RESCUE OF THE GREEL Y EXPEDITION. 169 



abandoned the steam launch September ii, eleven miles northeast of Cocked Hat 

 Island. When on the point of landing we were three times driven by southwest 

 storms into Kane's Sea. We finally landed September 29 in David Inlet. Learn- 

 ing by scouting parties of the Proteus disaster and that no provisions had been 

 left for us from Cape Isabella to Sabine, we moved and established winter quarters 

 at Camp Clay, half way between Sab'ne and Cocked Hat. An inventory showed 

 that daily rations of four and one-third ounces of meat, seven ounces of bread 

 and dog biscuits, and four ounces of miscellaneous food, the party would have 

 ten days full rations left for crossing Smith's Sound to Littleton Island. Unfor- 

 tunately Smith Sound remained open the entire winter, and crossing was imprac- 

 ticable. Game failed despite daily hunting from early in February. Before the 

 sun returned only 500 pounds of meat was obtained this year. Minute shrimps, 

 sea weed, sassafras, rock lichens, and sealskin were resorted to for food, with 

 results as shown by the number of survivors. The last regular food was issued 

 May 14. Only 150 pounds of meat was left by Garlington, which compelled me 

 to send on November 4 men to obtain 144 pounds of English meat at Isabella. 

 During the trip Ellison froze both hands and feet and lost them all ; surviving, 

 however, through our terrible winter and spring, until July 6. The survivors 

 owe their lives to the indomitable energy of Captain Schley and Lieut. Emery, 

 who, preceded by three, and accompanied by five, whalers, forced their vessels 

 from Upernavik, through Melville Bay into Northwater, at Cape York, with the 

 foremost whaler. They gained a yard whenever possible, and always held it. 

 Smith's Sound was crossed and the party rescued during one of the most violent 

 gales that we have ever known. The boats were handled only at the risk of 

 swamping. Four of us were then unable to walk, and, could not have survived 

 exceeding twenty-four hours. Every care and attention was given us. We 

 saved and bring back copies of meteorological, tidal, astronomical, magnetic, 

 pendulum and other observations, also pendulum and standard thermometers, 

 forty-eight jjhotographic negatives. A collection of blanks and photographic 

 proofs, Ei^quimo relics and other things were necessarily abandoned. The Thetis 

 remains here five days probably. 



[Signed] Greely, Commanding. 



The following despatch was sent Lieutenant Greely in reply : 



Signal Service Office, July 17. 

 Lieutenant A. W. Greely, St. John: 



Our hearts are flowing with gladness and thanks to God for your safety, 

 and in sadness for those who without fault of yours are dead. Your family are 

 well and at San Diego. 



VV. B. Hazen. 



The news of the rescue of Lieutenant Greely created much excitement in 

 Washington City. The telegram from Commander Schley was received by Rear 

 Admiral Nichols, acting Secretary of the Navy, who immediately communicated 

 its contents to Lieutenant-General Sheridan, acting Secretary of War. They pro- 



