The Discovery of a Northwest Passage by Sir Robert McClure

Author:Sir Robert McClure
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: HISTORY / Modern / 19th Century, HISTORY / Polar Regions, HISTORY / Expeditions & Discoveries, HISTORY / Oceania, TRAVEL / Polar Regions
ISBN: 978-1-77151-010-3
Publisher: Touchwood Editions
Published: 2013-05-14T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

The New Year 1852—Satisfactory state of the crew—Deer obtained directly the light admitted of their being seen—Sergeant Woon, of the royal marines, saves the life of a shipmate—Keen sportsmen—Wolves—Boatswain’s adventure with them—Spring—Captain McClure visits Winter Harbour, Melville Island—Finds neither provisions nor vessel to help him—His return—Finds large quantities of venison had been procured—Scurvy makes its appearance—Increased number of sick—Unfavourable weather in July—Venison expended—Wild sorrel found in great quantities for a short period—10th August—Water seen in Barrow Strait—Measures taken in case of being able to escape—Relapse in the weather—Gloomy prospect—An early winter commences—Measures taken to save ship and crew, in the event of a similar season in 1853—Cheerful conduct of the crew—Short rations—Mode of living—Banian days and festivals—Christmas and conclusion of year 1852.

The year 1852 came in with a keen and steady cold of from seventy to eighty degrees below the freezing-point of water—a temperature which severely tests the vital energies of man. The weather was still what would be called fine; that is, the wind was light, and fine auroras relieved the darkness in a slight degree. The Investigators met the cold as it should be met, with cheerfulness, energetic exercise, and regularity of habits; New Year’s Day consequently found but four trifling cases upon the doctor’s sick-list—a satisfactory sanitary state, which continued throughout the spring. Directly the daylight began to increase, and the crew were able to extend their walks, they fell in with reindeer in great numbers. Some of the poor creatures, attracted by curiosity, or pressed by the wolves eternally dogging at their heels, approached the ship for protection, but only, of course, to be fired at. Before the close of January several were shot, and their flesh secured; and, according to the diary of an officer, “the hills in the vicinity of the ship were abounding at that time with deer.”

Every encouragement was now given to men and officers who were prepared to undergo the fatigue of sporting for the public weal. One person especially distinguished himself not only as a sportsman, but in the execution of any service requiring unflagging energy and marked intelligence; and this was the non-commissioned officer of royal marines, Sergeant Woon. He did good service everywhere; but no better instance can be given of the metal of which such men as he are made, than what occurred on the 4th of January.

A coloured man serving in the ship, whilst out sporting, wounded a deer, and, after following it awhile, discovered he had lost his way just as a fog came on. The temperature was very low, the man was tired, and the peril of his position caused him to lose his presence of mind and to wander about. By great good fortune Sergeant Woon, who was likewise out in quest of game, joined him; but the poor creature was so beside himself with excitement and horror, that every endeavour to soothe him, by promising to take him safely on board the ship, failed. Fits came on, which left the man quite prostrated in strength.

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