564 THE VOYAGE OF THE JEANNETTE. 



eluded I wanted the doctor's opinion, loath as I was to 

 disturb him and add to his already great care and anx- 

 iety. When Dr. Ambler came up in the cabin, I learned 

 that I had my head cut open in a four-inch gash, etc. 

 Stitching and plastering followed, and then I resumed 

 my scrutiny of the returning party. 



To my relief I could count six people, and all hands 

 seemingly had come to a halt. As soon as possible, I 

 sent out Mr. Cole and the starboard watch to meet them 

 and help them in. At 8.50 A. m. along came the sled, 

 drawn by the dogs and three of the six travelers. Mel- 

 ville and Sharvell had remained with the boat, and Mr. 

 Dunbar was carried part way and walked part way, and 

 reached the ship snow-blind. He was disabled at noon 

 on the third day out, and led or carried thenceforth. 

 Melville sent me the following message, on receipt of 

 which I sent the port watch in Sweetman's charge with 

 a spare sled, and, accompanied by the doctor, I went 

 forward shortly after. By 9.40 A. M. I had them all on 

 board, worn and tired, it is true, but no one disabled 

 but Mr. Dunbar. 



Melville's message : — 



10.30 A. M. I have just broken the sleigh runner, dis- 

 mounted my boat, and am in the midst of a heavy jam of ice. 

 Please send another sled at once. Landed on the island 5.10 

 P. M., third day out. 



Respectfully, Melville. 



To Lieutenant De Long, Commanding Jeannette. 



The party landed on the island on Thursday, June 

 2d (Friday, June 3d), hoisted our silk flag, took pos- 

 session of the island in the name of the Great Jehovah 

 and the United States of America, and, agreeably to my 

 orders, named it Henrietta Island. They built a cairn 

 and placed within it the record which I sent with them, 



