Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1852-03-04
LIEUT.. DE HATEYS NARRATIVE OF THE
ARCTIC EXPEDITION.
[coSrISUED PROM LAST WEEK.

hung a sign, have given the name of Maurv
after the distinguished gentleman at the head Of
our National Observatory, whose theory with
regard TO an open sea 10 the north is likely 10 be
realized through this channel. To the large mass
OF land visible between n. w and n. n T., gave
the name of Grinnell, in honor Of the head and
heart OF the man whose philanthropic mind origi-
mated the idea of this expedition and 10 whose
munltcence II owes its existence.
To remarkable peak bearing n n E. from
US distant about 40 miles. was given the name of
Mount Franklin. Aninlet or harbor immediately
TO the North OF Cape Bowden was discovered by
Mr. Griffith in his land excursion from Point Innes
on the 9th of August, and mas received the name
of GrffJhs Inlet.
The small island mentioned before, was called
Murdaughs Island after the acting master Of the
/ Advance.
The eastern shore of Wellington Channel-ap-
peared 10 run parallel with the western, but II be-
came quite low, and being covered with snow.
could not be distinguished with certainty so that
ITS continuity with the high land to the north was
not ascertained.
Some small pools of open water appeared near
US an attempt was made about so yards, but
combined efforts were of no avail IN ex Treating
the Rescue from her icy cradle A change OF
wind not only closed the Ice up again, but threat
ened TO give as severe nip. We unshipped her
rudder and placed It cut OF harms way
September 2Sth was an uncomfortable day
The wind was from the \. f. with snow. From
be pressed together with so much force that their
edges were thrown up in immense ridges of rug
ged hummOcks The Advance was heavily npped
between TWO foes. and the ice was piled up
high above tie rail on the starboard side as TO
threaten to come on board and SINK with its
weight All hands were occupied III keeping II
out. Ihe pressure and COmmOtiOn did NOT cease
till near midnight, when were very glad TO 1ave
a respite from our labors and fears. The next
day threatened with a similar scene bat
It fortunately ceased IN q short time
For the remainder of September and until the
4th OF October, the vessel driited but little. The
winds were very light the thermometer fell TO
minus y, and ice formed over the pools in sight,
sufficiently strong TO travel upon.
We were now strongly impressed with the be
lief that the ice had become hxed for the winter
and that should be able to send our travelling
parties from the advanced position, for the exam
Inatlon OF the lands to the northward. Stimulated
by this fair prospect, another attempt was made
10 reach the shore in order to establish depot Of
provisions at or near Cape Manning. which would
materially facilitate the progress ofour parties ia
the Spring; but the ice was still found 10 be de
tached from the shore, and narrow lane OF water
cut Us from It.
During the interval Of comparative quiet, pre-
lmlnary measures We're taken for heating the Ad-
vance and increasing her quarters, so as TO ac-
cOmm0date the officers and crews OF both vessels
No stoves had as yet been used in either vessel;
indeed they could not well be put up itaout pia-
Ice. Inc attempt was made to do TINS. but a sud
den crack IN the Zoe where It appeared strongest.
causing the loss of several tons ct coal convinced
us that Il not yet safe to do so. Il was not
until the z0Ih OF October we got fires below
Ten days later the housing cloth was put over.
and the officers ard crew OF the Rescue ordered
on board the Advance Tor the Winter Room
was found on the deck OF the Rescue for MANY OF
the provisions removed from the hold Of tins yes
sell Still large quantity had TO be placed on
the ice.
The absence offres below had caused much
discomfort TO all hands ever since the beginning OF
September, not 50 much from the low tenpera-
ture, as from the accumulation OF moisture by
condensation which congedIed as tue temperature
decreased, and covered the wood work OF our
apartment with ice. This state of things began
to work its effect upon the health of the crews
Several cases OF survy appeared among them, and
notwithstanding the iudea1igabIe attention and
active treatment Tesorted to by the medical officers
II could not be eradIcated-Its progress, however
was checked.
Ali through October and November, we were
dulted 10 and fro by the changing wind, bat nev-
2, er passing out OF Wellington CnauncL On the
l. lst of November, the new ice had attained the
, thickness of 81 inches. SUP. frequent breaks
would occur in it, often in fearful proximity 10
- the vessels. HummOchs consisting OF massive
granite-like blocks, would be thrown up to the
., height of 20, and 30 feet The action OF the ice
was accompanied with a variety OF sounds I'M
possible to be described, but wach when heard
y never failed TO carry a feeling of awe into the
stoutest hearts. In the stiffness Of an Arctic
night they could be heard several miles, and often
? was the rest OF all hands disturbed by them.
To guard against the worst that could happen
> to us-the destruction Of the yessels-Ihe boats
3 were prepared and sledges built Thirty days
provisions were placed in for all hands, together
, with tents and blanket bags for sleeping iu
S Besides tins, each ran and officer had hIs KNAPP
# sack containing an extra suit OF clothes. These
. were all kept IN readiness Tor use at a moments
notice.
For the sake Of wholesome exercise as well as
e to Iuure the people 10 ice travelling. frequent eX
a curslons were made with our laden sIelges. The
officers usually took the lead al The drag ropes,
and they well the men, underwent the la
" tor OF suTmountng the rugged hummocks, with
e great cheerWlness and zeal Notwithstanding
The low teUTeratuIe all hands usually returned
q in prOiuse perpiraJIon. We had also other
source of exercise and anus erueut such as foot
bali, skating. sliding, racing, with theatrical re-
r presentations on holidays and national annI' eTsa-
TIes. These amuseueuts were continued through
out the winter and contributed very materially
n 10 the cheeriuluess and general good health OF al
s hands
The drift had set US gradually to the S. T. until
we were about five m.les 10 the ) " of Beechy
ID Island. In this position remained compare
e lively stationary about week. We once more
began TO entertain hope that we had become
fixed for the winter but IT proved vain one, for
on the last day OF November a strong wind from
.e the westward set in with thick snowy weather
~ This wind created an immediate movement IN
-, the ice Several fractures took place near us.
- and many heavy hummocks were thrown up
The foe IN which our vessels were IEbeded was
!, being rapidly encroached upon, so that we were
IN momentary fear OF the ice breaking from around
T. them, and that they would be again broken out
and left 10 the tender mercies Of the crashing
~ foes.
On the following day (the Ist OF Deccember)
the weather cleared of and the few hours OF twI-
IN light which we had about noon enabled US TO get
ss glimpse of the land. As well as we could make
,' it out we appeared to be of Gasconigne Inlet
We were now clear of Wellington Channel and
le in the fair way OF Lancaster Sound 10 be SCI either
as up or down al the mercy OF the prevailing winds
and currents We were not long leit in doubt as
to the direction we had 10 pursue The winds