The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1882-06-30

The slow Downward Gamnt Of Dog
Meat, Alcohol, GIyccrine, Leather.
Hot Water and Death.
The Navy Department, at Washington, is in
receipt of report from Engineer Melville, CIV
ing in detail the story Of his search for Lieut..
De Long and party, ard the discovery Of their
dead bodies. The following extracts are from
De Longs notebook
Under date of Monday, Oct. 3, De Long
writes that his party thought they saw a boat,
but upon reaching the spot found only mound.
A camp was made in a hole in the bluff, and a
roaring fire built, soon drying and burning
their clothes, while the cold wind ate into their
backs. Nothing was left to eat but their dog,
which was killed and dressed, and stew made
of such parts as could not be cured.
All partook OF the stew except DE Long.
DIR. Alexy was sent of to examine what they
thought was a hut, and came back at night
with favorable report. 1t was decided TO wait
till morning before leaving. 1t was then below
zero. A watch was set to keep the fire going,
and all huddled around it, and thus third
night without sleep was passed. IL Alexy had
not wrapped his sealskin around De Long, and
kept him warm by the heat Of his body, he Ode
Long, thinks he would have persisted, as he was
steamed, and shivered and shook.
was large enough to hold them. and for the
first time since Saturday they managed to get
warm. Erickson was very low, and prayers
were read for him before the others sought
rest At 10 a.. m. all except Alexy laid down
to sleep. AleXy went off to hunt, and at noon
returned wet, having fallen into the river. At
6 p. m. they reused up and had pound of
dog-mea for each person and a cup OF tea, the
days allowance. But they were so grateful
that they were not exposed to the terrible gale
which was raging that they did not mind the
short rations.
On Wednesday they had tea and dog meat
for breakfast. Alexy again went off hunting
and came back with nothing. On Thursday
they had cup of third-hand tea with half an
ounce Of alcohol in it. Alexy was again sent
out TO hunt, and Erickson died while he was
gone. Alexy returned empty-handed. The
notes at this point say: "What III Gods name
is going to become Of us l.? Fourteen pounds of
dog meat left, and twenty-five miles TO q pos
sible settlement.
They could not dig grave for Erickson. as
the ground was frozen too hard, and they had
nothing to dig with so they sewed his body no
in laps of tent, covered HIM with their flags,
and buried him in the river. Three voeys
from their Remlngtons were fired over him.
Under date OF Oct. d the notes say "ll7th
day-Breakfast consisted of the last half pound
Of dog-meat and tea. The last grain of tea was
put III the kettle, and we are now about to un-
dertake a journey Of twenty-five miles. with
some old tea leaves and two quarts of alcohol.
However, trust III God, and / believe that He
who has fed US thus far will not suffer us TO die
Of want now" The party left record in the
hut, which was found by Melville as already
reported. They got under way at $3.50 a. H.,
and proceeded until II 20 a.. m, by which time
they had made about three miles and were all
pretty well done mp. They had half an ounce
Of alcohol in pct of tea for dinner. They
vraD tah nd az ulta 70 no
the main river again. Here four OF the party
broke through the ice In trying TO cross and,
fearing frost bites, fire was built. Alexy Was
sent CT 10 look for food, being directed not to
go far or stay long. He came back about $50
with one ptarmigan, Of which soup was made,
and with half an ounce Of alcohol made their
supper.
Saturday, Oct. 4, the notes say: "Called all
hands at $50. Breakfast OF half an ounce Of
alcohol and pint Of hot water. Alcohol proves
Of great advantage, keeping off the cravings for
food, preventing gnawlng OF the stomach. and
has kept up the strength Of the men, who are
given three ounces day. Went ahead until
1890, and after five miles struck the big river
again. Have to turn back. Only made an adj
vance Of one mile; a cold camp, but little wood,
and half an ounce OF alcohol.
Sunday, 9th.-An hands at 4:30. Half
ounce OF alcohol. Read divine service.
"Sent Nnderman and Noros ahead for relief.
They started at Z; cheered them under way. At
crossed the creek, broke through ice, all wet
up TO the knees. Dried clothing and under
way again at 1870. At struck the river bank !;
halt for dinner-half an ounce of alcohol.
Alexy shot three ptarmigans made soup. We
are following Nndermans track, although he is
long since out Of sight. Found cave lay our
heads in II, and go to sleep.
"Monday, Oct. 10.-Last half-ounce Of al
cohol at $50. At $50 sent Alexy of TO look
fnr tNta Eat 1aav CD, t,aptar
day morning ate my deer-skin foot-tips. Under
way at 8. In crossing the creek three got wet
built fire and dried out. Ahead again till IL !;
used up. Built fire and made drink out OF tea
leaves and from alcohol bottle. On again at
noon; very hard going. Ptarmigan tracks
plentiful. At 3 halted. used up. Crawled into
hole in bank. Alexy in quest of game.
Nothing for supper except spoonful OF glycer-
inc. All hands weak and feeble but cheerful.
God help us.
TUESDAY, 11th-Gale, with snow unable to
move; no game. One spoonful of glycerine
and hot water for food. No more wood in our
vicinity.
"Wednesday, 12th.-Breakfast, last spoon
ful Of glycerine and hot water. For dinner, a
couple OF handfuls Of Arctic willow in pot of
water, and drank the infusion. Everybody
getting weaker and weaker, and hardly able TO
get tirewood. Gale, with snow.
Thursday, 18th. - Willow tea. No news
from Nlnderman. We are in the hands of God.
and, unless He relents, we are lost We cannot
move against wind, and staying here means
starvation. In the afternoon went ahead for a
mile after crossing another river missed Lee
Went down in hole III the bank and into
camp. Sent back for Lee. He had laid down,
and was waiting TO die. All united in saying
the Lords Prayer, and cried. After supper
strong gale of wind horrible night.
- Friday.-Breakfast, willow tea dinner,
one-half teapoonful OF sweet-on and willow
tea. Alexy shot one ptarmigan. Had soup.
Wind moderating.
g Saturday, Oct. 15.-Breakfast, willow tea
and two old boots. Conclude to move at sun
rise. Alexy breaks down also Lee. Come to
empty grain raft halt and camp. Signs Of
smoke at twilight to southwark.
SUNDAY, Oct. 16.-Alexy broke down. Di-
vine service.
"Monday.-Alexy dying; doctor baptized him;
read prayers for the sick. Mr.. Collins BIRTH
day-40 years old. About sunset Alexy died Of
exhaustion from starvation. Covered in the
ensign and laid him in the crib.
" Tuesday.-Calm and mild; snow falling;
buried Alexy IN the afternoon; laid him on the
Ice and covered him with slabs of ice.
Misunderstanding up tent to make foot
gear. Doctor went ahead to find new camp.
Shifted by dark.
"Thursday.-Bright and sunny but very
cold. Lee and Koack done up.
" Friday.-Koack was found dead about mid
night, between the Doctor and myself. Lee
lied about noon. Read prayers for the sick.