American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-01-26
From The Journal Of Commcrce.
a TxINZELTNcs ADVENTURE
KANE's MEN IN THE ARCTIC REGIONS.

kANE MEN IN THE ARCTIC REGIONS.
Some of the episodes encountered
during DIR. Kane's search have inter-
est. At one time it became necessary
to send fatigue party With provisions,
to assist the main party under DR.. K,
In an attempted passage across Smiths
Sound. This party was under the
command of Mr.. Brooks, first officer
Of the expedition. He was accompa-
MED by Mr.. Wilson, and other yolun-
teers. During their travel they found
the ice completely impenetrable, and
snow drift at last swept wildly over the
foes, and in the midst of heavy gale
of the North, the thermometer, to their
dismay, sunk to fifty-scvcn degrees be-
low zero. Human nature could not
support the terrible cold. Four of the
party, including Mr.. Brooks and Mr..
Wilson, were prostrated with frozen
feet, and with great difficulty three of
their companions, after encountering ng
great sufferings, reached the ship and
announced the condition Of their COM
rades. Their chances of being rescued
seemed extremely small. They were
IN the midst of wilderness of snow,
incapable of motion, protected only by
a canvass tent, and with no andmarks
by which their position could be known.
Even to drag these manned men would
have been, under ordinary circumstan-
ces, work of difficulty, but to the
slender party left at the ship, it seemed
to be impossible.
DR.. Kane, with the boldness and cou-
rage which justified the warm attach
mcnt felt towards him by all under his
command, in less than one hour organ
lzed a rescuing party, leaving on board
only those who were necessary to re-
ceive the sick, and started off in the
teeth of a terrific gale, steering by a
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
lost party, and finally, staggering un-
der 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 in tears. A blub-
Der fire was Immediately built, pcmmi-
can cooked, and the party cat 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 fro
zen 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. Bensall and Morton,
and even the Esquimaux boy, Hancc,
sank upon the snow with sleep.
1t was only by force that they were
aroused and made to proceed, rs the
cold seemed to have destroyed all con-
ccption Of danger, A. large bear, met
on their way, was fortunately scared
off by DIR. Kane, by the simple waving
of his hand. They reached the ship
after a walk Of sixty-two hours, still
dragging their companions behind
them, but insensible. DR.. Hayes, the
intelligent surgeon of the ship, from
whom we obtained the particulars of
the fearful adventure, received the rc-
turning party. Two Of the number
died of their injuries, and two others
underwent amputation, who arc now
restored to perfect health.
The condition of those who dragged
the sick was most lamentablc. Their
: memory for time was entirely gone,
and the ship in the midst of muttcring
dclrium, rcsemblcd an hospital. The
surgeon and one remaining attendant
was in sole charge Of the ship. In this
state Of som-madncss the sick remain
ed for two or three days, but after
wards they entirely recovered, and the
party under Dir. Kane started three
weeks afterwards and resumed their
labors in the field.
Intrcpidity like this has never boon
surpassed. 1t is spoken Of with emo.
ton, even now, by the stoutcst hearts
in the expedition.
-------.-------.--~-ss-s-------