Daily Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1854-1855, 1855-10-22
Thrilling Episode in Kane'sArciic Expedition.

Thrilling Episode in Kane's Arctic Expedition,
The New York Journal Of Commerce Of
Oct. 18th says:
"Some ofths episodes encountered during
DR.. Kane's search, have wild interest. Al
one time it became necessary to send II
fatigue party with provisions, to assist the
main party under DIR. Kane in an ate
passage across Smiths Sound. This party
was under the command Of Mr.. Brooks, first
officer Of the expedition. He was accom-
panied by Mr. Wilson and other volunteers.
During their travel they found the ice com.
pletely impenetratle, and a snow drift at
last swept wildly over the foes, and in the
midst Of 4 heavy gale from the North, the
thermometer, to their dismay, sunk to fifty.
seven degrees belos zero. Human nature
cydld not support the terrible cold and snow
drift. -Four of the party, including Mr..
Brooks and Mr.. Wilson, were FRUSTRATED
with frozen feet, and with great difficulty
three of their companions, after encounter
ing great suffering, reached the ship and
announced the condition of their comrades.
Their chances Of being rescued seemed ex-
tremely small. They were in the midst of
a wilderness of snow, incapable of motion,
protected only by a canvass tent, and with
no landmarks by which their position could
be known. Even to drag these MANNED
men would have been under ordinary cir
cumstances a work of difficulty, but to the
slender party left at the ship, it seemed to
be impossible. DR.. Kane, with the bold.
ness and courage which justified the warm
attachment felt towards him by all under
his command, in less than one hour organ
lied q recruiting party, leaving on board
only those who were necessary to receive
the sick, and started off in the teeth Of q
terrible gale, steering by compass, TO rescue
the sufferers. After nineteen hours con-
slant 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 finally, staggering under Their
burdens, one by one reached the tent,
which was almost hidden by the snow.
The scene as DR.. Kane entered the tent
was affecting beyond description. The
party burst out into tears. A blubber fire
was Immediately built, pemmican cooked,
and the party ate for the first time after
leaving the vessel. Ice was also melted,
they having been to this tins without drink.
Worn out as they were, but -four hours were
allowed for the halt. The manned Of the
frozen party were sewed up in Buffalo robes,
placed on sledges and dragged along by
their companions, DR.. Kane walking in ad-
vance, picking the track. Cold of the ut.
most 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, as the cold seemed
to have destroyed all conception Of danger.
A large bear which met them on their way,
was fortunately scared off by DR.. Kane, by
the simple waving Of bis hand. They
reached the ship after a walk of CO hours,
still dragging their companions behind them,
but insensible. DR.. Hayes, the intelligent
sur. con Of the ship, from whom we obtained
the particulars of this fearful adventure, re-
ceiyed the returning party. Two of the
number died Of their injuries, and two 9TH
ers underwent amputation, who are now
restored to perfect health. The condition
Of those who dragged the sick, was most
~lamen,able. Their memory for q time was
entirely gone, and the ship, in the midst OF
muttering and delirium, resembled en- hos
pital. The surgeon and one remaining at
tendant were in charge Of the ship. In this
state Of semi-madness the sick remained
for two or three days, but afterwards they
entirely recovered, and the party under DR..
Kane started three weeks afterw ards and
resumed their labors in the field.
lntrepidity like this. has never been sur
passed. II is spoken Of with emotion, even
now, by the stoutest hearts Of the expedi-
tion."