756 THE VOYAGE OF THE JE ANNETTE. 



COPY OF RECORD LEFT IN INSTRUMENT BOX. 



Monday, 19th of September, 1881. 

 Lena Delta. 



The following named fourteen persons belonging to the 

 Jeannette (which was sunk by the ice on June 12, 1881, in 

 latitude N. 77° 15', longitude E. 155°) landed here on the eve- 

 ning of the 17th inst., and will proceed on foot this afternoon 

 to try to reach a settlement on the Lena River : De Long, 

 Ambler, Collins, Nindemann, Gortz, Ah Sam, Alexey, Erick- 

 sen, Kaack, Boyd, Lee, Iversen, Noros, Dressier. 



A record was left about half a mile north of the southern end 

 of Semenovski Island buried under a stake. The thirty-three 

 persons composing the officers and crew of the Jeannette left 

 that island in three boats on the morning of the 12th inst. (one 

 week ago). That same night we were separated in a gale of 

 wind, and I have seen nothing of them since. Orders had been 

 given in event of such an accident for each boat to make the 

 best of its way to a settlement on the Lena River before wait- 

 ing for anybody. My boat made the land in the morning of 

 the 16th inst., and I suppose we are at the Lena Delta. I have 

 had no chance to get sights for position since I left Seme- 

 novski Island. After trying for two days to get inshore with- 

 out grounding, or to reach one of the river mouths, I aban- 

 doned my boat, and we waded one and a half miles ashore, 

 carrying our provisions and outfit with us. We must now try 

 with God's help to walk to a settlement, the nearest of which 

 I believe to be ninety-five miles distant. We are all well, have 

 four days' provisions, arms and ammunition, and are carrying 

 with us only ship's books and papers, with blankets, tents, and 

 some medicines ; therefore, our chances of getting through 

 seem good. George W. De Long, 



Lieut. U. 8. Navy Commanding. 



During forenoon Alexey shot a large gull, which we 

 made into soup for dinner, with our second drawn tea 

 and six ounces pemmican. At 2.45 went ahead, and at 

 4.30 stopped and camped. Loads too heavy, men used 



