The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1877-12-01
Sir John Franklin Relics.

Thomas A. Barry, second mate of the
bark A. Houghton, which was cast away
on the 18th day OF June upon the coast
of Hudson Bay, few miles southwest
of Cape Fullerton, has brought 10 this
city some interesting relics OF the Frank
! lin expedition, which he obtained from
native tribe near whose homes the last
! of the brave explorers are said to have
persisted Barry appears to be an hon
est sailor, and the relics which he is said
to have in his possession confirm the
correctness of his story, as told to n World
reporter. just year ago, while the
bark was laid up ut Marble Island, q
n well-known station in Rankins Bay,
they were visited by n large party of
Esquimuax from the Nachille settle
ment near Cape Ingleiield, who told of
the mounds which marked the graves of
the white men who had come among
them many years before. Two old men
of the tribe remembered distinctly the
appearance of the strangers, but none
of the other natives could speak except
in regard TO the mounds, and the relies
which were still in their possession.
The old Esquimaux told Barry that
very long time ago large party of
white men had came to their settlement
and lived for time among them. The
old men told how cold the winter was
which followed the arrival of the whites
No game of any kind was to be had, and
the settlement was reduced before long
10 the last extremity of destruction.
The natives crouched in their huts with
out fire or food, except some miserable
seal skins, pieces of which they chewed
The white men were unable to endure
the miseries of the winter. The natives
were Injured to hunger and cold, but
many of their tribe persisted. One after
the other the remnant of the English
expedition died, until all the men had
persisted in the huts of the Esquimaux
settlement. The Esquimaux wrapped
the bodies of the dead in skins, and
little heaps of stones. Before all of the
expedition had starved to death, a cairn
was erected among the huts, and the
books and papers belonging to the cx-
plorers were carefully placed within it.
Other valuables were stored in the carn
also, which the natives told Barry had
been left untouched. They looked ON
the deposit as sacred, and feared TO
break into the mound or disturb the
relics. They had II number of articles
in their settlement, however, belonging
TO the expedition, made of silver, copper,
and iron, and many pieces of wood
which had been used to construct boats
and sledges. Some of these articles they
brought with them To the ship, and
Barry was able TO procure three large
silver spoons, which were Enthusiastically
the property Of the Franklin expedition.
One of the spoons he has now in his
possession. The other two were given to
the American consul ut st. John, New
foundland. The spoon now belonging
to Barry is heavy silver tablespoon,
engraved with the Franklin crest, n
fshs head surrounded by wreath. The
natives were willing to guide the crew
of the whaler to their settlement, but as
the journey was nearly thousand miles
in length, and the crew were whalemen
and not profcssed explorers, the offer
was not accepted. 1t is proposed by
Morrison ~ Brown, shipping agents at
No. 100 South street, to make an attempt
to recover the relics of the Franklin ex
petition next spring. MIR. Morrison
was the agent who fitted out the Polaris.
IIc tStluldltu tnC tbst VI HlbibH ouV ~
vessel for cruise Of eighteen months at
$4,000, and if this sum can be raised he
will undertake to provide whatever is
necessary. 1t is understood that the |
British government have offered a stand
ing reward of $1,000 for the recovery
of the books and other records of the
expedition, and if this offer i, still open
Messrs. Morrison IL Brown are prepared
to defray the cost of the expedition,
which will probably be under the charge |
of Mr.. Barry. He proposes TO enter
Hudson Bay, and land at Repulse Bay
on its western coast. From thence the |
journey to Ipgfeld, about five hundred
miles, can be made with sleds and dogs,
which can be procured at this point of
landing. Travelling at the rate of forty |
miles per day, the settlements of
Hachelli can be reached in about two
weeks Here Barry expects TO find the
cairn untouched, and to bring back the
relics of Franklin's memorable expedi-
ton.