64 GEBELY RELIEF EXPEDITION. 



resent tte Government interests throughout her employment, was 

 instructed to report her arrival to the commandant of the New Yorls; 

 navy-yard. 



The great change of temperature, and the possibility of bad 

 weather from St. John's, suggested the importance of transporting 

 the bodies of the dead in metallic cases. As soon, therefore, as your 

 authority was received the caskets were ordered and made of boiler- 

 iron with air-tight tops, fitted with handles, painted black, and each 

 surmounted by a silver plate, bearing the name and date of death of 

 the body inclosed. 



The week of rest, occasioned by the delay in making these burial 

 'cases, was most grateful to officers and men of the expedition after 

 their hard work and exposure in the Arctic regions. 



Duiing our stay at St. John's we were the recipients of much cour- 

 tesy and attention from the Queen's representatives. Sir John and 

 Lady Glover, as well as from other distinguished residents of the city. 



I would refer with much pleasure to the valuable assistance and 

 attention of Mr. Thomas N. MpUoy, the United States consul at St. 

 John's ; he was always energetic and untiring in furthering the in- 

 terests of the expedition ; his acquaintance with the requirements of 

 Arctic expeditions gave him great advantage in assisting us. 



The dogs which he obtained for the expedition were generally fine 

 animals. 



The caskets having been delivered on the afternoon of July 25, 

 the dead were transferred to them at once. The Thetis, Bear, and 

 Alert sailed from St. John's Saturday, July 26, at 10 a. m., for Ports- 

 mouth, N. H., as indicated in the following telegrams : 



[Telegram.] 



POETSMOUTH, N. H., July 25, 1884. 

 Commander W. S. Schley, 



St. John's, Newfoundland : 

 If possible, name the day on the morning of which you can enter Portsmouth 

 Harbor; Saturday, August 2, or Monday 4, appropriate; answer quick to me at Ports- 

 mouth. 



W. E. CHANDLER, 

 Secretary of the Navy. 



[Telegram.] 



U. S. S. Thetis, 



„ ^ ^ r, ^*- John's, N. F., July 35, 1884. 



Hon. W. E. Chandler, 



Secretary of tlie Navy, Portsmouth, N. H.: 



Will sail to-morrow at 10 a. m., and will reach Portsmouth Saturday, August 2, 



unless detained by fog or contrary gales. Alert is so slow that no calculation can 



be made upon her speed, if contrary winds are met. Will tow her if practicable. 



Dead of this ship are now in their caskets; those on board Bear will be to-night, as 



soon as caskets are delivered. There will be quite a demonstration here to-morrow 



when we sail. Lieutenant Greely's party much improved. 



W. S. SCHLEY, Commander. 



