DR. KANE'S EXPEDITION. 511 



ison, the most painfully interesting- record of experience 

 in wintering in the far north that has ever yet been 

 published. In the midst of their troubles two of the men 

 tried to desert, but only one Godfrey succeeded. 

 He returned, strange to say, on the 2d of April, with 

 food, in a sledge, but would not himself quit the Esqui- 

 maux. Under a misapprehension that he had robbed 

 Hans, one of the hunters, of his sledge and dogs, his 

 life was near being sacrificed by the commander from 

 whom he had deserted. 



The abandonment of the brig was now resolved on. 

 Before spring could be welcomed, preparations had been 

 going on for some time for a sledge and boat escape 

 from their long imprisonment. The employment thus 

 given to the men exerted a wholesome influence on their 

 moral tone, and assisted their convalescence. They had 

 three boats, and they all required to be strengthened. 

 There was clothing, bedding, and provision-bags, to 

 make. The sledges had to be prepared. The 11th of 

 May was appointed for the start. The farewell to the 

 ship was most impressive. Prayers were read, and then 

 a chapter of the Bible. The flags were then hoisted and 

 hauled down again, and she was left alone in the ice. 

 Godfrey had, by this time, it is to be observed, rejoined 

 the ship ; so the party consisted altogether of seventeen, 

 of whom four were unable to move. 



The collections of natural history the party were 

 reluctantly compelled to leave behind, and part of the 

 apparatus for observations, as well as the library of the 

 commander, and the books furnished by the govern- 

 ment and Mr. Grinnell for the use of the vessel. 

 Nothing was retained but the documents of the expe- 

 dition. 



At Etah the Esquimaux settlement were found " out 

 on the bare rocks," enjoying the plenty which spring 



