THE COMMANDER OF THE EXPEDITION. 31 



of her in reaching the parallel of 75° 52' N., there successfully 

 working through a gale of great violence, and running nearly 

 seven hundred miles while away from the ship. With the 

 limited chances for keeping a reckoning, owing to thick foggy 

 weather, and the constant discomfort of being in wet clothing, 

 with every article in the boat drenched by the rains, or by the 

 waves breaking over her, I fear that this report will not prove 

 as satisfactory for navigation purposes hereafter as would be 

 desired. I have made this report to you in detail, omitting no 

 circumstance, however slight, that a fair, general idea might 

 be obtained of the circumstances of Arctic navigation in an 

 open boat, even at this the most favorable season of the year. 



" Throughout this trip the officers and men worked alike, 

 and fared alike, and as we are unanimous in our regret that 

 as far as finding and relieving the Polaris was concerned we 

 failed, we beg to assure you we are of one voice in volunteer- 

 ing for any subsequent expedition from this ship or from the 

 United States, in which our efforts can be made useful, or our 

 experience in the Little Juniata of any effect. 



'■' I cannot close this report without commenting upon t^he 

 great interest taken in the matter by yourself, the provision 

 made for our comfort, and your thoughtful care that nothing 

 should be wanting to insure our safety and the success of the 

 expedition. 



" I have the honor to be. Captain, 



'' Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



" Geoege W. De Long, Lieutenant U. S. Navy, 

 '•^ Late commanding Little Juniata.^' 



During the absence of the Little Juniata, Captain 

 Braine had met the Tigress, and been greatly alarmed 

 by the representations made by the captain and ice- 

 pilot. The Danes and Esquimaux, also, at the settle- 

 ment, expressed the gravest fears for the safety of 

 Lieutenant De Long and his party, and it was with in- 

 tense relief that Captain Braine welcomed the Little 



