Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1855-05-10
STAR.
GFrom the N. Y lou mel Of Commerce
The KATE RELIEF EXPEDITION,

w thS oiS1o IeSionS Is now nearly In
readiness to sail on its benevolent mis-
sion. The two vessels purchased for the
purpose have not yet been named, but
rave been strengthened and otherwise
prepared for Northern service. The
largest is known as the bark "Eringo, :"
registering 32S tons, and was purchased
for SIT 900. Her consort is a propeller
of $50 tons, which cost $50 900. and will
arrive here from Philadelphia in day or
two The former is now receiving her
provisions and stores, and will be com
plete this week. Both are expected to
sail by the lst proximo, steering direct
for the coast Of Greenland, and continu-
ing northward to Smiths Sound.
We yesterday visited the naval station
at Brooklyn, ard were pleased to learn
that the Secretary of the Navy and Of
ficers of the yard are disposed to fit out
the expedition in the best possible man
ner, and take a deep interest in its pro-
gress and success. The orders are that
1t shall be amply provided with two
years ratlons, and which with the ex-
tras will suffice for cruise of fully three
years. The provisions in preparation
consist chiefly of "pemmican," or con-
centrated meat, besides soups, Borden s
patent meat biscuit, lime.iuice. (anti-
scorbutic,) pickles, &c. The supplies
will include something like 10000
pounds OF dried meats and soups, and
$4,000 pounds of preserved vegetables.
The provisions for officers and sailors
will be of the same quality. The "pem-
mican" IS the same article with which
the Kane expedition was provided, and
sample for examination, after being
Kept for two years in this warm climate,
was recently examined and found to be
as sweet and nutritious as when put up.
The quantity Of beef required for this ex-
pedition was 1900 pounds, rump pieces.
which, upon being divested Of fatty DOR
tons, were cut into thin steaks, taken to
ms!t-kiln and thoroughly dried. By
| tn process, its weight was reduced to
800 pounds. 1t was then chopped fine
by the apparatus employed by sausage
makers, kneaded up with 1000 pounds
good lard, with a small addition of sugar
and currants. Then being hermetically
sealed in tin cans, it is in shipping or
| der. The vessel wilLAlso take. out a
large supply of clothing adapted to a
northern climate. Among other things,
500 pairs of stockings have been pro.
vided. In travelling on foot, it is Gus
tomary to wear three pairs at 4 time,
and cover the whole with canvas boots.
| we were shown at the shops at the
Navy Yard, 10 ice anchors, of different
sizes, to be used in anchoring the vessels,
or warpiDg up through the lanes of ice
They arc little else than angular hooks,
to be sunk In h0lSs drilled in the ice.
Some weigh as much as 20 or 80 pounds,
! but the majority are Of about Is pounds
weight. In addition there are 10 sledces.
four OF which are about ii feet in length,
to be drawn by dogs or with ropes. They
are sharp at each end after the pattern
adopted by the British Admiralty, and
| ere shod with iron. In excursions over
! the ice, they will be manned by an officer
and six men.
The bark, ac fitted for sea, is worthy
Of examination. Without, the hull IS
covered with q inch planking, and
armed with iron from the bows to the
main chains. Forward she is completely
sheathed, from the bulwarks to the keel.
| Within, timbers, knees and kelsonS have
been introduced, to efectually protect
her from collisions with icebergs, or from
lateral pressure. The bows especially.
are filled with timberS, and divided off
into water-tight apartment. The rud.
der is so arranged that it can be instantly
unshIpped, and triced up under the stern.
The vessel is also furnished with four
pumps so that every possible precau-
tion seems to have been taken to insure
her safety. The officers quarters are
completely lined with cork, to absorb
moisture, and the seamen are well pro-
Vlded Tor In house on deck; or should
they prefer, they have snug quarters
below. The bark is fine new vessel,
having made two trips to Rio, and is 9
fast saller. The number of men going
out on this expedition, will be forty.
seven, including four officers to each YES.
sci. Contrary to anticipations, not the
least difficulty is experienced in procur.
ing men, and of the best quality. Many
| Sooo oSoniSu elo Ous vi eInplOvIlelC,
from the return Of recent government
vessels and the inactive state of the ship
ping business, and the expedition will
be supplied with personnel of rare ex-
cellence. Only two have been accepted
from those who went out on former ex-
petitions, though several have cfft,ed.
AS fast as accepted, they are put On
board the receiving ship North Carolina.
Only one officer and the physicians re-
main to be selected, though none have
as yet been formally appointed. The
list now stands as follows:
Lieutenant II. j. Hartstene, formerly
commander Of the steamship Illinois, to
command the expedition.
Lieutenant Charles @. Simms, to oom.
mand the tender.
Passed Midshipmen-Watson, Smith,
VIM. S. Lowell, Joseph P. Fyffe, and
First Assistant Engineer, Harmsn Newell.
One of the surgeons is a younger son
fudge Kane, of Philadelphia, DR.. John
4. Kane, who joins in the search for his