Tribune and telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1855-1856, 1855-11-01
Total of the Prondft contracts
S5SAOOC
Fearful Suffering and Peril.

Some of the episodes encountered during DIR.
kanes search have wild interest At one time
provisions, to assist the main party under DIR
Kane, in an attempted passage across Smiths
Sound. This party was under the command o.
Mr. Brooks, first officer of the expedition He was
accompaniedby Mr.. Wilson and other volunteers
During their travel they found the ice completely
impenetrable, and a snow drift at last swept wild
ly over the foes, and in the midst OF heavy gale
from the north the thermometer, to their dismay
sunk to 81 below zero. Human nature could
not support the terrible cold. Four of the party,
including Mr.. Brooks and Mr.. Wilson were pros
tratcdwith frozen feet, and with great difficulty
three OF their companions, after encountering
great suffering reached the ship and announced
the condition of their comrades. Their chances of
being rescued seemed extremely small. They
were in the midst of wilderness of snow, inca
pabe of motion, protected only by a canvas tent,
and with no landmarks by which their position
could be known. Even to drag these manned men
would have been under ordinary circumstances a
work of difficulty, but to the slender party left at
the ship, it seemed to be impossible. DIR. Kane,
with the bodness and courage which Justified the
warm attachment felt towards him by all under
his command, in less than one hour organized n
rescuing party, leaving on board only those who
were necessary to receive the sick and started of
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 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 hidden by
the snow. The scene as DIR. Kane entered the tent
was affecting beyond description. The party burst
out into tears. A bubber fire was Immediately
built pemmcan cooked, and the party ate for the
first time after leaving the vessel Ice was also
melted, they having been to this time without
drink. Worn out as they were, but four hours
were allowed for the halt. The manned of the fro
zen party were sewed up in Buffalo robes, placed
on slcdges and dragged along by their compan-
ions, DIR. Kane walking in advance, picking the
track. Cold Oft the utmost severity again overlook
them. Bonsall and Morton and even the Esgui-
| maux boy, Hance, sunk upon the snow with sleep
1t was only by force that they were aroused and
made to proceed, rs the cold seemed to have de-
stroyed all conception of danger. large bea,
met on their way, was fortunately scared off by
Dr. Kane, by the simple waving Of his hand
They reached the ship after a walk Of sixty-two
hours, still dragging their companions behind
them but insensible.
| DIR. Hayes, the intelligent surgeon ofthe ship
from whom we obtained the particulars of this
fearful adventure received the returning party
! Two of the number died of their injuries, and
| two others underwent amputation, who are now
restored to perfect health. The condition o
those who dragged the sick, was most lamentable
| Their memory for a time was entirely gone, ans
the ship, in the midst of muttering delirium re
! sembled hospital The surgeon and one re
naming attendant were in sole charge of th'
! ship. In this state of sem-nadness the sick re
| manned twoor three days, but afterwards the,
entirely recovered and the party under DR. X an,
/ started three weeks afterw ards and resumed thei
I labors in the field.