USS Bear 1884 Log Books

THE VOYAGES OF USS BEAR 1884

(Maps prepared using Journey Plotter, developed by Maikel. The Plots can only be approximate. They are made by joining-up positions on successive days, and sometimes positions are not given. There will therefore be occasions when the ship appears to have travelled overland)

LOG BOOK – MARCH 17^th 1884 TO SEPTEMBER 22^nd 1884

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LOG BOOK

of the

USS Bear

Commencing March 17, 1884, at Navy Yard New York, and ending September 22, 1884, at Navy Yard New York

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LIST OF OFFICERS

Attached to and on board the USS Bear, commanded by WH Emory Jr, USN, at the time of leaving the anchorage at Navy Yard New York, the 24^th day of April, 1884

WH Emory Jr, Lieutenant

FH Crosby, Lieutenant

JC Colwell, Lieutenant Junior Grade

AR Usher, Lieutenant Junior Grade

LK Reynolds, Ensign

John Lowe, Chief Engineer

HE Ames, Passed Assistant Surgeon

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LK Reynolds Ensign, August 23 1884, detached

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Complement of Petty Officers, Seamen, Ordinary Seamen, Landsmen, Boys and Marines on board.

Ice Master 1

Yeoman 1

Boatswain’s Mates 2

Quartermasters 2

Captains of Tops 2

Carpenter’s Mate 1

Ship’s Cook 1

Cabin Cook 1

Seamen 9

1^st Class Machinists 2

Blacksmith 1

1^st Class Firemen 3

Cabin Steward 1

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[Blank]

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[Blank weather page]

LOGS FOR MARCH 1884

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17 March 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and pleasant.

The ship went into commission at 11.05am.

The following officers reported for duty: Lieutenant WH Emory Jr USN commanding, Lieutenant JC Colwell USN, Lieutenant AR Usher USN, Ensign LK Reynolds USN, Chief Engineer John Lowe USN, PA Surgeon HE Ames USN.

Total number of workmen engaged on repairs and outfit of “Greely Relief Expedition” in Departments of Construction and Steam Engineering, 368. Also 21 from Equipment Department at work on rigging.

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18 March 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Men working on ship for Greely Relief Expedition.

Total number of men employed on Greely Relief Expedition, 384 and 21 riggers. Engaged in caulking lower decks: joiner work for quarters of Officers and men, overhauling boilers and machinery and getting rigging in place. Also gang at work in boat house and joiner shop on boats.

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19 March 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Total number of men employed, 397 and 21 riggers. Same general work as preceding day. Rainy.

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20 March 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Total number of men employed, 384 and 21 riggers. Same general work as preceding day. Commenced work upon deck bed for galley.

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21 March 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Total number of men employed, 379 and 21 riggers. Same general work as preceding day.

Weather clear and pleasant.

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22 March 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Total number of men employed, 380 and 21 riggers. Same general work as preceding day. Weather clear and pleasant. Tarred down. Finished galley bed.

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23 March 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and pleasant.

USS “Thetis” arrived at the Navy Yard, under command of Lieutenant L. L. Reamey, USN.

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24 March 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Cloudy and pleasant weather

Total number of men employed, 393. Same general work as Saturday 22^nd. Rove off running rigging. Painters engaged in painting hull and spars.

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25 March 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, warm and pleasant weather.

Gangs of workmen from Navy Yard in Departments of Construction, Equipment and Steam Engineering engaged on ship. Painters engaged painting ship’s bottom. Received stores in Engineer’s Department as follows: Fire room implements, tools and oil.

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26 March 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Cloudy weather.

Made preparations for coming out of dry dock, but when dock was half filled with water on account of list of ship to port, shut off water and began taking in coal as ballast. Workmen from Departments of Steam Engineering, Equipment and Construction at work on vessel. Rove off running rigging.

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27 March 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and warm weather.

Navy Yard tug took ship out of dry dock and placed her alongside Yard dock. Secured to dock. Received on board about 26 tons of Welsh coal to use as ballast and stowed in main hold. Navy Yard workmen in Departments of Equipment, Construction and Steam Engineering engaged on ship's work.

Lieutenant FH Crosby reported for duty on this vessel.

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28 March 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and pleasant weather.

Received chains (two) 105 fathoms each. Propeller and donkey boiler tested.

Gangs of workmen engaged on board in Departments of Steam Engineering, Equipment and Construction. Received on board both bower chains, 105 fathoms each, stowed in chain lockers; bent port bower chain; shipped fore and main booms and transported one spare propeller to main deck. Got up steam in and tested donkey boiler.

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29 March 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and pleasant weather.

Gangs of men from Departments of Equipment, Construction and Steam Engineering engaged on ship work. Received and stowed sheet and stream chains. Bent port bower chain to port bower anchor and got anchor ready for letting go. Stowed spare propellers on lower deck. Caulkers caulking spar deck.

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30 March 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and cold. Stiff NW breeze.

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31 March 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and pleasant.

Gangs of workmen from Departments of Steam Engineering, Equipment and Construction engaged on board. Received on board one galley.

LOGS FOR APRIL 1884

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1 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and pleasant.

Got up steam during forenoon and had trial of engine; found everything to work well. Commodore Fillebrown and Captain Kirkland visited the ship. Gangs of workmen from Navy Yard in Departments of Equipment, Construction and Steam Engineering at work on vessel. Rove off and fitted hoisting purchase for propeller and hoisting propellers; found everything to work well. Painters engaged painting and shellacking Officers’ and men’s quarters.

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2 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Overcast, cloudy and rainy; turning into snow at evening.

Painters engaged in painting and varnishing Officers’ and men’s quarters. Workmen from Departments of Steam Engineering, Construction and Equipment at work on board.

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3 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Overcast and cloudy. Stiff breeze from N and W.

Navy Yard workmen from Departments of Steam Engineering, Construction and Equipment at work on board. Painters and caulkers at work.

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4 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Cloudy and stormy weather, fresh breezes increasing to moderate gales from N and NNW.

Struck both propellers down into after hold. Draft of water forward 12 feet, aft 12½ feet.

Received on board 160 boxes bread; stowed 55 in fore hold and 105 in after hold, also medical stores.

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5 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Cloudy and pleasant, stiff breeze from NW.

Navy Yard workmen engaged on ship’s work from Departments of Construction and Steam Engineering. Painters at work painting spars. Received and stowed on forward deck 110 boxes bread. Received and stowed in sum 27 100-lb casks pork. Received in Equipment Department cabin glass, china and plated ware.

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6 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from NW.

A gang of workmen from Construction Department engaged in ship’s work.

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7 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from NW.

Gangs of workmen from Construction Equipment and Steam Engineering and Navigation Departments at work on ship. Received and placed standard compasses and steering compasses and running lights. Received and stored in sum 5700 lbs of pork in casks, 100 lbs each. Painters and caulkers at work on ship’s side and deck. Found and tore out rotten deck planks in forecastle house. Received medical stores.

Draft of ship forward 12 feet, aft 13 feet.

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8 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Cloudy but pleasant weather until evening, when there began a light fall of rain.

Workmen from Departments of Construction and Steam Engineering at work on board. Received on board 36 barrels of salt pork, 100 lbs each. Commenced receiving stores from Equipment Department.

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9 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Cold, rainy and squally; rain stopped towards evening.

Workmen [from] Construction, Equipment and Engineering Departments at work on board. Received no stores on board on account of the weather.

Draft of ship aft 12 feet 10 inches.

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10 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Partly clear; moderate breeze from NW.

Gangs of workmen from Departments of Construction, Equipment and Steam Engineering at work on vessel. Received, tied and hoisted into place steam whale boat. Received and stowed galley furniture.

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11 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and pleasant; light breeze from North.

Painters and workmen in Steam Engineering Department at work on board.

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12 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and pleasant; gentle NW breeze.

Workmen in Construction, Equipment and Steam Engineering at work on board.

Chief Engineer John Lowe and PA Surgeon HE Ames left ship on three days’ leave of absence.

Draft of ship 12 feet 10 inches forward, 13 feet aft.

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13 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and pleasant. Gentle SW breeze.

Painters engaged in painting about spar deck.

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14 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and pleasant. Gentle NW breeze.

The Secretary of the Navy visited and inspected the ship.

Workmen in Construction and Steam Engineering Departments at work on board. Landed steam whale boat on float for convenience of carpenters fitting protection to condenser. Brought 2 28-feet and 2 24-feet whale boats from boat shed and hoisted three of them on starboard side

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15 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Stormy and rainy the whole day.

Received on board boom cover, and spread it. Workmen engaged in fitting steam pipes in holds and bunkers.

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16 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and pleasant greater part of day. Calm and gentle airs, breezes in afternoon.

Workmen from Navy Yard from Construction, Equipment and Steam Engineering Departments engaged on board. Navy Yard workmen engaged in putting steam pipes in bunkers. Made preparations for receiving coal in bunkers. Received and stowed in steam box around smoke stack one small donkey boiler and fixtures. Workmen engaged all night on steam pipes in bottom of bunkers.

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17 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Overcast and cloudy. Light breeze from NNW.

Equipment Department engaged in coaling ship; took on board about [blank] tons. Received on board 94 casks of beef and 155 boxes of bread. Hoisted cutter in place at port quarter davits. Stowed 70 casks of beef in after hold and [blank] boxes bread in main hold. Workmen engaged in hold at work on steam pipes.

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18 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Cloudy and cool. Light to moderate NW breeze.

Spanish steamer "Ybarra" came alongside at 11am.

Made preparations for coaling ship. Contractor and Equipment workmen coaling ship in pm. Received 38 tons by 6pm. Received from Paymaster’s store house 7300 lbs dog pemmican, 16,000 lbs bread, 4680 lbs ham, 1170 lbs sugar cakes. Received Navigation stores and all Ordnance stores except ammunition. Draft of ship forward 13 feet 11 inches, aft 15 feet.

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19 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy. Light NNW breeze.

4am to 8am: Overcast and cloudy. At 7.00 commenced receiving coal and taking in and stowing provisions on forward provision deck. Riggers from Navy Yard bending sail.

8am to meridian: Overcast at times, but generally pleasant weather. Gentle breeze from NNW.

Bending sail. Receiving coal in main hold and stowing provisions on forward provision deck. At noon had received 87 tons coal, commenced to receive coal in bunkers.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast but pleasant; gentle breeze from NNW. At 1pm commenced to take coal in forward compartment of hold. Finished bending sail. Continued to receive and stow provisions on forward provision deck. At 4.00 had received and stowed 197 tons coal.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast but pleasant. Continued to receive coal and stores. Commenced receiving coal in fore hold. At 8pm had received altogether today 210 tons coal.

8pm to midnight: Overcast. Gentle breeze from NNW. Continued coaling and at midnight had received altogether today 265 tons. The workmen left the ship.

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20 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy with light breezes from NNW.

4am to 8am: Overcast cloudy and calm. At 7.00 commenced coaling in fore hold and bunkers.

8am to meridian: Cloudy weather. Coaling ship in fore hold and bunkers. Received on board at noon 89 tons coal.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy. Coaling ship in fore hold and bunkers. Received on board 87 tons coal

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant with light breeze from NE. Stopped coaling at 6.00 having received 441 tons in all. Draft of ship forward 18 feet, aft 15 feet.

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21 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy and cool. Light NE breeze.

4am to 8am: Weather and wind the same. Commenced coaling at 7.00 from “Ybarra.”

8am to meridian: Cool and pleasant. Moderate N breeze. Coaling received to noon 507 tons. By order of Commanding Officer discharged Francis Draper (Boatswain’s Mate) and John Johnson (Seaman), to enable them to re-enlist, their terms of service having nearly expired. Transferred John Powell and James C Keegan, Seaman, to USRS “Colorado”.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Received all miscellaneous stores in Equipment Department. Finished coaling at 3.00, having received on board 607 tons. “Ybarra” shifted from alongside to alongside “Thetis”.

4pm to 8pm: Weather becoming cloudy and cooler. Wind freshening and shifting to NE. Set stevedores and Equipment men to work sending coal on deck to forward compartment to lighten ship by the head.

8pm to midnight: Clear and cold. Wind fresh and squally from NE. Workmen sending coal out of fore peak, 30 tons landed by midnight.

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22 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy. Moderate to stiff breeze from NE. Nimbus clouds.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant weather. Wind from NE. Engaged in receiving stores. At 7.00 Navy Yard workmen came on board to work.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant weather with light breeze from NE. Received and stowed stores in storeroom and on provision deck forward. Navy Yard workmen from Departments of Equipment, Construction, crew of “Alert”, and working party from “Colorado” at work on board. Provisions stowed as per stowage plan. “Alert” arrived at Navy Yard at 11.25am.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Cumulus clouds. Same working parties as in forenoon.

4pm to 8pm: Partly clear. Engaged the same as in afternoon and forenoon watches.

8pm to midnight: Cloudy. Light breeze from SW. Cumulus clouds.

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23 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Midnight to 4am: Clear with light breeze from NE.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Wind NE.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Working party of 20 men from “Colorado” and crew from “Alert” at work stowing stores in fore and main holds. Received on board Ordnance and Navigation stores.

Meridian to 4pm. Clear and pleasant. Engaged as in forenoon watch.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Engaged as in preceding watch.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Light NE breeze.

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24 April 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy and cool. Light NE breeze.

4am to 8am: Cloudy and cool. Light NE breeze. Ship was placed under sailing orders at 8am.

8am to meridian: Cloudy and cool. Occasional light rain. Light ENE breeze. Finished taking on board supplies. Received all ammunition and explosives from Ordnance Department. Transferred to USRS "Colorado" CA McLeod (Seaman). Received from "Colorado" DM Diedriksen (Seaman). Started fires at 11am.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and cool. Misty horizon. Light E breeze. Made all preparation for getting under way. US Tug "Catalpa" came alongside at 2.30. Called all hands to muster at 2.00 when Commander WS Schley, Commanding "Greely Relief Expedition", read his orders to officers and crew. At 3.00 left Navy Yard, “Catalpa” alongside. Crews of “Thetis”, “Alert” and "Colorado" cheering ship. Tug cast off below Governors Island. Went ahead full speed down the bay. Commanding Officer conning the ship. Secured everything for sea. Draft of ship 17 feet 6 inches forward, 17 feet 8 inches aft.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and chilly. Misty horizon. Light E breeze. At 6.25 took departure at whistling buoy off Sandy Hook. Set course ExS by standard compass. Sandy Hook Light bearing WSW. Put over patent log reading 1.1 miles. At 8.00 Fire Island light bore at ExN.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and cloudy. Under steam alone. Course ExS by standard compass. At 9.40 lost sight of Highland light. At 10.00 Fire Island light bore abeam. At 10.40 stopped engine to replace [part] in stuffing box of piston rod. At 11.20 went ahead. At midnight patent log read 37.

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25 April 1884

Making passage from New York to St John’s, Newfoundland.

Lat 39.95, Long -71.55

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy. Moderate breeze from ENE. Easterly swell. At 12.20 lost sight of Fire Island light bearing at the time 2 points abaft the port beam. At 3.07 stopped engine to key up crank pin. Went ahead again at 3.20. Under steam alone. At end of watch ship on her course ExS.

4am to 8am: Overcast, chilly and misty. Light NE swell. Moderate breeze from NNE. Changed course to E at 7.00. Set jib and fore topsail at 7.30.

8am to meridian: Overcast and misty on horizon. Smooth sea with long swell from the E. Under steam, foresail, mainsail and all head sails. Barometer falling. Light drizzling rain last half hour of watch. Engaged making convenient storage of light articles in store. Served out to ship’s company the following articles of stores: each pea coat, 3 pairs pants, boots, 3 pairs socks, 3 over shirts, 3 pairs drawers, 2 caps, 3 under shirts. At end of watch patent log read 100.4. At 10.00am took cast of lead in 50 fathoms, bottom sand. At noon cast in 52 fathoms, bottom green mud and sand.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and rainy. Fresh breeze from NNE, shifting to N at end of watch. Barometer fell from 29.68 to 29.66. At noon got a cast of the lead at 52 fathoms; green mud and sand. At 3.30 set fore topmast staysail, fore topsail, jib and mainsail.

4pm to 6pm: Overcast, chilly and misty. Light rains. Moderate N breeze. Sea smooth. Barometer steady. At 4.15 got cast of lead, 52 fathoms, blue mud. At end of watch patent log read 146.75. Coal consumed 1820 lbs.

6pm to 8pm: Overcast, cloudy and misty; light drizzly rain. Under steam and jib fore topsail, fore topmast staysail, and mainsail. Course NExE ½ E by standard compass. Water in tank was found to be strongly impregnated with lime. Pumped out port tank. A schooner standing to the S sighted at 6.30, lost sight of her at dark. Consumption of coal 1820 lbs. Patent log read 161.50 miles.

8pm to midnight: Overcast, cloudy and misty first part of watch. Fresh breeze from N. Barometer rose from 29.66 to 29.67. At 8.00 got cast of lead in 32 fathoms, no specimen. At 9.10 got cast in 28½ fathoms. At 9:30 took in fore and aft sail. At 10.40 changed course to NE per standard compass. Under steam alone at end of watch. Expenditure of coal for watch 1641 lbs. Patent log read 191.5.

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26 April 1884

Making passage from New York to St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 41.11, Long -67.90

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cool, misty horizon. Sea smooth. Under steam alone. Barometer steady. At 12.15 changed course to ExS. Davis’ Shoal light; ship bearing N, lost sight of light soon after. Patent log read 191 at close of watch, log read 220.5 miles. Pumped out port water tank and at 3.45 started condenser. Coal consumed 3600 lbs.

4am to 8am: Overcast and cloudy; fog banks on horizon. Gentle breeze from south-westward hauling to north-westward. Sun visible through clouds at intervals. Under steam alone. Course ExN, changed course to ENE ½ E per standard compass at 4.30. Lowered square sails to dry and set them. Stopped condensing to avoid dampening stores in fore hold by steam. Passed a number of pieces of lumber in the water. At 5.30 sighted a schooner standing to S and E; lost sight of her in fog at 6am. Consumption of coal for watch 910 lbs.

8am to meridian: Overcast, cloudy and foggy; light breeze from SW. Under square and head sails. At 11.00 hauled down head sails. At 10.42 slowed down to take azimuth of sun, ahead again at 11.05. At 11.15 changed course to E to clear a schooner and at 11.45 came back to ship’s course, ENE ½ E per standard compass. Barometer rose from 29.61 to 29.64. Consumption of coal [blank].

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast, cool and light fog, thick at intervals. Gentle breeze hauling from W to NNE. Sea smooth, barometer steady. At 12.20 changed course to E¾S. Patent log reading 278½. At 2.00 set jib and mainsail. At 3.45 took in all square sail. Watch engaged restowing general storeroom. Coal consumed 3640 lbs at close of watch. Patent log read 307½.

4pm to 6pm: Overcast and foggy. Under steam, jib and mainsail. Course E¾N per standard compass. Patent log at end of watch read 322½. Consumption of coal 1820 lbs. At 5.30 fog lifted showing a barque on weather quarter standing to the southward.

6pm to 8pm: Overcast and foggy, breeze from NE. Under steam, jib and mainsail. Stowed foresail and both fore topsails. Patent log at end of watch read 235½. Barometer rose from 29 to 29.70. Consumption of coal 1820 lbs.

8pm to midnight: Overcast, rainy and misty; moderate NNE breeze increasing to strong breeze. Barometer rising slightly. At 9pm changed course to ENE ¾ E. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Patent log at midnight read 64 [sic].

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27 April 1884

Making passage from New York to St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 41.84, Long -65.24

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy. Strong breeze increasing to [illegible] gale from NExN to NE. Nimbus clouds. Under steam, jib, mainsail. At 3.00 took in sail, wind hauling ahead. Course ENE ¾ E. Patent log at end of watch read 377¼. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Water very phosphorescent.

4am to 8am: Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Blowing a strong gale from NE. Barometer rose from 29.78 to 29.84. Frequent heavy rain squalls. Ship rolling easily. Set topmast staysail, fore trysail and double-reefed mainsail. Stopped engine and kept full and by. Patent log at end of watch read 392.5.

8am to meridian: Weather same heavy NNE gale. Ship pitching and rolling deeply but easily, shipping great deal of water. A heavy sea carried away bridge stanchions and twisted rail. At 9.00 set close-reefed mainsail and fore storm staysail, the latter set badly and carried away hank seizings and head cringle; hauled it down at 11.00. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Patent log at noon read 400¼.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Blowing heavy gale from NNE with frequent very heavy squalls of wind and rain. Ship rolling and pitching easily. Under steam, fore staysail, fore trysail and double-reefed mainsail. Barometer rising. Wind and sea increasing. Patent log at end of watch read 410¾ knots. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Course ENE¾E; not able to make it good. Several Mother Carey’s chickens [storm petrels] and two Boatswain birds [boobies] following the ship.

4pm to 6pm: Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Blowing a strong gale from NE. Frequent heavy rain squalls. Ship rolling easily. Barometer steady 30.02. Making preparation for going about.

6pm to 8pm: Weather same. Gale decreasing slightly and hauling to eastward; heavy sea. At 6.15 went about. Ship heading the sea pitching deeply but easily, taking less water aboard. Coal consumed 1820 lbs. Patent log at 8.00 read 421 knots.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and cloudy. Wind and sea moderating greatly. Ship under steam, fore top staysail, fore trysail and double-reefed mainsail. Barometer steady at 30.11 last two hours. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Drizzling rain.

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28 April 1884

Making passage from New York to St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 42.52, Long -63.70

Commences and to 4am: Overcast, cloudy and squally. Misty first part of watch. Barometer rose from 30.10 to 30.14. Sea moderate. At 12.20 went ahead full speed under steam, fore topmast staysail, fore trysail and double-reefed mainsail. Patent log at end of watch read 452 knots. Coal consumed 1820 lbs.

4am to 8am: Overcast, cold, misty, moderate ENE breeze. Moderate broken sea. Pitching easily. Barometer steady. Took in fore and aft sail at 4.45. At 5.00 changed course to E¾N. Sighted a steamer standing to the eastward at 7.00 on port bow. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Patent log read 475½ at 8.00.

8am to meridian: Slightly foggy. Sun showing through the clouds at intervals. Ship under steam alone. Course E¾N. At 11.00 changed course to ENE ¾ E. Long swell increasing from ENE. Fog thickening latter part of watch. Steamer steering to eastward in sight first two hours. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Patent log at noon read 501 knots.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear first part of watch, foggy last part. Light ENE breeze. Barometer steady. Under steam alone. At 12.30pm stopped engine to key up. At 1.10 went ahead. Course per standard compass ENE ¾ E. Patent log at end of watch read 524 knots.

4pm to 6pm: Overcast and cool, thick fog. Moderate NE breeze. Long swell from eastward. Barometer steady. Course same. Coal consumed 1820 lbs. Patent log at 6.00 read 537 knots.

6pm to 8pm: Overcast and thick weather. Thick fog. Under steam alone. Moderate swell from ENE. Course ENE ¾ E. Using fog whistle at intervals. Coal consumed 1820 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 550 knots.

8pm to midnight: Thick fog. Light ENE breeze. Barometer fell from 30.10 to 30.05. At 8.30 changed course to E ¼ N. Under steam alone. Kept fog whistle going entire watch.

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29 April 1884

On passage to St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 43.31, Long -60.20

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and thick wet fog. Light ENE breeze. Light easterly swell. Barometer falling slightly. Under steam alone. Course E ¼ N. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Patent log at 4.00 read 604¾ knots.

4am to 8am: Overcast, cloudy and foggy. Gentle ENE breeze. Under steam alone. Course E ¼ N. Proceeding with caution through fog. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 632 knots.

8am to meridian: Foggy weather. Gentle ENE breeze. At 11.30 wind died out and at noon came out light from ESE. At 11.45 set jib, fore topmast staysail, fore topsail and mainsail. Frequent rain squalls. Barometer fell from 29.88 to 29.80.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast, chilly, foggy and rainy. Light breeze and long swell from SE. Breeze shifting to NE towards close of watch. Barometer falling. Course same. Set fore and aft sail at 12.15. Hauled down head sail at 2.00. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Patent log read 688 knots at 4.00.

4pm to 6pm: Overcast, cloudy and foggy. Heavy swell from SW increasing in force. Set fore trysail, fore topmast staysail and double-reefed mainsail. Secured boats and anchors for heavy weather. Course E ¼ N. Coal consumed 1820 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 701 knots.

6pm to 8pm: Foggy weather. Light breeze from SE. Rain squalls. Under steam, fore topmast staysail, jib, fore trysail and double-reefed mainsail. Barometer 29.65 steady.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and foggy. Fog cleared away during third hour. Bright starlight. Gentle to moderate SE breeze. Long swell from direction [sic]. Ship rolling deeply at times. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Barometer falling slightly. Patent log read 704¼ knots at midnight.

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30 April 1884

On passage to St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 44.31, Long -56.52

Midnight to 4am: Thick fog. Stars seen through fog at intervals. Long swell from S and E. Ship under steam, double-reefed mainsail, fore topmast staysail and fore trysail. Rolling deeply but easily. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 770 knots.

4am to 8am: Foggy weather. Long swell from SSE. Barometer rose 29.62 to 29.68. Rolling deeply. Patent log at end of watch read 9 ¾ knots. Broke off main sheet cleat and before boom could be secured carried it away about half distance from mast. By order of Commanding Officer reduced J.J. Campbell (Quartermaster 3^rd class) to Seaman for culpable neglect of duty and deserting his post.

8am to meridian: Cool and pleasant, thick fog in patches, occasional clear place in sky. Moderate SSE breeze. Long swell from S to E. At 9.00 changed course to NE x E½E by steering compass. Set square sails, double- reefed mainsail, jib, flying jib and spanker. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Patent log at noon read 828 knots.

Meridian to 4pm: Foggy weather. Gentle to moderate breeze from ESE. Under steam and sail. Sun visible at intervals through fog. Ship rolling easily. Temperature of surface water decreasing. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 857 6/10 knots.

4pm to 6pm: Foggy and misty. Light breeze from ESE. Barometer steady at 29.64. Under steam and all plain sail. Patent log at end of watch read 82½ [sic] knots. Ship rolling easily.

6pm to 8pm: Overcast and foggy. Moderate SxE breeze and sea. Course same. Barometer steady. Took in fore topgallant sail at 6.30. Coal consumed 1820 lbs. Patent log at 8.00 read 891 knots.

8pm to midnight: Thick foggy weather. Under steam and sail. Gentle ESE breeze. Long swell. Temperature of sea water 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. At 8.40 changed course to NE ½ E by standard compass. Patent log at end of watch read 925¼ knots.

LOGS FOR MAY 1884

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1 May 1884

On passage to St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 46.45, Long -53.15

Midnight to 4am: Foggy and misty. Barometer fell 29.64 to 29.61. Light breeze from ExS and SExE. At 12.30 stopped engines 5 minutes to key up. At 1.00 took in foresail and mainsail. At 3.00 took in fore topsails. At 3.55 changed course to E. Patent log at end of watch read 59¾ [sic] knots. Temperature of water at surface 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

4am to 8am: Overcast and foggy. Light breeze SE. Light rain first half of watch. Wind shifted to SW. At 7.00 freshened slightly. Long heavy swell from southward. Barometer rising. Took in spanker at 6.30, mainsail at 7.30. Set square sails at 7.25. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 989½ knots.

8am to meridian: Overcast and foggy until last hour when fog cleared away. Under steam and square sails, main topmast and topgallant staysails and head sails. Moderate breeze from SW. Course E. At 9.00 got a cast of the lead in 63 fathoms, sandy bottom. At 11.00 got a cast in 73 fathoms, hard bottom. Long swell from southward and westward. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 1019 ½ knots.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear first part of watch; moderate breeze from East. Overcast last part. Barometer steady. At 2.45 took in sail. Coal consumed 3640 lbs.

4pm to 6pm: Overcast and cold, misty horizon. Wind light, freshening to moderate breeze from NE. Long swell from same direction. Barometer steady. Ferryland Head Light House bore abeam at 5.00. Passed a bark, two schooners, a brig and six fishing schooners, all standing to the southward and westward. Coal consumed 1820 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 1063 knots. At 6.00 coast of Newfoundland in sight along port beam all the watch.

6pm to 8pm: Overcast and foggy. Swell and moderate breeze from NE. Under steam alone. Course NNE ½ E. Steaming along coast for St John’s. Coal consumed 1820 lbs. Patent log read 1076½ knots.

8pm to midnight: Misty and foggy weather. Blowing very strong breeze from NE. Under steam. At 11.30 made Cape Spear Light. Ship being conned by Navigator.

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2 May 1884

St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.567, Long -52.702

Midnight to 4am: Overcast, cold and misty. Moderate NE breeze. Steaming in for St John’s Harbor. Commanding Officer conning the ship. At 1.50 came to in the harbor off Custom House landing, moored in 9 fathoms water, 30 fathoms on port chain, 45 fathoms on starboard. Port anchor to eastward. Hauled fires.

4am to 8am: Overcast, cloudy and foggy. Moderate breeze from NE. Made preparations for receiving coal. An officer from HMS "Tenedos" visited the ship with offers of services. Got steam whale boat out. Engaged in clearing decks for port.

8am to meridian: Overcast, cloudy and misty. Moderate breeze from NE. Workmen from shore came on board to repair bridge and forecastle rail; and workmen in Department of Steam Engineering. Commanding Officer paid an official visit to HMS “Tenedos”.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast, cloudy and misty. Moderate NE breeze. Same workmen as in forenoon were at work on ship’s work. Commanding Officer of HMS “Tenedos” and US Consul paid official visits to the ship. Coal lighter with 65 tons came alongside at 3.30. Engaged in shifting coal from forward compartment into bunkers and receiving coal in bunkers.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast, cloudy and misty. Moderate NE breeze. Weather cool and very damp. Engaged as in previous watch.

8pm to midnight: Overcast, cloudy and misty. Moderate breeze from NE. Weather damp and disagreeable. Workmen at work on bridge rail and ironwork on forecastle.

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3 May 1884

St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.567, Long -52.702

Midnight to 4am: Overcast, cold and misty. Moderate breeze from NE. Workmen engaged as in previous watch.

4am to 8am: Overcast, cold and misty. Light breeze from NE. Workmen engaged as in previous watch. At 6.00 commenced receiving coal. Stevedores from shore passing it aboard and stowing it in the bunkers. Got forward compartment ready to receive stores. Steam whaler “Esquimaux” left for the whaling grounds in Davis Strait. Steam whaler “Wolf” came in empty.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cloudy. Light breeze from NE. Men engaged in stowing forward compartment and breaking out fore peak. Stevedores coaling ship in bunkers. Carpenters building kennel for dogs.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast, cloudy and misty. Light breeze from NE. Crew engaged as in previous watch. Coaling ship. Carpenters at work on kennel.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and cloudy. At 7.00 light fall of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in the NE. Finished dog kennel. Crew finished stowing forward compartment on port side. Received on board 18 dogs. Bunkers being filled. Commenced receiving coal in bags and stowing it aft on spar deck.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and cloudy; clearing slightly in latter part of watch. Receiving coal in bags and stowing it on deck. Gangs of men from shore engaged in putting up bells and speaking tubes.

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4 May 1884

St John’s Newfoundland

Lat 47.567, Long -52.702

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy. Finished coaling ship at 12.50, received 111 tons. Bell hangers at work as before.

4am to 8am: Clear and cool. Bell hangers finished work. Towed coal lighters ashore. Got crow’s nest in place.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Moderate to fresh W breeze. Hoisted and secured all boats for sea. Made preparations for getting under way. At noon started fires.

Meridian to 4pm: Weather cloudy and cool. Wind fresh and squally from westward. Occasional light flurries of snow. Cleared hawse and unmoored ship. Hawse up and secured port anchor and into 30 fathoms on starboard chain.

4pm to 6pm: Weather and wind same. Parted chain messenger while heaving up starboard anchor. Got under way at 5.20 and stood out of St John’s harbor. Commanding Officer conning the ship. Draft 17 feet forward, 18 feet aft. At 5.45 took departure from St John’s narrows. Fort Amherst Light bearing westward (by standard compass). Put over patent log reading 2¾ knots. Set course E by standard compass. At 6.00 changed course to NExE. Patent log read 4 knots.

6pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Moderate W breeze. Several icebergs in sight. Under steam alone. Coal consumed 1820 lbs.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from W. Course NExE. Passed several pieces of floating ice. Consumption of coal 3640 lbs. Under steam and fore topsails. Patent log at end of watch read 43 knots.

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5 May 1884

At sea on passage to Godhavn [Qeqertarsuaq], Disko Island, Greenland

Lat 49.38, Long -51.02

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant; bright moonlight until moon set at 2.20. Gentle breeze from W. Sea smooth. Ship steady. Course NExE per standard compass. Under steam and fore topsails. One large berg in sight at close of watch to westward. Patent log at close of watch read 70 knots. Coal consumed 2800 lbs.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Moderate westerly breeze. Under steam and fore topsails. Course NExE. At 6.30 patent log read 87 knots. Changed course to NExN. Passed a large iceberg at 5.30. Set all square sails, head sails and main topmast and topgallant staysails at 7.00. Smooth sea. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Patent log read 77 knots at end of watch. Several gulls and other water fowl near the ship.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from NWxW. Course NExN. Smooth sea. Under steam and all plain sail except spanker. At 10.15 took in and furled foresail. At 11.15 took in and furled all sail. Wind coming out light from ENE. Several icebergs in sight, one about 250 feet long and 40 feet high. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Patent log at end of log read 120¼ knots.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from NE veering to SSW. Sea smooth. Barometer steady. Under steam alone. Course NExN per standard compass. One large berg in sight ahead at end of watch. Patent log at 4.00 read 153¾ knots. Coal consumed 2800 lbs.

4pm to 6pm: Clear and pleasant first part, afterwards cloudy. Smooth sea. Light breeze from NE. Course NExN. Passed a large iceberg at 5.45. Patent log at end of watch read 165 knots.

6pm to 8pm: Cloudy weather, slight fall of snow. Light breeze from ENE. Under steam alone. At 8.00 went to fire quarters. Patent log at end of watch read 183 knots.

8pm to midnight: Cloudy and cool; obscured moonlight. Light ENE breeze veering to ESE at close of watch. Sea smooth. Barometer steady. Course NExN by standard compass. Under steam alone. Patent log at close of watch read 203½ knots. Coal consumed 2800 lbs.

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6 May 1884

At sea on passage to Godhavn, Disko Island

Lat 52.01, Long -50.22

Midnight to 4am: Partly clear. Gentle breeze from ExS. Set plain sail, fore try sails and staysails. Smooth sea. Patent log at end of watch read 230½ knots. No icebergs seen during watch. Coal consumed 3640 lbs.

4am to 8am: Cloudy but pleasant weather. Light breeze from ExS first part of watch, shifting to NE and increasing in force during latter part. Barometer rose from 29.38 to 29.84. At 6.00 took in all sail and furled. Course NExN per standard compass. Ship passing through numerous detached pieces of ice. At 7.30 steamed through moderate-sized field of water washed ice. Under steam alone at end of watch.

8am to meridian: Cloudy and cool; occasional light flurries of snow. Wind light to moderate from NE to N. Moderate swell from NE. Course NExN. Patent log at noon read 263¾ knots. Coal consumed 2800 lbs.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast. Long swell from northward and eastward. Strong breeze from NxE shifting to NExE last half of watch. Occasional light drizzling showers of rain. Misty on horizon at times. Wind increasing in force latter part of watch. Patent log at 4.00 read 306.1 knots. Coal consumed 3640 lbs.

4pm to 6pm: Overcast and cloudy. Blowing very strong from NExE. Rough sea. At 4.30 changed course to NExE. Under steam alone. Ship pitching easily.

6pm to 8pm: Overcast and cool. Stiff NExE breeze. Heavy sea, pitching easily. Steering to head the sea. Coal consumed 1600 lbs. Patent log at 8.00 read 320¾ knots.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and cloudy. Moderate gale from NExE. Heavy sea. Ship pitching and rolling heavily. Patent log at end of watch read 328.1 knots. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Under steam alone. Keeping head to sea and wind. Engines turning slowly.

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7 May 1884

At sea on passage to Godhavn, Disko Island

Lat 52.97, Long -50.62

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy. Blowing very stiff from ENE. Under steam alone. Rough sea. Barometer rose from 29.98 to 30.00.

4am to 8am: Overcast and cold. Stiff breeze from ENE. Rough sea. Ship rolling and pitching considerably. At 4.00 set fore trysail and double-reefed mainsail. Steering by the wind on southward tack. Barometer rising. Patent log at 8.00 read 347¼ knots. Coal consumed 2800 lbs.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cloudy. Rough sea. Strong breeze from NExN and NNE. Under steam, fore trysail, fore topmast staysail, double-reefed mainsail. Engines turning slowly. Ship rolling and pitching heavily. At 9.30 went ahead full speed. Patent log at noon read 362.9 knots. Consumption of coal 3640 lbs.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and cloudy. Blowing very fresh from NNE. Barometer steady at 30.10. Snowing at intervals during watch. Under steam, fore trysail, fore topmast staysail and double-reefed mainsail. Course full and by. At 2.00 went about, making full and by on port tack NExE.

4pm to 6pm: Cloudy and cool, occasional light fall of snow. Fresh to moderate NE breeze. Sea moderating. Barometer rising. At 5.35 took in fore and aft sail and steered course NExN by standard compass. Coal consumed 1400 lbs. Patent log at 6.00 read 391 knots.

6pm to 8pm: Pretty clear. Light rain and snow squalls on the horizon. Under steam alone. Moderate breeze from NExN. Course NExN. Patent log at 8.00 read 400 knots. Coal consumed 1820 lbs.

8pm to midnight: Cloudy first part of watch; clear and bright last half of watch. Light breeze from NExN. Course NExN. Patent log at end of watch read 417.7 knots. Under steam alone.

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8 May 1884

At sea on passage to Godhavn, Disko Island

Lat 54.83, Long -50.25

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant, cloudy towards close of watch. Gentle NExN breeze. Irregular lumpy sea. Ship pitching and rolling deeply at times. Barometer steady. Coal consumed 2800 lbs. Course NExN breeze [sic]. Patent log at end of watch read 436 knots.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Moderate NE breeze, hauling to southward. Set fore topmast staysail, fore trysail, mainsail double-reefed at 6.00. Course NExN. Long sea from northward and eastward. Ship rolling deeply at times. Consumption of coal 2800 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 456¾ knots.

8am to meridian: Overcast first part of watch, clear at end. Fresh breeze from S. Several passing snow squalls. At 9.30 set jib, flying jib, main topmast and topgallant staysails. At 11.15 stopped engines to key up. Went ahead again at 11.30.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and cool and occasional light snow. Gentle to moderate NNW breeze. Moderate sea. Course NExN per standard compass. Crew engaged sorting out provisions and fitting out boats. Got last of deck load of coal off deck. Coal consumed 2800 lbs. Patent log read 505½ knots at 4.00.

4pm to 6pm: Overcast. Moderate breeze from NxW. Long sea, occasional light snow passing over. Under steam, fore trysail and double-reefed mainsail, main topmast and topgallant staysails. Course NExN. Coal consumed 1400 lbs. Patent log at 6.00 read 518.8 knots.

6pm to 8pm: Overcast. Moderate breeze from NNE to North. Moderate sea. Light snow. Coal consumed 1400 lbs.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and cool. Moderate NNW breeze, hauling to northward towards close of watch. Moderate sea. Steering by the wind till 11.40, then took in fore and aft sail and steered NExN per standard compass. Coal consumed 2800 lbs. Patent log at midnight read 557.8 knots.

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9 May 1884

At sea on passage to Godhavn, Disko Island

Lat 57.30, Long -50.52

Midnight to 4am: Overcast; occasional snow dwyes [flurry, squall etc] passing over. Wind moderate from NExN. Under steam alone. Course NExN. Rolling deeply, rough sea. Coal consumed 2800 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 580¼ knots.

4am to 8am: Wind NNE. Fresh breeze; cloudy and occasional snow showers. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. Course NExN.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cloudy. Fresh breeze from NxE. Course NExN. At 10.00 went to fire quarters and exercised crew.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and cool. Gentle to moderate NNW breeze. Moderate swell from northward. Course NExN. Barometer steady. Coal consumed 2800 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 655.1 knots. Crew engaged breaking out and sorting stores, and drying up main hold.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and cloudy. Moderate breeze from N. Long swell. Course NExN. At 5.00 set jib, fore trysail, fore topmast staysail and double-reefed mainsail. Set spanker and took it in again to ease helm. Coal consumed 3640 lbs. At end of watch patent log read 680.2 knots.

8pm to midnight: Cloudy weather. Light breeze from NNE. At 9.45 changed course to NNE and took in fore and aft sail. At 9.45 changed course to NxE ½ E. Smooth sea. Barometer rose from 30.08 to 30.10.

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10 May 1884

At sea on passage to Godhavn, Disko Island

Lat 59.81, Long -50.97

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy and cold. Light snow first hour. Light to moderate breeze from NExN and ENE. Slight NE swell. Barometer steady. Under steam alone. Course NxE ½ E by standard compass. Coal consumed 2800 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 734.3 knots.

4am to 8am: Gentle breeze from ENE with snow dwyes. Course NxE ½ E. Under steam alone. Smart swell heaving from ESE. Patent log at end of watch read 761.3 knots.

8am to meridian: Partly clear; gentle airs from northward and eastward. Under steam alone. Course NxE ½ E. At 8.30 made out ice ahead and on both bows. At 9.00 entered a field of pack ice. Saw a number of seals. Steering through pack ice rest of watch. Coal consumed 3600 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 789.7 knots.

Meridian to 4pm: Partly cloudy and cool. Course NxE ½ E. Fields of ice on each bow and ahead. Conning ship through loose ice during watch; several bergs in sight. Patent log at end of watch read 821.3 knots.

4pm to 8pm: Clear, cool and pleasant. Light NE breeze hauling to northward last hour of watch. Sea smooth. Barometer steady. Course NxE ½ E. Changed course at 8.00 to NxE. Passing occasionally small pieces and humps of ice; very open pack and scattered bergs visible to eastward and westward. Coal consumed 2800 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 851.6 knots.

8pm to midnight: Clear and cool first hour. Moderate breeze from northward. Cloudy latter part of watch. Under steam alone. Course NxE. Steaming through pack ice, a few bergs in sight. Changed course at short intervals to avoid large pieces. Moon rose at 9.00. Coal consumed 3920 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 881 knots.

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11 May 1884

At sea on passage to Godhavn, Disko Island

Lat 62.62, Long -53.77

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy and cool. Light breeze from NxE and NW. At 12.15 passed through pack of loose ice. At 2.00 passed through quite a thick pack of ice; ice in sight all around horizon. At 2.00 changed course to NxE ½ E.

4am to 8am: Overcast. Wind from W to NW, light breeze and snow dwyes. No swell. At 6.00 passed an old hood [seal], and later on, an old harp [seal]. Coal consumed 3840 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 941.5 knots.

8am to meridian: Overcast, cloudy and pleasant; misty horizon. Light SW breeze. Sea smooth. Barometer steady. At 9.30 changed course to NE ¾ E. Passing through a couple of strings of very loose heavy ice; no more ice in sight during watch. At 10.00 had general muster and read “Articles for the Better Government of the Navy” and prayers. Coal consumed 2800 lbs. Patent log at noon read 973.3 knots.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and pleasant weather. Cumulus stratus clouds. Gentle airs from SW. Perfectly smooth sea. Under steam alone. Course NE ¾ E per standard compass. A number of bottlenose and one finback whale in sight during watch. A number of gulls and other water fowl in sight. Several ice bergs in sight. Coal consumed 3920 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 1003.8 knots.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and cloudy; gentle breeze from SW and calms. Under steam alone. Course NE ¾ E. At 6.15 sighted land on starboard bow, distant about 40 miles. Patent log at at end of watch read 32.9 knots [sic].

8pm to midnight: Overcast and cool. Light NNE breeze. Sea smooth. Barometer steady. At 8.05 changed course to NExN. Several small bergs in sight during watch. Coal consumed 3920 lbs. Patent log at end of watch read 106 knots [sic].

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12 May 1884

At sea on passage to Godhavn, Disko Island

Lat 64.91, Long -53.93

Midnight to 4am: Overcast, cloudy and cold with moderate breeze from NExN. Under steam alone. At 3.40 changed course to NExE. Wind and sea increasing very fast last hour of watch. Patent log at end of watch read 1087.2 knots.

4am to 8am: Smart breeze freshening from NNE. Clear sky. At 6.30 set fore topmast staysail, fore trysail and double-reefed mainsail. Cloudy latter part of watch. Patent log at end of watch read 101¼ [sic] knots. Life buoy dropped overboard; steamed around and picked it up from ship. Course NE ½ E.

8am to meridian: Clear and cool, blowing very fresh from NxE. Under steam, fore topmast staysail, fore trysail and double-reefed mainsail. Course NE ½ E. Took in fore and aft sail, and at 11.20 stopped engines to key up; went ahead at 11.25. Patent log at end of watch read 1110 knots.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and cool; hazy horizon. Stiff NNE wind. Moderate sea. Barometer steady. Steaming head to sea under steerage way. Greenland coast plainly in sight along starboard beam. Patent log at end of watch read 1115.3 knots.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and cold. Strong breeze, strong sea from NNE. Steaming slowly head to wind and sea. At 6.00 Old Sukertop [Kangaamiut] mountain line per standard compass NE ¾ E. Ship’s head NNE. At 8.00 Old Sukertop bore per standard compass NxE ¼ E. New Sukertop [Maniitsoq] SE x E ½ E. Ship’s head NNE ½ E. Patent log at end of watch read 1122.2 knots.

8pm to midnight: Clear and cold; strong breeze from NE with long sea. Steaming slowly. At 10.30 changed course to NxE per standard compass.

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13 May 1884

At sea on passage to Godhavn, Disko Island

Lat 65.55, Long -54.28

Midnight to 4am: Clear and cold. Fresh NE breeze. Moderate sea, shipping considerable water. Spray and water freezing on rigging and deck. Barometer steady. Course NxE per standard compass. Under steam alone. Land in sight along starboard beam. Patent log at 4.30 read 1140 knots.

4am to 8am: Strong breeze from NExN. Sky clear and freezing hard. Engines going slow. Keeping head to sea. Land distant about 4 leagues. Course NNE. Patent log at end of watch read 1146.2 knots.

8am to meridian: Clear and cold. Fresh breeze from NNE. Rough sea, wind and sea moderating. Under steam alone. Course NE x N ½ N. At noon changed course to NExN. Steaming slowly head to sea. Patent log at end of watch read 1156.2 knots. Using low steam.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and cold. Fresh breeze from NE. Moderate sea. Under steam alone. Course NExN.

4pm to 8pm: Cloudy and cold; hazy horizon.. Fresh NE breeze, moderating last half hour of watch. Sea smooth. Barometer steady. Course NExN. Patent log at end of watch read 1186.5 knots.

8pm to midnight: Clear and cold. Moderate breeze from NE. Smooth sea. Under full steam. Course NExN until 8.25, then changed course to NE ½ N. Patent log at end of watch read 1212.3 knots.

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14 May 1884

At sea on passage to Godhavn, Disko Island

Lat 67.63, Long -54.30

Midnight to 4am: Clear and cold. Moderate breeze from NE. Sea smooth. Course NE ½ E. Patent log at close of watch read 39.4 [sic] knots. Passing numerous pieces of detached ice.

4am to 8am: Clear and cold. Wind NExE. Sea smooth. Course NE ½ N. Passed several strings of ice, several icebergs in sight. Patent log at end of watch read 1267 knots.

8am to meridian: Clear, cold and hazy horizon. Moderate NE breeze. Sea smooth. Barometer steady. Steaming to N approximately parallel to coast, in sight along starboard beam, through heavy pack ice; changing course to avoid heavy floes. Took in patent log at 9.20 reading 1276.2 knots. Exercised at fire quarters at 10.00. Numerous bergs in sight ahead at close of watch. A school of whales in sight latter part of watch.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant but cold. Moderate breeze from ExN. Stratus clouds. Under steam alone. Steering general course NE ¼ N through pack ice strings. A very large number of icebergs around ship during watch. Saw several seals and one narwhal. Patent log at end of watch read 1294.7 knots. At 2.00 put out patent log reading 181.3 [sic]. Simiutarsook Island [Simiutarssuaq] bore NE ¼ N, Suterlik Island [probably Simiutaluk] bore NE x E ¼ E. Rifkal Island [Rifkol] bore ENE ½ E. At 2.25 took bearings, Rifkal Island ExS true, Simiutarsook Island bore NE x E ¼ E.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and cold. Light breeze from ExN. Barometer steady at 30.04. Steering through loose ice for harbor of Godhavn.

8pm to midnight: Clear and cold, light ENE breeze. Sea smooth. Barometer steady. Steaming through strings of loose ice for Godhavn, Disko Island. At close of watch off coast to westward of Godhavn, about 5 miles distant to westward.

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15 May 1884

At sea on passage to Godhavn, Disko Island

Lat 69.25, Long -53.56

Midnight to 4am: Clear and cold. Gentle breeze from ExS. Under steam alone. Steaming through pack ice along the coast for Godhavn Harbor. At 2.05am entered lead and steered along coast to eastward. Ice in solid pack except this lead.

4am to 8am: Wind easterly. Clear and cold weather. At 7.30 steamed up to the ice in the mouth of the harbor of Godhavn and made the ship fast.

8am to meridian: Clear and cold. Light breeze from eastward. Laying alongside ice in Godhavn Harbor. Experimented with 8-lb gunpowder torpedo in blowing up ice in harbor for docking ship. Explosion made only a small hole 8 feet in diameter; purely local effect. Danish inspector visited the ship.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and cold, light breeze from eastward. Experimented with 2.8 lb gun-cotton torpedoes; first placed in hole in ice, resulted in placing several cracks in ice varying from 10 to 350 feet in length and starting several sheets of ice; second placed on nip on top of ice: purely local effect, no cracks.

Experimented with 2.8 lb gun-cotton torpedoes, first placed: purely local effect, no cracks. Starboard watch on liberty.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and cold; light breeze from eastward. Port watch on liberty.

8pm to midnight: Clear and cold first part of watch; light fall of snow at end of watch.

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16 May 1884

Godhavn, Disko Island, Greenland

Lat 69.25, Long -53.56

Midnight to 4am: Snowing lightly. Light breeze from eastward dying out first part of watch.

4am to 8am: Light fall of snow. Calms and light breeze from SE and SExE. Tried dogs on small Melville sledge.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cold. Light SE breeze. Called all hands to abandon ship. Fitted all boats with two months’ provisions and all their equipment. Rigged weather cloths and tried under sail. Secured equipment in boats and stowed two months’ provisions on deck opposite respective boats.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and cold; light snow. Light SE breeze.

4pm to 8pm: Cloudy and cool. Snow stopped at 5.00. Light SE airs.

8pm to midnight: Cloudy and cold. Calm; light NW airs last hour.

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17 May 1884

Godhavn, Disko Island

Lat 69.25, Long -53.56

Midnight to 4am: Overcast, cloudy but pleasant. Cumulus clouds. Temperature moderating. Barometer rising.

4am to 8am: Cloudy and cool but pleasant. Barometer and temperature rising. Light airs from southward and eastward. Stowed dory on gallows frame unrigged and got sled on board.

8am to meridian: Overcast, cloudy and pleasant. Barometer and temperature rising. Engaged training dogs to sledges. Making preparations for getting under way. At 10.30 started fires on main boiler. Received a sledge with complete outfit and 7 Esquimau dogs with their harness.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and cloudy. Cumulus clouds. Light breeze from SE. Hans Hansen, Esquimau [Inuit], came on board with his kayak [kyack in log-book] and outfit, engaged to serve with the ship as hunter and dog driver until the return to the port of Godhavn. Got out ice anchor and swung ship through 10 points for compass deviation. Sent mail ashore to be forwarded to Navy Department by Danish brig via Copenhagen. At 3.25 unmoored and at 3.35 went ahead, steaming out of Godhavn harbor. Put over patent log reading 17½ knots. Steering NxW ¾ W. At 3.38 Beacon Point bore S x W ¼ W. Ship’s head NNW by standard compass. At 4.00 patent log read 20.6 knots.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and cloudy. Light breeze from SE shifting to NxE at end of watch. Steaming along shore of Disko Island through large sheets of floating ice. At 8.00 opposite Disko Fjord [Diskofjord].

8pm to midnight: Cloudy and cool. Moderate NNE breeze. Sea smooth. Barometer steady. Much loose pack ice and scattered bergs to seaward. Clear water along land. Steaming to northward along coast of Disko Island, about 4 miles distant. At end of watch North Fjord [Nordfjord] bore abeam.

[Various spellings of ‘Esquimau’ have been standardized in these edited logs, except for the name of the whaler “Esquimaux”. ‘Fjord’ and ‘Fiord’ have been standardized as Fjord.]

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18 May 1884

At sea, heading for Godhavn

Lat 69.67, Long -55.25

Midnight to 4am: Overcast, cloudy and cold; light passing showers of snow. Light to moderate breeze from ExS. Steaming through leads in the ice for NE end of Hare Island [Hareo Island]. At 2.45 stopped engines having arrived at solid pack ice starting from shore at the W, a few water streaks near NE end of Hare Island being the only open water in sight. At 3.30 the ice appearing solid all the way across and ahead and, no chance offering to proceed, headed ship to starboard. Steering back towards Godhavn last half hour of watch.

4am to 8am: Light breeze from NE and cloudy. Steaming back toward Godhavn. Sea smooth. At 8.00 abreast of Middle Fjord [Mellemfjord] about 5 miles off shore.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cold. Light breeze from NE. Sea smooth. Steaming back to anchorage at Godhavn at half speed. At 10.00 held divine service.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and cold. Light NNE breeze. Sea smooth. Much loose pack ice to seaward. Clear water along the land. Steaming to southward along coast of Disko Island for Godhavn. At 3.30 sighted two bark-rigged steamers heading in for Godhavn. At close of watch entrance to Godhavn harbor one mile distant.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and cloudy. Light airs from N and W. Steaming along southern shore of Disko Island for Godhavn. At 5.00 arrived at edge of ice in outer anchorage off Godhavn and made fast to edge of ice. Found steam whaler “Polynia” of St John’s, Newfoundland, fast to edge of ice and at 5.15 steam whaler "Nova Zembla” of Dundee arrived and made fast near the ship on port quarter. The masters of the two whalers visited the ship. At 5.15 hauled fires. Exercised the dogs on the ice.

8pm to midnight: Overcast, cloudy, calm and cold. Nimbus clouds. A number of the ship’s company were given leave to visit Godhavn and the two whale ships, and a number of men belonging to the whalers, visited this ship.

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19 May 1884

Godhavn, Disko Island

Lat 69.25, Long -53.56

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy. Cirro cumulus clouds. Barometer steady. Calms and gentle breeze from SE x E.

4am to 8am: Partly overcast and cloudy. Calm. Barometer steady. Hoisted out steam whale boat and put boiler in her. Started fires in her boiler but hauled them again to hoist her out of water and thaw condenser pipe.

8am to meridian: Clear and cool. Light breeze from WSW. Barometer steady. Washed down spar deck and opened main hatch to lower hold and prepared to break out spare screw.

Meridian to 4 pm: Clear and cool. Engaged at watering ship and hoisting coal out of main hold and transferring it to bunkers (port).

4pm to 8pm: Clear and cool. Finished preparations for breaking out screw and started it from port bilge to the hatch.

8pm to midnight: Cloudy and cool. Light breeze from SE. Barometer fell from 30.15 to 30.00.

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20 May 1884

Godhavn, Disko Island

Lat 69.25, Long -53.56

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy and cool. Light breeze from SE. Barometer steady.

4am to 8am: Cloudy and cool. Blowing fresh from SE. Got out and secured additional ice anchors on starboard bow. Engaged in hoisting out spare screw.

8am to meridian: Clear and cool. Light southerly and easterly breeze. Hoisted spare screw out of main hold and secured it in port gangway. Got steam up on steam launch, the boiler having been repaired, and lowered boat for trial.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy and cool. Moderate breeze from southward and eastward. Unbent spanker. Got up and rigged propeller purchase.

4pm to 8pm: Cloudy and cool. Moderate breeze from NE.

8pm to midnight: Cloudy and cold. Wind decreasing and light airs from S and E.

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21 May 1884

Godhavn, Disko Island

Lat 69.25, Long -53.56

Midnight to 4am: Weather generally clear and cold. Light SE breeze.

4am to 8am: Cloudy and cold. Light to moderate SE breeze. Varnished poop deck and fitted canvas screen around forecastle sail.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cloudy. Fresh to moderate breeze from SE and a long swell setting in from SW. At 8.50 the ice began to break up necessitating continual shifting the hold of our ice anchors. Moved the ship ahead under slow steam at intervals to keep our hold on ice which rapidly broke up and drifted out of the harbor with the tide and SE breeze. At 10.30 the ice broke up around the “Nova Zembla” and she drifted out making preparations for sea. At 11.00 the “Polynia” unmoored, the ice breaking up inshore of her. The “Polynia” and “Nova Zembla” proceeded to sea making sail to a fair SE breeze. They shaped their course around the island to the northward. During latter part of watch continually shifting to get a hold on fast ice, using engines at intervals.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy weather with fresh SE breeze. Lying with bow on ice and steaming very slowly ahead. Ice anchors ahead. Hoisted in and secured steam whale boat. At 2.10 got under way and steamed out of harbor heading to the northward about 2½ miles from land. Sent Quartermaster into crow’s nest to look for “USS “Thetis”; no vessel in sight. Engines going slowly; half speed.

4pm to 8pm: Cloudy and cool. Moderate to gentle breeze hauling from S to E. Steering to N along coast of Disko Island under easy steam. Some streaks of loose ice to seaward. Clear water from six to seven miles offshore; occasional moderate sized bergs. Set fore topsail at 7.30. At 5.30 sighted steamers “Polynia” and “Nova Zembla" to the northward under sail. At close of watch, to northward of entrance to Disko Fjord.

8pm to midnight: Partly clear. Gentle to moderate breeze from S, afterwards shifted to northward. Under steam and topsails; stowed topsails at 9.15, afterwards under steam alone. Steaming along eastern shore of Disko Island; steering various courses. At 10.15 passed steam whalers “Nova Zembla” and “Polynia”; they were under sail beating to northward. Entrance to Vaigat [Sullorsuaq Strait; Waigat in log-book] channel appeared clear of ice. Ice thick to northward and westward. Clear lead along the land and close to Hare Island. At midnight opposite to northern end of Disko Island.

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22 May 1884

Making passage to Upernavik, Greenland

Lat 70.57, Long -55.00

Midnight to 4am: Partly clear and blowing from NE. Steaming through ice towards Hare Island. At 2.25 at end of lead, made fast to ice hummock to await opening. Banked fires at 3.00.

4am to 8am: Fresh breeze from SSW. Laying fast to floe 3 miles off S end of Hare Island. At 5.30 ice opened; cast loose and forced way through barrier into open. At 8.00 passed N end of Hare Island about 1 mile distant. Ice light ahead. Slowed engines. Two whalers in sight northward, [one] trying to work her way ahead through some cracks of water; the other jammed in the ice.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cloudy; commenced snowing heavily at 11.30. Wind light and variable in direction. Ice extending to horizon in every direction ahead but much broken up. A few streaks of water in it, a few bergs; ice about the ship one winter’s ice, much broken and apparently out of the Vaigat [Waigatt in log-book] Strait. First part of watch steering in for land nearer Nuussuaq [Nousuak in log-book] Peninsula. At 9.00 by order of Commanding Officer tied to outside (southern) edge of ice [to] wait for pack to open more, and banked fires. At 11.00 spread fires to shift berth about two miles nearer inshore and again tied to ice and banked fires. The most distant steamer to northward under way and apparently moving through streaks of loose ice; the nearer one fast in ice hoisted her colors (British). At 11.00 exchanged colors with her.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast; snowing steadily during first two hours of watch. Wind gentle to moderate in force from southward. At 2.45, the ice having moved somewhat showing a lead to northward and eastward, cast off from the floe and steamed into lead. Steaming various courses under steam alone. Lead open at times and again filled with thick ice pans and broken ice. Continued along the lead during remainder of watch, at times ramming a passage through thick ice pans and drift ice. A large number of gulls and ducks in sight. At end of watch a barque-rigged steam whaler beset in the ice bore SxE from us.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and cloudy; light breeze from NW. Steaming through water lanes in ice, in a general northerly direction. At 5.00, as no leads opened, made fast to floe and banked fires to await opening. Tide ebb. Snowing during whole of watch. Several seal and numerous ducks and gulls in sight. Snowing heavily at end of watch.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and cool. Snow until 11.00 when snow stopped. Weather remaining thick around horizon. Light WxN airs increasing towards close of watch. Ice opening, cast off moorings and spread fires and at 11.00 started ahead through loose pack of much broken ice; a few moderate-sized bergs in pack. At close of watch a steam whaler inshore bore SExE.

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23 May 1884

Making passage to Upernavik, Greenland

Lat 70.57, Long -55.00

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and passing snow dwyes during first hour. Moderate breeze from WxN. Steaming through leads in the ice. The ice pans very thick and heavy. Making but little progress. At 2.45 stopped, banked fires, and moored to floe. Latter part of watch clear. A steam whaler inshore of us fast to the ice.

4am to 8am: Light breeze from SSW and fine weather. Steam whaler inshore bore SxE, distant 3 miles. At 5.30 ice slacking a little, spread fires and worked our way through ice towards land, about 3 miles. At 7.00 ice closed and stopped our progress; stopped engines and banked fires. Course made good about SE.

8am to meridian: Overcast, cloudy. Snowing during whole of watch. Ship lying alongside of ice floe waiting for opening of leads. Light breeze from NxE, shifting to NNW and back to NNE.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy and cool. Light snow last two hours. Light NxE to NNW breeze. Moored to ice floe. Fires banked all the watch.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast. Moderate to fresh NNE breeze. Snowing steadily all the watch. At 4.15 leads opening to the eastward. Spread fires and got under way and steamed through leads between packs and through pack ice, working in towards land, the snow falling thickly. At 7.30 made the land about 3 miles distant.

8pm to midnight: Overcast, cloudy and snowing during whole of watch. At 8.30 came to, made fast to floe and banked fires to await opening in ice. At 11.30 8 Esquimau came off from shore and came on board. Natives from the settlement of Noursaak [probably Nuussuuta], it bearing SxW by standard compass.

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24 May 1884

Making passage to Upernavik, Greenland

Lat 70.70, Long -55.05

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cool. Snowing steadily. Light NExN airs. At 2.30 spread fires, cast off and steamed slowly through open lead into shore. At close of watch in open stretch of about a mile wide along the shore; steaming slowly to northward along coast of Nuussuaq peninsula ½ mile distant.

4am to 8am: Light variable airs; snowing slightly; sky overcast. Steaming along the coast ¼ mile off between Nousasook [probably Nuussuutaa] Point and Kamasak [probably Kanniorkat] Point. Engines going slow; we passed close to two large icebergs aground 150 yards from shore and came to a tight bar of ice and made fast to the land ice to await an opening.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cloudy; passing snow dwyes. Moored to ice the entire watch. Ice moving slightly to W. Sent boat and obtained fresh water ice for tanks from large berg aground near land. A large number of ducks near the ship. Breeze light from the W. Ship’s head ENE.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and cool; snowing first part of watch. Made fast to ice. At 1.45 leads showing to N; spread fires and got under way. Working way through broken ice until 2.25 when leads closing up, made fast to floe and banked fires. Latter part of watch cleared off, showing land bearing NNE, distant about 5 miles.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and cold; occasional light snow. Light SE to ESE breeze. Tied to ice till 7.20. Spread fires, cast off and steamed in through lead nearer land leading to northward. At close of watch Kannisut [Kanissuk in log-book] Point bore SE ½ E by standard compass.

8pm to midnight: Overcast, cloudy and cold. Light, passing snow showers during last hour. Steaming through leads in the ice and through broken ice. At 9.30 could no longer make any way, the ice being in large solid pans. Moored alongside the ice and banked fires. Ship’s head NNE. The ice appeared much packed, the edges piled high, the blocks showing evidence of former severe nips. The water in the leads covered with slab ice from one to two inches in thickness. Large number of icebergs in sight. Barometer steady.

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25 May 1884

Making passage to Upernavik, Greenland

Lat 71.28, Long -55.67

Midnight to 4am: Clear and cool; light breeze from N. At 12.25 got underway and steamed through new snow ice to N by working through loose ice. Reached clear water at 4.00 and set course to the N. Snowing during whole of watch.

4am to 8am: Light variable wind. Steaming across Uummannaq [Omanak in log-book] Fjord through bays of water and black slop. Passed several large bergs, one about 20 yards distant. At 8.00 Swartenhuk [Swarten Hook in log-book] bore ESE distant about 5 miles. Whaling steamer “Triune” in sight about 5 miles ahead.

8am to meridian: Overcast and mild; light NxW airs. Steaming through ice pack to northward and eastward. Ice in large, unbroken hummocky sheets covered with 2 feet of snow. Water pools covered with soft sludge ice several inches thick. At 10.00 sighted two whaling steamers to northward working through the ice. At 11.00 no more leads open to N and E. Made fast to ice about ¾ mile from British whaling steamer “Triune” and banked fires. Read prayers at 10.00.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant, calm and gentle northerly airs. Dogs were put on the ice for exercise. Some of the officers and men practiced on snow shoes. A number of seals were seen during watch near the ship. A party of men from Dundee whaling steamer “Triune” visited the ship. The vessel is three months out from Dundee. Two other steam whalers visible about 12 miles to northward. They are supposed to be the “Cornwallis” of Dundee and the “Aurora” of St John’s, Newfoundland. The men from the “Triune” reported another ship visible from their masthead, supposed to be the “Narwhal” of St John’s, Newfoundland. The ice still clear in the lead near the ship. A strong tide is observed running to SW.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant; light breeze from WxS. Lying close to floe with banked fires. A number of seals in sight and numerous flocks of loons. Brought dogs on board and secured them.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and cold; light snow. Light WxS and SE airs. Tied to the ice; banked fires, all the watch.

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26 May 1884

Making passage to Upernavik, Greenland

Lat 71.32, Long -55.75

Midnight to 4am: Overcast, cloudy and cold; passing showers of snow during the entire watch. At 2.00 strong tide running to southward and westward. The ice opened a little and got underway at 2.07 and steamed into next open lead to N. At 2.25 came to, mooring the ship to the ice, there being no open lead to N, and banked fires. At 3.30 the “Triune” got underway and steamed off to N and W. The snow storms very thick during last hour of watch. Several eider ducks swimming around the ship.

4am to 8am: Fresh breeze and snow. At 6:00 snow stopped and saw the land bearing ESE about a league distant. SS “Triune” in company. Both ships made fast to a floe. At 7.30 both ships cast loose and steamed along the edge of the floe, the ice opening to the NE.

8am to meridian: Partly cloudy; fresh breeze from NExN. At 8.35 got underway and steamed about 3 miles to the N. Came to at 9.35 alongside of floe. Tide ebb. The “Triune” lying at same floe about 1½ miles distant to the N.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy hazy and cool. Fresh NExN breeze. Tied to fast ice all the watch. Loose ice driving to southward before the wind. At close of watch no ice except scattered bergs visible from deck from SSW to NNW. Open water visible to the N but separated from the ship by about two miles of fixed ice held by line of grounded bergs off Swartenhuk.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and cold. Fresh breeze from NExN and NNE. Strong tide running to S and West. Ice still tight except isolated leads. Two large walrus were seen near the ship.

8pm to midnight: Partly cloudy and cool; blowing fresh from NNE. At 9.45 tide began running, flood very strong. Lying alongside of floe waiting for lead to open to N. At 11.30 the “Triune” got underway and made fast to the ice again about ½ mile from this vessel to the S.

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27 May 1884

Making passage to Upernavik, Greenland

Lat 71.77, Long -56.18

Midnight to 4am: Clear and cold. Moderate N by E breeze. Tied to fast ice all of watch. Fires banked. Sea clear of ice from SSW to NW by N. Tide turned ebb at 1.00. Current setting S (per compass). Small strings of broken ice streaming by. Many streaks of open water visible to N. Ice jammed immediately to N of vessel. Steamer “Triune” tied to same ice ¼ mile distant.

4am to 8am: Fine clear weather and fresh breeze from N by E. Ice breaking away ahead. At 4.30 got up steam, cast off, and worked around the sheets and bergs, and steamed to NE. At 7.00 Black Hook abeam about one (1) league distant northward; steamer in sight at 8.00.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant but cold. Fresh breeze from N by E. Steaming through clear water till 9.30. At 10.00 encountered loose ice in leads between large floes and pans. The remainder of the watch ramming through the loose ice, which in places was held by new ice one inch to one and one half inches in thickness. At 11.00 exploded a 7-lb charge of gunpowder in a pan of ice on port bow. At noon the floes closed, preventing further advance of the ship. Made fast to floe. Floes moving and grinding together.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and cold. Blowing fresh from NE. At 12.30 got under way and began working way through loose and new ice. At 4.00 got clear of ice and entered clear water, and set course to Northward along the land. No ice, except small strings in sight. Three steamers in sight to N.

4pm to 8pm: Cloudy and cold. Fresh NE breeze. Steaming to the N under full steam all the watch. Open water; occasional strings of loose ice; many bergs. At 7.00 passed British whaling steamer “Cornwallis” and exchanged colors with her. At close of watch, clear water, no ice in sight, slight swell from the N. Two steamers in sight ahead steering to N. Kingitok [probably Kingittoq] bearing S by W. Kangeq [Kangek in log-book] NEbyE ½ E; ship’s head NE½ N.

8pm to midnight: Clear and cold. Fresh breeze from NE. Under steam alone. Course NE ½ N. Steaming through clear water with occasional streams of loose ice visible during last hour of watch, and ice bergs passed occasionally. At 9.30 lost sight of steam whaler “Cornwallis” astern. Exchanged colors with steam whaler supposed to be the “Narwhal” at 9.40, she showing English colors. Steam whaler supposed to be the "Aurora," bearing 3 points forward of port beam at end of watch. Greenland coast in plain sight during entire watch.

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28 May 1884

Making passage to Upernavik, Greenland

Lat 73.04, Long -56.93

Midnight to 4am: Clear and cold. At 2.30 ice appearing close and heavy to northward and showing no lead; steamed inshore to make fast to floe, and at 3.00 made fast. Whale ship “Aurora” secured to ice about three miles to SW of “Narwhal” and “Cornwallis” in company with her and secured alongside. Large berg just ahead of ship.

4am to 8am: Begins with fresh breeze and fine weather. Ship laying fast to a large floe. Berry Island [Kingittuarsuk] SWxW two miles, and a large [blank] ½ mile to N of us. At 5.00 the floe secured fast to, got adrift with the current; shifted the ship to another and made fast. Ice light to the northward and eastward. No chance of getting farther at present. Two whalers laying fast to ice about two miles W of us.

8am to meridian: Cloudy and cold; clearing latter part of watch. Gentle NNE breeze. Tied to ice all the watch. Commanding Officer landed on one of the small adjoining islands to view the coast etc. British whaling steamer “Cornwallis” joined the “Narwhal” and “Aurora” tied to ice about two miles to S of this ship.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from northward and eastward. Sent a boat and obtained ice for fresh water from a large berg near the ship. An officer visited the “Cornwallis” which ship then got under way and steamed to E along edge of ice.

4pm to 8pm: Cloudy and cold. At 5.35 got under way from floe and forcing the ship through one narrow lead headed SWxS under half speed. Many bergs and loose strings of ice in sight. Left “Narwhal”, “Cornwallis” and “Aurora” moored to ice.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and cold; commenced snowing heavily at 9.00. Steaming to southward and eastward for Upernavik. At 9.15 stopped and took on board an Esquimau pilot and his kayak. Pilot conned ship into anchorage at Upernavik. Made fast to the ice off the settlement at 10.40 with three ice anchors. Moored nearby are whaling steamers “Nova Zembla”, “Polynia”, “Triune”. Commanding Officer left the ship to call on the Governor on board SS “Polynia”, taking with him the Danish mail brought from Godhavn. Banked fires.

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29 May 1884

Upernavik, Greenland

Lat 72.79, Long -56.15

Midnight to 4am: Overcast cloudy and snowing during entire watch. Gentle breeze from NW.

4am to 8am: Gentle to moderate NW breeze and overcast weather. At 6.30 the USS “Thetis” conveying the chartered coal steamer “Loch Garry”, hove in sight off the entrance to the harbor. At 7.00 “Thetis” signaled to this vessel “Stand by to take coal steamer alongside”. “Thetis” made fast to ice near S side of harbor. The ice breaking up in our berth, both anchors were let go at 5.00 in 12 fathoms water to prevent fouling other vessels, veering to 30 fathoms on port, 45 fathoms on starboard chain. Last hour of watch lowering boats, getting out steam launch and preparing to receive coal steamer alongside.

8am to meridian: Cloudy and cool. At 8.30 coal steamer “Loch Garry” came alongside and at 9.45 commenced coaling ship. At 9.52 steam whale ship “Arctic” came into harbor and secured to ice floe. Light breeze from WxN.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy and cool; light breeze from WxN. Coaling ship. At 3.10 “Triune” got under way, followed at short intervals by “Polynia”, “Nova Zembla" and “Arctic”.

4pm to 8pm: Cloudy and cool; light WxN breeze. Stopped coaling and at 4.45 “Loch Garry” cast off. At 5.15 “Thetis” got under way and stood to N for Kingatok*. Hove up both anchors and got under way and stood to N.

8pm to midnight: Cloudy and cool; occasional light snow. Light NW airs. Followed “Thetis” into Kingatok and made fast to ice off the settlement alongside “Thetis”. Steamer “Arctic” in the harbor. Sent down fore topgallant yard. Received from “Thetis” ten seal carcasses for dog food.

*Kingatok probably refers to Kingittoq. The co-ordinates for Kingittoq have been used to give a position for Bear in the following days.

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30 May 1884

Kingatok Harbor, Greenland

Lat 72.95, Long -56.27

Midnight to 4am: Overcast cloudy and cold. Snowing at intervals. Moderate breeze from WNW. Ship fast in ice.

4am to 8am: Overcast with light breeze from WNW. Lying at Kingatok fast to land ice in company with “Thetis” and British whaler “Arctic”.

8am to meridian: Light airs and calms. Moored alongside of ice floe opposite settlement of Kingatok.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Light NE breeze. Tied to ice all the watch. The ice pilot returned from hill top and reported all the whalers in sight a few miles to the N, and the ice unbroken as far as could be seen with the long glass.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Gentle airs variable in direction. The Governor of Upernavik returned and came on board this vessel as he was prevented by ice from returning to Upernavik. His boat crew were given their supper.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Calm. Brought dogs on board and secured them for the night.

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31 May 1884

Kingatok Harbor, Greenland

Lat 72.95, Long -56.27

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Calms and light southerly airs. Tied to the ice. Fires banked.

4am to 8am: Calms and fine weather. Laying fast to ice. “Thetis” and “Arctic” close by.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant, warm. Calms and light airs from E. At 9.00 called all hands to abandon ship and completed outfit of boats for 60 days. Captains of whalers “Arctic”, “Polynia”, “Nova Zembla” and “Triune” and Commander Schley visited the ship.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Calms and light airs from SE. Crew engaged in completing outfit of boats and preparations for abandoning ship. Washed ship outside.

4pm to 8pm: Clear, mild and pleasant. Calms and light NE airs. Spread fires at 4.45 and at 5.00 cast off from ice and steamed around a circle for compass deviation. Secured at same place alongside ice at 6.20.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant weather. Gentle airs from NE. Barometer falling. Carried out a new ice anchor and hawser from starboard bow.

LOGS FOR JUNE 1884

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1 June 1884

Kingatok Harbor, Greenland

Lat 73.00, Long -56.20

Midnight to 4am: Calm first part of watch and then wind came out fresh from NW. The “Arctic” in getting under way at 3.00 drifted down on this vessel and forced us down on “Thetis”. Cast off from floe to get clear; carried away flying jib guy and bent port forecastle sail. Made fast to floe again at 3.45. The “Arctic” steamed out of harbor.

4am to 8am: Fresh breeze and rain. Ice breaking up. Kept shifting ice anchors. Got a line ashore and held fast. “Thetis” broke adrift and finally got under way.

8am to meridian: Cloudy and pleasant. Fresh breeze from southward and westward. At 8.20 cast off from rocks and followed “Thetis” out of harbor and steamed around Kingatok Island. At 10.30 made fast to ice on western side of island near “Thetis” and steamers “Polynia”, “Nova Zembla”, “Triune” and “Arctic”. These steamers got under way shortly afterward. At 11.30 cast off and followed “Thetis” towards open water. The four steamers in sight to northward and westward at close of watch.

Meridian to 4pm: Partly clear. Snow dwyes passing between 2.00 and 3.00. Moderate breeze from SSW. Steaming through leads and broken ice following the lead of the “Thetis”. At 1.10 passed the “Triune.” At 2.00 passed just to E of Berry Island. At 2.15 stopped and got out ice anchor and made fast to floe following the motions of the “Thetis”, steam whalers “Polynia,” “Nova Zembla” and “Triune” doing the same. The “Arctic” continued on her way to the westward. At 2.30 cast off from floe and started steaming to the eastward taking the lead, the “Thetis” following. At 3.15 sighted rocks ahead; stopped and backed. Struck hard; got a line out on port quarter fast to small berg. The “Thetis” sent her steel hawser, but by backing we got the ship clear without using it. At 3.30 ship making no water. Several small pieces of wood floated up. Bearing of Berry Island NNW; nearest mainland S ½ E; ship’s head NW. Sounded around ship: over starboard bow found 6 fathoms, starboard waist 5 fathoms; starboard quarter 4 fathoms; port quarter the least water 2½ fathoms; rocky bottom, smooth rocks covered with seaweed. At 4.00 started ahead following the “Thetis”. At close of watch 8 steam whalers in sight.

4pm to 8pm: Blowing fresh from W; snowing hard first hour of watch. Steaming through leads and forcing way through ice following motions of “Thetis”. At 5.00 made fast to ice floe in lee of an island (uninhabited), alongside of steamer “Aurora.” Made an examination of injuries to forefoot.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and cold; snowing all the watch. Broke out fore peak. Carpenter looking for and stopping leaks. Lead reduced to 9 inches in two hours. Fast to ice all the watch. Fires banked.

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2 June 1884

[Off Illunnguit, Greenland]

Lat 73.25, Long -56.50 [Estimated]

Midnight to 4am: Overcast. Thick snow dwyes at intervals. Moderate to fresh breeze from WSW. Barometer falling. Ship leaking at the rate of 5 to 6 inches per hour. Carpenter and two men at work in fore peak stopping the leak.

4am to 8am: Strong breeze and snow. Laying fast to ice. “Thetis” near, also three steam whalers. Ice light, no water to be seen to northward. Light jam.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cloudy; snowing heavily at times and blowing fresh from WSW. Frequent squalls. Ice showed no movement and no leads or open water in sight from crow’s nest. Barometer rose 29.74 to 29.80. Banked fires.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and cloudy; occasional light snows. Wind in moderate squalls from westward. Fires banked. Five steam whalers in sight five miles to seaward, besides those nearby.

4pm to 8pm: Cloudy and snowing during first part of [watch], afterwards clearing weather. Barometer rising. Flood tide. Moderate to gentle breeze from WxS.

8pm to midnight: Cloudy and pleasant weather. Light breeze from SW. Flood tide. Barometer steady.

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3 June 1884

[Near Itidlsarsuk (probably Ikerasaarsuk)], Greenland

Lat 73.43, Long -56.08

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy and cool. Light NW breeze. Moored to ice; banked fires.

4am to 8am: Light breeze and dull weather. Ship fast to the ice. Banked fires.

8am to meridian: Cloudy but pleasant. Gentle breeze from WNW. Sent boat and the Esquimau Nicolis to meet several natives who, with dog sledge and kayaks, went to the steam whaler “Narwhal” in the ice to northward of this ship. “Thetis” made signal at 10.00: "I am getting under way.” At 10.10 signalled to “Thetis”: “I am ready to get under way”. “Thetis” answered “All right”. At 10.12 cast off from the ice and backed out slowly. Boat returned from “Narwhal” with the intelligence that there was clear water to the northward of Horse Head [Island]. At 10.20 “Thetis” made signal: “Follow in my wake, slow” and steamed slowly to eastward, this ship following. During rest of watch followed flagship slowly through the islands to northward and eastward.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy but pleasant. Light breeze from ENE. Barometer rose from 30.00 to 30.02. Steaming slowly to northward and eastward in wake of “Thetis” and among a number of uninhabited islands and what is described on the chart as mainland. At 2.30 “Thetis” sent a boat on shore to examine what appeared to be a cairn on a point of high land to the eastward. At 3.45 “Thetis” made fast to floe and signalled: “One ship’s length to right and make fast”. Made fast in obedience to signal.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and cool. Light breeze hauling from E to SExE. Moored to ice all the watch. Banked fires.

Four Esquimau with two dog sleds came on board from settlement of Itidlsarsuk. No open water visible to northward. Native report: no open water beyond Cape Shackleton.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Gentle westerly airs. Barometer falling. Ice the same as in preceding watch. At 8.30 several natives with dogs and sledges came up and went on board “Thetis”. They had one seal which they sold to that vessel. Sent Hans and Nicoli out after seals; several in sight. They returned unsuccessful. Several of the ship’s company were permitted to go seal hunting.

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4 June 1884

At Tessiusak [Tasiusaq], Greenland, and at sea

Lat 73.40, Long -56.23

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from E. Lying secured to ice one ship’s length to starboard of “Thetis”. Ice close to northward - no leads. At 3.00 a native from Tessiusak came on board and also boarded the “Thetis”. A narwhal and several seals sighted during watch.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Light airs from E. Barometer steady.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Light ESE airs. Broke out and emptied pemmican casks to stow in fore peak. Eleven dog sledges, from small settlements near, about the ship. Governor of Tessiusak arrived on sledge and visited “Thetis”.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Warm. Light airs from ENE. Stratus clouds. At 1.10 got under way following the motions of the “Thetis”. The natives with their kommitiks [qamutiiks, traditional Inuit sleds] left to go back to Itidlsarsuk. Steaming in wake of “Thetis”. At 1.45 the “Thetis” made signal: "Keep two cables length distance". At 3.30 arrived off the fishing settlement of Tessiusak. “Thetis” made signal: "Moor ship one ship’s length off starboard beam". Moored alongside the ice off “Thetis’s” starboard beam. Afterwards hauled alongside ice, starboard side to the ice. Signalled to “Thetis”: “Shall I bank fires”. Answer: “Yes”. Banked fires. Commanding Officer examined fore foot with water glass, and the sun giving excellent view of the damages, found it extended only 15 inches up the stem and 10 feet along the keel. Ship drawing 16 feet 6 inches and damages not beginning to show till 15 feet depth was reached.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from ESE, and calms. Secured to ice on the harbor of Tessiusak. At 6.00 “Thetis” signalled “Hoist recall”. At 6.40 cast off and steamed out of harbor following lead of “Thetis”. Remainder of watch working way through ice in a general N direction.

8pm to midnight: Clear first half, cloudy last half of watch, mild and pleasant. Light SSE airs. Steaming slowly to seaward through very narrow leads in wake of “Thetis”. Ice about 3½ feet thick in large unbroken sheets, many bergs. At 9.30 came up with “Thetis,” caught in a light nip, unable to move. Gave her a 6-inch Manila hawser and took from her a 3-inch steel hawser; parted both lines while attempting to move her astern. At 10.45 moored to ice close astern of “Thetis” and banked fires. Sent torpedo apparatus with Ensign Reynolds and four gun-cotton torpedoes to assist in blasting “Thetis” loose. The “Thetis” used six gunpowder cartridges and the attempt failed to loosen the ice.

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5 June 1884

[Near Torqussâq,] Greenland

Lat 73.46, Long -56.67

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy. Gentle breeze from ENE. Ship moored to ice floe. At 1.15 “Thetis” attempted to get clear of nip. This ship was cast off from floe and backed astern. Fires spread. After trying for 15 minutes “Thetis” gave up the attempt. This ship was again secured as before. Ship’s head NNW. The steam whaler “Arctic” was seen to northward making her way to eastward for land leads. At 3.00 three other steam whalers were sighted on port beam making their way to northward and eastward. A large lead to northward and eastward in plain sight, but the “Thetis” and this ship unable to enter it. At 3.30 two Esquimau with their dogs and sledges came alongside the “Thetis”.

4am to 8am: Weather overcast. Cirro cumulus clouds. Sun shining through at times. Light airs from SW. Barometer rising slowly. Moored to ice first part of watch. At 6.30 spread fires and took two lines from the “Thetis”. Both vessels backing, the “Thetis” backed out of nip at 6.55. She having butted her way through the nip, we followed at 7.55.

8am to meridian: Cloudy weather. Blowing fresh from NE x N. “Thetis” engaged in forcing passage through nip by repeated ramming. At 9.35 passage cleared and went ahead in wake of “Thetis”. Remainder of watch, steaming in a general NE direction through leads in ice, following in wake of “Thetis”. Steam whaler in sight astern at end of watch.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy and cool. Gentle NE x N breeze. Steaming to northward in wake of “Thetis”, through narrow leads between large unbroken sheets. Several small bars necessitated ramming by both ships. At close of watch, in large open lead off Cape Shackleton. Two steam whalers in sight to northward, moored to ice near Duck Islands [Edderfugleøer]. Steamer “Polynia” close astern.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NE x N. Steaming through leads in the ice towards Duck Islands. Five vessels in sight near those islands. The “Polynia” steam whaler following in our wake. At 6.10 the “Thetis” made fast to ice floe, the lead terminating at this point. This vessel made fast on “Thetis’s” starboard beam. Banked fires. Commanding Officer visited the “Thetis”. Two steam whalers coming up from southward latter part of watch. The ice presented appearance of having broken into several leads, now closed by wind and tide. Patent log when hauled in read 40.3.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from NE x N and NE. Barometer rose 29.76 to 29.77. Lying made fast to floe about 5 miles SW of Duck Islands. Two steam whalers, “Nova Zembla” and “Cornwallis” fast to ice about 5 miles to southward. No movement in ice sufficient to open a lead.

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6 June 1884

Duck Islands, Greenland

Lat 73.98, Long -57.85

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Calms and light NE airs. Fast to the ice. Fires banked. Positions of the six whalers near and two to starboard unchanged.

4am to 8am: Partly cloudy and pleasant weather. Calms first part, light airs from SW to W latter part. Barometer rising. Current setting to northward.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant weather. Gentle airs from westward changing to southward. Cirro cumulus clouds. At 9.00 cast off from the ice and got underway following the “Thetis”. The steam whalers all got under way, the “Arctic” leading. Steamed through leads to the northward. At 10.35 arrived at a check in the lead. Made fast to the floe astern of the “Thetis”. At 11.00 the “Thetis” went ahead, ramming into the floe. She made signal: "Come up and butt on port side". Cast off and went ahead ramming the floe alongside of “Thetis”. Found floe solid and 30 inches thick and at noon stopped ramming, having broken in a couple of ship’s lengths. Made fast to ice and banked fires. The steam whalers “Arctic”, “Aurora” and “Narwhal” had already come to, a short time before we stopped.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from S and calm first part of watch. At end of watch wind came out light from NW. Made fast to ice on port beam of “Thetis” awaiting leads, and about three miles SW of Duck Islands. Banked fires.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Calms and light variable airs. Fast to ice all the watch. The five whalers to southward steamed up and made fast nearby.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Gentle easterly airs. Barometer steady. At 9.00 the ice ahead of steam whaler “Arctic” showed signs of opening. At 9.30 “Arctic” and “Aurora” went ahead and steamed through the lead. “Thetis” and this vessel cast off from floe and, this vessel leading, steamed into the lead. Rammed at the lead until 10.45, when having finished with the close ice, entered more open lead. Steering for the western end of Duck Islands, “Thetis” and six whalers following. At 11.45 “Thetis” went ahead, this ship following.

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7 June 1884

Duck Islands, Greenland

Lat 74.01, Long -57.78

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from NE. Steaming through leads following the “Thetis”. Steamed in towards Duck Islands and at 12.45 made fast bow and stern to ice SW of the middle island. The “Aurora” and “Arctic” made fast near us, the rest coming to on eastern side of islands. Several flocks of ducks in sight. Very small sheet of open water to northward of islands and no leads in sight from crow’s nest.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from NE to NE x E. Barometer falling. Cirrus clouds. No changes on ice. Ship’s draft 16 feet 6 inches forward and 17 feet 4 inches aft.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Light ENE breeze. Calm last hour. Fast to ice. Fires banked all the watch. Crew holystoning decks.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear, pleasant and warm. Cirrus clouds. Calm. The dogs were placed on the ice for exercise. Several shooting parties of officers and men went out in dories for ducks.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from eastward. Barometer rose 29.78 to 29.79. Steam whaler “Narwhal” made fast to ice floe on eastern side of islands at 6.00. At end of watch no leads to the northward in sight from the crow’s nest.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Calms and light variable airs.

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8 June 1884

Duck Islands, Greenland

Lat 74.01, Long -57.77

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Calms and light easterly airs. At 3.45 “Narwhal” and “Wolf” got under way from the other side of Duck Islands and steamed to northward, apparently to get a better berth. The ice showing no signs of opening.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Light to gentle breeze from SE. Barometer steady.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Light airs from SW and W. At 10.00 called all hands to muster and read Articles of War. Immediately after held Divine Service. At 11.30 shifted starboard bow line to starboard quarter.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy and cool. Thick fog came up from southward at 2.45. Gentle SSW to WSW breeze. Loose ice drifting in from seaward.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast, cloudy and foggy. Gentle breeze from WSW. At 5.00 large ice floe floated in from westward. At 7.30 ice floe started out again, having done no damage to any of the ships. Large quantities of ice in motion to westward. Too thick to see anything to northward.

8pm to midnight: Overcast, cloudy and foggy. Light snow and drizzle at times. Light breeze from SW and WSW. At 9.30 “Polynia” got under way and steamed to the northward, coming to alongside of ice floe about one mile east of northern island of group (Duck Islands).

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9 June 1884

Duck Islands, Greenland

Lat 74.01, Long -57.77

Midnight to 4am: Overcast, cool and misty. Commenced snowing heavily at 1.00, and continued remainder of watch. Light snow at close of watch. Calms and light westerly airs. No change in situations of vessels or conditions of ice.

4am to 8am: Overcast and misty, with frequent light flurries of snow. Light airs between WSW and W. Barometer steady. Current setting SW (per compass) until 7.00 when it commenced to run in opposite direction.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cloudy. Passing snow dwyes first two hours, afterwards steadily sunning. Breeze gentle from WSW. Much broken ice floating to and fro with the tide and wind. Dogs were exercised on the ice.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and misty, turning into snow at 1.00, and snowing remainder of watch. Barometer rising. Light breeze from SW. The “Wolf” and “Narwhal” in sight bearing SW by W (per compass) distant about [?] miles.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and misty greater part of watch. Light snow first half, clearing at close of watch. Calm first half; light NE breeze last half of watch. “Wolf” and “Narwhal” to seaward, separated and getting farther away to westward.

8pm to midnight: Partly clear first hour, afterwards foggy. At 9.00 the whalers “Narwhal” and “Wolf” were seen off port beam, apparently being set to westward. Breeze light from NE. Ice in broken pans moving to southward and westward in large quantity.

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10 June 1884

Duck Islands, Greenland

Lat 74.01, Long -57.77

Midnight to 4am: Foggy weather. Misty at times. Light breeze from NE by N, increasing in strength last hour of watch. Ebb tide. Large quantities of loose ice drifting to southward.

4am to 8am: Foggy weather. Gentle breeze from NE. Barometer falling. Tidal current setting to SW until 7.30, then turned to NE.

8am to meridian: Overcast and foggy. Moderate NE breeze. Fog occasionally lifting and giving view of ice well off shore drifting to southward. At 8.15 the “Aurora” cast off and steamed to westward.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and foggy. Barometer and temperature falling. Stiff breeze from NE. Fog lifting at intervals. The “Aurora” was seen at the end of the watch, well to the westward, fast to the ice.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast, cloudy, and foggy. Blowing fresh from NE. Barometer fell 29.78 to 29.77. At 6.00 shifted quarter and bow lines farther inshore to solid ice, the edges of the floe breaking off. The “Aurora” in sight to westward, fast to ice floe.

8pm to midnight: Overcast, cold and foggy; occasional very light snow. Fog lifting for a short time; at 11.00 showed steamers “Wolf” and “Narwhal” just visible to westward, apparently fast in the pack; “Aurora” about 5 miles to westward, working to southward out of pack. “Polynia”, in her old berth with the other vessels to eastward of the islands. Wind fresh, hauling from NE to N by E.

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[Contains 8pm to midnight watch]

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11 June 1884

Sailed from Duck Islands for Cape York [Perlernerit], Greenland

Lat 74.00, Long -58.20 [Estimated]

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and foggy first part, afterwards passing snow dwyes rest of watch. Strong breeze from N by E. Ice near ship softening and showing signs of breaking up.

4am to 8am: Weather overcast and cold with frequent snow squalls. Blowing fresh from N by E. Barometer rising. Current setting to SW. Nimbus clouds. At 5.20 the “Arctic” cast off and steamed to NW. The “Thetis” signaled: “Be ready to get under way”. Got under way under steam at 5.45 and followed “Thetis” into leads, making a general course of N by W.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cloudy, frequent snow dwyes. Wind fresh from N by E. Steaming to the northward following in wake of “Thetis”. At 8.45 no leads opening to northward, made fast to ice one ship’s length on starboard beam of “Thetis”. At 10.15 “Thetis” got underway and attempted to force way through a close nip to an open lead beyond, and not succeeding, came to again at 11.00. Spread fires, and cast off, and stood by to follow, but made fast again at 11.00. Four steam whalers in sight to northward, fast to ice. Four steam whalers in sight to southward steaming to northward.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and cool, snowing at intervals throughout the watch. Gentle N by E breeze. The four whalers to southward steamed up and made fast to ice nearby at 1.15. At 2.00 the “Thetis” cast off and rammed several times at the bar of ice, but failed to break a passage. Ice slacked at 3.15 showing lead into water to northward. Cast off at 3.40 and followed “Thetis” in obedience to signal. At close of watch steaming through leads to northward. “Thetis” and four whalers in sight ahead on north edge of water pool.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast, cloudy and foggy. Passing snow dwyes. Gentle airs from N by E. Steaming through a lead between floes first hour and in wake of “Thetis” to northward and eastward. At 5.00 arrived at edge of large floe completely stopping further progress. Made fast to floe on port side of “Thetis”. Whalers “Aurora” and “Narwhal” fast to same floe. “Wolf” farther to westward. “Arctic” fast to large floe on starboard hand. At 6.10 the ice showed signs of closing in, moving generally to southward and westward. The “Aurora” got under way and steamed back towards the mooring place from which we just came. At 6.30 we cast off from the floe, spread fires, following the lead of “Thetis”, and steamed to northward and eastward, making fast at 6.50 astern of the “Thetis”, which vessel was made fast astern of the “Arctic”. The ice closing in the lead just left and moving in a general direction to southward and westward. Open water visible from masthead to the northward and eastward of us and extending parallel to the trend of the land. At close of watch weather became clearer showing the Duck Islands bearing (per standard compass) SE by S. Ship’s head NE by E. The coastline was also seen extending to northward and eastward on starboard beam. The “Aurora” was, at end of watch, jammed in by large pans and floes and attempting to get to southward. The four whalers left at former mooring place had not moved. After mooring at 6.50, fires were banked.

8pm to midnight: Ice in sight to the northward, but no leads and very little open water. Numerous bergs in sight. At 9.00 cast off from floe and following lead of “Thetis”, steamed in a general NE direction through small water lanes and much broken ice. Stopped at 10.50 being unable to force way any farther. Banked fires. Lying in a narrow water lane with no lines out. At end of watch “Arctic” bore ahead about ½ mile jammed in ice. “Aurora” bore on starboard beam, steaming in direction of Duck Islands.

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12 June 1884

Making passage to Cape York, Greenland

Lat 74.03, Long -58.30

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cold; misty horizon. Occasional very light snow. Calms and light W by N airs. Lying in small water pool. Banked fires. Ice tight all about “Arctic” and “Thetis” fast in ice close ahead. All the rest of fleet occasionally visible scattered to southward and westward (per compass).

4am to 8am: Overcast and misty. Light snow at times. Light airs from WSW. No change in ice. At 8.00 ship’s head E by S. Duck Islands bore SSE, Wilcox Head E by N.

8am to meridian: Partly clear. Gentle breeze from S by W. At 9.30 the four whalers left at mooring place yesterday morning, got under way and steamed in toward the land, the “Aurora” having already got in and made fast to the land floe. The “Wolf” and “Narwhal” made fast, the former off starboard quarter, the latter off port quarter, each being distant about two (2) miles. At 11.30 the ice showed some signs of closing. The “Thetis” and this ship were accordingly hauled about one ship’s length astern and then made fast to the ice. The ice in the immediate vicinity of this ship broken up into large pans, which were closely packed together. The Greenland coast visible ahead and on both bows. The Duck Islands visible off starboard bow at end of watch. The “Aurora” “Triune”, “Cornwallis”, “Nova Zembla”, and “Polynia” close in under the land and fast to the land ice at end of watch; “Arctic" a few ships’ lengths ahead of the “Thetis”; the “Wolf” and “Narwhal” as at the commencement of watch. Fitted new bell pull from crow’s nest to the engine-room bell. Restowing main provision deck. Carpenters fishing main boom.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy weather, clearing at times. A few light snow dwyes. Lying, made fast to ice with lines ahead and astern. Water sky visible to northward and eastward, and land in sight, when clear, bearing ENE (per standard compass). At 1.00 commenced running ebb tide, and at 3.15 the ice loosened to northward and eastward. Cast off and got underway, following lead of “Thetis”. Remainder of watch steaming through short leads and through loose ice in a general NE direction. “Arctic”, “Wolf” and “Narwhal” got underway at same time and steamed to northward. Carpenters and blacksmiths engaged in shrinking iron bands on main boom.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and cool; misty horizon. Light SSE shifting to SW airs. “Arctic” ahead of “Thetis” stopped by narrow bar of ice at 4.45 and failed to break it. “Arctic”, “Thetis” and this ship made fast to the ice at 5.30 to wait for it to slack. Streaks of open water visible to northward. Ice slack to southward and westward. At 6.00 the “Wolf” steamed up and made fast nearby. Ice 5 feet thick. At close of watch, two steamers in sight to southward and westward.

8pm to midnight: Partly cloudy. Sun shining on Greenland coast to southward and eastward near Horse Head [Island] and Cape Shackleton. Gentle breeze from SW. The ice near the ship to the westward broken up into large pans which with the tide were packing in to northward. Tidal current apparently of about ¾ knot per hour running to northward. Four whalers in sight to southward, the “Wolf” and “Arctic” being near the “Thetis” and this ship. At 10.30 hauled ship astern half a length to be clear of nip from close packing of ice pans. The ice to northward showing open leads at long intervals with spaces of close ice and packed pans between. Clouds hanging low over the land.

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13 June 1884

Making passage to Cape York, Greenland

Lat 74.19, Long -58.50

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy. Gentle breeze from SW increasing in force. At 2.30 towed large pan from port side and made it fast astern at 3.00. Ice loose to SW and small spaces of open water visible to northward. At end of watch two whalers in sight inshore bearing SxW (per compass) Several schools of white whales passed near the ship.

4am to 8am: Weather overcast. Light breeze from SW first part, veering to West and falling light for last two hours.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cool, misty horizon. Light SW and W airs. Situation unchanged. Land obscured. “Thetis”, “Arctic” and “Wolf” only vessels in sight.

Meridian to 4pm: Partly cloudy. Misty over land and on SW horizon. Gentle breeze from SW. Light snow dwyes last hour. At 3.30 the ice showed signs of loosening though no leads appeared. Several seals were seen at long distance from the ships. At end of watch, besides the “Thetis” and steam whalers “Arctic” and “Wolf” near us, there were in sight the other six steam whalers, these latter to the southward and apparently underway to get up to our position. The dogs were exercised on the ice and afterwards brought on board. The main boom, having been completely repaired, was got in place and the ironwork red-leaded preparatory for painting.

4pm to 8pm: Cloudy weather. Passing snow dwyes. Light breeze from SW shifting to southward at end of watch. The ice slacking, got under way at 4.40 and steamed in wake of “Thetis” through loose ice about 2½ miles in a general NE direction. Not being able to force way farther, stopped and secured to ice floe at 6.20. Ice loose but in very heavy pans from 4-5 feet thick. Six whalers in sight inshore and the “Arctic” and “Wolf” about 2 miles astern secured to ice.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and cold, light snow first half. Misty horizon. Moderate to gentle SSW breeze. Beset in the ice all the watch. Fires banked and the pack drifting slowly before the wind. Position of “Thetis”, “Arctic” and “Wolf” unchanged. Mist lifting along the land at 11.00 showed four steamers beset in the ice bearing SxE (per compass). The coast plainly visible. Devil’s Thumb [Kullorsuaq] bore at midnight E ? N, Wilcox Head E, ship’s head NE x E ½ E.

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14 June 1884

Making passage to Cape York, Greenland

Lat 74.23, Long -58.63

Midnight to 4am: Partly clear, afterwards overcast and snowing. Steady fall of snow last hour. Gentle breeze from SSW. Tide setting to northward and westward. First two hours of watch, the mainland coast to northward and eastward plainly visible for the first time in several days. The position of Wilcox Head and Devil’s Thumb as laid down on the [?] is about 15 miles to southward of its true position. At 1.00 Devil’s Thumb bore E ¼ N (per standard compass), ship’s head NE by E. At 1.00, the loose pans around the ship having a confused motion in all directions, large floe came down pressing smaller pan against ship rudder. Rudder sustained no damage but lug of iron stanchion for leading block of wheel chains carried away. Hauled ship’s head around more to eastward, which left her free from ice pressure. Ice in vicinity of ship in large pans pressed together and moving with the tide to northward and westward. Ships drifting with ice and tide. Three whalers in sight inshore of us, close into the land. “Arctic” and “Wolf” to southward and eastward, about half mile distant. Last hour of watch, heavy fall of snow shutting in all surrounding objects.

4am to 8am: Weather overcast and snowing. Light breeze from SSW. Barometer falling slowly. Loose ice drifting to northward. At 5.45 the “Thetis” attempted force way through ice to open water. Cast off and prepared to follow. Closed distance from “Thetis” and secured to ice at 6.30, having made about ? of a mile NE (per compass). Banked fires. Ship’s head NE, Devil’s Thumb E ? S.

8am to meridian: Partly cloudy, sun shining brightly at times. Light airs from NE and calms. Ice in small pans, loosening, moving southward with the ebb tide. At 10.30 got under way and followed in wake of “Thetis”. Forced way through small ice jams and entered large pond of clear water, and steamed to its western edge, making fast at 11.30, there being no open water beyond. Ice broken up much inshore, but not enough to admit passage of ship. Broken ice in sight to northward as far as Red Head, and another lead of broken ice extending in direction of Brown Islands [Browne Øer]. Made while under way about 2 miles in NNE direction. Scrubbed off ship’s side.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and cloudy. Light NNE breeze. At 1.30 “Arctic” and “Wolf” got underway and steamed to southward and eastward for leads inshore, afterwards turning and steaming to northward. At 2.00 “Thetis” cast off and steamed through narrow leads, heavy loose ice, towards Wilcox Head, this ship following. Progress slow owing to frequent stopping to turn sharp corners, or shove sheets out of the way. General course SE (per compass). Distance about 2 miles. At close of watch Devil’s Thumb bore SE ¼ E, Duck Islands SW ¼ W, ship’s head S ¼ W (per compass). Steamers “Arctic” and “Wolf” NNE, distant about 6 miles.

4pm to 8pm: Clear, pleasant weather. Gentle breeze from NE. Steaming in wake of “Thetis”, the whalers “Arctic” and “Wolf” ahead. Making good a course of about NE by N. At intervals, passing through pan ice and part of the time in open leads. The ice very thick in places. The ice appearing broken up into large pans in a space several miles in width, extending in northeasterly direction. Ice inshore appearing but little broken. Greenland coast in plain sight. At 6.00 ship’s head NE by N, Devil’s Thumb SE by E ½ E, Sugar Loaf S. At 7.30 ship’s head NNE, Devil’s Thumb SE by S, Sugar Loaf [Uummannaq] S by W ¾ W.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from NNE. Barometer falling slowly. Steaming in wake of “Thetis” through large water spaces, and occasionally through close jams of broken ice. Ice heavy and in large pans. Making a general course of NNE. “Arctic” and “Wolf” ahead about 3 miles. No other vessels in sight.

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15 June 1884

Making passage to Cape York, Greenland

Lat 75.02, Long -59.92

Midnight to 4am: Clear, cool and hazy. Light N by E breeze. First two hours steaming full speed on a general NE (per compass) course through wide open lanes of water in wake of “Thetis”. Passed through a couple narrow bars of loose broken ice. At 2.10 made fast to the ice, further progress to the northward being barred by solid ice. To eastward ice unbroken; to westward in large sheets. Many bergs fast in it. Steamers “Thetis”, “Arctic” and “Wolf” fast to ice nearby. Bearings (per compass) Cape Walker ENE ¾ E, Cape Seddon SE x E ½ E. Ship’s head NxE ½ E. Banked fires. Leak in fore peak ice making to six inches per hour.

4am to 8am: Weather clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from N by E. Barometer falling. At 6.40, the ice having opened, we cast off and followed the “Thetis” about 1½ miles NNE and made fast again at 7.10. “Arctic”, “Wolf” and “Aurora” near us at end of watch. Ship’s draft 16’ feet 5 inches forward and 17 feet 3 inches aft. At 7.30 took bearings: ship’s head NNE; peak on nearest land S 59° E, an island ENE ½ E.

8am to meridian: Clear overhead. Slight haze over the land and on the horizon. Gentle airs from N by E. At 10.00 Executive Officer read Divine Service. Same whalers in sight as in previous watch. No change in ice conditions. Commanding Officer visited “Thetis”.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Hazy about horizon. Light breeze from NNE. Lying made fast to ice floe. At 2.15 the “Wolf” got underway and steamed into loose ice to northward. Got underway at 2.35 and, following in wake of “Thetis”, began working way through loose ice and small water lanes in a general NNE direction and at end of watch had made 2 miles. At 3.45 landed watch on ice to attempt to release pressure on a tight jam by poling small pieces away. At end of watch, watch still on ice.

4pm to 8pm: Weather and wind same. At 4.45 took water on board and followed “Arctic”, “Aurora” and “Thetis” through narrow passage in the bar. Got in wide lanes of open water shortly afterwards and steamed full speed in a general NExN direction. At 7.05 the “Thetis” made signal: “Go on ahead”. Passed her at 7.30. At close of watch “Wolf”, “Arctic” and “Aurora” ahead in the order named. Following the edge of fast ice in wide clear water lanes.

8pm to midnight: Clear overhead. Light haze on the northern and western horizon and last hour a mist which obscured the NW horizon. Gentle airs from NNE shifting to westward. Under full steam. Steaming through leads and the first two hours an occasional bar of broken ice. Whalers “Wolf”, “Arctic” and “Aurora” ahead of us, “Thetis” astern. The bight of Melville Bay in plain sight. A number of small auks and ice gulls seen. At 11.30 set jib and flying jib. Course made good N by E first half of watch to N by W last half. Ice in large floes with a wide lead following the course of the coast.

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16 June 1884

Making passage to Cape York, Greenland

Lat 75.31, Long -63.41

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from W and SW. Steaming in a general NW direction in open water. “Arctic,” “Wolf” and “Aurora” about two miles ahead. “Thetis” about one mile astern. At 2.55 having arrived at end of lead, made fast to ice on port hand of “Thetis” to await opening. Ice solid to the N and W. No open water in sight. At 2.30 took in and furled fore and aft sail.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Fresh breeze from SW. Light fog last two hours.

8am to meridian: Partly cloudy. Fresh breeze from SW. The ice in the vicinity of the ship moving across the direction of the wind, and in large floes. The floes alternately nipping and opening. At 9.00 the “Wolf” left her mooring and made fast to southward to the ice. Afterwards shifting several times as the water space in which the five ships moored contracted and changed form. The “Aurora” also shifted several times. At 10.00 exercised at abandoning ship. At 10.30 the large floe to which “Thetis”, “Wolf” and this ship were made fast split, drifting to northward. At 11.40 the “Thetis” and this ship got underway, moving up to large floe to windward, making fast again at 11.55. “Wolf” followed us. At noon the opening was extending to the northward fast at southern end and the “Arctic”, “Wolf”, “Thetis”, “Aurora” and this ship moved to the windward floe.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and cloudy. Hazy about horizon. Blowing fresh breeze from SW. Barometer rising 29.15 to 29.25. Lying fast to ice floe on port beam of “Thetis”.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and cool. Snowing lightly last half of watch. Gentle SW breeze. Situation unchanged.

8pm to midnight: Overcast, cloudy and snowing heavily first half, afterwards frequent passing snow dwyes. Moderate breeze from SW by W. No change in condition of the ice. Atmosphere too thick to see any considerable distance from the ship. Position of the ship unchanged.

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17 June 1884

Making passage to Cape York, Greenland

Lat 75.31, Long -63.41

Midnight to 4am: Partly clear. Hazy about horizon, but clearing at end of watch. Fresh breeze from SW. Barometer rising.

4am to 8am: Weather overcast. Light snow dwyes first part. Moderate breeze from S to SW. No change in ice.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cool. Moderate SW breeze. Situation unchanged.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast first half. Foggy on horizon first hour, afterwards clear. Moderate to gentle breeze from SSW and SW, decreasing in force. Land visible from port beam to right astern. No change in position of ships or conditions of ice. The carpenters completed changes in sledge dory having lightened her 52 pounds by removing superfluous wood- and ironwork.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from SE by S. Lying fast to ice awaiting lead to northward. Took in starboard bow line, and shifted both port bow lines to starboard.

8pm to midnight: Cloudy and pleasant. Light east breeze. Cast off fasts at 9.05 and followed “Aurora,” “Wolf” and “Thetis” in order named through slack ice and narrow leads in a general NNE direction. At 11.00 got into a wide lane of open water extending towards Cape York, in sight, bearing NE by N. Ship’s head NNE. Went ahead full speed and set fore and aft sails. At close of watch “Aurora” leading, about 2 miles ahead, “Arctic” about 10 miles astern, “Thetis” one mile ahead.

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18 June 1884

Off Cape York, Greenland

Lat 75.72, Long -66.67

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant weather. Gentle to moderate breeze from NE and N by E. Under full steam following “Thetis” through leads in the ice. At 1.35 reached a bar of loose ice pans near large bergs. The steam whalers “Wolf” and “Aurora” ahead of us. This bar was about four miles across. Received verbal permission from the Senior Officer to go ahead as soon as the open North Water was reached. At 2.00 the “Aurora” emerged from the pan ice into the North Water, her crew giving three cheers as they steamed into it. The “Wolf” followed her, and a few minutes afterwards, the “Thetis” and this vessel. Shortly afterwards we passed the “Thetis” and “Wolf”, laying our course through open water for Cape York. At 3.11 passed the “Aurora”. At 3.20 hoisted the ensign at main and mizzen. Set fore and aft sail at 3.20. The sledge party under Lieutenant Colwell made ready to leave the ship to search the coast near the Cape for tidings of the Greely party. Great number of small auks seen.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant until last hour, when fog set in over the land. Moderate breeze from N. At 4.30 took in all sail. At 5.00 stopped about three miles off Cape York and landed Lieutenant Colwell, H Brock (Quartermaster), Carl Carlson (Seaman), John Linquist (Seaman) and Nicoli (Esquimau) with sled and dory to communicate with natives. Then steamed out to “Thetis” and received orders to go to Conical Rock [Igannaq], Saunders [Appat], Wolstenholme [Qeqertarssuaq], and Carey [Kitsissut] Islands and rendezvous at Littleton Island [Pikiuleq] if not met by “Thetis” before. On arriving at Cape York this vessel led the “Aurora” by one mile and she was followed by the “Thetis” in the order named. The “Thetis” remained at Cape York to pick up Lieutenant Colwell and party. At 6.00 ship’s head SSE, Cape York bearing N by E, distant about 4 miles, went ahead steering along the edge of floe to find a lead to northward.

8am to meridian: Cloudy weather. Foggy at times during first part of watch. Light breeze from N. Working way through loose pans of ice and short leads in towards the shore. At end of watch in large open water. No lead to N in sight. At noon ship’s head NE, Cape York bore ENE, distant about 8 miles.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear overhead with fog bank on SW horizon first hour, afterwards fog shut down obscuring the coast and Conical Island which at 1.00 was seen bearing about NNE. The ice in large floes, wide leads and water holes. At 1.15 made fast to the ice and heavy banked fires, there being no further chance to get to northward. Breeze gentle to moderate in force from ENE first hour, afterwards hauling to WSW for remainder of watch. At 3.00 the fog lightened up somewhat showing tendency of the lead to close. Ship was moved about 200 yards to southward and westward and again made fast, the opening by which we entered having closed. Large numbers of small auks and a few turrs were seen. Several seals on the ice at some distance from the ship.

4pm to 8pm: No change in weather or ice conditions. Wind moderate from SW.

8pm to midnight: Weather overcast, wind falling lighter from WSW. Fog lifted but showed no change in ice.

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19 June 1884

Off Cape York, Greenland

Lat 75.76, Long -66.44

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy. Blowing gentle breeze from S by W and S. At 2.10 cast off from ice and shifted berth about ½ mile to SW, coming to and making fast to same floe at 2.30. No leads to northward open. “Aurora”, “Wolf” and “Arctic” in sight about five miles to southward, jammed in ice and attempting to force way through by ramming. Many auks and loons in sight. Auks going to southward in large flocks.

4am to 8am: Dull weather, with moderate breeze from S to SSE, and snow. Had to shift berth twice. The two floes came together astern of ship and rafted very heavily. Three whaling steamers about 1 league to SSE. The “Aurora” in a hard nip. Lowered all her boats and launched them clear of the ship on the floe, in case the ship should be crushed. Weather clearing up last hour.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from SExS. The ice conditions remained the same as in previous watch. The three whalers’ positions unchanged.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and cloudy first part of watch. Fog setting in last hour. Light breeze from SExS. Ice light to northward. Fast to floe. Steam whalers “Arctic”, “Wolf” and “Aurora” still jammed in ice, “Aurora” with her boats lowered and hauled up on the ice. Carpenters engaged fitting wooden davits to ship’s side for dories. Fitted port davits just abaft the bridge and hoisted one dory. Esquimau bitch "Justina" pupped: six pups.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and foggy. Light SExS breeze. Barometer steady.

8pm to midnight: Overcast, foggy and misty. Mist frozen and at times appearing almost like snow. At 10.00 fog lightened up somewhat showing ice conditions about the same as in previous watch. The “Aurora” was seen to have gotten clear of the ice. “Arctic” and “Wolf” steaming hard to get clear. A current running to eastward was observed during the watch. The ship swung to this current at 9.30. The breeze gentle from NW shifting to N.

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20 June 1884

Left Cape York, making passage to Cape Sabine

Lat 76.03, Long -68.82

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and foggy. Fog very dense at times. Occasionally clearing away slightly, but objects were at no time visible more than ½ mile [distant]. Light to gentle breeze from N. Light fall of snow at times. Ice appeared to be slacking and drifting to SE (per compass) and last hour of watch to SW. Lying fast to ice floe awaiting leads to northward.

4am to 8am: Weather overcast, foggy and snowing. Heavy white frost on the rigging. Moderate breeze from N by W to NNE. Barometer rising slowly. At 5.30 heard steamer’s whistle to SE. At 6.00 the “Wolf” hove in sight, followed by “Aurora.” Cast off and steamed into leads to NNE with “Wolf” ahead and “Aurora” astern. At 7.00 stopped to let the “Aurora” go ahead of us and then went ahead again, keeping astern of those two vessels. Steaming through wide open water with frequent patches of small broken ice. At times able to see a mile from the ship, at others only a few ships’ lengths.

8am to meridian: Wind and weather same as last watch. At 11.45 sighted Conical Rock. At noon it bore ESE ½ E, distant about three miles, ship’s head NNE. The “Arctic” and “Aurora” in sight ahead, “Wolf” astern. Many bergs and much broken ice. Ice soft, only about two feet thick.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast, cloudy, with thick fog and mist. Steaming through leads and loose ice. Much slob holding pans of hard ice. Ice much broken. Many ice bergs. Wind moderate from northward. At 1.00 steam whaler “Wolf” was seen on port quarter; afterwards was lost sight of on starboard quarter. Latter part of watch heard no whistles and saw no signs of the whalers. At 3.00 passed close to four large walrus on a small pan of ice. Great numbers of little auks and ducks seen during watch.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast, cloudy and foggy. Light breeze from NWxN. Steaming through loose ice and short leads in a general NE direction. Fog lightening up slightly at intervals. At 5.30 was stopped by a jam between two heavy pans, and after attempting to force way through by ramming, gave it up, as the floes were running together, and, shifting to a large floe about ½ mile to southward, came to at 6.55. Observed current setting to southward and westward. At end of watch lying fast to ice, awaiting opening or lifting of fog.

8pm to midnight: Wind and weather same. Under way from 9.20 to 10.20 and from 11.10 to 11.20 making about 2½ miles NE. At 11.30 fog lifted a little and we made out Cape Atholl and Wolstenholme Island. Ship’s head WxN, E end Wolstenholme Island SExE, W end Wolstenholme Island E ½ S, Cape Atholl [Kap Atholl, Athol in log-book] SSE ¾ E.

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21 June 1884

Making passage to Cape Sabine and Carey Islands

Lat 76.68, Long -71.83

Midnight to 4am: Overcast greater part of watch. Thick fog lightening up at intervals. Wind moderate in force from NW shifting to SE. Coast and southern end of Wolstenholme Island visible first hour of watch. At midnight got under way steaming out through loose pans and open leads to northward, intending to make southern end of Wolstenholme Island, but fog shut down thick at 1.30 so gave up attempt to reach Wolstenholme Island and shaped course N X E ½ E for Carey Islands [Cary in log-book]. Numbers of ice bergs in sight. The ice pans greatly increased in thickness and by 2.00 we encountered very heavy ice though small in extent. After 2.00 steaming various courses, keeping out of the pack ice which was found very heavy. At 3.30 sighted the land on starboard bow. At 4.00 a whaler, the “Wolf”, was sighted under sail to southward.

4am to 8am: Weather overcast and foggy, with light snow at times. Snowing hard last hour. Fog high showing the land underneath, and occasionally lifting above the top of the land. Moderate SW breeze. At 4.30 ship’s head NNE ½ E, southern end Wolstenholme Island bore S by W, and northern end Saunders Island ESE ½ E. The whaler “Wolf” coming up astern came to on north side of Wolstenholme Island. Steamed within five miles of both islands and examined them carefully with large telescope, but saw no signs of people. At 6.30 ship’s head NNE, northern end Saunders Island bore S x E ¾ E, southern end Saunders Island bore S ¼ W, southern end Wolstenholme Island SW ½ W. Stood off the coast for Carey Islands. At 7.00 saw “Arctic” and “Aurora” to southward inshore. Ice getting heavier and in larger sheets towards end of watch.

8am to meridian: Cloudy and foggy. Snowing heavily at intervals. Fresh breeze from SW. Steaming through loose ice and short leads in a general NNE direction. At 10.30 came to and made fast to floe to avail lifting of fog. Fog lifted slightly and showed Carey Islands bearing NxE, ship’s head NxE, distant about 10 miles. Cast off at 11.50 and began working way through loose pans towards islands.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast, cloudy, foggy and snowing. Steaming through very heavy pans of ice. At 12.45 ship stuck fast in the ice in trying to slew her head to port. Remainder of watch steaming and trying to force a passage, making no progress. Got out a hawser and at end of watch got ship clear and started again for Carey Islands. At 3.00 the whaler “Arctic” was seen on starboard bow trying to force her way through the ice to Carey Islands.

4pm to 8pm: Wind same first part, but snowing hard, shutting out islands completely. At 5.50 made fast to heavy sheet of ice in large open water. Wind shifted to WNW at 6.45. Ceased snowing at 7.00 and discovered SE Carey Island bearing between NE and NxE, distant about 2 miles, ship’s head NE. Cast off at 7.15 and steamed for it. “Arctic” and “Aurora” moored to northward of Island.

8pm to midnight: Cloudy and slightly foggy. Fresh breeze from WNW. Steaming in towards SE island of group of Carey Islands. At 8.10 came to, making fast to ice floe about one mile ESE of SE point of SE island of group. The Commanding Officer accompanied by Chief Engineer John Lowe and Dr HE Ames landed with 3^rd whale boat and crew to examine cairn deposited by HBMS “Alert”. The floe to which we were fast drifting to southward and westward. Shifted position about ½ mile to northward and eastward. At 11.15 party from island returned to ship and at 11.20 got under way, working passage outwards to eastward of islands. At 11.30 set course for Cape Parry, EbyS (per compass).

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22 June 1884

Arrival at Cape Sabine and discovery of Greely Party

Lat 78.25, Long -73.10 [Estimated]

Midnight to 4am: Overcast. Moderate breeze from SW. Steaming through leads between ice pans first hour. At 12.15 land was plainly visible ahead and on starboard bow. Cape Parry was sighted but the ice was seen to be thick and in solid pack. Open water to northward and eastward. Shaped course through open water and at 3.00 entered perfectly open water with a few large bergs to northward and eastward. Water sky to northward. At 1.20 ship’s head NE. Cape Parry bore SE½E, SE Carey Island W by S, NW Carey Island NW by W ½ W. At 3.00 set course NE by N. At 2.30 the whalers “Arctic” and “Aurora” left Carey Islands steaming to westward. At 4.20 took bearings as follows: ship’s head NE ¾ E, southern end of Hakluyt Island [Appasuak] SE x E ¾ E, southern end of Northumberland Island [Kiatak] ExS ½ S, Cape Parry S ½ W.

4am to 8am: Overcast with cirro cumulus and cumulo stratus clouds. Moderate breeze from SW (magnetic). Steering NE ¾ E during watch, heading for Cape Alexander. Numerous ice bergs in sight. At end of watch Hakluyt Island on starboard quarter.

8am to meridian: Weather overcast with heavy fall of snow shutting out the land from 8.20 till 11.00, moderating last hour. Gentle and decreasing breeze from SW to W by N. Barometer falling. At 8.00 changed course to E by N. At 10.30 sighted Cape Alexander. At 11.05 ship’s head ENE, it [Cape Alexander] bore on starboard beam, distant ½ mile. Off Pandora Harbor [Pandora Havn] at noon.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy and cool. Blowing fresh from W by N, shifting to NW. Steaming in for Littleton Island. At 12.30 sighted “Thetis” at anchor to NNE of the islands. At 1.10 came to, sending line to “Thetis” and riding astern of her. Lieutenant Colwell and party returned on board from the “Thetis”. At 3.00 got under way following lead of “Thetis” and steamed towards Cape Sabine. Course NE ¼ N (per compass). Set topsail, jib, fore and main topmast staysails.

4pm to 6pm: Weather and wind same. Steaming for Cape Sabine, astern of “Thetis”, under steam and sail. Took in topsail at 5.30, and fore and aft sails shortly after. At close of watch no ice in sight except a small string of loose ice to northward.

6pm to 8pm: Cloudy. Blowing very fresh from W by N. Steaming into Payer Harbor, and at 7.30 came to, making fast to ice flow about ½ mile on port beam of the “Thetis”. Sent two men with Lieutenant Taunt of the “Thetis”, to search Brevoort Island; also Dr Ames and two men to search gully and several islands inshore. Also a party with steam launch, Lieutenant Colwell, Chief Engineer Lowe, Ice Masters Ash and Norman to examine cairn on Cape Sabine.

8pm to midnight: Overcast, gloomy weather. Blowing whole gale with very heavy squalls; gale increasing in force. About 8.00 the party under Lieutenant Taunt discovered a cairn on Brevoort Island containing records of Lieutenant Greely stating that on 26^th October 1883 he established permanent camp half way between Cocked Hat Island and Cape Sabine, having at that time 40 days’ rations. Got under way at once, Commander Schley coming on board this ship. Steam launch in meantime found camp of Lieutenant Greely’s party; landed, finding Lieutenant Greely and six men alive. The remainder of party dead of starvation. Commander Schley and Lieutenant Emory landed at once with surgeon of ship, medical stores and provisions. Ship standing off and on. Willowoughs [presumably williwaws] very heavy latter part of watch. Sergeants Frederick, Long and Ellison, US Signal Corps, of the Greely party came on board.

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23 June 1884

[Payer Harbor,] Camp Clay, Cape Sabine and Littleton Island

Lat 78.77, Long -74.42

Midnight to 4am: Clear and cool. Blowing fresh gale from NNW with very frequent, very heavy squalls. Lying off camp of Lieutenant Greely and communicating by whale boats and steam launch with the shore to bring off survivors of the Greely Expedition, as well as records, relics etc. Latter named articles, as soon as brought on board, were collected and put together, some in main hold and some in cabin. Received on board Sergeants Long, Frederick and Ellison, the first two in a very weak condition; the last having both feet frozen off, as well as the fingers and thumbs of both hands, and he was very weak and much exhausted.

4am to 8am: Overcast and cold. Wind strong from NNW. Lying fast to ice in Payer Harbor all the watch. Last half of watch loose strings of heavy ice streaming to northward along the coast.

8am to meridian: Cloudy and cold. Strong wind from WNW to NW. Barometer falling slowly. At 11.00 cast off from ice, with Lieutenant Sebree, Chief Engineer Melville and two crew from “Thetis” on board to make another search of Camp Clay, and steamed around Cape Sabine for that place.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and cloudy. Blowing whole gale with heavy squalls from WNW. On arriving off the camp, ship stood off and on, and parties in charge of Lieutenant Sebree and Lieutenant Crosby went on shore and made a search through the camp, both the abandoned winter quarters and the ground occupied by the summer camps, for all relics belonging to Lieutenant Greely’s party. The ice showed signs of shutting down on the shore; the party accordingly returned with the relics, and the ship returned to Payer Harbor and made fast to ice near the “Thetis” at 3.45. A complete list of articles brought on board is in the possession of the Commanding Officer.

4pm to 8pm: Partly cloudy. Slight fog from 6.00 to 7.00. Calm and light breeze from WNW. At 4.00 got under way and following “Thetis” steamed out of Payer Harbor and set course for Littleton Island. Set fore and aft sails at 4.45. Shortened sail at 5.00. At 7.40 “Thetis” signaled: “Anchor in 10 or 12 fathoms of water”. Came to at 8.00 in 12 fathoms with starboard anchor and veered to 30 fathoms chain. “Thetis” made fast to small grounded berg.

8pm to midnight: Cloudy and mild. Calm. Sent boat to “Thetis” and brought from her five corpses, numbered 1, 3, 8, 9, and 10. Prepared for burial. Stripped clothing and wrappings from them and prepared them for burial. Hoisted oil tank out of engine room and placed it on forecastle ready to stow bodies in. Several shooting parties away from ship got large numbers of ducks and eggs. Occasional very loose strings of heavy ice passing the island. Open water to seawall. At anchor all the watch. Banked fires.

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24 June 1884

Left Littleton Island to return southward along Greenland coast

Lat 78.32, Long -72.92

Midnight to 4am: Clear, pleasant and calm. Ice in vicinity in small quantity and a few bergs near the shore. Large numbers of ducks and auks seen. Parties of officers and men from this vessel and the “Thetis” engaged in shooting water fowl and gathering eggs, in which they were very successful. Prepared the bodies of five of the late members of the Greely party for storage in large tank.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant first part. Cloudy with light snow last part. Cloudy at end of watch. Light breeze from SE. At 6.30 called all hands up anchor and got under way, following the movement of the “Thetis”. Party of natives from Life Boat Cove [Life Boat Vig] came alongside just as ship was standing out; stopped and communicated with them, giving them several oars, some wood, and a barrel of pemmican. Stood out and took position astern of “Thetis” and followed her to Foulke Fjord, making fast to ice floe at mouth of fjord at 8.00.

8am to meridian: Overcast and mild. Occasional light snow first half. Light airs from SE. At 9.00 received signal from the “Thetis”: “If at any time ships are separated by fog or other cause rendezvous at Upernavik”. Received one quarter of fresh beef from the “Thetis”. Very loose strings of ice coming down from northward. Fast to the ice all the watch. Fires banked.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and cloudy. Passing snow dwyes last two hours. Ice in small pans but of considerable thickness. Clear water to NW. At 2.15 got underway following the “Thetis” and steamed out clear of the ice pans and thence down the coast under easy steam. The large tank having been prepared, five bodies were placed in it and a mixture of alcohol and water to preserve them.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and cloudy. Snowing heavily all the watch. Light breeze from NW increasing in force at end of watch. Under steam alone following in wake of “Thetis”, making a course of NW (per compass). In clear water with occasional strings of pan ice.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and cold; foggy inshore and to northward; light snow first hour. Moderate NNW breeze. Steaming for Northumberland Island in wake of “Thetis”. At 11.00 met loose pack of ice, thick, but rotten and broken into very small pieces, extending several miles to northward of Northumberland Island. Ice getting closer about 1½ miles from shore. At close of watch, forcing way slowly towards pool of water under NW corner of island, in which “Thetis” was made fast to large sheet.

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25 June 1884

Returning south from Littleton Island

Lat 77.27, Long -72.45

Midnight to 4am: Overcast first part of the watch, with mist on northern and eastern horizon and over the land. Steaming through loose pans of heavy ice. At 1.40 stopped steaming, the “Thetis” being near us off port bow. Ice moving through the narrow strait between Hakluyt Island and Northumberland Island to southward and eastward. A large number of bergs aground to northward and westward of the two islands. Got soundings in 26 fathoms; afterwards in 2? [partially obscured] fathoms.

4am to 8am: A fine pleasant morning with a few light clouds overhead. Light airs from E. Lying in the ice about 200 yards on flagship’s starboard quarter. Hakluyt Island NNW, distant about 1 league.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Calm and light breeze from NE and SE. At 9,00 “Thetis” started ahead and at 9.15 this ship got underway and began working way through loose ice towards open water to westward. At 10.00 reached clear water and waited for “Thetis”. “Thetis” signaled: “Follow to Cape Parry”, then “Come within hail”. Received instructions in regard to record to be left at Cape Parry, and then “Thetis” signaled: “Ships will separate. If you can advance, do so”. Went ahead, “Thetis” following. At noon, no leads to island, made fast to ice floe. “Thetis” 200 yards inshore.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy and overcast. Light SE airs first half, NE by E last half of watch. At 3.30, bar ahead showing signs of slacking, “Thetis” cast off and rammed at it. Cast off at 3.50 to help “Thetis” and rammed through into narrow lead along Northumberland Island and extending towards Cape Parry.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NE by E. Steaming in wake of “Thetis”. Ice in large floes with broken ice and bars in the leads between floes. At 5.45 “Thetis” made fast to floe. flagship gave permission and we swung ship under steam for compass deviation. “Thetis” afterwards did same. At 7.20 got underway and steamed in wake of “Thetis” through leads towards Cape Parry. Numbers of little auks and several seals were seen.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from W shifting to SE, then NE. Steaming to southward following “Thetis” for Cape Parry. At 10.40 made fast to floe and “Thetis” sent party ashore to leave record at Cape Parry. Awaiting return of party at end of watch.

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26 June 1884

Returning south from Littleton Island

Lat 76.49, Long -69.71

Midnight to 4am: Clear, bright and pleasant. Gentle to light SSE breeze. Steaming in wake of “Thetis” for Wolstenholme Island. At 1.30 off Fitz Clarence Rock, met and exchanged colors with British whaling steamers

“Jan Mayen” [Jan Maen in log-book], “Esquimaux”, “Narwhal”, “Nova Zembla” and “Cornwallis” steaming to northward. Stopped while “Esquimaux” communicated with “Thetis”, “Jan Mayen” with this ship. The master of latter came on board and left letters to be taken home. He reports “Alert” had not arrived at Upernavik by June 11. At 3.00 met loose pack of rotten ice off Wolstenholme Island. During rest of watch, following water lanes through it for Wolstenholme Island.

4am to 8am: Light breeze from NE and fine weather. Steaming in wake of “Thetis” among loose ice. Passed a large glacier sparkling in the sun as far as the eye could see. Ship heading about NW by standard compass. At 8.00 passing inside of Dalrymple Rock [Iganaq], about one mile distant. Several small icebergs aground about the islands.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant weather. Moderate breeze from NE and E. Steaming in wake of “Thetis”. At 9.45 made fast to sheet of ice between Saunders Island and Wolstenholme Island. Bearings from moorings per standard compass: ship’s head W ¼ N, SW end Saunders Island S ¾ W, Cape Atholl NW x W ½ W, NW end of Wolstenholme Island N x W ½ W. Open waters with a few pans of rotten ice and small bergs between the two islands. Commanding Officer visited “Thetis”.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from NE. Lying in ice floe on port beam of “Thetis”. A number of natives with four dog teams visited the ship. Carpenter engaged in fitting new spoke to steering wheel.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Hazy to seaward. Moderate to light NE breeze. At 5.00 shifted berth and forced a ship’s length into fast ice to avoid the loose ice moving to southward and eastward with wind and tide. At 7.30 cast off and followed the “Thetis” to southward between Wolstenholme Island and mainland. Ice very loose and rotten. Position at 8.00 (per compass) Cape Atholl S80°W, southern end of Wolstenholme Island N23°E, ship’s head NW by W ½ W.

8pm to midnight: Partly cloudy but pleasant weather. Gentle to moderate breeze from ENE hauling to NW. Steaming in wake of “Thetis” towards Conical Island. Ice in large floes with open leads of water, and occasional bars of broken ice. At 9.30 butted through large sheet breaking it up so as to allow “Thetis” to get out. “Thetis” made fast to large berg at 11.00. At midnight Cape Parry bore (per standard compass) ESE ¼ E, Conical Island W ½ S, ship’s head NW by W.

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27 June 1884

Returning south from Littleton Island

Lat 75.97, Long -68.00 [Longitude 69°W in log-book]

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy weather, foggy over the land. Light breeze from NW. Steaming to southward following the “Thetis”. At 12.25 came to, making fast to a berg about ½ mile to southward of the “Thetis”. At 1.30 “Thetis” got under way and securing line to their ship, lay under our quarter. At 3.20 our anchor came home. Cast off “Thetis’s” line and both vessels got under way, and steaming into large floe of soft ice, came to, banked fires.” Conical Rock bore SSE (per compass), ship’s head NW ½ N, distant about 5 miles.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from NW. The “Thetis” got underway at 4.50, followed by this vessel, bound to Conical Rock. At 6.00, while forcing way through between two large floes, Hans the Esquimeau jumped over the side and ran towards the glacier about two miles distant. Started with the ship full speed to head him off. Steamed as far as we could and sent two men in chase who, being fresh, soon overtook him and brought him alongside. During the chase one man fell through the ice up to his neck but with the assistance of his chum was soon out. Hans could give no explanation of his conduct and when brought on board was placed in single irons for safe keeping. At 8.00 both ships made fast to a floe ¼ mile on NW side of Conical Rock.

8am to meridian: Cloudy and mild; hazy to southward. Fog over the land towards close of watch. Wind gentle to light from NW. At 9.50 cast off and followed “Thetis” outside Conical Rock towards Cape York, following edge of fast ice, about three miles off shore. Sent carpenter’s mate to “Thetis” before getting under way, to assist in repairing her head booms.

Meridian to 4pm: Partly cloudy. Misty on southern horizon. Steaming in wake of “Thetis” through leads in the ice, with a few bars of sheet ice and loose ice at intervals. Steering general course along the coast in wake of the “Thetis”. Large number of ice bergs in sight at end of watch and land ahead and on port bow. White mist over the sheet ice, the bergs and the land.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and foggy. Thick fog from 6.00 to 7.00; passing snow dwyes. Steaming in wake of the “Thetis” to southward in large lanes and through occasional ice bars. At end of watch Bushnan Island bore on port beam, distant about 2 miles.

8pm to midnight: Overcast. Thick snow at intervals throughout the watch. Light WSW breeze. Stopped at 8.30 to take on board carpenter’s mate returned from “Thetis”. At 9.15 came to solid unbroken ice. Unable to see any lanes in it. Made fast to ice alongside the “Thetis”. Banked fires.

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28 June 1884

Returning south through Melville Bay

Lat 75.48, Long -64.92

Midnight to 4am: Partly cloudy. Gentle airs from SW. Passing snow dwyes between 2.00 and 3.00. Foggy first half. At 2.00 fog lifted showing Bushnan Island on port quarter and Cape York on starboard quarter. Ship fast to floe near “Thetis”. No change in ice conditions.

4am to 8am: Fresh breeze from WSW and sky overcast, attended with snow dwyes throughout the watch. Both ships fast to the ice.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cloudy, clearing slightly at end of watch. Light breeze from WSW. Passing snow dwyes. At 9.00 cast off from floe and following lead of “Thetis” steered to southward and westward. Course (per compass) NW (about). Set up for topgallant rigging. Holystoned poop.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and cold. Snowing heavily at intervals. Moderate S breeze. Met solid bar of heavy ice at 1.00 and made fast near “Thetis”. Banked fires. Holystoned decks.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and cloudy. Passing snow dwyes. Moderate breeze from S to S by E. Ship fast to ice floe. No change in ice conditions.

8pm to midnight: Cloudy weather. Light breeze from S by E. Ice same as previous watch. Made fast to floe awaiting opening.

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29 June 1884

Returning south through Melville Bay

Lat 75.38, Long -63.82

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy and cool. Light SE to SSE breeze. Fast to the ice. Fires banked all the watch.

4am to 8am: Light breeze from SSE to S. At 6.30 the “Thetis” cast off from the floe and worked to southward. We cast off and followed her. At 8.00 we were butting at a tight bar, each ship taking turn about.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Gentle airs from S, ESE and SW. Steaming in wake of “Thetis”. During first half of watch butting heavy pans of ice. Afterwards steaming through open leads with occasional bars of loose pans. Ice in heavy floes. Coast in plain sight on port quarter and beam. At 10.30 Executive Officer read divine service.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from eastward. Steaming through loose ice and short leads in a general easterly direction. At 3.00 came to a heavy bar and began butting on port beam of “Thetis”. Last hour of watch engaged in ramming at bar.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Light NE breeze, veering to W last hour. Broke through bar at 5.00 into broad lane of clear water. Followed “Thetis” at full speed, keeping the edge of the fast ice around the curve of Melville Bay. At 8.00 off Melville Monument [Usuussarsuaq].

8pm to midnight: Clear, pleasant weather. Gentle westerly breeze. Steaming in wake of “Thetis”. From 8.00 to 10.30 steaming forward and backward among loose pans of heavy ice, meeting at last a bar of closely packed pans. Both ships were backed out and at 10.30 entered a lead closer in to the coast. At 11.35 this lead was found closed in the direction of our course. Made fast to ice following motions of the “Thetis”. Bearings from mooring: ship’s head NW by W ¼ W, Melville Monument S by E, peaked hill E ¾ S, Cape Walker SE by S ¾ S.

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30 June 1884

Returning south through Melville Bay

Lat 74.85, Long -59.23

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Calm and light airs from westward, shifting last two hours to SSE. At 3.10 got underway, following "Thetis," and steamed to the southward in broad water lanes.

4am to 8am: Light variable airs and fine clear weather. Butted through a light nip about 5.00, and since, we have had a fine clear lead along the floe throughout the watch.

8am to meridian: Clear, mild and pleasant. Light W breeze first half, E last half of watch. Steaming full speed to southward in wake of “Thetis,” following edge of fast ice. At 11.00 met a narrow bar of heavy ice; ramming to get through it remainder of watch. Sent carpenter’s mate to “Thetis” in obedience to signal to assist repairing her rudder, sprung during forenoon.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Gentle westerly breeze. Steaming in wake of “Thetis”. At 2.00 the “Thetis” stopped to lash her rudder temporarily. This ship was also stopped [and] PA Surgeon Green came aboard to confer with Medical Officer of this ship. At 3.00 went ahead, steaming in wake of “Thetis”. At 3.55 The “Thetis” made signal “Alert and “Loch Garry” in sight”. Ice conditions unchanged.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from westward. Steaming through broad water lanes and narrow bars in SW direction and towards “Alert” and “Loch Garry.” At 7.00 forced way through slight bar and stopped to communicate with “Thetis” and receive mail. At 7.15 went ahead again following “Thetis” and followed by “Alert” and “Loch Garry” in order named. Thick fog coming on, came to at 7.50 on the starboard beam of “Thetis”, “Alert” and “Loch Garry” to starboard of this ship.

8pm to midnight: Cloudy and mild. Foggy at intervals. Light W breeze. Fog lifting at 10.10, all vessels cast off and followed “Thetis” through wide leads to southward. Fog shut down thick at 11.00. All vessels made fast close together to same sheet. Banked fires.

LOGS FOR JULY 1884

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1 July 1884

Returning south through Melville Bay

Lat 74.23, Long -57.00

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant overhead. Foggy on horizon and over the land. Calm and light SW airs. Ice conditions unchanged. Ice slowly moving to SW. At 2.00 hauled half a ship’s length astern to allow “Thetis” to drop down clear of a large floe on her port bow.

4am to 8am: Light airs and calms, and pleasant weather. The four ships made fast to a large floe in line 150 yards apart. At 7.00, the ice opening up southward of us, the flagship made signal to the fleet to get underway. We cast off and moved south, the fleet following in order, “Bear”, “Alert” and “Loch Garry.”

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant first hour; thick and foggy last three hours. Light breeze from SW. Steaming in wake of the “Thetis”, and followed by the “Alert” and “Loch Garry”, in a general SW (per compass) direction. The lead closing astern of the “Alert”, and “Loch Garry” not being able to work through, received verbal orders to break a way for her. Went about and broke a way for her. “Thetis” signaled “Position astern of “Loch Garry””. Fleet went ahead, “Thetis”, “Loch Garry”, “Bear”, “Alert” in order named. Fog settling down thick, came to at 10.45 making fast to floe on port side of the “Thetis”. “Alert” made fast at 11.00 on our port beam, “Loch Garry” on starboard beam of “Thetis”. At 11.30 “Thetis” signalled: “In fog the signal for each ship will be the initial letter of her name, for “Thetis”, F”. Repeated signal to “Alert”.

Meridian to 4pm: Foggy and mild, clear overhead. Light variable airs. Fast to the ice. Fires banked.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant overhead and over the land. Low fog bank on NW horizon. At 4.25 got underway following the motions of the flagship. In obedience to Senior Officer took position next to “Thetis”, “Loch Garry” next to us and “Alert” last. Steaming in line ahead. At 4.50 a bar formed by large floes blocked the passage. “Thetis” rammed through it and the other ships followed. Shortly afterwards a similar bar was encountered. The ships passed through except the “Alert”. After steaming a short distance towards open water, the “Thetis” followed by this ship returned and breaking up the floes, made a way for the “Alert”. At 7.15 entered a large lead opening into broad open water extending along the land to southward of Horse Head [Island]. The “Thetis” leading, “Loch Garry” next, “Bear” next, and “Alert” last in line. The “Alert” set topsails at 7.35 in obedience to signal from flagship.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from N shifting to SE. At end of watch steaming in wake of “Thetis” and “Loch Garry” in open water and through occasional strings of rotten ice in a general westerly (per compass) direction.

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2 July 1884

Arrived at Upernavik, Greenland

Lat 72.79, Long -56.15

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Light E to E by S breeze. Steaming half speed to southward in wake of “Thetis” and “Loch Garry”. Passed through several strings of very soft rotten ice first half. Clear water, many bergs and lumps remainder of watch. At 3.00, while steaming slow directly in wake of “Thetis” inside of Berry Island, struck a rock and hung remainder of watch; 2 fathoms water abreast starboard fore rigging, 4 fathoms along port side, and 7 fathoms over stern. Gave a hawser to the “Alert” and took one from the “Thetis”. Parted both hawsers. Working engines full speed ahead and back till close of watch. Tide rising.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant weather. Gentle to moderate breeze between E x S and E x N. Barometer falling. Got clear of rocks at 5.00 and started to southward in wake of “Thetis” and “Loch Garry”. At 6.20 stopped, and “Alert” and “Loch Garry” communicated with “Thetis” and parted company with the fleet with orders to proceed to Disko. At 6.45 the “Thetis” followed by this vessel, went ahead and stood in for Upernavik. Locality of rocks which we struck, one (1) mile ESE from Berry Island. At 8.00 abreast of Kingigtuarssuk Island, passing to eastward of it. Ship’s draft 14 feet 11 inches forward and 17 feet aft.

8am to meridian: Clear warm and pleasant. Barometer rising. Gentle breeze from E by N, hauling to NW by N and considerably increasing in force. At 11.00 came to anchor in Upernavik Harbor in 16 fathoms water and veered to 45 fathoms chain. Dragged anchor somewhat when “Thetis” made fast to our stern. Sent steam launch with an officer and working party on shore to bring off coal left by “Loch Garry”.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy weather. Blowing fresh from NW with frequent very stiff squalls. At 1.00 anchor commenced dragging. Spread fires and backed clear of land and hove up starboard anchor. At 3.30 made fast to grounded berg on port beam of “Thetis”. Working party ashore loading coal lighter.

4pm to 8pm: Weather and wind same. Berg parted at 4.30. Cast off and steamed to weather side of harbor letting go starboard anchor in 12 fathoms water, 60 fathoms chain, veering to 75 fathoms at 7.45. Steam launch towed off lighter with coal in bags. Discharged lighter; 140 bags. Hoisted launch and secured lighter astern. Small berg to which “Thetis” was fast partially capsized at 6.30, necessitating her casting off. She steamed to weather side of harbor and anchored ahead, close aboard. Governor Elberg visited the ship.

8pm to midnight: Overcast. Blowing very fresh from NW to WNW with frequent heavy wind squalls. At 8.30 “Thetis” commenced dragging down towards this ship. We veered to 90 fathoms on starboard chain and kept clear of her. She slipped her port chain and took up a new berth astern of us. Wind considerably lessened latter part of watch. Governor of Upernavik came on board and paid a visit to the ship. Hans Hansen, Esquimeau, left the ship. No ice in harbor and only a few bergs in sight.

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3 July 1884

Upernavik, Greenland, and at sea

Lat 72.79, Long -56.15

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy weather. Light fall of snow first hour. Gentle breeze from WNW first two hours, falling calm at end of watch. At 2.30 began to swing to ebb.

4am to 8am: Calm pleasant weather. Getting coal on board from shore; 133 bags put in bunkers.

8am to meridian: Cloudy and mild; clearing towards close of watch. Light E to NNE breeze. Coaling ship with lighter and steam launch, natives and crew assisting on shore. Received 472 bags during watch.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant weather. Gentle breeze from NNE and ENE. Engaged coaling ship. Large lighter and steam launch with ten Esquimeau and working party from this ship. Received 75 bags coal, and at end of watch remainder of coal was brought alongside. Commanding Officer visited “Thetis”. A number of ice bergs in sight.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from NNE. Engaged in coaling ship. At 6.15 finished coaling and prepared to get under way. Received on board one whale boat belonging to the Governor of Upernavik to take to Disko. At 6.30 hoisted steam launch, and at 6.45 got under way following “Thetis” and steamed out of the harbor.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and mild. Fresh NE breeze. Steaming W ½ N (per compass) in wake of “Thetis”, half speed last hour. Many small bergs; no ice. Patent log read 105 at close of watch. Secured for sea and got all coal off the deck into the bunkers.

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4 July 1884

At sea, Upernavik to Godhavn, Greenland

Lat 70.82, Long -55.90

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy. Misty on horizon and over the land. Mist shut down between 2.00 and 3.00 and afterwards lightened up. Steaming in wake of “Thetis” making course W ½ N x W. Gentle breeze from NE x NW. A number of large ice bergs in sight during watch.

4am to 8am: Moderate breeze from NW. Overcast with occasional snow showers. Cannot make out the land plainly, and steaming steadily about ½ mile astern of the “Thetis”. Passing an occasional ice berg.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cloudy. Snowing during all of watch, very heavily at times. Steaming in wake of “Thetis”. General course W ½ N. At noon dressed ship. Numerous ice bergs in sight.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast, cool and misty. Snowing till last hour. Clearing towards close of watch. Mist lifting showed coast of Disko Island on port bow and beam. Moderate NW breeze. Sea smooth. Steering course W ½ S to W x S (per compass) in wake of “Thetis” under easy steam. Passing occasional bergs of moderate size.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and cloudy. Misty over the land and to southward last hour. Moderate breeze from WNW. Under steam alone following the “Thetis”. A number of ice bergs in sight.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and cloudy. Snowing first half of watch. Steering to southward for Godhavn in wake of the “Thetis”. At midnight opposite mouth of Disko Fjord, distant about 3 miles.

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5 July 1884

Godhavn, Greenland

Lat 69.25, Long -53.56

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy and cool. Clearing last hour. Gentle SW breeze, slight swell from same direction. Steaming for Godhavn in wake of “Thetis”. At 3.55 came to in the harbor, port anchor, 7 fathoms water, veering to 40 fathoms chain. “Alert” and “Loch Garry” at anchor in the harbor.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from SW. Made fast a line to the shore and moored ship stern to. Flagship anchored on our port bow with lines to N side of the harbor.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant weather. Gentle breeze from SE by E x SE. “Loch Garry” hauled alongside the “Thetis”. A number of natives came off to visit the ships. The Inspector of North Greenland and the Governor of Godhavn visited the ship. The Commanding Officer visited the “Thetis”. The surgeons of the “Thetis” and the “Alert” came aboard and assisted the surgeon of this ship in operating on Sergeant Ellison, US Signal Corps.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from SE shifting to NW at end of watch. Hove in to 30 fathoms on port chain and sent on shore from starboard bow, steel hawser and light kedge. Also another line from port quarter.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Gentle NW to W breeze. Hauled fires at 7.30.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from W by N. Liberty party of men permitted to go ashore.

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6 July 1884

Godhavn, Greenland

Lat 69.25, Long -53.56

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy weather. Foggy at intervals. Light breeze from W. At 1.30 sent boat for PA Surgeon Green for consultation in case of Sergeant Ellison.

4am to 8am: Calm and pleasant. Partly cloudy. A light strip of fog lying around the mountains.

8am to meridian: Cloudy and pleasant. Light N by W breeze. Read prayers at 10.00.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant weather. Moderate breeze from NW. Liberty party of men were allowed to go ashore.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from NW x WNW.

8pm to midnight: Clear and cool, clouding last half. Wind in moderate squalls from NW.

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7 July 1884

Godhavn, Greenland

Lat 69.25, Long -53.56

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NW.

4am to 8am: Light breeze from NW, sky overcast. Opened the tank and took out the remains of Frederik Jansen, Esquimau, late of the Greely party, previous to interment. Sent down propeller purchase and gear and moved the spanker boom into place.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from SE. Engaged in sending below and stowing boat provisions. At 11.00 sent ashore the following stores turned over to the Inspector of North Greenland by order of the Commander in Chief: 2 half bbls [barrels] pork, 2 hams, 1 dozen cans head cheese, 2 half bbls sauerkraut,

2 half bbls beef , 1 box tea, 1 box canned corn beef, 2 half bbls sugar, 2 half bbls flour, 2 kegs apple butter, 1 box canned vegetables (assorted), 2 bags salt, 1 keg molasses, 1 box canned coups, 1 half bbl beans, 2 cans coffee, 1 half bbl rice, 1 box butter, 1 box canned fried potatoes, 20 lbs cheese, 2 half bbls bacon, 1 dozen cans sausage meat, 1 box canned spiced beef.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy and pleasant. Light SE airs first half, NW breeze last half of watch. The body of Frederik Jansen, Esquimau, member of Lieutenant Greely’s party, brought from Cape Sabine by this ship, was landed for burial at 2.45. The funeral procession consisted of two boats from this ship, and one each from the “Thetis” and “Alert”, carrying the Commanding Officers and a detail of officers and men from each ship. Made preparations for receiving the “Loch Garry” alongside. Finished stowing below provisions etc carried on deck.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NW. Funeral party returned to the ship. Commenced coaling from “Loch Garry”. Received up to 8.00 242 bags of coal which was stowed in the bunkers. Draft of ship before commencing to coal 14 feet 10 inches fore and 14 feet 2 inches aft.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from NW. Barometer fell to 30.12.

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8 July 1884

At Godhavn, Greenland

Lat 69.25, Long -53.56

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy, mild and damp; fog over hills. Light NW airs. Joseph Ellison (Corporal, 10th US Infantry), member of Lieutenant Greely's party, received at Cape Sabine, died at 3.30.

4am to 8am: Overcast and dull. Light airs and calms. Fog lying on the mountains. Called all hands at 4.30. Commenced coaling at 5.00. Took on board 425 bags.

8am to meridian: Overcast and misty on horizon first part; afterwards partly clear. Gentle breeze from SSE and NW. At 10.00 sent relics of Greely's Expedition, received on board from camp near Cape Sabin, aboard the “Thetis”. Prepared the body of J Ellison, of the Greely party, to be placed in alcohol in the tank. Finished coaling ship, having received in all 1000 bags coal. The “Loch Garry” hauled out to an anchor astern of the “Alert”.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from WNW. At 12.30 “Thetis” signalled: “At 1.30 all officers repair on board; leave ice pilot in charge”. All officers went on board at 1.30 in obedience to signal. Engaged in stowing bagged coal in main hold. Hoisted port boats, got topgallant yard ready to go aloft, and made preparations for sea.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Light WNW breeze. Swung ship half around for deviation. Took in steel hawser and kedge from starboard bow and one stern line.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from WNW. Ship remoored with two stern lines, one fast to rocks and one to kedge on rocks. Port anchor down as before, no lines forward. At 9.30 “Thetis” made signal (International Code): DRQJ-FBKH-CKFL-CFLN-WVH [I’m going to sail – tomorrow morning – at – si – x]. Answered.

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9 July 1884

At sea, making passage to St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 68.62, Long -53.79

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Light fog hanging along edge of cliff to northward. At noon started fires under main boiler.

4am to 8am: Cloudy weather. Light breeze from WNW, veering to SSW last hour. At 6.00 cast off all lines and hove up anchor. At 6.30 all the fleet stood out of the harbor. At 7.00 took our station, 3 cables length on port quarter of the “Thetis” and put over patent log reading 87.5. Beacon S (per compass), distant one mile, ship’s head W. Two salutes of three guns each were fired on shore as the fleet left the harbor.

8am to meridian: Cloudy and mild. Light SSE breeze. Steering course (per compass) W ¾ N to WNW. Keeping on port quarter of “Thetis”, 3 cables distant. Crew cleaning decks. At noon patent log read 122.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant weather. Hazy last two hours on northern and western horizon. Moderate breeze from SSE. Under steam alone. Keeping position on port quarter of “Thetis”. Slowed down twice during watch, each time for 30 minutes to allow “Loch Garry” and “Alert” to come up to their position, “Thetis”, “Alert”, and “Loch Garry” having all their fore and aft sails set. “Alert” set topsails at 1.40. At 1.00 signalled latitude and longitude to “Thetis” by Myer’s Code. At 1.30 “Thetis” signalled (International Code): FMC [68° latitude], Alert GWH [36’’], Loch Garry GWC [33’], Thetis FMC-GWF-FRD-GTH [68° 35’ latitude – 54° 4’ longitude]. (Answered). At 3.30 “Thetis” signalled to this ship, Myer’s Code: “At 5 we will swing ship for deviation.” Passed several small ice bergs during watch. On one of them great numbers of tick louses [?]. The Greenland coast in sight along port beam and on port bow. At 3.30 sighted from crow’s nest off port beam, distant about 3 miles, [obscured] rocks.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from SSE. Steaming on port quarter of flagship making course about W ¼ N (per compass). At 5.10 slowed down and swung ship, “Thetis” doing same. At 5.50 went ahead again, slowing down again. At 8.00 awaiting “Thetis” to take her position ahead.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Moderate to gentle E breeze. Sea smooth. Steaming slow until 9.00, waiting for “Thetis” to close up, when took position on her port quarter steaming W to W ¼ N course. Sun on the horizon at midnight. Patent log read 206.5.

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10 July 1884

At sea making passage to St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 65.52, Long -55.22

Midnight to 4am: Clear overhead, hazy on horizon. Moderate breeze from E x ENE. Smooth sea. No ice in sight. Greenland coast in sight along port beam and on port bow. Under steam alone. Keeping position on “Thetis’s” port quarter, and regulating our speed by that of flagship. At 2.20 sighted a brig on port bow, standing in for the land on port tack. At 3.30 lost sight of her in haze under the land.

4am to 8am: Light breeze from ENE and fine weather, with a cloudless sky and water perfectly smooth. Ships all keeping their proper positions.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from ENE, shifting to NNE. Steaming on port quarter of “Thetis” making course of W by S. Greenland coast in sight on port hand. “Thetis” signalled: “Have all expendables and provisions and clothing ready to accompany report upon our arrival in NY”.

Meridian to 4pm: Weather, wind, course and position same. Exchanged latitude and longitude signals with “Thetis” at 1.00. At 4.00 patent log read 324.

4pm to 8pm: Clear overhead and pleasant. Light haze on horizon. Gentle breeze from eastward. Smooth sea. Under steam alone, keeping position on port quarter of “Thetis” and regulating speed by her. Passed several small ice bergs latter part of watch. About 7.30 lost sight of Greenland coast off port quarter. At 7.45 “Thetis” signalled: FRG [55° longitude]. Received.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Light NE breeze. Under steam alone, on port quarter of “Thetis”.

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11 July 1884

At sea making passage to St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 62.28, Long -55.37

Variation [of compass] not reliable. Deviation changing very rapidly and, for these results, is from changes farther north and by comparison today with “Thetis”.

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Light E breeze. Sea smooth. Steaming E by S (per compass). In position on port quarter of “Thetis”. At 4.00 patent log read 413.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from E by S. Smooth sea. Ships all in position. Passed an iceberg close by at 5.00.

8am to meridian: Clear, pleasant weather. Gentle breeze variable in direction. Smooth sea. Under steam alone. Keeping position on port quarter of flagship, regulating speed by her. At 9.20 flagship made signal (International Code) BPV CRKS CQJM KCP FCS [Report daily consumed coal at meridian]. Answered. At meridian made signal to flagship CQJM KCP VWQ VQB [Consumed coal 9 tons]. Answered. Flagship made signal VWP VSW [8½].

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from W. Steaming on port quarter of “Thetis”, under steam alone. At 1.00 made signal FLR GVC FRG GVK [62° 17’ latitude, 55° 22’ longitude]. “Thetis” made FLR GVB FRG GTP [62° 16’ latitude, 55° 10’ longitude] also DV FBQR [S½E True]. At 1.45 by Army Code “Thetis” signalled: “Repeat your minutes of latitude”; answered “Seventeen”.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Light W breeze. Sea smooth. Course SW x W ¾ W, in position on port quarter of “Thetis”. “Thetis” stopped at 6.30 and went ahead at 7.05, other vessels following motions. “Thetis” at 4.30 made signal CVHM KLV DPML [Exercising fire quarters]. At 4.45 exercised at fire quarters. At close of watch patent log read 522.2 knots.

8pm to midnight: Clear, pleasant weather. Cirrus and stratus clouds. Gentle breeze from westward. Smooth sea. Under steam alone. Course SW by W ½ W (per compass). Keeping position on port quarter of flagship and regulating speed by her. Bright moonlight. No ice in sight.

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12 July 1884

At sea making passage to St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 59.32, Long -54.80

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant; slight haze on horizon. Steering on port side of “Thetis”. Course SW by W ½ W. Sun rose at 2.30.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from SW x S (per compass). Barometer falling. Smooth sea and light swell from SSW.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Light S x W breeze. Slight swell from southward to westward; pitching easily. Course and position same. Patent log read 628.2 knots at noon.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant weather. Moderate breeze from SW. Long swell from SW. Under steam alone. Course SW by W ½ W. Regulating speed by flagship and keeping position on her port quarter. At noon made signal (International Code) FLN GVF FRD HBC [59° 19’ latitude, 54° 48’ longitude]. “Alert” made FLN GVN GWQ [59° 25’ latitude, 54° 43’ longitude; FRD code for 54 is missing]. “Loch Garry” made FLN GVJ FRG GTB [59° 21’ latitude, 55° 0’ longitude. HTB in log-book was probably an error]. “Thetis” made FLN GVF FRD GWP [59° 19’ latitude, 54° 42’ longitude]: DV FBQR [S½E True].

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Light S x W. breeze. Under steam alone in position on port quarter of “Thetis”.

8pm to midnight: Weather, wind, sea, course, and position same. Moon rose at 10.00. Fine display of Aurora Borealis last hour. Patent log read 702 knots at midnight.

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13 July 1884

At sea making passage to St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 56.57, Long -54.38

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from SSW. Smooth sea. Bright moonlight. Under steam alone, regulating speed by the flagship and keeping position on her port quarter.

4am to 8am: Light breeze and fine weather with a clear sky. Smooth sea. All ships in position. Flagship leading by about three (3) cables length. Nothing of note during watch.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Light S by W breeze. Under steam alone. At noon signalled coal report: 8 tons.

Meridian to 4pm: Weather, sea, course, and position same. Wind light to moderate from southward. Set all fore and aft sail except gaff topsails at 2.30. Signalled to “Thetis” at 12.05 VWP [8]. At 1.00 FLJ GWD FRD GVK [56° 34' latitude, 54° 22' longitude. FTJ in log-book is probably an error]. From “Thetis” at 12.10 VWP VTK [8¼] at 1.15. FLJ GWD FRD GVC; DV FBQR [56° 34' latitude, 54° 17' longitude; S½E True]. At 4.00 patent log read 805.1 knots.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from S. Smooth sea. Under steam and sail regulating speed by flagship. At 4.30 flagship made signal (International Code) DPWC BQWV VMB BWC CHBV DQVR DLMW CVJN QHP BNC FCJD DGPL DWSV RDG QHN CVFH [Reaching St John’s Harbor, no news about result of expedition to be communicated until further orders. Issuing these instructions to everybody]. Answered. At 5.45 changed course WSW (per compass).

8pm to midnight: Overcast and cloudy. Light breeze from SW. Fog set in thick last hour of watch. Slowed down to half speed with “Thetis” and sounded fog whistle. Took in all fore and aft sail but fore trysail.

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14 July 1884

At sea making passage to St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 54.07, Long -53.82

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cold, thick wet fog. Moderate southerly breeze. Sea smooth. In position on port quarter of “Thetis”. Took in fore trysail at 1.00. Steaming slowly. At 2.00 passed close by a small iceberg. Patent log read 875.5 at 4.00.

4am to 8am: Fresh breeze, cloudy weather and very thick fog. Engines going slowly. Fog whistle kept going. Sea smooth. Latter part of watch clearing a little; going half speed.

8am to meridian: Thick fog during first hour and half, afterwards fog lightened up last hour, sun visible at intervals. Breeze fresh from S x E. At 9.30 set fore trysail. Regulating speed so as to keep position on port quarter of flagship. At noon made signal to flagship (International Code) VWN VQB [7 tons]; “Alert” made VWD VWN [7?. Codes are inverted in log-book]; “Loch Garry” made VWM VSW [6½]. “Thetis” made VWP [8]. Passed several icebergs of moderate size.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy weather. Light SSE breeze and light SE swell. Under steam and fore trysail.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and cool. Misty horizon. Moderate to gentle SSE breeze. Sea smooth. Course SW ¾ W. Position same. Passed several distant icebergs during watch. Patent log read 967.5 knots at 8.00.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and misty on horizon last hour. Breeze moderate from SSE. Smooth sea. Under steam and fore trysail. Regulating speed by flagship and keeping in position on her port quarter. Passed several icebergs during first part of watch.

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15 July 1884

At sea making passage to St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 51.04, Long -53.33

Midnight to 4am: Overcast, cloudy and misty. At intervals slightly foggy. Light breeze from SSE. At 1.00 slowed down with “Thetis” to enable “Alert” to take position. Under steam and fore trysail.

4am to 8am: Weather overcast, foggy and threatening. Moderate breeze from SE. Barometer falling. Moderate swell setting to westward. Making course SSW ¾ W. Vessels in position.

8am to meridian: Overcast and misty. Moderate SE breeze. Moderate swell from eastward. Course SSW ¾ W. Position same. Patent log read 1079.2 knots at noon. Passed a large iceberg to westward at 10.00.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast. Fresh to strong SE breeze increasing in force. Barometer falling. At 12.30 set jib, fore and main topmast staysails and mainsail. Regulating speed by the flagship. At 1.30 a moderate sea running. “Loch Garry” cast off from “Alert”; the latter vessel took her position on starboard quarter of flagship, “Loch Garry” astern of “Thetis”. “Alert” made all square sail but made so much leeway she had to take it in and take her position under fore and aft sail. Slowed down last half to let her come up. Several icebergs were sighted.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast and cloudy. Blowing very fresh from SE, increasing to moderate gale. Steaming at half speed on port quarter of “Thetis”. At 5.00 took in jib and put two (2) reefs in mainsail. Frequent rain squalls.

8pm to midnight: Overcast, rainy and misty. Stiff SE x E breeze. Moderate sea, pitching and rolling easily. Course SxE (per compass). In position on port quarter of “Thetis”. Lost sight of “Alert’s” light at 10.30 starboard quarter. Patent log read 1136 knots at close of watch. Took in fore topmast staysail at 10.00.

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16 July 1884

At sea making passage to St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 49.32, Long -52.32

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and thick fog. Moderate breeze increasing in force. “Alert” not in sight or signal distance during watch. Regulating speed by flagship and keeping position on her port quarter. Under steam alone. Took in fore trysail and mainsail at 2.00 as they were no longer of use as steadying sails.

4am to 8am: Overcast with thick fog and light breeze. Engines going slow. Flagship’s whistle sounding every five minutes, this ship and “Loch Garry” answering. Nothing heard or seen of the “Alert” supposed to be astern.

8am to meridian: Overcast and foggy, clearing at end of watch. Sounding fog whistle and steaming slow. “Alert” not in sight. Under steam alone.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy and mild and foggy around horizon. Closing in thick occasionally. Moderate SE breeze and sea. Pitching easily. Course SW x S (per compass). Passed two ice bergs during watch. Exchanged latitude and longitude signals with “Thetis” at 1.00 and received a course S (true). Patent log at close of watch read 1208 knots.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant weather. Foggy on horizon. Steaming along on port quarter of “Thetis”, “Loch Garry” on starboard quarter. At 5.00 called all hands to muster and read following order: “Upon the arrival of the Greely Relief Expedition at John’s NF, it is ordered that there shall not be any communication with the shore or persons outside the Expedition until the result of the cruise has been sent to the Hon Sec of the Navy. By order of WS Schley, Commander.”

8pm to midnight: Cloudy weather and foggy at times. Light to moderate breeze from SW. Under steam alone. In position on port quarter of “Thetis”. At 10.15 signalled to “Thetis”. Bacalhoo Light [Baccalieu Island Lighthouse] in sight bearing SW x W (true).

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17 July 1884

At sea making passage to St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.567, Long -52.702

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy; foggy horizon first half of watch, last half fog. Gentle SW breeze and swell. Lying with other two ships, engines stopped in obedience to signal, from 2.30 to 3.45. Going ahead at close of watch on course and in position. Patent log read 1267.3 knots at 4.00.

4am to 8am: Overcast and foggy. Light breeze from S. Following the “Thetis” and standing in for St John’s harbor. Sighted land above the fog at 6.00 ahead and on both bows. Afterwards fog shut down thick and at 7.30 all the vessels stopped. Lying to at end of watch waiting for the fog to lift.

8am to meridian: Thick fog until inside of harbor. Breeze light from S hauling to ESE when the harbor was reached. Steaming slowly in wake of flagship, “Loch Garry” following. At 8.10 stopped engines, fog very thick. At 8.35 went ahead slowly in same order as before into St John’s harbor. At 10.20 moored ship in 16 fathoms water, 45 fathoms on starboard chain, 25 on port chain. Flagship moored on starboard beam nearer the town. “Loch Garry” further up the harbor to eastward of this ship. Sent an officer on shore after the mail.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy and foggy. Light breeze from SE. Engaged washing off ship’s side and hoisting out dory. Began to swing to ebb at 3.15 at which time cross in hawse swung to port.

4pm to 8pm: Cloudy and mild; raining first half of watch. Light SE to S breeze. Riding to the ebb. Clear hawse. US Consul visited the ship.

8pm to midnight: Cloudy and pleasant. Light WSW airs and calms.

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18 July 1884

St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.567, Long -52.702

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy and mild. Light W breeze. Riding to the ebb. Clear hawse.

4am to 8am: Weather and wind the same. Commenced painting ship inside and out.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant inside the harbor, thick fog on outside. Gentle breeze from NNW and WSW. Commanding Officer visited the flagship. Engaged blacking ship outside and painting on spar deck. Clear hawse. The ship’s company were called to muster and a telegram from the Hon Sec of the Navy read congratulating the expedition on successful results.

Meridian to 4pm: Weather as in previous watch. Continued painting. An officer of the Governor’s staff visited the ship officially. Commander Schley visited the ship. Several prominent citizens of John’s visited the ship.

4pm to 8pm: Partly clear first part, overcast afterwards. Breeze gentle from NW. At 7.00 man-of-war was signalled from station and at 7.20 “Alert” came in moored astern of flagship and near entrance of harbor. A party of liberty men were allowed to go ashore.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and cloudy. Foggy outside of harbor. Gentle breeze from NW.

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19 July 1884

St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.567, Long -52.702

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy. Gentle breeze from NW shifting to NE. Foggy outside harbor. Rain between 1.00 and 2.00.

4am to 8am: Cloudy. Foggy outside harbor. Gentle breeze from NE. Clear hawse.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cloudy. Light NE breeze. Engaged in painting spars and woodwork on spar deck.

Meridian to 4pm: Weather same as in previous watch. Men employed as in previous watch.

4pm to 8pm: Weather same as in previous watch. Light ESE breeze.

8pm to midnight: Wind and weather same.

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20 July 1884

St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.567, Long -52.702

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy. Light breeze from westward.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Light westerly wind. Scrubbed deck. Carpenter engaged painting woodwork on poop.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Light SE airs. Swung couple times during watch. Clear hawse.

Meridian to 4pm: Weather and wind the same. Sent liberty party on shore.

4pm to 8pm: Cloudy and mild. Wind same. Riding to the wind.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and mild. Light E breeze. Riding to the wind. Clear hawse.

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21 July 1884

St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.567, Long -52.702

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and mild. Light E airs. Riding between wind and flood tide.

4am to 8am: Overcast and damp. Light ESE airs. Made preparations for painting ship and tarring down rigging.

8am to meridian: Overcast, cloudy and damp during entire watch. Commander Schley visited the ship. Sent on shore to US Consulate offer of reward of $10 for apprehension and delivery on board of Jas F Burke (Captain of Top), Hugh Brock (Quartermaster), Jas J Campbell (Seaman) and John Roberts (Seaman) who were on shore absent after leave had expired.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Gentle breeze from SE. At 12.30 “Loch Garry” got underway and left the harbor, making signals (International Code) BRD. This ship answered and made BRD. “Loch Garry” made RSG. Called all hands to muster and read following General Order: “The object for which this expedition was fitted out having been successfully accomplished and approved by the Hon Sec of the Navy, the Commanding Officer avails himself of this opportunity to join his thanks and congratulations to those of his superiors. Greely’s relief was made practicable, first by the promptest activity and unwearied energy of the Hon Sec of the Navy and Hon Sec of War; secondly by the unceasing vigilance and readiness of officers and men, their alacrity at all times, day or night, in the performance of duties which demanded promptness, endurance and courage. My confidence grows daily in noting that the spirit of those who fitted this expedition had been caught by the officers and men who were to use it to accomplish its important duties. Commanding Officers will please read this at General Muster. (Signed) WS Schley, Commander USN Commanding.” Jas J Burke (Captain of Top), and Hugh Brock (Quartermaster) were brought on board by the police authorities, and a reward of $10 paid for their apprehension and delivery.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Gentle breeze from SE and ESE. Clear hawse.

8pm to midnight: Weather same as in previous watch. Hugh Brock (Quartermaster), being under the influence of liquor, was placed in double irons for safe keeping. Clear hawse.

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22 July 1884

St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.567, Long -52.702

Midnight to 4am: Overcast, rainy weather. Barometer falling. Strong breeze from SE and ESE and moderate wind squalls.

4am to 8am: Overcast, cloudy and rainy first part of watch; afterward clearing weather. Gentle breeze from SE. Barometer falling.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cloudy; clearing at end of watch. Engaged in scraping spars.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from W by N. Engaged as in previous watch.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from W and W by N.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Wind light from S by W.

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23 July 1884

St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.567, Long -52.702

Midnight to 4am: Clear first part; clouding on last hour of watch. Light breeze from SE.

4am to 8am: Overcast and cloudy. Light SW airs.

8am to meridian: Cloudy and mild. Light SW breeze. Riding to wind. Cleaning ship.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast, squally and occasional light rain. Finished scraping spars and painting ship.

4pm to 8pm: Cloudy and mild; rainy first hour. Gentle SW to W breeze. Riding to the wind.

8pm to midnight: Cloudy and mild. Light W breeze. Riding to the wind.

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24 July 1884

St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.567, Long -52.702

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and mild. Light W breeze. Riding to the wind.

4am to 8am: Overcast, mild and misty. Light NW breeze. Riding to the wind.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant weather. Gentle breeze from NW. Barometer rising. The Governor of Newfoundland and a party of ladies and gentlemen visited the flagship. Lewis C Smith (Fireman 1^st class) absent after leave had expired.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from E. Governor of Newfoundland and party visited this ship, afterwards going to the “Alert”. Clear hawse.

4pm to 8pm: Clear first part, afterwards overcast with light rain. Calms and light airs from E by N and SE. Commander Schley visited the ship.

8pm to midnight: Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Moderate breeze from south. Barometer rising.

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25 July 1884

St John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.567, Long -52.702

Midnight to 4am: Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Moderate breeze from S and SSW first part, afterwards gentle from SW.

4am to 8am: Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Gentle breeze from SW hauling to W last half. Lewis C Smith (Fireman 1^st class) returned to the ship.

8am to meridian: Overcast and cloudy. Moderate W breeze. “Thetis” signalled: “Hour of sailing 10AM”.

Meridian to 4pm: Weather same and slight fall of rain. Moderate breeze from W. Elbow in hawse.

4pm to 8pm: Weather and wind same. Hawse same.

8pm to midnight: Weather and wind the same. Received on board six (6) caskets for the remains of Greely’s party on board this ship.

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26 July 1884

St John’s, Newfoundland, and at sea making passage to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 47.45, Long -52.60 [Estimated]

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy weather. Light breeze from W increasing to moderate breeze with frequent squalls. Elbow in hawse.

4am to 8am: Wind and weather same. Engaged making preparations for sea: cleared hawse and catted and fished starboard anchor, hoisted steam launch and secured everything about decks. Jas Rogan (Fireman 1^st class) returned to the ship.

8am to meridian: Cloudy and mild, misty first hour. Moderate WNW breeze. Following motions of “Thetis”, hoisted colors at half mast at 8.00; got under way at 10.00 and steamed out of John’s harbor in column, a number of steam launches and brigs escorting the squadron outside the narrows. Took position on port quarter of “Thetis”. Steered various courses till 11.00 when took departure from Cape Spear Lighthouse, bearing W ½ S, Fort Amherst Lighthouse NW by N, ships head S ½ E (per compass). Put over patent log reading 90.8 knots. At close of watch patent log read 95.5 knots. Several sail in sight. Signals from “Thetis” (International Code) RKH GPB [Take position] at 11.25. FM [SW] at 11.20.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant overhead. Foggy on horizon. Barometer rising. Moderate breeze from W. Smooth sea. Under steam alone. Keeping position on port quarter of flagship and regulating speed by her. “Alert” carrying on fore and aft sail. Several sail in sight. Several icebergs were seen aground near the coast. At end of watch Ferryland [Head] Light bore NW by N, ship’s head SW ½ W by standard compass.

4pm to 6pm: Clear and pleasant. Moderate W breeze. In position. Several bergs in sight.

6pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant; hazy about horizon. Under steam alone on port quarter of “Thetis”. Moderate W breeze.

8pm to midnight: Cool and cloudy, first half occasional light mist, clear last half. In position on port quarter of “Thetis”. Steering W ½ S first half, W x N last half of watch. Passed lights of several vessels. At close of watch Cape Race Light bore (per compass) E by N. Patent log read 158.5 knots.

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27 July 1884

At sea making passage to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 45.93, Long -54.79

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy. Passing showers from 2.00 to 3.00. Moderate to gentle breeze from WNW. Under steam alone, in position and regulating speed by flagship. “Alert” under all fore and aft sail and steam. At 1.00 lost sight of Cape Race Light bearing (1) one point on starboard quarter and astern. Sighted several fishing vessel lights.

4am to 8am: Fresh breeze and fine weather. Keeping our position. “Alert” dropping astern occasionally causing the flagship to slow down. She came up into position latter part of watch. Sky clear.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from NW. Under steam alone. At 9.00 loosed sail to dry; furling at end of watch. Several sail in sight. At 11.00 “Thetis” signalled: “At twelve will stop: you go ahead and regulate speed by Alert”.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NW. Sea smooth. Steaming slow all the watch. Course WNW ½ W. “Thetis” astern. At 3.45 took position on port quarter of “Thetis” in obedience to signal. Exchanged latitude and longitude signals with “Thetis” at 1.00. At 3.45 received signal (International Code) RKH GPB [Take position]. Transferred bodies from alcohol tank to caskets and stowed them in after hold. [See also following watch.] Passed two barks and a brig steaming to the eastward. At close of watch patent log read 251.8 knots.

4pm to 6pm: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NW. Smooth sea. Under steam alone. Keeping position on port quarter of flagship and regulating speed by her. Two barques passed standing to northward and eastward. Several fishing vessels in sight during watch. The bodies of the deceased members of the Greely Party were taken from the tank and placed in coffins and stowed on provision deck aft.

6pm to 8pm: Light breeze and fine weather. Signal from flagship at 7.00 to alter course W by N ¾ N. Ship in position and several sail in sight.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant, hazy about horizon. Light breeze from WNW. Passed a steamer to northward steaming to eastward. Moon set at 10.00.

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28 July 1884

At sea making passage to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 45.16, Long -58.07

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant, bright starlight. Light W breeze. Sea smooth. Course WNW ½ W. Steaming slow and in position on port quarter of “Thetis”. Patent log at close of watch read 318 knots.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from westward. Sea smooth. Under steam alone in position on port quarter of flagship.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from W by S. Ship in position. Course changed at noon to W ¼ N. Patent log read 367.5 knots.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy weather, drizzle and rainy last part. Light breeze from W by S, shifting to S. At 12.40 changed course to WNW ¾ W (per compass) and at 1.30 to W by N (per compass). Under steam alone, in position on port quarter of “Thetis”.

4pm to 6pm: Overcast and cloudy, light rain at intervals. Gentle to moderate SE to S breeze. Sea smooth. Course and position same. Patent log read 410 knots at close of watch.

6pm to 8pm: Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Moderate breeze from E by S and NE. Smooth sea. Under steam alone. Keeping position on port quarter of “Thetis”.

8pm to midnight: Smart breeze from NE and rain. At 10.30 fine. Stars shining brightly. Ship in position on port quarter of flagship.

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29 July 1884

At sea making passage to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 43.97, Long -62.18

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy. Moderate breeze from NE and NNE. Slight swell. Under steam alone on port quarter of “Thetis”.

4am to 8am: Overcast first hour, clear and pleasant remainder of watch. Moderate NE to N breeze. At 4.45 changed course to W ¾ N in obedience to signal. At 5.30 set fore and aft sail, foresail and fore topsails. Steaming slow last hour. At close of watch patent log read 512.6 knots.

8am to meridian: Clear, warm and pleasant. Moderate to gentle breeze from N to NNW. Long swell from SE. At 10.30 clewed up and furled sail following the motions of the flagship. Keeping in position on port quarter of flagship and regulating speed by her. At 10.00 passed a schooner standing to northward and westward. At noon signalled to flagship VWP [8]. Flagship answered and made VWN [7]. “Alert” made VWQ [9]. A large school of mackerel seen and a number of porpoises.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear sky and fine weather. Light swell from SE. Course changed to W ¼ N. Ship in position. Patent log read 566.5 knots.

4pm to 6pm: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from SW. Under steam alone. In position on port quarter of “Thetis”.

6pm to 8pm: Cloudy, threatening rain. Gentle SW breeze. Sea smooth. Course and position same. Patent log at close of watch read 591.8 knots.

8pm to midnight: Overcast. Gentle breeze from SW, hauling to S last hour. Smooth sea. Under steam alone, in position on port quarter of flagship and regulating speed by her.

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30 July 1884

At sea making passage to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 42.86, Long -65.33

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and dark. Fresh breeze from S to SE. Moderate swell from SE running last hour. Ship in position. Patent log read 645.7 knots.

4am to 8am: Overcast, cloudy and foggy. At 5.15 changed course to W and fog setting down thick. Took position ½ cable distance on port quarter of “Thetis”. At 6.00 “Thetis” signalled “Four knots” and at 7.15 “Five knots.” At 8.00 exchanged latitude and longitude with “Thetis”.

8am to meridian: Thick wet fog throughout the watch. Light SW breeze. Slight irregular swell. At 10.30 changed course in obedience to hail to W ¾ N. In position steaming slow. Patent log at noon read 684.5 knots.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast and thick fog entire watch. Gentle breeze from SW. Under steam alone on port quarter of flagship.

4pm to 6pm: Overcast and thick fog. Light W breeze. Smooth sea. At 5.30 got cast of lead in 80 fathoms; white sand. Patent log read 712.2 knots.

6pm to 8pm: Overcast, cloudy and foggy, clearing at end of watch. Light breeze from W shifting to NW. In position on port quarter of “Thetis”.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and misty first half, cloudy last half. Moon occasionally visible. Moderate NNW breeze. In position. Course same. Patent log at midnight read 745 knots.

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31 July 1884

At sea making passage to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 42.73, Long -68.47

Variation of the compass by Azimuth observed at 7.15am W 8 32

Midnight to 4am: Overcast first part, afterwards clear, pleasant weather. Moderate breeze from NNW. Smooth sea. Under steam alone, keeping in position on port quarter of flagship.

4am to 8am: Light breeze from WSW and fine weather. Clear sky. Light swell from S. Passed by a white-painted whale boat, stern split open and water logged. Patent log read 491.4 knots. Ship in position.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from WSW. In position on port quarter of “Thetis”.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear, pleasant, and hazy horizon. Moderate WSW breeze. Sea smooth. Course NW by W ¼ W. Under easy steam. Watch blacking down rigging. Patent log read 842 knots at close of watch.

4pm to 6pm: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from WSW. Smooth sea. Under steam alone. Keeping position on port quarter of flagship. Passed a number of fishing schooners standing to the eastward. Finished tarring down rigging.

6pm to 8pm: Light breeze and fine weather. Ship in position. Several schooners in sight. Patent log read 855.2 knots.

8pm to midnight: Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Blowing fresh from WSW. At 9.00 changed course to WNW. Passed several fishing vessels.

LOGS FOR AUGUST 1884

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1 August 1884

At sea making passage to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 43.10, Long -70.50 [Estimated]

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy and misty, foggy at intervals. Light WSW breeze. Stopped engines at 1.25 in obedience to signal and hauled in patent log reading 904.5 knots. Heard whistle of a ship standing to the southward at 1.30.

4am to 8am: Thick fog first half hour, then the fog lifted. Sea smooth. At 4.20 flagship went ahead, “Alert” and this vessel following in their respective positions. At 6.30 near the land on starboard beam and at 6.00 land was visible ahead and on both bows. At 7.00 made out a man-of-war inshore of us; shortly after exchanged numbers with USS “Alliance,” which vessel, bearing orders for the Commander of the expedition, communicated with the “Thetis” and shortly after put mail aboard this ship. At 7.30 stopped engines in company with other vessels.

8am to meridian: Light variable winds and fine weather. At 8.30 flagship started to anchor outside Boon Island. We dropped our kedge with 60 fathoms of cable; would not hold enough to wind the ship; hove it up and lay by. At 11.30 flagship got underway and steamed towards Portsmouth Harbor. “Alert” following this ship bringing up the rear.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from NW. Steaming in wake of “Thetis” and “Alert” into Portsmouth Harbor. At 3.30 came to in 10 fathoms with starboard anchor, veering to 30 fathoms with chain. Found in the harbor US North Atlantic Squadron, US training ships “Portsmouth” and “Jamestown”, US Revenue Cutter “Gallatin” [Albert Gallatin in log-book]. Commanding Officer left the ship to pay official visit to US flagship “Tennessee.”

4pm to 8pm: Weather same. Officers of the relief expedition paid an official visit to the Hon Sec of the Navy on board the US flagship Tennessee. Moored ship with cross in hawse, 30 fathoms on port chain, 45 fathoms on starboard. The Hon Sec of the Navy visited the ship.

8pm to midnight: Weather same. Visiting parties from squadron on board.

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2 August 1884

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 43.078, Long -70.739

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Light NW breeze. Lying to the flood.

4am to 8am: Weather and wind the same. Swung to the ebb at 5.00. Scrubbed decks.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Light NW airs. Excursion from Newburyport and many other civilians visited the ship.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Light NW airs. Relatives of Lieutenant Greely and many other civilians visited the ship.

4pm to 8pm: Weather and wind same. Secretary of the Navy and party visited the ship.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Light northerly airs.

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3 August 1884

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 43.078, Long -70.739

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Calm and light airs.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Gentle southerly airs. Many visitors came on board.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Gentle airs from south. Large numbers of citizens visited the ship.

Commanding Officers of USS “Yantic” and “Swatara” and Captain Benham of Navy Yard visited the ship. Parties of officers and men from man-of-war visited the ship. Elbow in hawse.

4pm to 8pm: Same weather conditions as in previous watch. Barometer falling. Rear Admiral Luce visited the ship. Governor Hale of New Hampshire visited the ship. Large numbers of citizens came aboard. By order of Commanding Officer placed LC Smith (Fireman 1^st class) in double irons for safe keeping, he being intoxicated.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Gentle southerly breeze. Barometer steady.

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4 August 1884

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 43.078, Long -70.739

Midnight to 4am: Clear first part, afterwards foggy. Calm.

4am to 8am: Clear overhead. Foggy on southern horizon. Calms and light airs from SSW.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant, slightly foggy on horizon, clearing away at end of watch. A detail of six (6) officers and eighteen (18) men left the ship at 9.45 to take part in parade. Riding to ebb.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Light southerly breeze. Parading party returned to the ship. The Hon Sec of the Navy and party visited the ship.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Party of 17 men left the ship at 7.00 to take part in the ceremonies at Masonic Hall. Riding to flood.

8pm to midnight: Weather same; slightly foggy at end of watch. Detail of men returned to the ship at 11.30.

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5 August 1884

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and at sea

Lat 42.80, Long -70.60

Midnight to 4am: Weather same. Swung to ebb at 1.30.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Light airs and calm. Called all hands at 4.00. Cleared hawse and catted and fished starboard anchor and hove in to 30 fathoms on port chain and made preparations for sea. At 7.00 USS “Constellation” dropped down from Navy Yard and came to off Fort Constitution.

8am to meridian: Overcast and misty. At 8.00 got up anchor and steamed out of Portsmouth Harbor, the flagship following. Outside she took the lead, “Bear” taking her position. Light S to S by W breeze. At 10.00 the US Revenue Cutter “Gallatin” passed and fired a salute of one gun.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy and pleasant, hazy horizon. Light to moderate S by W breeze. Sea smooth. Changed course at 1.00 to S by E ¼ E (per compass) in obedience to signal. In position on port quarter of “Thetis”. Under easy steam.

4pm to 6pm: Clear overhead, hazy on horizon. Moderate breeze from S by W. Under steam alone. Keeping position on port quarter of flagship. A number of vessels in sight. At 6.50pm sighted Race Point on starboard bow.

6pm to 8pm: Partly clear, foggy about horizon. Under steam alone, in position on port quarter of “Thetis”. At 8.00 sighted Highland Light bearing SSW (per compass). Ship’s head S by E ½ E.

8pm to midnight: At 9.00 Highland Light bore WSW (magnetic), distant 1¾ miles. At 10.00 set in thick fog and continued so all the watch. Wind veering S, light breeze. Sea smooth. Patent log read 88.2 knots. Steam whistle kept going.

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6 August 1884

At sea making passage to New York

Lat 41.57, Long -69.88

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cool; thick wet fog. Light to gentle southerly breeze. Sea smooth. Steering course S by W ½ W to SW ¼ S. Under easy steam on port quarter of “Thetis”. At 2.15 heard fog whistle of Pollock Rip Lightship. Steamed slowly towards it till 2.50 when, in obedience to hail, dropped a kedge in 9 fathoms and lay to for remainder of watch. “Thetis” and “Alert” nearby. Patent log read 100.8 knots when taken in.

4am to 8am: Thick fog. Light to moderate breeze varying in direction. Riding to kedge. Flagship dragged several cables’ length and brought up astern. A steamer passed on port side and anchored on port bow. Slack water at 7.30, commenced to swing.

8am to meridian: Cloudy and thick fog. Light breeze from SW. Riding to kedge awaiting lifting of fog. At 11.45 lifted kedge and got underway; dropped it again at noon. The fog lifted; got it up immediately and got underway, following on port quarter of “Thetis”.

Meridian to 4pm: At 1.08 buoy bore on our starboard beam. Patent log read 1.5 knots, heading SW ¼ W. Lightship bore on starboard beam. At 1.27 patent log read 2.5 knots heading W by N ¾ N. At 1.45 second lightship bore on our port beam. Patent log read 4.7 knots heading NW by W ¼ W. At 2.25 third lightship bore on starboard beam. Patent log read 8.5 knots heading WSW.

4pm to 6pm: Overcast, thick fog. Light to gentle WSW breeze. Steaming slowly on port quarter of “Thetis”. At 4.35 passed close to Cross Rip Lightship and changed course to NW by ½ W (per compass) in obedience to hail. Patent log read 117.5 knots. At close of watch patent log read 125.4 knots.

6pm to 8pm: Thick fog. Gentle breeze from WSW. At 6.20 East Chop Light bore W by S ½ S. At 7.00 West Chop bore SW ¼ S. Ship’s head NW ¾ W. At 7.00 flagship hailed giving orders to go into Woods Hole to telegraph. Fog lightened somewhat and ship steered for Woods Hole. At 7.35 “Thetis” anchored and at 8.00 came to with starboard anchor astern of “Thetis” in 7 fathoms of water, veering to 20 fathoms chain. Nobska Light bearing (magnetic) N by E ¼ E, distant ½ mile. Commanding Officer went on board “Thetis”.

8pm to midnight: Foggy weather. At anchor off Nobska Light. Sounding fog bell. At 11.00 got underway following on port quarter of flagship. West Chop Light bore SW ¼ S (magnetic) from anchorage. Ship’s head W ¾ S.

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7 August 1884

At sea making passage to New York

Lat 40.85, Long -72.20

Midnight to 4am: At 12.45 Gay Head Light bore abeam, heading W by S. Patent log read 44.4 knots. Cuttyhunk Light N at 1.15. At 1.40 heading W by S. Vineyard Sound Lightship N by E and Gay Head ESE. Patent log read 50 knots.

4am to 8am: Overcast, warm and thick, wet fog. Calms and light SW airs. Sea smooth. On port quarter of “Thetis”. Steaming slow. Course W by S (per compass).

8am to meridian: Overcast, misty and rainy. Under steam alone on port quarter of flagship and regulating speed by her. “Alert” first two hours on our port quarter, last half of watch “Alert” set fore and aft sail and shifted to starboard beam quarter of “Thetis”. At 9.00 Montauk Light N by E (per compass). Ship’s head SW by S. Coast of Long Island visible at intervals.

Meridian to 4pm: Overcast, cloudy and rainy entire watch. Light breeze from NW shifting to NNE x E. Under steam alone on port quarter of “Thetis”.

4pm to 6pm: Fresh breeze and rain. Sea smooth. Ships in position. At 5.55 Fire Island Light bore N by W (magnetic), distant 1¾ miles by bow and beam bearing. Patent log read 144 knots. Ships showed their colors passing Fire Island; were answered from shore.

6pm to 8 pm: Cloudy and pleasant. Gentle NNE breeze. Sea smooth. Course W (per compass). On port quarter of “Thetis”. Sighted Navesink Lights at 7.50, ahead.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant overhead, misty on horizon. Bright moonlight. Gentle breeze from NNE. Smooth sea. Under steam alone. Keeping in position on port quarter of “Thetis”. At 8.30 sighted Scotland Lightship ahead. In obedience to signal from flagship, took position astern of “Thetis”, “Alert” coming in astern of “Bear.” Steaming into Lower Bay of New York. At 9.30 sighted Sandy Hook Lightship and Sandy Hook Light. At 11.50 came to anchor in Lower Bay in 6¾ fathoms water, veering to 30 fathoms on starboard chain. Bearings from anchorage.

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8 August 1884

New York Harbor

Lat 40.697, Long -74.038

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy. Light WNW breeze. At anchor in New York Harbor. Banked fires.

4am to 8am: Light breeze from WSW with light fog. Ship swinging to the tide. All hands employed variously. At 7.45 weighed and catted the anchor ready to follow the flagship.

8am to meridian: Hazy and warm. Light NW airs. Steaming into New York Harbor in wake of “Thetis” and at 10.50 came to off Ellis Island in 5½ fathoms water with starboard anchor, 15 fathoms of chain. A salute of 21 guns was fired from Governors Island. US Tug “Catalpa” came alongside flying broad pennant of Commandant Fillebrown, Commanding, US Navy Yard. Half masted colors with “Thetis” as we came to.

Meridian to 4pm: Weather same. Light breeze from NW. Transferred the six bodies to US Tug “Catalpa”. Commanding and Executive Officers left with them to attend funeral service at Governors Island.

4pm to 8pm: Weather same. Light ESE airs. Commenced raining heavily at close of watch. Sent liberty party on shore.

8pm to midnight: Overcast. Raining heavily first part of watch, lightly last half. Calms and light variable airs.

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9 August 1884

New York Harbor

Lat 40.697, Long -74.038

Midnight to 4am: Strong breeze from NNE. Sky overcast.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Gentle NNE breeze. Liberty party returned.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Moderate to fresh breeze from ENE. Navy Yard tug “Catalpa” came alongside with mail.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and warm. Light breeze from E. At 1.50 got underway and shifted anchorage ½ mile further up the river. Came to at 1.50.

4pm to 8pm: Overcast. Raining heavily at end of watch. Gentle breeze from E.

8pm to midnight: Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Light breeze from NW shifting to E latter part of watch.

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10 August 1884

New York Harbor

Lat 40.704, Long -74.035

Midnight to 4am: Fresh breeze from E. Rain with lightning.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NNE.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NE.

Meridian to 4pm: Generally clear and pleasant weather. Light NE breeze. Sent liberty party ashore. Steam launch disabled by bursting tube.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Light NE breeze.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant weather. Light NE breeze.

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500dc363cd0db40002000588: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_001_jpgs/b001of002_0153_1.jpg

11 August 1884

New York Harbor

Lat 40.704, Long -74.035

Midnight to 4am: Overcast and cloudy first part, clearing last hour of watch. Light NW breeze.

4am to 8am: Cloudy, mild and misty. Threatening rain. Light NNE to N breeze.

8am to meridian: Clear and warm. Gentle airs from NW. Engaged in taking out and landing powder, gun-cotton and small arm ammunition. General Hancock visited the “Thetis”.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant weather. Light breeze from E. Riding to the ebb. Landed gun powder, gun-cotton and small arm ammunition on [illegible]. At 2.45 got underway and proceeded under steam to Navy Yard.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. At 5.30 made fast to wharf, mooring head and stern under the derrick.

8pm to midnight: Clear. Light E breeze.

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12 August 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from ESE.

4am to 8am: Clear and cool. Scrubbed down decks.

8am to meridian: Clear sky and fine weather.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Light NE airs.

4pm to 8pm: Pleasant weather with clear sky.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Light NE airs.

500dc363cd0db4000200058b: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_001_jpgs/b001of002_0155_0.jpg)

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13 August 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Midnight to 4am: Calm and pleasant weather.

4am to 8am: Clear, warm and pleasant. Light N by E airs.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from N and E. Barometer steady.

Meridian to 4 pm: Clear and pleasant. Light NE breeze.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Light NE breeze. Barometer steady.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Light NE airs.

500dc363cd0db4000200058d: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_001_jpgs/b001of002_0156_0.jpg)

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14 August 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Gentle airs from NE. Barometer steady. Bright moonlight.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Light NE airs.

8am to meridian: Light E breeze and fine weather. Landed clothing.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and hot. Light NE airs. Transferring samples of all stores to Ordnance Department to be packed for transportation to Louisville Exhibition.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Light N airs.

8pm to midnight: Clear and hot with light N airs.

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15 August 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Calms and light NE airs.

4am to 8am: Weather and wind same. W Brock (Quartermaster) absent without leave, having left the ship without permission. F Law (Ship’s Cook) absent, overstaying leave.

8am to meridian: Clear, warm and pleasant. Commenced to land stores; landed provisions until 11.30, and clothing. Commander Schley visited the ship. Large number of visitors aboard. F Law (Ship’s Cook) absent over leave.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear, warm and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NNE. Discontinued landing stores, being unable to get receipts as ordered. W Brock (Quartermaster) and Jas J Burke (Captain of Top) were by order of Commanding Officer disrated to Seamen and by order of Commandant of Navy Yard transferred to the USRS "Vermont" with their bags and hammocks. USS “Despatch” went out.

4pm to 8pm: Clear, warm and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NNE.

8pm to midnight: Clear, warm and pleasant. Gentle airs from NNE. Bright starlight.

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16 August 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Midnight to 4am: Clear, warm and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NE.

4am to 8am: Clear, warm and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NE.

8am to meridian: Weather clear and pleasant. Light NE airs.

Meridian to 4pm: Weather same. Landed specimens of stores for exhibitions at Louisville, Cincinnati and New Orleans.

4pm to 8pm: Weather same. Gentle SE airs.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Gentle SE airs.

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17 August 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Midnight to 4am: Clear and cool. Gentle SSW breeze.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Light SSW breeze. Blacked port anchor and mopped up spar deck.

8am to meridian: Clear and hot. Light SSE breeze.

Meridian to 4pm: Weather and wind same.

4pm to 8pm: Weather and wind same.

8pm to midnight: Weather same. Light S airs.

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18 August 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Midnight to 4am: Clear and warm. Light S airs.

4am to 8am: Cloudy and pleasant. Light S airs.

8am to meridian: Clear and warm. Gentle breeze from SSW. A number of visitors aboard.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and warm. Gentle breeze from SW. At 3.30 made preparations for hauling in dry dock.

4pm to 8pm: Weather same. At 4.00 tug came alongside and towed the ship to dry dock; hauled in, the water being left in. At 5.00 the ship was secured in place in dock. A large number of visitors came aboard.

8pm to midnight: Clear and warm. Gentle breeze from SW by S.

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19 August 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Bright starlight. Calm.

4am to 8am: Clear, pleasant and calm. At 7.30 “Thetis” hauled into berth left vacant by this ship. Dock men made preparations for pumping out dock.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from S and calms

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant. Light S breeze.

4pm to 8pm: Weather same. Wind S.

8pm to midnight: Weather and wind same.

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20 August 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Midnight to 4am: Clear and calm.

4am to 8am: Same.

8am to meridian: Clear and hot. Calm.

Meridian to 4pm: Weather same. Light N airs.

4pm to 8pm: Weather and wind the same. TJ Morton (Blacksmith) absent from ship overstaying leave. LC Smith (Fireman 1^st class) absent having left ship without permission.

8pm to midnight: Weather and wind same.

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21 August 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Midnight to 4am: Hot and overcast. Light N airs. Heavy rain during watch.

4am to 8am: Overcast and warm. Light N airs. LC Smith (Fireman 1^st class) returned on board and was placed in confinement until further orders by order of Commanding Officer.

8am to meridian: Cloudy. Gentle breeze from SSE. Large number of visitors aboard ship. LC Smith was released from confinement and returned to duty by order of Commanding Officer. The officers of the Relief Squadron visited the President of the United States. USS “Powhatan” came in and secured alongside the Navy Yard dock. Commander Walker visited the ship.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy and pleasant, gentle breeze from SSE. The Secretary of the Navy, Secretary of War, Commander of the Yard and Commander Schley visited the ship, afterwards going aboard the other vessels of the Relief Squadron and the “Powhatan.”

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from SSE.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from SSE. Barometer steady.

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22 August 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NE.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NE. Made preparations for discharging stores.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant, light breeze from SSE.

Meridian to 4pm: Weather same. George Savo (Cabin Steward) was discharged from the Naval Service at his own request.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant, gentle breeze from WSW. Navy Yard workmen at work on ship’s repairs during day.

8pm to midnight: Weather and wind same.

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23 August 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy weather, gentle breeze from SSE.

4am to 8am: Weather and wind same.

8am to meridian: Cloudy, gentle breeze from ESE. Engaged discharging provisions.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy but pleasant, gentle breeze from ESE. Ensign LK Reynolds USN was detached from this ship, and ordered to report to Lieutenant Buckingham USN at Louisville, Kentucky, for special duty. Engaged in discharging provisions.

4pm to 8pm: Weather same. Continued discharging provisions at the [blank]. Received receipts for following stores [measures not specified]: mutton 1344, lime juice 415, roast beef 1864, onions 55, cakes 200, soap 750, butter 864, soup 48, macaroni 220, bacon 400, salt beef 700, ham 120. Navy Yard workmen at work on ship’s repairs during working hours.

8pm to midnight: Cloudy, calm and pleasant.

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500dc363cd0db400020005a2: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_001_jpgs/b001of002_0166_1.jpg)

24 August 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, NY

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy, gentle breeze from NW.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant, gentle breeze from NNW.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant, gentle breeze from NNW.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant, gentle breeze from NW to NNE. Carl Carlson (Quartermaster) was by order of Commanding Officer disrated to Seaman and transferred to USS “Vermont”.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant, gentle breeze from NNE and ENE.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant, gentle breeze from ENE.

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500dc363cd0db400020005a4: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_001_jpgs/b001of002_0167_1.jpg)

25 August 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy, gentle breeze from NW.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant, gentle breeze from N and NW.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant, gentle breeze from NW. Engaged discharging provisions and stores in Engineering Department.

Meridian to 4pm: Clear and pleasant, gentle breeze from NW and NNE. Continued work going on in previous watch.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant till last hour, then cloudy rest of watch. Gentle breeze from SW. Continued work [of] previous watches; Navy Yard workmen engaged repairing damage to ship’s keel and in caulking ship’s bottom. List of provisions landed. List of Engineer’s stores landed. [Neither list is included in log-book.]

8pm to midnight: Cloudy and unpleasant.

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500dc363cd0db400020005a6: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_001_jpgs/b001of002_0168_1.jpg)

26 August 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, NY

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy but pleasant, gentle breezes from SW.

4am to 8am: Cloudy and rainy. Gentle breeze from SW.

8am to meridian: Cloudy and rainy first part, last 3 hours cloudy. Discharging provisions and stores in Engineering Department.

Meridian to 4pm: Partly cloudy, gentle breeze from SW. Continued work of forenoon.

4pm to 8pm: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from SW. Continue work of previous watch. Navy Yard workmen engaged repairing damage to ship’s keel and caulking and pitching ship’s bottom. List of provisions landed. List of Engineer’s stores landed. [Neither list is included in log-book.]

8pm: Cloudy, passing showers. Gentle breeze from SW.

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27 August 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, NY

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant, gentle breeze from SW.

4am to 8am: Clear and pleasant, gentle breeze from SW.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant. Light NE airs. Ship’s carpenters and caulkers at work on ship’s bottom. Crew engaged in discharging stores. Transferred DM Didrikse [Dittrichsen in log-book] (Seaman) to USS Tennessee at Newport RI.

Meridian to 4pm: Weather same, wind shifted to SW at 2.30. Same work as last watch. Crew assisted by working party of 19 men from Receiving Ship.

Turned in to Provisions and Clothing store during day: 960 lbs raw hams, 400 lbs onions, 2000 lbs bacon, 600 lbs sauerkraut, 164 lbs lime juice, 25 lbs salmon, 50 lbs smoked beef, 57 lbs pickled cabbage, 300 lbs salt beef, 100 lbs salt pork, 3000 lbs sugar, 600 lbs bread, 96 lbs consomme soup, 48 lbs oxtail soup, 96 lbs vegetable soup, 96 lbs mutton broth, 176 lbs roast mutton, 576 lbs roast beef, 400 lbs flour, 300 lbs pemmican for crew, 20 lbs vermicelli, 40 lbs macaroni, 100 lbs barley, 50 lbs dried apples, 50 lbs whortleberries, 48 lbs cranberries, 492 lbs butter, 120 lbs fried potatoes, 300 lbs cheese, 50 lbs hominy, 6 dozen olive oil, 96 lbs milk, 12 lbs farina, 48 tapioca, 48 lbs corn starch, 36 lbs carrots, 12 lbs mustard, 30 lbs pepper, 2 dozen quinces, 12 curry powder, 760 lbs oatmeal, 688 mince meat, 50 lbs samp, 900 lbs tea.

Turned in to navigation store: the Navigation Bureau Library, 2 sextants, 1 night octant, 12 spirit thermometers, 6 air thermometers, 1 course indicator, 1 chart board, 1 mercurial barometer, 2 hydrometers, 2 artificial horizons.

4pm to 8pm: Wind and weather, same. Confined H Krusberg (Seaman), safe keeping for drunkenness.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Light airs from SSW.

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28 August 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Midnight to 4am: Clear and pleasant and calm.

4am to 8am: Same as last watch.

8am to meridian: Clear and pleasant weather. Working party of 19 men, from [Receiving Ship] Coloradan engaged with men of this ship, discharging provisions. Discharged from this ship, and the Naval Service, the following men: J Quevedo (Bosun’s Mate); JB Fletcher (Carpenter’s Mate); JJ Campbell, A Jasen, J Lindquist (Seamen); J Rogan, LC Smith, A Currie (Firemen 1^st class); and Francis Ash (Ice Master). Navy Yard workmen engaged on ship’s repairs.

Meridian to 4pm: Weather same, continued work as in previous watch.

4pm to 8pm: Weather same, continued work discharging stores.

8pm to midnight: Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from SSW.

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29 August 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Midnight to 4am: Cloudy. Gentle breeze from SSW.

4am to 8am: Cloudy and rainy, gentle breeze from SSW.

8am to meridian: Overcast with passing showers. Light breeze from S by E. Working party from USS “Vermont” on board discharging provisions. Carpenters and caulkers at work on ship’s bottom.

Meridian to 4pm: Cloudy with passing showers. Light breeze from SSW. Same work as last watch.

Turned in to Provisions and Clothing: 33.50 lbs bread, 240 lbs roast mutton, 528 lbs roast beef, 21 lbs salt beef, 240 gallons vinegar, 500 lbs tongues, 228 lbs apple butter, 158 peach butter, 15 gallons olives, 90 gallons syrup, 3744 lbs pemmican for dogs.

4pm to 8pm: Wind and weather same.

8pm to midnight: Overcast and rainy. Light SSW breeze.

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30 August 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Midnight to 4am: Partly cloudy. Light breeze from SSW.

4am to 8am: Same as last watch.

8am to meridian: Clear and hot. Light SSW airs. Crew and working party from USS “Vermont” discharging stores.

Meridian to 4pm: Weather same. Light SE airs. Finished discharging stores and sent working party back to “Vermont.”

Stores turned in to Paymaster’s store house: 4700 lbs salt beef, 8600 lbs pork, 52.50 lbs bread, 1404 lbs dog pemmican, 150 lbs beef tongue, 15 gallons olives, 128 gallons vinegar, 90 gallons syrup.

4pm to 8pm: Cloudy and warm at commencement of watch, light SE airs. Very heavy rain with much thunder and lightning commenced at 6.00. Wind squally and variable in direction.

8pm to midnight: [No entries.]

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31 August 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Weather clear and pleasant. Light airs from SE until 4am, then calm till noon.

Light NW breeze from NW until midnight.

LOGS FOR SEPTEMBER 1884

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1 September 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Weather clear and pleasant. Light NW breeze. Finished discharging Paymaster’s stores. Unbent sails and sent them to Equipment store house.

Stores sent to Paymaster’s store house: 4500 lbs flour, 1100 lbs corn meal, 1320 lbs sugar, 162½ gallons split peas, 250 gallons Lima beans, 50 gallons marrow beans, 2415 lbs dog pemmican, 1650 lbs candles, 24 pairs Monitors [?], 90 pairs rubber sandals.

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2 September 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Weather clear and warm. Calm first part. Light airs from SSW after 10am. Barometer rising till noon and falling to midnight.

Stores returned to Equipment store: All sails, 4 sets boat sails, 23 gallons alcohol; to Paymaster’s store house: 400 lbs plug tobacco, 400 lbs smoking tobacco, 300 lbs soap, 480 lbs candles.

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3 September 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Clear and warm. Light airs from S to SW. Barometer steady. Turned in to Navigation store 5 barrels lard oil, 100 rockets, 100 blue lights, 2 boxes Very’s signals. USS “Richmond” arrived at the Yard and went alongside Ordnance at 5.30pm.

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4 September 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Returned to Equipment store: 16 mattresses; returned to Construction store: 2 barrels rosin; and to Ordnance Department: 1 box detonators, 1 box electric primers, 10 port fires, 76 cylindrical torpedo cases, 101 flat torpedo cases, 5 shot guns, 10 smooth bore, 1 shot gun, 8 smooth bore, 9 Springfield rifles, 7 revolvers, 10 bayonets, 10 pieces slow match, 8 rifle slugs, 10 cartridge boxes, 25 canteen slings, 23 waist belts, 29 canteens, 8 wiping rods, 1 supply box (torpedoes), 1 tool chest, 1550 feet leading wire, 3 cases numbers 49, 70, 64, 1 electric machine, 2 ice augers, 3 port fire staves, 1½ boxes candles, coil of leading wire, 1 gallon armorer’s oil, 196 rifle cartridges, 190 10# cartridges, 94 8# cartridges.

Lieutenant Crosby left the ship on leave of absence.

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5 September 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Clear and pleasant, with light airs, and breezes. At 9.45am mustered crew at quarters; found J Roberts (Seaman) absent without leave. Engaged cleaning ship.

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6 September 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Clear, warm and pleasant. Light airs from SE to SW. John Roberts returned to ship after an absence without leave of 48 hours. At 11am half masted colors as a tribute of respect to the memory of CJ Folger deceased, late Secretary of the Treasury.

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7 September 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Clear, warm and pleasant. Light airs from SW. Calm most of pm. At 9.45am mustered crew at quarters and inspected ship. Half masted colors from sunrise to sunset as a tribute of respect to the memory of the late Rear Admiral AA Harwood USN.

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8 September 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Clear, warm and sultry. Light airs south-westerly. At 9.45am mustered crew at quarters. Engaged restoring and cleaning ship.

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9 September 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Clear, warm and sultry. Calm most of day. Light airs from SW part of pm. At 9.45am mustered crew at quarters. John Johnson (1) (Quartermaster) absent without leave. Colors half masted from sunrise till sunset in memory of the Hon CJ Folger, late Secretary of Treasury. John Johnson (1) returned to ship after an absence without leave of (15) fifteen hours.

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10 September 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Clear, warm and sultry. Light airs from SW. At 9.30am mustered crew at quarters. Engaged cleaning holds. Lieutenant NR Usher returned to ship from leave.

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11 September 1884

In dry dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.7015, Long -73.9760

Clear, warm and pleasant. Light airs from S. Barometer steady. By order of Navy Department, Commander WS Schley USN turned over command of the vessels of the Greely Relief Expedition to Commander GW Coffin, the next in rank. Commander Schley visited the ships, and bid farewell to ships’ company.

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12 September 1884

[In dry dock and at Cob Dock,] Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, warm and pleasant. Light breezes from N to NW. 11.55am let water in dry dock. 12.45pm floated with 16 feet of water in dock. 1.30pm hauled out of dry dock. 3.30pm made fast to Cob Dock. Sent navigation stores to store house.

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13 September 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant. Light breezes from W. Barometer steady. At 10.00am “Thetis” shifted to dry dock and at 12.25pm [Bear] hauled into slip left vacant by “Thetis”. At 1.30pm “Thetis” hauled into dry dock.

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14 September 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, warm and pleasant. Barometer steady. Light airs. Mustered crew at quarters at 10.00am.

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15 September 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant. Light airs from NW. Worked bilge pump and pumped ship.

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16 September 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and pleasant. Light SW airs.

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17 September 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant. Light breeze from SW. Bar steady. Inspected at 10.00am.

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18 September 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and pleasant. Light NW airs. Sent stores to Construction store house.

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19 September 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant. Light breeze from SW to SWxW. Sent stores to Construction store house. Thomas J Morton returned from leave at 11.45am.

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20 September 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant. Light breeze from SW by S to NW. Scrubbed deck in morning watch.

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21 September 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant. Light airs from NW to SE. Mustered and inspected crew at quarters at 10am.

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22 September 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant. Light airs from SE and SW. At 7am 5½ feet in bilge. Pumped ship at 7.30am. John Roberts (Quartermaster) was reduced to Seaman from the 21^st inst and transferred to the USRS “Vermont” by order of Commanding Officer.

LOG BOOK – SEPTEMBER 23^rd 1884 TO OCTOBER 19^th 1884

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LIST OF OFFICERS

Attached to and on board of the USS Bear (Greely Relief Expedition), commanded by Lieutenant Wm H Emory Jr, USN, at the time of leaving the anchor at New York the 24^th day of April, 1884.

Wm H Emory Jr, Lieutenant

FH Crosby, Lieutenant

JC Colwell, Lieutenant

NR Usher, Lieutenant

LK Reynolds, Ensign

John Lowe, Chief Engineer

HE Ames, Passed Assistant Surgeon

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List of officers who have died, been detached or transferred, on board the USS Bear, Commanded by Lieutenant Wm H Emory Jr, USN, during a cruise on the Greely Relief Expedition

from April 24, 1884, to end of cruise November, 1884.

LK Reynolds, Ensign, August 23, 1884. Detached and ordered to special duty, Southern Expedition.

FH Crosby, Lieutenant, September 30, 1884. Detached and ordered to duty on Coast Survey.

John Lowe, Chief Engineer, November 26, 1884. Detached and placed on waiting orders.

Wm H Emory Jr, Lieutenant, November 20, 1884. Detached and placed on waiting orders.

JC Colwell, Lieutenant, November 26, 1884. Detached and placed on waiting orders.

NR Usher, Lieutenant, November 26, 1884. Detached and placed on waiting orders.

HE Ames, PA Surgeon, November 26, 1884. Detached and placed on waiting orders.

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Complement of Petty Officers, Seamen, Ordinary Seamen, Landsmen, Boys, and Marines on board of the USS “Bear” Greely Relief Expedition at New York, March 17, 1884

Ice Master 1

Yeoman 1

Boatswain’s Mates 2

Captains of Top 2

Carpenter’s Mate 1

Ship’s Cook 1

Cabin Cook 1

Seamen 9

Blacksmith 1

Firemen 1^st class 3

Cabin Steward 1

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23 September 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Cool and pleasant. Light breeze from NE. Sky overcast. Commenced to rain a little at 10.55am. Spread boom cover. Barometer steady. “Thetis” moved out of dry dock and “Alert” took her place.

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24 September 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Overcast and cloudy and raining all night. Light breeze from NE and S by E. Barometer steady. Pumped ship at 7.30am, 4½ inches in bilge. Otto Schwarz (Cabin Steward) returned on board having been absent without leave. At 1.30pm USS “Swatara” arrived at Navy Yard

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25 September 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant. Light SW breeze. Barometer rising. USS “Pawhatan” left the yard at 11.50am. A salute of 13 guns was fired from the island and one from the Ordnance dock. At 1.30pm USS “Yantic” arrived at the Navy Yard.

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26 September 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant. Mustered crew at quarters at 10.00am. All present. Light airs from NW. Barometer rising. Crew engaged cleaning out fore hold.

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27 September 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant. Light SE airs. Barometer falling. At 7.30am pumped ship. At 8am hoisted colors at half mast for Commander Fillebrown USN who died at 2am.

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28 September 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Cool and pleasant, sky overcast. At 6am turned to and scrubbed down. Doctor Ames and Otto Schwarz left the ship to go to Roslyn. Light breeze from SSE. Barometer falling. Ensign half mast at 10.30am, mustered crew. All present. At 11.30pm commenced to rain very hard.

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29 September 1884

Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Overcast, cloudy and rainy until 2.30am when rain stopped. Calms and light SW airs. Pumped ship at 7.30am. Hoisted colors at half mast in memory of Commander TS Fillebrown USN, late Commandant of this station. Sent medical stores to Laboratory. USS “Alliance” shifted from Ordnance dock to Navy Yard at 1.30pm.

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500dc363cd0db400020005f6: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0013_1.jpg)

30 September 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Weather clear early am, cloudy forenoon, rainy afternoon, cloudy evening. Light NW airs and calms am. Light SE airs and calms pm. Lieutenant JC Colwell returned from leave of absence at 7am. Lieutenant FH Crosby left the ship, having been detached and ordered to duty on the Coast Survey. USS “Alert” came out of dry dock at 3pm and was made fast alongside “Thetis”, at Cob Dock.

LOGS FOR OCTOBER 1884

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1 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Weather clear, cool and pleasant. Calm and light NW airs. At 5.00am commenced breaking out all provisions and restowing them in after lower deck. Crew engaged at [illegible] work all day. PA Surgeon NE Ames left the ship on leave of absence, transferring his duty to PA Surgeon FS Nash of the USS “Alert”. PA Engineer WH Nauman of the “Alert” left the squadron on leave of absence, transferring his duty to Chief Engineer GW Melville of the “Thetis”.

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500dc363cd0db400020005fa: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0015_1.jpg)

2 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and cool early am. Overcast, chilly and rainy remainder of day. Light NNE breeze. Frederick Law (Ship’s Cook) absent overstaying leave.

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500dc363cd0db400020005fc: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0016_1.jpg)

3 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Weather cool, overcast and rainy early am, cloudy and cool remainder of day; drizzling rain and mist pm. Light NNE breeze am, light E breeze pm. Lieutenant WH Emory visited the ship.

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500dc363cd0db400020005fe: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0017_1.jpg)

4 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Overcast and rainy early am, clearing during forenoon, clear, warm and pleasant remainder of day. Fresh easterly breeze am, hauling to SxW and falling light during pm. Frederick Law (Ship’s Cook) returned on board, having overstayed leave 60 hours.

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500dc363cd0db40002000600: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0018_1.jpg)

5 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant throughout the day. Light WSW to NE breeze.

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500dc363cd0db40002000602: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0019_1.jpg)

6 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant, warm during afternoon, light sprinkling rain about 6am. Pumped ship out from 17 inches to 12 inches. Discharging bulky articles of equipment stores all day and returning them into store, with assistance of men from “Thetis” and “Alert”.

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500dc363cd0db40002000604: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0020_1.jpg)

7 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant. Cleaned out fore peak and forward compartment of hold. Steam launch, returning from carrying Commanding Officer to New York, broke shaft, and lost propeller and end of shaft overboard. Shifted propeller and section of shaft from “Thetis’s” steam launch to the launch of this ship.

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8 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant. Heavy passing shower at 8pm. Unrove all running gear, catted it and stowed it on lower deck forward. Commander Coffin visited the ship. By order of W Emory, Commanding, sent offer of reward of $10.00 on shore for apprehension and returning on board of Otto Schwarz (Cabin Steward), absent under false pretenses.

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500dc363cd0db40002000608: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0022_1.jpg)

9 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant. Moderate to fresh NW breeze. By order of Commander Coffin, Commanding Squadron, made preparations for transferring all enlisted men of “Bear”, “Thetis” and “Alert”, with their effects, to USRS “Vermont”, for berthing and messing. Commander Coffin left ship, on leave.

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10 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant. Light breeze from NW. Barometer steady. At 11.00am USFS “Tennessee” went into dry dock. At 11.30am ship’s company were transferred to USRS “Vermont” for quarters and messing. Lieutenant Samuel C Lemly returned to duty on board the “Thetis” and assumed charge of the ship’s of the Greely Relief Squadron.

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500dc363cd0db4000200060c: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0024_1.jpg)

11 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and pleasant weather with westerly winds.

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500dc363cd0db4000200060e: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0025_1.jpg)

12 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear in forenoon. Overcast and cloudy in afternoon. Light shower at 2pm. Light breeze from SW.

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500dc363cd0db40002000610: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0026_1.jpg)

13 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant weather. Barometer steady at 30.08. Light breeze from NW.

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500dc363cd0db40002000612: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0027_1.jpg)

14 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant weather. Moderate NW breeze. Otto Schwarz (Cabin Steward) was discharged from the Naval Service by order of Commanding Officer.

500dc363cd0db40002000613: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0028_0.jpg)

500dc363cd0db40002000614: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0028_1.jpg)

15 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant. Moderate SW breeze. Jacob Johnson (Seaman) was transferred to the USRS “Vermont” to be sent to the hospital.

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500dc363cd0db40002000616: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0029_1.jpg)

16 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Overcast and cool. Light SW airs.

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500dc363cd0db40002000618: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0030_1.jpg)

17 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant. Strong NW breeze. Pumped ship in forenoon.

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500dc363cd0db4000200061a: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0031_1.jpg)

18 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear, cool and pleasant. Strong NW breeze and squalls. Cleaned ship in forenoon. Thomas J Morton (Blacksmith) left the ship on leave of absence of one week from this date.

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500dc363cd0db4000200061c: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Bear/BEAR_002_jpgs/b002of002_0032_1.jpg)

19 October 1884

Moored to Cob Dock, Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York

Lat 40.704, Long -73.974

Clear and pleasant weather. Light S breeze.