Elisha Kent Kane Diary

380

[*for appendix*] with the [clear definition] [defined edge] of lichen, their colour is a slightly venous blue or dull tallow white. It is clearly a concomitant of a certain condition of scurvy which now prevails, [one] accompanied by excessive acivity of kidness and diminished action of skin. The effort of the system to cast off by absorption the effused fluids which in some of our cases pervade the entire structure, seems to be accompanied by this erythema, in one sense therefore it is Examthematous, more so certainly that the critical rashes urticaria &c. which sometimes occur in gout & rheumatism, or complicate the true exanthema to [blank] Query, may not this absorbing function be the sole a nearly direct incentive to this eruption in gout rheumatism and other cases, and may not artificially induced erythema or mechanical action on skin be a valuable remedy, long before the action commences? [end appendix]

Friday Apr. 6

Our little family are growing more and more uneasy about Hans. William reported him sick at Leiper Bay but, as the man is a habitual liar we thought it merely a result of fatigue from extra exposure. Now there seems ground for serious apprehension. My own fear is that William may have conveyed to him some false message or threat or reproach using my name and was in this way [by which he had] deterred him from returning. Hans is very faithful; but he is entirely unaware of William's desertion [being a deserter. William might readily return as if sent my me and ramp up some story, either of reproof or threat [which] would deter poor Hans from coming back, as the boy is] and he is besides both credulous and sensitive.

381

sensitive. I am attached to Hans - he has always been a sort of henchman, a body guard always the the companion of my walks. He is a devout Moravian and when the party, withdrew from the brig last fall he refused to accompany them on grounds of religious obligation. The boy has fine honorable principles. [I consider him, after myself, the only gentleman on board.] Petersen thinks that he ought to be sent for but [he has not thought out the question who is to be sent] [ the old lady does not ask who is to fetch him. Shall it be Bonsall or his Commander as himself? I seeing that Bonsall is too lame to travel, and that Petersen was is is shirking would never the less order Petersen to make Peterson himself is [the trip as] infinitely the best fitted, and least needed on board. But, he shirks the duty and to day, he takes to his bed [and] I alone am left. Clearly, duty to this poor boy called me to seek him, and as clearly duty to these dependent men calls upon me to stay. Long and uncomfortably have I pondered over these opposing calls, but at last, have come to a determination. Hans was faithful to me: the danger to him is imminent; the danger to those left behind only contingent upon my failure to return. This return depends (with earnest trust in) upon that same supervising [kind] agency, which has so often before [interfered] in graver straits interfered to protect and carry me through, I have resolved to go off after Hans. [On this relying] [I go after him]

The orders are given: in three hours I will be equipped and ready to take advantage of the first practicable moment for the starting. It makes me write gravely for I am far from well very far from strong and am obliged to drive our reduced team twice 70 miles [encountering probably a desperate man who has sworn to take my life]. The latter half of this journey I shall have to do entirely on foot, and our lowest night temperatures are under -40^o.

382

Note July 10 1854

Mr Sonntag admits my view of the extreme width of the bay as seen by me above Sunny Gorge - being incompatible with [30?] miles as observed - unless by [?] of the [new?] width at Renslr Harbor K.

Note November 28 1854

Saturday, April 7th, 10pm

This morning at 10 o'clock I had fixed upon to start; but a storm of drift came on, [forcing] [me to delay] - and During the entire day a S.E. wind has been blowing too heavily for the dogs to face it. has forced me to hold on. At the time of writing this the wind has lulled and the thermometer gives the comfortable temperature of -10^o due to the South Easter. The barometer, for some time very constant, begins to fluctuate: it is now rising and as high as 29.91. I hope to start tomorrow morning.

Our sick remain as by former records very slowly yet perceptibly [yet manifestly] improving they cannot yet help us in either out or indoor [work] labours. It was my turn to cook today; and Petersen being abed, I had to work double [tides] on deck. I feel pretty well used up, [which is not] more than is pleasant on the eve of an arduous journey.

Monday Apr: 9th

Back again bringing Hans [... see (better) 2d page of journal marked Private] Met him on the road - Dogs made sixty miles at one spell in eleven hours. Carried Hans to Anoatok - fixed up and took a rest. Too tired to write. Sick the same - all better - McGeary cooked and Riley took my deck work apparently without injury. No fresh meat left - no hunters must send Hans to Littleton Id. where he has a cache. Petersen still down.

Here ends private journal No. 2 All hands alive, and the Sun within eleven days of a circum= polar track. - Jubilate! Apr. 9th - 55. K.

Sketch of Brig against butler Id. [around?] laye size.

Jan 11. [20?].44 .C.46. A 48 12. Tide 2.2 - A.B. 29.5 [mean?] 30 20 7.49