502 
HARDSHIPS AND EXPENSE. 
have been discovered by IT. M. ship Herald. She reached 
a higher point of latitude (72° 05') than was ever before 
attained north of Eastern Asia, and disproved also the 
existence of Wrangell's land in the po.sition assigned it. 
“All that portion of the Arctic available for whaling- 
o 
purposes was carefully explored and sounded. At this 
time, in consequence of the want of provisions and of 
exposure, the scurvy appeared, and the major portion of 
crew and officers was attacked by it. Eeturning toward 
the straits, an obstinate east wind was encountered, and 
for many days it was doubtful whether the sliip would 
make good her escape from the Arctic before the rapidly- 
gathering ice would imprison her, — an event certain to 
result in the destruction of all concerned. 
“Embarking the shore-party, with the valuable results 
of their labours, she sailed for San Francisco, where she 
arrived after a tempestuous passage, and was joined by 
the Hancock and Cooper, bringing the results of their 
extensive surveys. Having communicated with the De- 
partment, the Hancock and Cooper were transferred to 
the navy-yard, and the Vincennes sailed alone, continu- 
ing the work of survey on the route home, where she 
arrived in July, 1856, from Otaheite, having made the 
quickest passage on record. 
“In the execution of these various works, the officers 
and men have been scpai'ated from the civilized world 
for periods of ten months at a time ; they have been ex- 
posed to great hardships and dangers not inferior to those 
of war. Many of them have been permanently injured 
by exposure, and all have been impoverished, for the 
ports at which they w'ere obliged to procure supplies for 
