Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1882-07-13
DeLONGS DEATH.
\ Sad Record OF starvation and Suf
fering OF tho Crew.

The war department at Washington
is in receipt of a report from Engineer
Melville giving in detail tho story Of
his search for DeI4ong and party and
discovery of their dead bodies. The
following extracts are from Belongs
note book Under date of Monday,
Oct. Sd, DeLong writes his party
thought they saw hut, but on reach
ing the spot found only a mound. A
camp was made in hole in the bluff
and roaring fire was soon drying and
burning their clothes, while cold
wind ate into their backs. Nothing
was left to cat but their dog, which
was killed and drcsstd d, and u stew
made of such parts as could not be
cured. All took stew EXCEPT nel4ong
Alexy was to examine what they
thought was hut, and came ! acfs At
night with q favorable report It was
decided to wait until morning before
leaving. 1t was thcn below zero
Watch was set to keep the FIRE from
going out, and all huddled around. it
and thus the third night without
sleep was passed. If Alex had no
wrapped his sealskin around DeLon.
and replaced it as it was warmed b,
tho heat Of his body, he {DcIong
thinks he would have perishcd. At
"a. m. the party reached large enougl
hut to hold them, and for the frs
time since Saturday they managed t.
get warm. Erickson was very low
and prayers were read for him bcfor
others sought rest. At 10 a, ~ al
except Alexy laid down to sleep. Alex
went to hunt and at noon returned
having fallen into the river. At 6 I
IN. had pound of dog meat for eac
person and a cup of tea, the days a
lowance, but they were SO gratefu
they were not exposed to the terribl
gale which was raging they did nc
mind short ratons. On Wedncsda
they had tea and dog meat for brcal
fast. Alcxy again went off huntin.
and came back with nothing. o
Thursday they had cup of third han
tea with an ounce of alcohol in i
| Alexy was again sent out to hunt an
Erickson died while he was gon
Alexy returned empty handed
The notes at this point say, "Wh'
in Gods name is going to become I
US. Fourteen pounds Of dog meat le
and % miles to a possible settlement
They could not die a grave fJr Eric
son as the ground was frozen too har
and they had nothing to dig with,
they sewed his body up in laps of tel
covered with their flags, and bnri,
him in the river. Three volleys fro
the Remingtons were fred over hii
. Under date of October 9th not
, say "The 7th day breakfast consis
ed Of the last half pound of dog me
and tea. The last grain Of tea W
put in the kettle, and we are nc
about to undertake journey of
miles With some old tea leaves al
two quarts Of alcohol. However,
: trust in God, and | believe that |
who las fed us thus far will not sun
us to die of want now" The par
left the record in the hut, which "
found by Melville as already report'
They got under way at $50 a. M, a
proceeded until ll:20 n. m, by viii
. time they had made about three mil
J and were all pretty well done |
They had half an ounce of alcohol
pot of tea for dinner; then We
H. ahead and soon struck whas seemed
be the main river again. Here fc
Of the party broke through the ice
trying to cross, and fearing frost-bi
q fire was built. Alexy was sent
to look for food, being directed not
go far nor stay long. He came bc
at $50 with one ptarmigan, Of ~h
soup was made and with half an oul
Of alcohol made their saprer.
Saturday, October Sth, the no
say: "Called all hands at $50 p.
Breakfast of half an ounce OF alco
and pint Of hot water, Ale
proves of great advantage, keeping
cravings for food. preventing gnaw
/. of stomach, and has kept up
} strength Of the men, who are 81
three ounces a day. Went ahead
I'll 1890, and after GIVE miles str
tie big river again. Have to t
back. Only made an advance of
nile, Cold camp; hut little vi
~ aud half an ounce of alcohol.
Sunday, 9Th. All hands at
took half an ounce OF alcohol
1,,-;ns sary;co and sanf NtuIS,.