THE LAST OF THE JEANNETTE. 555 



The ice seems to be very close again, an easterly 

 breeze setting it in motion enough to press against the 

 islands and close all lanes. 



Inspection and divine service as usual on Sundays. 



May oOth, Monday. — I have decided to send a party 

 to try to make a landing on Henrietta Island. Tired of 

 waiting for a chance to get observations to determine 

 its position, I accept twelve miles as its probable dis- 

 tance southwest and a half west, true. Though I know 

 the traveling will be heavy, I hope that by sending 

 two officers, four men, fifteen dogs, with a sled and 

 light dingy (for ferriage), and seven days' provisions, 

 as the only heavy weights, they will be able to accom- 

 plish my object, — landing, leaving a record of our con- 

 dition, and perhaps bringing back a good supply of 

 birds. Having but one commissioned officer available, 

 Melville, he must take charge of the party. With 

 Chipp and Danenhower both on the sick-list, they can 

 neither be sent, nor left in charge of the ship if I go 

 myself, as is my strong desire. The doctor cannot go, 

 for his steady sick-list puts him hors concoitrs, and my 

 responsibility for the ship and the safety of all hands 

 will not permit me to leave her in charge of Mr. Dun- 

 bar, the only sailor man in the cabin besides myself fit 

 for duty. Consequently I make out orders for Mr. 

 Melville to go in command, and to take Mr. Dunbar, 

 Ninclemann, Ericksen, Bartlett, and Sharvell with him, 

 and to start to-morrow morning. The weather con- 

 tinues good, with light winds, and barometer rising 

 to 30, and I think we are drawing in toward the 

 island all the time with the ship. Such arrangements 

 as I have made for them and their return I will write 

 out in full to-morrow. To-clay I had Sweetman remove 

 the porch from the starboard side of the galley, and I 



