Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-06-20

She was seen last apparently at anchor I'M
! der Northumberland, where ID is most Ii ke-
| ly she remained for winter quarters. DIR.
! Hays found an Esquimaux residing on that
island, and an Esquimaux settlement al
| Navick is close by. Communication with
these people could be easily opened and
maintained, and no apprehension for the
Polaris, in the absence of.sccident or sick
ness for those on board, is entertained by
| any of the rescued persons.
Climate and Vegetation.
Winter temperature found to be much
milder than expected, minimum being So
degrees below zero. The soil during the
summer was covered with a more or less
dense vegetation of moss, with which sew
eral arctic plants were interspersed, some OF
them of considerable beauty but entirely
without scent, and many small willows
scarcely reaching dignity of shrubs. The
rocks in some instances contained fossil
plants specimens of which were collected.
Animals.
Animal life was found to abound, musk
aud oxen being shot at intervals through
out winter. Geese, duck and other water
fowls, including the plover and other wad
ing birds abounded during the summer;
although species Of lend birds compare
lively few. No fish were seen, although
nets and lines were frequently called into
play in attempting to catch them. Flies,
bees and insects were observed.
Geography.
The geographical results Of tie Polaris
expedition, so far as they can now be ascer-
tanned from the testimony of Tyson and bis
comrades, may be summed up briefly: The
nj Io;I hu and
Hsys, is found to be iu reality sound of
considerable extent, formed by the abrupt
expansion of Kennedy channel to the north
ward and broken by Lady Franklin's bay
on the west and on the east by large In
let 20 miles vide at opening, and certainly
extending far inland.
Large Expectations.
The full scientific results of the Polaris
expedition cannot be known until that YES
sci has been found and brought back with
the treasures gathered and the records and
details of her arctic explorations, but enough
is told by the witnesses whom we have eX-
amined to excite expectation and encourage
the hope of large and valuable additions to
human knowledge. GEO. NJ ROBEsoN,
Secretary OF Navy.
TysOn's Testimony.
Can't. Tyson says in his testimony that
in consultation of officers with Capt
Hall on the 20.h of September, 1871, in re-
alton to going further north, it was decided
TO advance. Buddington opposed the plan,
saving he would be damned if she would
move from there. Capt. Hall then had
some further conversation with Budding
ton. The ship then went into winter
quarters, although the channel was then
open as far as they could see.
During his sickness Capt. Hall was deli
rious. After getting somewhat better he
still seemed to think some one was going to
iriure him. He was very suspicious;
thought some one was going to pOisonhim.
He accused Buddingtou and the Doctor
with trying to ipjure him. When be par
tally recovered he was careful of what he
ate and drank. The night of his death he
retired and Mr.. Chester who was
with him said he was feeling better and
would be around in a few days. During
the night he grew worse and died. Tyson
obtained the Information from Buddington
who came 20 his room and told him the
Captain was dying. Caps. Tyson went to
the cabin to look at him. He was insensi-
bic and lay on his face
in his berth. Capt. Tyson could not see
bis face, which appeared to be buried In
the pillow, and he was breathing heavily,
and so he died. He never said word be-
fore his desth. There had been
some little difficulty between
Capt. Buddington and Capt. Hall. II was
before he started on his journey. Capt.
Hall was about suspending Buddington
from duty. The difficulty was bis foul Ian
guage about the ship, and his taking any
thing he could lay hands on, provisions or
liquors.
Capt. Buddingtou assumed command in
his own way. Spring came on, and no
body was allowed to go. He swore he
would be damned if anybody should do
anything, but he allowed an attempt at an
expedition with boats.
Just north of Cape Frazer Capt. Bud
dington was intoxicated, and run his vessel
off in the middle of the sound. He was not
drunk on rum but alcohol, which he OBJ
tanned from DR.. Bessers stores. The Doc
tor caught him at it and they had quite a
tussle together.
Other Witnesses.
Frederick Meyers testimony was in &C,
cord with Tyson's as to Capt. Halls sick
ness and death. Buddington was drunk
most always. Esquimsux ice and his wife
Hannah having been examined, the former
said the ship was all right when Capt. Hall
was alive. Capt. Hall complained to him
that the coffee made him sick. He said
something about being poisoned but Joe
could not tell exactly what it was.
Hannah testified that Capt. Hall told her
the coffee was too sweet for him aud male
him yomit. Did not hear him accuse any
body OF poisoning him except when he was
out of bis head.
Dor TTIGAT