Semi-weekly interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1881-1905, 1882-06-30
DELoRcS OnRE
A Iemble rale o. Suffering.

Long and party and the discovery Of
their dead bodies. The following ex.
tracts are from belongs notebook.
Under date Of Monday, Oct. 3, DE
Long writes his party thought they
saw a hut, but, upon reaching the
spot, only a mound. A camp was
made in a hole in the bluff, and a
roaring fire was soon burning and
drying their clothes. while the cold
wind ate into their backs. Nothing
was left to eat but their dog, which
was killed and dressed, aud a stew
made of such parts ~ could not be
cured. All partook Of the stew ex.
cept belong aud the doctor. Alexy
was sent Off 10 examine what they
thought was hut, and came back at
night with favorable report. II was
decided 10 wait till morning before
leaving. II was then below zero, and
watch was set TO keep the fire going,
and all huddled around IL, and thus
the third night without sleep was
passed. II Alexy had not wrapped
his sealskin around belong and kept
him warm by the heat Of his body he
DeI.ong) thinks he would have per
ished, as he was steamed and shivered
and shook. At SA. NJ. the party
reached hut large enough to hold
them, aud for the first time since Sat.
urday they managed to get warm.
Erickson was very low, and prayers
we're read for him before the Others
sought rest. At 10 A. NJ. all except
Alexy laid down TO sleep. Alexy
went of 10 hunt, and soon returned
wet, having fallen into river AT
Or. II. they reused up, and had a
pound of dog meat for each person
and a cup Of tea, the days allowance;
but they were so grateful that they
we're not exposed 10 the terrible gale
which was raging at the time that
they did not mind short rations. On
Wednesday they had tea and dog
meat for breakfast Alexy again
went Off hunting aud came back with
nothing. On Thursday they had a
cup Of third hand tea with an ounce
of alcohol in il. Alexy was again
out TO hunt and Erickson died while
he was gone. Alexy returned empty
handel. The notes at this point say
"W hat in Gods name is going 10 be
come of usg Fourteen pounds Of
dog. meat left and twenty-five miles Il
possible settlement" They could
not dig a 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 tent, GOV
cred him with their flag and burieC
him in the river. Three volleys from
their Remingtons were fred over him
Under date of October 6, the note
say: "1l7th day-Breakiast consisleC
of the last half pound of dog meat
and tea; the last grain of tea was pu
in the kettle, and we are now abou
TO undertake the journey of twenty
five miles with some old tea leave
and two quarts of alcohol. However
trust in God, and believe that III,
who has fed us this far will not suite
us 10 die Of want now" The part.
left a record in the hut, which wa
found by Melville as already report
ed.
They got under way at $3.50 A. NJ.
and proceeded until ll:20, by which
time they had made about tire
miles, and were pretty well done up
They had half ounce of alcohol in
pot of tea for dinner. Went ahea
and soon struck what seemed TO be tn
main river again. Here four OF tn
party broke through the ice in tryinl
TO cross, and fearing frost bite, iir'
was built. Alexy was sent of to loo
for food, being directed not TO go ia
nor stay long. He came back az 5;3
with one ptarmigan, OF which sou
was made, and with half an ounce q
alcohol made their supper Saturday
October the notes say: "Called a
hands at $50; breakfast haitian ounC
OF alcohol and "A pint Of hot water
alcohol proves of great advantag,
keeps on cravings for food, preventin
gnawing Of the stomach, and has keI
up the strength OF the men, who M
given three ounces day. Wei
ahead till 1920. aud after five mile
struck the big river again, and hay
to turn back. Only made an advanC
of one mile Cold camp, but littl
wood aud haitian once Of alcohol"
Sunday. 9th, called all hands
4:30; half ounce alcohol for breakias
read divine service, sent Ninderm'
and Norris ahead for relief Thu
returned at seven O'Clock; cheer
them under way; at s crossed cree
and broke through the ice; all we
up 10 the knees; dried the clothing Al
were under way again at 1890; at
o'clock struck the river bank; al
had for dinner a half ounce of alcoh'
Alexy shot three ptarmigans; ma
soup; we are following Nindermal
track, although he Is long since out
our sight; found u canoe and lay o
heads ia il 10 go 10 sleep.
Monday, October l0-Took the Ii
half ounce Of alcohol at $50, and
$50 sent Alexy of to look for pit
migans; we ate deerskin scraps; y
terday morning ate my deerskin 70.
tips; under way at s; in crossing I
creek three Of us got wet; built