each had a very beneficial effect to us this evening.
Jens ration was yesterday doubled in addition to the 1/3d
of dovekie daily.
Monday April 7th 1884
Snow falling heavily all day. Calm, tempt. 6 am -8.7 + at 1 P.M. +2. Inside +27.
Lynn buried at 10 a.m. Lt. K. dug grave which was only 6 inches deep but in our weak
state nothing more could be done. It was all that eight of us
could do to get the sledge up hill to
ridge. The Dr. says that Lynn literally died of starvation — a living skeleton
indeed. He could not eat his shrimps for the last few days. I shot 2 ptarmigan
with one shot. Biederbick diluted alcohol + with some
slight flavoring made an excellent "moonshine" drink of which an issue was made
this evening. The hunters did not go out — No shrimps either during the
storm. Jewell + Lockwood I think will
soon follow Lynn — they are failing rapidly. I saw a large bird
flying west uttering a hoarse squak — resembled a crane.
Jens is in good spirits. Several are taking the
precaution of making their wills + writing letters to their friends.
Tuesday April 8th 1884
Wind + snow storms all night + day with much drift.
Tempt. at 7 a.m. + 13.5 + at 3 P.M. -5. Inside +27. Lt. fell
in faint from exhaustion in ally way + much trouble expended in reviving him.
Jewell in almost a helpless condition + has about lost his
grip. All feeling cold + miserable. Diluted alcohol again issued + a most
satisfactory impression [illegible].
I went down through the storm after dinner to the shrimping grounds + came home
at about 9 P.M. with 15 lbs. They are caught by lowering a net (made by putting
a gunny sack over a barrel hoop + with bait in the bottom) into the ice hinge +
then hauling after a few minutes. Locality is 3/4 mile from Camp Clay toward
Cape Sabine + at foot of Shrimp Glacier.
Wednesday April 9th 1884
Storm continues unabated. Tempt. at 7 a.m. -7 + at 11 am +1.5. Inside +25.
Lieut L. had been unconscious all the morning and finally
breathed his last at 4:20 P.M. This will be a sad blow to his family.
Biederbick + I laid him out — closed his eyes +
looked over his affairs. Jewell about the same.
Tea increased to 1 cup per man. Jens extra ration
discontinued. Rum (diluted alcohol) issued. Lt. Greely
formally revoked the order relieving Lt. K from duty with the Expedition and again placed him on
duty. He spoke in the warmest + highest
terms of K’s conduct since leaving Conger + said that they
had probably mistaken each others notions. C.O. gave
directions about his effects in case anything should happen to him. I had
Ellis improve a net with which Whistler attempted to fish near a small island not far from camp
but no success. Ellis was again detected in eating stearine
+ was punished by having his dinner denied him but he cried + begged in the most
abject manner for a remission of his sentence. The order was modified + only
½ his tea was taken. Jens shot a ptarmigan without
success. Dr. Pavy has volunteered to cut the ice hereafter
— owing to the weakness of the rest of the party.
Bender sick with his chest complaint. I took inventory
today. Meat 144 lbs. Bread 70 lbs + dovekies 12 lbs. Can we live until May 10.
— Sky is cloudy but every cloud has its silvery lining says the poet.
Thursday April 10th/84
The storm has now been raging for four days + continued until about 8 P.M. when
it subsided to fresh breeze + snow eased. Tempt. 4 a.m. +2.5 and at 2 P.M. -9 at
7 P.M. -14. Inside +24. Jewell is trying to rally but the
attempt is a very feeble one.
The last sad rites were performed for our late comrade + he was placed on
Cemetery Ridge with the other three. I made a trip at 4 am to shrimp grounds +
again at 8 + caught 12 lbs. In the evening I again went down + brought back 10
pounds. Jewell does not relish his shrimp + is slowly
starving to death. Biederbick quite ill but he has
wonderful spirits. Gardiner is gradually drooping.
Connell and Ellis the same.
Salor is not able [to] attend to the shrimp
fishing + I have taken it off his hands. Whistler made a statement to both the C.O.
+ myself of which the conduct of Dr. Pavy in fall of 1881 +
of
which I must question him
further on our return to the U.S. Jens is not feeling well.
— What will we do without him in the Kyak. Alcohol for drink again issued.
A suet pemican stew gives us much pleasure this evening. I used the last of the
bird skins today + will now have to use the bones or carcasses — first
removing the meat.
Friday April 11th 1884
A fine beautiful day — the best so far in this month, clear, calm + tempt
at 4 am. -23 at 9 a.m. -15 + at same time in the sun it rose to +17. In the
evening it fell to -24 at 9. Inside +25. Whistler went down at 4 a.m. to shrimp grounds + brought down
about 3 lbs. I brought in at 11:30 a.m. after 3 hours fishing 8 lbs. Used seal
skin + bird skeleton for bait. Long +
Jens went out to open water at an early hour + returned
at 3 P.M. without having seen anything except a walrus.
[illegible] (From this page turn to 154.)
Israel broke down in the health this morning but his
spirits are good. Jewell does not rally except when alcohol
is issued
and late in the
evening he became delirious.
I went down to the shrimp grounds after dinner and while awaiting the tardy
little crustaceans + walking up + down to keep from freezing revolving a fine
supper in my mind I saw a medium sized bear come in sight around the point 200
yds below me. My first impulse was to secrete myself behind a hummock + make an
attack on the animal with the seaweed spear + hatchet but as they did not strike
me as being particularly desirable weapons with which to encounter a ferocious +
hungry bear I considered descretion the better part of valor + hastily decamped,
taking the 5 lbs of shrimp which I had collected — not wishing to lose
both bear + shrimp — Dodging through the heavy ice I managed to escape
unseen + made as rapid progress as possible considering my weak condition. He
came on with a sort of pacing gait + went in where I had been fishing. How I
managed to reach the house as I did I have not the slightest idea but I had to
abandon my heavy mittens + shrimp can on Cemetery ridge + dashing down the hill
entered the hut in a very undignified manner + hurried Long
+ Jens off with the rifles to secure him. Lt. K. followed but soon returned
completely broken down. At 9:50 the hunters
returned + announced that they had met with success + that the bear had been met
near cove—having followed closely on my trail — and retreated
towards the open water — + that they killed him not more than 20 yards
from the water. At once all was life and animation + in 20 minutes 9 of us had
left with the sledge first taking 3 oz each of bacon to keep us up. Reached the
open water at midnight + loaded him on after much difficulty + cut out some of
the blood to carry home. Saw large seal on our arrival at water. This is Good
Friday + the last fast day. Floe broke this morning + Long
had a narrow escape. Jens
[illegible].
Saturday April 12th/84
Clear, calm + a brighter day than yesterday. Tempt. at 2 a.m. -24 at 1 P.M. -14.
at 7 P.M. -20.°1. We started back soon after midnight + was at hut at 2:20
a.m. having made a rather remarkable trip considering our condition.
Ellis who went out solely for the rum + bacon which was
to be issued at the open water was useless on the
this paragraph is a continuation from page
151. Not included in original transcription and transcribed by TMU
C.O. orders me to eat 2 oz extra pemmican daily in order to
keep my strength. He also increased [illegible] +
Jens ration 4 oz pemmican daily - all three sub rosa.
Biederbick has found inconclusive evidence that
Dr. P. stole the extract of [illegible][guess (ps): beef] which was missed last winter. the bright
sunlight has had a very salutary effect on the health + spirits of all who have
been out [illegible]. During this short rations imaginary
bills of fare are being made up by [illegible] all what
glorious feasts we eat in our minds.
Sat April 12th continued
outward trip + on starting back he informed me that he was no longer able to
hunt. A drink of diluted alcohol + a fine stew of 5 oz American Pemmican with
the addition of a few ounces of raw bear meat + blubber soon restored us to our
normal condition. Bender + Biederbick
skinned + cut up the animal which will dress about 400 lbs. Everything is
utilized
intestines lungs
heart + head +c The stomach (which was nearly empty) the liver, wind pipe + feet I
will use for shrimp bait. This fellow is our salvation — without him in
two weeks Connell, Israel,
Gardiner, Ellis,
Salor, Biederbick,
Kislingbury + Bender would have
been in their graves. As it is they are just snatched from its brink. What
rejoicing among us. We left some of the weakest weaping for joy when we left
last night. Jewell died at 10 am. +
Biederbick + myself closed his eyes + straightened his
poor emaciated limbs + at 2 PM he was buried with the other four on Cemetery
Ridge. Poor fellow if the bear had been killed 24 hours sooner he might in all
probability have been saved. Whistler saw Henry steal a large piece of
meat last evening + eat it while Bender +
Biederbick was working on the bear.
C.O. was kind enough to appoint me Sergeant in the
Signal Corps to date from today subject of course
to the approval of the Chief Signal Officer. This
increases my pay [to]
$17.00 per month. Kislingbury was in very bad condition
yesterday but is now picking up rapidly as are all the others. It shows the
affects of the mind over the body. Meat ration increased to 8 oz daily + all the
shrimp we can catch. The hunters + the shrimper (myself) each get 8 oz extra of
meat. Elison also gets the same.
Hunters did not go out today. Bender repaired their guns.
Sunday April 13th 1884
Clear + calm with tempt of -9 at 7 am. + -14 at 7 P.M. Inside +28.
I went down to the shrimping grounds after breakfast + brought up 20 lbs.
Frederick came in at 1:30 P.M. with the sad news of the
death of our friend Rice at 7:45 P.M. on Wednesday evening
April 9th during the same storm. They had reached Eskimo Point where they
abandoned the sleeping bag + everything except rum, fuel + rations.
Then travelling out into Baird Inlet in search of the meat in the driving storm,
but against the advice of Fred. After 6 miles from land
Rice broke down from exhaustion + weakness at 3 P.M. +
Fred tried all available means to revive him with rum +
cheering words, but he passed away at 7:45 P.M. How sad — the howling
storm — his distracted comrade +c
Fred buried him in a drift + went back to the sleeping bag
+ brought all the effects with sledge back as far as Cocked Hat Island where he
abandoned it. He says there are [illegible] of open water at
Eskimo Point between the ice bergs + Rice Strait is also open + in a pool he saw
a seal. He also saw a fox near camp today. Fred has nobly
performed his duty + this trip will be always conspicuous as the most heroic
effort ever made in the Arctic. Long shot a seal at noon Whistler + myself dragged him in this evening. He will dress
about 60 lbs. + give 35 lbs of blubber. C.O. has increased
our ration of meat to 1 lb daily. He announced my transfer to the
Signal Corps + promotion to
Sergeant in the Corps + also transferred Ellis to the same
branch + to the same grade. Jens saw white whales.
Israel heard a snow bunting on the house this morning +
Fred saw one yesterday in Rice Strait.
Monday April 14th/84
Clear + calm here in Camp Clay but the hunters say that the wind has been high at
the open water + they saw nothing but a fresh bear track. I caught 22 lbs shrimp
+ returned very much fatigued but was then kept busily engaged in issuing until
dinner. Schneider had managed to eat so much fresh meat
that he threw up his supper + went to bed very sick.
Biederbick caught him in the act of taking meat from
the trimmings. Lt. G has not been feeling well for the last few days + the
Dr. says
his heart has been affected. He took a light lunch
of bread + pemmican in the commissary + this evening feels much better. He told
me that when a few days ago Israel had dispaired of life he
had written a letter to his mother asking that 2/3 of his property might be
given to me in consideration of my efforts this winter +c
Rice has appointed Lt. Kislingbury
M.P. Rice of Washington D.C. + myself as the executors of
his will + requests that all his effects be looked after by us + such as deserve
it be distroyed. Lt. G. told me that he thought that he would have no trouble
in procuring me a commission in the Army on my return to the U.S. +
Israel also volunteers his assistance.
Connell saw a snow bunting on the hill today.
Fred has not yet recovered from his severe trip + has
slept nearly all day. Tempt. -15.2 at 7 a.m. + about
the same in the evening. We are going to move to
Payer Harbor about the 10th of next month. A detachment of hunters will however
go down with the wall tent about the 25th inst. + all our effects will
afterwards be moved by easy stages.
Tuesday April 15th/84
Clear with light westerly breeze. Tempt. -10.°8 at 7 a.m. + at 3 P.M. -12.
Inside +27. I caught 15 lbs shrimps. Schneider came down +
brought up my can. I have probably worked too hard as I am very weak today.
Fred + Whistler went up to Cocked Hat Island + handed down the sledge
which the former abandoned two days ago. Long +
Jens saw three seals at the open water one of which
Jens shot at but missed.
Gardiner had a fainting fit this morning but now feels
better. The Commander taken ill with flux this evening +
came into commissary for a meal of bread + pemmican which I hope will have a
good affect as now on his good judgment depends our safety. Elisons bread decreased to 4 ounces + now 4 whole
hard tack are issued two in
evening + 2 in morning as a check on the Dr. The
C.O. desires that I take the correspondence to the N.Y.
Herald vacated by the death of Rice. The issue of 1 lb
fresh meat has been extended to Monday. Ellis +
Lt. Kislingbury are quite ill. Issue of rum or rather
diluted alcohol is to be continued from day to day until further orders. 3 years
ago today I received orders to join this expedition. Bread reduced to 2 oz per
day.
Wednesday April 16th 1884
Heavy snow fall with light westerly winds that continued all day. Tempt. at 7 am
+5 at 11 a.m. +16 + at 3 P.M. +19.°8 at 7 P.M. +2. Inside +28. I caught 18
lbs shrimp during the morning + in the evening again hauled the nets + secured
23 lbs more. I will now leave them down + work both tides to avoid the dampness
+ exposure which several hours fishing necessitates + be consequently rapidly
reducing my strength notwithstanding the extra 8 oz meat per day which I now
receive. Israel is feeling quite weak + has had his ration
increased 8 oz. Lt. Greely
is feeling somewhat better
today. He partook of another meal of bread + pemmican in the commissary house
while I was issuing in order to preserve his strength + health. This in his case
must be kept up at all hazards.
Lt. K. + Ellis are in a very weak state.
C.O. gave us some statistics this evening. The 12 oz of
bear meat for supper was fried instead of stewed + was much more relished than
usual. Ralston relieved from cooking in Lt. G’s mess + Fred taken from my
side to cook for them. Shorty tells me that Rice gave as
his opinion of the men of the party while he was dying that
Henry, Bender,
Schneider
Ellis + Connell were characters too
contemptible to live. Dr. Pavy,
Ralston, Jewell, Lynn, + Whistler he had no earthly use for + Lts.
Lockwood + Kislingbury he
considered good hearted men but very ignorant + dumb + no assistance to the
C.O. whom he considered a man. The latter he said was
forgiven for anything that he might have done toward him + in his
(Rice) eyes he had redeemed himself
during the winter at Camp Clay.
Henry paroled and given the limits of this peninsula.
Thursday April 17th/84
Clear + calm with a bright sunlight that fairly delighted our hearts weary of the
intermidable gloom + darkness of the interior of our hut. Tempt. at 9 a.m. in
shade +16 in sun +30. At 7 P.M. -5. + a beautiful evening. During middle of the
day light snow fell + indications of high storm in straits so hunters did not go
out. Inside tempt on rising this morning +28. Whistler made two more courses [of] windows in boat today
+ our light is greatly improved. I looked over the effects of
Rice and Jewell today. All his personal effects were
turned over to Lt. K + myself as his executors. His journal + notes + mss.
were given into my charge in defference to a suggestion made by
Pavy + they will be sealed by Lt. K. + myself tomorrow. C.O. refused to
allow Lt. K. to act as correspondent to the N.Y. Herald + the matter
according
to his +
C.O. promise yesterday will probably be turned over to
me. Shorty Fred made public the sentiment expressed by
Rice with his dying breath regarding the C.O.. He said
that during winter he had redeemed himself +c
Fredericks hauled the nets for me today + secured 42 lbs in
the two hauls. I have not been feeling well today + have layed off in
consequence. I came home last evening in exhausted state.
Everybody is feeling better today. The C.O. especially has
greatly improved. Weighed the blubber of seal — result 40 lbs. Fox track
at Strait seen.
Friday April 18th 1884
A terrific snow + wind storm continued all day until evening when it cleared off
+ the wind died away. Tempt. at 7 a.m. -1.°5 at 11 am +12. 3 P.M. +0.°5
at 7 P.M. -3. Inside +30.°8 before fires started.
I weighed the seal meat today — result 38 lbs making a total (including
blubber)
of 78 lbs. I visited
the shrimping grounds + brought back 18 lbs. Jens is making
the small sledge for seal screen. Lt. Kislingbury + I
sealed the notebooks of Rice + they were turned over to my
custody to deliver to the Chief Signal Officer by Lt.
Greely. Today we had over 100 lbs shrimps on hand. The issue of
diluted alcohol still continues. The light in the house is now so that it is
more agreeable but we cannot yet read from our bunks. Drip is considerable in
house. I am feeling very weak + almost without ambition. It must be the change
of diet that has made this change in my condition. Lt. G. again visited the commissary for a lunch of 8 oz
pemmican + about 6 of bread. He told me that Ralston had
been relieved from cooking on account of his having been detected by
Gardiner stealing food from his mess. It will cost him
about $350.00 (his mess bill) the C.O. says.
Everyone is much better today except Biederbick. He cannot
eat his shrimps + has not been up. Whistler is to be also excepted with above list. He is very
weak.
A fine stew this morning of 14 oz shrimps, 5 oz meat + 1 oz bread. This evening
another stew of 15 oz shrimps, 10 oz meat + 1 of bread. Won’t we get
fat!!!!!
Saturday April 19th 1884
Cloudy with heavy frost precipitation. Lt. west wind. Tempt. at 12:30 a.m. -17 at
8 a.m. +5 + at 3 P.M. +3.°5. Inside +29.°8. Barometer high + steady.
Long did not go out this morning but
Jens visited open water + saw a seal + a dovekie.
Gardiner gave me the disquieting details of
Ralston stealing while he was cooking also facts
relating to his "light fingers" at Fort Conger. Lt. G again visited the store house for lunch + had 12 oz
weighed out for the two next days. Ellis is worse —
he could not eat his breakfast. Biederbick is better. Whistler’s strength gave out today. We are all very weak +
it is hard to find men enough to empty the urinal tub and
cut the ice. The Dr.
usually attends to the latter job. I hauled 18 lbs shrimps + found that the
raven had paid a visit [to] the shrimping grounds. The greatest difficulty I have to
contend with is issuing the fresh meat which is all frozen + has to be sawed.
This in my weak condition is very trying + I often feel like giving up but the
future looks to bright + by sheer force of will alone I keep on. The ice in boat
+ on roof is now thawing rapidly + we are gradually removing it. We are now in
circumstances to admit of everyone having all the shrimp he wants — no
restrictions now. C.O. has awarded the prize of 1 lb of
nuts or dried fruit to Connell whose date was on the 20th
inst.
Sunday April 20th 1884
Barometer has been falling steadily all day. Tempt. at 7 a.m. -1. at 11 a.m. +2.
+ at 3 P.M. -0.5. Inside +29. Cloudy + stormy during the morning + evening in
the middle of the day however it was calm + fine with bright sunlight + light
air. Long + Jens at open water saw
nothing but 1 seal. I caught 15 lbs shrimps. Ellis was very
much
broken down this morning
by the flux but his condition had improved this evening. Dr.
Pavy was detected yesterday by Long stealing
Schneiders alcohol. A fine hard bread pudding (the last) this morning with 3 oz
tallow each was the finest dish I have tasted since Christmas. This evening a
fine stew of the trimmings of seal + bear heads the hearts, lungs, kidneys etc
of 13 oz each + 6 lbs of bear blood to each side or mess. The blood enriched the
stew beyond the conception of anyone unacquainted with its use + supplied it
with a thick delicious gravy + at the same time imparted a flavor which
proclaimed it the finest we have ever yet had in this place.
Schneider has taken another sleeping bag owing to quarrels
with his bag mates.
Israels ration of fresh meat (8 oz extra) discontinued
today.
Beginning tomorrow morning our meat ration has been reduced from 1 lb to 10 oz
per day. The Dr. reported that the hunters extra meat was
issued without any bone in it. Think of issuing a diet of bones to the men who
are working hard to put food in our mouths!!! From this date the sun will be
above the horizon at all hours + we can later amuse
ourselves by looking at the midnight sun.
Monday April 21st 1884
Weather cloudy + stormy with puffs of wind from the west. Tempt. at 7 a.m. -1. at
5 P.M. -2. It rose to +10.3 at 11 a.m. I had an attack of diarrhea last evening
+ got thoroughly chilled + lost my customary sleep in consequence. Will not
visit the shrimping grounds owing to my weak condition by
Dr. orders. Long +
Jens did not visit the open water.
Dr. says that Elison + myself are the strongest of the party. The
C.O. is recovering slowly. He again visited store house
for a lunch of pemmican + bread. Dr. wants to compromise
with C.O. + throws himself on the others mercy. He used
Lockwoods name in connection with his [illegible][guess (ljw): drunk at Franklin
Bay] in order to push his own case. Schneider accused of stealing meat
while cutting it + also of unfairness in issuing out the stew.
C.O. gave him a stern lecture + said if caught he would
be turned over to the party. Everyone [illegible] stew-pot on
our side spoiled by having a hole burned through its bottom.
Long was the only man strong enough to do the outside
work today. He is a wonderful fellow. Jens the happy good
natured little fellow is in excellent shape + full of hope of the future + says
he "is one of us."
Tuesday April 22nd 1884
Cloudy and stormy all day. In the evening the storm became particularly severe.
Tempt. at 5 a.m. +5 at 11 a.m. + 10 + at 3 PM +15. Inside +28.
Bender + Whistler have cut lining of the boat. Part of the stearine used
this evening + tomorrow we again fall back on wood of which we have at present
about 10 days. Long + Jens went out
notwithstanding the storm but found the water space closed by drifting ice. I
went down to shrimping grounds + found the baits badly [illegible] + got but 6 lbs. Will work the evening tide tomorrow.
Schneider refused to cook this evening owing to the
accusation of yesterday + the C.O. insisted on doing it for
him + issued the bacon. He however allowed Jens to make the
tea. 7½ oz cold bacon + 1 hard tack issued this evening make a good
change for us. Schneider was told to get up + cook
breakfast or he would receive no more food here. It is useless to say that
he accepted the latter
alternative. Dr. Pavy + Lt. K each recommended that our ration be increased to 16 oz
each but he [C.O.] compromised by increasing it to 12
only. We have at this rate only rations for 20 days. The future looks dark +
dreary for us with this stormy weather. On Dr. Pavys
recommendation my extra 8 oz meat was cut off. Several volunteered to give up
sufficient of their rations to make this up to me. C.O.
came into the commissary + had a lunch. He also directed me to take anything
that I would require in order to keep up my strength. This I cannot accept in
justice to my comrades for while my health remains I am willing to work + when
my strength is gone I hope someone will be strong enough to take my place. The
C.O.'s strength must at any sacrifice be kept up for
with him rests the credit of the Expedition + the U.S. He was not very well
today. All the others except Israel +
Gardiner were as well as usual. I issued the contents
of the seals stomach for tomorrows stew. This is rather hard for those of
fastidious tastes but we would like to
have even all of this sort of thing we could eat.
We have discarded reading at present owing to the scarcity of light and our
conversation flaggs for want of subjects + all are asleep by 7 P.M. Perhaps this
is better to plunge our troubles in sleep. C.O. gave me
directions today as to the disposal of his effects in the event of his death. I
also asked as a favor that my effects might be disposed of as [illegible] suggested. I advised the increase of the hunters
rations to 24 oz but it was not approved of.
Wednesday April 23d/84
Bright clear + beautiful day with a light westerly wind. Tempt. at 5 a.m. +5 at 7
P.M. +2. It rose to +15 in the sun. Inside in the morning +28.7 + in the evening
after snow was cleared of the keel of the boat it fell to +25. Trap door over stove made by Whistler. Bender made a stove + we began
using wood this morning for cooking. Israels +
Gardiners ration of meat increased 4 oz each.
Long + Jens did not see any game
today. There is very little water. I visited the shrimp grounds + put in
the nets before dinner +
returning went down again after dinner + brought back 30 pounds. I staggered
over to the point beyond camp in search of ptarmigan but saw nothing — not
even a track.
This life is getting almost unbearable — it is horrible. I am afraid we
will all go mad. What keeps us up in my own case it is the thoughts of home a
clear future with many enjoyments that I can expect. The faces of my friends +
family rise up before me with reproachful looks whenever I think of faltering.
Only 19 days provisions. The extra increase of 2 oz is to be issued in pemmican.
Ration is now 12 oz. I saw two ravens at shrimping grounds.
Thursday April 24th 1884
Clear + beautiful day with a light westerly wind. Tempt. at 6 a.m. 0 + in sun +17
at 11 a.m. + 2.5 + at 3 P.M. + 3.8. Barometer steady. Inside before lighting
fire +25. Dr. Pavy went down at 4 a.m. + put in the nets.
After breakfast I went down + found that he had fastened the ropes so that as
the tide rose it lifted
the
nets from the bottom + consequently nothing was found in them. He had also
filled them with rocks + discarded baits so that if the shrimps had been so
inclined they could not have reached the baits.
Schneider went down at 1 P.M. + brought back 8 pounds. He
lost two lbs by falling down + also lost my ladle with which I remove them from
the nets. I went down at 5 P.M. + returned at 7:30 with 12 pounds of shrimps.
Long + Jens saw an ussuk seal but
could get no shot. They found where a seal had been through the ice + also saw
three more holes. Day before yesterday the Dr. was detected
by both Elison + Fredericks in stealing the bacon
from the former while feeding him. The following morning finding that he could
steal no more he turned Elison over to Ralston to be fed.
C.O. + Lt. K. not so well today. the former again lunched in store
house. Israel + Gardiner poor fellows
with characteristic unselfishness did not
wish to take the extra 4 oz but wanted it given to
me in order to keep up my strength when shrimping.
Schneider relieved from cooking +
Bender detailed instead. The former to help me with
shrimps. Two pots of stew this evening + of tea. Tempt inside at noon was +24.
Friday April 25th 1884
Stormy day. Westerly wind caused much drift + made the day a very disagreeable
one. Hunters did not go out. Jens made seal screens.
Schneider went down to shrimp grounds + returned at 4
a.m. with 10 lbs. He gave out + is now on the sick list. My rations have again
been increased by 8 oz + I will endeavor by making 3 trips to get all the
shrimps we want. I went down at 5 a.m. + found that
Schneider had left the nets suspended + got only 4 lbs.
I shot two ptarmigan on my return on Cemetery Ridge. I went down again at 6 P.M.
+ got 16 lbs. My legs are very weak + sore. Gardiner not as
well as yesterday.
Tempt. at 7 a.m. +9 at 9 am +10.5 Inside at 6 a.m. +22.°5 — the lowest
for a long time. The largest expanse of water in Straits that I have seen this
year. The Spring
tides have
[illegible] it out during the night. Barometer has been
falling all day. We have a double stew again this evening. the shrimps certainly
help to fill ones stomach but they have very little nutriment — it is very
plain that we could not subsist on them alone. By actual count there are 1300 to
the half gill or about 700 to the ounce of the little fellows.
Saturday April 26th 1884
Cloudy with light snow at intervals + a brisk westerly wind which caused some
drift. I hauled 10 lbs shrimps at 2:30 a.m. Made another trip at noon but could
not raise the nets owing to high tide. Fredericks went down
for me at 6 PM + brought back 7 lbs. He said that there was nothing of any
account in nets. Everyone is feeling better today. I am having a new shrimp net
made. C.O. again lunched in store house on bread bacon +
pemmican.
Long + Jens saw a large ussuck seal at
open water wind too high to admit of successful hunting. Barometer has been
rising rapidly since morning.
Our conversation now is chiefly on the subject of food. From the present
indication our stock of food will soon be a matter of the past.
Tempt. at 5 a.m. +7 at 11 am +10 + at 7 PM -2. Inside +26.
Sunday April 27th 1884
Clear with light westerly wind in the morning. Wind died away at 9 a.m. Tempt. at
4 a.m. +1 at 11 a.m. +14.5 and + at same time +37. in the sun. Snow melted
slightly on the exposed surface of the boat. Tempt. inside +26. Outside at 9
P.M. -6. Barometer falling slightly.
I went to shrimp grounds at 4 a.m. + returned at 9 with 22 lbs. In the evening I
brought abt 15 lbs more after 4 hours fishing. I now work both low tides +
remain as long as the crack will permit me to haul. Salor
made me a new net + Schneider
[illegible] a line. Sick are better except
C.O.
Jens is getting weak. His + Longs
ration is increased 4 oz. They went out to hunt quite early + returned during
supper. They saw 12 white whales + Jens shot at a large
seal on the ice.
Henry brewed the issue of alcohol without authority stole
enough of the precious fluid to get thoroughly and disgustingly drunk. He is a
born thief as his 7th Cavalry name will show — a perfect fiend.
Dr. P. recommends that 4 oz bacon + pemmican be issued
alternately each morning cold to assist our bowels which are now in a deplorable
state. Jens is very weak, + says "Eskimo no good" in his
honest, pathetic manner. We are struggling bravely — how bravely for life
the world may never know for I am afraid that none of us will be left to tell
the tale of our trials + suffering. No pen can adequately describe the horrors
of our situation. With the one exception of the thief all are doing their best.
Long saw two snow buntings. He says that
Jens was close on the seal + the miss of the shot was
very awkward.
Monday April 28th/84
Cloudy, almost a fog — calm, with tempt. at 5 a.m. -4, at 7 a.m. +5.3 at
12:30 P.M. +21. at 2 P.M. +8 + at 8 P.M. 0. Inside +28. I visited shrimp ground
at 5 + returned at 9:30 a.m. with 25 lbs. I also fished up considerable kelp +
other marine vegetation. I was very tired + Fredericks went
down for me in the evening + returned with 10 lbs. Israel
not so well. C.O. the same — his heart troubles him.
The abnormal stools are fast reducing our strength.
Gardiner is better. Biederbick
fainted dead away this morning while at stool. Hunters say ice closed in +
nothing seen [illegible]. Ration of diluted alcohol taken from
Henry + he is detailed to empty urine tub + perform
other work as a prisoner. C.O. again lunched in commissary.
Jens is in excellent spirits. Israel
has promised him a new watch. C.O. a new kyak Lt. K. + Biederbick a boat + others have
made similar promises.
Tuesday April 29th 1884
Clear beautiful day. Tempt. at 7 a.m. +6 at 10 a.m. +9. at 9 P.M. +4. at 11 a.m.
it rose to +39 in the sun. Inside +27. I went down to shrimp at 7 a.m. + caught
20 lbs. In the evening I brought up 10 lbs more. Long
returned at 2:30 P.M. with the sad report of the death of
Jens by drownding. He had seen a large seal on a floe beyond a lane of water + while
crossing to it had to transport his kyak over a drifting tongue of ice which he
did by pushing it ahead of him — then reembarking on opposite side he had
made but a short distance when the kyak began sinking. He sprang out + was soon
dead but floated about half an hour. Long endeavored to
assist him + came near losing his own life. Long tried also
to save the kyak + the large Springfield rifle but both were lost. This is a sad
blow to us + may prove fatal. Long saw several seals in the
water afterwords — some of which he could have shot but as there was no
way to get them out of the water he had to return without
firing a shot.
Fredericks is going to hunt during the night +
Long during the day. A terrible gale began at 7 P.M.
from the South + straits badly broken.
Wednesday April 30th/84
A fine day, gale subsided at 1 a.m. + sky remained cloudy until about 9 a.m. when
the sun broke through in all its glory + only a suspicion of a zephyr from the
West.
Tempt. at 7 a.m. +2. at 2 P.M. +12. In sun +36. Inside +26.2 At 9 P.M. +7.
Long + Fred are to hunt one in day +
the other at night. Long went to Payer Harbor + followed up
the open water. Saw several seal holes + two bear tracks.
I devised + constructed a rake from iron barrel hoops with which I made quite a
successful haul of marine vegetation. I think that if we are so unfortunate as
to be unable to get more game we can eke out a miserable existence on this
vegetation + shrimps until the arrival of the birds. I hauled 22 lbs shrimps in
morning + 10 lbs at night + [illegible] kelp. C.
O. is feeling better.
He took lunch again in store house. He also told me that he had written a letter
to be found in his journal on the event of his death that owing to the weak
state of Lt. Kislingbury’s mind I should assume
command of the Expedition + in the event of my death
Ralston, Gardiner,
Fredericks + Long would follow in
order. Everyone except lt. K appears to be improving in health.
Turf or the roots + leaves of saxifrage is being used quite successfully now as
fuel in connection with the wood. I last evening suggested to cut off the bow or
stern of the boat + try to make it water tight with a piece of painted canvas
but the C.O. deemed it impracticable to manage owing to our
weak condition.
Snow began falling at 6 P.M. that prevented Fred from going
out. Long refused suffering with snow blindness.
Thursday May 1st/84
Tempt. inside +29. Everyone except C.O. are feeling better.
The last of the lime juice was used yesterday. Last of the English pemmican was
issued today. + all the bread will go tomorrow. This suspense is horrible. Will
the last blow prove fatal to us? Something tells me that it will not. How can we
die a horrible death by starvation after three years of severe labor in these
regions without telling the world of the results of our work + enjoying the
results of our success. Only 9 days rations left. One would not think that we
were so near our end to hear us discuss subjects so near our hearts (food) as
well as the probable changes in clothing gloves hats watches +c I think it probable that we could live on shrimps + the marine
vegetation but my bait for
the
former is nearly all gone + my strength is going fast. I cannot supply these
articles for 18 persons for many days more. Anyhow there is but very little
nutriment in either article and an immense quantity would be required to keep us
alive.
Tempt. at 7 am +9 at 1 P.M. +10 + at 11 P.M. +1.
Snow fell slowly + steadily all day. Fred went out hunting
today + brought in encouraging reports of seal holes off Beebee Point. I fished
for 6 hours + caught 23 lbs shrimps in addition to about 6 lbs kelp. In the
evening another trip resulted in 2 lbs shrimps. Returned at 11:30 P.M. very
tired + weak. Kislingburys mind is almost completely gone.
Poor fellow, he talked so hopely of the future + his happy meeting with his four boys.
Longs eyes are better. Two pots of stew + no tea this
evening. C.O. asked each person individually his opinion
with regard to the extention of the provisions. Most in favor of making them run
as far as possible.
Snow fell all day.
Friday May 2nd 1884
Cloudy with light snow until 2 P.M. when it cleared sufficiently to allow
Fred to go out hunting.
Tempt. at 6 am +2. at 11 a.m. +9. Inside +28.9.
Salor relieved Bender as cook in our
mess. The latter troubled with lungs again. He went down with me to Shrimp
grounds. Caught 24 lbs + 7 of kelp. Modified the kelp rake.
Long went out this morning but saw nothing. I was sick
this morning + unable to eat anything until evening. It was owing to the stew of
last evening having an overdose of salt.
Last of our bread was issued today. Rations reduced to 8 oz except the hunters,
shrimper + Israel + Elison. Everyone except Lt. K + C.O. are better. I find that
someone had been tampering with the lock of commissary store house. The future
looks very dark for us but as for myself I have lost all fear of death + now
look forward to it as a relief from our terrible sufferings. My emaciated frame
is nothing but a bundle of bones — it would not make a respectable hat
rack.
Saturday May 3d 1884
Clear with light westerly wind, which however did not prevent
Long from going to Rice’s Straits. He [was] gone 15 hours. Shot
small seal in water but it sank 5 yds from ice. [illegible].
Fred came in at 1 a.m. + went out at 8 a.m. again after
game. In the first instance he saw six seals + flock of dovekies. He broke
through the ice + thoroughly saturated his feet. Today he saw four more seals.
Ice about Beebee Point looks as if it was about to break up. Shrimps 25 lbs +
kelp about 6 lbs. During the next Spring Tides I confidently expect to get
enough kelp to last us for ten or fifteen days. I use the bears liver for bait,
it is very good.
Whistler was caught in commissary store house by
Bender. He had forced the lock + was eating bacon + had
a large piece (about 2 lbs) in the breast of his blouse. He is the most abject
cowardly + craven that ever disgraced mankind by his presence. I shot a brace of
ptarmigan on Cemetery Ridge. Lt. G. is quite ill today. He said that he was afraid that he
was about at his end. Everyone is better physically but the theft has upset
the spirits generally.
The saxifrage is doing good work for us as fuel. Henry
gathered a large quantity today.
Tempt. at 6 a.m. at zero. at 11 am. +12. at 3 P.M. +6. The tempt remains very
low for this season. Even nature is against us, will nothing be favorable for
us. Our ration is now only 8 oz daily except the shrimps + kelp in which there
is little or no nutriment. Will these days of misery + wretchedness never end
— can we endure it much longer with thieves + men devoid of all honor in
our midst. Tempt. inside at 6 a.m. [illegible]
Lt. G has taken nothing but three or four spoonfuls of stew.
Will anyone ever be able to decipher this writing. It is in great part illegible
the sentences incoherent, + all written in a hurry + with great rapidity and
under the most trying circumstances that our miserable condition would admit of.
Long saw no seal on the ice. He did not return until 9:30
a.m.
Sunday May 4th 1884
Clear beautiful day with the customary westerly wind (light). Tempt. at 7 am. +6.
at 11 a.m. +19 + at 3 P.M. +6. In the sun it rose to +27. Icicles formed on
rocks. Inside tempt. + [gap: omitted]
I caught 30 lbs shrimps + 2 of sea vegetation. I am steadily adding to the
Natural History collection of specimens which we have been accumulating in
alcohol. C.O. is somewhat better — [illegible] is quite himself again to the great relief and
gratification of everyone. Fred saw walrus at Sabine.
Long went out at 4 P.M.
Monday May 5th 1884
Cloudy + windy all day + light snow began falling during the evening.
Long returned shortly after midnight having seen
nothing. Fred went out this morning + only returned at
dinner without having seen anything. I caught 28 lbs shrimps + 3 lbs kelp.
Henry + Biederbick
gathered saxifrage.
Ration changed somewhat. 4 oz pemmican is now issued in lieu of 4 oz of fresh
meat. + 3 oz bacon will be issued in the same manner day after tomorrow. Tea is
also increased to 3 inst of 2 spoonfulls in each pot. C.O.
tells me that he has written a letter to General Hazen + also one to his wife.
In the former he has mentioned his wishes with regard to me if I should succeed
in getting through + as reports Long he wishes him to be
assigned to Signal Corps + shown all possible consideration.
Gardiner the same. Ralston and
Jewell are to pay their mess bill.
Cross to pay his from the time he was relieved by
Fredericks. Rice +
Israel are not to pay theirs. The latter is to be shown
all possible consideration + all due credit given him for his scientific work.
Fredericks is to be assigned to the Signal Corps as 1st
Class Private retained as ambulance driver or useful man
generally. Biederbick
to be made Hospital Steward if possible. A commission as 2nd Lieutenant is to be
my reward for services rendered in the interests of the Expedition. With regard
to his wife I am to communicate all the requests made me by her husband.
Everything looks dark for us. If the C.O. does not pull
through the Expedition will have lost its best friend + the full benefit of our
three years work lost — As for me I had rather be lain by his side on
Cemetery Ridge than go back without him. So great is the respect admiration +
affection that I have formed toward him this winter. He has indeed proved
himself the man under the most trying circumstances.
Tempt. at midnight stood at zero. +16.°5 at 11 a.m. + +10. at 5 P.M. The
Dr. tells me that my strength is failing + that he
detects difficulty with my heart caused by over-exertion.
Tuesday May 6th 1884
A high S.E. gale set in at 3.30 a.m. + continued with great violence until 1 P.M.
— Passage drifted full + party generally miserable. Half a lemon issued to
flavor the diluted alcohol. It was good — we have only 1½ more
— the only luxury in Ellesmere Land. Stormy discussion between the
Dr. + C.O. in which the latter
after ordering the former to "Shut up" four times told him (when the
Dr. continued to talk) that if he was not the
Dr. of the Expedition he (C.O.) would shoot him.
Bender interfered + did not keep silence when ordered +
was threatened by C.O. to shut. C.O.
siezed
Longs rifle + Bender asked
Lt. K. to let him get behind him. I took gun from
C.O. + compelled Bender to get in
his bag. Connell announced that he thought a conspiracy was
being formed to allow the strong men to get through + the weak ones to get along
the best they can.
The starting of the whole matter was that yesterday Dr.
recommended that the fresh meat be extended as far as possible + today
Lt. G. ordered that the hunters have bacon + pemmican issued
to them instead of the extra 8 oz of fresh meat as heretofore. In order that all
kinds of food may run out at the same time. To this arrangement the
Dr. objected owing to the great value of the bacon +
pemmican. Sick about the same. Tempt. inside +25.0 In the shade at 1 P.M. +14.
at 6 P.M. +20.0.
Issued C.O. 1 lb lime juice pemmican extra for four days
use by his order.
Half (4 oz) of Elisons extra ration of meat cut off. I went down after dinner
+ after 3 hours work returned with 12 lbs shrimps + about 2 of kelp. The snow is
falling heavily at the time.
Wednesday May 7th 1884
Wind from west with drift + tempt. at 6 a.m. +14 at 11 am. +32.5 + at 3 P.M. +15.
The wind + drift are severe. Inside +27.
Day spent by many in the preparation of farewell letters to their friends. I did
the same + got all my effects ready for Relief party in order to save them
trouble. Section of boat cut out for fuel + space covered by canvass.
Ralston today asked me to act as his Executor in event of
his death. I acceded.
Gardiner is worse also Lt. K. + Ellis. Owing to stormy day
hunters did not go out. A terrific Easterly gale began at 2.30 P.M. I started
out at 3 resolved to go to shrimp fishery but had not sufficient strength to
face it + had to return. I was blown off Cemetery Ridge several times + was
finally compelled to crawl up on my hands + knees.
Thursday May 8th 1884
Tempt. inside +30 Outside + +16 at 7 am + +6 at 9 P.M.
Wind subsided at 11 am. At 8 am. snow began falling heavily. I went to shrimp
fishery at 7 a.m. + hauled net — result 12 lbs. after 5 hours work. After
dinner I caught 22 lbs more + about 5 lbs sea vegetation. I felt very tired on
my return this evening. The heavy vegetation rake is a strength reducer. Snow
ceased falling + sun came out brightly at 2 P.M. Fred went
out hunting at 4 P.M. Sick are about the same but their strength is gradually
slipping. My own is going fast.
The Sound is an open sea in which a vessel may sail with impunity. It has
increased considerably.
Friday May 9th 1884
Tempt. inside + 30.5
Tempt. of air at 7 a.m. +14 at 11 a.m. it had fallen to +13.0 at 4 P.M. it stood
at +10 + at 9 P.M. +5.5.
Fred returned at 1.30 a.m. + reported having seen many seals
one of which was drifting on the ice but he could not get at him. He also saw
several gulls + a bird with a long beak. He reports a school of fish which were
probably white whales.
The Dr thinks one may live through for a short time on the
shrimps and sea vegetation. Some of the weaker however will have to go, they
cannot possible survive the reduction at the present low state of the system.
Ellis prepared several baits for me when requested to cut
the hair from other baits growled about getting out of the bag + working in the
cold for those miserable shrimps.
The Dr. is doing wonderfully well. He cuts the ice, attends
the sick + gives lectures + rustles about generally. I issued another pound of
pemmican to the C.O. today. Cloudy with light westerly wind
in the morning. Sky cleared at 1 P.M. but the wind continued
light the entire day.
The daily issue of the diluted alcohol has a most beneficial effect on the
spirits + general tone of the party.
Long went out this morning notwithstanding the unfavorable
weather. He returned at 4.30 PM without having seen any seals on the ice + only
a few in water. No birds seen. Israels extra rations of 4
oz was cut off today. Elisons has been reduced to 4 oz. The hunters receive 12 oz
extra on days when they hunt + only 8 oz on other days. The shrimper (myself)
receives 8 oz daily. Fred went out again this evening to
hunt.
I caught 30 lbs shrimps after 5 hours work. I lost my kelp rake by the breaking
of my rope. I secured small amount of vegetation with pole.
Whistler + Salor made their wills today.
Saturday May 10th 1884
Clear beautiful morning + remained so all day. Light west wind in morning but
calm rest of day. Tempt. at 2 a.m. at zero at 5 a.m. +4 At 3 P.M. +6 at 9 P.M.
+3. In sun it rose to +27.
Inside before starting fire +31 — the highest yet.
Fred returned at 2 P.M. having seen only two seals + 1
white whale. He went out again after dinner. Long had no
luck — he did not even see anything. I caught 36 lbs shrimps + dragged up
10 lbs of sea vegetation from 4 till 10 P.M. I was badly broken down on
returning owing the heavy load + the blood flowed from my nostrils after the
exertion of climbing the ice-foot. I made a new vegetation rake which is an
improvement over the old one.
Greenland coast very plain + distinct tonight + the water perfectly free of ice
appears to extend to the opposite shore. Long from the
top of Cape Sabine reports
Smith Sound open to the north + south as far as the cape can extend + no ice in
sight. This looks favorable for the speedy arrival of the Relief Ship or the
party from Lyttleton Island.
Sunday May 11, 1884
Clear beautiful day and only a breath of air at intervals from the west. Tempt.
at 2 a.m. -2. Tempt. in sun rose to +37 at noon. At 3 P.M. (shade) +7.5 at 9
P.M. +1.
Inside +29.8. Fred returned at 2 a.m. and reported having
shot a large seal but it sank before drifting to margin of ice. This is a sad
loss for us — almost a fatal blow. He went out again this evening.
Long went out after breakfast returning at 4 P.M.
having seen several seals, one of which he came near shooting.
New ice has been crowding down in the channel all day.
Last of the pemmican was issued today —
also all the fresh meat except ten lbs. which was
ordered to be kept. Biederbick made a rake for sea
vegetation today. Gardiner slightly better. Lt. K. + Ellis are worse.
Biederbicks rake worked very well but the vegetation
will soon be exhausted. I caught 26 lbs shrimps + 10 of vegetation.
Monday May12th 1884
Cloudy + calm in early morning but before 9 am the sky cleared beautifully.
Tempt. at 1 a.m. +6, at 6 a.m. +9. At 8 P.M. +3. In sun tempt rose to +32.1.
Fred returned at 1 am having seen a seal + a gull. He saw a
ptarmigan on the house on his return but had to go back to Cemetery Ridge for
shot gun — on his return the bird had flown.
I went over to the point beyond camp for ptarmigan but saw nothing. I issued the
last of the provisions today. They are for two days + consisted of 12 ½
oz bacon + tallow to each man in addition to 1 oz each per meal for stews for 6
meals.
The extra for hunters + shrimper extend only to tomorrow.
Israel feeling somewhat depressed in spirits today made a
verbal will — his personal effects — 1 pair gold sleeve buttons + a
gold pen with ivory holder he wished to go to his family as relics. His pocket
knife to myself + something over two hundred dollars (in paper) to be used as
follows: $25.00 to be taken for the comfort of Elison on the voyage down. $10.00 to each of the families of
our faithful natives. $75.00 to be used by some of the following in the order
named for the purpose of visiting his family. Major Greely,
Brainard, Gardiner +
Biederbick. The remainder of the amount or what is
necessary is to be divided for the use of the Expedition on the voyage down.
— for purchase of food +c I give this as an illustration to show the state of our minds how we
are prepared to die + talk freely of the subject more as a matter of business
than because we fear its dread approach.
Another section of the boat was taken off today. Canvas roof on the lean to was
removed — this leaves us only the short passage way. Clothing was taken
out to evaporate in the sun.
Long went out to the open water + saw nothing but two
seals, neither of which were on the ice. He was very much exhausted. I caught 25
shrimps + 5 lbs vegetation. I also brought up a mullosk about ½ inch in
diameter which I added to Natural History collection. Wind rose + sky became
cloudy in the evening preventing Fred from going out. He
came down to assist me instead with the buckets.
Tuesday May 13th 1884
Clear + beautiful day with no wind except previous to 9 a.m. when it was very
light. Tempt at 10 a.m. +14. At 5 P.M. +9. + at 10 P.M. +5.0. In the sun it rose
to +35.5 Inside +28.°5. All of us went out today except Elison. Gardiner is very weak + had to be
supported. Ellis will probably go in a few days. He fell
down in the passage this morning from shear
weakness. We all stagger + reel like drunken men
when we walk. Long is ill today. He did not go out.
Fred however went + saw nothing but a raven + a small
seal. He saw the marks on many pieces of ice where a seal had attempted to climb
on the floe. Israel is better. C.O.
about the same. Schneider had to be relieved from cooking
this morning on account of faintness. Henry officiated as
cook the remainder of day.
Some have eaten all their two days bacon + will now have to depend on the
shrimps. A disgraceful scene occurred here last evening when I was a the
shrimping grounds. The C.O. related to me the following.
Lt. K. asked him for a copy of the order confirming the verbal
order placing him on duty + in addition asked that the laudatory words which the
C.O. had written in a private letter to Gen.
Hazen be added. This among other things led to difficulty +
C.O. informed K. that "he was a liar." The Dr. now
took the opportunity of asking that a letter of the same character
certifying his good conduct +
medical skill be furnished to Chief Signal Officer + also
copy be given to himself. C.O. under pressure was therefore
compelled to write a letter but carefully mentioned only his medical skill
— his conduct generally was not referred to.
The clothing is drying finely in the sun.
This is an important anniversary for me. In 1882 Lt.
Lockwood + myself reached our farthest on the north Greenland
coast + on the same date in 1883 we reached the end of our journey + more than
the end of our rations in Greely Point at the Western Sea. This year our rations
are consumed on the same date. I had Bender construct a
dredge from an English bacon can to try for mollusks — made several hauls
but got nothing but sand. I caught 22 lbs shrimps + about 4 of vegetation. I
carry the shrimps in two large tin buckets hung across the shoulders with a
strap. It is very hard + exhausting to carry them for the entire mile without
assistance
+ I am afraid that
my strength will not be equal to the task for many days more.
Fred had narrow excape from being drifted away by
detaching of floe.
Wednesday May 14th 1884
Clear beautiful weather until noon when light snow fell for a short time —
began falling continuing all day.
Both hunters went out this morning, returning at 4 P.M. They saw a seal + 3
dovekies. the former they could have shot. No use however.
Tempt at 5 a.m. +7. at 8 a.m. +12. at 4 P.M. +15. at 10 P.M. +10.
In the sun it rose to +32. Bender made screen for hunters.
Schneider is better. He however as a matter of
precaution + business made his will. I am appointed by him to send his effects
at N.Y. to his parents, also his notes after I have used them for my information
all I desire. His watch + knife I also receive. Israel was
quite ill this morning but during the afternoon felt better. Poor fellow, how
bravely he faces the grim Destroyer. But we are all in the same fix + there is
nothing else to do but die like
men + soldiers.
Ellis + Lt. K. are weaker today. C.O. is not so
weak as usual.
We were all lying about in the sun outside this morning on a sleeping bag like
seals. It does us good and appears to give strength to our feeble limbs. We poor
bloodless beings have but little foundation for the sun to act on. During over 5
hours hard work after dinner I caught only 20 lbs shrimps + about 4 of
vegetation. My baits are very poor but I am utilizing every ounce.
Thursday May 15th 1884
Clear + cloudless weather all day. Lt. westerly wind. Tempt. inside +29. Outside
at 7 a.m. +9 at 11 a.m. 16. At 3 P.M. +22. at 5 P.M. +14 + at 10 P.M. +10. In
the sun it rose to +39. Water has been forming in pools on the rocks + on any
dark surfaces that absorbs the suns rays. Long returned
this morning before reaching the open water on account of faintness +
exhaustion. All are weaker. Even the remarkable energy of the
C.O. is deserting
him + he has but faint hopes for the future.
Fred returned at 3 P.M. without having seen anything.
Dr. tells me that Schneider has
symptoms of scurvy. Tonight ends our last stew with the oz. of tallow, all the
others will be of shrimps + water. I caught after 6 hours hard work 21 lbs.
shrimps + 3 lbs kelp. — Badly broken down — About four days more
will wind me up.
Friday May 16th 1884
Clear weather with light wind from the west. Tempt. at 7 a.m. +11. at 12 noon
+15. + 5 P.M. +11. In sun +34. snow buntings seen in great numbers every day for
the last week. Hunters saw only one seal. My baits are so poor + much riddled
that I got only 9 lbs shrimps. I changed to the morning tide. Of kelp I got 2
lbs. My strength is hardly sufficient to drag the rake.
Connell went up the coast to the west for two miles but
saw nothing. Tent hauled up on Cemetery Ridge + pitched there to be in readiness
to shelter the survivors
of
the crisis which must surely come + who will probably not have sufficient
strength to bury their comrades. C. O. Ellis
Gardiner + Lt. K. worse. Salor is too unwell to cook
— Bender took his place.
Schneider is better.
The Sound was again entirely free of drifting ice. — a rolling billowing
sea. Whistler was unable this evening to cut wood for breakfast owing
he said to weakness. He however ate his stew + talked as loudly as ever. He felt
sleepy I imagine. Bender who is coming bravely to the front
cut the wood for him.
Saturday 17th 1884
Clear beautiful day but with much wind during afternoon + evening + precipitation
of frost in the forenoon. Tempt. in sun rose to +40. In shade at 7 a.m. +12. at
1 P.M. +25.°5 at 5 P.M. +13. We are all basking in the sun every day on a
pile of clothing + sleeping bags. It does us good. I caught 16 lbs shrimps + 4
lbs of vegetation. I was
very
much exhausted + weak when I returned. The hunters + myself will now receive a
double ration of stew in order to keep up their strength as long as possible.
The remains of the can of lard kept for salve for Elison was issued today in equal proportions to each. Last of
the diluted alcohol was issued this evening. The saxifrage is taking another
prominent part in addition to fuel. Several have taken the green buds + are
using them in their stews. It does not injure the stomach + appears to possess
some nutritive qualities when the buds are green.
The hunters now go out alternately — Long went today
+ saw only one seal. Ellis is weaker — the others are
about the same. Snow melted rapidly on the rocks today.
Schneider was able to resume his duties as cook this
morning.
Sunday May 18th 1884
Blustery + stormy with a southeast gale during the entire day, accompanied by
light snow in the early morning. Tempt. at 3 am +10 at 11 a.m. +18.
Long shot a large raven at 5 a.m. I had attempted it two
hours earlier but he succeeded in escaping me. He is going to be used a shrimp
bait. I fished in the storm all the forenoon but caught only 10 lbs + about 2 of
vegetation. Hunters will not go out. A vessel could today sail in Smith Sound in
an iceless sea. The ice appears to have broken in farther than before. To our
satisfaction three more issues of diluted alcohol was found onhand.
Ellis is much weaker. The C.O. is
somewhat better. We are all about talked out. Conversation turns on nothing but
eating — good living in the future + making imaginary bills of fare. These
stormy days have a very bad effect on us both morally and physically.
Monday May 19th 1884
Gale subsided to fresh wind at about noon. The floe is swept clean in many
places.
Tempt. at 7 a.m. +21. Inside +30. Fred went out at 4 a.m.
to cut ice for breakfast + at once returned in a great state of excitement with
the report of a bear a few yards behind the house. Long
with rifle + I with shot gun (with bullets) at once started out.
Shorty + Long had disappeared when
I came out. I turned back after an hours run to breakfast + with the intention
of not playing myself out + compromising the source of our only
support—the shrimp. Fred returned at 10 am +
Long at about 11 am having been unable to get near his
bearship. He went to the north always keeping just out of range of the rifles of
the hunters. I caught 15 lbs shrimps + 1 lb kelp after several hours of hard
work. I am now very weak + cannot keep up much longer. Whistler gave out today from weakness and lack of will.
Israel + Gardiner are worse.
The former was not able to eat his shrimps this evening. I am not able to eat all
of my allowance of stew. English sledge cut up today for fuel.
Ellis has been ill for many days + at 10:30 am he
breathed his last. No symptoms of scurvy but death caused by starvation.
Connell + the Dr. gathered a large
quantity of saxifrage for fuel.
Shorty saw dozens of dovekies at the open water today. Last
of the diluted alcohol.
Tuesday May 20th 1884
Wind continued during the night + slight drift prevailed with a light fall of
snow. Cloudy all day. The southerly wind has raised the tempt. to +31. + the
snow is getting soft. Ellis buried at noon. The party so
weak that enough men to haul him on the hill were scarce.
Israel worse. 4 oz of the raven was issued to him. The
C.O. says this is the last he can do for anyone.
Biederbick not able to eat his shrimps this morning. They
are not palatable to me. I am afraid that I will have to throw up the shrimp in
a few days I am so weak and much reduced.
Medford rum issued today. Bender +
Henry gathered a large bag of saxifrage for fuel
— it is also used largely by several in their stews. Ice has broken in
much further + the water has very little drifting ice which proves that the
North Water must have been mainly free of ice or it would have been driven up by
the Southerly wind. The water is so clear of ice that a vessel could steam
anywhere in Smith Sound. If the U.S. does not send a vessel with the Whalers
when they pass Melville Bay during the first days of June it will be criminal on
their part or the most inexcusable ignorance. We are striving hard to survive
on the shrimp + kelp alone
but as I only got 12 lbs shrimps + 2 of kelp this will make the struggle a hard
one. All we want is a bear or a seal to save us from a fate similar to that
which overtook the ill fated party of Sir John Franklin.
Wednesday May 21st 1884
Light snow has fallen all day but the air was calm + the tempt at 7 a.m. +29. at
8 P.M. +36. In the sun it rose to +42. Inside +31.8 — Great drip all day
thoroughly saturating the bags. Snow is getting very soft + near any dark
surface it thaws considerably. Hunters both out but their labor met with the
usual result — 0. Medford rum again issued. We will probably move on the
hill tomorrow owing to the drip. All are growing very weak. The
Dr. says it is impossible to live on the shrimps +
kelp.
We must have flesh. The party began to remove the snow from roof. I had a long
conversation with the C.O. this morning he is rather
dispondent of the future as do us all. He desires me to take charge of some of
his papers in the event of his disease. I caught 12 lbs shrimps + 1 lb kelp.
Very weak + tired — cannot hold out much longer. Yesterday
Dr. circulated a paper himself certifying to his
medical skill + devotion to his professional duties + asked for signers —
A lack of modesty on his part.
Thursday May 22nd 1884
Cloudy with light westerly wind + a high tempt. In the dim sunlight it registered
+48. No reading taken in the shade. Long quite ill this
morning. Hunters did not go out owing to weakness + the preparations of our camp
on the
hill. I caught 13 lbs shrimps +
2 of kelp.
The tent was erected today + 5 men sleep in it tonight.
Lt. K, Connell,
Israel + Biederbick are weaker
today. Ralston at this hour (4 P.M.) is most likely dying.
He drank his rum two hours ago + during the forenoon ate large quantities of
saxifrage + sang a song. He also ate a portion of his stew not more than an hour
ago but was fed by C.O. 4 ravens were seen at one time
today. I thought I heard the howl of a wolf + Henry fancied
he heard a skua.
The snow thawed considerably about the house. Drip is very disagreeable in the
house. The Dr. wanted rum issued to those who worked
(himself excepted) but C.O. objected + refused. [illegible]
Last sentence illegible due to tearing. In
Greely’s Proceedings, Vol. I, p. 519, the missing sentence in this
entry reads: "The latter stated that no issue would be made unless all
shared alike."
Friday May 23rd 1884
Cloudy with light snow in afternoon + evening — light west winds. Party
except 5 moved to ridge + a shelter perched in front of wall tent.
Ralston died at 1 a.m. very easily — he was not
buried today owing to lack of strength in the party. Elison moved without injury or difficulty. They are highly
pleased with their new quarters. Israel so weak as to be hauled on sledge.
Kislingbury + Whistler about as bad.
I caught only 10 lbs shrimps — my strength not equal to managing the
vegetation rake. Long at open water saw a skua + heard the
bellowing of a shoal of walruses.
Fred has been [illegible] in erecting the
shelter + making the sick comfortable.
Saturday May 24th 1884
Cloudy with light snow during the afternoon + evening. Tempt. at 12.30 a.m. +19
at 6 a.m. +24. Dr, Long,
Salor + myself slept in the old shanty which is now
pretty well dismantled. We carried up Ralston when we went
to breakfast + buried him. Whisler died about noon very
quietly. The Dr. says that his death was caused by fright
more than any other reason. I found on examining his clothing that he had quite
a quantity of tea in his pockets — most likely stolen when he took the
bacon. I overhauled the effects of the dead men +c papers, final statements +c
Fred + Long worked hard at the shanty
trying to get out canvas for our shelter. I caught 13 lbs shrimps + only 1 lb
kelp — changed to after dinner hour. Water has encroached to the first
rocky point below shrimping grounds + Smith Sound is now an ice-less sea.
Schneiders face is badly swollen probably from the effects
of eating saxifrage which now enters largely into our diet to take the place of
the sea vegetation
which I am
no longer able to obtain owing to diminution of strength.
Israel, Connell
Biederbick + Lt. K. much weaker. The former cannot long survive + we will
all soon follow if game is not secured.
A skua heard in the rocks above camp today.
The Dr. works like a Trojan assisting the sick + doing odd
jobs generally. Caterpillars are getting quite numerous.
Bender ate one to the disgust of everyone.
Sunday May 25th 1884
South easterly wind began blowing at 10 a.m. + continued all day. In the evening
it had increased to a moderate gale + with the heavy drift + thickly falling
snow I was unable to make my customary trip to the shrimping grounds, although
the demand for it was great. Tempt. in sun at 8 a.m. +26.
We buried Whistler after dinner during the height of the storm. We (4 of
us) still sleep in the old shanty + but poorly protected against the storms: but
there is no help for it, our strength is not equal to the task of getting
[illegible]
[illegible] shelter.
My God! This life is horrible — it is almost burdensome — will it
never change — will help never arrive. But I will not despair yet but
while my strength remains will do all in my power to assist the sick + help
those weaker than I am. Seal skin thongs were used in the stew this evening to
eke out the scanty supply of shrimps that I am just able to furnish daily. Small
quantities of the skin was also burned on the fire + then ravenously eaten +
relished by the hungry party.
Monday May 26th 1884
Gale subsided after midnight to fresh wind. During the forenoon the weather was
fine — the tempt in sun +46.5 + no wind. For the first time water enough
to cook supper was obtained from pools on the rocks having a southern exposure.
During the afternoon a light northly wind sprang up + the sky clouded + tempt. stood at +26.
Everyone felt better except the Dr. + myself.
Schneider was detected in stealing food (Shrimps + tea) and
of making unfair divisions in the issuing of food. He was relieved +
Bender has volunteered to do the cooking for both
sides. The water again encroached somewhat + except a few drifting pieces of
icebergs the sound is perfectly clear + a vessel could navigate without a
rudder. I caught 8 lbs shrimps + 2 of vegetation this morning before breakfast +
would have obtained more but owing to faintness + weakness was compelled to
desist. I hauled again in the evening + obtained 12 lbs. Returned at 11 oclock
in an exhausted condition. I think that I can extend the few inferior baits for
shrimps to June 1st but after that date unless we get game we will have to
depend for a few days on sea vegetation, saxifrage + a small black lichen (the
tripe de roche) which grows here in abundance, a few pieces of seal skin + seal
boots will have to be used as substitute
for meat. An old pair of soles from seal skin boots
furnished us in addition to a few shrimps with a scant breakfast + supper.
Long went out to the open water but seeing some birds
on the ice returned for a shot gun. He found them to be king ducks in large
numbers but none could be obtained. Dovekies were also plentiful + two he shot
but they drifted away.
Thermometer in tent on the ground +33 + one suspended 4 feet from ground +52.
Tuesday May 27th 1884
Clear cloudless day + calm during the forenoon but at 2 P.M. a southeast gale set
in which continued until 7 P.M. Tempt. at 8 a.m. +24. In the sun at same time
+55. Israel passed away just after midnight — he died
very easily + talked of food, restaurants +c, after losing consciousness which was about 4 hours previous to his
death. He had not an enemy in the world. For lack of strength we could not bury
him. We worked all day to crest a shelter for the entire party + this evening we
all slept together on the plateau. I was to much
exhausted to go
to the shrimping grounds after working but faint and sore turned in.
Long went out to the open water again this morning +
says there is myrids of King ducks but it is a matter of impossibility of get them. Water
in abundance for supper + nearly enough for breakfast tomorrow was obtained from
pools in the rocks. A violent quarrel to[ok] place between C.O. + the
Dr. about the medicines, the details of which I have
neither the interest, the inclination nor strength to record.
Wednesday May 28th/84
A cold disagreeable day with light easterly wind + cloudy weather. I caught 9 lbs
shrimps + Long who went to the open water returned with a
dovekie. He killed another but was unable to secure it. He saw several King +
Eider ducks. The dovekie was divided between Long + myself
by general acclamation.
The water encroached considerably during the gale last evening.
Israel buried at noon. The channel is as
open + free of ice as in
August 1881 when we steamed up through it northward to Lady Franklin Bay.
The sick are about the same. The Dr. says that a few have
symptoms of scurvy. Oh! I shall never forget the delicate flavor of the dovekie
stew I ate this evening — Delmonico is forgotten for the present.
Tempt. at 2 P.M. +24.
Thursday May 29th 1884
Clear + calm in the forenoon but at 1 P.M. sky clouded + almost immediately a
high southeast gale set in causing a furious drift, setting at defiance all
attempts to protect ourselves in the shelter. In the tent however they did very
well. The shelter was first blown full of snow + then it was blown down.
Long was driven from the edge of the ice by its
approach + joining me at the shrimping grounds we returned together to camp
which was reached only after a severe struggle. I caught 8 lbs shrimps +
Long shot a dovekie. I was caught in the old hut + held
prisoner for two long weary hours on account of the
fury of the storm + on returning to shelter found
it had blown down thus rendering it impossible to get into the bag. The only
alternative was to take a single Sheepskin bag and sleep out in the wind +
whirling snow. Owing to the severity of the gale we were unable to cook supper.
Notwithstanding I issued orders yesterday to the effect that no more seal-skin
was to be eaten. I detected Bender eating some today. He
confessed but said that owing to hunger he could not resist the temptation. I
had Fred collect all seal-skin today + will lock it in the
store house for future use for the entire party.
Tempt. in the sun at 9 a.m. +56. In shade +27.
Brainard does not mention
in this diary entry that when he returned in the storm, Dr.
Pavy and Salor refused him entry into
the sleeping bag he shared with them in the tent. The first mention of this
appears in Greely’s Proceedings . . . where
Brainard writes, "Physically I could not enforce my
rights in this matter, my condition bordering on utter exhaustion, and
wishing to avoid any unpleasantness I crawled into one of the abandoned bags
lying outside as the only alternative. This bag was frozen and filled with
snow."
Friday May 30th 1884
Light snow fell all day accompanied by a light west wind. Tempt. at 10 am +29 +
at 3 P.M. +27. I passed a miserable night out of doors with the wild fury of the
storm howling about me a drifts accumulating about + inside my sleeping
bag. My face, hands + feet
badly swolen from the effects of the exposure. Gale subsided at about 1 a.m. but a
high wind continued for several hours later. We had breakfast at 10 am after
having fasted for over 26 hours. I caught 6 lbs shrimp. Used the last of the
baits but they will last for about 3 days more. I saw 3 Brant geese, 2 dovekies
+ hundreds of King ducks, but all except an occasional dovekie are as far beyond
our reach at present as the civilized world. How we manage to subsist on from 6
to 10 lbs of shrimps per day I have no idea + would like to have some light
thrown on the subject. Most of those who do not work appear to lose very little
strength while the Dr., Long, Fred, +
myself are failing + weaking rapidly. The water encroached again last night. Shelter repaired in a
most substantial manner. Gale from the northwest began at 9 P.M.
Saturday May 31st 1884
Gale of last night continued all day with unceasing fury accompanied by heavy
snowstorm. We are not only held close prisoners in our shelter but in our bags
also owing to the terrific drift which covered
us more than a foot deep + also entered our bags.
We were unable to cook + as we had no solid food consequently had nothing to eat
during the day — not even a swallow of water. Of all the days of misery of
my life this caps the climax. If I knew that I had a month more of this sort of
existence before me I would stop the engine this moment as I do not consider 50
years of pleasure a sufficient reward for another months suffering + misery
equal to the one just passed.
Sunday June 1st 1884
Gale subsided at 1 a.m. + we immediately turned out, cleaned out the snow from
the shelter + scraped out our wet bags the best we could. Breakfast of 3 oz
shrimps per man + cup of weak tea. This is a fair sample of our meals now
— how we manage to exist is a wonder. We are all very weak + much
depressed, especially those who were exposed to the fury of the storm in the
miserable shelter + without food
for over thirty six hours + as the end of that time when deserving of the
best breakfast that could be ordered at Delmonico’s were content with 3 oz
shrimps in a little of their soup + a cup of tea. Lt. K. became unconscious at 8 a.m. + breathed his last at 3
P.M. The beautiful Episcopal Service was read this evening as has been the
custom on all these occasions. A short time before he became unconscious he
begged hard for water + wound up by singing the Doxology. Sky cleared at 8 a.m.
+ sun came out brightly + remained until 3 P.M. when sky again clouded + light
snow began falling. Tempt. at 10 am. + 35. In the sun it rose to +52. A pool of
water formed on the ice-foot where it ran off the rocks. About our shelter pools
also formed water sufficient for two days use was gathered today + it has formed
in pools near at hand enough for a weeks use. This is very fortunate as our fuel
is going fast. Fred relieved Bender as
cook owing to the sickness of latter. Long shot a dovekie.
He injured one of his eyes by recoil of gun + I had to lead him home. I caught 8
lbs shrimps.
The snow on the floe is knee deep + very soft. We were gone over seven hours +
spent only about 1½ at the shrimping grounds. Very much exhausted on
return. Knees very stiff also the anckles + joints + both much swollen + inflamed.
Flocks of eider + King + long-tail ducks as well as dovekies + a few gulls were
seen.
Monday June 2nd 1884
A clear beautiful day — fresh S.E. wind sprang up at 8 P.M. Tempt. at time
+35 — thawing quite rapidly. For the first time the sun had an effect on
the ice-foot by melting it considerably. Snow is getting very damp + soft. Water
in abundance is now to be had from the rocks for cooking or other purposes. I
obtained only 5 lbs shrimps after nearly 7 hours absence. We buried
Lt. K. this morning. Schneider not able
to work. Bender but little better.
Gardiner and the C.O. very weak.
Salor became delirious at 7 P.M.
Long shot a dovekie. I heard a walrus blowing near
Disappointment Berg. Very few ducks were seen today. I think the large number
seen yesterday was due to their having been driven from their favorite haunts
about Littleton Island to
this side by the S.E. gale and now they have returned. Vast fields of ice are
moving down the Sound + I think by tomorrow morning the channel will be choked
— perhaps this will drive in the seal + ducks to Disappointment Berg.
Tuesday June 3rd 1884
Weather fair. Southeast wind all day but thawing advanced considerably. Water is
now trickling down the hill-side + forms in a pool near the hut thus supplying
us with all the water we require. Long did not go out today
owing to the windy weather. I caught 6 lbs shrimps. Salor
died at 3 a.m. We were in the same bag but I did not get up nor remove him but
immediately went to sleep until breakfast. Sick about the same. The dovekies
killed lately have been divided between Long + myself + we
find that they have strengthened us greatly + we are thus enabled to pursue our
labors in the shrimping + hunting line.
I am glad to say that the channel was clear again this morning. Tempt. at 8 P.M.
+31. Dr. P. was wandering in his mind this evening + making absurd
prescriptions.
Wednesday June 4th 1884
A beautiful day. The wind of last evening subsided at 6 a.m. but sprang up again
in the evening. This appears to be the normal condition of affairs here. The
sick about the same except the Dr. who is better slightly
but still far removed from his base.
An arrangement made between the Commanding Officer and four
others and myself by which our condition will be ameliorated. I caught 7 lbs.
shrimps. Long killed a dovekie. He shot 1 King duck + an
auk but lost them.
Tempt at 11 a.m. +32. In the sun it rose to +62.
Fred + Henry are doing all the work
about camp including cooking + gathering saxifrage for fuel in addition to
cutting the fuel from the boat.
Schneider manages to get the salt water + is able to do
nothing more. Bender + Connell appear
quite strong but both are useless to us and have to be waited on like children.
During the last few days I have eaten a great many of the black rock lichens
(tripe de roche) + found them quite palatable + not at all injurious
the experience of
Franklin, Hayes etc to the
contrary notwithstanding.
Smith Sound is a beautiful sheet of water today with not a piece of ice in sight
+ its surface + smoth as glass + as clear as a polished mirror. How easily we could be
reached by a relief vessel + the whole party saved much suffering if not their
lives if the Supporters of the Expedition only knew of our situation + would
send a vessel with the whalers when they pass Melville Bay.
We buried Salor this evening in the tidal crack. I felt
very weak + faint this morning but it passed away before night so I was enabled
to go shrimping.
Thursday June 5th 1884
Fair weather, Lt. wind from west. Dr. very weak — can
only drink tea. The tea by the way has been cut down to one kettle instead of
two. I caught 5 lbs shrimps. Long did not shoot anything
today. Tempt. 4 P.M. +34. Reindeer moss in small quantities has been found on
this point. The vegetation (except saxifrage) including grasses, poppies, etc
are getting quite green. The mosses are beginning to look beautiful Owing to the
thieving operations
of
Henry the C.O. issued an order to
Long, Fred, + myself to shoot him
if any other acts of a like nature be repeated. I insert a copy —
blank space of 3½ inches left, but no copy
insertedHenry has twice stolen the greater portion of the dovekie
issued to Long + myself while cooking it, taking advantage
of the absence of Fred when he was issuing the stew in hut.
He was also detected in eating seal lashing + skin in violation of orders +
which was stolen from the public stock. C.O. desires me to
note that [illegible]
Long
[illegible] was transferred to Signal Corps May 27th 84
Friday June 6th 1884
Clear. Lt. west wind. Tempt. 3 P.M. + 34 at 6 P.M. +30. I caught only 2½
lbs shrimps after over 7 hours work. My baits are all gone. What are we to do? I
have tried
everything we have but they
will be attracted by nothing we now have on hand. I would again drag on the sea
vegetation but my strength is not equal to the task. It is nearly depleted. I
can do nothing more than stagger down to the grounds + return. A further
confession on the part Henry to the
C.O. of stealing + his being caught stealing shrimps
this morning from the stew caused the C.O. to issued the
following order
a blank space of 5¾ inches
follows
No further explanation in this order is necessary. The order was duly executed
at 2 P.M. Bender died at 5.45 P.M. + Dr.
Pavy who has been weakening rapidly for the last few days passed
away at 6 P.M.
Among Henry’s effects was found stolen seal skin
boots, seal thongs + knives +c Considerable ice drifting down on Greenland side of the Sound. Flies
in large numbers are now seen during the hottest part of the day.
Saturday June 7th/84
Clear, with light westerly wind. Tempt. at 7 a.m. +31.°
Fred does all the cooking + camp work beside doing what he
can for the weak. He is a wonderful man. Long + myself are
growing very weak. Long killed nothing. I caught 2 lbs
shrimps. I gathered up all of the seal-skin for use in stews + burning —
that with the hair will have to be burned or roasted. I find very little +
Schneider now confesses that Henry
+ Bender ate large quantities of it [illegible]
Biederbick + Connell gathered a few
lichen + reindeer moss.
Dressed the Dr. + Bender for the grave
but was unable to dispose of their bodies for lack of strength. This evening we
dined off a stew composed of a pair of seal skin boot soles + a little reindeer
moss + lichens. The small quantity of shrimps furnish material only sufficient
for the morning meal. A small government watch (Chronograph) was found on
Henrys person.
He stole it when we left Conger + intended to carry it back although its value
was very small.
Caught 1½ lbs shrimps only.
Between entries dated Saturday June 7 and Sunday
June 8th 1884 is the followingSend following dispatch of ten words from St. Johns N.F.
Mr. A. Brainard
David’s father Marathon
Cortland Co New York U.S.A.
Healthy but ravenous. Six months starvation. Expedition successful. Address
Washington.
D. L. Brainard April 2nd 1884
On the reverse side of this page (239),
Sgt. Brainard had written:
Purchase the following articles of commissary stores on board ship if possible.
- Cheese
- Corn
- Canton ginger
- Citron preserves
- Blackberry jam
- Raspberry do
- Lobsters
- Milk
- Plums preserved
- Rasins
- Quince preserves
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Syrup maple
- Figs
A cheerless stormy night + being cold + hungry is probably the reason that this
list is now uppermost in my mind.
Camp Clay
D. L. Brainard March 31st/84
Sunday June 8th 1884
The clearest, calmest, and most beautiful day that we have experienced on these
inhospitable shores. The tempt. at 1 a.m. +31. at 11 a.m. + 3 P.M. +38. at 4
P.M. +40. + at 6 P.M. +35. There was a miserable stew of shrimps (less than 3 oz
per man) this morning + a thin + unpalatable stew of seal thongs for dinner.
Schneider was set to work + roasting the seal skins with
hair on + this was divided for dinner also. The C.O. worked
for 5 hours and gathered about 2 quarts of lichens.
Biederbick also collected
about the same quantity.
Connell gathered a small quantity of saxifrage
Biederbick found an old bunch of saxifrage in full
flower this evening. He also made another discovery which increases the perfidy
of Henry — that of a small cache of bear meat in the
rocks above camp. Biederbick quite weak + ill this evening.
Long + I went down + procured the wood for fuel. Our
strength is rapidly diminishing — if we should get game it would be
impossible to bring it in. I wonder how much longer we can hold out on this
starvation diet? Not long. If we are saved at all, a vessel will have to make
haste. Connell’s gums are very sore — the Dr.
told him a few days ago that he had symptoms of scurvy. Schneiders limbs are
badly swollen, presumably from the same cause.
Sky clouded at 11 P.M.
Monday June 9th 1884
The morning opened cloudy but calm but during the forenoon, the clouds were
dispersed + the sun came out gloriously. Sky clouded + wind from the west rose
at 10 P.M. Tempt. at 9 am, +39. at 3 P.M. +38 + at 6 P.M. +38.5. Our breakfast
consisted of only a few shrimps + the usual cup of tea. For dinner
we had nothing for a stew but with our
tea and burned seal skins were forced to be content. A few lichens were also
used. The C.O. is indefatigable in collecting lichens. He
was out from breakfast until dinner. Connell is about the
strongest in the party. He [illegible] gathered 4 [illegible] of saxifrage. Biederbick worked at
lichens. Schneider charred seal-skins.
We buried Bender in a tidal crack this morning + in the
evening we also plunged Dr. Pavy into the crystal grave.
Since the departure of the greater portion of the snow from this point I have
found abundant traces of hare (not recent) + a small bunch of musk ox hair. I
have also found a few pieces of bone + wood the latter having been worked. They
confirm my previous observations of bearing evidence of being of greater
antiquity than those found at Fort Conger. I caught only about ½ lbs
shrimps. One of my nets were lost by the rope breaking.
Long’s 32nd birthday — the
most miserable that he has ever spent. He received
a spoonful of rum in honor of the occasion. I found a small piece of drift wood
up in the rocks about fifteen feet above high tide. Long
shot a dovekie + a brant goose but the latter escaped.
Tuesday June 10th 1884
Cloudy until 4 P.M. when the sky cleared + the sun came out brightly.
Tempt. at 1 a.m. +34. at 8 a.m. +32.8 at 12n. +45.
Gardiner worse; the others about as usual.
Long + myself feel greatly refreshed by the dovekie
stew and a good rest during the day. We had a stew of the black lichens this
evening + found it of a gelatinous consistency + very palatable + evidently
quite nutritious. The berg is now connected with the open water by lanes. Snow
getting quite slushy in locations exposed to the sun. Saxifrage is now in
blossom + ready for pressing. Grass is quite green. I saw a bumblebee today for
the first time this season.
I caught 2 lbs shrimps.
Wednesday June 11th 1884
A clear, cloudless, and beautiful day with an occasional light zephyr from the
west.
Tempt at 3 P.M. +40 + at 8 P.M. +38. In sun +62.
Long returned at 1.30 a.m. from the open water with two of
Brunnich’s guillemots. One was given the whole party in a stew with
lichens this evening and the other will be divided between
Long, Fredericks and myself who at
present are doing nine tenths of the work. Long went out
again in the evening but returned unsuccessful. I had a still greater misfortune
befall me. I found that the spring tides had moved the floe about fifty feet
from the ice foot + the nets in dragging along the bottom had broken the ropes,
thus losing nets, my poor baits + all. We will have no breakfast tomorrow
morning + will have to content ourselves with a cup of tea. Poor fellows —
how I pity them. But I will let them sleep on quietly + not disclose the
disappointing inform until the cook gets up in the morning. I made a flag to be erected on
the summit of the rocky point tomorrow as such
any vessel that will (may) pass Cape Sabine.
Schneider not able to go out today +
Gardiner is worse. Biederbick is
also worse but he managed to drag himself on the hill to gather lichens for the
stew this evening from sheer force of will. Connell still
remains very strong + looks well. He takes good care to not do to much work + thus weaken himself. The C.O. had the
dysentery + did not go out to work today. There is scarcely a piece of ice in
Smith Sound today visible from this coast. Why do not some whaler arrive soon +
rescue the few survivors before it is to late. We began using the English
compressed tea this evening.
Thursday June 12th 1884
Day opened clear + fine with a light westerly wind which continued nearly all
day. Tempt. at 11 a.m. +36, at 9 p.m. + 36. We were without any breakfast this
morning except tea. Long
Fred + myself however ate half of our guillemot with a few
lichens. I found another shrimping place this morning near at hand + in the
evening after several hours
work
returned with only 2 lbs. Our evening meal consisted of a few lichens boiled + a
cup of tea. Schneider worse, the others about the same as
yesterday except C.O. who is better.
Connell is the strongest of all.
Long
Fred + myself have the diarrhea. Cause lichens.
Connell this morning wanted to shift for himself, work +
cook for himself alone. This is the first instance of this kind on record in the
history of the expedition. He was quite abusive + used profanity in his
conversation with the C.O.
Gardiner died at 5 P.M. of Starvation + inflammation of the
bowels. He was very patient + held on to life with great tenacity to the last.
He lost consciousness about 2 a.m. + for hours previous he held a portrait of
his young wife + his mother in his hand gazing fondly at their beloved faces.
From this date I begin to look daily for a relief ship. The water has broken in
to the rocky point nearest our winter hut.
Friday June 13th 1884
High southeast wind prevailed all day preventing the lichenpickers from going
out. Our supper therefore consisted of a seal skin temiak, roasted or burned
over a saxifrage fire. Our breakfast was of the result of last evenings
shrimping + a few lichens. Condition of the party about the same as yesterday.
Biederbick received a certificate of discharge from the
service but no final statement. He will be formally discharged on reaching
Washington if he lives until that time. I caught 1 lb shrimps this evening. My
baits are nothing but two guillimot skins + they are pretty well played out.
Shorty the indefatigable cook has been bustling about
camp all day notwithstanding the wind + disagreeable weather. Those who were
troubled yesterday by diarrhea are better today. We did not bury
Gardiner owing to the high wind.
Tempt at 8 a.m. +32 + at 10 a.m. +33 at 9 P.M. +31.5.
Flag blown down.
Saturday June 14th 1884
Gale subsided at 4 a.m. and the weather remained cloudy all day. Tempt. at 11
a.m. +41 at 5 P.M. +42 + at
Our breakfast was but a poor apology with the few ounces of shrimps brought in
last night. We all turned out very weak to the days work.
C.O.
Connell + Biederbick picked lichens
for supper + breakfast. Fred performed the usual camp work
+ Long + myself buried Gardiner in the
ice-foot in the evening I went shrimping — result 1 lb.
Long quite ill. He however went out but got nothing in
the game line. Ice braking away from the shore rapidly. Disappointment Berg is now free.
Connell saw a small seal + 4 dovekies in a small pool
50 yds from the ice foot. I put up flag again.
Sunday June 15th 1884
Cloudy, windy + disagreeable day. Long saw 5 walruses in our
small pool near ice foot + many more in other pools. They however cannot be shot
with effect unless they are on the ice. Sick about the same.
Connell who is now the strongest man amongst our number
declared this morning that he intended to abandon the party + live by himself
depending on his own resources for a living — this is the height of
selfishness. He has done nothing during the winter + spring, has saved his
strength and allowed himself to be provided for by his comrades + now wishes
when they are all weak to abandon them. Shrimp + lichen stew for breakfast +
lichen stew for supper — both of small dimensions. The seal skin cover to
Lt. G’s sleeping bag has been removed + divided between
Connell, Schneider, Elison + Biederbick. The remainder of us
will take the cover to Longs bag later if necessary.
Tempt. has ranged quite high during the day at 7 am. +30. at 11 am. 34 + at 7
P.M. +39. Light snow fell during the forenoon. Long saw a
fox on the ice travelling towards the north.
Schneider this evening is begging hard for opium
pills that he may die easily +
quickly. We are now so that I believe we could eat anything. Crumbs of bread +
picked from piles of filth. Henry ate ptarmigan droppings,
Bender ate caterpillars + worms + saxifrage blossoms,
lichens + other vegetation are considered as luxuries + delicious. How our
stomachs will be surprised if they are ever again permitted to enclose civilized
vegetables, choice steaks, ham, sausage, eggs in various forms, oysters, hot
rolls, cakes, confectionary preserves, fruit +c
The lichens have been named by us "The Arctic Mushroom"
Long saw no game. I caught only about a pound of
shrimps after several hours labor in the cold wind. Thoroughly chilled + worn
out when through. High wind in the Sound.
Monday June 16th 1884
Tempt at 7 a.m. +37. at 11 am +40 + at 3 PM. +38. A raw wind has been blowing all
day which prevented the lichen gatherers from going out, consequently we had a
meager stew of shrimps + lichens for breakfast + nothing for supper. Our
condition is indeed a very miserable one. We are calmly waiting for death or
relief, the latter will have to come soon or it will be too late. I found the
minimum thermometer lost last winter during one of our terrific storms. It was
in good condition. I also discovered that lemming
have at some period or other existed on this coast
by finding the skeleton of the head of one between a couple of rocks. It was of
such great age + so extremely friable that it at once fell into pieces on coming
in contact with my fingers. Our last resource except the lichens has failed us
i.e. the shrimps. I worked as faithfully as my little strength would admit of
for 5 hours + only succeeded in getting about two ounces + those I was not able
to carry home — I was barely able to crawl in myself. My baits are now all
gone + unless game is procured there is no further hope of anything in that
direction. Walruses without number were observed sporting in the open pools all
day but none appear on the ice where they may be got at. Disappointment berg
moved silently out at sometime during the day. The last of our tea gave out this
morning.
Sunday June 17th 1884
Clear beautiful day with a gentle westerly breeze during the forenoon. Tempt.
min. rec. +30.5 at 7 a.m. +31.5 at 11 a.m. +38. + at 3 P.M. +36.
Saxifrage tea was served this morning as a substitute for tea this morning. It
was quite bitter but was relished by some of the party. I drank only a few
swallows it was so unpalatable to me. this was all the
breakfast we had except a few who had a few mouthfulls of roasted seal-skin left from better days. In the evening a lichen
stew made us still more miserable as it was not at all sufficient for our hunger
but only aggravated it.
I brought up wood for Fred today but owing to extreme
weakness was unable to cut it. He is also about broken down + could not saw any.
Connell + Schneider look the best
of anyone in camp but the latter is almost entirely helpless. Numberless
walruses are bellowing + tumbling about in the water but we unfortunately cannot
get at them.
The sleeping bags of Long and myself were today stripped of
their oil-tanned seal skin covers + divided. This is the last material of this
kind that we have for food in camp + we are all breaking down + will go about
the same time. Who will be left to bury us? No one I think. This evening I
repaired as usual to the shrimping ground, but my labors met with the same
result as yesterday (about 2 oz) I came home completely exhausted + broken down
by the exertion. I have given up shrimping until game is procurred that will furnish bait for the nets, and if able tomorrow will devote
my time to collecting lichens or anything that will be the most useful to the
party. The channel was perfectly free of ice this evening + its surface like
glass.
Wednesday June 18th 1884
Weather cloudy with the exception of a few hours in the earlier part of the day.
Tempt. min. rec. +30. at 7 am +31.5 at 11 a.m. +35. +at 3 P.M. +42.
We had saxifrage tea again for breakfast today + a portion of the seal skin
cover boiled. There is a perceptible diminution of strength generally in the
party. I was unable to go out until about 4 P.M. when I crawled + staggered I
scarcely know how to the rocks + picked a few lichens. No fire was made this
evening as we have nothing to cook, and besides Fred is
unable to prepare more than one meal a day. A few mouthfuls of the boiled seal
skin sufficed for supper. What is very remarkable in our case is that we long
for certain articles of food, but do not have that gnawing + painful feeling of
hunger with which we were troubled last fall + winter. We are now past that
point.
Long shot two dovekies last night but he could not get them
+ they were drifted away by the tide. He will now change + do his hunting in the
day time probably.
He however went out again this evening.
Schneider became unconscious soon after eating his
breakfast + breathed his last at 6 P.M.
Connell complained of dimness of vision this evening on his
return from gathering lichens. Biederbick very
inconsiderately changed clothing throughout today. S. died just 3 yrs from the day detailed on Expedition.
Thursday June 19th 1884
Clear with westerly wind. Tempt. at 7 a.m. +34.5 at 11 a.m. +37.5 + at 3 P.M.
37.8. High wind (S.E) from 3 PM till midnight.
Long did not return until morning while
Fred was preparing breakfast. He had killed two
dovekies + 2 Eider ducks but the tide carried them all away + he secured
nothing. I found a small piece of drift wood in the rocks about 30 feet above
the tide level last evening. It bears marks of rough usage in the ice + also
indicates great age. I found a similar piece a few days ago about 15 feet lower.
The fact indicates the gradual rising of this Island. Water is now gradually
eating its way into Buchanans Strait. Party are growing weaker rapidly — the lichens are
scarce now. They seem however to provide considerable nutriment and had my
recommendation been followed several others of the party might now be living.
Several weeks ago I ate a large quantity
+ finding them palatable + not at all injurious earnestly urged Lt.
Greely to begin using them + he probably would have done so but
for the very emphatic and decided medical opinion of Dr.
Pavy who pronounced them both dangerous + injurious to the system
and directed or rather recommended that they be not resorted to except in the
last extremity.
Schneider died of starvation + incipient scurvy.
Connell also has symptoms of scurvy. I consider my swoolen limbs as an evidence of the same insidious disease. I was not able
owing to my weakness to gather many lichens but I found a fine bed of reindeer
moss on the hill. Breakfast lichen stew + a few pieces of seal skin burned to a
charcoal for evening.
Friday June 20th 1884
A clear beautiful morning with a light westerly wind. Tempt at 7 a.m. +29 min.
rec. +26.8 at 11 a.m. +33. + at 3 P.M. 38. High S.E. wind at 11 a.m. all day.
Long went out at 3 am but got no game.
Biederbick + Connell much weaker
today. The former however although showing scorbutic symptoms went out for
lichens. Connell’s mouth is much worse and swelling of his feet + limbs
pronounce his case clearly one of scurvy. He was unable to go out of the tent
today. The C.O. picked
a few lichens. I brought wood + salt water for
Fred + gathered a little reindeer moss.
Schneider omitted a very bad odor from his mouth after
death that was noticeable throughout the tent.
Saturday June 21st/84
Our Summer Solstice. Wind still continues in a gale from south.
Tempt at 7 a.m. +31. at 11 am +34 + at 7 P.M. +31. Min. rec. +28. Tent in
dilapidated condition. Snow squalls at intervals during day. Ice has broken into
Buchanan Strait for a long distance. A lichen stew for breakfast + a few pieces
of boiled seal-skin for supper. Connell is worse — he
says his limbs below knees are useless.
Since day before yesterday Elison has eaten his stew by having a spoon tied to his wrist.
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