Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-12-14
I'd Edition.
TIE JEANETTE INQUIRY.
Testimony of seaman Newcomb To.
daU

seaman on the Jeanette. his duties being those
of naturalist and taxidermist; he Joined the
vessel in July. 1879. in the passage from Mare
Island to san Francisco. In reply TO questions
whether he had any statement to make as to the
eond ton OF the vessel. the management the loss
In relation to provisions and plans for the boats
crews in leaving the wreck. the efforts made by
Officers to insure the safety of the men under
their charge, and the relief of the other
parties, any charge TO lay or commenda-
ton to offer as to the conduct of officers
and men, he said, Not any," The witness
was then cross-eXamned
IN BEHALF OF JEROME J. COLLINS
Q--Do you know anything of the trouble
between Lieut.. De Long and Mr.. Collins?
Al do not
Q.-What did Mr.. Collins say to you regard
ing the affair?
The judge advocate objected to this question.
as the answer could only be made on hearsay
The room was cleared for consultation. and
when the doors were opened the president
Stated that the objection was sustained
TROUBLE WITH DE LONG.
Odd you not have some trouble with
Mr.. De Long?
The judge advocate objected to the question
as being Irrelevant, and stated that the witness
mad been given an opportunity to lay any
charges against De Long OF any other person
he desired. The court sustained the objection.
COLLINS NOTE BOOKS.
Q.-Do you remember the time when Mr. Col
Inns notes were lost?
Ale kept large journal in a wooden box
made by the carpenter; that book, think. was
lost. III the book is the one referred to, think
it was lost with the ship.
Q.-Was he at liberty to rescue it7
Am my Judgment he was
Q-When you showed him your note book,
what did he tell you about his notes. and what
he was going to do when land was reached?
The judge advocate objected to the question
as calling for hearsay
The room was again cleared for consultation
When the doors were opened the president
stated that the objection was sustained
LIFE IN SIBERIA
Q--Whet did your party do when you
| reached Cape Borkia or Jamarcaloch?
Ave sought shelter and food as soon as
possible, made an unsuccessful attempt in the
whale boat neck of the river; returned and re-
manned some forty days. We were much trou-
bled with vermln and scanty fare. Sent mes
sage to Noros and Ninderman. Left the village
on Sd November 1881 for Belun
Q.-How did you pass the timer
An repairing old clothes trying to keep
warm, and recruiting our health.
Odd you know that the native Shagra.
got drunk shortly after starting for Belun?
Al did not.
Odd Mr. Collins show YOU any of the pa
pers he was going to secure?
Al saw large journal on ship several
times; nothing else that remember
WITNESS RELATIONS WITH MELVILLE
Q.-Had you any trouble with Engineer Mel
Vile after reaching Lena Delta7
Fhe question was objected to by the president
and the room was cleared
When the doors were opened it was stated
that the objection was made on account OF ir-
relevancy, and it was sustained
Odd he threaten you IN any way?
This question was objected to on the same
grounds, and the objection was sustained.
Q--ls it fact that during the retreat the
party was often ordered to start at am. and
then DE Long would lie in his tent until o'clock
In the afternoon when not sick, and thus cause
unnecessary DELAY?
Al have no knowledge Of any such occur
renee.
The Judge advocate stated that he did not de-
sire TO further examine the witness and he was
EXAMINED BY THE COURT.
Q. by Court.-Was there any unnecessary de-
lay during the retreat over the Ice?
Alt seems to me that the time spent In
reaching and staying at Benefits island might
have been used in making the way south
Odd you think so at the time?
Al did.
Q.-How was the time occupied in reaching
and staying at Benefits island?
Am traye ling over the ice, transporting
sleGs and provisions. After reaching the island
in repairing boats oyerhauling clothes and get
ting birds for fresh food Some scientific obser-
yatlons were also made.
Q.-Was not the delay necessary for the re-
pair of boats to make them-serviceable?
A.-Ihey leaked badly and had to be caulked
often after that on the journey south.
Witness in answer to a question, said he was
not a competent judge of the condition Of
the boats at that time.
Odd you express your opinion of the DELAY
to the commanding officer?
Al did not.
Q.-State what induced the commander to
delay the retreat In order to land on Bennett
island?
Al do not know the reason.
Q.-Durng the stay of the whale boats
party at Jamavealoch. in Oct, 1881. did YOU
think an expedition could and should have been
ntted out Tor the search OF the cutters parties
to the north?
A.-No party OF any size could have been
sent. owing to the physical condition of the
party at Jamavealoch. Lieut. Danenhower
did make one trip; | do not know how far he
got, but remember his stating that the condi-
ton of the ice prevented his exploring to the
extent that he desired.
RESOURCES FOR FURNISHING THE SEARCH PARTY.
Q.-Do you know whether the resources OF
Jamavealoch could have furnished necessary
means for search party sooner than was
done?
Al do not know what the resources
were.
Q.-Was it possible to travel on the Ice or on
the water north2
Al do not know.
Q.-While there did you think or express an
opinion that it was necessaryto organize a search
party?
Al do not recollect.
Q.-By Judge Advocate.-What experience
in Arctic regions did you have before the jean
nette expedition?
A.-Not any.
Q.-Do you feel that you can separate the
impressions made at the time at Bennett island
from those made subsequently,?
Al do.
Q.-What were your facilities for knowing the
position of the party, the condition of boats
and provisions on hand, as compared with the
captains?
Al can hardly compare my opportunities
with those of the commander, but they were
those any person of ordinary observation might
have In the same circumstances.
Q.-What do you mean exactlya