1 96 THE SIEGE OF THE NORTH POLE 



disappointment, and Greely's troubles were aggravated 

 by the criticisms of Dr. Pavy. On the 15th the latitude 

 was found to be 1 mile farther north than where the 

 launch was abandoned. On the 16th they were directly 

 north of Littleton Island, at a distance of 30 miles from 

 Cairn Point, Greenland, and 19 miles from Cape Sabine. 

 Greely now held the view that the next start should be 

 for the Greenland coast, and although he received little 

 support from the officers, he was prepared to avail himself 

 of any chance of moving in that direction. Unfortunately, 

 next day it was found that they had drifted 3 miles to 

 the west, and this changed Greely's intention of attempt- 

 ing to reach the Greenland coast. On the 18th land 

 seemed comparatively near, but on the 19th a south-west 

 gale sprang up, and they Avere drifted far to the east 

 again. Greely now held a conference with the officers 

 and two of the sergeants, and expressed the opinion that 

 everything but 2000 lb. selected baggage should be 

 abandoned, and with twenty days' rations the party 

 should start across the pack for the Greenland shore, 

 about 23 miles distant. The sergeants were inclined to 

 favour Greely's plan, but the others recommended delay. 

 Greely decided to wait till next day, but fog prevented 

 any move being made. The drift later set again to the 

 west, and on the 25th they were within 3 miles of 

 Brevoort Island. On the 26th a gale caused the floe, on 

 which the party were, to break up, and it was with great 

 difficulty that they escaped destruction. Land to the 

 south of Cape Sabine was at last reached on 29th 

 September. The retreat from Conger involved over 400 

 miles - ' travel by boats, and fully 100 with sledge and boat. 

 The condition of the party during the drift had been 

 wretched in the extreme. In spite of all difficulties, 

 however, the party reached land in fairly good health 

 and with undiminished numbers. 



