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ARCTIC RESEARCH EXPEDITION. 



strument — a compass — only for navigation ; no sextant or quad- 

 rant ; no one in the boat capable of taking observations had they 

 possessed instruments, and without food enough to carry them 

 on. The chief of this rash crew was John Giles, a ' boat-steerer,' 

 which means, in whaling parlance, one who has charge of the 

 boat and crew when out whaling. Only two of the company had 

 ever been to sea before, and those two had been on whaling voy- 

 ages to 'Desolation' Island in the South Seas. They were all 

 young men — Americans belonging to various places in the East- 

 ern States. 



" When Captain B had asked several questions, the chief 



' of these unfortunate men modestly supplicated for some food, as 



they were all very hungry. This was immediately responded to 

 by the captain saying ' Come and eat but at first they hesitated, 

 fearing they might be arrested. But hunger prevailed, and, mak- 

 ing secure their boat, they entered the ship, and fell to upon the 

 salt junk and biscuit like hungry wolves. Never before did I 

 see men eat with such avidity and relish. To them it was a feast, 

 having had only half a biscuit each and one small duck among 

 the whole number during the past day. 



"I found that nothing would alter their purpose as to proceed- 

 ing on their desperate voyage. They meant to strike for York 

 Factory in Hudson's Bay ; but on my showing them a chart and 

 the course to Eesolution Island, thence across Hudson's Strait to 

 Labrador, this latter course was decided upon, with the hope that 

 fishermen might pick them up. 



" The captain kindly gave them some beef and pork, powder 

 and shot, and a chart. To this I also added some ammunition 

 and caps. 



" They remained with us about two hours, and then, after de- 

 ciding to go on, instead of landing for the night (perhaps they 

 were still fearful of being captured), they got into their boat, and, 

 with many thanks to us, started on their perilous voyage. 



" I watched them long as they passed away from us bending 

 to their oars. It was 9 P.M. when they departed. The moon 

 was shining brightly in the east — the alabaster mountains of ice 

 were scattered about upon the darkening waters — the craggy 

 rocks sharply cut their black profiles against the distant sky, and 

 the winds were gently but coldly blowing in sad harmony with 

 the occasion. As they vanished from my view I said to myself, 

 '"Will the civilized world ever see these desperate men again ? It 



