The New York herald., 1873-09-22
MEETING WITH THE TIGRESS.
Lieutenant De Longs Information for Com.
mander Greer.
aETURN OF THE LAUNCH.
A Most Interesting Story o
Arctic Adventure.
LATITUDE 70 21 10 n, LONGITUDE So s As W.,
UNITED STATES STEAMER LITTLE JUNIATA,
TESSUIsAK, Greenland, August 2, 1873

TEssUIsAK, Greenland, August 2, 1873.
THE PREPARATIONS.
Although Commander Braine did not intend to
send the steam launch on the pioneer expedition
until he was thoroughly satisfied By actual obser.
vation that it could be carried out in safety, pre-
cautionary measures were taken at st. Johns In
the way OF preparation in case circumstances per.
mitted the experiment The little boat was
lowered from the davits and thoroughly over
hauled on shore. Among other necessary fittings
she was strengthened on each side with green
heart plank 20 feet long, feet wide and IN feet
thick. Next came iron stern plates, is inches long,
the same width and inches in thickness To pro-
vide against all emergencies she was rugged as
0 sloop while her bladed propeller was guarded
by iron framework. Everything complete, the
Itanch little craft measured 80 feet 2 inches over
all, 8 feet inches beam, feet inches in depth.
der draught forward was feet inches, and aft
feet inches. In fine, she was completely
equipped for the service, nothing being wanting
that ingenuity could suggest. When the prepare
tions were completed, she was named 'Tne Little
Juniata" While at Godhavn her capacity was
thoroughly tested, both in steaming and sailing,
and her ability to butt against the ice had ire-
quent trials. She was pronounced by all good
seagoing craft, fit to perform the duty
assigned to her. On arriving at Uperna-
that this was an unusually open season, and that
40 danger might be apprehended from the contem-
plated expedition, while he warmly encouraged
the attempt. competent Esquimau pilot was
secured, in the person OF Jacob, who was thor
oughy acquainted with the coast; and at
length l may add that although 1t was
Intended the Little Juniata should not
be absent more than fifteen days, when her
stock OF coal would be exhausted, she was never
theless proysioned for sixty days and was other
wise fully equipped ior all emergencies. SO far as
could learn, however, her officer was warned
against running any risk that might endanger the
boat or the lives Of her crew. 1t being wholly i'm
possible then for the Junata to try the experiment.
the preliminary task was entrusted to her gallant
little namesake.
TIE VOLUNTEERS.
nave already expressed my admiration at the
manrer In which the oficers OF this vessel, headed
oy their commander. have, since the inception Of
the enterprise endeavored TO carry out this noble
mission In the cause OF humanity. And, now that
I can recall the circumstances under which tho
little steamer was fitted for the perilous cruise
the enthusiasm which the very suggestion awak
ened, ana the manly sentiments 1t inspired I can
not refrain rom avowing that, whatever be the
result OF the undertaking, their undaunted and
unremitting eGforts merit the highest commenda
ton and reflect credit on the service In this con.
nection, and In view OF the sad dissensions and
consequent insubordination on board the ILL -ated
Polaris, may here observe that Is is worse than
folly to send an expedition In aid OF scientific dis
covery unless subjected to naval discipline. In
speaking of the volunteers Of the Little
Juniata' must again refer to the hearty
cooperation given the commander. Scarcely had
the Juniata put to sea when the list OF volunteer!
for all hazardous duties included the names o
nearly every ofncer In the vessel They were Sc
ected, however, In the order Of their application
but had they actually been picked out for efficiency
they could not have been better chosen. Both o1l
GERS and crew were httsd out with sealsKin cloth
ing, az well as bear skin bags, wherein and SO far
as practicable naval discipline was TO be OBJ
served The company OF the Little Juniata' was
Us ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS @. w. De Lohg command
ing, Lieutenant Q. W. Chip, Ensign Sydney II.
Mayj II. W. Dodge, ice pilot; Francis Hamilton,
machinist; William King, fireman; Richard Street,
seaman; Martin 7. Meagher, seaman; Jacob, the
Esquimau pilot, ana your correspondent, In all
ten persons, all OF whom cheeriully bade farewell
to luxury.
GETTING READY
pp the morning " tie 3lst OF August "a bright