68 DISCOVERY OF THE GBEELY CAMP. 



been fitted out so thoroughly, and great hope was entertained 

 for its success. 



The Belief Expedition left New York about May 1, 1884, 

 bound on its errand of mercy. The voyage to the ice-bound 

 north was made with few adventures, and the ice-pack prov- 

 ing favorable, they found themselves off Cape Sabine on the 

 22d of June. By whistling at frequent intervals, and by keep- 

 ing a sharp look-out, their efforts were at last rewarded. 

 The unusual sound of the steam-whistle had attracted the 

 attention of Long, who left the Greely tent, and went to a 

 large rock that afforded an extensive view of the sea. At 

 first nothing was visible, but he was finally rewarded by the 

 welcome sight of one of the relief vessels. Long succeeded 

 in attracting their attention by means of a signal flag, and a 

 small steam launch was immediately dispatched from the 

 ship, bearing Colwell and a few others. As the boat reached 

 the shore. Long ran to meet it, falling every few steps from 

 weakness. Colwell hailed him from the boat, and inquired, 

 <* Who all are there left ? " Long answered, " Seven left." 

 The cutter touched the shore, Colwell sprang quickly out and 

 greeted Long, who soon informed them where to find the 

 camp. He was then taken into the cutter, while the others 

 hastened to the camp. It. was found that the tent had been 

 partly blown down by a gale that had been blowing for sev- 

 eral days, so that there was very little room left inside. The 

 party had been too weak to raise it. Colwell and his com- 

 panions raised the tent and looked in; a sight of horror 

 greeted them. It is thus described by Commander Schley 

 in his Official Repoi't : 



" Lieut. Greely was found in his sleeping bag, his body 

 inclined forward, and head resting upon his left hand. The 

 book of Common Prayer was open in his right hand. He 

 appeared to be reading prayers to Private Connell, whose 

 condition was most desperate and critical. He was cold to 

 the waist ; all sensation of hunger gone ; his eyes were fixed 



