The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1884-08-16
THE ARCTIC HEROES,
Reception of Greedy and His Comrades AT
Portsmouth.


Reception of Greedy and His Comrades "A,
Portsmouth.
''he Greely relief steamers Bear
I tis and Alert arrived at Portsmouth
on the lst inst. and were received with
naval honors. Secretary Chandler
greeted the officers cordially, and vel
coined the rescued Arctic explorers with
much feeling.
Mrs. Greely, wife of the explorer, had
reached Portsmouth on al early train
IN the afternoon and at once took convey,
ance to the flagship Tennessee, reach.
ing there about 3 o'clock. After the
commanding officers had gone back to
their ships Mrs. Greely was put on the
secretary's barge and conveyed to the
Thetis where her husband was. AS the
lady passed down the companion way to
the barge she walked with firm tread
and showed no signs of emotion other
than biting her lips and lightly clutch
ing her hands. The lieutenant had not
been informed that his wife was about
to go on board the Thetis, and few
minutes before her arrival in
conversation with Commander Schley
to see her, as she probably had
not been able to reach there so soon
When the secretary's barge was seen to
leave the Tennessee with Mrs. Greely
and her two brothers, G.. o. and G. A.
Nesmuth, sitting in the stern sheets
Commander Schley said to Lieut.
Greely: Lieutenant, / would like to
see you In my cabin for few moments >
Commander Schley entertained Lieut.
Greedy in conversation about Arctic
matters until peculiar signal was given
= a boatswain's s whistle-to indicate that
Mrs. Greely was on board and ready to
meet her husband. Now the lady trem-
bled very much; her breath came in
gasps and her frame shook with emo
ton. With faltering steps she went to the
cabin door, and just at the instant she
entered Commander Scbley left the
room, leaving the longseparated couple
alone. Lieut. Greely was sitting with
his back to the door, but when Com
mander Schley so abruptly left him, he
turned and at the same instant saw his
wife enter. With loud cry that was
more like gigantic sob half-smothered,
Lieut. Greely bounded from his chair
with his eyes cleaning in Joy at the
sight that gladdened them. Mrs. Gree
ly, tall, dark and stately, sprang for
ward to meet her husband, crying, car
thur, Arthur, home |"
After Mr.. and Mrs. Greely had been
alone for twenty minutes, her brothers
were called in and cordially and tear
fully greeted their brother-in-la law. It
was noticeable on board the Thetis that
everybody shed tears when Mrs Greely
entered the cabin where her husband
was. Late in the afternoon the mother
of Lieut.. Greely came from Newbury-
port and was taken at once on board
the Tennessee. Shortly after she was
put in the secretary's barge and taken
on board the Thetis. When she ar
rined there Mr.. and Mrs. Greely and
the latter's brothers were seated in
Commander Schley's cabin. alternate
ly crying and laughing and
embracing. The instant before
the heutenant's mother entered the
cabin, Commander Schley stepped to
the door and said: Lieutenant, your
mother is here" Mrs. Greely then en-
tered and throw her arms around her
sons neck, saying only: "My son, my
son" Lieut.. Greedy spoke no word
save: Mother" but in his tone and
expression there was a world of tender
ness. Clasping his mother in his arm S
the lieutenant did nothing but sob,
while his mother cried like child.
Fearing that the excitement would be
too much for Lieut.. Greely's shattered
condition Commander Schley entered
the cabin and wisely directed the con-
versation into less emotional channels.
When asked as to his health, Lieut..
Greedy stated that he felt comparatively
well in all respects, excepting he was at
all times considerably affected by feel
ing of intense weakness. He said he
had gained rapidly in flesh since his res
cue, but much of it is soft and more in
furious than beneficial. He said he had
a good appetite and was slowly recov-
ering, but anticipated it would be some
time before he would recover his won't
ed strength. His face is considerably
bloated, but his cheeks are taking on a
healthier color. He stands erect as ever.
but is not allowed to remain on his feet
long at time.