Year: 1873

oficer remaining In command Of the ship after the
death OF Captain Hail. These feel great reluc-
tance TO publish, while the person referred to Is ab
sent In the discharge OF dangerous and responsible
duty; but am constrained to believe that 1t is
better for him and VIII be more satisfactory to his
friends as well as to the friends OF those still on
board OF the Polarls, that they should be pup
lished az they were given, rather than that
their suppression should be made the foun-
dation OF sensational and alarming re-
ports In no degree justified by the real
facts. II must, however, be clearly understood
that In permitting this publication the Department
neither makes nor declares any Judgment against
Mr.. Buddington, who is still absent in the midst OF
dangers and has no opportunity for defence or ex-
PLANTATION. The facts show that though he was
perhaps wanting in enthusiasm for the grand OBJ
jects OF the expedition. and at times


GROSSLY LAX IN DISCIPLINE


and though he dinered in judgment from the
Others to the possibility safety and proprety Of
taking the ship further North yet he is an expe-
rienced and careful navigator, and, when not
anected by liquor, OF which there remained none
on board at the time of the separation,
safe and competent commander. concur fully IN
the statement OF the report to the probable con-
dition and situation OF the ship and the prophet
Of taking prompt measures for her efficient rehef.
Such o refef can only be an0rded safely and surely
by means Of an expedition prepared to encounter
the dangers OF the Arctic circle In ship adapted
for the purpose and built and fitted to contend
with large bodies Office. 1t ia known that there is
no such ship ready at hand in either our naval or
merchant service. Indeed, 1t is believed that
there are no such in existence except among
the sealing neet OF Newfoundland. vessel Of
this neet sailing, as they do, under foreign
register, can only be used for the purpose
OF an expedition organized and sailing under our
own nag by being purchased and put In commits
sion by the Navy Department. In view Of all these
facts, and the further and pressing consideration
that any measures OF relief to be efcient must be
taken at once, have already begun to carry out
the suggestions Of the Board by giving preparatory
orders to the United States steamer Juniata now
at New York. to proceed at the earliest prac-
sticable moment to Disco, and. II possible, to
upper Navisk for the purpose OF carrying forward
the necessary coal and supplies, communicating
with the authorities Of Greenland, obtaining lnfor-
nation and II practicable sending forward some
word OF encouragement to those on board the
Poaris. This last will most likely be impossible,
but we will not fail to attempt 1t. also propose
to fit out at once expedition OF relief to be sent
to Northumberland Island, where the Polaris was
last seen,.in


THE TIGREss SEALING STEAMER,


Of the fleet referred to, OF about two hundred tons
burden, built ana fitted to contend with the ice,
and the same ship by which the persons now here
were rescued. This ship, which is already on her
way to New York, propose, with your assent, to
purchase and Immediately strengthen II necessary
ana it out for the service required. The proposed
expedition will be purely naval. experience having
confirmed me in the conviction that there is little
OF either success or safety In any trying dangerous
and distant expedition which Is not organized,
prosecuted and controlled under the sanction Of
military discipline.


Captain Tyson, all the rescued seamen OF the Po-
laris and Esquimaux Joe Will accompany the ex-
pedition, all Of them declaring themselves ready
and willing to return for the rescue OF their CON-
rades and to bring out their old ship. The meas
ures proposed will OF course, impose some expen-
dlture upon the naval appropriation and RESPONSE
bility upon the Navy Department; but those ap-
preparations cannot, I think, be expended more
fttngiy or more In accordance with the feeling OF
people, and whatever responsibility Is incurred
by this act Of imperative public duty and national
humanity am neither authorized to evade nor
unwilling to meet Very respectfully, your obe
dent servant, GEORGE N. ROBESON,


Secretary or the Navy.