Second Grinnell Expedition
Encyclopedia
The Second Grinnell Expedition of 1853 was an American effort, financed by Henry Grinnell
, to determine the fate of the Franklin's lost expedition
. Led by Dr. Elisha Kent Kane, the team explored areas northwest of Greenland
, now called Grinnell Land
. While failing to determine the fate of Franklin, the expedition set a new record for northward penetration, delineated 960 miles of unexplored coastline north of 82° latitude, and discovered the long-sought open Polar Sea
. Kane collected valuable geographical, climate and magnetic observations before abandoning the brig Advance
to the pack ice in 1855. While three members of the crew were lost, the epic journey of the survivors inspired the public as a vivid tale of arctic survival.
through the Northwest Archipelago in 1847. Encouraged by Lady Jane Franklin and soured by the inability of the national legislature to provide funding, Grinnell financed a first polar expedition
, which set out from New York in May of 1850 under Lieutenant Edwin De Haven
on the brigs USS Rescue
and Advance. Dr. Elisha Kent Kane served as Senior Surgeon aboard the Advance. The vessels returned without resolving the mystery, although, in coordination with an expedition led by Captain William Penny
, they discovered Franklin's first wintering camp (and three graves) at Beechy Island on August 24, 1850 . Undeterred, Grinnel equipped the 144-ton brig Advance for a second voyage under Dr. Kane on behalf of the U.S Navy to search for Franklin north of Beechy Island and a likely open summer Polar sea. With additional support from the Geographical Society of New York (which approved the plan of search), The Smithsonian Institution
, the American Philosophical Society
, and $10,000 from George Peabody
, the expedition set out from New York
on May 30, 1853 with a small crew, modest provisions, barter items and scientific instruments.
settlements at Fiskenaesset and Upernavik
Greenland, and there acquired additional provisions, interpreter Karl Petersen , and a 19-year old indigenous hunter and dog handler named Hans Hendrik
. Navigation of ice fields through Melville Bay
in early August was facilitated by tethering the vessel to northeast-bound icebergs, with Kane leaving a cairn
on Littleton Island
. By August 23, they had reached a position of 78° 41', among the farthest northward penetrations by sea in the Baffin Bay region. Several sled trips were made inland to Greenland to establish supply depots and make observations, reaching 78° 52', before the Advance was set for winter in Rensselaer Harbor on September 10.
During the dark winter, a small stone observatory was established ashore, and several overland trips by dogsled were undertaken, arranging additional supply depots and performing geographical observation, reaching as far as 79° 50' north. The crew entertained themselves, held theatrical events, published an Arctic newspaper called 'The Ice-Blink' and maintained the sled dogs. By March, the outside temperatures averaged around -46F, having reached a winter low of -67F on February 5, 1854. By the end of winter, most of the sled dogs had died of a progressive ailment resembling lockjaw
, and much of the crew were exhibiting signs of scurvy
.
On March 20, a depot party set out, with temperatures slightly improving. Late on March 30, three of the party (Sonntag, Ohlsen and Petersen) returned to the Advance in a weakened state, requesting the immediate rescue of the remaining four (Brooks, Baker, Wilson and Pierre). Ohlsen was brought to guide them back, but ultimately Hans tracked the frozen men's sledge trail after an unbroken march of 21 hours. Despite the hardships of exhaustion, high winds, and temperatures of -55F, the party was able to return to the Advance. Still, Jefferson Baker later died - the rescue party had been out for 72 hours and travelled nearly 90 miles.
On April 26, after trading with a group of Inuit
hunters at the brig, teams under Kane, McGary and Godfrey set out with fresh dogs for the Humboldt Glacier
, hoping to reach the American side via their earlier cache depots. Once there, they planned to search the far ice for possible channels and to make observations. Despite crossing Marshall Bay, scurvy and poor travelling conditions slowed their progress until May 4, when they discovered that polar bears had spoiled their advanced supply depots. When Kane succumbed to illness, the party turned back, reaching the brig on May 14. Peter Schubert perished on the return trip, and his remains were placed in the observatory with those of Baker.
While the others recovered, Dr. Hayes set out on a dogsled journey making north for Cape Sabine
on May 20 as temperatures rose to above freezing. He returned on June 1 after surveying the Greenland coast. On June 3 McGary and Morton set out on coastal expeditions along the Kennedy Channel
(reaching as far as 81 degrees north, at Morris Bay), returning later that month, having been troubled by polar bears, bear-destroyed supply caches and melting ice. As temperatures continued to rise, the remaining crews made several short trips of observation, noting the migratory birds and employing the returning vegetation as a cure for their persisting scurvy.
By early July of 1854, Kane was considering the possibility of another winter locked in the ice measured against the fact that they were not provisioned for another year. The option of abandoning the Advance was considered dishonorable at best. Kane and five men undertook an attempt in a modified 23-foot whaleboat
to reach Beechy Island, where Kane, as part of the first Grinnel Expedition, had located the 1845 winter camp of the Franklin Expedition . There, Kane hoped to meet Sir Edward Belcher
's rescue expedition and their supplies. Thwarted by a heavy gale and pack ice, they sailed and manhauled
the craft, only to be stopped by the ice on July 31, just ten miles from Cape Parry
. They were forced to return to the ice-locked Advance. Blasting the pack ice briefly freed the brig on August 12, but she became set fast in an ice floe as the crew hoped for a breakup while their supplies waned. Expecting the worst, documents were cached at the observatory, with a large stone painted with "ADVANCE, A.D. 1853-54" as a marker.
Taking lessons from the Inuit, Kane and his men spend early September insulating the deck with moss and turf, and doing likewise below deck. The outer decks were stripped, providing over seven tons of firewood for heat and melting of snow. Such preparations kept the temperature below decks 36F - 45F, even during the colder months. An agreement was reached with the nearby Inuit to provide meat in trade, and also of sharing the ship as shelter and hunting together, which strengthened their bond. Local exploration and hunting continued into early October, when the Inuit quietly left.
Hoarding their remaining bread, beef and pork before full darkness came, they extended their winter rations with occasional polar bear, fox
, hares and ultimately rats
, the latter of which they shot aboard ship with bow and arrow to pass the time. Kane also experimented making rootbeer from willow
shoots. Mid October, Morton and Hans set out by sledge to locate the Inuit, in hopes of locating hunting grounds. They reached a small seasonal settlement near Hartstene Bay
, and successfully hunted walrus with their hosts, returning to the brig with meat on the 21st. The brig was periodically chain-lifted above the ice to prevent it from being crushed by the growing ice. Scurvy returned and morale fell. During these times, thoughts often returned to the fate of Franklin's party.
On December 7, a group of Inuit arrived, bearing two (Bonsall and Peterson) from the group that had set out on August 28. They reported that their situation had deteriorated, and that the rest of their party were destitute some 200 miles away. Precious rescue supplies were sent to them, and with the help of the Inuit the remainder of Advances crew returned on the 12th, severely weakened. The natives later returned, and enjoyed Kane's measured hospitality.
On December 23 a lamp-fire broke out in a storage room, the dry timbers and moss walls entirely aflame. The fire was smothered with animal skins and water, but it sorely tested the crew. Kane set out soon after to obtain walrus
meat from the Inuit near Cape Alexander
to address the worst cases of scurvy, at best a 22 hour journey amid high temperatures of -54F. Dogs failing, they were forced back to the brig without attaining their goal. The crew was now warmed only by their lamps. On January 22, Kane and Hans set out again, lightly equipped, prepared to expend the dogs towards the survival of their 93 mile journey.
A storm and snow kept them locked in their waypoint, and abandoned Inuit dwelling, for two days. Health, supplies and dogs failing, they were forced again to return to the brig empty-handed on January 30, 1855. By this time, nearly all of the crew was bed-ridden with advancing scurvy, despite the unseasonably warmer temperatures above -20F. On February 3, Peterson and Hans set out for the local Inuit following a trail spotted by Kane. Three days later they returned, weakened and turned back by the increasing snows and their own failing strength. In the following days the crew was sustained by occasional rabbits, reindeer
and flax
-seed brewed 'beer,' and warmed by burning hemp
cable and gear. The health of the sickest continued to deteriorate despite the gradual return of the sun as temperatures held between -40F and -50F. Hans set out to seek meat from the nearby Eskimos, but they were facing famine as well. He assisted them on a successful walrus hunt, and returned on March 10 to the brig with his share of the meat, which sustained the invalids. During this period, Hans sought to visit the Inuit village of Peteravik on foot, which Kane allowed. Hans had intended to return, but was convinced to stay with his hosts, eventually moving south with them .
In late March, William Godfrey deserted, returning to the Advance on April 2, but fleeing again under fire. He was recaptured at an Eskimo village by Kane on April 18 without incident.
, but failed to locate any sign of Franklin's party. The search operation was formally closed, with all attention focused on escape.
All effort was focused on the manufacture of equipment and clothing for the escape. As the escape planning progressed, May 17 was selected as the day for setting out. A base supply of food would be transported with the sledges, supplemented by hunting and limited dogsled trips back to the brig. The two dried out cypress whaleboats "Faith" and "Hope" were strengthened where possible with oak, fit with collapsible masts, and covered by stretched canvas. A third boat, "Red Eric," was brought along as fuel. Provisions, ammunition, cooking gear, and a few precious scientific instruments were packed within these. Each man was allowed eight pounds of personal effects.
On the 17th, they set out on their 1300-mile journey, with the sledges being man-hauled by the recently invalid crew. Only two miles were gained the first day, but they gradually improved in their task, recuperating aboard the Advance while it was still nearby. On May 20, 1855, When the Advance was finally left for good, the crew gathered aboard the empty brig, offered prayer, and quietly packed away a portrait of Sir John Franklin. The figurehead
, "Augusta," was removed and loaded onto the sledges - for wood if not for honor. Kane addressed the crew to their accomplishments, and of the challenge before them, and they signed a resolve regarding the decision to abandon ship:
Fixed to a stanchion
near the gangway, Kane left a note to any who might later come upon the brig. It closed with these words:
The twelve able-bodied crewmen hauled each of the three sledges in turn, with an emphasis on daily routine and discipline, with Hayes and Sonntag logging the running survey
. The abandoned Inuit dwelling at Anoatok served as a forward hospital while the man-haulers remained close, and additional supplies had been cached nearby. Kane ferried supplies and invalids forward by dogsled, and even returned to the brig to secure additional provisions and bake fresh bread on the book-fueled stove. Halts were regulated by the condition of the men, and progress was slow and deliberate, despite 14-hour hauls. Axes were often used to cut through ice hummocks, or to cut ramps between ice layers. Health deteriorated under the burden of moving the heavy sledges across the ice, and the symptoms of scurvy began to increase, calling for increased rations. Kane's further trade with the natives improved the provisions as temperatures warmed, but the provisions packed on the boats were reserved at all costs.
Warming temperatures and melting ice added to the dangers. The sledges and boats occasionally broke through, narrowly escaping loss. In one such breakthrough on June 2, Ohlsen saved the "Hope," but broke through the ice himself, rupturing a blood vessel . Although rescued, his condition was grave. While attempting to reach the Inuit settlement of Etah near Littleton Island, fierce storms held Kane's dogsled party down, forcing them to burrow into the snow before retreating. A second attempt produced meat, blubber and fresh dogs from the generous natives, whose regular assistance was invaluable. Refreshed, Kane retrieved the four invalids from their shelter at Anoatok, one by one. On June 6, after raising sails on the boat-sledges, the men took advantage of steady winds to help drive them eight miles across the ice towards their supply cache at Littleton Island.
Hans was still missing, having not returned to the party since leaving in April, but originally planning to rendezvous at the village at Etah. From nearby villagers, Kane determined that Hans had married a maiden from Peteravik, and then ventured south to Qeqertarsuatsiaat to begin a new life. He was sorely missed by Kane's party.
The intact supply cache at Littleton Island was recovered on July 12. While on Littleton, Ohlsen finally succumbed to the illness, and was buried in a natural cleft in view of the cape that bears his name. After crossing eighty miles of ice, open water was sighted six miles to the southwest, and the final push was planned.
Upon resuming their march, many natives came to assist them, helping with the hauling and offering fresh meat from the now plentiful auks. The open water was reached on June 16, 1855. After bidding the gathered natives farewell and offering gifts, including most of the remaining dogs, Kane and the survivors launched their three boats on June 19, having been delayed by another storm.
The dried, weather-beaten wooden boats began leaking, and the "Red Eric" was nearly lost, as they made for the protection of the pack ice inlets. They soon took refuge on Hakluyt Island and repaired the boats. They set out again on the June 22, island-hopping to Northumberland Island
, then camping at Cape Parry and hunting all along the way, melting snow from the icebergs to produce water. As a result of the harsh winter, they soon encountered unbroken ice to the south. As their hope faded, a storm rose up and broke the ice floe, and they returned to the water amid the loose pack ice. Making ground on an ice shelf as the storm returned, they found that they were in the midst of an eider
hatchery, and the birds and raw eggs restored their strength. They set out again on July 3, hugging the shore, but were slowed by chains of icebergs blocking their way. They persevered, and by July 11 approached Cape Dudley Digges.
The boats continued to deteriorate. Setting ashore near a glacier, they encountered numerous birds and vegetation, which supplemented their diet until setting off again on July 18, reaching Cape York
on the 21st. Sighting open leads, they extended their fuel supply by breaking up the "Red Eric" and gathering what supplies they could. When the leads failed, the boats were again man-hauled across the ice. Rations were reduced as they made for Cape Shackleton through fog and ice as the crew's health deteriorated again. On the floes they finally took a seal
, and strength returned, with additional seals ending their famine for good.
By August 1, they had reached open whaling
waters, and two days later they found English-speaking people. Kane finally reached Upernavik on August 8, 1855, having been in the open for 84 days. Here, they learned that traces of Franklin's party were found three thousand miles south of where their expedition searched - the previous consensus was that Franklin would have proceeded north from Beechy Island towards a likely open Polar Basin , despite his orders to proceed south .
, bringing the "Faith" along as a relic of their ordeal. Near Lively they met with the Hartstene Expedition, which had set out to locate Dr. Kane that previous May. Kane's brother Dr. John K. Kane, accompanied by Lieutenant Hartstene, had learned of Kane's route from the local Inuit and pushed to within 40 miles of the abandoned brig Advance. Both expeditions returned to New York October 11, 1855.
Kane completed his literary account of the voyage, but his health was already in decline, stating "The book, poor as it is, has been my coffin." He was joined by his family and William Morton in Cuba
, where he died on February 16, 1857. His life was publicly celebrated and widely mourned.
The expedition contributed little to the efforts to determine the fate of Franklin, and concluded Grinnell's American contributions to this effort. Surgeon Hayes would launch his own arctic expedition in 1860, which included Sonntag as astronomer and Hans Christian - a voyage that would claim Sonntag's life . The British Admiralty would continue the search for Franklin until 1880 .
.
Kane provided the first account of the Etah Inuit, the northernmost inhabitants of the planet . Although his specimens were lost, his notes provided extensive information on the flora and fauna, and the magnetic, meteorological, tidal and glacial aspects of the extreme region of western Greenland.
However, it should be noted that Franklin experienced several Inuit attacks in his 1826 overland expedition , which would have informed any later decisions regarding alliances with local natives.
Kane's ability to periodically obtain fresh meat, primarily in summer hunts with the Inuit, held off the most severe symptoms of scurvy. Franklin's expedition relied on the tinned foods (prepared in haste by Goldner), the poor soldering of which resulted in consistently high lead levels in the remains found to date. Lead poisoning
would be a significant factor standing against their survival. While Kane's smaller party made hunting more practical, this difference was key to the respective outcomes of both expeditions.
Henry Grinnell
Henry Grinnell was an American merchant and philanthropist.-Career:In 1818, Grinnell moved to New York City where he became a clerk in the commission house of H.D. & E.B. Sewell. He married Sarah Minturn in 1822. In 1825, Henry joined his brother Joseph Grinnell in Fish, Grinnell & Company...
, to determine the fate of the Franklin's lost expedition
Franklin's lost expedition
Franklin's lost expedition was a doomed British voyage of Arctic exploration led by Captain Sir John Franklin that departed England in 1845. A Royal Navy officer and experienced explorer, Franklin had served on three previous Arctic expeditions, the latter two as commanding officer...
. Led by Dr. Elisha Kent Kane, the team explored areas northwest of Greenland
Greenland
Greenland is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Though physiographically a part of the continent of North America, Greenland has been politically and culturally associated with Europe for...
, now called Grinnell Land
Grinnell Land
Grinnell Land is the central section of Ellesmere Island in the northernmost part of Nunavut territory in Canada. It was named for Henry Grinnell, a shipping magnate from New York, who in the 1850s helped finance two expeditions to search for Franklin's lost expedition.The name was given by...
. While failing to determine the fate of Franklin, the expedition set a new record for northward penetration, delineated 960 miles of unexplored coastline north of 82° latitude, and discovered the long-sought open Polar Sea
Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean, located in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Arctic north polar region, is the smallest and shallowest of the world's five major oceanic divisions...
. Kane collected valuable geographical, climate and magnetic observations before abandoning the brig Advance
USS Advance (1850)
The first USS Advance was a brigantine in the United States Navy which participated in an arctic rescue expedition. Advance was built in 1847 as Augusta in New Kent County, Virginia and loaned to the Navy on 7 May 1850 by Mr. Henry Grinnell to participate in the search for Sir John Franklin's...
to the pack ice in 1855. While three members of the crew were lost, the epic journey of the survivors inspired the public as a vivid tale of arctic survival.
Preparation
Retired merchant Henry Grinnell became interested in the fate of the lost Franklin Polar Expedition, which had set out to seek a Northwest PassageNorthwest Passage
The Northwest Passage is a sea route through the Arctic Ocean, along the northern coast of North America via waterways amidst the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans...
through the Northwest Archipelago in 1847. Encouraged by Lady Jane Franklin and soured by the inability of the national legislature to provide funding, Grinnell financed a first polar expedition
First Grinnell Expedition
The First Grinnell Expedition of 1850 was the first American effort, financed by Henry Grinnell, to determine the fate of the lost Franklin Polar Expedition. Led by Lieutenant Edwin De Haven, the...
, which set out from New York in May of 1850 under Lieutenant Edwin De Haven
Edwin De Haven
Edwin Jesse De Haven was a United States Navy officer and explorer of the first half of the 19th century.He was born in Philadelphia and became a midshipman at the age of 10, serving until 1857...
on the brigs USS Rescue
USS Rescue (1850)
The first USS Rescue was a brig in service with the United States Navy.The brigs Rescue and , specially reinforced and fitted out for Arctic service, were offered on loan to the U.S. Government by Henry Grinnell in 1850 for use in a rescue mission tracing the ill-fated expedition which, in May...
and Advance. Dr. Elisha Kent Kane served as Senior Surgeon aboard the Advance. The vessels returned without resolving the mystery, although, in coordination with an expedition led by Captain William Penny
William Penny
William Penny was a Scottish captain. He undertook the first maritime search for the ships of Sir John Franklin.-References:* *****...
, they discovered Franklin's first wintering camp (and three graves) at Beechy Island on August 24, 1850 . Undeterred, Grinnel equipped the 144-ton brig Advance for a second voyage under Dr. Kane on behalf of the U.S Navy to search for Franklin north of Beechy Island and a likely open summer Polar sea. With additional support from the Geographical Society of New York (which approved the plan of search), The Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
, the American Philosophical Society
American Philosophical Society
The American Philosophical Society, founded in 1743, and located in Philadelphia, Pa., is an eminent scholarly organization of international reputation, that promotes useful knowledge in the sciences and humanities through excellence in scholarly research, professional meetings, publications,...
, and $10,000 from George Peabody
George Peabody
George Peabody was an American-British entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded the Peabody Trust in Britain and the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, and was responsible for many other charitable initiatives.-Biography:...
, the expedition set out from New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
on May 30, 1853 with a small crew, modest provisions, barter items and scientific instruments.
Voyage and exploration
By July, 1853, the Advance had reached the northern DanishDenmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
settlements at Fiskenaesset and Upernavik
Upernavik
Upernavik is a small town in the Qaasuitsup municipality in northwestern Greenland, located on a small island of the same name. With 1,129 inhabitants as of 2010, it is the thirteenth-largest town in Greenland. Due to the small size of the settlement, everything is within walking distance...
Greenland, and there acquired additional provisions, interpreter Karl Petersen , and a 19-year old indigenous hunter and dog handler named Hans Hendrik
Hans Hendrik
Hans Hendrik, also known as Hans Christian, native name Suersaq , was a Greenlandic Arctic traveller and interpreter, born in the southern settlement of Fiskernaes .-Supporting the Kane Expedition:...
. Navigation of ice fields through Melville Bay
Melville Bay
Melville Bay , is a large bay off the coast of northwestern Greenland. Located to the north of the Upernavik Archipelago, it opens to the south-west into Baffin Bay. Its Kalaallisut name, Qimusseriarsuaq, means "the great dog sledding place"....
in early August was facilitated by tethering the vessel to northeast-bound icebergs, with Kane leaving a cairn
Cairn
Cairn is a term used mainly in the English-speaking world for a man-made pile of stones. It comes from the or . Cairns are found all over the world in uplands, on moorland, on mountaintops, near waterways and on sea cliffs, and also in barren desert and tundra areas...
on Littleton Island
Littleton Island (Arctic)
Littleton Island is an island approximately from Greenland’s coast right in Smith Sound. It is about south of the island today called Hans Island. Around it and the coast of Greenland lay dozens of tiny Islands, and Kane names one of them Hans Island after Hans Hendrik, the native Greenlandic...
. By August 23, they had reached a position of 78° 41', among the farthest northward penetrations by sea in the Baffin Bay region. Several sled trips were made inland to Greenland to establish supply depots and make observations, reaching 78° 52', before the Advance was set for winter in Rensselaer Harbor on September 10.
During the dark winter, a small stone observatory was established ashore, and several overland trips by dogsled were undertaken, arranging additional supply depots and performing geographical observation, reaching as far as 79° 50' north. The crew entertained themselves, held theatrical events, published an Arctic newspaper called 'The Ice-Blink' and maintained the sled dogs. By March, the outside temperatures averaged around -46F, having reached a winter low of -67F on February 5, 1854. By the end of winter, most of the sled dogs had died of a progressive ailment resembling lockjaw
Trismus
-Common causes:*Pericoronitis is the most common cause of trismus.*Inflammation of muscles of mastication. It is a frequent sequel to surgical removal of mandibular third molars . The condition is usually resolved on its own in 10–14 days, during which time eating and oral hygiene are compromised...
, and much of the crew were exhibiting signs of scurvy
Scurvy
Scurvy is a disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C, which is required for the synthesis of collagen in humans. The chemical name for vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is derived from the Latin name of scurvy, scorbutus, which also provides the adjective scorbutic...
.
On March 20, a depot party set out, with temperatures slightly improving. Late on March 30, three of the party (Sonntag, Ohlsen and Petersen) returned to the Advance in a weakened state, requesting the immediate rescue of the remaining four (Brooks, Baker, Wilson and Pierre). Ohlsen was brought to guide them back, but ultimately Hans tracked the frozen men's sledge trail after an unbroken march of 21 hours. Despite the hardships of exhaustion, high winds, and temperatures of -55F, the party was able to return to the Advance. Still, Jefferson Baker later died - the rescue party had been out for 72 hours and travelled nearly 90 miles.
On April 26, after trading with a group of Inuit
Inuit
The Inuit are a group of culturally similar indigenous peoples inhabiting the Arctic regions of Canada , Denmark , Russia and the United States . Inuit means “the people” in the Inuktitut language...
hunters at the brig, teams under Kane, McGary and Godfrey set out with fresh dogs for the Humboldt Glacier
Humboldt Glacier
Humboldt Glacier is the widest tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. It borders the Kane Basin in North West Greenland. Its front is wide. It has been retreating in the period of observation spanning 1975-2010. The glacier is named after German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt.-Footnotes:...
, hoping to reach the American side via their earlier cache depots. Once there, they planned to search the far ice for possible channels and to make observations. Despite crossing Marshall Bay, scurvy and poor travelling conditions slowed their progress until May 4, when they discovered that polar bears had spoiled their advanced supply depots. When Kane succumbed to illness, the party turned back, reaching the brig on May 14. Peter Schubert perished on the return trip, and his remains were placed in the observatory with those of Baker.
While the others recovered, Dr. Hayes set out on a dogsled journey making north for Cape Sabine
Cape Sabine
right|thumb|300px|Pim Island to the memory of dead men from the expedition of [[Adolphus Greely]]. Photographed in 2005Cape Sabine is a land point on Pim Island, in Qikiqtaaluk Region, Nunavut, Canada.-History:...
on May 20 as temperatures rose to above freezing. He returned on June 1 after surveying the Greenland coast. On June 3 McGary and Morton set out on coastal expeditions along the Kennedy Channel
Kennedy Channel
Kennedy Channel is an Arctic sea passage between Greenland and Canada's most northerly island, Ellesmere Island.It forms part of Nares Strait, linking Kane Basin with Hall Basin. From the south, its beginning is marked by Capes Lawrence and Jackson; its junction with Hall Basin is marked by Capes...
(reaching as far as 81 degrees north, at Morris Bay), returning later that month, having been troubled by polar bears, bear-destroyed supply caches and melting ice. As temperatures continued to rise, the remaining crews made several short trips of observation, noting the migratory birds and employing the returning vegetation as a cure for their persisting scurvy.
By early July of 1854, Kane was considering the possibility of another winter locked in the ice measured against the fact that they were not provisioned for another year. The option of abandoning the Advance was considered dishonorable at best. Kane and five men undertook an attempt in a modified 23-foot whaleboat
Whaleboat
A whaleboat is a type of open boat that is relatively narrow and pointed at both ends, enabling it to move either forwards or backwards equally well. It was originally developed for whaling, and later became popular for work along beaches, since it does not need to be turned around for beaching or...
to reach Beechy Island, where Kane, as part of the first Grinnel Expedition, had located the 1845 winter camp of the Franklin Expedition . There, Kane hoped to meet Sir Edward Belcher
Edward Belcher
Admiral Sir Edward Belcher, KCB , was a British naval officer and explorer. He was the great-grandson of Governor Jonathan Belcher. His wife, Diana Jolliffe, was the stepdaughter of Captain Peter Heywood.-Early life:...
's rescue expedition and their supplies. Thwarted by a heavy gale and pack ice, they sailed and manhauled
Manhauling
Manhauling, often expressed as man-hauling, means the pulling forward of sledges, trucks or other load-carrying vehicles by human power unaided by animals or machines...
the craft, only to be stopped by the ice on July 31, just ten miles from Cape Parry
Cape Parry
Cape Parry is a headland in Canada's Northwest Territories. Located at the northern tip of the Parry Peninsula, it projects into Amundsen Gulf, from the North Pole. The nearest settlement is Paulatuk, to the south, and Fiji Island is located to the west...
. They were forced to return to the ice-locked Advance. Blasting the pack ice briefly freed the brig on August 12, but she became set fast in an ice floe as the crew hoped for a breakup while their supplies waned. Expecting the worst, documents were cached at the observatory, with a large stone painted with "ADVANCE, A.D. 1853-54" as a marker.
Icebound
On August 23, Kane knew that the Advance would not be freed. Although eight of the seventeen survivors resolved to stay with the brig and hope for survival through the winter, the other eight set out on the 28th for Upernavik , although one returned to the brig the next day. Those that remained with Kane on the Advance quickly began winter preparations. Those staying with Kane were Brooks, McGary, Wilson, Goodfellow, Morton, Ohlsen, Hickey and the Inuit Hans Christian.Taking lessons from the Inuit, Kane and his men spend early September insulating the deck with moss and turf, and doing likewise below deck. The outer decks were stripped, providing over seven tons of firewood for heat and melting of snow. Such preparations kept the temperature below decks 36F - 45F, even during the colder months. An agreement was reached with the nearby Inuit to provide meat in trade, and also of sharing the ship as shelter and hunting together, which strengthened their bond. Local exploration and hunting continued into early October, when the Inuit quietly left.
Arctic fox
The arctic fox , also known as the white fox, polar fox or snow fox, is a small fox native to Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and is common throughout the Arctic tundra biome. The Greek word alopex, means a fox and Vulpes is the Latin version...
, hares and ultimately rats
RATS
RATS may refer to:* RATS , Regression Analysis of Time Series, a statistical package* Rough Auditing Tool for Security, a computer program...
, the latter of which they shot aboard ship with bow and arrow to pass the time. Kane also experimented making rootbeer from willow
Arctic Willow
Salix arctica is a tiny creeping willow . It is adapted to survive in harsh Arctic and subarctic environments, and has a circumpolar distribution round the Arctic Ocean.-Distribution:...
shoots. Mid October, Morton and Hans set out by sledge to locate the Inuit, in hopes of locating hunting grounds. They reached a small seasonal settlement near Hartstene Bay
Hartstene Bay
Hartstene Bay is a small bay on the north-west coast of Greenland....
, and successfully hunted walrus with their hosts, returning to the brig with meat on the 21st. The brig was periodically chain-lifted above the ice to prevent it from being crushed by the growing ice. Scurvy returned and morale fell. During these times, thoughts often returned to the fate of Franklin's party.
On December 7, a group of Inuit arrived, bearing two (Bonsall and Peterson) from the group that had set out on August 28. They reported that their situation had deteriorated, and that the rest of their party were destitute some 200 miles away. Precious rescue supplies were sent to them, and with the help of the Inuit the remainder of Advances crew returned on the 12th, severely weakened. The natives later returned, and enjoyed Kane's measured hospitality.
On December 23 a lamp-fire broke out in a storage room, the dry timbers and moss walls entirely aflame. The fire was smothered with animal skins and water, but it sorely tested the crew. Kane set out soon after to obtain walrus
Walrus
The walrus is a large flippered marine mammal with a discontinuous circumpolar distribution in the Arctic Ocean and sub-Arctic seas of the Northern Hemisphere. The walrus is the only living species in the Odobenidae family and Odobenus genus. It is subdivided into three subspecies: the Atlantic...
meat from the Inuit near Cape Alexander
Cape Alexander
Cape Alexander is a cape which forms the south end of Churchill Peninsula and the east side of the entrance to Cabinet Inlet, on the east coast of Graham Land. It was charted by the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey and photographed from the air by the Ronne Antarctic Research Expedition in...
to address the worst cases of scurvy, at best a 22 hour journey amid high temperatures of -54F. Dogs failing, they were forced back to the brig without attaining their goal. The crew was now warmed only by their lamps. On January 22, Kane and Hans set out again, lightly equipped, prepared to expend the dogs towards the survival of their 93 mile journey.
A storm and snow kept them locked in their waypoint, and abandoned Inuit dwelling, for two days. Health, supplies and dogs failing, they were forced again to return to the brig empty-handed on January 30, 1855. By this time, nearly all of the crew was bed-ridden with advancing scurvy, despite the unseasonably warmer temperatures above -20F. On February 3, Peterson and Hans set out for the local Inuit following a trail spotted by Kane. Three days later they returned, weakened and turned back by the increasing snows and their own failing strength. In the following days the crew was sustained by occasional rabbits, reindeer
Reindeer
The reindeer , also known as the caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and Subarctic, including both resident and migratory populations. While overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare and one has already gone extinct.Reindeer vary considerably in color and size...
and flax
Flax
Flax is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. It is native to the region extending from the eastern Mediterranean to India and was probably first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent...
-seed brewed 'beer,' and warmed by burning hemp
Hemp
Hemp is mostly used as a name for low tetrahydrocannabinol strains of the plant Cannabis sativa, of fiber and/or oilseed varieties. In modern times, hemp has been used for industrial purposes including paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction, health food and fuel with modest...
cable and gear. The health of the sickest continued to deteriorate despite the gradual return of the sun as temperatures held between -40F and -50F. Hans set out to seek meat from the nearby Eskimos, but they were facing famine as well. He assisted them on a successful walrus hunt, and returned on March 10 to the brig with his share of the meat, which sustained the invalids. During this period, Hans sought to visit the Inuit village of Peteravik on foot, which Kane allowed. Hans had intended to return, but was convinced to stay with his hosts, eventually moving south with them .
In late March, William Godfrey deserted, returning to the Advance on April 2, but fleeing again under fire. He was recaptured at an Eskimo village by Kane on April 18 without incident.
The escape
With some improvement in health, planning began for the escape to open water across the ice, which showed no sign of releasing the Advance. Partnering and hunting with the local Inuit secured walrus and bear meat, helping the crew to recover. The few remaining ship-timbers were harvested as runners for two 17.5 feet (5.3 m) sledges for the 26 feet (7.9 m) whaleboats, with bolts fashioned from curtain rods. Only four dogs remained, the rest having succumbed to illness, although some were loaned by the local natives. By early May, all but four of the crew were fairly restored in health. Kane and Morton made one last search towards the far coast of the Kane BasinKane Basin
Kane Basin is an Arctic waterway lying between Greenland and Canada's northernmost island, Ellesmere Island. It links Smith Sound to Kennedy Channel and forms part of Nares Strait. It is approximately 180 kilometres in length and 130 km at its widest....
, but failed to locate any sign of Franklin's party. The search operation was formally closed, with all attention focused on escape.
All effort was focused on the manufacture of equipment and clothing for the escape. As the escape planning progressed, May 17 was selected as the day for setting out. A base supply of food would be transported with the sledges, supplemented by hunting and limited dogsled trips back to the brig. The two dried out cypress whaleboats "Faith" and "Hope" were strengthened where possible with oak, fit with collapsible masts, and covered by stretched canvas. A third boat, "Red Eric," was brought along as fuel. Provisions, ammunition, cooking gear, and a few precious scientific instruments were packed within these. Each man was allowed eight pounds of personal effects.
On the 17th, they set out on their 1300-mile journey, with the sledges being man-hauled by the recently invalid crew. Only two miles were gained the first day, but they gradually improved in their task, recuperating aboard the Advance while it was still nearby. On May 20, 1855, When the Advance was finally left for good, the crew gathered aboard the empty brig, offered prayer, and quietly packed away a portrait of Sir John Franklin. The figurehead
Figurehead
A figurehead is a carved wooden decoration found at the prow of ships largely made between the 16th and 19th century.-History:Although earlier ships had often had some form of bow ornamentation A figurehead is a carved wooden decoration found at the prow of ships largely made between the 16th and...
, "Augusta," was removed and loaded onto the sledges - for wood if not for honor. Kane addressed the crew to their accomplishments, and of the challenge before them, and they signed a resolve regarding the decision to abandon ship:
Second Grinnell Expedition
Brig Advance, May 20, 1855.
The undersigned, being convinced of the impossibility of the liberation of the brig, and equally convinced of the impossibility of remaining in the ice a third winter, do fervently concur with the commander in his attempt to reach the South by means of boats.
Knowing the trials and hardships which are before us, and feeling the necessity of union, harmony, and discipline, we have determined to abide faithfully by the expedition and our sick comrades, and to do all that we can, as true men, to advance the objects in view.
Henry Brooks, J. Wall Wilson,
James McGary, Amos Bonsall,
George Riley, I. I. Hayes,
William Morton, August Sonntag,
C. Ohlsen, &c. &c.
Fixed to a stanchion
Stanchion
A stanchion is an upright bar or post, often providing support for some other object.* An architectural term applied to the upright iron bars in windows that pass through the eyes of the saddle bars or horizontal irons to steady the leadlight. A stanchion is an upright bar or post, often...
near the gangway, Kane left a note to any who might later come upon the brig. It closed with these words:
I regard the abandonment of the brig as inevitable. We have by actual inspection but thirty-six days' provisions, and a careful survey shows that we cannot cut more firewood without rendering our craft unseaworthy. A third winter would force us, as the only means of escaping starvation, to resort to Esquimaux habits and give up all hope of remaining by the vessel and her resources. It would therefore in no manner advance the search after Sir John Franklin.
Under any circumstances, to remain longer would be destructive to those of our little party who have already suffered from the extreme severity of the climate and its tendencies to disease. Scurvy has enfeebled more or less every man in the expedition, and an anomalous spasmodic disorder, allied to tetanus, has cost us the life of two of our most prized comrades.
I hope, speaking on the part of my companions and myself, that we have done all that we ought to do to prove our tenacity of purpose and devotion to the cause which we have undertaken. This attempt to escape by crossing the southern ice on sledges is regarded by me as an imperative duty, - the only means of saving ourselves and preserving the laboriously-earned results of the expedition.
E. K. Kane,
Com. Grinnell Expedition
Advance, Rensselaer Bay, May 20, 1855.
The twelve able-bodied crewmen hauled each of the three sledges in turn, with an emphasis on daily routine and discipline, with Hayes and Sonntag logging the running survey
Running survey
A running survey is a rough survey made by a vessel while coasting. Bearings to landmarks are taken at intervals as the vessel sails offshore, and are used to fix features on the coast and further inland...
. The abandoned Inuit dwelling at Anoatok served as a forward hospital while the man-haulers remained close, and additional supplies had been cached nearby. Kane ferried supplies and invalids forward by dogsled, and even returned to the brig to secure additional provisions and bake fresh bread on the book-fueled stove. Halts were regulated by the condition of the men, and progress was slow and deliberate, despite 14-hour hauls. Axes were often used to cut through ice hummocks, or to cut ramps between ice layers. Health deteriorated under the burden of moving the heavy sledges across the ice, and the symptoms of scurvy began to increase, calling for increased rations. Kane's further trade with the natives improved the provisions as temperatures warmed, but the provisions packed on the boats were reserved at all costs.
Warming temperatures and melting ice added to the dangers. The sledges and boats occasionally broke through, narrowly escaping loss. In one such breakthrough on June 2, Ohlsen saved the "Hope," but broke through the ice himself, rupturing a blood vessel . Although rescued, his condition was grave. While attempting to reach the Inuit settlement of Etah near Littleton Island, fierce storms held Kane's dogsled party down, forcing them to burrow into the snow before retreating. A second attempt produced meat, blubber and fresh dogs from the generous natives, whose regular assistance was invaluable. Refreshed, Kane retrieved the four invalids from their shelter at Anoatok, one by one. On June 6, after raising sails on the boat-sledges, the men took advantage of steady winds to help drive them eight miles across the ice towards their supply cache at Littleton Island.
Hans was still missing, having not returned to the party since leaving in April, but originally planning to rendezvous at the village at Etah. From nearby villagers, Kane determined that Hans had married a maiden from Peteravik, and then ventured south to Qeqertarsuatsiaat to begin a new life. He was sorely missed by Kane's party.
The intact supply cache at Littleton Island was recovered on July 12. While on Littleton, Ohlsen finally succumbed to the illness, and was buried in a natural cleft in view of the cape that bears his name. After crossing eighty miles of ice, open water was sighted six miles to the southwest, and the final push was planned.
Upon resuming their march, many natives came to assist them, helping with the hauling and offering fresh meat from the now plentiful auks. The open water was reached on June 16, 1855. After bidding the gathered natives farewell and offering gifts, including most of the remaining dogs, Kane and the survivors launched their three boats on June 19, having been delayed by another storm.
The dried, weather-beaten wooden boats began leaking, and the "Red Eric" was nearly lost, as they made for the protection of the pack ice inlets. They soon took refuge on Hakluyt Island and repaired the boats. They set out again on the June 22, island-hopping to Northumberland Island
Northumberland Island
Northumberland Island is an island off the coast of northern Greenland....
, then camping at Cape Parry and hunting all along the way, melting snow from the icebergs to produce water. As a result of the harsh winter, they soon encountered unbroken ice to the south. As their hope faded, a storm rose up and broke the ice floe, and they returned to the water amid the loose pack ice. Making ground on an ice shelf as the storm returned, they found that they were in the midst of an eider
Eider
Eiders are large seaducks in the genus Somateria. Steller's Eider, despite its name, is in a different genus.The three extant species all breed in the cooler latitudes of the Northern hemisphere....
hatchery, and the birds and raw eggs restored their strength. They set out again on July 3, hugging the shore, but were slowed by chains of icebergs blocking their way. They persevered, and by July 11 approached Cape Dudley Digges.
The boats continued to deteriorate. Setting ashore near a glacier, they encountered numerous birds and vegetation, which supplemented their diet until setting off again on July 18, reaching Cape York
Cape York (Greenland)
Cape York is a cape on the northwestern coast of Greenland, in northern Baffin Bay. The cape, located west-south-west of the Savissivik settlement, delimits the northwestern end of Melville Bay, with the other end commonly defined as Wilcox Head, the western promontory on Kiatassuaq Island.-...
on the 21st. Sighting open leads, they extended their fuel supply by breaking up the "Red Eric" and gathering what supplies they could. When the leads failed, the boats were again man-hauled across the ice. Rations were reduced as they made for Cape Shackleton through fog and ice as the crew's health deteriorated again. On the floes they finally took a seal
Pinniped
Pinnipeds or fin-footed mammals are a widely distributed and diverse group of semiaquatic marine mammals comprising the families Odobenidae , Otariidae , and Phocidae .-Overview: Pinnipeds are typically sleek-bodied and barrel-shaped...
, and strength returned, with additional seals ending their famine for good.
By August 1, they had reached open whaling
Whaling
Whaling is the hunting of whales mainly for meat and oil. Its earliest forms date to at least 3000 BC. Various coastal communities have long histories of sustenance whaling and harvesting beached whales...
waters, and two days later they found English-speaking people. Kane finally reached Upernavik on August 8, 1855, having been in the open for 84 days. Here, they learned that traces of Franklin's party were found three thousand miles south of where their expedition searched - the previous consensus was that Franklin would have proceeded north from Beechy Island towards a likely open Polar Basin , despite his orders to proceed south .
Aftermath
On September 6, they crew secured passage aboard the Danish vessel Mariana to the Shetland IslandsShetland Islands
Shetland is a subarctic archipelago of Scotland that lies north and east of mainland Great Britain. The islands lie some to the northeast of Orkney and southeast of the Faroe Islands and form part of the division between the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the North Sea to the east. The total...
, bringing the "Faith" along as a relic of their ordeal. Near Lively they met with the Hartstene Expedition, which had set out to locate Dr. Kane that previous May. Kane's brother Dr. John K. Kane, accompanied by Lieutenant Hartstene, had learned of Kane's route from the local Inuit and pushed to within 40 miles of the abandoned brig Advance. Both expeditions returned to New York October 11, 1855.
Kane completed his literary account of the voyage, but his health was already in decline, stating "The book, poor as it is, has been my coffin." He was joined by his family and William Morton in Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
, where he died on February 16, 1857. His life was publicly celebrated and widely mourned.
The expedition contributed little to the efforts to determine the fate of Franklin, and concluded Grinnell's American contributions to this effort. Surgeon Hayes would launch his own arctic expedition in 1860, which included Sonntag as astronomer and Hans Christian - a voyage that would claim Sonntag's life . The British Admiralty would continue the search for Franklin until 1880 .
Crew of the Advance
Henry Brooks, First Officer (served in first Grinnell Expedition)
Isaac Israel HayesIsaac Israel HayesIsaac Israel Hayes was an Arctic explorer and physician.Hayes was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania. After completing his medical studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Hayes signed on as ship's surgeon for an 1853-5 expedition led by Elisha Kent Kane to search for John Franklin...
, M.D., Surgeon (led subsequent expedition)
August Sonntag, Astronomer (died during subsequent expedition)
John Wall Wilson
James McGary
George Riley
William Morton (served in first Grinnell Expedition)
Christian Ohlsen (died on the Littleton Island, June 12, 1855)
Henry Goodfellow
Amos Bonsall
George Stephenson
George Whipple
William Godfrey (deserted March 20, 1855)
John Blake
Jefferson Baker (died around April 7, 1854)
Peter Schubert (died May 12, 1854)
Thomas Hickey
Hans Christian (Hendrik)Hans HendrikHans Hendrik, also known as Hans Christian, native name Suersaq , was a Greenlandic Arctic traveller and interpreter, born in the southern settlement of Fiskernaes .-Supporting the Kane Expedition:...
(joined at Fiskernaes, Greenland as hunter and guide)
Karl PetersenJohan Carl Christian PetersenJohan Carl Christian Petersen was a Danish seaman and interpreter who participated in several expeditions in Northern Canada and Greenland in search of the missing British explorer John Franklin....
(interpreter, joined at Upernavik)
Legacy
The Kane Basin, name for Kane, which also includes the glacier Kane named after Alexander Von HumboldtAlexander von Humboldt
Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander Freiherr von Humboldt was a German naturalist and explorer, and the younger brother of the Prussian minister, philosopher and linguist Wilhelm von Humboldt...
.
Kane provided the first account of the Etah Inuit, the northernmost inhabitants of the planet . Although his specimens were lost, his notes provided extensive information on the flora and fauna, and the magnetic, meteorological, tidal and glacial aspects of the extreme region of western Greenland.
Contrasts with the Franklin Expedition
Kane's party enhanced their survival through adaptation of Inuit techniques, including dogsleds, hunting, shelter, and by developing a close relation with the local natives. Such steps may have helped the Franklin Expedition, which likely maintained their European behaviors throughout their ordeal. Said Kane
"When trouble came to us and to them, and we bent ourselves to their habits, - when we looked to them to procure us fresh meat, and they found at our poor Oomiak-soak shelter and protection during their wild bear-hunts, - then we were so blended in our interests as well as modes of life that every trace of enmity wore away."
However, it should be noted that Franklin experienced several Inuit attacks in his 1826 overland expedition , which would have informed any later decisions regarding alliances with local natives.
Kane's ability to periodically obtain fresh meat, primarily in summer hunts with the Inuit, held off the most severe symptoms of scurvy. Franklin's expedition relied on the tinned foods (prepared in haste by Goldner), the poor soldering of which resulted in consistently high lead levels in the remains found to date. Lead poisoning
Lead poisoning
Lead poisoning is a medical condition caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems...
would be a significant factor standing against their survival. While Kane's smaller party made hunting more practical, this difference was key to the respective outcomes of both expeditions.