FURTHER SEARCH. 
103 
“April 11, Wednesday.—Hans started again to bring 
back the meat from Littleton Island cache. If he feels 
strengthened, I have given him a commission to which 
I attach the greatest importance. 
“ My hopes of again undertaking a spring journey to 
Kennedy Channel were strong in the early months of 
the winter; but, as our dogs died away a second time, 
and the scurvy crept in upon us, I became sad and dis¬ 
trustful as to the chance of our ever living to gain the 
open water. The return of the withdrawing party 
absorbed all my thoughts. They brought news of dis¬ 
aster, starvation, and loss of dogs, among the natives. 
Our prospects seemed at the lowest ebb. Still, I 
cherished a secret hope of making another journey, 
and had determined to undertake it alone with our 
poor remnant of four dogs, trusting to my rifle for pro¬ 
vision. In fact, this continuation of my one great 
duty has been constantly before me, and I now think 
that I can manage it. Thus:—The Esquimaux have 
left Northumbei’land Island, and are now near Cape 
Alexander, as a better hunting-ground. Kalutunah, 
the best and most provident man among them, has 
managed to save seven dogs. I have authorized 
Hans to negotiate carte-blanche, if necessary, for four 
of these, even as a loan; promising as a final bait 
the contingent possession of my whole team when I 
reach the open water on my return. On this mission 
I send my ‘ fides Achates and await his return with 
anxious hope. 
“ I have seen, almost from the first day of our im- 
