228 KANSAS CITY REVIEW OF SCIENCE. 



ble, for the purpose of making sledge journeys on the coast of Wrangel Land, if 

 it be possible to cross the strait. 



The sledge journeys, from what we can learn of the ice which fringes Wrangel 

 Land, seem the most ready means of carrying out the purpose of the expedition 

 — namely, that of succoring the "Jeannette" and the whalers' people, without 

 inordinate risk of losing the vessel sent to help them. 



The mission of the " Mary and Helen " will be finished when she has ex- 

 amined the points indicated and has extended what help can be given and ob- 

 tained, by means of sledge journeys, all the information which can be had of the 

 missing people and vessels. She is not to winter in the Arctic except to promote 

 the search for which she is sent out, nor then, except in a secure harbor : nor is 

 she to remain more than one winter away from home. Whatever instructions 

 may be given, it should be clearly understood that much must be left to the 

 judgment of the commanding officer. It is impossible to foretell the exigencies 

 which may arise and which may demand other action than that which has been 

 provided for. 



In conclusion, the Board would add that the whole history of Arctic explor- 

 ation is marked by great dangers, by wonderful escapes, by success where ap- 

 pearances forbade any rational hope. We will believe that the " Jeannette" and 

 her gallant crew are safe until we shall know that disaster has occurred. In the 

 North men are full of energy and courage, and so far necessity for action has 

 never failed to bring forth daring skill, nearly always with admirable results. 



We have the honor to be your obedient servants, 



John Rodgers, James A. Greer, 



Rear-Admiral and Prest. of the Board. Captain U. S. Navy, member. 



A. S. Kenny, J. H. Kidder, 



Paymaster U. S. Navy and member. Surgeon U. S. Navy and member. 



H. C. White, Wm. P. Randall, 



Lieut- Com'der U. S. Navy and member. Lieutenant U. S. Navy and member. 



R. M. Berry, Lieutenant U. S. Navy, member and Recorder. 



The department, having no ship available, purchased the steam whaler Mary 

 and Helen, then lying in San Francisco harbor, paying for it the sum of $100,000. 

 The name of the vessel was formerly changed to the Rodgers, and it was sent to 

 the Man Island Navy Yard for equipment and outfit, under the supervision of 

 Lieutenant R. M. Berry, who had been assigned to the command of the expedi- 

 tion. 



In connection with the price paid for the vessel, the following letter from 

 her builders will be of interest: 



