GRBELY RELIEF EXPEDITION. 65 



We were accompanied out of the harbor of St. John's by a fleet of 

 steamers, with colors at half-mast, carrying a large number of citi- 

 zens, who adopted this manner of testifying their respect for the 

 rescued, their appreciation of our work, and their sympathy for the 

 dead. 



The speed of the vessels was regulated to reach our destination on 

 the 2d of August. Fair winds and unusually favorable currents, that 

 were not to be expected at this season, prevailed throughout the pas- 

 sage and forced the ships ahead so much that a day was gained, so 

 that we arrived at 9 a. m. , August 1, at Portsmouth, N". H. 



The sailing order observed was the same as that prescribed in 

 leaving Godhaven, the Thetis leading, with the Alert and Bear on 

 the starboard and port quarters, distant three cables. ' 



Arriving at Portsmouth the relief ships were received by the North 

 Atlantic Fleet, under Rear- Admiral Luce, dressed as for a holiday. 



As each ship approached her anchorage she was received with 

 cheers by the ships of the fleet. When the relief ships had anchored 

 their commanding officers proceeded on board the flagship Tennessee 

 to pay their respects to the Secretary of the Navy, in accordance with 

 Rear- Admiral Luce's instructions following : 



North Atlantic Station. 



OFFICIAL MEMORANDUM REGARDING THE PARTICIPATION OF THE NAVAL CONTIGENT 

 IN THE RECEPTION OF THE ARCTIC RELIEF SHIPS. 



(1) One of the vessels of this squadron will be detailed to cruise ofiE the mouth of 

 the harbor to obtain the earliest intelligence of the approach of the three relief ships, 

 Thetis, Bear, and Alert. 



(2) If on their approach their colors should be at half-mast, they are to be signaled 

 to masthead. A copy of this memorandum wiU then be furnished to the com- 

 manding officers of each relief ship. 



(3) The relief ships, accompanied by the lookout ship, wiU enter the harbor at 

 11 o'clock a. m., Saturday, August 2, 1884; the former taking up their berths at 

 discretion on the outer limits of PeppereU Cove, to the eastward of the flagship, the 

 latter taking her previous berth. 



(4) The ships lying in the roads will be dressed with the national colors at each 

 masthead and Simday colors at the peak. 



(5) As the relief ships near the anchorage the rigging of all the ships in the 

 roads will be manned, and the crew of each ship will give three cheers as the relief 

 ships pass. 



(6) No persons wiU be allowed to go on board the relief ships except the relatives 

 of Lieutenant Greely, and of the survivors of his party, untU further notice. 



(7) Immediately after anchoring the commanders of the Thetis, Bear, and Alert 

 will repair on board the Tennessee and pay then- respects to the honorable Secre- 

 tary of the Navy and the commander-in-chief of the North Atlantic Station. The 

 oflScers of the relief ships will follow in boats provided by the squadron. 



(8) "When the oflScers retui'n to their ships, the honorable Secretary and the com- 

 mander-in-chief will visit the Thetis, Bear, and Alert and inspect them. 



(9) After the visits arrangements will be completed for participation in the parade 

 and reception given by the citizens of Portsmouth. 



H. Mis. 157 5 



