The Empire County argus., 1855-12-08
An Incident in Kane's Arctic Expedition.

The New York Journal of Commeree of Oct. 13,
says:
Some of the episodes encountered during Dr.
Kanes search have wild interest At one time it
became necessary to send fatigue party with pro-
visions, to assist the main party under DR.. Kane,
This party was under the command of Mr. Brooks
first officer of the expedition. He was accompa-
MED by Mr. Wilson and other volunteers. During
their travel they found the ice completely mpene-
trabe, and snowy drift at last swept wildly over
the fyes and in the midst of heavy gale from
the North, the thermometer, to their dsmay sunk
to ffty-seven degrees below zero. Human nature
could not support the terrible cold Four of the
party including Mr.. Brooks and MIR Wilson, were
prostrated with frozen feet and with great difficult
ty 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 a wilderness of snow, incapable of
motion, protected only by 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 work of
difficulty, but to the slender party left at the ship
it seemed to be impossible DR.. Kane, with the
boldness and courage which justified the warm at
tachment felt towards him by all under his COM
mand, in less than one hour organized a recruiting
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 res
cue the sufferers. After nineteen hours constant
travel, during which two of the party fainted 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 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 hat-
ing been to this time without drink Worn out as
they were, but few hours allowed for the halt
The manned of the frozen patty were sewed up in
Buffalo robes, placed on sedges and dragged along
by their companions. DR. Kane walked 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, and the cold
seemed to destroy all conception of danger. A
large bear met on the way was fortunately scared
OFT by DR. Kane, by the simple waving of the hand
They reached the ship after walk of sixty-two
houls still dragging their companions behind
them, but insensble.
DR.. Hayes, the intelligent surgeon of the 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 restored to
perfect health. The condition of those who drag
ged the sick was most lamentable. Their memory
for time was entirely gone, and the ship, in the
midst of muttering and delirium resembled hos
pital. The surgeon and one remaining attendant
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 after.
wards and resumed their labors in the field
Intrepidity like this has never been surpassed
1t is spoken of with emotion, even now, by the
stoutest hearts in the expedition.