The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1855-11-03
Thrilling Episode in Kane's Arctic Exredi-
tiOn.

OCl. lotn says: some or the eplSOQeS en-
countered during DR.. Kanes search, have
wild interest. At one time it became nee
essary to send a fatigue party with provis-
IONS, to assist the main party under DR.. Kane
in an attempted passage across Smiths
Sound. This party was under :he command
Of Mr.. Brooks, first officer of the expedition.
He was accompanied by Mr. Wilson and
other volunteers. During their travel they
found the ice completely impenetrable. and
a snow drift swept wildly over the foes,
and III the midst of heavy gale from the
North, the thermometer, TO their dlsmav,
sunk to fifty-seven degrees below zero. HUI
man nature could not support the terrible
cold and snow drift. Four Of the party in
Guiding Mr.. Brooks and Wilson. were pros
trated with frozen feet, and with great diff
Guilty three of their companions, after en-
countering great suffering, rea ched the ship
and announced the condition of their com
rades. Their chances of being rescued SEEM
ed extremely small. They were in the midst
of a wilderness of snow, incapable of mo-
ton, protected only by canvass tent, and
no landmarks by which their position could
be known. Even to drag these MANNED men
would have been under ordinary circumsta tan
ces work of difficulty, but to the slender
party left al the ship, it seemed to BE- impos-
courage which justified the warm attach
ment felt towards him by all under his com
mand, in less than one hour organized re-
cruiting party, leaving on board only those
who We're necessary to receive the sick, and
started off in the teeth Of a terrible gale,
steering by compass, to rescue the sufferers
After nineteen hours constant travel, during
which two of the party tainted, and Others
required to be kept from sleep by force, they
struck the trail of the lost party, and final
ly, 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 de-
scription. The party burst into tears. A
bIubber fire was Immediately built, pemmi
can cooked, and the party ate for the first
time after leaving the vessel. Ice was also
melted, they having been to this time with
| out drink. Worn out as they We're, but four
, hours were allowed for the halt. The MAIN
ed of the frozen party were sewed up in But
falo robes, placed on sledges and dragged
along by their companions, DR.. Kane walk
ing in advance, picking the track. Cold Of
the utmost severity again overlook them.
Bonsall and Morton, and even the Esqu
! maux boy Hans, sunk upon the snow with
| sleep. 1t was only by force that they We're
aroused and made TO proceed, as the cold
r seemed to have destroyed til conception Of
: danger A large bear met on their way, was
fortunately scared off by DR.. Kane, by the
simple waving Of his hand. They reached
the ship after walk of sixty-two hours,
= still dragging their companions behind them
. but insensibe. DR.. Hayes. the intelligent
surgeon of the ship, from whom we obtain
ed the particulars Of this fearful adventure,
, received the returning party. Two of the
number died of their injuries, and two 9th
ers underwent amputatiOn who are now re-
stored to perfect health. The condition Of
those who dragged the sick, was most la
mcutable Their memory for time was
entirely gone. and the ship, in the midst Of
muttering and delirum, resembled an hospi-
tal The surgeon and one remaining atten-
dant were in charge Of the ship. In this