Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1860-02-25


steinborg on the 9Th of May, and proceeding |
steadily northward, arrived onceHnore in Mel |
vile Bay in about thirty days. The latter part
of August was spent in struggling with the ice
in Bellot Strait a narrow passage between |
North Somerset and Boothia Felix, and after
five different attempts, they succeeded in steam
ing through on Sept g, and made fast to the
ice across its western outlet, at distance of
two miles from the shore. The ice was in large, |
stout fields, of more than one winters growth, |
apparently immovable in consequence of the
numerous islcts and rocks which rose through
and held it fast. Here they took up their quar-
tcrs for second Arctic winter
During the early part of September, Captain
MClintock was employed in preparing proyis
ions and equipments for travelling parties on
sledges, with which he determined to make thor.
ough search in the Spring. The plan included
three separate routes and parties of four men,
commanded respectively by himself, Lieut.. Hob
son, and Capt. Young, dog-sledge and driver
being attached TO each party. Capt. MClin-
tock's route was arranged for the Great Fish
River and the shores of King Williams lsand
both in going and returning. He was to be ac-
companied by Petersen as guide and inter-
prefer. Lieut. lobson was to explore the wes-
tern coast of Boothia as far as the magnetic
pole, and at n later period to proceed westward
from Gateshead Island. Capt. Young was to
trace the shore of Prince of Wales Land, and
also examine the region between -Four River
Point and Cape Bird. The winter wore away,
with the usual Arctic monotony; severe gales
were frequentj the general health of the com
pany was very good Christmas and New Years
Day were celcbratcdwith Joyous festivities the
weather grew more pleasant in the month of
January; daylight began to increase in strength
and 1urntion and tho uintar's Uloonn IN eriVa
place TO activity and cheerfulness and on the
26th of January, QSj9) part of the suns disc
loomed above the horizon. II was a glorious
sight, and his fresh beams inspired new hope
and promise. The preparations were now busy
for the travelling parties. The dogs were di-
vided into three teams of seven each, and put
through generous course of feeding. On the
morning Of Feb. II, Capt. M'Clintock set out
with his party and proceeding by the way of
the Long Lake, made about 20 geographical
miles for the lSt days journey. On the third
day the dogs became lame in consequence of
sore feet the intense cold having hardened the
surface snow beyond what they could endure !;
and though part of the provisions were thrown
of, not more than 2 or Is miles could be ac
complished in day. The party, of course
walked, so that the dogs had only the remain
ing provisions and clothing to drag, vet several
of them repeatedly fell down in fits. The wealth.
er was almost intoleraby severe. A vigorous
n. W. wind prevailed, and the thermometer fell
to IS deg. below zero. They travelled every
day until dusk, and were then occupied for a
couple of hours in building their snow-hut.-
This consisted of four walls about 8 - feet
| high, inclning inward as much as possible ;
over these the tent was laid to form a roof, as
there was not sufficient time to construct a dome
of snow
! The equipment was n very small brown IIol-
land tent, macintosh oor-cloth, and felt robes.
together with bag Of double blanketings, and
a pair of fur boots, to sleep in for each man.--
They wore moccasns over the pieces of blank
cts in which the feet were wrapped up, and with
the exception of change of this foot gear, car
lied no spare clothes. The way was led by
Capt. MClintock in person ; Petersen and
Thompson followed, conducting the sledges
and in this manner they tramped on for eigh,
or ten hours without halting, except when nee
essary to dsentangle the dog harness. When
they halted for the night, the Captain and
Thompson usually sawed out the blocks of COM
pact snow and carried them to Petersen, who
acted as the master mason in building the snow
hut. Then the dogs had their supper, it being
no easy task to insure the weaker ones their
full share in the general scramble; after this
the sledges were unpacked. the provisions and
sleeping gear carried into the hut, and also the
boots, fur mittens, and even the sedge dog
harness, to prevent the dogs from eating them
in the night. The door was then blocked uu
with snow, the cooking lamp lighted, foot-geal
changed, diary written up, watches wound
sleeping bags wriggled into, pipes lighted and
the merits of the various dogs discussed until
supper was ready. The supper swi lowed, the
upper robe or coverlet was pulled over, and ther
to sleep. Next morning came breakfast,
struggle to get into frozen moccasins, after
which the sledges were packed, and another
days march commenced.
On the first of March, they encamped in the
vicinity of the magnetic pole; Captain M'Clin
took began to fear that his journey would be il
vain; thus far no traces of the Esqumaux hat
been met with; the provisions were nearly ex
hausted; six out of the fifteen dogs were disa
bled and only one more march was possible
In this moment Of encouragement, what wa,
the surprise and joy of the party, on looking
back, to see four men walking after them. Th,
Captain and Petersen Immediately buckled OF
their revolvers and advanced to meet them
The Esquimaux halted, made fast their dogs
laid down their spears, but betrayed no aston
ishment at the sight of the strangers.
They had been out upon n seal hunt on tn,
ice, and were returning home; they fell in read
lily with the proposal to join forces and unde
the pretence of barter, Capt. M'Clntock soor
engaged them in conversation on the subject o
his visit. Inquiring with regard to naval but
ton, which he observed on one of their dresses
he was told that it came from some white peo
pie who were starved upon an island wher
there were salmon in a river, and that the iroi
of which their knives were made came from tn
same place. One of the men said he had beei
to the island to obtain wood and iron, but non,
of them had seen the white men. Anothe
man had been to Repulse Bay, and counted oil
his fingers seven individuals of Raes part,
whom he remembered having seen. These rs
quimaux had nothing to eat, and no other cloth
ing than their ordinary double dresses of fur
They would not eat the biscuit or salt pork o
, the party, but took a small quantity of bear
blubber and some water. They slept in sit
ting posture, with their heads leaning forwar,
on their breasts.
The next morning, after travelling about tel
t miles further, they halted near Cape Victoria
| when tempting display was made of the knives
J files, needles, scissors, beads, &C., which wer
offered to the Esquimaux in exchange for any
; thing which belonged to the starved white men
, Although the weather was stormy and bitterl
cold, two of them stripped off their outer coat
of rpinlaar el in and hnrtarad than, for n l. n;f