Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-02-08

tenueu3 N spite OF the extreme colQs Aucn
of it abounded in poetical descriptions Of the
Wild scenery Of the Arctic region, which tits
impossible for Us to reproduce from our ram
blingnOtes. He commenced by saying: Il
is nov fifteen years since have visited this
city, but the welcome which has been ex-
tended to me recalls the bygone days. am
to speak this evening upon subject which
is no novelty in itself, but inasmuch as there
has been no account published of the expe-
dition Of which was a member, shall en-
dsavOf to give full and truthful history Of
six months cruise between the parallels
so and so of north latitude, under command
of Lieut.. Henry J. Hartstene, in search of
DR.. Kane.
While I was in Minnesota in 1885, saw
in Washington paper that an expedition
was fitting out, and I at once offered my ser
vices. Two vessels were prepared, the Arc
tics 800 feet in length, and the clipper Re-
lease, which were provisioned for two
years cruise. On the 27th-of May, 1855, we
were all ready for starting, and on the 4th of
June We were fairly at sea.
\ Along the Banks we were compelled to
thread our way carefully, to avoid the hun
dred's Of fishing vessels which thronged
everywhere about US, hidden in the dense
fogs which settle down upon these waters.
We fell in with the first ice on the 18th Of
june, and on the 18th, met with the first
drift ice. On the 2lst,7the sun set at 9 P.
NJ. and rose at A, NJ. On the 2Sd, we en-
tered Davis Straits. The sunsets in latitude
500 were indiscribably beautiful; one part
of the aurora being of deep crimson which
was gradually and impeTceptably shaded
down 10 the faintest and most delicate hue.
On the I2Sd of June, we were surrounded by
enormous ice-bergs, all of which were of the
most astonishing whiteness. On the Sd of
June we entered the region of perpetual
daylight, and the scene at this time was in
grand and beautiful the bright
sunlight being reflected from the icy mount
aims which surrounded US in themost gorge
Gus hues. Floes of ice 5000 feet across aoated
about on the mirror-like ocean. Here,
could fancy grand old castle, with its tur-
rets, its battlements and its donjon keep
these lofty Minister walls,and still again, the
domes of magnificent Halls,
each and all of the purest marble. Our own
rigging and spars were at times radiant
with jewels, and gIistening like the cestus
Of Vents.
On the 5th of July, we made Disco Island
and deserted our companion, the Release,
who had become separated from US. Both
vessels were much rejoiced at meeting, for
we were now approaching the region of COM
plete desolation, whale ships, seldom ven
turing farther north. The settlement where
we stopped at the Island consists of fifteen
angular buildings, which, together with
few Esquimaux huts make upths town. We
got no tidings of Kane at this spot, inasmueh
as he had not landed here on his upward
passage The Esquimsux appear most hap
py and cheerful. They amuse themselves
with racing across the bay in their kyaeks
which are sharp boats or rather frames cover
ed with walrus skins, hole being left for the
insertion of the neither extremities. They are
by paddle 10 feet in length and
with great velocity. The Esquimaux are
are not remarkable for symmetry of form.
They are usually about five feet in height
and the same in thickness. There we're
two halfbreed however, Marie and
Sophia Brodburg, who were signal e1cep-
tions to this rule. We attended ball which
was gotten up for US. and all hands dofing
the PeaTjackets and hannels,appearedi in full
naval uniform.
From Robinson Crusoes, we became at
once Brummels and D'orsays. The ball dress
Of the Esquemaux belle is unique. The
soft spotted skin trowsers, tight at the hips,
long boots Of walrus and elose-ftting bodices
make most tasty habit upon the perfect
forms Of some of the half-breeds. and the
naval uniforms and spotted skins were
mixed up in most inextrieable confusion
Ny admiration of the fair Marie Brodburg
was somewhat dashed, however, by observ
ing her, during visit to our vessel, take a
piece of fat from our slush barrel, and swal-
low it with infinite gusto.
We got underway on the 9th Of July. Our
vessel received several severe chips from
the pack-ice, and on one occasion we lay on
our side for seven days, having been thrown
out Of the water. We were
ready at all times to take to the boats in
case of the ship being crushed. The effect
Of continued monotony was plainly visible
upon all of Us, and the hair of nearly every
man fell of.
The 10th of August was most disagree
able day, and both crews were on the g,ri
vivs ready for sudden fitting. On the l4th
we fell in with quantities of crimson snow.
I brought home some of the water formed
from it, and it still retains its peculiar color,
which think establishes the fact that it
proceeds from mineral rather than an ami
NAL substance. Shortly after passing the
'' Crystal Palsee We deserted several
Hcairns" on the shore. All was at once ex-
and amid perfect silence, the boats
were manned and pulled away. The
"eairns'I being reached, were pulled to
pieces, snd were found to enclose sharpe's
rife slug and vial which contained mus
quito and a slip of paper, on which were
several nearly illcgible words. With the
aid of a microscope the words, CDR. Kane.
1885," were deciphered, piece of unsatis-
factory intelligence which indicates extreme
ly bad management somewhere.
At second settlement further on, we
found spOOls of thread and skeins Of cotton,
as well as meat cans, clasp knife, ETC.,
which had belonged to the Kane expedition.
Getting no further tidings, we determined to
retrace our steps and to go to Beechey Island,
and to erect the monument sent out by Lady
Franklin in I4emory of her husband'and his
associates. Before we reached Wellington
Channel, the new ice began to form. and we
made lieadway with difficulty. On the 25th