St. Landry democrat., 1884-03-29
The Greely Relief Expedition.

Au6 VEtelJ heAAeA EApeulIAOnS
1t is stated that the outlines of the
plan for the Greedy expedition, APP,
proved by the Navy Department, are
practically as follows: The relief party
to 60 north in two vessels, reaching
Upernayik hot later than May -;
thence to Littleton Island, endeaYoring
to open communication with the Eski-
mos at Cape York. A depot with one
years supplies, coal, clothing, boats
and steam launch, should be estab-
lished at Littleton Island by the tirst
ship, and left in charge of an officer
and two men. This vessel would then
approach the borders of the pack, and
push northward at the first favorable
opportunity: the second vessel to cruise
about the edge of the ice, and hold
herself in readiness to establish another
depot on shore in case the first vessel
be lost, and the second required to pro-
coed northward in her place. Should
Smith Sound be comparatively open,
the first vessel viii proceed to
form secondary depots at or near
Washington Irving Island, Cape
Collinson, and Carl Ritter Bay; the sec
ond, after making depot at Cape
Sabine, to proceed north not farther
than Dobbin Bay, unless required by
disaster to the first vessel. In the latter
case, before proceeding farther, the
second vessel is to land her house, two
boats, and a years supplies for the
whole party, in the vicinity of Dobbin
Bay. Should both vessels avoid dis
aster, yet not succeed in communicating
with Greedy, one is to winter in Frank
lin Pierce Bay, and the other near
Littleton Island. The coast is to be
examined on the way north, and cairns
inclosing notices of the relief party's
plans establishing at prominent points
on both coasts. The naval vessel or
tender is to go as far as Littleton Island
or Cape Sabine. Whalers and seaIers
are to be asked to keep watch Of the
ice-fioes for any drifting party. It is
also suggested that an advance ship be
sent up still earlier, if possible, to re-
lieye the Greedy party, if by any chance
they should have reached the Danish
or tho entrance of Smith
Sound. 1t is stated that Commander
w. S. Schley, U. S. N, has been
selected to take charge of the expedi-
ton.
In many respects this plan seems
well considered, and. in proper hands,
likely to succeed in the desired object.
It may be doubted, however, if the pro-
iectors fully realize the inadyisability of |
too great haste in attempting to pro-
,eed northward of LittIeton Island, or
5he strong probability that no satisfac-
5ory opportunity for northWard progress
will occur in the natural course of |
Kings much before the end of July. |
Nothing would be easier than to grind |
Up two or twenty Of the strongest ships
oy pushing them into the pack too
early. On the other hand, proper
method of early relief preceding the
lime of navigation namely, by small
boat and sledge parties COM
oined-does not seem to have received
my consideration in the report. Such
parties would be much more likely to
ret early information than any number
If vessels entangled in the foes off
hore. 1t is certain from all previous
experience. that the chances are greatly
n favor of finding the party on the
western shore rather than on the Green
and coast. The probability of their
laVing been able to reach Littleton
sland is infnitesimal. We hope, that,
n addition to the Government expedi-
ion, a large reward will at once be
'ffered to any one who may succeed in
escuing the party. This would enable
'riVate parties to make their prepara- j
,ons for such an attempt before all the
vhalers and sealers have left port,
you'd greatly increase the chances of a
escue, and would put all parties on
heir mettle. To neglect this preeau-
onwould be almost criwipal. Science.