Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-01-13
ARCTIC HORRORS.
A Ship. Crew and Cargo in PrecaTious
>ituatiOn-Unsuceessfn Attempts
to Rescue the Crew From
their Unpleasant Di.
lemma.

MONTREAL, Jan. l2
The head office of the Hudson Bay Co
here has received alarming intelligence con-
corning the safety OF one of their finest ves-
sells, the Prince of Wales, homeward bound.
with valuable cargo of furs, estimated y,
$50. 900.
The Prince of Wales. it appears, entered
the bay, bound from London to Moose Fac
tory, James Bay, the most southern point
of Hudson Bay, early in September, but
owing to heavy pack of ice, did not make
Moose Factory until the end of the month.
She lost no time, getting the cargo OIL board
and setting sail again during the first week in
October.
She had a terrible passage across James
Bay, to the entrance of Hudson Straits.
Here she encountered a barrier of solid Polar
ice, which extended as far as the eye could
see, of immense thickness, and standing out
of the water in some places as high as the
main yards. The vessel sailed along the
edge of this for two days, looking for an
outlet without success, and, as the thermom-
eter registered 10 degrees below zero, and
from all appearances she would be soon
frozen in, the captain gave orders to put the
ship about, and tried to go back to Moose
Factory again, intending to winter there.
After great difficulty Charlton Island, %
miles from Moose Factory, was reached, when
as so much floating ice was encountered, it
was found impossible TO make further prog
ress. The boat was therefore lowered and
manned by the mate and four sailors, who
were sent ashore to make arrangements for
supplies and clothing tor long stay in this
Arctic region. The voyage of the unfortu-
nate men TO the main land is described as
terrible. Soon after they started out strong
head wind snrapp nm Tho fharmnmatar foil
rapidly, and binding snow STERN prevailed.
The boat was every moment in danger of
being cut to pieces by the ice, and for three
days they were doubtful whether they would
ever see land again. On the fourth day they
sighted Moose River. They were all badly
frozen, and in a starving condition.
The next day one of boats manned and
prpvisioned and supplied with axes, sleds,
moccasins, mittens and clothing for the win
terng ships started out.
The boat had only made about ten miles
when she got frozen in and had to be cut out
and drawn back over the ice.
Four Indians were next dispatched over
the ice in search of the vessel.
They returned in five days with word that
they had sighted Carleton Island, but could
see no traces of the Prince of Wales.
1t is surmised that she must have got
iammed in the foe and carried eastward.
Great anxiety was felt for her safety. and for
the safety of the crew, who are not provided
with the necessaries for wintering in the
ice.
letter received by the Office at this place
says:
"All we can do now is to wait until dogs
and sleds are supplied from Albany and Ru-
pert's house, when an expedition will be or
ganized and an attempt made to locate the
ship and haul provisions and clothing to her.
We trust to find her by January, but she is
not in too pleasant position. She will now
be short of provisions, and will have to re-
main in the ice until May or June"