A Diary and Journal from the Second Grinnell Expedition

12

I determined to go to Etah, for the double purpose of advancing my negociation for dogs and of possible Mr. [B?] capturing William Godfrey. The desertion of this man would have I feared a bad effect upon his companions, if allowed to remain unmolested so near the ship.

Before I describe my journey [?] was in fact a long walrus [?] and full of adventure I will finish the Episode of Godfrey. Under the circumstance I had to [?]. The sledge had privately placed within its [cage?] a pair of foot cuffs. And I wore a [?] leaded Colt Dex [?] concealed back of my jumper, so as to escape the knowledge of [Netek?] His nephew I detained on board the brig to be carried back in a couple of days by stand and I so disguised myself by pulling [now?] my esquimaux jumper hood ([nessak?]) that I could at a little distance be easily mistaken for the [Pautek?] boy [?] place I had taken.

Imagine a long journey about 80 miles [?] Two burrowing dirt [?] holes are seen perforating a steep bank of snow and [Mitek?], raiding a land [?], whips his dogs and sings out "Etah!". I crouch behind him pistol in hand and peer under his arm [?] at the dark objects which crawl out like [?] from a [hive hole?] to wellcome the return. Among the first is long Bill waving his hands and yelling "[Tima?]!" as loudly as the [?] savage of them all. Almost in an [?] I leap from the sledge and have my six shooter at his ear.

The man between surprise and fear was completely broken he yielded unconditionally. Returning homeward I kept him in advance of the sledge [?] him at Anoratok. He is now aboard the brigt of [?] utterly [?] by a [mangled?] walk and run of nearly 80 miles. The foot cuffs were entirely superfluous.

[verso] Sunday, Apr. 29. 8. P.M. No Mitek . Eider duck has not flown this way.

Our sick get along bravely Mr. Wilson Mr. Goodfellow and Sonntag - being the only cases which hang back. God willing we can piggy-back them in case of need

The state of preparation considering our recent helplessness is satisfactory and unlooked for but still with the wide area of ice between us and the water, we are behind hands.

My plan is to construct two long sledges of 17.6 feet length - arra[n]ged so as to cradle stiffly our two remaining whale boats. The boats to be washboarded and strengthened with bottom timbers. These as soon as ready I move step by step towards Anoratok - the wind loved spot - which is to be filled up for a depot: - in the interim the provision bags and heavy articles of equipment will be taken down by our dog team. Hans and myself taking alternate trips Thus I hope that the heavy strain upon the boats will be postponed to the latest moment and the sick retained at the brig until a very short time before our final departure

Anoratok - or rather its empty hut will be fitted with a door, stove, and sleeping gear - and a half way tent erected at Basalt Camp - By those two [halts?] I hope to convey the three four sick who have not lost the use of their legs - to a comfortable spot where they can await the slow arrival of the main party.

In the mean time I will remain at the brig waiting until the changes of the season render certain the future imprison- ment of our little craft. For this I will retain four faithful henchmen and

[recto]

the red boat. now mounted upon her sledge the old "Faith." When the thing is clear and written signatures from my offi- cers declare the palpable fact of "no release" I put my documents - hard earned - into the Red Eric - and join my boats at Cape Alexander.

Every thing that my powers admit of I have done. I clung to the vessel and would cling to her yet but for the higher duty which I owe to my people. We can stay here no longer for our provisions are nearly gone. I'm starved out. Now if Mitek will only give me the means of completing a second travel I will feel my conscience clean and commit myself trustingly to the long journey.

Should Providence and dry powder carry us through this fearful medly of ice and water, we will have made a boat journey unexampled in the annals of trial that of Barentz' crew along the Lapland coast will be childs play beside it. Eighteen men with two frail boats no resources for animal food but their guns must travel [more than 1000] 900? miles over ice [and] water with the certainty that the changes of the season will freeze them in unless they travel this distance within a period which is fearfully short, for the means and resources of the party. This journey will be clogged by sick and rendered tardy by the want of animal force to drag our boats across the ice.

The day up to 4 P.M. was a busy one Sunday can no longer be a day of rest. Now however all around is quietude prayers are read. The sleepy sleep and the watchful talk in hopeful ignorance of the long tramp ahead of them.