Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1855-11-10
Hov Arctic Explorers Pass their Time.


The steward on board the Advance (the vesse!
abandoned by DIR. Kane) gives his experience OF
life in the Arctic regions after this fashion:
"Life on shipboard was regular and orderly.
There was time for everything, and everything
was in its place. Captain Kane and the omcers
were untiring in the discharge OF the duties OF
their posts, and the men appeared conten!ea ana
hearty. The ship was abunaantiy pro'.s'oneu,
and the diet was wholesome and various. AT seven
bells. or half past seven O'Clock in the morning,
ALI hands turned out. Breakfast was taken at
EIGHT. The duties of the ship were then perform
ed: the decks were cleansed, and things were put
in order for the day. Sledge parties were then
apportioned, for the sake of exercise, and short
trips were made in different directions, for two
or three miles. BY the time the parties had all
returned to the ship it was nearly noon. At four
bels-2 o'clock-dinner was served. After this
there was nothing to do, except to read, talk,
laugh, if there was anything to laugh at, keep
warm and be jolly. Another meal presently fol-
lowed, and at 9 to 10 o'clock at night the ship
and all in it were silent the lights except those
above deck, were extinguished, and the watches
were set. This, with very slight variations, was
the regular routine on board the ship during the
period of nearly two years."
But some of the episodes encountered by the
explorers have wild interest:
At one time it became necessary to send IA
tigue party with provisions, to assist the main
party under DR.. Kane, in an attempted passage
across Smiths Sound. This party was under the
command of Mr.. Brooks, first officer of the expo
diton. He was accompanied by Mr.. Wilson and
other volunteers. During their travel they found
the ice completely impenetrable, and snow drift
at last swept wildly over the foes, and in the
midst of a heavy gale from the North, the Their
mometer, to their dismay, sunk to ffty-seven de-
grees below zero. Human nature could not sup
port the terrible cold. Four of the party, includ-
ing Mr.. Brooks and Mr.. Wilson, were Frustrated
with frozen feet, and with great difficulty three of
their companions, after encOuntering great suffer-
ing, reached the ship and announced the condition
of their comrades. Their chances of being res
cued seemed extremely small. They were in the
midst of wilderness Of snow, incapable of mo-
ton, protected only by canvass tent, and with no
land marks by which their position could be
known. Even to drag these MANNED men would
have been, under ordinary circumstances, work
of difficulty, but to the slender party left at the
ship it seemed impossible. DIR. Kane, with the
bodness and courage which justified the warm at
tachment felt towards him by all under his COM
mand, in less than one hour organized reScung
party, leaving on board only those who were ne
cessary to receive the sick, and started off in the
teeth of terrific gale. steering by compass, to
rescue the sufferers. After nineteen hours con-
slant travel, during which two of the party faint
ed, and others required to be be kept from sleep
by force, they struck the trail of the lost party,
and finally, staggering under their burdens, one
by one reached the tent, which was almost hid
den by the snow.
The scene as DR.. Kane entered the tent, was
affecting beyond description. The party burst out
into tears. blubber fire was Immediately built,
pemmican cooked, and the party ate for the first
time after leaving the vessel. Ice also melted,
they having been to this time without drink
Worn out as they were, but four hours were al
lowed for the halt. The MANNED of the frozen
party were sewed lp in Buffalo robes, placed in
sledges and dragged along by their companions,
DIR. Kane walking in advance, picking the track.
Cold of the utmost severity again overlook them.
Bonsall and Morton, and even the Esquimaux boy
Hance, sunk upon the snow with sleep. 1t was
only by force that they were aroused and made
TO proceed, the cold seemed to have destroyed
all conception OF danger. n large bear, met on
their way, was fortunately scared off by DIR.
Kane, by the simple waving of his hand.
They reached the ship after q walk of sixty.
hours, still dragging their companions behind
them, but insensible. DIR. Hayes, the intelligent
surgeon of the ship, from which we obtained the
particulars of this fearful adventure received the
returning party. Two of the number died of
their injuries, and two others underwent amputa-
ton, who are now restored to perfect health
The condition of those who dragged the sick was
most lamentable. Their memory for time was
entirely gone, and the ship, in the midst of NUT
tering delirum, resembled an hospital. The
surgeon and one remaining attendant were in sole
charge of the ship. In this state of semi-nad-
ness the sick remained for two or three days, but
afterwards they entirely recovered, and the party
under DR.. Kane started three weeks afterwards,
and resumed their labors in the field. Intrepid.
ty like this has never been surpassed. 1t is spo-
ken OF with emotion-even now-by the stoutest
hearts in the expeditiOn.