A Diary and Journal from the Second Grinnell Expedition

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[omit] solid are now water sodden and clogged with dirt. This state of things is injurious to our Scurvy but I fear without a remedy. [/omit]

William Godfrey returned with the dogs and sledge leaving Hans about twelve miles inside at Valley Fork. He shot nothing yesterday and to day is too stormy for hunting. We have not enough fresh meat left for a single ration to all the sick but Brooks, Wilson and Ohlsen, can yet receive two more allowance.

Thurs. Feb. 15.

Our Scurcy gathers force, Mr. Ohlsen has given way entirely and Mr. McGeary who had thus far managed to take a thermometer watch, breaks down. [*evening*] Hans had just returned, is too tired, Goodfellow must be spared and I must look forward to the entire watch duty of the brig. McGearys loss is very great. I now have a heavy burden to bear.

Hans came back, well thank God that without a deer, he brought, however, a rabbit, and on this my Scurvy's will have two rations. I cannot now leave the Brig one day. [?] My entire dependence for fresh food is [now?] upon Hans.

I Determined to send Godfrey to the huts. He wants to go but I think that he has neither nerve nor endurance enough to reach his destination. [The man is in one of his penitent fits all that I fear for is that he will manage badly with the natives. The main argument for his departure is necessity we have no one else.]

Arranged a new gangway. Five of us who must being [?] [patients] no longer able to ascend to the deck.