New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-08-01
MACMILLAN BELIEVED
TO HAVE SAILED NORTH
Museum Officials Think Croker.
Land Expedition Has
Made Fresh Start.
PARTY NOT DISHEARTENED
Explorer Writes That He Has
High Hopes of Reaching
Winter Quarters Before
the Ice Sets In.

II was the opinion yesterday Of OFF,
cials Of the Museum Of Natural History
that the Macmillan expedition 10 Crocker
Land had made second start for the
Far North Following the mishap 10 the
expeditions steamer the Diana, in the
Straits Of Belle Isle, off the coast OF
Labrador. two weeks ago. the cargo was
transferred 70 the sealing steamer Erik
at ST. Johns, Newfoundland. Although
the museum officials did not hear from
the leader OF the expedition. Donald Mac
MILAN. yesterday the latter declared N
The Tribune earlier in the week that he
intended to head north Yesterday.
Letters written by Macmillan while the
Diana was laid up al Battle Harbor
awaiting a relief steamer were received
by DR.. F. o. Hovey. OF the Museum OF
Natural History. Macmillan. although
chatting at the delay, reported hopefully
on the possibilities of reaching the site
selected as a winter encampment before
ice barred the vessels progress. Mem
beers OF the expedition. In spite Of tho
accident, he declared, were as enthusiast
tic as when the Diana sailed from Now
York, early last month.
The first ,etter from Donald Macmillan.
written July %, before the Diana lefSi
Battle Harbor to transfer her cargo TO
the Erik at ST. Johns, was as follows:
Il am tonight anxiously expecting a
telegram from Job Brothers stating just
when I can expect the Erik or the Nep-
tune. I may leave for ST. Johns to-r1o--
row | wired you that l will not take
the responsibility for the safe arrival OF
the goods at ST. Johns for the following
reasons:
AT anchor here in Battle Harbor the
Diana is leaking three inches an hour.
What she would do in a heavy sea I do
not know nor care TO think Of. This
know the captain has said he would
want plenty OF boats. The vessel has
been badly strained. as shown by the
fact that every time she rolled when on
the rocks her boilers and smokestack
were lifted from four 10 Ave inches. The
Grcmen have refused 70 sail in her. and
last night the sailors were all ashore
trying to get their clothes insured
Now you know why I do not want ali
the work OF the last two years intrusted
10 the Diana for run 70 ST. Johns
when It is Tot at all necessary. And yet
must do II. or postpone the expedition
for a year 7 am ready 70 start now
The second letter. received yesterday
was written by Mr.. Macmillan on the
day the Diana left Battle Hagbor for s.,
Johns. which run was made successfully.
In part, it was as follows.
u am leaving to-day for 81 John 5.
Job Brothers seem to think they must
have the crew of the Diana TO man the
Erik. which We have chartered for two
months
Il have carefully considered my tine
and have decided I cannot wait any long
or. and il they won't bring the Erik here.
10 me. ! must 90 to her. II Is thick ios
now. so We are waiting for It 10 clear UP
2 bit. We should make the run in forty
eight hours II the Diana STAYS afoat
y have plenty Of time TO get into WIZ
fer quarters. 50 do not worry. our Keller
ship. the JEANNE. in 1893, did not leave
ST Johns until August 3. and she was
small sailing schooner. with small
gasolene engine in her. We can eas1H
run I'd in two weeks. at the longest