Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1859-10-20

| Lieut.. Hobson was unable TO stand without
assistance upon his return on board; he was
not in good health when be commenced his
long journey, and the sndden severe exposure
brought on an attack of scurvy yet he mos
ably completed his work and such facts vii
more clearly eviHce the unfiinehing spirit with
which the object of our voyage has been pur-
sued In these detached duties than any praise
of mine.
We were now, at length, all on board again
As there were some slight cases OF scurvey, all
our treasured resources of Burton ale, lemon
juice. and fresh animal food were now put into
requisltion, so that in comparatively short
time all were restored to sound health
During our sojourn in PoIt Kennedy. we
were twice called upon to follow shipmate to
the grave. Mr.. George Brands, engineer, died
OF apoplexy On the 9th of November, 1888; ne
had been out deer shooting for several hours
that day, and appeared in excellent health.
On the 18th of June. 1859, Thomas Blackwell,
ships steward, died of scurvey; this man had
served in two of the former searching expedi-
tions.
The summer proved warm one and we were
able to start on our honeward voyage on the
9th of August, and although the loss of the en-
gine driver in 1857, and of the engineer in 1855,
left rs with only two strokers, yet with their
steam the ship up to Fury Point.
For six days we lay there closely besct, when
change of wind removing the ice, our voyage
was continued almost without further Interrupt
ton, to Godhareis;;, iu DISCO, where we arrived
On the 9th August, and were received with
kindness by Mr.. Click. Inspector of North
Greenland, and the local authorities, who obli-
gingly supplied our few wants.
The two Esquimaux dog-drivers were now
discharged. and on the 1st September We sailed
for England.
From all that can be cleaned from the record
paper, and evidence afforded by the boat, and
various articles of clothing and equipment dis
covered, it appears that the abandonment of the
Erebus and Terror had been deliberately ar
ranged, and every effort exerted during the
third winter to render the travelling equipments
complete.
1t is much to be apprehended that disease
had greatly reduced the strength of all on board
far more perhaps than they themselves are
aware Of
The distance by sledge route from the posi-
tion of the ships when abandoned to the boat is
IS geographical miles; and from the ships to
Montreal Island, 800 miles.
The most perfect order seems to have existed
throughout.
In order 10 extend as much as possible the
VI tuic Wy ibcte-
geological, and other observations. subservient
to scientific purposes, and for which instruments
were supplied through the liberality of the Roy
al Society, have been continually and carefully
taken, and every opportunity has been embraced
by the surgeon, d. Walker. NJ. D., of forming
complete collections in all the various branches
of natural history.
This report would be incomplete did 1 not
mention the obligations had been laid under
to the companions Of my yoyage-bo,l, officers
and men.zby their jealous and unwavering sup
port throughout.
A feeling of entire devotion TO the cause which
Lady Franklin has so nobly sustained, and a
firm determination to effect all that men could
do, seems to have supported them through eve
ry difficulty. With less of this enthusiastic
spirit, and cheerful obedience TO every COM
mand, our small number-23 in all-would not
have sufficed for the successful performance of
so great a work.
F. L. McCLINTOCK.C Captain, R. N.
Commanding the final Searching Expedition.
The Yacht Fox. R. Y. S., off the Isle of Wight.
Sept. 81. 1859.