, 1856-03-14
Thrilling EpisOd, in Kaus's Arctic Ep,ditiOn.

Thrilling Episode in Kant'S Arctic EPeditiOn,
The NeO York Journal Of Commerce of
Oct 18th, says:
Some Of the episodes encountered during
DR.. Kane's search have wild interest. At
one time it became necessary to send IA
tigue party with provisions, to assist the
main party under Dr. Kane in an attempt
ed passage across Smiths Sound. This
party was under command Of Mr.. Brooks,
first officer Of the expedition. lie was &C
companied by Mr.. Wilson and other volun-
teers During their travel they found the
ice impenetrable, and a snow drift swept
wildly over the foes, and in the midst Of
heavy gale from the North, the thermome-
ter, to their dismay, sunk to 6fty-seVen de-
grees below zero. Human nature could
not support the terrible cold. -Four Of the
party, including Mr.. Brooks and Mr.. Will
son, were prostrated with frozen feet, and
with great difficulty three Of their compan-
ions, after encoutering great suffering,
reached the ship and announced the condi-
tion Of their comrades. Their chances Of
being rescued were very small. They were
in the midst Of wilderness Of snow, inca
pable Of motion; protected only by canvass
tents, with no landmarks by which their
position could be known. Even to drag
these manned men would have been, under
ordinary circumstances, q work Of difficulty,
but to the slender party left at the ship it
seemed to be impossible. DR.. Kane, with
the boldness aud courage which justified
the warm attachment felt towards him by
all under his command, in less than one
hour organized a recruiting party, leaving
on board only those who were necessary to
receive the sick, and started of in the
teeth of terrible gale, steering by com
pass, to rescue the sufferers. After nine
teen hours constant travel, during which
two Of the party tainted, aud others re-
quired to be kept from sleep by force, they
struck the trail of the lost party, and final
ly, staggering under their burdens, one by
one reached the tent, which was almost
hidden from them 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,
aud 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 werep but four
hours was allowed for the halt The
manned Of the frozen party were, sowed up
in buffalo robes, placed on the slSdges, and
drawed along by their companions. DIR.
Kane walking in advance picking the track.
Cold Of the utmost severity again overlook
them. Bonsall and Mortar, 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 destroy all conception Of
danger. A large bear met on the way was
fortunately scared of by Dr. Kane, by the
simple waving Of bis hand. They reached
the ship after q walk Of sixty-two hours,
still dragging their companions behind
them, but insensible. DR.. Hayes, the in
telligent surgeon on 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 muttering and delirium, re-
sembled hospital The surgeon and one
remaining attendant were in charge Of the
ship.
In this state Of semi-madness the sick re-
mained for two or three days, but ater-
wards they entirely recovered, and the par
ty under DR.. Kane started three weeks af-
terwards and resumed their labors in the
open field.
Intrepidity like this has never been sur
passed 1t is spoken of with emotion even
now, by the stoutes hearts in the expedi-
ton. I