Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1855-11-10
Arctic Horrors.

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 expedition. He was accom-
panied by Mr.. Wilson and other volunteers. During
their travel they found the ice completely impene-
trable, 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 fifty-seven degrees below zero. Human nature
could not support the terrible cold. Four of the
party, including Mr.. Brooks and Mr.. Wilson, were
prostraed with frozen feet, and with great difficulty
three of their companions, after erpcounterng 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, in
capable 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. Dr. Kane,
with the boldness and courage which justified the
warm attachment felt towards him by all under
his command, in less than one hour organized a
rescuing party, leaving on board only those who
were necessary to receive the SICK and started off
in the teeth Of terrific gale steering by compass,
to rescue the sufferers After nineteen hours
constant travel, during which two of the party
tainted, and others required to be kept from sleep
BY force, they struck the trail of the 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,
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 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 advance, picking the track. Cold of the
utmost severity again overlook them. Bonsall and
Morton and even the Esquimaux boy Hanee 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 met on their way was
fortunately scared off By DR.. Kane by the simple
waving Of his hand They reachl the ship after
walk Of sxty-two hours still dragging their COM
panions behind them, but insensbIe. 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 now restored to perfect health.
The condition Of those who dragged the sick was
most lamentable Their memory for time was
entirely gone, and the ship, in the midst of mutter
ing delirium resembled an hospital The surgeon
and one remaing attendant were in sole 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 afterwards and resumed their
labors in the field.
Intrepidity like this has never been surpassed
It is spoken Of with emotion, even now, BY the
stoutest hearts in the expedition.
EN r Journal Of Commerce.,