Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1855-10-20
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE KANE
EXPEDITION.

The expedition left New-1ork May 81.
1853. The first port made was st. Johns,
Newfoundland, where the expedition was shown
every attention by the governor and inhabitants
who afforded them facilities for obtaining ar
ticles required for the expedition. They OBJ
tanned there eight Labrador dogs for use in
sledeing in the snow. They were visited there
by the officers of the army and navy. They
took aboard all the beef they could obtain and
married it. After remaining two days they
took their departure, and about the 4th of
July they arrived at Fishkenaes, a settlement
in the southern part of Greenland Gov. Las
sing at this point received them with great hos
pitality and afforded them every facility in the
purchase of flrs and ~eider-down, &c. They
took on board at this point an Esquimaux man
who was to hunt for them. They left Fishken-
aes and proceeded next to Sukkertoppen, so
called from the resemblance of a mountain in
the vicinity to a sugar loaf. This place pre-
sentS many beauties of Arctic scenery. They
found there a few Danes, and obtained from
them an abundant supply of reindeer furs and
sealskin coats. They reached next a place
called Proven, a place sixty miles south of
Upernavik. Here they received the aid of
Christianson, who is well known in the annals
of the Arctic. They obtained additional sup
plies there. While they remained there an
ESquimaux ball was given in honor of the ex-
petition, which was attended quite numerously
Among those present were the governor and
his wife and daughter. The ladies' were dress,
ed in pantaloons, presenting a novel appear
ance. The members of the expedition joined
in the festivities of the occasion. They took
on board there twenty Esquimaux dogs. After
remaining two or three days they took their
departure for Upcrnavik. On their way they
were becalmed for some time within sight of
SanderSon's Hoop, a prominent headland south
of Upernavik. The cliff is about three thou.
sand feet high, and can be seen at a distance
of a hundred miles. This cliff is noted also
for an extensive c0onery which is on it. They
arrived at Upcrnavik during the last of July,
and obtained Mr.. Peterson, who had been with
Capt. Penny as interpreter, for the expedition,
for the purpose of managing the sledging by
dogs. From Upernavik they pushed on to the
north. They met with no ice until they had
proceeded considerably north of the Devils
Thumb, which point is regarded by whalers as
the point at which they anticipate difficulties
in Melville bay. They expected to encounter
ice in the bay, but they had a very fortunate
passage, they being detained therein only about
two weeks. They did but little warping-
They then made the open water, and off Cape
York they came to the north water, so called
by sailors, and had a good run thence until
the 9th of August, when they entered Smiths
sound with no prospect of ice, and sailed on
until they reached LitteStOn island in latitude
rs 90, which is the highest point reached by
Capt. neglected. in 1852, though he did not
land there. The expedition landed at the
island and erected a caira, in which were de.
posted letters, in hopes that Capt. Inflefield
on his return would find them and convey them
to England, to be forwarded thence to Ameri
ca. Their most important object, however, il
landing at Littleton Island was to deposit pro
visions and a large metallic life-boat, which, in
case disaster should overtake their vessel, they
might be able to reach it and by it make their
return to Greenland. From Littleton Island
they saw the first block of ice. They then
pushed on north, and the first ice they met
with was in latitude IS 80. The morning was
foggy and as the icebergs were floating by in
considerable numbers they sent out a boat to
look for a harbor. A small harbor was found
on the coast, where the vessel was moored, and
boat parties were sent ahead to see if there
was any possible chance of getting any further
La a few days a chance presented itself, the
ice having somewhat opened, and they pressed
on by means of varying and made that day
about fifteen miles, passing three small islands
or rocks, none of which exceeded a hundred
feet in diameter. Afterward being compelled
to return to these islands by reason of lying
in an exposed position, they afforded them q
sort of shelter. A gale came ON subsequently
which parted the hausers with which they
were moored to the rocks and they were driven
to sea. The gale was blowing quite heavy,
and they were placed in considerable danger,
as they were running before the wind amid ice.