The daily Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1855, 1855-10-25


The New York Journal of Commerce re
hates the following. thrilling episode of DR..
Kane's Expedition: =
Some Of the episodes encountered during
Dr.. Kane's search, have wild interest. At
one time it became necessary to send fatigue
party with provisions, to assist the main party
under DR.. Kane in an attempted passage across
Smiths Sound. This party was under the
command of Mr.. Brooks, FIRST officer of the ex-
petition. he was accompanied by Mr.. Will
son and other volunteers. During their travel
they found the ice completely impenetrabe,
and snow drift at last swept wildly over the
foes, and in the midst of heavy gale from
the north, the thermometer to, their dismay
sunk to ffty-seveD degrees below zero. HUI
maa nature could 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 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, 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 or
binary circumstances work of difficulty, but
to the slender party left to the ship, it seemed
to be impossible. DR.. Kane, with the bold
ness and courage which justified the warm at
tachment felt towal DIS him by all under his
command, in less than one hour organized
recruiting party, leaving on board only those
who were necessary to receive the sick, and
started off in the teeth of o terrible gale,
| steering by compass, to rescue the sufferers.
After nineteen hours constant travel, during
which two of the party tainted, and others re-
CURED 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 time 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
sedges and dragged along by their compan-
ions, DIR. Kane walking 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
as the cold seemed to have destroyed all con-
ception of danger. A large bear met on the
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 insensible. DR.. Hayes, the intelli-
gent surgeon of the ship, from whom we have
obtained the particulars Of this fearful adven-
ture, 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 of
those who dragged the sick was most lament
able. Their memory for time was entirely
gone, and the ship, in the midst of muttering
and delirium, resembled an hospital. The sur
geon and one remaining attendant were in
charge of the ship. In this state of semi mad
ness the sick remained for two or three days,
but afterwards they entirely recovered, and
the party under Dr. Kane started three weeks
afterwards and resumed their labors in the
field.
lntrepidity like this has never been surpassed
1t is spoken of with emotion, even now, by
the stoutest hearts in the expedition.