A Diary and Journal from the Second Grinnell Expedition

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Pages That Mention Henry Grinnell

Elisha Kent Kane Diary

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[has completely cowed them] in no case has resistance of any method or system been attempted. John had a contusion of the brain from [by] the belaying pin. I confess I tried to kill him, but Godfrey fell after a short scuffle and was not hurt, both of these have since behaved well. These were my only two when George came to make the third his nerves gave way and he fell at my feet, begging mercy. He got it, after a short cuffing with my mittoned hand and went below thanking me.

The above reads repulsively far worse for me than the subjects of my treatment. Nothing could palliate such a system but the gross worthless- ness and depravity of the subjects. WIlliam Godfrey is a professional thief who smuggled himself into the Expedition by bribing Mr. Grinnel's wharf protegé – The old shopkeeper in the frame house – to recommend him. He has twice threatened and once (on boat journey south) attempted my life. I have criminal charges against him. John is a spotted man, entered the brig by proxy, being concerned in the murder and mutiny on board [this?]. He is a truculent bold able fellow. He was my first example.

The third Whipple is a poor weak unfortunate going to be again a useful man but completely under the influence of John.

These three men have strange to say acquired the dominancy over many of the late absentees. By bravado & superior phisical force they completely cowed them, and but for these

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The rapidity of such changes in a temperature so low (-35°) seems curious, but the Greenlanders say that extreme cold is rather a promoter than otherwise of the process. All the gramnivorous animals have the tendency to a high degree as is well known to butchers. The sheep and young calf I believe especially. Our buffalo hunters, when they [do] condescend to clean a carcase do it [instantu?] and I am informed that the musk ox is sometimes tainted after a [very] few minutes exposure. None of these, however, are probably as [good?] examples as to sensitive [to the decomposing and self absorptive processes as this arctic ruminant.] This Reindeer the Exquimaux find it necessary in the coldest weather ~ at [Yotlik?] (and Horse' Heads) Lat 73°.40, to rip open the animal, withdraw all the viscera and fill cavities with cold stones.

John, our cook, taken down with "pains" - this is a severe blow he was our strongest worker. William Godfrey takes his place at the rate of $30 per month. This same is given as a private transaction & not implying any reattachment to the role of the brig. All of the party who dissolved their connection with the Expedition in order to attempt their foolish Journey South were regarded as stricken from the Articles - Both John & William, however, are made aware that good behavior in their oresent positions will be the best stepping stone to my good opinion and a future reception among the true members of our party. This and their subsequent pay I will leave entirely to Mr. Grinnell. At present I have a

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[*omit*] a singularly harmonious and considering its fearful reduction of members, efficient ship. It wears into me, however, Yes Elish Kane dream away all dreams of youth. Think no longer of a married home. Bless God if you carry your gray beard and wrinkled to the dear old one, and there earn back old loves.

It is sharp how that Grinnell family have intermingled themselves with my home affections, the moment I step beyond the sacred portals of home, they come in, as claimants to my love and regard. Mrs. Grinnel reminds me of Mother and shares with me the place which from earliest infancy belonged to Aunt Eliza. Mr. Grinnell, by George I can't speak of him - Cornelius is most unaccountably my confidential friend, I too so reserved and cautious of such an anomolous relation. There is not a member of the household from little Sylvia to Mrs. Watts who is not thought of by me in this bleak horrible desert, as mingling with the distant and barely possible pleasures which may wellcome me, a worn out saddened man, to a world of social life. [end omit]

Sunday Feb. 25.

[*omit*] John continues sick, and William Godfrey is a mere baby at work, so that both Bonsall and myself have] [end omit] All up now with John who tried till yesterday to do our cooking to toil like [?]. Gallant Morton who made our bread and although bed ridden by day, was always able to lend a helping hand at night is now permanently down. [I trust that Brooks, Ohlsen are both better.]

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taken down. Hans is nearly given up, he has already overstaid his orders by two days, this to a boy with so strict a regard for my authority could [hardly?] take place except by some extraordinary detention.

[*Log.*] I here formally record the deserter of William Godfrey seaman, under circumstances calculated to entail peculiar misery upon his late companions Mr. Grinnell [?], therefore, upon the authority of this record consider himself as relieved from all pecuniary dues to the said Godfrey. The various thefts, misdemeanours, and other culpable acts of William Godfrey may be found in the Log book, antecedent to Sept: 1854, and during the months Dec. and Jany. 1854-55. After which no Log entries have been made. [end Log]

K

March

This month badly as its daily record reads is upon review a cheering one. We have managed by hook and by crook to get enough game to revive the worst of our scurvy patients and at the same time kept in regular movement the domistic wheels of shipboard.

During this month our troubles have been greatest perhaps I ought to say are at this moment greatest, but whatever misery Bonsall and Petersen and self may have endured it seems nearly certain that at least four men will soon be able to relieve us. The names of these are McGeary Brooks, Riley and Thomas, all of whom have during this month seen the crisis of their malady and if secured from relapse will recover. Ohlsen is also better but slow to regain his powers.

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Elisha Kent Kane Private Journal

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[verso] I run on deck and am greeted by another of our wild contrasts. Three teams of dogs are baying at their tethering cords and five Esquimaux yelling "Jima!."

Among the most prominent of the natives was Kalutinak - a glance assured me of the success of my dog project, it was evidently a hungting party - two noble teams of six dogs - harpoons - lances - light equipment every thing convinced me at a glance - Now for to fuse the hunt into an exploration of the N. Channel. I will wait - Indian fashion until eat [food] and sleep brings [the] talk. [Even with] [these savages haste is indecorous].

The natives are around me eating their stew laughing and questioning and breaking in upon poor Petersen whose services are usurped by myself. Kalutak has the place of honour on my own platform - he has the nature of a gentleman this Kalutak. He receives and thanks me for my presents. the first "Kuyanake" "thank ye" that I have yet heard from Smith Strait Esquimaux - "he will be happy to join his friend the big headsman ([naklisak?]) in a hunt. He does not believe that three [there?] are [ominmak?] (musk ox) but he [?] in the north dessert but he knows that we may expect bears."

Thus it is at last [is] a prospect of the leading wish of my heart being gratified. I see clearly that I can purchase an exten- sion of their journey and trusting in Provi- dence, a few hours will see me ready.

A fortnight ago I was on the floes and twice within this week I've been sledging it again - more than 300 miles of hard wearing travel only to bring about this result Now that I see things open ahead of me my sick recovering - the coming duties chalked out and under weigh - I cannot help

[recto] feeling that something is watching me and modifyiing my path for fixed ends. That I frail Elish Kane the bedridden of last year should [now] be the only well and able man of this expedition is puzzling enough. It may be that I am reser- ved to take my dear friend Henry Grinnell by the hand and say your confidence has not been misplaced - I have not failed you or myself. It may be "as in strange lands the traveller walking slow, in doubt and great perplexity, a little before moonrise heard the low wail of an unknown sea."; that I taxed beyond corporeal endurance give way on the brink of consummating my hopes crying "I have discovered a new land but I die!."

Wednes. Apr. 25.

Kalutanak called himself my [asakaotut?]* or "friend" and seems greatly pleased by the distinction which I draw between him and the other Esquimaux. He sits with the accordion - of which none ever accord - braying horrible discord but is always devout in his respect and intelligent and interested in his questions. Oh my expressing a fear as to the effect of raw meat upon me - to the exclusion of other diet - he said that he had noticed that frozen beef agreed with his bowels and helped to warm him when he changed from summer to winter food. This man quotes "his experience "I have found." Constantly. All the others seem to rely implicitly upon his opinions yet poor Kalutak has not become oracular. I like the man, he has man stuff in him.

A couple of snow birds were seen by Mr. Bonsall on 23d inst. - a week earlier than last year. * "I like you well"

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