Year: 1873

pack, but be followed By detached portions Of the
middle pack and held a. II in vice between the
TWO. Ana even II the launch had made her way
through lead towards the land and had reached
1t there was not fuel enough on board to work her
way back to the pack ice Up to that time nothing
| had been seen OF the Polaris or her people, Had
| they been at Cape York II would scarcely have
ADDED TO their chances OF safety, had the little
party increased their number, with the ice enectu.
ally closing the means OF exit. Although anxious
to find them aud bring them news OF coming relief
no further risk could lie taken without
the lives OF those In the launch. Under all the
circumstances Lieutenant De Long was re-
luctantly compelled to announce that the
search must be abandoned, and thereupon
headed the boat to the southeast on the return
having steam enough to 60 ahead at 1our p. M. The
wind continued hauling to the westward. On
Sunday August 10, the weather became clear and
pleasant, and, for the first time since leaving the
ship an observation was obtained which estabr
lished the boats position at noon In lat. "A As NJ
lon. so 81 w. having nearly $50 miles in twenty.
four hours. At one p. N. we sighted the DEVILS
Thumb, distance about sixty miles. The weather
now became cloudy and squally, with snow, hail
and rain. The following day was very pleasant,
the Duck Island being sighted at halLpast five A. M.
At noon the launch was headed for Brown Island,
of Iissinsak, being passed with fine breeze from
the nortll-northwest s


THE LITTLE JUNlArA AND THE TTGREsS.


AS the gallant little pioneer steamer OF the ex-
peditton sighted the house OF Lensen, the hunter,
she also discovered steamer apparently at
anchor In the rock bound bay. She soon after
steamed out towards the launch, and, coming
alongside, proved to be the United States steamer
T1gress, Commander Greer, from Upernavlk the
previous evening. Lieutenant De Long at once
boarded her, and impaired to Commander Greer
very valuable information as to the condition OF
the ice, and communicating the result of his ex-
perlence In cruising to Cape York and vicinity. lie
exhibited to him his chart showing the track OF
the steam launch going and returning, re-
ported to him the prevalence OF pack and
new Ice In Allison Bay, and recommended
him to strike to the northwest OF Cape Shakleton,
instead of looking for the Thumb Lieutenant De
Long also offered him the services OF the entire
party and launch and expressed his willingness to
accompany him to the nOrthward IN the search for
the POlarls Commander Greer having also warmly
expressed his thanks for the useful thus
gained by experience thus impaired to him. and,
although declining the services OF Lieutenant De
Long and party, stated that Commander Braine
had already facilitated the progress OF the Tigress
In every respect. Alter mutual saluJations and
good wishes the 1igress steamed north amid
hearty cheer from the steam launch, which





officers and men were welcomed back
with cordial greetings. Lieutenant De
Long, skilled and courageous officer, who
commanded the little expedition with marked
ability and Judgment, Is OF the opinion, after
careful observation, that the location of pack Ice
from Allison Bay to Cape York is dependent on the
winds. which are at best uncertain; thata lead
In the pack with one wind may as surely be o trap
In which boat can be caught as in another wind;
that at this season even new ice an inch
In thickness will form In q single night in
Allison Bay; In August, that even the edges of
the pack were three feet and more In
thickness, making it extremely difficult, IL not
impossible, for powerful steamer to work her way
through In safety, and that gale OF wind In this
region Is always attended with great danger II In
the neighborhood of pack Ice But In report TO-
Commander Braine, Lieutenant De Long. as well as
other commanders, speak favorably Of Lieutenant
Chipp, Ensign May and Mr.. Dodge, for their cool
ness zeal and valuable assistance. The practical
knowledge OF the ice pilot proved of the greatest
beneft, and altogether the course was very re-
markable one.-


The Tgress win proceed north far as Littleton
Island in hopes of finding the Po,ars and crew.
In the event Of her not hearing any tidings of her
there she will winter in that vicinity and send out
sledge parties. Meanwhile the Juniata leaves for
Godhavn to-day. where she will remain for about
month or 80 for intelligence from the Tigress.