The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1882-07-04
DYING BY INCHES.
SLOW STARVATION OF DeLONG AND
HIS DEVOTED BAND.
Copy of tho Note Book ofthe Brave
ExplOrer--A Fearful Record of
Slow Death From Cold and
StarvatiOn--DeLOng One
| of the Last to Die

4 Ok
Slow Death From Cold and
StarvatiOn--DeLOn One
of the Last to Die
WASHINGTON, June 26 The Navy De.
partment is in receipt Of report from
Engineer Melville, giving in detail the
story of his search for DeLpng end par
tv and the discovery of their dead bodies.
Tue following extracts are from De
Longs note hook:
Uuder date OF Monday, October 3.
DeLong writes that his party thought
they saw hut, bn, upon reaching The
spot found only mound. a camp was
made in hole In bluff, aud roaring
fireswas soon drying and burning their
clothes, while cnid wind ale into their
backs Nothing was left to eat hnt their
dog, which was killed and dressed. and
a stew made Of such parts as could not
be cured. All partook of the stew ex-
cept DeLoug. Dr.. Alexy was sent of
to examine WHIST they thought was hut.
and came hack at night with favorable
reports, II was decided to wait till
morning before leaving. The tempera.
ture was then below zero. A watch was
set to keep the fire going and all huddled
around it, and thus the third night with.
out sleep was passed II Alexy had
not wrapped his seslskin: around De-
Long. and kept him warm by the heat Of
his body, be (DeLong) thinks he would
have perished, as be was steamed and
shivered and shook
At Sa. m the party reached hut
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. ALTO a m. all ex
cept AlexV laid down to sleep. Alexv
went off 10 hunt, and at noon returned
wet, having fallen into the river. At 6
p. m they reused up and had pound
OF dog meat for each person and a cup
Of tea. the dav's allowance; but they
we're 80 grateful they we're not exposed
10 the terrible gale which was raging a.
times, that they did not mind short
rations
On Wednesday, thev hal tea o I'd dog-
meat for breakfast. Alexv again went
off bunting. aud came back with moth.
ing. 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 poin! say: "What in
Gods name is to become of Us ? Four
teen pounds dogmeat left, and twenty
1--WE miles tn possible settlement" They
could not dig grave for Erickson. as
the ground was frozen too hard, aud
they had nothing to dig with. SO they
sewed his BODY up in the laps of the
tent, covered him with their flags and
buried him in the river. A volIey from
their Remingtons was fred over him.
Under date. Of October 6. the notes
say: ".ll7th dsy-Breakfast consisted
OF tie last half pound of dog meat and
tea The last grain of tea was put in
the kettle, and we are now about TO un-
dertake journey OF twenty five miles
with some old tea leaves and two quarts
of alcohol. How yer, trust in God.
and believe that he who has fed US this
far will not suffer US to die Of want
now" The party left record in the
hut. which was found by Melville, as al
ready reported. They got uader way at
8 80 M, and proceeded until II 20,
by which time they had made about
three miles. They were all pretty well
done mp They had half an ounce OF
alcohol on in pot OF tea for dinner
They went ahead, and soon struck what
seemed to be the main river again. Here
our of the party broke thrSngh the ice
try ing to cross, and fearing frost bite,
fire was built Alexv was sent off to
look for food, helng directed not to go
far nor stay long. He came back at
5 80, With one plarmiean. Of which soup
was made, aud with half an ounce Of al
cohoI. made their supper.
Saturday, October s, the notes say
Called all hands at a 5 30 Breakfast OF
half au ounce Of alcohol and a pint OF
hot water. The slcahol proves Of great
advantage in keeping of cravings for
food. preventing gnawing OF the stom-
ach, and has kept up the strength Of the
men, who are given three ounces dav
Went ahead until 10 80. and after FIVE
miles struck the Big river again and
have to turn hack. Only made an ad-
vance of one mile. A cold camp, with
but little wood, and halt an ounce of a..
cohol
Sunday, 9.--All hands called at 4 80
Half an ounce Of alcohol. Read divine
services. Sent Nindernan and Noros
ahead for relief. They started at seven
cheered them under war At eight
crossed the creek, broke through the ice,
and all were vet up to the knees. Dried
our clothing and under way again at 10
80. Atone struck the river hank and
halted for dinner. Alexy shot three
plarmigans; made SOUP We are fol-
lowing Nlnderman's track, although be
is long since out Of sight. Found a Ca
noe; we vii! lay our heads 10 1t and 60
o sleep.
Monday, October 10.-Gave out the
Last half ounce of alcohol at 5 80. At
6 80 sent Alexy of to look for plarmi-
gan. We eat deer skin scrape. Yester-
day morning / ate my deer skin foot
tips Underway at 8. In crossing the
creek, three got wet. Built fire and
dried out. Then ahead again till IL,
when we we're used up We built fire
and made drink out of tea leaves and
from the alcohol hottie On again q,
noon; very bard going. Plarmigan
tracks plentiful. A. three halted, used
up Crawled into hole in the bank. =
Alexy went in quest OF game, but we
had nothing for supper except spoon
ful of glycerIne. All hands weak and
feeble, but cheerful. God help US
, Tuesday, ll.-A gale with snow; We
we're unable to move; no game. One
spoonful Of glycerine and hot water for
food No more wood in our vicinity
Wednesday, II For breakfast, the
last spoonful OF glycerine and hot wa:
ter; for dinner. couple of handsful o
Arctic willow in pot Of water W.
drank the infusion, Everybody is get
1