USS Thetis 1884 Log Books

THE VOYAGES OF USS THETIS 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 – APRIL 2^nd 1884 TO OCTOBER 19^th 1884

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List of Officers attached to and on board the US Steamer Thetis, commanded by Commander Winfield Scott Schley, USN, at the time of leaving the Navy Yard Brooklyn the 1^st day of May, 1884.

Name	Rank
Winfield Scott Schley	Commander
Uriel Sebree	Lieutenant
Emory H. Taunt	Lieutenant
Samuel C. Lemly	Lieutenant (junior grade)
Washington Irving Chambers	Ensign
Charles H. Harlow	Ensign
George Wallace Melville	Chief Engineer
Edward H. Green	Passed Assistant Surgeon

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List of Officers who have died, been detached, or transferred, on board the US Steamer “Thetis” commanded by Commander Winfield Scott Schley, USN, during a cruise on the Arctic Seas from May 1, 1884 to October 20, 1884.

Name	Rank	Time of occurrence and particulars
Washington Irving Chambers	Ensign	Transferred to steamer “Loch Garry” at St. John’s, Newfoundland, May 11^, 1884.
Charles H. Harlow	Ensign	August 22, 1884. Detached and ordered to special duty, Southern Exposition.
Uriel Sebree	Lieutenant	August 28, 1884. Detached and placed on waiting orders.
Emory H. Taunt	Lieutenant	September 10, 1884. Detached and placed on waiting orders.
Winfield Scott Schley	Commander	September 11, 1884. Detached and appointed Chief of Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting.
Washington Irving Chambers	Ensign	August 1, 1884. Transferred to this ship from “Loch Garry”.

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Complement of Petty Officers, Seamen, on board the USS “Thetis” at time of leaving New York, May 1, 1884.

Name	Rate	Remark
[J.] William Norman	Ice Pilot
John W. Powers	Yeoman, acting Captain of Hold and Pay Yeoman
W. A. Coffin	Ship’s Cook, acting Chief Boatswain’s Mate
George Harvey	Boatswain’s Mate
E. W. Walker	Boatswain’s Mate, acting Quartermaster
Joseph Mitre	Captain of Top
John Manin	Captain of Top and Quartermaster
John Cross	Quartermaster
John McLeod	Quartermaster
Christian Paulsen	Carpenter’s Mate
Walter Booth	1^st class Machinist
James Francis	1^st class Machinist
Adam Stett	Blacksmith
George Von Spreckelson	3^rd class Machinist	Enlisted at St. John, Newfoundland, for cruise
W. J. Fischer	1^st class Fireman
Harry B. Neal	1^st class Fireman	Transferred to “Colorado” for discharge May 10
William Griffin	1^st class Fireman
F. F. Taylor	Seaman, Ship’s Writer, Armorer
P. W. Johnson	Seaman
Michael Hickey	Seaman
Bartley Cook	Seaman
Fred F. Baggesen	Seaman
John McDonald	Seaman	Transferred to Engineer’s department as 1^st class Fireman May 12
George E. Yewell	Seaman
Thomas Maloney	Seaman, acting Ship’s Cook
Carl Wasdon	Seaman, acting Sailmaker’s Mate
Charles Tong Sing	Cabin Steward
Max Tyron	Cabin Cook

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[Sketch of the ship]

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LOGS FOR APRIL 1884

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2 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

At 11am ship was put in commission by Captain William A. Kirkland, USN, Captain of the Yard.

Day rainy and rather disagreeable.

Officers present:

Commander Winfield Scott Schley, USN, commanding “Thetis” and Greely Relief Expedition.

Lieutenant Uriel Sebree, USN, Executive and Navigation Officer.

Lieutenant Emory H. Taunt, USN, Watch Officer.

Lieutenant Samuel C. Lemly, USN, Watch Officer.

Ensign Charles H. Harlow, USN, Watch Officer and Photographer.

Passed Assistant Surgeon Edward H. Green, USN, Surgeon.

Ice Pilot J. W. Norman [mentioned as W. H. Norman in log-book].

Chief Engineer George Wallace Melville, USN, was absent having been summoned to Washington by committee of House of Representatives.

Lieutenant Emory H. Taunt was detailed in charge for the day.

11am to meridian:

Overcast and rainy.

Navy Yard workmen at work on board, making necessary alterations. Wind about ENE.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast with cold drizzling rain.

Navy Yard workmen at work on board. Wind easterly.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast and rainy.

Navy Yard workmen at work on board. Wind easterly.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy, raining and snowing. Wind ENE.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and snowing. Wind NNE.

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3 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy with snow. Wind fresh from NNE.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy and cool. Fresh northwesterly wind.

8am to meridian:

Partially clear with fresh northwesterly winds and flying clouds.

Navy Yard workmen engaged in making alterations in cabin, building deck house and strengthening ship.

Meridian to 4pm:

Partially clear, cool. Fresh northwesterly winds and flying clouds.

Navy Yard workmen still at work on board.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear and cool. Fresh wind from NW.

Navy Yard workmen engaged on board until 6pm.

8pm to midnight:

Partially overcast and cool. Fresh northwesterly wind.

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4 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

Midnight to 4am:

Fresh northwesterly wind. No [unspecified] on board.

4am to 8am:

Same as above.

8am to meridian:

Overcast. Moderate and fresh breeze in squalls from NW.

Navy Yard workmen employed as yesterday about ship. Made preparations for hoisting up propeller.

Meridian to 4pm:

Weather same as from 8am to meridian.

Work progressing. Unshipped and hoisted propeller.

4pm to 8pm:

Weather same as above.

Workmen left ship at 6.00.

8pm to midnight:

Partially overcast, wind same as above.

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5 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy, fresh wind from northward.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy. Wind fresh from northward.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy and cool. Wind in squalls from northward and westward.

Navy Yard workmen at work on board.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Wind from northward and westward.

Navy Yard workmen at work on board.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Wind NNW.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and cool. Wind NW.

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6 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

Weather clear and pleasant. Northward and westward [winds].

One foreman, twelve joiners, and one boy at work on forward [?] and cabin during the day.

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7 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and cool. Northwesterly wind.

4am to 8am:

Clear and cool. Northwesterly wind.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate northwesterly wind.

Navy Yard workmen engaged on board, strengthening, making alterations in cabin, building deck house, overhauling machinery and rattling down.

Meridian to 4pm:

Partially overcast, pleasant. Northwesterly wind.

Navy Yard workmen engaged as in preceding watch.

4pm to 8pm:

Partially clear. Pleasant. Northwesterly wind.

Navy Yard workmen engaged on board until 6.00.

8pm to midnight:

Partially clear. Pleasant.

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8 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and cool. Wind westerly.

No instruments on board.

4am to 8am:

Same as above.

8am to meridian:

Milder and pleasant. Wind westerly to southwesterly.

Navy Yard workmen in Construction and Engineer’s departments at work on board ship.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear first, and warm. Overcast and cooler latter part.

Work progressing as from 8am to meridian.

4pm to 8pm:

Overcast, cool. Wind northwesterly.

Workmen left ship at 6.00.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast and cool. Southerly wind, rain.

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9 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast and rainy. Easterly wind.

4am to 8am:

Overcast, rain latter part of watch. Easterly wind.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy with hard rain from eastward.

Workmen engaged on board.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast, drizzling rain. Wind northward and eastward.

Workmen engaged on board.

4pm to midnight:

Cloudy and cool. Wind northward and eastward.

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10 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy. Southerly wind.

4am to 8am:

Clearing weather. Northeasterly wind.

8am to meridian:

Partially clear. Northeasterly wind.

Navy Yard workmen engaged in altering cabin, building deck house, caulking ship outside and overhauling machinery and rigging.

Meridian to 4pm:

Partially clear. Moderate northeasterly winds.

Navy Yard workmen engaged as during forenoon watch.

4pm to 8pm:

Partially clear. Moderate northeasterly wind.

Navy Yard hands at work on board until 6.00.

8pm to midnight:

Partially clear, pleasant. Northeasterly wind.

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11 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and cool. Wind northwesterly in general direction.

No instruments on board.

4am to 8am:

Partially overcast, pleasant. Wind same as above.

At 6.00 work commenced on board.

8am to meridian:

Warmer and pleasant. Westerly to northeasterly winds.

Workmen engaged in fitting out ship.

Meridian to 4pm:

Partially overcast. Threatened squalls. Westerly winds.

Work progressing as above.

4pm to 8pm:

Threatened squalls. Westerly winds.

Workmen left ship at 6.00.

8pm to midnight:

Partially overcast. Cooler. Westerly to northwesterly winds.

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12 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Wind northward and westward.

4am to 8am:

Clear and pleasant. Wind northward and westward.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Wind northward and westward.

Workmen engaged on board.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from northward and westward.

Workmen engaged on board.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from northward and westward.

Workmen engaged on board until 6.00.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and cool. Breeze northward and westward.

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13 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and cool. Northwesterly breeze.

4am to 8am:

Clear and cool. Northwesterly breeze.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Northwesterly breeze.

Navy Yard workmen engaged on board in altering cabin, building deck house, and overhauling machinery.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant.

Navy Yard workmen engaged on board as during last watch.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Northwesterly wind.

Navy Yard workmen at work until 6.00.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and fine. Northwesterly wind.

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14 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and cool. Westerly wind.

4am to 8am:

Clear and cool. Westerly wind.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Westerly wind.

Navy Yard workmen engaged on board, making alterations in cabin, building deck house, overhauling machinery, caulking and rigging ship.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Westerly wind.

Navy Yard workmen engaged as during forenoon watch.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Westerly wind.

Navy Yard workmen engaged on board until 6.00.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and pleasant. Westerly wind.

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15 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

Midnight to 4am:

Partially overcast. Light variable winds.

No instruments on board.

4am to 8am:

Overcast and misty. Wind easterly and southeasterly in general direction.

Workmen commenced work at 6.00.

8am to meridian:

Rain and mist. Wind easterly and southeasterly.

Workmen engaged at work in various departments of the ship.

Meridian to 4pm:

Rain and mist. Wind same as above.

Work progressing.

4pm to 8pm:

Rain and mist. Wind same in general direction, lighter in force.

At 6.00 workmen left ship.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast. Wind light in force, easterly in direction.

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16 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy and rainy. Easterly wind.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy and rainy, with easterly wind until latter part, when hauled to SW. Thunderstorm about 7.00.

8am to meridian:

Clear and warm. Southwesterly wind.

Navy Yard workmen engaged in cabin, deck house and overhauling machinery. Got chains aboard, 120 fathoms for each bower and 90 fathoms spare.

Meridian to 4pm:

Partially clear and warm. Southwesterly wind. Passing showers of light rain latter part.

Navy Yard workmen engaged as during forenoon watch.

4pm to 8pm:

Partially clear. Variable winds.

Navy Yard workmen engaged on board until 6.00, and in Engineer’s department throughout watch.

8pm to midnight:

Partially clear. Variable wind.

Workmen from Engineer’s department of Navy Yard engaged on board.

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17 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

[On weather page]

Memorandum showing storage of chain:

60 fathoms 9/16-inch

6 sections 1⅜-inch

2 sections 1½-inch

5 sections 1½-inch

1 section 1⅜-inch

6 sections 1⅜-inch

2 sections 1½-inch

Swivels inside hawser on each bower chain and at the end of third section from bottom.

Midnight to 4am:

Partially overcast. Cool. Wind westerly in general direction.

No instruments on board. Work in Engineer’s department during night.

4am to 8am:

Weather same as before.

At 6.00 workmen in other departments came on board.

8am to meridian:

Weather milder but still overcast. Wind westerly and southwesterly.

Workmen at work in various departments.

Meridian to 4pm:

Weather same as above.

Work progressing.

Boatswain Brown reported chain as stowed (see memorandum appended).

4pm to 8pm:

Weather cooler and more overcast. Wind westerly in general direction.

At 6.00 workmen left ship.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast and cool. Wind westerly and northwesterly.

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18 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and fine. Northwesterly wind.

4am to 8am:

Clear and fine. Northwesterly wind.

8am to meridian:

Clear and fine. Northwesterly wind.

Navy Yard workmen engaged in caulking main deck, making alterations in cabin, building deck house, overhauling machinery, and rigging ship.

At 9.00 commenced filling dock and at 11.00 hauled out.

Meridian to 4pm:

Partially clear. Pleasant. Northwesterly winds.

Navy Yard workmen engaged as during forenoon watch. Made ship fast alongside [Spanish] coal steamer “Ybarra No. 4” [Ybera in log-book] and made preparations for coaling.

4pm to 8pm:

Partially clear. Northwesterly wind.

Navy Yard workmen engaged on board till 6.00.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast. Pleasant. Easterly wind.

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19 April 1884

[1883 in log]

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7002, Long -73.9752

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Wind northward and eastward.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy. Easterly wind.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy. Wind northward and eastward.

Navy Yard workmen engaged on board.

Took on board spare rudder. Discharging pig iron ballast and coaling ship.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy. Wind southward and eastward.

Took on board and stowed below two spare propellers. Hoisted out about 8 tons of pig iron ballast.

Workmen engaged on board.

4pm to 8pm:

Cloudy. Wind southward and eastward.

At 4.15 Yard tug came alongside and dropped ship down to Main Street wharf.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy. Wind southward and eastward.

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20 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy. Northeasterly wind.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy. Northeasterly wind.

8am to meridian:

Partially clear. Northwesterly wind.

Navy Yard workmen engaged in painting ship inside and out, and overhauling rigging.

Meridian to 4pm:

Partially clear. Pleasant. Northwesterly wind.

Navy Yard workmen engaged as during forenoon watch.

4pm to 8pm:

Partially clear, pleasant. Northwesterly wind.

Navy Yard workmen engaged on board [until] 6.00.

8pm to midnight:

Clear. Pleasant. Northwesterly wind.

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21 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy and cool.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy and cool, breeze from northward.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy, wind northward.

Workmen from Navy Yard engaged on board. Commenced discharging ballast.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Wind from northward and westward.

Workmen engaged on board. Discharging ballast.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Fresh wind from northward and westward.

Coal steamer came alongside. Made preparations for coaling ship.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and cool. Fresh NW wind.

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22 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and cool. Wind northerly in general direction.

No instruments on board.

4am to 8am:

Weather same as preceding watch.

Commenced taking in coal in after bunkers and end of hold. Hoisting out ballast.

Work progressing in various departments.

Draft of ship before taking in coal, about: forward 9 feet 6 inches, aft 15 feet.

8am to meridian:

Partly overcast. Cool. Wind northerly and northeasterly.

Work progressing.

About noon the “Alert” [HMS Alert had been loaned to US Navy], Greely Relief Expedition, came in, in tow of the yard tug “Catalpa” and moored at the wharf astern of the “Thetis”. She was in command of Lieutenant Commander Caspar Frederick Goodrich, USN, 24 days from England. Commander W. S. Schley visited her officially.

Meridian to 4pm:

Same as preceding watch.

4pm to 8pm:

Weather partially overcast. Cool. Wind northerly and northeasterly in general direction.

Received on board during the day 137 tons of coal. Took all ballast from hold.
At 6.00 workmen left ship.

8pm to midnight:

Cool and cloudy. Wind same as above.

Coal steamer still alongside ship.

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23 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and cool. Light variable airs, northeasterly in general direction.

No instruments on board.

4am to 8am:

Weather same as above.

Commenced coaling ship in main hold.

Work in various departments progressing.

8am to meridian:

Warmer, clear and pleasant weather. Calm and light variable airs.

Work progressing.

At noon had received on board 110 tons of coal, making 247 tons in all. Draft of ship forward 9 feet 9 inches, aft 16 feet 11 inches.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear, warm and pleasant. Calms and light northeasterly airs.

Work progressing in various departments.

At 4.00 had received on board, same as noon [plus] 83 tons, making 330 tons in all. Draft of ship forward 10 feet 10 inches, aft 17’ feet.

4pm to 8pm:

Weather same as above.

Workmen left ship at 6.00, but coaling continued.

8pm to midnight:

Weather same as above.

Coaling ship.

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24 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and cool. Northwesterly wind.

Coaling ship.

4am to 8am:

Clear and pleasant. Northwesterly wind.

Coaling ship. At 8.00 447 tons of coal on board. Draft forward 13 feet, aft 17 feet 2 inches.

8am to meridian:

Partially clear. Wind light and variable. Passing showers of rain.

At meridian 565 tons of coal on board. Draft 13 feet 9 inches forward, 18 feet aft.

Got up steam on main boilers and tried engines.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy with passing showers of rain.

Turning over engines to try machinery. Coaling ship.

At 3.30 the USS “Bear” of the Greely Relief Expedition, Lieutenant William Hemsley Emory Jr. commanding, cast off from wharf and stood down the bay, bound out. The crews of the “Thetis”, “Alert”, and “Colorado” cheered her in passing, which cheers were returned by the crew of the “Bear”.

4pm to 8pm:

Cloudy. Passing showers. Wind light and variable.

At 4.20 finished coaling, having received on board 610 tons. Draft 13 feet 8 inches forward, 18 feet 3 inches aft.

Cleaning ship.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy, variable wind, passing showers.

25 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

[Scans of this log page are missing.]

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26 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Rain. Northerly and easterly wind.

No instruments on board.

4am to 8am:

Rain and drizzle. Wind northeasterly and northwesterly.

Commenced work on board.

8am to meridian:

Same weather as above. Receiving stores on board.

Meridian to 4pm:

Rain and drizzle till 3.00, when cleared with northwesterly wind.

Receiving stores. Adjusted standard compass. Bent all sail.

4pm to 8pm:

Clearing weather, same wind.

Received on board and stowed as follows: 191 barrels pemmican for crew, 135 barrels for dogs, in hold, forward of watertight compartment, port side, latter on top. Also 223 50-lb boxes of bread stowed on starboard side of same place; 10 barrels pickles, after hold, starboard side; 59 barrels of onions, olives, pig’s feet, cabbage and pig’s jowls, main hold, port side, forward; 49 barrels apple butter, after hold, peach butter, main hold, port side; 17 barrels syrup, port side, after hold; 23 barrels salmon, same place; 49 barrels peach butter, main hold, port side; 7 barrels tamarinds, main hold, port side; 24 barrels mackerel, after hold; 21 barrels sauerkraut, starboard main hold, forward; 40 barrels bacon after hold, and 89 main hold, port side; 6 barrels smoked beef, same place; 27 mattresses and pillows for crew, and 8 mattresses and pillows for Officers.

Put up curtains and carpets in Captain’s cabin.

Received medicine stores, no memorandum furnished. Stopped work at 5.00.

Draft before receiving stores, forward 13’ 7”, at 5.00 13’ 11”.

8pm to midnight:

Clearing weather. Wind northerly in general direction.

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27 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy. Northerly wind.

4am to 8am:

Clear and cool, with breeze from northward.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant; light breeze from northward and westward.

Taking on board provisions and stowing in main hold.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant, light breeze from northward and westward.

Received on board: 414 packages bread, 51 mutton, 25 cooked ham, 19 shaker corn, 12 samp, 45 beef tongue, 29 rice, 82 sugar, 20 pork jowls, 100 roast beef, 45 soup, 6 corned beef, 81 flour, 12 corn meal, 47 beans, 25 raw ham, 115 fried potatoes, 106 lime juice, 22 figs, 6 citron, 16 macaroni, 21 green peas, 13 eggs, 20 split peas, 168 tea, 47 butter, 7 salt, 14 buckwheat, 29 oatmeal, 28 Lima beans, 26 crackers, 18 nuts, 15 vermicelli. All stowed on main deck.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. NW wind.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and pleasant. Wind NW.

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28 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Wind easterly in general direction.

4am to 8am:

Wind and weather same as above.

Commenced receiving stores on board in various departments.

8am to meridian:

Hazy but very pleasant. Wind [unspecified] to southward and westward.

Receiving and stowing stores.

Meridian to 4pm:

Weather same.

Receiving stores till 4.00, memorandum appended [not available].

By order of Commandant of Navy Yard [Commodore Thomas Scott Fillebrown], transferred James B. White (2^nd class Fireman) from this vessel to “Colorado”.

4pm to 8pm:

Weather same. Hoisted steam cutter.

8pm to midnight:

Cooler. Wind southwesterly.

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29 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Southerly wind.

4am to 8am:

Clear, cool and pleasant. Fresh westerly wind.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Strong northerly wind.

Receiving stores from Equipment and Ordnance departments.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Strong northerly wind.

Receiving stores from Ordnance, Construction and Navigation departments.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear, cool and pleasant. Fresh breeze from northward.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and pleasant. Fresh northerly breeze.

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30 April 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and cool. Northwesterly breeze.

4am to 8am:

Clear and cool. Northwesterly breeze.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Southwesterly breeze.

Engaged putting ship to rights, and preparing to receive on board stores as per list appended [not available], marked A, also two bales of seal skin mittens.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Southwesterly breeze.

Navy Yard tug “Catalpa” came alongside and delivered on board Ordnance stores as per list appended [not available], marked B.

Jim Hall (Cabin Cook) was discharged [from] the service.

Max Tyron was enlisted as Landsman for special service.

Adam Stett, Blacksmith, was by order of Commander, confined on board receiving ship “Colorado” for safe keeping, being under the influence of liquor.

Engaged as during morning watch.

Ensign Washington Irving Chambers reported on board for passage to St. John’s, Newfoundland.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Southwesterly breeze.

Engaged preparing for sea.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and cool. Southwesterly breeze.

LOGS FOR MAY 1884

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1 May 1884

Brooklyn and at sea

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Southerly winds.

4am to 8am:

Clear and pleasant. Southerly winds.

Engaged in cleaning ship and making preparations for sea.

8am to meridian:

Slightly hazy, very pleasant. Gentle breeze from SbyE.

By order of Commanding Officer, Adam Still (Boatswain) was released from confinement.

P. Larson [C. Larson in log-book] (Seaman) and Carl Nelson (Seaman) were this day received on board from the USS “Alert” for passage to St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Served out one year’s supply of clothing to the crew.

Started fires at 11.00.

At 11.45 hoisted flag of the Secretary of Navy at the main and received him [William Eaton Chandler] and party, consisting of Secretary of War [Robert Todd Lincoln], Commandant [of Navy Yard] Thomas Scott Fillebrown, Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, Surgeon General [of the Navy] Francis MacKall Gunnell, and others.

Secretary of Navy inspected ship.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from southward and eastward.

At 1.15 cleared ship of strangers.

At 1.30 Navy Yard tug came alongside and made fast. Singled all lines and made preparations to cast off from wharf. Mustered ship’s company aft and they were inspected by the Secretary of Navy and War.

At 2.30 cast off from wharf, towed out of the Wallabout. Tug cast off and we started under steam down the bay. “Colorado” fired a salute of 7 guns. Vessels saluted us as we passed down. “Colorado” and “Alert” cheered ship, all salute and cheers were returned by us with whistle and cheers. Governors Island, Forts Wadsworth and Hamilton all fired salutes of 21 guns, which were answered by dipping colors.

Commanding Officer at the con.

USS “Tallapoosa”, with Secretary of War and Navy on board, escorted us down the bay.

4pm to 6pm:

[On weather page]

Clear and pleasant with moderate breeze from South.

Standing out to SE on courses as directed by Commanding Officer.

Swung ship for local deviation of compasses.

6pm to 8pm:

Steamed round and took bearings on every other point of compass for determining local deviation of compass.

Took departure at 6.35, Sandy Hook Lightship South 1 mile distant. Set course E¾S. Patent log 0.

At 7.00 set fore topmast staysail, main topmast staysail, and at 8.00 set foresail.

At 7.35 sighted Fire Island Light bearing (pc) [per compass] ENE.

Got anchors on bows and secured things about decks generally.

8pm to midnight:

Damp but clear. Moderate breeze from SbyE.

At 8.05 took cast of patent lead in 15 fathoms and again at 10.15 in 13 fathoms, and at midnight in 32 fathoms.

Lost Highlands Light [Navesink Lighthouse] at 8.45.

At 11.00 Fire Island bore abeam, at midnight two points abaft beam. Steering course EbyS.

Patent log at end of watch 34.2. Passed large steamer on port side and pilot boat on starboard.

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2 May 1884

At sea, New York to St. John’s

Lat 40.27, Long -71.17

Midnight to 4am:

Clear, cool and pleasant. Moderate and fresh wind from southward.

At 2.00 passed a steamer standing to westward.

At 2.30 lost sight of Fire Island Light bearing NW (pc). Moderate sea. Set the foresail.

At 4.00 got cast of the lead, 20 fathoms.

Patent log read 61.2 at end of watch.

4am to 8am:

Partially clear. Cool. Hazy about horizon.

At 6.00 set inner jib and topsails.

At 7.10 stopped engines to set up on high pressure piston rod stuffing box gland.

Started ahead again at 7.25. Several sails in sight.

At end of watch patent log registered 89.2.

8am to meridian:

Partly clear, hazy and damp. Moderate to gentle breeze from south.

Set topgallant sails, main topmast staysail, and main and mizzen topgallant staysails, outer jib and gaff topsail.

Under steam and sail. Engaged in scraping forecastle deck.

Meridian to 4pm:

Very hazy but pleasant. Moderate to gentle breeze from South and SbyW.

At 12.45 changed course to East. Cast of lead at 12.30 in 42 fathoms.

At 12.52 stopped engine to set up screw. Started ahead again at 1.10. Ship making 5 knots under sail alone.

At 2.00 set main sail.

Delivered to Charles Tong Sing (Cabin Steward) a good conduct medal as a survivor of the Arctic Steamer “Jeanette”.

Patent log at end of watch 148.0. Steering course EbyS ¾ of an hour, East remainder of watch.

Served out tobacco, knives and belts.

4pm to 6pm:

Hazy. Moderate breeze from southward and westward.

At 5.40 broke pump connecting rod and stopped engine for repairs.

At end of watch patent log read 163.5 miles.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear overhead but hazy about horizon. Under sail alone. Moderate breeze from SSW and moderate sea.

At end of watch patent log registered 177.5 knots.

8pm to midnight:

Clear overhead but hazy about horizon. Moderate breezes from SWbyW to WNW.

At 8.30 got cast of lead in 30 fathoms water, bottom grey sand, black specks.

At 8.10 hauled down fore and main topmast staysails.

At 9.45 hauled down mizzen topgallant and royal staysails, main topgallant staysail, and outer jib; took in gaff topsail and spanker and hauled up main sail, squaring away to shift of wind to West.

At 10.00 got cast of lead in 23 fathoms, bottom white sand, black specks.

At midnight got another cast in 25 fathoms, same bottom.

Toward end of watch wind light and hauling to WNW. Mercurial barometer 30.00 at midnight.

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3 May 1884

At sea, New York to St. John’s

Lat 40.75, Long -68.23

Midnight to 4am:

Heavy mist and dew. Gentle to moderate breeze from WNW and NW.

Under sail alone, steering course East.

At 2.00 got cast of deep sea lead in 32 fathoms, white sand.

At 3.30 set fore, main and mizzen topmast staysails, main and mizzen topgallant staysails, outer jib and spanker.

At 4.00 got cast of lead by patent machine in 34 fathoms. Lightning to the southward.

Patent log at end of watch 213.1.

4am to 8am:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from NW to NNE.

At 6.00 passed a large steamer standing to westward.

At 8.00 changed course to E½N by standard [compass].

Patent log at end of watch read 237.2. Broke one Engineer’s store.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant, with moderate NNE wind and sea.

At 9.00 set flying jib and main royal staysail.

At 10.00 took in mizzen topmast staysail.

At noon got a cast of the lead (patent) in 26 fathoms, bottom grey sand with black specks.

Patent log read 253.1 at end of watch. Engine stopped, fires banked. Repairing stud bolt of air pump link.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate to gentle breeze from NNW to NWbyN.

At 1.00 sighted a bark-rigged steamer on starboard beam, standing to westward.

Started ahead on engine at 12.25.

4pm to 6pm:

Thin cirrus and stratus clouds. Cool and pleasant. Gentle to light breeze from NWbyW.

Took in, unbent and sent below fore staysail. Read stations for fire to crew.

At 5.30 hauled up courses.

Patent log at end of watch read 291.2. Steamer approaching, distant about 10 miles.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear, cool and pleasant. Light breeze from westward.

At 7.00 exercised at fire quarters. Took in all fore and aft sail except jib. Furled mainsail.

At end of watch patent log read 303.5 miles.

8pm to midnight:

Clear, cool and pleasant. Bright moonlight. Light breeze from WSW and SW. Smooth sea.

At end of watch patent log registered 328.8.

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4 May 1884

At sea, New York to St. John’s

Lat 41.80, Long -65.12

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant, damp last part of watch. Light airs from southward and westward. Moon set at 2.00. Smooth sea. Mercurial barometer 30.19.

4am to 8am:

Clear and very pleasant. Light airs to moderate breeze from WSW.

Steering course EbyN.

At 7.00 temperature of sea water rose to 50°, at 7.15 to 51°, falling at 8.00 to 44° again. No change in color of water or state of sea.

At 7.15 set foresail.

Patent log at end of watch 384.0. Mercurial barometer at 8 30.19.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from NbyW to NNW.

Set all staysails, spanker and gaff topsail.

At 10.15 called “all hands to muster”. Mustered ship’s company aft, and Commanding Officer read divine service.

At end of watch patent log registered 411.9 miles. Inspected dry gun cotton.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant with light wind from WbyN. Smooth sea.

At 12.35 changed course to E½N and took in all fore and aft sail except outer jib.

Pumped ship, using deck steam pump.

At end of watch patent log read 441, and mercurial barometer 30.20 with attached thermometer 59°.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant with gentle breeze from WbyN.

Lost sight of schooner standing to northward at 5.00.

Mercurial barometer at 6.30 30.13, attached thermometer 58°.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Wet dew last hour. Moderate breeze from West.

Steering course E½N. Two sail in sight, a brig and barkentine steamer standing to eastward.

At 8.00 changed course to East.

Patent log at end of watch 468.6.

8pm to midnight:

Clear, cool and pleasant. Moderate to fresh breeze from northward and westward.

Set jib, main topmast staysail, and spanker.

Patent log at end of watch read 498.5 miles.

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5 May 1884

At sea, New York to St. John’s

Lat 42.67, Long -61.42

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and cool. Moderate to light northwesterly breeze. Moderate sea. Bright moonlight until 2.27, when moon set.

Pumped ship. At end of watch patent log registered 527.1. Mercurial barometer 30.02, thermometer 58°.

4am to 8am:

Clear and pleasant. Gentle to moderate breeze from NNW to NbyW.

Pumped ship out.

At 7.40 stopped engine for 10 minutes to set up a low pressure piston rod stuffing box gland.

At 7.30 set flying jib, main topgallant staysail, mizzen royal staysail and gaff topsail.

8am to meridian:

Clear, beautiful weather. Gentle breeze from NW to West.

Hauled down main topmast staysail to bend new sheet pendants.

At 10.00 wind hauled to West. Took in spanker, gaff topsail and all staysails.

Removed some boxes of Engineer’s stores from main hold to engine room.

Mercurial barometer 29.98. Patent log at end of watch 581.6.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from West.

At end of watch patent log read 608.3 miles. Mercurial barometer 29.99.

4pm to 6pm:

Partially clear. Light cirrus clouds. Light wind from West. Smooth sea. Heavy fog bank on horizon to northward and eastward.

Pumped ship. At end of watch patent log read 622.2 and mercurial barometer 30.00 with attached thermometer 59°.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy with gentle to moderate breeze from NEbyN to NE.

At 6.15 took in all sail to shift of wind to NEbyN. Furled topsails, foresail, topgallant sails, flying jib, outer jib, main topgallant and royal staysails, mizzen topgallant staysail and gaff topsail. Reset inner jib, fore topmast staysail, main topmast staysail, mizzen topmast staysail and spanker. Wind veering to NE and freshening.

Pumped ship out. Mercurial barometer at end of watch 29.99, attached thermometer 61°.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast first two hours, clear last two. Moderate breeze from NE to NNE.

At 10.45 set main and mizzen topgallant staysails.

Mercurial barometer 30.00. Patent log at end of watch 659.0.

At 11.30 took in mizzen topgallant staysail and set foresail.

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6 May 1884

At sea, New York to St. John’s

Lat 43.45, Long -58.23

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and cold. Fresh breeze from northward, and northward and eastward. Moderating last hour of watch.

At 3.00 the moon set clear.

At end of watch patent log read 685.5 miles. Mercurial barometer stood 30.04.

4am to 8am:

Clear and cool. Fresh breeze from North. Moderate sea.

At 6.00 made all sail except main royal and mizzen topgallant staysail, and gaff topsail.

Pumped ship using steam pump on deck.

At end of watch patent log registered 717.3 and mercurial barometer 30.04, with attached thermometer 51°.

Stopped engines at 7.30 and hove the log, ship being under sail alone, 5 knots.

8am to meridian:

Clear and cool, bracing weather. Stiff breeze from North to NbyW. Moderate sea.

At 8.10 changed course to E¾N.

Pumped ship out. Barometer at 12.30 30.02. Attached thermometer 52°.

Meridian to 4pm:

Generally overcast. Moderate to fresh breeze in squalls from North to NNW.

Stationed boat crews. Made up and sent below boat tents, arm curtains, weather clothes and stanchions.

At 2.30 took in and stowed main topgallant staysail.

Steering course E¾N first 15 minutes, ENE¼E remainder of watch. Mercurial barometer 30.04. Patent log at end of watch 780.7 miles.

4pm to 6pm:

Cloudy and cold. Moderate breeze from northward.

Took in topsails, topgallant sails and main sail.

At end of watch patent log read 793.6. Mercurial barometer stood 30.04.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy and cold. Moderate breeze from North and moderate sea.

At end of watch patent log read 806.4. Mercurial barometer 30.06. Attached thermometer 60°. Pumped ship.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and damp first part. Clearing away and bright moonlight last hour. Moderate breeze from NbyE to NNE.

At 8.20 took in and furled foresail, the wind hauling to NNE. At same time changed course ENE½E.

Pumped ship. Mercurial barometer 30.09, attached thermometer 64°.

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7 May 1884

At sea, New York to St. John’s

Lat 44.97, Long -55.53

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and damp. Moderate breeze from NbyE.

Steering course ENE½E. Mercurial barometer at 4.00 30.10.

Pumped ship out. At daybreak sighted a sail on port quarter. Sea water fell 3° during watch.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy but pleasant. Moderate breeze from northward and eastward.

Set foresail and topsails at 5.00.

At 7.50 took in topsails.

Mercurial barometer stood 30.12 at end of watch.

8am to meridian:

Partially clear, cool. Moderate breeze from NNE. Smooth sea.

Pumped ship out, using steam pump on deck. Mercurial barometer 30.20, with thermometer attached 52°.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from NNE, veering and hauling a half point occasionally.

Pumped ship out. Engines working slowly owing to choking of boiler tubes with coal dust.

At 4.00 mercurial barometer 30.27, attached thermometer 60°.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear, cool and pleasant. Moderate breeze from NNE.

Pumped ship out. Mercurial barometer at 6.00 30.21.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy and cool. Moderate breeze from northward and eastward.

Took in and stowed flying jib. Mercurial barometer stood 30.28 at end of watch. Long easterly swell.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and cool. Moderate breeze from NNE. Long easterly swell.

Passed an iceberg to southward.

At end of watch mercurial barometer stood 30.24, attached thermometer 60°.

Pumped ship. Got a cast of patent lead at 8.25 in 46 fathoms water, bottom grey sand.

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8 May 1884

At sea, New York to St. John’s

Lat 46.33, Long -53.37

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast, cloudy. Gentle breeze from NNE and NEbyN, freshening at end of watch.

Pumped ship out.

At 3.40 set foresail.

At 3.55 got cast of lead in 65 fathoms, white sand, black specks and shells.

Moon set at 3.50. Mercurial barometer 30.33, attached thermometer 65° at 4.00.

4am to 8am:

Generally overcast. Moderate breeze from NNE. Squally appearances last hour.

Schooner passed astern bound to southward and eastward. Pumped ship out.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 30.35. Took in main royal staysail. Long swell from northward and eastward.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from northward and eastward.

At 9.50 sighted land 3 points on port bow.

At 10.00 changed course to NEbyE½E.

At 10.20 changed course to NE½E.

At 11.30 changed course to NExE½E.

At end of watch two icebergs in sight on either beam.

Cape Race bore about NEbyE (pc) at end of watch.

Mercurial barometer stood, at end of watch, 30.38.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy but pleasant. Light [wind] from NNE until last hour, when hauled to SSE. Smooth sea.

At 3.00 took in all square sail and hauled down mizzen mast staysail.

At end of watch Cape Race bore NWxN, distant 2 miles.

Mercurial barometer stood 30.26, attached thermometer 50°. Passed one large berg and several hummocky bits of ice during watch.

Made ship’s name to signal station on Cape Race, and received answer “God speed, adieu”. Got a cast of patent lead at 1.00 in 36 fathoms water, red sandy rock.

At 1.00 changed course to ENE½E.

4pm to 6pm:

Partly cloudy, cool and pleasant. Light breeze from SSE.

At 4.30 changed course to ENE and at 5.30 to NE½E.

At 4.20 set foresail. Got both anchors ready for letting go and ranged the cables, 15 fathoms on each.

Running along SE coast of Newfoundland with land, numerous small craft, and drifting pieces of hummocky ice in sight.

At 6.00 Hare’s Ears Light [Ferryland Head Lighthouse] bore (pc) NNE½E, Cape Race Light WSW, Renews Point N¼W, and Cape Ballard W¼N.

Pumped ship out. Mercurial barometer at 6.15 30.31, attached thermometer 51°.

6pm to 8pm:

Partially overcast first hour, clear last. Bright moonlight. Gentle breeze from ESE.

At 6.45 hauled up foresail, at 7.45 mizzen topmast staysail.

Pumped ship out. Passed several large pieces of ice.

At 8.00 Hare’s Ears Light bore (pc) NWbyN. Mercurial barometer 30.34.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and pleasant, heavy dew.

At 10.30 sighted Cape Spear Light bearing NNE¼E (pc).

At end of watch Cape Spear Light bore NxE (pc). Mercurial barometer read 30.32. Long easterly swell.

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9 May 1884

At sea and St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.565, Long -52.700

Midnight to 4am:

Clear, cool and damp, with light northeasterly wind. Ship rolling deeply but easily to long swell from northward.

At 1.20 hauled in patent log registering 1104.3.

Standing in for St. John’s harbor on courses as directed by Commander.

At 3.35 came to with port anchor, 15 fathoms chain, in 8½ fathoms water, fine mud bottom. Banked fires.

Bearings from anchorage: North tower of Cathedral NWbyN, St. Thomas’ Church steeple NxE⅜E, signal station E¾S; ship’s head NNW. Draft forward 15 feet 6 inches, aft 18 feet 3 inches.

4am to 8am:

Clear, cool and pleasant. Light breeze from West.

Lowered steam whale boat, rigged accommodation ladder. Cleared up deck and hauled taut rigging.

At 7.50 received a visit of courtesy from an Officer of the HMS “Tenedos”.

8am to meridian:

Light cirrus clouds at times. Generally clear. Light to moderate breeze from SW to SE.

Made preparations for coaling ship. Tried steam launch.

American Consul Mr. Thomas N. Molloy visited the ship, as aid also the harbor master.

Meridian to 4pm:

Foggy. Moderate breeze SEbyE.

Broke out and restowed skin suits.

Mercurial barometer 30.25 at 4.00.

At 1.00 veered to 30 fathoms of chain at windlass.

4pm to 8pm:

Overcast, foggy. Moderate breeze from SEbyE first two hours, baffling airs from southward and eastward last two.

Commenced coaling ship at 7.45. Mercurial barometer at 8.00 30.25.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast, foggy. Calms and light airs from SE.

Coaling ship.

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10 May 1884

St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.565, Long -52.700

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast and foggy. Light airs from ESE.

At 12.10 had taken on board 25 tons of coal.

4am to 8am:

Overcast, cool and foggy. Light airs from ESE. Barometer falling.

At 8.00 mercurial [barometer] read 30.17. Commenced coaling again at 4.00pm.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy and foggy. Light SE breeze.

Transferred Harry B. Neal [E. D. Neall in log-book], 1^st class Fireman, to “Colorado” per steamer “Ardandhu”, as not being fitted for arctic service.

Sent aloft the crow’s nest and secured it at the main topgallant masthead. Coaling ship. Fitted ship’s company with seal skin boots.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy and foggy. Light SE wind.

At 3.30 the English man-of-war HMS “Fantome” came in and anchored.

Finished coaling ship, having received on board 60 tons.

4pm to 8pm:

Cloudy and thick. Wind SE.

Received on board 23 dogs.

Passing rain showers.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast, thick and threatening. Wind and light rain from southward and eastward.

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11 May 1884

St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.565, Long -52.700

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast, thick and rainy. Wind from southward and eastward. Barometer falling.

4am to 8am:

Overcast and thick, raining. Strong wind from SE. Barometer falling. Fresh squalls.

8am to meridian:

Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Wind fresh in squalls from SE.

At 10.00 let go starboard anchor underfoot. Barometer steady last two hours.

Engaged in making preparations for sea.

US Consul [Thomas N. Molloy] came on board. Mercurial barometer 29.60, attached thermometer 65°.

Meridian to 4pm:

Rain and fog, very unpleasant weather. Wind in squalls from SE to ESE.

Inspected dry guncotton and found it all right. Issued two hammocks to the men going on the “Loch Garry”.

Ensign W. I. Chambers and two men, C. Nelson (Seaman) and P. Larson (Seaman) left the ship with their luggage for duty on board the “Loch Garry”.

Mercurial barometer 29.60.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast, thick and foggy, with rain and hail. Wind moderating. Barometer steady.

Shipped George Von Spreckelson, 3^rd class Machinist, special service, for the cruise.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast, cloudy, foggy and rainy. Easterly wind falling light and hauling to northward.

Mercurial barometer 29.54, thermometer attached 64°.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast, foggy, wet drizzling weather. Variable light air and calms.

Mercurial barometer at midnight, 29.58.

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12 May 1884

St. John’s and at sea

Lat 47.92, Long -52.23

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy, cool and calm. Barometer rising slowly.

Spread fires. Light SW airs the latter part of watch.

4am to 8am:

Overcast, with light airs from southward.

Hove up starboard anchor at 5.30 and at 6.10 got underway and stood out to sea, accompanied by collier “Loch Garry”.

At 6.50 took departure, Cape Spear Lighthouse SbyW (sc) [standard compass], Fort Amherst Lighthouse WNW¾W (sc). Ship’s head EbyS (sc). Put over patent log registering 6.4.

At 7.25 changed course to ENE, patent log showing 8.2.

Transferred John McDonald (Seaman) to Engineer’s department and rated him 1^st class Fireman from this day.

Ship’s draught 19 feet aft, 16 feet forward.

Mercurial barometer 29.65, thermometer attached 50°. Set jibs, main topgallant and royal, and mizzen topmast and topgallant staysails at 7.30.

8am to meridian:

Overcast, heavy fog last two hours. Wind light to gentle breeze from SSE to SE.

At 9.30 set main topmast staysail, and at 10.00 set spanker.

Exchanged fog whistle signal at frequent intervals with convoy.

Mercurial barometer at noon 29.66.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast and cloudy. Heavy fog.

Took in outer and flying jib, main royal and topgallant, and mizzen topgallant staysails.

Signaled to “Loch Garry”: “At sunset will hoist bright light aft”. Exchanged signals at frequent intervals with “Loch Garry”.

Mercurial barometer 29.67 at end of watch.

4pm to 6pm:

Very foggy first hour, clearing up after.

Passed a number of hummocky bits of ice and one large berg. Moderate breeze from ESE and moderate sea.

Pumped ship out. “Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter, three cable lengths distant.

Mercurial barometer 29.65, attached thermometer 62°.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast, drizzling rain and hail. Moderate breeze from ESE and EbyS.

At 7.00 took in and stowed all sail.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.54.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast and thick. Wind strong in heavy squall with rain from eastward. Barometer falling.

At end of watch “Loch Garry” in sight on starboard beam. Mercurial barometer at midnight stood about 29.30.

Ship rolling and pitching easily to a rough easterly swell. Last hour of watch, ship lost steerageway on account of low steam.

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13 May 1884

At sea, St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Disko* Island, Greenland

Lat 49.32, Long -50.58

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy and rainy with fresh to light winds from EbyS, veering to NNE last hour. Moderate sea.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.25, attached thermometer 50°.

Foggy last two hours. Ship rolling deeply to long swell.

4am to 8am:

Weather overcast. Wind WbyN, blowing a moderate gale. Foggy first part though a vessel could be seen 1 mile. Driving snowstorm last hour.

Heavy sea from eastward first part. Heavy confused sea last part. Barometer rising.

Vessel rolling deeply, occasionally taking water over the rail along waist. “Loch Garry” on port quarter.

At 8.00 changed course to NEbyE¼E and signaled the change to steamer, with whistle.

Barometer pumping badly, but about 29.20 at end of watch. Set foresail and fore topsail at 4.30 and 5.30.

8am to meridian:

Overcast and cloudy; snowing hard the first two hours of watch; pleasant last two hours.

Ship rolling deeply, taking water over rail at deepest rolls.

“Loch Garry” signaled: “Permission to stop about five minutes to repair feed pumps”. Answered: “Yes”.

Barometer rising. Mercurial barometer pumping badly, but stood about 29.36 at end of watch. Strong wind from WbyN. “Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter at end of watch.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast and cloudy with fresh wind from WSW, hauling to SSW last hour. Rough sea.

Ship rolling and pitching easily. Set main topsail and outer jib at 12.35.

Mercurial barometer 29.38, attached thermometer 58°.

At 12.15 changed course to NEbyE and signaled true course to “Loch Garry”.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast. Stiff breeze from SSW. Rough sea.

Pumped ship out.

At 5.50 slowed engine down on account of hot bearing.

Mercurial barometer at 6.00 29.44.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast and cloudy. Wind fresh from southward, and southward and eastward.

At 6.10 started ahead full speed. Set jib, fore topmast staysail and spanker, stowed outer jib.

“Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter at end of watch. Mercurial barometer 29.50.

Ship rolling easily, occasionally taking in sea over waist.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast and cloudy with fresh wind from southward and eastward, hauling to eastward.

At 10.30 took in topsail. Sea rough, but moderating. Ship easy.

“Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter. Mercurial barometer 29.52, attached thermometer 59°.

*[Spelled Disco Island in the log-book until late May.]

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14 May 1884

At sea, St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Disko Island, Greenland

Lat 51.24, Long -50.07

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast, rain and fog. Wind in squalls from ESE to ENE.

At 1.00 took in foresail. Exchanged fog signals with convoy.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.65. Pumped ship out.

At 3.35, not receiving reply to whistle from convoy, stopped engine until we did so. Went ahead again at 3.40.

At 3.50 hauled down head sails and took in spanker.

4am to 8am:

Overcast and foggy. Wind fresh from ENE. Rough head sea. Vessels could be seen about 2 miles.

Convoy steamer on starboard quarter. Ship with barely steerageway [steering way in log-book] at end of watch on account of low steam and head sea. Mercurial barometer 29.75 at 8.00.

8am to meridian:

Overcast and cloudy with fresh breeze from northward and eastward, hauling to northward. Sea rough and choppy. Ship easy.

At 9.00 ran her off and set inner jib, topmast staysail, and spanker; and at 10.25 set mizzen topgallant staysail.

At noon mercurial barometer 29.80, thermometer attached 62°.

“Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter during watch.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast, wind from NEbyE and NE. Fresh to stiff breeze in force. Full and by on starboard tack, heading from NbyE to North. Barometer rising.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.90. Exchanged noon position with convoy, by merchant signal code.

Pumped ship out twice during watch. Rough sea.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast and cloudy. Wind fresh from NEbyE.

“Loch Garry” in sight on starboard quarter.

At end of watch mercurial barometer stood 29.98. Full and by on starboard tack.

Set fore topmast staysail. Ship rolling and pitching easily to rough sea.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast and cloudy, with fresh breeze from NEbyE and rough sea.

Pumped ship out. Mercurial barometer 29.90, attached thermometer 68°.

“Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast, and squally last 3 hours. Wind moderate to fresh breeze from NEbyE.

Course NE¾N, steering full and by on starboard tack; heading N¾E first hour and NbyE last three.

At 10.30 took in main topgallant staysail.

Light of convoy in sight on starboard quarter. Pumped ship out. Mercurial barometer at midnight, 30.02.

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15 May 1884

At sea, St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Disko Island, Greenland

Lat 53.00, Long -51.18

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast, cloudy and cold. Moderate breeze with fresh puffs from NEbyE.

“Loch Garry” in sight at end of watch, off starboard quarter.

Mercurial barometer stood 30.00 at end of watch.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy but pleasant. Moderate breeze from EbyN. Sun occasionally visible.

Ship on course NE¾N at 6.00. Long easy swell. Mercurial barometer 30.04 at 8.00.

Convoy steamer in position on starboard quarter.

8am to meridian:

Overcast but pleasant. Moderate breeze first three hours from EbyN and NE. About 11.00 it fell light and came out from NE.

At 10.30 set spanker and flying jib and at 11.30 took in all sail.

Observed appearance of tide rip on starboard beam. Sea water rose in temperature 4° and 5° during watch.

At noon changed course to NEbyN (pc). Mercurial barometer at noon, 30.09.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast and cloudy, with light breeze from NE. Light fall of snow latter part of watch.

“Loch Garry” signaled: “What is your longitude by chronometer”. Exchanged latitude and longitude with “Loch Garry”.

At end of watch mercurial barometer stood 30.12. “Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast and cloudy with light breeze from NEbyE and light snow flurries. Long swell from northeastward.

Ship easy. “Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 30.13, attached thermometer 57°.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast with light passing snow squalls. Wind variable and light.

At 7.40 set all fore and aft sail, except flying jib and mizzen topmast staysail.

Mercurial barometer 30.08. Convoy on starboard quarter.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast, cloudy and misty. Light easterly airs.

Took in all fore and aft sail. Mercurial barometer read 30.10 at end of watch.

“Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter.

At 8.00 changed course to NE¾N.

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16 May 1884

At sea, St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Disko Island, Greenland

Lat 55.37, Long -51.45

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast and cloudy, with light airs and long swell from eastward.

“Loch Garry” on starboard quarter, distant about one mile.

Mercurial barometer 30.10, attached thermometer 57°.

Pumped ship. Misty about horizon.

4am to 8am:

Weather cloudy, but pleasant. Light airs from southward. Long easy swell.

Convoy on starboard quarter.

A number of little auks around. Mercurial barometer 30.15 at 8.00.

8am to meridian:

Overcast and cloudy, but pleasant weather. Light airs from southward.

Set topsails, topgallant sails and foresail. “Loch Garry” in sight on starboard quarter.

Mercurial barometer read 30.19 at end of watch.

Small flock of little auks around the ship.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast and cloudy but pleasant. Wind light from southwestward. Sea smooth.

At 1.00 changed course to NNE½E and signaled change to “Loch Garry”. Also exchanged latitude and longitude with that vessel by same code.

Pumped ship. At end of watch mercurial barometer 30.16, attached thermometer 59°.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast but pleasant. Light to gentle breeze from SSW and SW.

At 5.10 changed course to NEbyN.

Mercurial barometer at 6.00 30.19.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy; light breeze from SW.

“Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter. Mercurial barometer stood 30.20 at end of watch.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast and cloudy but pleasant. Light variable airs first two hours; afterwards light breeze from SW. Sea smooth.

At 11.05 ice reported on starboard bow. Slowed to one bell then, finding ship clear, started ahead again full speed.

Passed small berg. “Loch Garry” on starboard quarter, distant about ½ mile. Pumped ship.

At midnight mercurial barometer 30.24, attached thermometer 59°.

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17 May 1884

At sea, St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Disko Island, Greenland

Lat 58.12, Long -52.15

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast but pleasant. Wind light and very variable in direction.

At 2.30 set all fore and aft sail except mizzen topmast staysail and gaff topsail.

Pumped ship out. Mercurial barometer at 4.00 30.18.

Convoy in sight during watch, on starboard quarter. Light snow second hour.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy and pleasant, with light breeze from southward and eastward, and southward and westward. Smooth sea.

Passed two small pieces of ice about 3 miles distant at 6.30.

A few gulls in sight. Convoy in position on starboard quarter. Mercurial barometer 30.20 at end of watch.

8am to meridian:

Overcast and cloudy but pleasant, with light breeze from SWbyW and smooth sea.

Engaged cleaning ship. Signaled to “Loch Garry” by Myer’s code, asking: “How many persons have you on board and how many boats”. Received answer: “Twenty one all told, and three boats”. Asked: “How much coal do you consume at present rate of steaming”. Answered: “Six tons per day”.

At noon mercurial barometer 30.20, attached thermometer 56°. Passed several small hummocks of ice during [watch]. Convoy in position on starboard quarter.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast but pleasant. Gentle breeze from SWbyW and WSW.

At 1.30 stopped engines to set up bearings. Went ahead again at 1.55. Convoy on starboard quarter.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 30.29. Finished cleaning spar deck.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast and cloudy. Occasional spit of rain. Moderate breeze from southward and westward.

At 5.30 set jib, fore topmast staysail, main topmast and topgallant staysails, and spanker.

“Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter. Passed large iceberg on port beam. Mercurial barometer stood 30.20 at end of watch.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast and cloudy with moderate breeze from WbyS, and smooth sea.

“Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter. Pumped ship.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 30.19, attached thermometer 55°.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast and misty first two hours, drizzling rain last two.

Lights of convoy in sight on starboard quarter. Moderate to gentle breeze from WbyS.

At 8.00 changed course to NE½N (sc). Passed small pieces of ice about 11.50.

Mercurial barometer at midnight 30.22.

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18 May 1884

At sea, St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Disko Island, Greenland

Lat 60.85, Long -52.88

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast and cloudy, with light drizzling rain and snow during watch.

At 3.15 sighted large quantities of field ice ahead and on both bows.

Took in all sail. “Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter. Mercurial barometer at end of watch stood 30.21.

Passing through quantities of field ice during last half hour of watch. Discolored water around the ship.

4am to 8am:

Weather cloudy, and at times misty. Snow [fell] several times during watch. Wind light, from northward and westward.

Passing through field ice until 8.00. Passed a number of bergs.

Ran NNW for twenty minutes to clear ice. Slowed down twice during watch while running through ice.

Smooth sea. Saw two seal and a number of birds. Convoy astern.

8am to meridian:

Generally overcast, with light passing snow squalls. Light variable airs from NW in general direction.

Passed through quantities of rotten field ice, with numerous large bergs.

At 10.00 Commanding Officer held divine service and inspected ship.

“Loch Garry” on starboard quarter. Mercurial barometer 30.20. Pumped ship out.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy but pleasant, light breeze from northward and eastward. Light spits of snow during watch.

Passed a number of bergs and a quantity of field ice. “Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter.

Mercurial barometer read 30.18 at end of watch.

4pm to 6pm:

Cool and cloudy, light easterly breeze.

At 5.30 set fore and aft sail except flying jib, main royal, and mizzen topgallant staysails, and gaff topsail.

Passed several bergs and some field ice. Saw several seals.

“Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter. At 6.00 mercurial barometer 30.17, attached thermometer 59°.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast and cool. Gentle to moderate breeze from ENE to NE.

At 7.00 took in all fore and aft sail.

Pumped ship. Convoy on starboard quarter. Passed a few icebergs. Mercurial barometer 30.14.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and cool. Moderate breeze from northward and eastward.

At 8.00 changed course to NE.

Passed a number of bergs during watch. “Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter. Mercurial barometer at midnight 30.12.

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19 May 1884

At sea, St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Disko Island, Greenland

Lat 63.02, Long -53.55

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast, cloudy and cool. Light to fresh breeze from NE. Smooth sea.

Passed several small bergs. Convoy in position on starboard quarter.

At end of watch mercurial barometer stood 30.05, attached thermometer 52°. Pumped ship.

4am to 8am:

Weather cloudy, sun occasionally visible. Strong wind ahead. Sea smooth.

Three or four large bergs in sight. Convoy in position.

Took sounding with patent sounding machine: 120 fathoms and no bottom.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 30.00.

8am to meridian:

Clear, cool and pleasant. Fresh breeze from NE.

Passed a few small bergs during watch.

At 8.35 stopped engine for setting up.

At 10.35 started ahead full speed.

“Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter. Mercurial barometer stood 29.97 at end of watch.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast, cloudy and cold. Fresh breeze from NE. Moderate sea.

Passed one large berg. Consort in position on starboard quarter. Inspected ship.

At end of watch mercurial barometer stood 29.97, attached thermometer 57°.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast and cool. Stiff and fresh breeze from NE. Moderate sea.

Convoy on starboard quarter. Mercurial barometer at 6.00 29.94.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy and cold. Fresh breeze from northward and eastward.

“Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter. Mercurial barometer stood 29.92.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast, cloudy and cold. Fresh breeze from NEbyN, moderating last hour. Rough sea. Ship easy.

Pumped ship. Convoy in position on starboard quarter. Mercurial barometer 29.96, attached thermometer 59°.

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20 May 1884

At sea, St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Disko Island, Greenland

Lat 64.40, Long -53.75

Midnight to 4am:

Generally overcast, partially clear last hour. Moderate breeze from NE.

At 12.35 stopped engines for 35 [minutes] and at 1.25 for 20 minutes to set up cross-head brasses. Set main topmast staysail each time, hauling it down again when ready to go ahead.

While pumping ship out something blew out about the hoisting engine, necessitating its stoppage. Could not ascertain from machinist what the trouble was.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.99. Convoy in position on starboard quarter.

4am to 8am:

Cool pleasant weather; sun shining brightly until last hour of watch. Strong breeze from NNE. Moderate head sea.

Ship pitching moderately. Engines thumping considerably. Only two brigs in sight. A number of birds around.

Mercurial barometer 29.93 at end of watch.

8am to meridian:

Partially clear, cool and pleasant.

At 9.00 stopped engines to line up on crank shaft, and made all sail. Got a cast of patent lead at 9.30, latitude 64° 15’ N, longitude 53° 46’ W, bottom at 80 fathoms, gray sand, small pebbles and shell.

At 10.00 sighted high land, from right ahead to two points forward, starboard beam.

At 10.20 took in all sail and started engine ahead.

“Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter. Passed several icebergs. Moderate breeze from NE and southward. Smooth sea.

At noon mercurial barometer 30.04, attached thermometer 59°.

Meridian to 4pm:

Partially overcast, light haze. Gentle breeze from NNE to NbyE.

At 1.00 set all fore and aft sail except flying jib, mizzen staysails and gaff topsail.

At 1.30 sighted high land of grayish blue color, two points forward of starboard beam.

At end of watch land in sight from abeam to two points on starboard bow.

Exchanged noon position with convoy. Repaired hoisting engine and pumped ship out.

No ice in sight. Smooth sea. Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.99.

4pm to 6pm:

Cloudy but pleasant. Light breeze from northward. Three icebergs in sight during watch.

“Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter. High land in sight on starboard bow and along starboard beam.

Mercurial barometer stood 29.97.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast, cloudy and cool. Light breeze from northwestward hauling to SW. Smooth sea.

At 7.00 set topsails and foresail.

Land in sight from broad on the starboard bow to right abeam.

Consort in position. Pumped ship. Mercurial barometer 30.01, attached thermometer 59°.

8pm to midnight:

Cool and generally overcast. Light to moderate breeze from SWbyS.

Convoy in position on starboard quarter. Mercurial barometer at midnight 29.98. Pumped ship out.

At 9.00 hauled down main staysails and took in spanker.

At 9.25 took bearing of headland about 10 miles South of Old Sukkertoppen [Kangaamiut] E½S (pc), patent log 56.08; at 11.20 it bore abeam (pc), patent log 71.8.

At 10.05 took bearing of highest point of Old Sukkertoppen [Kangaamiut] E½S (pc), patent log 61.8.

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21 May 1884

At sea, St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Disko Island, Greenland

Lat 67.35, Long -54.45

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy and cold. Fresh breeze from southward and westward.

At 12.06 Sukkertoppen Point SE½S (pc), patent log read 1177.7.

“Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter. Mercurial barometer read 29.96.

Land in sight on starboard bow and all along starboard beam. No ice in sight.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy weather, clear horizon. Wind SW first part, hauling to South, then to SSE and dying away, freshening again at end of watch.

Took in square sails and set fore and aft sail at 6.00, setting topsails and foresail again between 7.00 and 8.00.

Easy swell. Standing along coast of Greenland about 20 miles off.

At 5.10 Cape Burnit bore SE½S (pc), distant about 20 miles.

At 6.50 heavy swell; got sounding in 19 fathoms, with 30 fathoms wire attached, latitude 66° 42’ N, longitude 54° 42’ W.

At 8.00, in latitude 66° 50’ N, longitude 54° 43’ W, sounding, broken shell [bottom], 30 fathoms water, 47½ fathoms wire attached.

Only one brig and three or four small pieces of ice in sight during watch. At 8.00 mercurial barometer 29.82.

8am to meridian:

Overcast, cool and pleasant. Moderate to light breeze from South.

At 8.35 changed course to NEbyE.

At 10.50 took bearing of high point SEbyS (pc), patent log 1260.6.

At 10.17 took sounding with patent machine in 36 fathoms, white sand, black specks and broken shell.

At 11.00 took in all square sail.

Pumped ship out. Mercurial barometer at noon 29.84.

At noon took soundings in 27 fathoms, gravel bottom.

High snow covered hills in sight on starboard beam during entire watch. Passed four or five icebergs.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy but pleasant. Took bearing of Rifkol [Riakal in log-book], bearing ESE, patent log read 95.5.

At 3.30 changed course to NEbyE½E.

Several bergs and a quantity of loose field ice in sight during watch.

“Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter. Signaled “Loch Garry”: “Look out for broken water ahead”, also “Change course ½ point to northward”. Mercurial barometer 29.82.

At 3.50 sighted Disko Island [Qeqertarsuaq] about ½ point on starboard bow.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast, cloudy and cool. Light airs from SE. Smooth sea.

Passed several floe bergs. Took in fore and aft sail at 5.00. Got both anchors off the bow and ranged 15 fathoms on each chain.

At 4.52 Rifkol bore abeam (pc), SEbyS½S, patent log 1307.

At end of watch Rifkol (pc) S¼W.

Mercurial barometer 29.80, attached thermometer 59°.

Got a cast of patent lead at 5.20, 18½ fathoms, black shell. “Loch Garry” in position.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast, light haze, gentle breeze from SE and ESE.

At 6.30 set fore and main topmast staysails, jib and outer jib, main topgallant staysail, and spanker.

At 6.32 Rifkol bore SbyW½W (pc), patent log 1321.2.

Kept a careful lookout for rock or shoal but saw nothing.

At 7.10 took a cast of lead, 57 fathoms and no bottom.

At 7.20 changed course to E⅞N. Took in all sail.

At 8.00 stopped engine to attend to cross head.

Pumped ship out. Passed small pieces of ice. Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.76.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and cold. Moderate to fresh breeze from southward and eastward.

Set fore and aft sail. Disko Island in sight ahead. “Loch Garry” in position on starboard quarter.

Sun rose at midnight. Passed some loose ice. Barometer falling. Mercurial barometer read 29.65.

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22 May 1884

At sea and Disko Harbor [Godhavn], Greenland

Lat 69.24, Long -53.65 [position estimated]

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast, cloudy and cool with fresh breeze from SEbyE. Smooth sea.

At 2.10 changed course to SEbyS and took in fore and aft sail, patent log registering 1370.9.

At 3.25 changed course to SE, patent log read 1376.5 and at 3.42 to ESE, patent log 1378.2.

At end of watch westernmost end of Whale Fish Islands [Kronprinsen Ejland] bore (pc) SWbyS and easternmost point of same group ESE.

Pumped ship. Mercurial barometer 29.45, attached thermometer 58°. “Loch Garry” in position.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy and cool. Wind fresh from southward and eastward.

At 4.30 passed close to the northward and westward island of the Whale Fish Islands and headed ENE, Disko Island in sight. Changed course several times to avoid ice.

At 7.00 changed course to westward (true) and stood along land looking for Disko Harbor [Godhavn].

Boat with native pilot came alongside at 7.45. Stood into harbor and made preparations for securing ship to ice. “Loch Garry” followed us in.

8am to meridian:

Made fast to ice with steel hawser and ice anchor ahead at 8.15. Steamed ahead slowly until ice anchor was securely fixed. Stopped engines and banked fires at 8.30.

At 9.15 shifted berth alongside “Loch Garry”, moored to the ice floe with two hawsers (steel and manila) on either bow. Lowered all the boats and moored them to the ice. Made preparations for coaling ship.

At 11.30 commenced coaling ship.

Weather overcast and thick, and snowing hard. Wind from southward and eastward. Indications that the ice might break up.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast and cloudy with heavy snow. Ice in the harbor breaking up.

Shifted ice anchor inshore. Light SE breeze. Engaged in coaling ship.

Commanding Officer paid a visit to the Inspector of North Greenland [A. Anderson] and the Governor of Disko [Hans Hendrickson].

Mercurial barometer 29.60, attached thermometer 58°.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast, thick weather. Snow and drizzling rain. Calms and light variable airs.

Owing to the breaking of ice, shifted anchor further inshore. Hoisted 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th whale boats.

Mercurial barometer at 6.00 29.63.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast and snowing hard.

Made fast alongside “Loch Garry” for the night.

Pack ice from outside driving in harbor. Wind light and variable. Lowered all the port boats.

Mercurial barometer 29.64.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast and cloudy with light southeasterly breeze, and heavy fall of snow.

Mercurial barometer 29.64, attached thermometer 59°.

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23 May 1884

Disko Harbor, Greenland

Lat 69.24, Long -53.65 [position estimated]

Midnight to 4am:

Generally overcast, partly clear last hour. Calm and variable light breezes.

Ship moored to ice and alongside of collier. Cakes of ice drifting in and out of harbor. Closing in at end of watch.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.73.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy but pleasant. Light variable airs.

Secured alongside “Loch Garry” and moored with two ice anchors ahead. Coaling ship, having received about 31 tons all told. Pack ice driving in and closing harbor.

Mercurial barometer 29.62.

8am to meridian:

Overcast but pleasant. Light westerly airs.

Engaged in coaling from “Loch Garry”.

Had torpedo practice with guncotton and gunpowder torpedoes. With one of the former, exploded a hole in the ice of a thickness of 4 feet, about 6 feet in diameter. Expended from Ordnance stores: one guncotton torpedo, nine discs wet and one disc dry guncotton; one igniter and four gunpowder torpedoes – two flat and two cylindrical, loaded and fused.

Mercurial barometer 29.63, attached thermometer 57°.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast with light fall of snow. Calm and light airs from West.

Finished coaling at 3.30, having received in all 1460 bags of 100 lbs each, 73 tons.

Expended from Ordnance stores: 2 cylindrical gunpowder torpedoes, loaded and fused, 2 igniters, 2 guncotton torpedoes, two discs dry guncotton, 18 discs wet, 60 feet insulated wire, 16 rubber splices, 1 ball cotton wicking.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.68.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast, snowing hard.

Cleaned ship. Pack ice moving out of harbor. Mercurial barometer at 6.00 29.70.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast and cloudy. Snowing. Light variable airs.

Pumped ship. At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.74, attached thermometer 55°.

Esquimaux [Inuit] David Daniels was received on board as dog driver and interpreter.

8pm to midnight:

Continual heavy snow. Light airs to breeze from SE.

Ice rapidly leaving harbor. By 11.00 it was entirely clear.

Mercurial barometer at midnight 29.80.

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24 May 1884

Disko Harbor and at sea, Greenland

Lat 69.20, Long -54.83

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast and snowing the first part of watch. Clearing weather latter part.

At 3.00 wind shifted to NW, and pack ice began to drive into the harbor from outside.

Barometer rising. Mercurial barometer read 29.90.

4am to 8am:

Overcast and cloudy; light airs from NW. Ice setting in the harbor.

Pumped ship. At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.91, attached thermometer 53°.

Spread fires.

8am to meridian:

Overcast first three hours, with light snow, clearing last hour. Light airs to gentle breeze from South to SSW.

At 8.40 called all hands “unmoor ship”. Cast off fasts from “Loch Garry”, took in ice anchors and hawsers, hoisted all boats, and at 9.00 left harbor of Disko, and worked way through belt of ice lying off its mouth for a distance of about two miles. Ship behaved well, breaking through or shoving aside large cakes with but little difficulty.

At 10.20 took departure, having reached open water, Beacon Hill bearing (pc) SE, distant three miles, and set course NW¾N. Patent log was put over reading 87.5.

At 10.40 changed course to NbyW½W, at 10.50 to NNW, at 11.07 to NbyW, at 11.25 to North, at 11.45 to NbyE, at 12.03 to NNE; the clock was then set back 15 minutes.

Patent log reading at noon 102.0. Signaled to “Loch Garry”: “Position on port quarter”.

Pumped ship out. Washed out all boats and put cover over steam whale boat.

Mercurial barometer at noon, 30.00. Draft of ship 19 feet aft and 15 feet 9 inches forward.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast, cloudy and cold. Fresh breeze from northward and westward.

Commanding Officer conning the ship. Passed through and around a quantity of pack ice. Passed several large bergs. Got up 60 days’ provisions for boats, consisting of 600 lbs pemmican, 200 lbs bread, 15 lbs tea, 80 lbs sugar, 12 lbs beef tea and 4 lbs salt for each boat; and secured all abreast of boats.

Mercurial barometer read 30.04 at end of watch.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast and cloudy with fresh breeze and snow from NW. Sea smooth.

At 4.06 changed course to NEbyE½E.

At 5.48 slowed engines to examine pack ice ahead for lead. Passed a number of large bergs.

Mercurial barometer 30.06, attached thermometer 59°.

6pm to 8pm:

Partly clear, moderate to stiff breeze from SSW.

First part of watch steamed back and forth along edge of ice looking for lead.

At 6.45 called all hands “moor ship” and headed into a small bight. Finding the ice too rotten to hold, drifted into the pack and lay there.

Pumped ship. Mercurial barometer at 8.00 30.08. Hauled in patent log.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast and cold. Light spit of snow last hour of watch.

Steamed about two ships’ lengths into pack and lay there, “Loch Garry” standing “off and on” at the edge of pack.

Mercurial barometer 30.09. Wind fresh SSW.

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25 May 1884

At sea, Disko Harbor to Upernavik*, Greenland

Lat 69.98, Long -55.17

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast, cloudy and cold. Fresh breeze from SWxW.

Ship beset in the pack. “Loch Garry” standing off and on outside.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 30.13, thermometer attached 46°.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy and cold. Frequent snow squalls. Wind from WSW (magnetic) or South to SxW true.

Lying in the ice about 400 yards from edge of pack. Disko Island and Hare Island [Hareø] in sight.

Mercurial barometer 30.13 at end of watch.

At 4.00 NW end of Hare Island bore (pc) N83°E, SE end Hare Island S77°E, NW end Disko Island S65°E.

At 8.00 Hare Island NW end N83°E, SE end S79°30’E, NW end Disko Island S69°30’E.

Ship’s head SE½E at 4.00, SE¼S at 8.00.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy, snowing first part of watch.

At 10.00 Commanding Officer inspected ship. Called “all hands to muster” and held divine service.

Ship in the pack, “Loch Garry” standing off and on the edge of the pack. Disko Island and Hare Island in sight.

Signaled to “Loch Garry”: “With East wind and open water, when could you join us at Upernavik?”. Answered: “Captain thinks ice is moving South. If you open lead we will follow you”. Signaled back: “After noon will open lead and start ahead”.

Mercurial barometer 30.20 at noon.

Meridian to 4pm:

At 1.00 signaled to “Loch Garry” by Myer’s Code: “Return to Disko and wait easterly wind, then proceed to Upernavik, will not risk you in the ice”. “Loch Garry” signaled: “Will you return with us”. Replied: “No, I am going to Hare Island”; “Loch Garry” asked: “Shall I await the Alert”. Answer: “No, take advantage of the first easterly wind”.

Started engine ahead shaping course as nearly as the ice would permit for north end of Hare Island.

“Loch Garry” hoisted her colors, dipped three times, and steamed off to southward. Returned salute.

Weather cool. Sky almost entirely overcast, but occasional patches of blue. Snowing. Wind light from WNW. Ice averaging from 4 to 5 feet in thickness. Mercurial barometer 30.25. Thermometer attached 57°.

Inspected dry guncotton, and applied the prescribed monthly test.

4pm to 6pm:

Light overcast and cirrus clouds. Snows. Calms and light airs from WNW.

Working through ice heading for North end of Hare Island. Mercurial barometer at 6.00 30.19.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy but pleasant, working through the pack; at 8.00 NW end of Hare Island bore (pc) S70°E, SE end of Hare Island bore (pc) S21°E, North end Disko Island bore (pc) S15°E.

A large number of icebergs in sight. Ice from three to five feet thick. Mercurial barometer read 30.20 at end of watch.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast and cloudy with light breeze from ESE and snow.

Working through the pack; ice from 4 to 7 feet in thickness. Running at half speed.

At 11.30 finding ice tightly packed and very large bergs ahead. Stopped engine. Easternmost point Hare Island (pc) SSE, westernmost point SW.

Mercurial barometer 30.18. Pumped ship.

*[Also spelled Upernivik in log-book.]

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26 May 1884

At sea, Disko Harbor to Upernavik, Greenland

Lat 70.572, Long -55.240 [position calculated from bearings]

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast with snow. Light airs to gentle breeze from East and ExS.

Lying in ice. About 3.30 finding pack drifting down, shifted berth to clear water to the SW.

Too thick for bearings. Land about two miles distant.

Pumped ship out. Mercurial barometer at 4.00 30.09.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy with snow first half. Sun visible, and clear horizon remainder of watch.

Hare Island, Disko Island, and mainland to northward of Waigatt Strait [Sullorsuaq Strait] in sight to eastward.

Lying still until 4.30, remainder of watch working way to northward and eastward through heavy ice from 3 to 5 feet thick. A number of very large bergs in sight. Ice drifting to southward and westward (true) before the wind.

Running slow. A number of birds in sight.

At 8.00 the following bearings were taken: middle of Waigatt Strait (pc) South, East side Hare Island S10°W, West side Hare Island S33°W, West side Disko Island S62°W. Ship’s head East. Deviation 1° East.

8am to meridian:

Clear and cold; light breeze from ENE.

Working through the pack until 10.05 when anchored to floe. Ice from 3 feet to 5 feet thick. Large bergs in sight.

At end of watch the following bearings were taken: North side of Waigatt S1°E, East side of Hare Island S20°W, West side Hare Island S45°W.

Mercurial barometer 30.10. Attached thermometer 57°. Started distiller.

Meridian to 4pm:

Generally clear and very pleasant. Gentle to moderate breeze from ENE to NE.

At 1.30 finding the ice closing in around us, got in sea anchor and stood over EbyS for large berg, made fast by bight of steel hawser around a hammock on its West side, triced up dolphin striker to keep it from fouling. From the crow’s nest the top of berg appeared at least 50 feet higher and sounding in 135 fathoms gave no bottom. Ice streaming rapidly past to southward and westward.

Issued to each Officer and man, to be used only for abandoning ship and to be kept snugly packed at the end of each berth, the following articles: 1 knapsack, 1 pair woolen and 1 pair seal skin mittens, 1 comforter, 1 pair heavy and 1 pair navy socks, 1 pair foot-nips, 1 pair goggles, 1 pair seal skin boots, 3 boxes matches, 20 rounds rifle and 25 rounds shotgun ammunition, and to each Officer in addition 50 rounds of pistol ammunition, 1 piece soap, and 1 towel to each man only, 2 plugs tobacco.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.96.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light NE breeze.

Moored to an iceberg. Ice streaming rapidly to the southward.

Mercurial barometer 29.98. Stopped distilling, water having filled the tank.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant; cool. Light wind from NE.

Moored to iceberg. Ice drifting to southward.

Mercurial barometer 30.05. Attached thermometer 59°.

8pm to midnight:

Clear, cool and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NE.

Solid floe with numerous large icebergs drifting past to NW; occasional grinding noises from berg resulted at 11.40 in its apparently floating off to the eastward, causing the ship to turn completely round at her moorings. Before the engine would back, the cut-water was slightly damaged.

Mercurial barometer at midnight 29.97.

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27 May 1884

At sea, Disko Harbor to Upernavik, Greenland

Lat 70.40, Long -55.07

Midnight to 4am:

Clear, cold and pleasant. Wind NE.

At 12.35 found the berg swinging to eastward, threatening a rip with heavy floe on starboard beam; cast off moorings, backed astern and ran to leeward of berg. Standing off and on to leeward of berg the remainder of watch.

Mercurial barometer 29.97. Heavy floes drifting to southward.

4am to 8am:

Clear, pleasant weather. Light breeze from NE (magnetic).

Lying off in wake of a large iceberg, pack ice setting to southward, about 1½ knots per the hour; from 6.30 to 7.30 steamed around for local deviation of compass.

At 7.30 ice had shut us off from the large berg, Hare Island, Disko Island and mainland in sight.

Hare Island about 5 miles to southward and eastward (true) at end of watch.

8am to meridian:

Clear, bright and pleasant weather. Gentle breeze from NE.

First part of watch working inshore for the North end of Hare Island. Unable to force way through floe so got out ice anchor and made fast. Tried ice saws. Got up and aired sleeping bags, seven for each boat.

Experimented with guncotton torpedoes; placed four in line ahead of the ship about 25 feet apart, sunk about 30 inches through ice about 2 feet thick: the result of the explosion was four circular holes about 10 feet in diameter; no shattering effect was observed; there was about six inches of snow on the ice at the time. Expended in Ordnance, four 5-lb guncotton torpedoes with detonators.

At 11.10 got in sea anchor and stood to the southward, close in to the western shore of Hare Island.

Mercurial barometer at noon 29.98.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light NE breeze.

Stood down to southern end of Hare Island, but met solid floe at the mouth of Waigatt.

Stood back to northward about ½ mile and moored with single line to a small grounded berg. Pack ice streaming to the northward.

Mercurial barometer stood 30.00 at end of watch. Fitting boats for abandoning ship.

4pm to 6pm:

Cloudy and cool. Light northerly airs.

Moored to a small grounded berg off Hare Island. Floe ice streaming to eastward.

Mercurial barometer at end of watch 30.05. Attached thermometer 58°.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast. Variable calms and light airs.

At 6.20 cast off from berg and until 8.00 steamed up and down the west coast of Hare Island.

Sighted steamer astern at 7.40.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 30.07. Pumped ship out.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and cold. Light breeze from northward and eastward.

At 8.10 made out steamer astern to be “Loch Garry”.

At 9.20 exchanged colors with “Loch Garry”; Mr. W. I. Chambers signaled: “Have met [steam whalers] Arctic and Wolf, they will soon be along”.

Standing up and down West coast of Hare Island. Mercurial barometer stood 30.08. “Loch Garry” a few ships’ lengths astern.

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28 May 1884

At sea, Disko Harbor to Upernavik, Greenland

Lat 70.93, Long -55.38

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast and cloudy, and cool. Light breeze from NE.

Standing off and on to the westward of Hare Island, to keep clear of floe ice. A number of large bergs in sight.

At 12.45 sighted a steamer WSW (pc) standing to the NE, and at 2.00 the English whaler “Wolf” came up; exchanged colors with her. Captain Barnett of the “Wolf” came on board.

At 2.35 sighted another steamer SWxW (pc), English whaler “Arctic” came up, exchanged colors and she dipped; which salute [was] returned.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 30.03. Thermometer attached 47°. “Loch Garry” close at hand.

4am to 8am:

Weather cloudy, with fog over the land. Latter part of watch, wind light from NNE (magnetic).

At 4.30 went ahead standing to northward along West side of Hare Island.

Signaled “Loch Garry”: “If you find it too heavy wait for a better time, I am going to try to get to Omanak Fjord [Uummannaq Fjord]”.

Standing to northward and eastward (true) through heavy ice until 7.00, when got into clear water, near the mainland. Last half hour in ice, very heavy; had to stop and back several times. Carried away the rudder chains at the shackle, on the rudder. Last hour standing to NxW (true).

At 8.00 village of Noursaalk [Nuussuutaa] bore E¾N (pc) distant about 5 miles.

The whaling steamer “Arctic” ran out of sight ahead about 7.00; the whaler “Wolf” and steamer “Loch Garry” last seen about 7.00, stuck in ice, close to NW end of Hare Island.

A number of ducks around.

8am to meridian:

At 8.10 passed four or five kayaks [kyacks in log-book] with natives in them.

At 8.30 village of Noursaalk bore SSE½E, distant about 2 miles. Weather cloudy and cold. Wind moderate NNE.

At 10.30 sighted SS “Loch Garry” and SS “Wolf” astern, standing to northward.

At noon sighted SS “Arctic” dead ahead standing to northward.

At noon set course NE½E and put over patent log, reading 58.5.

Passed through a quantity of heavy pack ice. Commanding Officer conning the ship from the crow’s nest.

Mercurial barometer read 29.97 at end of watch.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast and cloudy with moderate breeze from NE.

A number of large bergs in sight but no floe ice until last hour of watch; 1.15 “Loch Garry” ranged up alongside; signaled to her by Myer’s code: “Well done Captain Jones, proceed to Upernavik, touching at Pröven [Kangersuatsiaq]; if you meet the ‘Bear’ coal her with all possible dispatch”. “Loch Garry” steamed past to NE. Sent down topgallant yards.

At 3.15 met heavy pack ice and entered lead overhauling the “Loch Garry”, stopped on account of the ice.

At 4.00 mercurial barometer 30.02. Attached thermometer 59°.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast with hail first hour and heavy driving snow last hour, moderate breeze from NE.

First 40 minutes of watch standing up lead on course and then back again being unable to force way through.

Stood over to westward and entered fresh lead on course. Lost overboard rotator and line of Bliss patent taffrail. Pumped ship out. Mercurial barometer at 6.00 30.03.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast, cloudy, thick, snowing fast. Wind moderate from northward to eastward.

Standing up the coast through favorable leads.

At 7.30 sighted SS “Wolf” on starboard bow standing to the northward.

Mercurial barometer 30.04. “Loch Garry” in position astern.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast and cloudy with continuous snow, heavy until last hour. Light breeze from NE.

Steaming through broken pack interspersed with large patches of open water. Avoiding the larger floe pieces.

Passed the whaler “Wolf” about 9.00, after which she and the “Loch Garry” followed astern.

At midnight mercurial barometer 30.13. Attached thermometer 51°.

Sighted a steamer to SE about 11.15.

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29 May 1884

At sea, Upernavik and Kingatook, Greenland

Lat 72.78, Long -56.17 [position estimated]

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast, with thick dry and driving snow. Light breeze from ESE. Clear open water, except four narrow strings of broken ice during the entire watch.

At 12.50 Svarten Hak [Svartenhuk] was sighted 3 points abaft the starboard beam, distant about ten (10) miles. Discovered large bark-rigged steam vessel off its northern end.

Lost sight of “Wolf” at 1.20, “Loch Garry” on port quarter.

Pumped ship out. Mercurial barometer at 4.00 30.18.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy with snow first half of watch. Fresh breeze from SW (magnetic) increasing.

At 4.30 clearing up, so land could be seen on starboard bow and beam. Headed into eastward for land.

At 6.00 made out ships in harbor of Upernavik. Headed in for port.

At 6.30 made out the number of the USS “Bear”. “Bear” signaled compass course in.

At 7.30 made fast to the ice, in harbor of Upernavik with two ice anchors. The “Bear” and the whalers “Triune”, “Polynia” and “Nova Zembla” in port; the “Bear” at anchor.

The whaler “Wolf” followed us in. Signaled to “Loch Garry” to go alongside the “Bear”.

Commanding Officer of the Bear [William Hemsley Emory Jr.] came on board and reported the whalers “Cornwallis”, “Aurora” and “Narwhal” were tied up to the ice off Brown Islands. The “Bear” arrived here at 10.00 on the 28^th.

Ship’s draft forward 16 feet, aft 18 feet 2 inches.

8am to meridian:

Sent to “Bear” 10 pairs seal skin gloves.

Partially clear, pleasant, light variable wind.

Received two ookjook [large seal] skins from “Bear”.

At 10.00 whaler “Arctic” came in and anchored to the ice.

Commander Schley and Lieutenant Emory, Commander of “Bear” called officially on the Governor of Upernavik [Mr. Elberg].

Loosed mainsail and topsails to dry. “Loch Garry” hauled alongside the “Bear” to give her coal.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast with light fall of snow last hour. Light to gentle breeze from SWxW and WSW.

Navigating Officer sounded with hand lead from whale boat for the rock reported to be lying in Upernavik harbor. It was found to be 75 yards in diameter, bare at low water. Depth of from 6 to 8 fathoms all around it. Angles taken on the rock: West end Olric Island [Langø] to church spire 122°, church spire to North point Danish Harbor [Skibshavn] 62° 50’, South end small island close to village to church spire 20° 30’.

At 3.20 steam whaler “Triune” left the harbor. At 3.35 the “Nova Zembla” and at 3.46 the “Wolf”.

Unbent and stored in starboard after bunk the mainsail. Unrove gear, furled boat sail. Pumped ship out.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 30.42.

4pm to 6pm:

Weather cloudy, moderate breeze from WxS.

Hauled in the manila hawser and ice anchor. Signaled to “Bear”: “Get under weigh”.

At 5.20 hauled in wire hawser and steamed out of the harbor.

Governor Elberg [Elborg in log-book] came on board with native pilot to accompany us out. “Loch Garry” and “Bear” dipped their colors, which we answered.

At 5.20 stopped and sent the Governor’s boat to an island for seal meat.

“Bear” standing out towards us. Mercurial barometer at 6.00 stood 30.42.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy but pleasant. Light westerly airs.

Standing out of Upernavik harbor in charge of native pilot, “Bear” following.

Received on board 10 seal for dog food; stopped engines at 6.15 to await boat sent ashore for it; 7.20 started ahead; 7.40 stopped and sent Governor’s boat ashore for more seal.

Mercurial barometer 30.42.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast, with light snow the last hour. Light airs and breezes from WNW and WbyN.

Received on board for and sent to the “Bear”, 10 skinned seals for dog meat.

At 9.05 made fast to ice in Kingatook [Kingittoq] harbor and signaled to “Bear” to do the same about a ship’s length off from us. Gave the natives in part payment of seal meat for dogs: 8 lbs pork, 10 lbs bread, 1 lb tea.

Mercurial barometer at midnight 30.46. Pumped ship out.

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30 May 1884

Kingatook, Greenland

Lat 72.93, Long -56.32 [position estimated]

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy, light westerly breeze.

Ship moored to the ice in Kingatook Harbor. “Bear” moored on our starboard beam.

Mercurial barometer read 30.43.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy with light snow. Wind light from WSW.

Ship swung to wind with her stern near shore in 18 fathoms of water. Shifted moorings and hauled her about 20 yards ahead. Made preparations for hoisting the propeller.

8am to meridian:

Generally clear, warm and pleasant. Light airs and breezes from WSW, WbyS and East.

Native Esquimaux Öolo came on board as pilot; issued ration and provided him with quarters.

Hoisted propeller for exercise. Found it to work all right, coupled it again, unrigged sheers, sent gear below; shipped spanker boom and bent gear of spanker.

Wind having lifted to East, got out stern line and made it fast to ice anchor off starboard quarter.

Mercurial barometer at noon, 30.40. Loosed topgallant sails to dry.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from eastward, and northward and eastward.

Moored to the ice broadside on, “Bear” and SS “Arctic” moored ahead of us.

Mercurial barometer 30.40 at end of watch.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from SE.

Moored broadside to the ice.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 30.40, attached thermometer 59°. Unbent topgallant sails and stowed them below.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Calm.

Hauled ship ahead about 25 feet. Mercurial barometer at 8.00 30.39.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and pleasant. Light variable airs.

Moored broadside to the ice. Mercurial [barometer] read 30.40 at end of watch.

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31 May 1884

Kingatook, Greenland

Lat 72.93, Long -56.32 [position estimated]

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Sun shining brightly throughout. Light variable airs and calms.

Moored broadside to the ice floe.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 30.38; attached thermometer 52°.

4am to 8am:

Bright sunny weather; hazy near horizon; no clouds. Light variable winds and calms.

Sent Esquimaux David [Daniels] to top of hill to look at ice; he reported very little open water and that four whaling steamers were in sight, outside, fast in the ice.

8am to meridian:

Clear, warm and pleasant. Light NE airs.

Working steam launch to get it in order. The ice pilot and Öolo [Öolie in log-book] went to top of hill and reported very little open water. Whalers in same position as before reported.

Moored broadside to the ice.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and warm. Light NE airs.

Moored broadside to the ice. Mercurial barometer, 30.08; thermometer attached 56°.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear, warm and very pleasant. Light variable airs and calms.

Pumped ship out. Moored bow and stern to the ice. Mercurial barometer at 6.00 29.96.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear, warm and pleasant. Light NE airs.

Moored broadside to ice. Mercurial barometer 30.03.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and pleasant. Light variable airs.

Moored broadside to ice. Barometer falling.

At midnight, mercurial 29.90, thermometer attached 58°.

LOGS FOR JUNE 1884

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1 June 1884

Kingatook and at sea, Greenland

Lat 73.10, Long -56.20

Midnight to 4am:

Clear first three hours, overcast with light mist and squally last hour. Variable light airs first two hours, light airs to moderate breeze from WSW last two.

At 3.00, the steam whaler “Arctic” either broke from her moorings or in getting underway collided with the “Bear” on her port side forward of the fore rigging. The “Bear” by easing off her lines drifted down on us, making it necessary to veer our bow line till we were stern on the ice. Took hawser to winch, eased off stern line and hove ship back bow to ice. Shifted stern line to bow and fleeted hawser to new fast about 30 yards further in. This ship parted a link of the flying martingale. So far as could be observed the “Bear” received no injury.

The “Bear” returned to moorings under steam. The “Arctic” left the harbor.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.69.

4am to 8am:

Weather overcast, squally and increasing with frequent flurries of snow; wind from the West.

Ice in harbor breaking up fast, shifted ice anchors twice; and at 6.15 the ice having gone, hauled in moorings. Lying off under steam remainder of watch, waiting for native pilot to come on board.

8am to meridian:

Commenced cloudy, but clearing. Fresh breeze from SxW.

Native pilot came on board. Stood out of harbor and made fast to ice floe, followed by “Bear”. Whalers “Triune”, “Polynia”, “Nova Zembla” and “Arctic” close alongside. Made fast to floe. Whalers got underway and stood to NE,

at 10.50 followed by “Thetis” and “Bear”, Commander conning ship from crow’s nest.

At noon mercurial barometer 29.73; attached thermometer 56°.

Discharged native pilot Öolo.

At noon Brown Island [Kingittortallit] bore NWxN (pc), distant about 3 miles.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast, misty, snow and hail. Moderate to stiff breeze from SSW.

Standing to the (true) northward; working through soft rotten ice under charge of Commanding Officer, in company with the “Bear” and the steam whalers “Triune”, “Arctic”, “Polynia” and “Nova Zembla”.

At 1.50 passed just to eastward of Berry Island [Kingittuarsuk].

At 2.40 reached floe and made fast, all the whalers except the “Arctic” doing the same; the latter stood over to the westward and made fast to a large berg. Sighted five whalers lying close under the land.

At 2.50 the “Bear” asked permission to try leads for inshore water, past our stern. Permission was granted and both ships cast off from their moorings and stood inshore, the “Bear” leading.

At 3.30 while steaming along at about eight and one half (8½) knots, the “Bear” ran on an unknown rock 12 feet under water off Tessuisak [Tasiusaq] and shoal for 200 yards to southward and westward for the part out of water. Horse Head [Agpalersalik] (west point) N54°E, Berry Island N53°W, small island S10°W, distant about 3 miles.

Our helm was put to port, the engine stopped and backed, and then put head into the pack, while boat was sent with bending lines to our steel hawser over to the “Bear”. Lieutenant Emory reported that he was not making any water and did not think his vessel was much hurt. Before we steamed ahead, the “Bear” backed off. Both vessels then steamed to the eastward again carefully avoiding the shoal spot.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.70.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast and snowing. Wind fresh from southward and eastward.

At 5.25 moored with three ice anchors to the ice near shore. Approximate position of anchorage: latitude 73° 19’N, longitude 56° 18’W. Bearings at anchorage: Big Wedge Island [Torqussârssuk, but bearing is taken from Cone Island, or Torqussâq] NExE½E, Little Wedge Island NW, Horse’s Head Island N48°E. The island near which the ship is moored is probably not down in the chart; the island called Little Wedge Island is not in the chart; and is to southward and westward of Wedge Island, 5 miles.

The whalers “Aurora”, “Cornwallis”, and “Wolf” moored to windward of us, the “Narwhal” out in the pack. The “Bear” came in at 6.00 and moored to windward.

Mercurial barometer 29.70.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast, cloudy and cold, raining first hour. Fresh breeze from WxS.

Made fast to the floe, pumped ship. Mercurial barometer 29.70, attached thermometer 56°.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast with thick driving snow, the entire watch; hail the third hour; wind in fresh squalls from WSW.

Moored to the ice near small island [Qeqertaq] and in company with “Bear”, “Aurora”, “Cornwallis” and “Wolf”.

Mercurial barometer at midnight 29.69.

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2 June 1884

At sea, anchored off Tessuisak, Greenland

Lat 73.307, Long -56.468 [position estimated]

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast and snowing. Wind fresh in squalls from WSW.

Moored to the ice with three ice anchors ahead. Mercurial barometer 29.67.

4am to 8am:

Overcast and thick with heavy snow. Wind from SWxW (SSE true); fresh and squally, very heavy squall about 8.00.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.72.

8am to meridian:

Overcast, squally and light snow during entire watch. Gentle to very fresh breeze from WSW.

Pumped ship out. Secured topgallant yards from galley to rail. Mercurial barometer at noon 29.79.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast, snowing at intervals during the watch. About 2.00, the tide turned flood. Wind moderate in squalls from SWxW (SSE true).

Moored with three ice anchors ahead. Mercurial barometer 29.84 at end of watch.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast, snow dwys occasionally throughout watch. Light wind from SWxW.

At 6.00 mercurial barometer 29.82; attached thermometer 60°. Inspected dry guncotton and found it in good condition.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast, cool and pleasant. Light airs and breezes from SWxW.

Mercurial barometer 29.91.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast and cool. Light airs from SxW.

Mercurial barometer stood 29.94 at end of watch.

About 8.15 tide turned ebb, having risen about 5 feet.

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3 June 1884

At sea, off Tessuisak, Greenland

Lat 73.35, Long -56.44

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy and cool. Light southwesterly wind.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.92; attached thermometer 50°. Light snow dwys last hour.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy with sun occasionally visible. Wind light from SWxS.

Very little change in the ice. Sent a boat at 7.45 to communicate with five sleds of natives that were seen on the ice about a mile to westward.

Barometer 30.00.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy. Wind from SwxW, light.

At 9.15 the whale boat returned and reported the natives were from Tessuisak on a fishing and hunting trip. Signaled to the “Bear”: “I am going to get under weigh”.

At 9.00 “Bear” signaled: “Am ready to follow, Narwhal she has my boat”, [answered:] “All right get under weigh”.

Cast off moorings and backed out at 10.00. Signaled “Bear”: “Follow me slowly”. Stood up through the islands to reach open water, near Horse’s Head; Commanding Officer conning the ship from the crow’s nest.

The whaler “Narwhal” steamed in towards shore and put back in the floe again.

Mercurial barometer 30.04 at end of watch.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy but pleasant. Wind light from SwbyS, shifting to South last hour.

Standing along the coast; Commanding Officer conning the ship from the crow’s nest.

At 1.20 stopped engine and sent a boat ashore with Officer to examine cairn on hilltop. Reported to be a beacon, nothing in it. Got cast of lead in 23 fathoms water, gray sand and broken shell.

At 2.05 started engine ahead and at 2.15 anchored to ice floe, “Bear” close alongside to starboard. Bearings: whalers (at morning anchorage) S76°W (pc), Little Wedge Island N61°W, East end Wedge Island N13°W, West end Wedge Island N5°E, most northern point of land N23°E.

Mercurial barometer 30.10; thermometer attached 56°. Six whalers in sight from crow’s nest.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast, light airs from South.

Natives reported approaching the ship.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy and cold. Light airs from SSE.

Mercurial barometer 30.10 at end of watch.

Three natives came down to the ship from small settlement to the northward [most probably Nutaarmiut], reporting no open water.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy, but clearing, cold; light airs from southeasterly.

Examined ice from crow’s nest twice during the watch; no open water.

At end of watch; mercurial barometer 30.08; attached thermometer 53°.

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4 June 1884

At sea, off Tessuisak, Greenland

Lat 73.38, Long -56.17

Midnight to 4am:

Clear, beautiful weather. Calms and variable light airs from South and East.

Five spotted narwhal appeared in hole near ship and after blowing a few times, sounded.

Visited crow’s nest twice during the watch. No signs of open water in any direction. Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.95.

4am to 8am:

Bright, pleasant weather. Light airs from eastward and calms.

Engaged in measuring a base line on the ice, and taking angles and observations to fix the position of the land.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from ExN.

Mr. Kleeman, the Danish Governor of Tessuisak came on board. Mercurial barometer 29.82; attached thermometer 56°.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear, warm and pleasant. Calm and variable light airs from EbyN.

At 1.00 called all hands unmoor ship. Got in ice anchors and stood in for Tessuisak, in charge of Commanding Officer and accompanied by the “Bear”.

At 3.10 made fast to the ice with one bow and one stern line off the Governor’s house in the harbor of Tessuisak.

Tried steam launch; mercurial barometer 29.79.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant, light variable airs.

Moored to the ice in Tessiusak harbor; mercurial barometer read 29.79 at end of watch.

Sighted whaler in the offing standing to the northward.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and fair, light variable airs.

At 6.30 cast off from floe and stood to NE. Commander conning ship from the crow’s nest; “Bear” following.

At end of watch mercurial barometer [unspecified], attached thermometer [unspecified].

Received on board 6 ookjook skins for soling shoes and two Esquimaux dogs; sent one Labrador dog ashore. Received also 6 dog skins.

8pm to midnight:

Generally overcast but pleasant. Variable light airs and calms with light breeze from ExN last hour.

Steaming through narrow leads close to numerous icebergs and frequently finding the floe closed in, requiring the vessel to be backed and then driven through.

At 10.30 in endeavoring to force a lead, the vessel stuck fast and could neither be forced ahead or astern. The “Bear” steamed up close astern, sent her manila 6-inch hawser and endeavored to jump her loose. At the first attempt the hawser parted near their bitts. We then sent one steel hawser which also parted at the first attempt close to our after bitts.

Planted five (5) gunpowder torpedoes in line ahead, about 15 feet apart, sunk 6 feet from the surface through two layers of ice, 8 feet thick in all. The result of the explosion was a crack and considerable lateral fracture reaching to the open water beyond but not sufficient to ease the ship from her nip. Listed considerably to starboard.

At 10.50 planted one (1) gunpowder torpedo on port bow with no results from the explosion.

At 11.30 planted and at 11.45 exploded five guncotton and six gunpowder torpedoes off starboard bow and beam. The result of the explosion was as follows: guncotton circular holes 4 feet in diameter with no shattering effect worth mentioning; gunpowder 4 holes and numerous small cracks, 2 failed to explode.

Expended in Ordnance twelve (12) gunpowder torpedoes with fuses. The guncotton torpedoes were sent from the “Bear”. Spliced wire hawser.

Mercurial barometer at midnight, 29.82. Bearings from the ship’s position in the ice: ship’s head N45°W, North end Horse’s Head N44°30’E, North end Wedge Island N50°E, South end Wedge Island N66°E, North end Cone Island N66°W, South end Cone Island N75°W [Wedge Island and Cone Island bearings are inverted].

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5 June 1884

At sea, and off Duck Islands, Greenland

Lat 73.51, Long -56.72

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy and cool. Light variable airs.

In the ice near “Wedge Island”. Mercurial barometer 29.84.

4am to 8am:

Weather cloudy. Sun occasionally visible; light variable airs and calms.

Backed engines several times. Got out two hawsers to ice anchors astern and gave two hawsers from stern to “Bear” and at 7.00 backed engines and hauled on hawsers and backed out of the jam.

Remainder of the watch bowing through the ice, succeeded in getting about 100 yards by 8.00. A lead about 1 mile to northward (true) and open water to northward and westward (true). Three whalers in sight to southward, distant about 8 miles.

8am to meridian:

Generally overcast, cold wind in squalls from East to NEbyE.

Steering through leads under the direction of the Commanding Officer towards Horse’s Head. Ice harder and thicker than usual.

At noon NW end of Horse’s Head bore N53°E (ship’s head NNE), whalers still in sight astern but none ahead, mercurial barometer at noon, 29.81.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy and cold. Light breeze from northward and eastward.

Standing off the coast, Commanding Officer conning from the crow’s nest. Batting and forcing our way through heavy floes. Sighted five whalers ahead and whaler “Polynia” astern.

Mercurial barometer 29.82 at end of watch.

4pm to 6pm:

Cloudy and cold. Light breeze from NEbyN.

Following a lead to northward until 5.35, when branched off to eastward heading for Duck Islands [Edderfugleøer].

At 5.55 anchored to floe followed by “Bear” and whaler “Polynia”. Found whalers “Arctic”, “Wolf”, “Aurora”, “Narwhal” and “Cornwallis” made fast to floe.

Bearings from anchorage: Duck Islands (westernmost) N67°E, Sugar Loaf [Uummannaq] S42°E, Horse Head (West point) S47°W. Ship’s head SE.

At 6.00 mercurial barometer 29.75; thermometer attached 56°.

6pm to 8pm:

Partly clear, pleasant. Gentle breeze from NEbyE.

Ship moored to ice. Two whalers supposed to be “Triune” and “Nova Zembla” reported about ten miles distant, standing over towards Horse’s Head. No open water in sight to northward reported from the crow’s nest.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.73.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and cool. Light NE wind.

Whalers “Triune” and “Nova Zembla” fast to the ice about 3 miles astern.

Mercurial barometer 29.78.

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6 June 1884

At sea off Duck Islands, Greenland

Lat 73.96, Long -57.92 [position calculated from bearings]

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Light variable airs and calms.

Kept lookout in crow’s nest for open water and went aloft twice during the watch; saw several pools of open water but no extended leads to northward.

Position of whalers unchanged. Bergs drifting to westward.

At 4.00 mercurial barometer 29.85, attached thermometer 47°.

4am to 8am:

Partly clear, calm and pleasant.

No open water in sight from crow’s nest. Large berg drifted through floe and then turned to westward about 300 yards astern of us. No change in the position of the whalers.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.93. Took a sounding with patent lead: 150 fathoms and no bottom.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Light airs from WSW.

At 9.05 cast off mooring and started ahead, at noon made fast to floe with one ice anchor on port bow.

Took cast of lead: 72 fathoms, no bottom. Middle Duck Island bore (pc) S86°E, Cape Shackleton bore (pc) S17°W, Sugar Loaf bore (pc) S24°E.

Mercurial barometer stood 29.98; ship’s head ExS.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and warm; light variable airs.

Anchored to floe, “Bear” nearby. Eight whalers in sight.

Engaged in coaling bunkers from supply in main hold.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 30.00, attached thermometer 57°.

4pm to 6pm:

Slight haze, warm and pleasant. Calm and variable light airs.

Finished coaling bunkers, having hoisted out 75 buckets in all. Whalers still in sight.

Mercurial barometer at 6.00 30.00.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and very pleasant, calm.

Shifted bow awnings and got out ice anchor to floe on port quarter. Hauling in broadside to the floe.

Mercurial barometer 29.94 at end of watch.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and beautiful weather, calm.

At 9.10 whaler “Arctic” cast off and stood up through newly formed lead towards Duck Islands, followed by “Aurora”; cast off and worked through the ice, butting way into lead and accompanied by “Bear”; ice from 3’ to 3½’ in thickness.

Whalers “Polynia”, “Wolf, “Triune”, “Cornwallis”, and “Nova Zembla” followed; Commanding Officer conning ship from crow’s nest.

At end of watch standing in for Duck Island, about one mile distant. Mercurial barometer 29.98, attached thermometer 57°.

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7 June 1884

At sea off Duck Islands, Greenland

Lat 74.02, Long -57.77

Midnight to 4am:

Clear, bright and pleasant weather. Light airs to gentle breeze from East.

Lookout in crow’s nest. No signs of open water to the northward.

At 1.03 moored to the ice floe, with bow and stern ice anchors, off west side of Duck Island in company with the “Bear”, “Arctic”, and “Aurora”. The whalers “Cornwallis”, “Polynia”, “Wolf”, “Nova Zembla” and “Triune” moored to the southward side. The “Narwhal” still in the pack, near where we lay during the day.

Considerable mirage noticeable to westward.

Ice in small pieces streaming fast, first part of watch. Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.75.

Sighted long low point of land from crow’s nest, distant about 30 miles and bearing, West end, (pc) EbyN [the point is most probably Wilcox Head].

4am to 8am:

Pleasant weather; bright sunlight; wind light from eastward.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.73.

8am to meridian:

Clear and warm. Wind light from eastward.

Engaged in transferring coal from main hold to bunkers.

By order of Commanding Officer, gave George Harvey (Boatswain’s Mate) four hours in crow’s nest for insolence to an Officer.

8.45 got cast of lead, in 19 fathoms water, bottom gray sand.

At noon mercurial barometer 29.84; attached thermometer 57°. Shifted in all, yesterday and today, 30 tons of coal from hold to bunkers. Running flood tide.

Meridian to 4pm:

Hazy, warm and pleasant; calm.

Cleaned ship. Tide fell, by tide gauge over stern, 17 inches. Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.85.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from eastward and calms.

Mercurial barometer read 29.84 at end of watch.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant, calm.

Expended six guncotton igniters in test to ascertain whether or not machine will explode that number; on first trial four failed, 2^nd trial remaining four fired.

Whaler “Narwhal” came up and made fast to ice on West side of island.

At 8.00 mercurial barometer read 29.82, thermometer attached 57°.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and pleasant; generally calm.

Mercurial barometer at noon 29.82. Tide had risen 40 inches by midnight.

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8 June 1884

At sea off Duck Islands, Greenland

Lat 74.02, Long -57.77

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and cool; calm.

At 3.45 the whalers “Wolf” and “Narwhal” got underway and steamed to the northward and westward.

Mercurial barometer stood 29.82 at end of watch. High water at 2.35.

4am to 8am:

Bright, clear weather. Light breeze from SSW.

The whalers “Narwhal” and “Wolf” stuck in ice at 5.00, about 6 miles westward (true).

Barometer 29.82 at 8.00. Hoisted yacht club flags at 8.00.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Light to gentle breeze variable in direction.

Commanding Officer held divine service at 10; inspected ship immediately afterwards. Muster of Officers and crew.

Got out third ice anchor and made fast breast line to it. Replaced bow and stern anchors.

Wind freshening last hour. Mercurial barometer at noon, 29.87.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy; thick fog last two hours of watch.

Shifted bow fast as bow breast and got out 5 inches manila hawsers for a bow fast.

Wind in squalls from westward. Mercurial barometer stood 29.90 at end of watch.

4pm to 6pm:

Cloudy and foggy. Moderate breeze from NW.

Ice setting in on ship, but leaving her in a natural dock.

At 6.00 mercurial barometer 29.86; thermometer attached 57°.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast, foggy. Gentle breeze from NW.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.92.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast, cool and foggy. Light airs from southward and westward.

Mercurial barometer stood 29.92 at end of watch.

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9 June 1884

At sea off Duck Islands, Greenland

Lat 74.02, Long -57.77

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast, cloudy and misty, with snow. Brightening up the last hour. Light wind from WxS.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.90, attached thermometer 47°.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy and misty, foggy at times. Snow first hour. Wind light from West and NW.

Ice set in towards ship at 8.00. Barometer 29.82 at 8.00.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy and thick, snowing. Wind light from northward and westward.

Mercurial barometer stood 29.82 at end of watch.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy and thick, and drizzling rain. Wind light and variable, generally from westward.

Expended six gunpowder fuses in testing machine; of the six, one failed to explode.

Mercurial barometer at 11, 29.85, attached thermometer 57°.

Inspected dry gun cotton.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast. Calm.

Mercurial barometer at 6, 29.96.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy. Calm.

Mercurial barometer 29.98 at end of watch.

8pm to midnight:

Commenced clear, but cloudy and foggy after first hour. Cold, moderate to light breeze from NE.

At midnight mercurial barometer 29.98; attached thermometer 30°.

Measured base line 1050 feet on the ice; and set poles with flags on the prominent points of South and Middle Duck Islands; and during the day, the Navigators of the “Bear” on this vessel, engaged in making a rough survey of the islands. No opportunity for taking soundings.

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10 June 1884

At sea off Duck Islands, Greenland

Lat 74.02, Long -57.77

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast and heavy fog. Gentle breeze from NE.

Fog shut in horizon so much that lookout was not kept in crow’s nest.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.92.

4am to 8am:

Weather foggy; moderate breeze from ENE.

Ice alongside very rotten, shifted berth a little astern.

8am to meridian:

Foggy. Light to moderate breeze from ENE; cool.

At 8.35 “Aurora” got underway and steamed to westward.

At noon mercurial barometer 29.90; attached thermometer 57°.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast and foggy; moderate to stiff breeze from NE.

Got out and planted another ice anchor on starboard bow. Set up tide gauge and commenced second of half- hourly observations.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.83.

4pm to 6pm:

Thick and foggy; fresh breeze in squalls from northward and eastward.

Mercurial barometer at end of watch stood 29.82.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast and foggy; fine snow. Fresh wind from NE.

At 6.00 mercurial barometer 29.79, attached thermometer 57°.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast with fog and fine driving snow. Fresh breeze from NE.

Visited crow’s nest but could discover no open water to the northward.

At 11.30 “Aurora” left her moorings in the pack and stood in for the [Duck] Islands again.

Shifted manila hawser to bow ice anchor, putting 4-inch line in its place on starboard quarter.

Mercurial barometer at midnight 29.76.

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11 June 1884

At sea, Duck Islands to Cape York, Greenland

Lat 74.00, Long -58.58

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast, thick, snowing. Fresh breeze in squalls from northward and eastward.

Mercurial barometer at end of watch 29.74. Small quantity of ice streaming to southward.

4am to 8am:

Weather thick, with snow, occasionally lighting up so that it was possible to see three or four miles. Wind strong from NE. Cold.

At 4.35 whaler “Arctic” got underway and stood off to westward.

At 6.45 got underway and stood off to westward for an hour and then to NNE (pc) until 8.00.

At 8.00 stopped by the lead closing.

Whalers “Arctic” and two others in sight about 11 miles to northward.

Ice broken to northward of Duck Islands, as far as could be seen, about 2 miles.

8am to meridian:

Generally thick with snow, in squalls from NE. Stiff to fresh breeze from same direction.

Steaming to the NNE (pc) until stopped by the ice.

Made fast at 11.00 with one ice anchor after having tried to force passage through floe. “Bear” moored near us.

Four whalers, supposed to be the “Arctic”, “Aurora”, “Wolf” and “Narwhal”, made fast to the next floe across about five miles of open water.

Mercurial barometer at noon 29.75.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy and thick, with frequent snow squalls.

At 2.25 hauled in lines and started to force a lead.

At 2.55 made fast to the floe again. Signaled “Bear”: “When we start, follow at once”.

At 3.25 hauled in lines and started ahead in lead that had opened on port beam. “Bear” followed.

At 2.20 whalers “Nova Zembla”, “Cornwallis”, “Polynia” and “Triune” came up and made fast to floe near the “Bear”.

Mercurial barometer stood 29.76 at end of watch.

Commanding Officer conning ship from crow’s nest. Got cast of lead, 96 fathoms.

4pm to 6pm:

Cloudy and cool. Snowing. Light wind from NE.

At 4.25 anchored to floe, followed [at] 4.45 by the “Bear”.

Whalers “Arctic”, “Aurora” and “Narwhal” hard by; “Wolf” in the ice on the port bow about 2 miles distant. “Triune”, “Polynia”, “Nova Zembla” and “Cornwallis” 3½ miles astern; all anchored to floe.

Got a cast of patent lead: 73 fathoms, bottom gravel and coarse white sand.

At 6.00 mercurial barometer 29.87. Attached thermometer 54°.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast with light snow. Light airs to breezes from NE.

Shifted moorings to avoid closing in of floe. Took bearings of South point of Duck Islands, highest point (pc) S1°E.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.81. Ship’s head ENE.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast and thick. Snowing at intervals during watch.

At 9.15 hauled in lines and started ahead, standing up a lead. Commanding Officer conning from crow’s nest.

At 11.10 stopped, having met solid ice ahead. “Bear” in position astern, whalers “Arctic” right ahead.

Sighted two bears on port beam. Light NE airs. Mercurial barometer 29.80 at end of watch.

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12 June 1884

At sea, Duck Islands to Cape York, Greenland

Lat 74.12, Long -58.36

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy and cool. Snow dwys first half of watch. Light northwesterly airs.

Beset in the pack. “Bear” close astern. Whaler “Arctic” ahead and seven other whalers in sight in positions almost unchanged since last watch.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.88; thermometer attached 48°.

4am to 8am:

Overcast; snow first half of watch. Light airs from SW.

No material change in the ice.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy and cool.

At 10.00 exercised abandoning ship and placed all provisions (for 60 days) in the boats; with crew of 7 men found they would have about 14 inches freeboard.

Shifted berth to natural dock astern. Mercurial barometer stood 29.90 at end of watch.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy and cool; snow dwys latter half. Light airs from WSW.

At 3.15 got underway and stood in towards open water off shore. Commander conning ship from crow’s nest.

At end of watch Sugar Loaf bore (pc) SxW and Middle Duck Island SW. Ship’s head bearing SE. Eight whalers in sight from aloft.

At 4.00 mercurial barometer 29.85. Attached thermometer 55°.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast, cool; light airs from SWbyW.

First part of watch steering through lead under direction of Commanding Officer.

At 5.05 made fast with bow and stern line to the ice, being unable to proceed further.

Mercurial barometer at 6.00 29.85.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy and cool. Light SW breeze.

Mercurial barometer at end of watch 29.86.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and cool, with light breeze from WSW and SW.

Ship beset in the pack, with “Bear” and whaler “Wolf” astern, and “Arctic” ahead.

At midnight mercurial barometer 29.95, attached thermometer 50°.

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13 June 1884

At sea, Duck Islands to Cape York, Greenland

Lat 74.15, Long -58.42

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast, light snow. Light airs to gentle breeze from SWbyW and WSW.

Floe about a mile distant, apparently moving to the southward and closing up the open water.

Four whalers in sight, two in company with us and two under Sugar Loaf.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.82.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy, with sun occasionally visible. Wind light from SW.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy and cool. Occasional snow dwys. Light breeze from southward and westward.

Unraveled topgallant halliards, clewlines and buntlines. No change in position of whalers.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.80, thermometer attached 57°.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast with light snow last hour. Light breeze from WSW to SSW.

No change in position of whalers. Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.79.

4pm to 6pm:

Cloudy; light snow. Wind light from southward and westward.

At 4.30 hauled in lines and started ahead, followed by “Bear”.

At end of watch mercurial barometer read 29.78.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy, cold. Light snow dwys.

At 6.25, meeting impenetrable floe ice, stopped engines and made fast to floe ice with quarter line.

Five whalers in sight. Whaler “Arctic” at last anchorage (pc) SwxW¾W, distant about 1 mile. “Bear” close astern of this ship.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.76; thermometer attached 54°.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast; eastern horizon lighting up last hour of watch. Light breeze from SW.

Took bearings as follows: Devil’s Thumb [Kullorsuaq] (pc) S56°E, Sugar Loaf (pc) S11°W. Ship’s head N76°E.

Mercurial barometer at midnight 29.72. Seven whalers in sight.

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14 June 1884

At sea, Duck Islands to Cape York, Greenland

Lat 74.24, Long -58.50

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy; snowing hard the latter part of watch.

At 1.00 Sugar Loaf bore (pc) S12°W, Devil’s Thumb bore (pc) S55°E. Ship’s head N75°E (pc).

Mercurial barometer 29.70 at end of watch.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy with light snow. Wind light from South.

Ice opened a little from 6.00 to 7.00; attempted to force through; succeeded in gaining only about a ship’s length. Made fast to floe again at 7.00. Devil’s Thumb and Sugar Loaf in sight for a short time; Devil’s Thumb bore (pc) S57°E; Sugar Loaf S10°W. Ship’s head NE.

8am to meridian:

Overcast with slight haze. Warm, pleasant weather. Calms and light airs from SSW to East.

Got underway at 10.35. Came to again at 11.25, having made about 2 miles to northward. Bearings per compass: ship’s head N77°E, Devil’s Thumb S50°E, Duck Islands S36°W.

Mercurial barometer at noon 29.68.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy but pleasant. Moderate breeze from eastward.

At 1.35 hauled in lines and started ahead; forcing a lead through heavy pack ice; “Bear” in position astern. Whalers “Arctic” and “Wolf” ahead.

Mercurial barometer 29.65 at end of watch.

4pm to 6pm:

Light airs and cumulus clouds, cool; moderate northeasterly winds.

Passing through fresh ice until 4.20, after which following northerly lead. Commander conning ship from crow’s nest. Whalers “Arctic” and “Wolf” ahead. “Bear” following.

At 6.00 mercurial barometer 29.64; attached thermometer 57°.

6pm to 8pm:

Partly clear, cool but pleasant. Gentle breeze from NE.

Steaming through floe under the direction of Commanding Officer, NE½N in general direction.

At end of watch Devil’s Thumb bore S23°E, Sugar Loaf S30°W (pc). Ship’s head N52°E.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.63.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and pleasant, cold, moderate to fresh breeze from northward and eastward.

Standing to northward and eastward. Commanding Officer conning ship from the crow’s nest. Whalers “Arctic” and “Wolf” in sight ahead; “Bear” in position astern.

Mercurial barometer 29.62.

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15 June 1884

At sea, Duck Islands to Cape York, Greenland

Lat 75.02, Long -59.77

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant; bright sunshine. Light breeze from northeast.

Working through lead to northeast until 2.00, when meeting impenetrable ice, made fast to floe near whalers “Arctic” and “Wolf”; “Bear” following; at 3.30 sighted a whaler to southwestward.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.59; attached thermometer 52°.

4am to 8am:

Bright, sunny weather. Wind light from NNE.

At 6.20 lead opened near “Arctic”. “Arctic” and “Wolf” passed through.

Got underway at 6.40 and stood up NExN (pc) for 1½ miles and again made fast to floe.

The whaler “Aurora” came up at 7.00. Bearings at moorings: [unspecified].

8am to meridian:

Clear, pleasant weather. Light breeze from northward and eastward.

At 9.30 called all hands to muster and held divine service.

Mercurial barometer 29.28 at end of watch.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light northeasterly wind veering to northerly.

Fitted out a sled for service with provisions and supplies for four men and eight dogs for 10 days as follows: 60 lbs pemmican for men, 40 lbs pemmican for dogs, 20 lbs bread, 1¼ lbs tea, 2½ lbs sugar, 1½ pints beef extract, 2 gallons alcohol, 1 rubber blanket, 1 tarpaulin, 1 alcohol stove, 4 boxes matches, 4 sleeping bags, 7 fathoms one-inch lashing stuff, 1 strand rope yarn, 2 paddles, 2 gaffs, 1 small grapnel and heaving line, 1 double barrel shotgun, 1 rifle, 100-round shotgun and 100-round rifle ammunition, also 2 gallons water. Sled alone weighed 66 lbs; gross weight when loaded 457 lbs.

At 2.05 whaler “Wolf” got underway and at 2.35 “Thetis”, “Bear” and whalers “Arctic” and “Aurora” got underway and all stood to northeast through a lead. Until end of watch forcing way. Commander conning ship from crow’s nest.

At 4.00 mercurial barometer 29.16. Attached thermometer 50°.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Gentle NE breeze.

Steering through the floe, NE in general direction, under charge of Commanding Officer.

At end of watch Melville’s Monument [Usuussarsuaq] bore S55°E (pc); ship’s head N64°E.

“Arctic”, “Wolf”, “Aurora” and “Bear” in company. Barometer falling. Mercurial barometer at 6.00 29.07.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from northward and eastward.

Mercurial barometer 29.05. Commanding Officer conning from crow’s nest.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and pleasant with light variable winds and calms.

Standing along edge of land ice. Commander conning ship from crow’s nest. Whalers “Wolf”, “Arctic” and “Aurora”, and “Bear” ahead.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.02; attached thermometer 53°.

Set both jibs, and main topmast and topgallant staysails at 11.30.

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16 June 1884

At sea, Duck Islands to Cape York, Greenland

Lat 75.30, Long -63.48

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Light to gentle breeze from WbyS to South.

At 1.00, set mizzen topgallant sail; main royal staysail and all head sails.

At 2.40 came to with single ice anchor at the edge of the floe, being unable to proceed further. “Arctic”, “Aurora”, “Wolf” and “Bear” near us. Hauled down and stowed all sail.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.03.

4am to 8am:

Weather hazy; with sun visible first part of watch. Thick snow squall at 6.30. Wind fresh and increasing.

At 4.20 shifted berth about ½ mile to SW. Got a sounding, with 85 fathoms, very soft mud.

At 7.25 hauled in lines and shifted moorings ahead; mooring with 3 ice anchors out on starboard bow.

Mercurial barometer read 29.14 at end of watch.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy and cold. Fresh breeze from southward and westward.

At 11.25 shifted berth to windward floe. “Bear” following; whalers “Arctic”, “Aurora” and “Wolf” near at land.

At noon mercurial barometer 29.18, attached thermometer 55°.

Transferred to “Bear” one McClintock sled.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast and cool with stiff to moderate breeze from SWxS.

Served out to each Officer and man one Guernsey jacket. Gave latitude and longitude of noon position to “Aurora” in answer to request by signal.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.28.

4pm to 6pm:

Cloudy and cold. Light snow latter part of watch. Moderate breeze from southward and westward.

Mercurial barometer at end of watch, 29.35.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy and cool with continuous light snow. Light wind from SSW.

At end of watch, mercurial barometer 29.42, thermometer attached 55°.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast with snow, moderate breeze from SSW.

No change in position of either vessels or floe. Mercurial barometer at midnight 29.43.

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17 June 1884

At sea, Duck Islands to Cape York, Greenland

Lat 75.30, Long -63.48

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy and cool. Moderate to fresh breeze from SSW.

Mercurial barometer at end of watch 29.48.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy and cool with fresh breeze from South. Snow flurries third hour.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.33; thermometer attached 56°.

8am to meridian:

Overcast. Moderate to stiff breeze from SSW.

Whalers shifted berth owing to movement of floe.

Made preparations for rigging saw shears. Mercurial barometer at noon 29.60.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from SSW.

Exercised watch in rigging and working the ice saw. Mercurial barometer at end of watch 29.62.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and fine with light southerly wind.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.60, thermometer attached 57°.

6pm to 8pm:

Partly clear and pleasant. Light to gentle breeze from SSE.

No change in position of whalers. At 8.00 mercurial barometer read 29.65.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and cool. Light breeze from southward and eastward.

At 9.00 cast off lines and started ahead through leads to the northward and eastward.

At end of watch whalers “Aurora” and “Wolf” about two miles ahead and the “Bear” and whaler “Arctic” astern.

Mercurial barometer 29.60. A large number of little auks around.

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18 June 1884

At sea, Cape York and Conical Rock, Greenland

Lat 75.87, Long -67.70

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and cool. Light northeasterly breeze.

Standing through leads in the pack and forcing way until 2.10, Commander conning ship from crow’s nest; then entered the north water and shaped course for Cape York.

Whalers “Aurora” and “Wolf” just ahead and “Bear” astern of this vessel. Each ship gave three cheers on passing into the open water. “Arctic” hull down astern.

At end of watch, Cape York (pc) NNE, distant about 20 miles. Mercurial barometer 29.55, attached thermometer 52°. “Bear” and this ship hoisted National Ensign at the peak and main truck. Many little auks flying about the ship.

4am to 8am:

Bright, clear and pleasant weather. Light airs and breezes from NExE and ENE.

At 5.00 approached the floe about 4 miles to the southward of Cape York and made fast with single ice anchor.

The “Bear” stood about a mile closer through narrow lead and sent party with boat to communicate with shore. Signaled to her as follows: “Send party ashore at once and then come out here”. She came out at once and was directed by the Captain to proceed towards Littleton Island [Pikiuleq], leaving a record at Conical Rock [Igannaq] and Cape Parry.

The steam whalers “Aurora” and “Wolf”, after looking at the floe off Cape York, stood away to the westward. Captain Fairweather, commanding the “Aurora”, came on board and tendered his best wishes to Captain Schley for the success of the expedition.

Steamed in through lead to Cape York and at 7.30 picked up Lieutenant John C. Colwell [sent ashore from the Bear] with three men, Esquimaux guide, dinghy and McClintock sledge. Hoisted the last two on board. A native Esquimaux with team and sledge had visited Lieutenant Colwell after he landed. No rumors of white men nor any information was obtained from him.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.51.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Light airs from northward and eastward.

At 8.35 cast off lines and started ahead for Conical Rock.

At 11.00 stopped engines to replace broken bolt of links. Set fore and aft sail.

At 11.50 started ahead, hauled down fore and aft sail.

Mercurial barometer 29.52.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant weather. Light northeasterly airs and calms.

Working to the northeast through pack ice; Commander conning ship from crow’s nest.

At 3.00 abreast of Conical Rock, rounded to, to northward and made fast [at] 3.40 to a small grounded berg. Keeping a sharp lookout for boats or men ashore.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.54; thermometer attached 60°. Many little auks seen.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast with fog last hour. Light to moderate breeze from NW and WSW.

Built a cairn over a record for the “Alert” and the “Bear”, on the top of the southern end of Conical Rock, and planted black flag over it. Several gunning parties left the ship.

Mercurial barometer at 6.00 29.55.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant latter part of watch. Foggy the first part. Slight breeze from southward and westward.

At end of watch mercurial barometer read 29.55.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast, cloudy and cool. Fog hanging over hilltop. Moderate wind from southward and westward, with fresh williwaws.

At midnight mercurial barometer 29.55, thermometer attached 55°. Ebb tide.

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19 June 1884

At sea and Wolstenholme Island, Greenland

Lat 76.07, Long -68.83

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast and cool. Gentle to moderate breeze from SSW and SW.

At 12.10 got underway and stood down for Wolstenholme Island [Qeqertarssuaq], returning to the mooring off west end of Conical Rock at 12.45 having found the ice too thick and heavy for passage.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.57.

4am to 8am:

Weather cloudy, with light snow. Wind from SW. Moderate to fresh breeze from SW.

Sounding at 8.00, 22 fathoms. Current setting by the island to NW (true) about 1 knot per hour.

8am to meridian:

Overcast, cloudy and cool. Moderate breeze from SW. Snow dwys first and last hours.

Shifted 10 tons of coal from main hold to starboard bunker. Breeze falling light towards end of watch.

At noon mercurial barometer 29.60, thermometer attached 58°. Running ebb.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant; light breezes from SW to NW.

At 1.45 left Conical Rock and proceeded through soft floe ice towards Wolstenholme Island under the direction of Commanding Officer.

Bearings at end of watch: West end of Conical Rock S32°E (pc), Cape Dudley Digges S90°E. Ship’s head NExE.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.65.

A dog that was thrown on the ice in a fit this morning was left at Conical Rock, a search having been made for him without success.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from northward and westward.

Standing up to Wolstenholme Island, Commanding Officer conning ship from the crow’s nest.

Mercurial barometer 29.70 at end of watch.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant, with light northwesterly airs.

Standing up to Wolstenholme Island through loose pack ice until 7.20, Commander conning ship from crow’s nest; [at] 7.20 stuck in the pack, ramming and boring.

Eased ship with torpedoes; placed two on starboard bow and four in line ahead, one of which failed to explode. Expended 3 gunpowder and 1 guncotton torpedoes, loaded and fused; also one gunpowder torpedo fuse, 1 ball twine and 12 rubber splices.

At 8.00 mercurial barometer 29.72, attached thermometer 57°.

8pm to midnight:

Clear, cool and pleasant. Calm and light airs from NW.

At midnight NW end of Wolstenholme Island bore abeam, distant 250 yards. Dalrymple Rock [Igánaq] E¼S. Ship’s head ENE.

Mercurial barometer at 2. 29.69.

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20 June 1884

At sea, Saunders Island and Cape Parry, Greenland

Lat 76.99, Long -71.42

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Light variable airs.

At 12.15 sent Lieutenant Colwell and party on shore to establish a cairn, with a record on a point about the middle of the western side of Wolstenholme Island. Cairn marked by pole with white flag.

At 1.05 started ahead and stood up for Saunders Island [Appat].

At 2.00 sighted native huts or tents on beach, western side of Saunders Island.

At 2.25 stopped and soon after a number of natives came alongside with sleds and dogs, fast in ice.

Sent Lieutenant Colwell and Ice Pilot on shore to search for information. The natives alongside had no information or news concerning Lieutenant Greely’s party.

Mercurial barometer 29.65 at end of watch.

4am to 8am:

Clear weather first part. Land to eastward shut in by fog latter part of watch. Wind light from NxE.

At 4.40 started ahead and stood out to westward through loose pack ice. Working way to westward (true) for open water about 7 miles off.

At 7.00 stopped for 20 minutes to key up. Saw a number of walruses.

Carey Islands [Kitsissut] in sight bearing (pc) NxE¼E. Fitz Clarence Rock, Cape Parry [Kangarssuk] and Northumberland Island [Kiatak] in sight to northward.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Light and gentle breeze from NxE and NE.

Standing in for Cape Parry; at noon it was distant 1 mile.

Mercurial barometer at noon 29.72.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from ENE.

At 1.30 made fast to floe off Cape Parry, sent party ashore and established a cairn with records for “Alert” and “Bear”, cairn marked by white flag and placed on knoll near the western part of Cape.

At 2.15 party returned and reported fresh sled tracks, reindeer manure and plenty of hare.

At 2.25 hauled in lines and stood ahead for Northumberland Island.

Mercurial barometer 29.76. Touched slightly on leaving Cape Parry.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast, with heavy fog bank on horizon to northeasterly and overtopping hills. Light northwesterly breeze.

Standing up the coast for Northumberland Island through loose broken floe ice; Commander conning ship from crow’s nest.

At 6.00 northernmost end of Hakluyt Island [Appasuak] in sight (pc) NExE, southernmost end of Northumberland Island [bearing] South (pc). Ship’s head (pc) ExN.

Mercurial barometer 29.76, thermometer attached 58°.

6pm to 8pm:

Generally overcast, cool, slight fog. Calm to gentle breeze from NWxW and NW.

Standing up west side of Northumberland Island and through passage between it and Hakluyt Island in charge of Commanding Officer.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.76.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and cool. Moderate breeze from westward.

Passed a large number of grounded bergs. Got a cast of the lead at 9.20, bottom at 80 fathoms.

Standing up to Cape Alexander [Ullersuaq].

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21 June 1884

At sea and Littleton Island, Greenland

Lat 78.45, Long -73.35 [position calculated from bearings]

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy and cool. Fresh breeze from WxN. Moderate sea.

At 1.05 made Littleton Island [Pikiuleq, spelled Lyttleton in log-book] beyond Cape Alexander; 1.30 Cape Alexander abeam, hauled up for Littleton Island and thereafter course various as per columns.

At 1.55 grounded between Littleton Island and McGary Island [McGary Ø, Mount Gary Island in log-book], engines backing at the time but ship still forging ahead, hoisted jibs, and at 2.10 swung clear. Stood round to NE of islands and made fast to small berg.

At 4.00 mercurial barometer 29.77, thermometer attached 45°.

Keeping a sharp lookout for traces of the Greely party. Bearings from moorings: Cairn Point [Cairn Pynt] (pc) SExE, center McGary Island NxW. Ship’s head NW. Turned flood 2.30pm.

4am to 8am:

Overcast with snow. Moderate to fresh breeze from WNW and NW.

Commanding Officer with party visited cairn on South side of Littleton Island. Found canned provisions in excellent condition. Brought off to the ship a tent with poles and pegs complete and two kegs, one containing New England rum, and the other alcohol, each marked as follows: Lieutenant A. W. Greely, Fort Conger, Grinnel Land via St. John’s, Greenland.

Started pen for dogs on forecastle, counted them and found but 14 remaining.

Lieutenant Colwell found and brought off to the ship the records of Commander Wildes [1883 “Yantic” relief expedition] and Mr. Beebe [1882 “Neptune” relief expedition].

Washed decks. Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.80.

8am to meridian:

Overcast and thick first part, with light snow; clearing weather latter part of watch. Strong wind in heavy squalls from northward and westward (pc).

Mercurial barometer stood 29.80 at end of watch. Cockbilled both anchors and ranged 20 fathoms of each chain.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy and cool. Fresh to very fresh wind from northwestward, hauling to northward latter part of watch and moderating.

Got on deck, ready for landing, 760 rations as follows: 1160 lbs pemmican, 650 lbs bread, 22 lbs tea, 190 lbs sugar. Sighted through fog bank highland to northeastward.

Mercurial barometer 29.78. Attached thermometer 61°. Turned flood at 2.30.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast, cool. Stiff to moderate breeze from NW. Tide turned about 5.45.

Mercurial barometer at 6.00 29.78.

6pm to 8pm:

[missing]

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and cool. Moderate to fresh breeze from NW. Turned ebb at 9.30.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.84; thermometer attached 57°.

At 11.25 set mizzen topgallant staysail to keep ship’s stern from swinging towards McGary Island.

22 June 1884

[Unfortunately, scans of the log pages for 22 June are missing.

According to the official report from Commander Schley and the log-books of USS Bear, in the evening of 22 June 1884 Thetis and Bear reached Pim Island, on the Canadian side of Smith Sound, and anchored in Payer Harbor. Several parties were immediately sent out to search for signs of the Greely expedition, in order to continue quickly north towards Cape Hawks if nothing was found.

Lieutenant Emory H. Taunt with three Seamen – George E. Yewell, Joseph Mitre, and Hugh Brock – were sent to examine a cairn on Brevoort Island.

Ensign Charles H. Harlow and two Seamen – John W. Powers and John Manin, although these men were named as W. A. Coffin and John McLeod in another account – were sent to check another cairn on Stalknetch Island.

Lieutenant John C. Colwell, Ice Pilots J. W. Norman and Francis Ash, and Chief Engineer John Lowe were sent, in Bear’s steam cutter, to a known camp West of Cape Sabine.

Chief Engineer George W. Melville, Dr. Howard E. Ames and Ensign Lovell K. Reynolds, with Seaman John Lindquist, were sent to search the coastline South of Payer Harbor.

At around 8pm Seaman Yewell returned to the Thetis with news that his party had found notes in the cairn stating that Lieutenant Greely had made permanent camp near Cape Sabine. Thetis sounded her whistle three times to recall everyone.

Lieutenant Colwell was instructed to get underway immediately in the steam cutter, with food. Commander Schley went on board Bear and proceeded, leaving Thetis at Payer Harbor to gather the remaining parties.

At 9.30 Bear reached the camp, about 10 minutes after the steam cutter.

Colwell’s party found Francis Long, from the Greely expedition, on the beach where Greely’s camp had been established. Chief Engineer Lowe brought Long back to Bear and the rest of the party rushed to the camp. Dr. Ames and all available hands from Bear reached the camp around 10pm. Thetis was recalled with all remaining men, to help in rescue operations.

Lieutenant Adolphus Washington Greely and six survivors – Corporal Joseph Elison, Sergeant David L. Brainard, Private Julius Frederick, Private Henry Bierderbick, Private Maurice Connell and Private Francis Long – were rescued and brought aboard Bear and Thetis. The remaining 18 members of the expedition had died, one from drowning while sealing and the others from starvation, between January and June 1884.]

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23 June 1884

Camp Clay, Payer Harbor and at sea, Greenland

Lat 78.70, Long -74.18

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy and snowing. Fresh gale from NW.

Standing off and on the northern part of Cape Sabine. Party on shore to relieve survivors of Greely Arctic Expedition.

At 12.30 Commanding Officer came on board with Lieutenant A. W. Greely, US Army, and three other survivors viz. Sergeant D. L. Brainard, Hospital Steward H. Bierderbick, and Private M. Connell from Camp Clay. Three survivors sent on board “Bear”.

At 2.30 stood back to Payer Harbor.

At 3.30 made fast to floe to leeward of Brevoort Island with three ice anchors. Mercurial barometer 29.70.

Received on board the remains of 11 of the Greely Arctic Expedition.

“Bear” moored on port bow.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy and cool. Fresh gale from NW, strong in squalls. Snow flurries. Strong current setting to northward (true), with loose drifting ice.

At 8.00 mercurial barometer 29.72, attached thermometer 55°.

8am to meridian:

Overcast, with snow. Moderate to fresh breeze from NW.

Ensign Charles H. Harlow with party of men and toboggan revisited Lockwood’s cairn. Restored cairn and left record stating what had been found and that seven survivors of Lieutenant Greely’s party had been found at Camp Clay.

Mercurial barometer at noon 29.60.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy and cold. Wind fresh in squalls from northward and westward.

Ensign Harlow left ship in charge of party to bring back instruments from cairn on small island east of Brevoort Island [Stalknetch Island].

At 1.30 Ensign Harlow returned bringing with him pendulum, bundle of flags and thermometers in wooden box.

Mercurial barometer stood 29.64 at end of watch.

At 3.30 “Bear” returned and made fast to floe on port beam. Lieutenant Sebree and Chief Engineer Melville with two men went to the “Bear” and with party of 14 men from that vessel, thoroughly searched Camp Clay bringing off everything in any manner appertaining to the Greely party.

4pm to 6pm:

Cloud and cold. Light wind from NW.

At 4.00 cast off and stood across Smith Sound; at 5.45 sighted Littleton Island (pc) SW½W, distant about 7 miles.

At 6.00 mercurial barometer 29.65, attached thermometer 59°.

6pm to 8pm:

Generally overcast. Light airs and breeze from NW.

Standing over toward Littleton Island.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.63.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and calm.

Transferred the remains of Lieutenant Frederick F. Kislingbury, Sergeant David Lynn [Linn in log-book], Private William Whistler, Sergeant William H. Cross, and [Thorlip] Fred[erik] Christiansen to “Bear”.

Mercurial barometer 29.58.

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24 June 1884

At sea and off Northumberland Island, Greenland

Lat 78.33, Long -72.93

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast and cloudy. Light NNW wind and calms. Snow during last hour.

Gunning parties bagged 57 Eider ducks.

At 4.00 mercurial barometer stood 29.55, attached thermometer 55°. Turned ebb at 1.00.

4am to 8am:

Weather overcast, with snow. Wind light from SSE.

At 5.55 got underway and steamed slowly down to Foulk’s Fiord and at 7.55 made fast to ice floe in Foulk Fiord. “Bear” followed us down.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy, calm and light variable airs. Mercurial barometer stood 29.58.

Signaled to “Bear”: “In case ships are separated by fog or other circumstances, rendezvous at Upernavik”.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast and cloudy. Snowing. Light easterly wind.

At 2.35pm ice streaming down on ship from eastward. Got underway and stood down coast to Northumberland Island. “Bear” following.

At 4.00 Cape Alexander abeam, distant about 2½ miles. Mercurial barometer 29.60, attached thermometer 57°.

Engaged in placing six dead bodies in tanks of alcohol.

4pm to 6pm:

Weather overcast and thick. Heavy snow. Wind light from WbyN.

At 4.05 Cape Alexander bore East (true), distant about 2 miles. Set course for West side, Northumberland Island W¼N. Patent log registered 76.5.

From 4.50 to 5.30 steering through loose ice; hauled in patent log at 4.50 and put it over again at 5.30 till 6.00. Passing between grounded bergs.

Finished placing six dead bodies of the Greely party in tanks of alcohol, three in each tank, and secured them on forecastle near foremast; one upright containing the bodies of Private William A. Ellis, Sergeant Winfield S. Jewell and Sergeant David C. Ralston; the tank lying flat containing the bodies of Lieutenant James B. Lockwood, Sergeant Edward Israel, and Private Roderick R. Schneider. Expended 70 gallons of alcohol.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast, thick and snowing hard. Wind moderate from WbyN.

Standing down to Northumberland Island. Passed a number of grounded bergs.

Mercurial barometer stood 29.60.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy, thick and snowing until 10.45, when it commenced clearing up.

Standing for Northumberland Island through clear water with grounded bergs, until latter part of watch, when met pack ice loose and broken.

At 11.25 anchored to floe near Hakluyt Island [Appasuak, Haklight in log-book]. Bearings (pc) North end Northumberland Island S45°W, West end Northumberland Island N56W, West end Hakluyt Island N4°W. “Bear” following through pack.

Mercurial barometer 29.64, attached thermometer 54°.

Shifted 8 tons coal from main hatch to starboard bunker. Ship’s head SW½S.

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25 June 1884

Off Northumberland Island and Cape Parry, Greenland

Lat 77.340, Long -72.655 [position calculated from bearings]

Midnight to 4am:

Snow first hour, clearing to southward and westward last three. Gentle to light breeze first two hours, variable light airs last two.

Ice moving rapidly in a confused manner.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy, calm.

Drifting in the pack off Northumberland Island.

Shifting coal from hold to starboard bunker; mercurial barometer stood 29.68.

8am to meridian:

Light airs and calms, but pleasant.

Working out of pack north of Hakluyt Island and toward Cape Parry.

Shifted 16 tons of coal from hold to bunkers.

At noon West end of Hakluyt Island bore, pc, S78°E, Cape Parry S62°W. Ship’s head SSW.

Mercurial barometer 29.66, thermometer attached 56°.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast and cool. Light airs from ExS and ENE.

Lying in the floe waiting for a lead. Completed coaling having transferred in all 112 buckets.

Mercurial barometer 29.64.

About 3.30 got underway and stood down Cape Parry.

4pm to 6pm:

Cloudy. Calms and light airs from ENE.

Standing down to Cape Parry.

At 5.40 made fast to the floe with one anchor.

Mercurial barometer stood 29.64.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy, cool. Swung ship for deviation of compasses. Light variable airs.

At 7.00 stood down through lead toward Cape Parry.

Mercurial barometer 29.58, attached thermometer 57°.

8pm to midnight:

Clearing, cool and pleasant weather. Light airs to moderate breeze SxE to East.

Standing across mouth of Whale Sound [Hvalsund] from Northumberland Island to Cape Parry.

Came to at 10.20 and made fast to floe.

Lieutenant S. C. Lemly visited old cairn with party, brought off old records and left new ones for “Alert” on new cairn on top of Cape Parry.

Mercurial barometer at midnight 29.45.

At noon the vessel was about 2 miles South (true) of Hakluyt Island; the observed latitude puts it North of the position of Hakluyt Island in the chart.

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26 June 1884

Cape Parry, Wolstenholme Island and at sea [Greenland]

Lat 76.42, Long -69.87

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from northward and eastward.

At 12.15 sighted 5 steamers ahead standing to northward, “Jan Mayen” [Jns Mann, corrected to Jan Mayen in log-book], “Esquimaux”, “Narwhal”, “Cornwallis” and “Nova Zembla”.

Communicated with the “Esquimaux” and received letters from Ensign W. I. Chambers, of the “Loch Garry”.

Standing to southward and westward to Wolstenholme Island [Wostenholm in log-book]. Mercurial barometer stood 29.42.

4am to 8am:

Clear, pleasant weather. Wind light from northward.

Standing down for West end Wolstenholme through loose ice. The whalers “Triune” and [unspecified, most probably “Polynia” according to official account] lying to ice under Saunders Island.

At 8.00 West point Wolstenholme bore (pc) S62°W, Dalrymple Island [Dalrymple Rock or Igánaq] S17°E and North point of Saunders [Island] S56°E.

At 8.00 mercurial barometer 29.25.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from NE.

Standing in between Dalrymple Rock and Wolstenholme Island for the ice floe across the sound.

Made fast at 9.25. Holystoned and scrubbed decks.

Mercurial barometer at noon, 29.17. Got cast of lead in 40 fathoms.

By order of Commanding Officer, the following changes in ratings of crew of this vessel were made: George Harvey from Boatswain’s Mate to 1^st class Fireman; Joseph Mitre from Captain of Top to Boatswain’s Mate; George E. Yewell from Seaman to Captain of Top; John McDonald disrated from 1^st class Fireman to Seaman.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from northward.

Several sledge parties of natives from North Star settlement [Pituffik] visited the ship.

Mercurial barometer 29.30.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from NNE.

This ship and “Bear” shifted berth toward Wolstenholme Island on account of drifting ice.

Mercurial barometer 29.29, attached thermometer 58°.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Gentle to light breeze from NE and West.

At 7.15 got underway and stood down the coast past Cape Atholl.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.29.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and cool, wind moderate from SW.

Standing down to Conical Rock. Commanding Officer conning ship from crow’s nest.

At 11.45 made fast to large berg. Conical Rock bearing about SW½W (pc).

Carried away dolphin striker in making fast. Mercurial barometer stood 29.36.

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27 June 1884

At sea, Conical Rock and Cape York, Greenland

Lat 75.93, Long -67.50

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy but pleasant, moderate to light breeze from NW.

At 1.05, finding bowsprit bearing hard on berg to which ship was made fast, cast off and in endeavoring to make fast, carried away jib boom at outer band and sprung it at cap. Steamed up to “Bear” and made fast to her, she being made fast to berg.

At 2.45 “Bear’s” moorings adrift. Cast off and steamed into soft floe ice. “Bear” steamed into floe ice to westward.

At end of watch, mercurial barometer 29.41, attached thermometer 54°.

4am to 8am:

Generally overcast, hazy, warm and pleasant. Light airs from NW and calm.

Got underway at 4.30. Steaming through soft floe ice past the Petowick Glacier [Pituffik Gletscher] toward Conical Rock.

At 7.00 reached old cairn, and brought off old records, depositing new ones for the “Alert”. Made fast to the ice.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.43.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from northward.

At 8.45 cast off lines and started ahead standing down to Cape York. Rigged in jib boom for repairs.

Mercurial barometer stood 29.45.

At noon got cast of the lead, 41 fathoms; rock and fine black sand bottom.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy and cool with light breeze from northward and eastward.

Standing through lead and forcing through pack ice to westward.

Carpenter’s Mate from “Bear” and this ship engaged in fishing jib boom.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.48, attached thermometer 61°.

Cape York N78°E, distant about 3 miles. Ship’s head (pc) SE.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast with raw, chilling fog. Wind light from SSW.

Following the land ice from Cape York towards Bushnan Island [Bushnan Ø].

Watch engaged in painting jib boom for shipping. Mercurial barometer at 6.00 29.49.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast, thick and snowing. Wind light from southward and westward.

Standing to southward and westward across Melville Bay [Qimusseriarsuaq].

Rigged out jib boom and set up rigging. Mercurial barometer 29.49.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast, snowing hard first two hours and continuously throughout watch.

Standing to SbyW through open water until 9.05, when meeting impenetrable ice, made fast to floe, “Bear” following. Many little auks about ship, shooting party bagged 100.

Mercurial barometer at midnight 29.50, attached thermometer 55°.

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28 June 1884

At sea, Cape York to Upernavik, Greenland

Lat 75.57, Long -65.12

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast and foggy with snow first three hours. Light airs and breeze from SSW.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.51.

4am to 8am:

Weather overcast with light flurries of snow. Wind light from SSW.

Land visible to northward and westward (true) at times.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.56.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy with continuous snow. Moderate breeze from SSW.

At 9.15 got underway followed by “Bear” and stood to southward (true) through broad lead, with solid impenetrable ice on port beam. Many large icebergs in sight.

At end of watch, mercurial barometer 29.54, attached thermometer 57°.

Engaged in rigging jib boom.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast with snow most of watch. Gentle to moderate breeze from SSW and SbyW.

At 1.00 made fast to floe.

Mercurial barometer at 4, 29.52.

4pm to 6pm:

Cloudy and cool. Snowing and thick.

Mercurial barometer 29.52 at end of watch.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy and cool. Light fall of snow first hour. Gentle breeze from SSW.

Got a cast of lead at 6.30, with patent lead in 72 fathoms.

Mercurial barometer 29.57, attached thermometer 61°.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast and cool. Light to gentle breeze from SbyW to South.

Passed Assistant Surgeon Edward H. Green visited “Bear” in response to request from Assistant Surgeon Howard E. Ames in the case of Corporal Joseph Elison. [Elison’s hands and feet were completely frozen by the time the party was rescued.]

Mercurial barometer at midnight 29.54.

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29 June 1884

At sea, Cape York to Upernavik, Greenland

Lat 75.32, Long -64.08

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy. Light airs from southward and westward.

Mercurial barometer 29.52 at end of watch.

4am to 8am:

Weather cloudy with sun occasionally visible. Light airs from SbyE and calms.

At 6.30 ice to eastward (true) slackened a little.

At 6.55 got underway, followed by the “Bear”, and stood for 7 miles SSW.

At end of watch ramming ice to get through a narrow strip into lead beyond.

At 7.55 Cape York bore (pc) N48°E, and Peaked Hill [Ivnârqigsorssuaq] (pc) S60°E. Ship’s head SSW½W.

8am to meridian:

Partly clear but pleasant. Light airs and breeze from SSE.

At 10.10 had muster of Officers and crew. Commanding Officer held divine service and inspected ship.

Mercurial barometer at noon 29.56.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light NE airs.

Standing across Melville Bay through lead on a general course of SSE.

Mercurial barometer stood 29.52 at end of watch.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant, light easterly breeze.

Forcing way through heavy slab ice until 4.40, when ran into open water and followed broad lead to southeastward, “Bear” about 1 mile astern.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.56, attached thermometer 57°.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Cool. Light airs and breeze from EbyS.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.55.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and cool. Calm.

Standing to southward and westward crossing Melville Bay.

At 11.35 made fast with bow and stern line in a lead, broadside to the floe.

Mercurial barometer 29.55.

The coast is not right in position; so the positions by bearings are not to be depended on.

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30 June 1884

At sea, Cape York to Upernavik, Greenland

Lat 74.88, Long -59.72

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and beautiful weather; bright sunlight. Haze hanging over land and about horizon. Light variable airs.

At 3.00 got underway and stood to westward and southward, lead having opened in that direction. Several large and a number of small bergs in sight.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.50, attached thermometer 50°.

“Bear” astern, distant about 1 mile. Many little auks about ship.

4am to 8am:

Clear and pleasant. Light airs to breezes from EbyS and NE. Fine mirage observed to SE.

Made preparations for and hoisted out 32 buckets of coal from main hold to starboard bunker.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.46.

8am to meridian:

Clear, warm, pleasant and calm.

Standing across Melville Bay to southward and westward.

While backing in forcing a lead, split rudder very badly. Making preparation to ship new rudder.

Mercurial barometer 29.42. Shifted 17 buckets coal to starboard bunker and 47 to port bunker.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light southwesterly breeze.

Standing to southwestward through broad lead of open water, Commander conning ship from crow’s nest.

At 1.50 stopped and secured rudder temporarily with two 1¾-inch manila lashings and wedges.

Started ahead again 2.55. Preparing to shift rudder and shift spare one, Carpenter’s Mate from “Bear” assisting.

At end of watch “Bear” astern, distant about 1 mile. Mercurial barometer 29.42, attached thermometer 62°.

Sighted from crow’s nest at 4.00 two steamers supposed to be “Loch Garry” and “Alert”.

4pm to 6pm:

Partly clear but pleasant. Light to gentle breeze from SW.

At 4.15 hoisted Senior Officer's pennant.

At 5.30 made out international GQBJ [Alert call sign] on one of the vessels. Hoisted international CNFW [Captain is requested to come on board]. Standing through lead toward the “Alert” and “Loch Garry”.

Mercurial barometer at 6.00 29.44.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy but pleasant. Foggy latter part of watch.

At 7.00 came up with “Alert” and “Loch Garry”. Commander George William Coffin [from Alert] and Lieutenant Emory [from Bear] came on board in obedience to signal.

At 7.50, it coming on thick, made fast to floe with 1 ice anchor.

Mercurial barometer 29.44 at end of watch.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and foggy but pleasant.

Got underway at 9.05 and stood to SW and West, followed by “Bear”, “Alert” and “Loch Garry”.

At 11.00 coming on thick, made fast to floe with 1 stern and two bow lines. “Bear”, “Alert” and “Loch Garry” in position astern.

At midnight mercurial barometer 29.46, attached thermometer 55°.

LOGS FOR JULY 1884

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1 July 1884

At sea, Cape York to Upernavik, Greenland

Lat 74.16, Long -57.47

Midnight to 4am:

Misty but pleasant. Calm and light airs from SW.

Large floe pieces moving northward and eastward.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.52

4am to 8am:

Foggy first hour, bright pleasant weather remainder of watch. Light airs from westward and calms.

At 7.10 got underway, followed by the “Bear”, “Alert”, and “Loch Garry”, and during remainder of watch working through ice to SW.

The Duck Islands in sight bearing at 7.00 S77°W (magnetic).

8am to meridian:

Commenced clear, but foggy after first hour. Light westerly breeze.

Stopped between 8.00 and 9.00 waiting for “Loch Garry”, stuck in the floe, the “Bear” having gone to her assistance.

At 11.00 fog having thickened, anchored to floe, followed by the other vessels of the squadron.

Meridian to 4pm:

Foggy. Calm first two hours. Light breeze from ENE and EbyN last two [hours].

Furled boat sails and hoisted boats up to davit head. Served out 1 plug chewing tobacco and ½ bag smoking tobacco to each man on board the vessel, and two plugs chewing and two bags smoking tobacco to each of the Seamen on the “Loch Garry”.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.69. Got cast of lead in 148 fathoms. Rocky bottom.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from northward and eastward.

At 4.15 hauled in lines and stood ahead to southward and westward, forcing leads into the open water.

Mercurial barometer stood 29.70 at end of watch.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from ENE.

Standing to southwestward through slack ice and broad leads.

At 6.15 this ship and “Bear” put back to assist the “Alert”, stuck in the pack. Cut her out and stood on at 6.45.

Mercurial barometer 29.70, thermometer attached 57°.

At 8.00 Horse’s Head (pc) S57°W, Sugar Loaf (pc) S40°E. Ship’s head SW.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and pleasant. Calm and light airs [and] moderate breeze from EbyN and East.

At 10.55 Horse’s Head bore abeam, distant 1.3 miles.

At midnight mercurial barometer 29.58.

Squadron in column astern.

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2 July 1884

At sea and Upernavik, Greenland

Lat 72.78, Long -56.18

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and cold. Breeze moderate from northward and eastward.

Standing to southward and westward toward Upernavik.

At 3.00 the “Loch Garry” signaled: “The Bear is ashore”. Ran back and took the “Bear’s” line from her quarter. Started ahead and parted hawser.

At 3.50 took a line from the “Alert’s” bow, she having one from the “Bear’s” quarter.

Mercurial barometer 29.44.

4am to 8am:

Clear and cool, moderate breeze from ENE.

Parted hawser that “Alert” and “Thetis” had given to “Bear”, but at the same time. At 4.20 hauled her clear.

Squadron stood on to southward. Open water, smooth sea.

At 5.30 signaled “Alert” and “Loch Garry” to come within hail, and by order of Commanding Officer directed them to proceed to Godhavn, and there await the arrival of the “Thetis” and “Bear”. The squadron then separated, the “Thetis” and “Bear” hauling in for Upernavik, the remaining two vessels standing on to southward (true).

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.43, attached thermometer 55°.

8am to meridian:

Overcast and cool. Light breeze from North first hour. Gentle breeze, increasing to stiff last three hours.

Standing in for Upernavik harbor.

Governor Elberg [Elborg in log-book] came off to the ship, in his whale boat.

At 11.00 made fast to the “Bear” and a little before noon shifted to small berg on account of an increase in the strength of the wind.

Mercurial barometer at noon, 29.47. Secured all the port, boats and No 3 boat on starboard side, preparatory to going alongside of the “Bear”.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy and cold. Strong wind in squalls from westward.

Ran out another hawser around berg ahead. Sent working party on shore to load up coal.

The “Bear” having dragged her anchor, hove it up and made fast to grounded floe berg off our port quarter.

Mercurial barometer 29.52 at end of watch.

4pm to 6pm:

Cloudy and cool. Fresh wind from WNW, strong in squalls, moderating toward end of watch.

Sent steam launch to assist that of the “Bear”, she having lighter of coal in tow, and drifting down on rocks. Hauled her clear and alongside of the “Bear”.

At 5.00 small grounded berg to which “Bear” was moored, floated, and she steamed up to windward and anchored ahead of this ship.

Mercurial barometer 29.56, attached thermometer 56°. Running flood tide.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast and cool, stiff to fresh breeze from WNW to WbyN.

At 6.15 the berg to which we were moored turned over, having floated with high tide. Cast off lines and steamed ahead, anchoring with port anchor and 30 fathoms chain, just ahead of “Bear”.

At 7.45 commenced heaving in again, the anchor having dragged.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.70.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and cool, strong wind in squalls from northward and westward.

Found while heaving in port chain, that we were foul of “Bear’s” chain, and were obliged to slip, at 30 fathoms shackle, in order to clear the “Bear”.

Finally came to with starboard anchor, veered to 45 fathoms on starboard chain. Shifted sheet anchor to port bow and bent port chain, ranging 25 fathoms on deck.

Mercurial barometer 29.78.

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3 July 1884

Upernavik and at sea, Greenland

Lat 72.78, Long -56.18

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy and cool. Moderate breeze from westward falling light second hour, after which calm. Light snow.

At end of watch mercurial barometer read 29.88, attached thermometer 55°. Running ebb tide.

4am to 8am:

Weather cloudy but pleasant. Light airs from ESE and calms.

Sent working party on shore to assist loading lighter with coal.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from northward and eastward.

Working party returned to the ship.

At 11.00 signaled “Bear”: “Sail for Disko at 1pm. Finish coaling and join me there”. Hove in to 30 fathoms on starboard chain.

Made preparations for sea. Mercurial barometer stood 29.68 at end of watch.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant weather. Light northeasterly wind. Flood tide.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.53, attached thermometer 53°.

Commander Schley and Lieutenant Commanding Emory visited the Governor of settlement, and upon their leaving, a salute of 3 guns was fired.

Sent 7 dogs ashore as a present to Governor Elberg [Elborg in log-book].

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from NE.

At 5.30 “Bear” reported being through coaling and ready to get underway.

At 5.55 commenced to heave up anchor.

Mercurial barometer at 6.00 [unspecified, weather page record 29.44].

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy and cold. Fresh breeze from northward and eastward.

At 6.21 hove up starboard anchor and started ahead. Standing out the harbor to the westward.

The Governor saluted us with 6 guns, which were returned by dipping of colors.

Mercurial barometer 29.40.

Touched light on a rock, not down on chart, about 4 miles from anchorage.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and cold. Thick about horizon. Fresh wind, northeasterly, moderating latter part.

Standing along the Greenland coast, points of land being obscured by fog. Sea moderate. Passed a number of large bergs.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.42, thermometer attached 53°. “Bear” astern, distant about 1 mile.

Departure at 8.00. Sandersons Hope [Qaarsorsuaq] bore (pc) SExE, distant about 8 miles. Ship’s head WSW.

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4 July 1884

At sea, Upernavik to Godhavn, Greenland

Lat 70.65, Long -55.75

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast with fog 2^nd and 3^rd hours. Gentle breeze from NNW.

From 2.00 to 3.00, slowed down to one bell until the “Bear” had caught up with us.

At 3.34 Svarten Huk [Svartenhuk] bore abeam, distant about 8 miles.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.56. Patent log 124.5.

4am to 8am:

Weather cloudy with thick snow first and last part of watch. Sun visible occasionally. Wind light from NW.

Slowed down from 7.20 to 7.50 to allow the “Bear” to come up.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.67.

8am to meridian:

Overcast and cloudy, with continuous snow. Light breeze from westward. Moderate swell.

Slowed down from 8.45 to 9.25 to allow the “Bear” to come up.

At noon hoisted American Yacht Club jack pennant and ensign, forward, and at the fore and main royal mastheads respectively, and the ensign at the peak, in honor of the day. “Bear” followed suit.

At noon changed course to SWxW½W. Mercurial barometer 29.80, attached thermometer 51°.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast, with snow and fog first three hours, clearing last hour. Gentle to stiff breeze from West to WSW.

At 3.00 made out land three points on port bow; changed course to SWxW.

At 3.25 changed course to SW½W, patent log 13.2.

Hauled down colors and pennant at 12.30. Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.94.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Fresh breeze from southward and westward.

Standing down the coast of Disko Island. Mercurial barometer 29.96.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy with fog bank ahead. Snowing second hour. Fresh wind from southwestward. Moderate sea.

Standing along coast of Disko Island.

At 8.00 mercurial barometer 30.00, attached thermometer 60°.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast with rain and snow first two hours in stiff squalls, clearing last hour. Moderate to stiff breeze from SW.

At 8.25 changed course to SW and at 9.00 to SWxS.

At 9.15 went ahead full speed.

At 9.25 got beam and quarter bearings of object on shore. Distance 2.2 miles.

Moderate sea from SW. Mercurial barometer at midnight 30.03.

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5 July 1884

At sea and Godhavn, Greenland

Lat 69.249, Long -53.549

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from SW.

At 2.25 shaped course for Godhavn. Sighted the “Alert” and “Loch Garry” at anchor in outer harbor.

At 3.35 dropped starboard anchor in 8 fathoms of water, veered to 35 fathoms on starboard chain. Ran a stern mooring to ring on shore near storehouse. Started mooring ship.

Mercurial barometer 29.98.

4am to 8am:

Clear and cool; light breeze from SSW, freshening towards last of watch to stiff.

Unshipped rudder and made preparations for shipping spare one. Ship moored with starboard anchor and 54 fathoms chain forward, and two lines aft, made fast to ringbolt on rocks ashore.

Mercurial barometer 29.98, attached thermometer 53°.

8am to meridian:

Partly clear and pleasant; moderate to stiff breeze from SSW to SxW.

Got out extra stern fast. Shipped new rudder and hoisted and secured damaged one inboard.

Mercurial barometer at noon 29.97. Draft of ship 15 feet forward, 17 feet aft.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from southward.

At 2.00 “Loch Garry” came alongside and secured to our starboard side. Made preparations for coaling ship.

Received on board one (1) sheet anchor from the “Alert”; took in our sheet anchor and bent port chain to the “Alert” anchor.

Started fires under donkey boiler, and hauled fires under main boilers.

Received on board 140 bags coal. Mercurial barometer stood 29.98.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from southward.

Received on board from “Loch Garry” 232 bags (about 11½ tons) coal.

Sent four dogs ashore as a present to David Danielson, dog driver and interpreter of this ship.

Mercurial barometer 29.98, attached thermometer 55°.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from WNW.

Stopped coaling at 8.00, having received since 6.00 199 bags, about 10 tons.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 30.00.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and cool. Light breeze from WNW.

Mercurial barometer 30.00. Liberty party returned.

David Danielson, Esquimaux dog driver, was discharged from this ship today.

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6 July 1884

Godhavn, Greenland

Lat 69.249, Long -53.549

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy, foggy and cool. Light northwesterly airs and calm. Running flood tide after 2.30.

Mercurial barometer 30.04, attached thermometer 55°.

4am to 8am:

Clear, pleasant weather. Light airs and calms.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Light variable airs.

Held divine service. Mercurial barometer 30.10 at end of watch.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light westerly breeze. Flood tide.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 30.16, attached thermometer 57°.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Gentle to moderate breeze from West and WNW.

Mercurial barometer at 6.00 30.09.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy and cool. Moderate breeze from WNW.

Mercurial barometer 30.08 at end of watch.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and cool. Light wind from WNW about 9.40.

Inspected dry guncotton and found it in good condition.

Mercurial barometer at midnight 30.12, attached thermometer 55°.

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7 July 1884

Godhavn, Greenland

Lat 69.249, Long -53.549

Midnight to 4am:

Partly clear. Light airs from WNW.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 30.15.

4am to 8am:

Weather overcast. Foggy over the mountains. Light airs and calms.

Commenced coaling from “Loch Garry” at 6.00.

At 8.00 had received during watch 14 tons 1900 lbs.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy and cool. Light breeze from SE. Ebb tide.

Received from “Loch Garry” 443 bags, about 22 tons, coal.

At noon mercurial barometer [unspecified, weather page record 30.14], attached thermometer [unspecified, weather page record 43°].

Meridian to 4pm:

Clearing last part. Light to gentle breeze from WNW. Calm first hour.

Finished coaling ship, having received 360 bags since noon, making 90 tons in all.

At 2.30 Commanding Officer, Chief Engineer Melville, Passed Assistant Surgeon Green, Lieutenant Lemly and an escort of four men left the ship to participate in the burial exercises for Frederik Thorlip Christiansen, one of the dead of the Greely party. Half masted colors when the party left the side of the “Bear”, full masting again at 4.00 when the party returned from the graveyard.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 30.08.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from WNW.

Funeral party returned at 5.00.

Ship’s draft aft 18.2 feet, forward 15 feet. Mercurial barometer 30.09.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy and cool. Light airs from WNW. Flood tide.

At 8.00 mercurial barometer 30.08, attached thermometer 55°.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast and cool. Light to gentle breeze from WNW.

Mercurial barometer at midnight 30.10.

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8 July 1884

Godhavn, Greenland

Lat 69.249, Long -53.549

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy. Light breeze from northward and westward.

Corporal Elison [Sergeant Ellison in log-book], one of the survivors of the Greely party, died on board the “Bear” at 3.15.

Mercurial barometer 30.12 at end of watch.

4am to 8am:

Weather overcast and cloudy. Light airs and calms. Tops of mountains hid by fog.

Mercurial barometer 30.19 at 8.00.

8am to meridian:

Foggy first two hours, clear and pleasant last two.

Bent fore topgallant sail. Engaged in setting up main rigging. Covered main hatch. Got sand. Washed ship’s side. Sent tank below.

Ebb tide. Mercurial barometer at noon 30.28.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from northward and westward.

Engaged in setting up rigging. Crossed topgallant yards with sail bent.

Mercurial barometer 30.30.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant with light northwesterly breeze.

Engaged in setting up rigging and preparing for sea.

Mercurial barometer 30.30, attached thermometer 55°.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NW.

Finished setting up main rigging. Mercurial barometer at 8.00 30.30.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and cool. Light breeze from NW.

At 8.30 made general signal, International Code: “DRQJ – FBKH – CKFL – CFLN – WVH” [I’m going to sail – tomorrow morning – at – si – x].

Mercurial barometer 30.30 at end of watch.

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9 July 1884

Godhavn and at sea, Greenland

Lat 68.59, Long -54.07

Midnight to 4am:

Clear first hour, afterwards clouding over with fog on hilltops. Light northwesterly breeze. Turned ebb about 2.30.

Several large bergs seen drifting past the opening between the hills to southeastward.

Mercurial barometer 30.38, attached thermometer 50°.

4am to 8am:

Weather cloudy. Fog over the mountains. Light airs from SW.

At 5.30 “Alert” signaled “At the last moment, engine fails to be ready; shall I take the Loch Garry alongside, or ahead to tow out”. Answered “Ahead”.

At 6.30 got underway and stood out, followed by the “Bear” and “Alert”, the latter in tow of “Loch Garry”.

At 7.00 took departure just outside Disko Harbor. Course WSW½W, patent log registered 93 miles. When the anchor came up, found stock had broken at the shank, and only half the stock was received.

At 8.00 “Bear” on port quarter, “Alert” and “Loch Garry” on starboard quarter.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy first part, clear and pleasant latter part of watch.

Set fore and aft sail.

At 9.00 changed course to West. “Bear” in position on port quarter. “Loch Garry”, with “Alert” in tow, in position on starboard quarter.

Mercurial barometer 30.38 at end of watch.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant weather. Light breeze from eastward and southward. Smooth sea.

Took in fore and aft sail. Slowed down twice during watch for “Loch Garry”, towing “Alert”, to come up. “Bear” in position on port quarter.

At 3.00 lost sight Disko Island (pc) ENE about 68 miles.

Exchanged latitude and longitude with ships of squadron at 1.00.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light airs to gentle breeze from ESE.

At 5.00 swung ship for compass error, going ahead full speed again 5.30. “Alert” and “Loch Garry” went on ahead.

Mercurial barometer at 6.00 30.38.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from northward and eastward.

At 8.00 got cast of lead, bottom 16½ fathoms, white sand and shell. Set main topsail, foresail and fore and aft sail.

Mercurial barometer 30.36.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and pleasant, hazy about horizon. Light breeze from northeastward. Smooth sea.

At 8.30 came up with “Bear”, and “Loch Garry” towing “Alert”. Took in all sail. Moon visible, just a little past the full. Midnight sun just skirting horizon.

At end of watch ship abreast of settlement of Holsteinberg [Sisimiut]. Vessels of squadron in position, “Bear” on port, “Loch Garry” and “Alert” on starboard quarter. Latter two dropping astern.

Mercurial barometer 30.34, attached thermometer 50°.

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10 July 1884

At sea, Godhavn, Greenland, to St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 65.47, Long -55.00

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from SEbyE and NE.

At 2.10 made out sail two points on port bow, which proved to be a small brig on the port tack standing to northward and eastward.

At 3.00 it bore abeam about 8 miles distant, and at 3.40 it was lost sight of in the land haze, bearing 3½ points abaft the port beam.

Squadron in position on either quarter. Mercurial barometer at 4.00 30.36. Passed small piece of short brown sea weed.

4am to 8am:

Pleasant weather; hazy near horizon. Wind moderate from NE.

Land in sight on port beam. “Alert”, “Bear”, and collier in position. Set main topsail, foresail and staysails.

At 8.00 changed course to SWxW½W. Mercurial barometer at 8.00 30.39.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Light wind from northeastward.

Land in sight on port beam. “Alert”, “Bear”, and “Loch Garry” in position.

At 8.30 took in fore and aft sail, and at 11.20 foresail and main topsail.

Sighted one small berg during watch. At noon mercurial barometer 30.37, attached thermometer 54°.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NE.

At 1.15 exchanged noon position with other vessels of the squadron. Set all fore and aft sail except gaff-topsail, and [set] mizzen topmast staysail at 1.30.

Brought vegetables on deck from main hold. Carpenter engaged in making new stock for starboard bower anchor.

Land in sight on port quarter. Squadron in position on either quarter. Mercurial barometer at 4.00 30.48.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from NE and East.

Took in fore and aft sail. “Bear” in position on port quarter, “Loch Garry” with “Alert” in tow on starboard quarter.

Mercurial barometer 30.48.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light northeasterly breeze. Smooth sea.

Exchanged longitude with ships of squadron. All in position at end of watch.

Mercurial barometer 30.48, attached thermometer 54°.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and pleasant. Damp. Light to gentle breeze from NE and NExE. Sunset at 10.10. Moon and stars visible.

Squadron in position on either quarter.

At 9.00 changed course to SWxW¼W. Mercurial barometer at midnight 30.47.

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11 July 1884

At sea, Godhavn, Greenland, to St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 62.27, Long -55.18

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from northward and eastward, and sun rose at 2.00.

Squadron in position on either quarter. Passed some small ice during watch. Mercurial barometer stood 30.42.

4am to 8am:

Clear, pleasant weather. Wind light from NE first part, from South last hour. Smooth sea.

Squadron in position; three bergs in sight during watch.

At 8.00 changed course to SW½W.

At 7.30 “Bear” signaled: longitude 55° 20’ 13”. Answered: 55° 14’.

Got starboard bower anchor on forecastle in order to fit a wooden stock for it. Barometer 30.40 at 8.00.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Wind variable in force and shifting from SxE to SW, and increasing from light airs to gentle breeze.

Signaled to squadron: “Report daily consumption of coal at meridian”.

At 10.30 set fore and aft sail, and at 11.30 took in and furled the same.

Washing paintwork inside ship. Carpenter making anchor stock.

At noon coal reports as follows: “Bear” 9, “Alert” 8⅜, “Loch Garry” 7½ tons each. Flagship signaled 8½ tons.

Mercurial barometer at noon 30.37.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from southward and westward.

At 1.00 changed course to SW¼W. Exchanged latitude and longitude with squadron.

Made general signal DV – FBQR [S½E – True]. Squadron in position on either quarter.

Mercurial barometer 30.38.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from southwestward. Smooth sea.

At 4.30 exercised at fire quarters and made general signal, International Code, CVHM – KLV – DPML [Exercising fire quarters].

Passed through a large school of whales. Mercurial barometer 30.40, attached thermometer 58°.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Windy, appearance of sky noticeable. Gentle breeze from SWxW.

At 6.25 “Loch Garry” signaled: “Permission to stop 20 minutes to renew packing in low pressure gland”. Stopped engine. Set up bearings on own engines. Full speed again 6.58.

At 7.10 stopped for hot bearing, going ahead again full speed 7.15.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 30.39.

8pm to midnight:

Clear but pleasant. Light breeze from SW.

Squadron in position on either quarter. Mercurial barometer 30.38.

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12 July 1884

At sea, Godhavn, Greenland, to St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 59.32, Long -54.72

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Moonlight. Gentle wind from southwestward. Smooth sea with southerly swell.

Mercurial barometer 30.32, attached thermometer 50°.

4am to 8am:

Clear, pleasant weather. Wind from SSW, light breeze. Long easy swell from SSW.

Barometer 30.30 at 8.00, falling.

At 8.00 changed course to SW.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from southward and westward. Long swell from southward and westward.

At meridian, signals [for] coal consumption as follows: “Alert” 8¾, “Bear” 8½, “Loch Garry” 8½, and we signaled 8½ tons.

Cleaning ship. Squadron in position on either quarter. Mercurial barometer 30.28.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from SSW. Long southerly swell.

Mechanics engaged in putting wooden stock on starboard anchor.

At 1.00 signals were made as follows: by “Alert”, FLN – GVH – FRD – GWQ [59° 20’ latitude, 54° 43’ longitude], “Bear” FLN – GVF – FRD – HBC [59° 19’ latitude, 54° 48’ longitude], “Loch Garry” FLN – GVJ – FRG – GTB [59° 21’ latitude, 55° 0’ longitude], “Thetis” FLN – GVJ – FRD – GWP [59° 21’ latitude, 54° 42’ longitude] and DV – FBQR [S½E – True].

At end of watch “Bear” in position, “Loch Garry” and “Alert” dropping astern.

At 4.00 changed course to SW¼S. Mercurial barometer 30.27, attached thermometer 57°.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from SWbyS. Cross swell noticeable from SW and South.

Pumped ship out. Mercurial barometer at 6.00 30.24.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from southward and westward. Long swell from southward and westward.

Squadron in position on either quarter. Mercurial barometer 30.30 at end of watch.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and pleasant. Light wind from southwestward. Heavy fog bank on horizon to eastward, working to northeastward latter part of watch. Moderate sea. Moon rose at 9.40, after which bright moonlight.

At 10.20 slowed down for 20 minutes to allow “Alert” and “Loch Garry” to come up.

At end of watch, vessels of squadron in position on either quarter. Mercurial barometer 30.19, attached thermometer 57°.

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13 July 1884

At sea, Godhavn, Greenland, to St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 56.57, Long -54.28

Midnight to 4am:

Clear, chilly and damp. Light to gentle breeze from SWbyS. Long swell from southward.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00, 30.16.

4am to 8am:

Clear, pleasant weather. Moderate breeze from SSW. Long easy swell from SSW. No ice in sight during watch.

Squadron in position. Mercurial barometer 30.16 at end of watch.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from SSW. Long southerly swell.

At 10.00 held divine service and Commanding Officer inspected crew and ship.

At 10.50 stopped for five minutes to key up.

At noon vessels signaled coal expenditure as follows: “Alert” 8½ tons, “Bear” 8 tons, “Loch Garry” 6¾ tons, “Thetis” 8¼ tons.

Ships in position at end of watch. Inspected dry guncotton, which was found in good condition.

At noon changed course to SW½S. Mercurial barometer 30.18, attached thermometer [unspecified, weather page record 59°].

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Gentle to moderate breeze from SbyW and South.

At 1.00 exchanged noon position with vessels of squadron by International Code, as follows: “Thetis (FLJ, GWD) (FRD [FRK in log-book], GVC)” [56° 34’ latitude, 54° 33’ longitude], “Alert (FLJ, GWC) (FRD, GWH)” [56° 33’ latitude, 54° 36’ longitude], “Bear (FLJ, GWD) (FRD, GVK)” [56° 34’ latitude, 54° 22’ longitude], “Loch Garry (FLJ, GWF) (FRD, GVQ)” [56° 35’ latitude, 54° 27’ longitude]. Gave mean time to “Loch Garry”.

At 2.00 set all fore and aft sail except gaff topsail and mizzen topmast staysail. Long swell from southward and eastward.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 30.15.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze from southward.

At 4.00 made general signal, International Code, DPWC – BQWV – VMB – BWC – CHBS – DQVR – DLMW – CVJN – QHP – BNC – FCJD – DGPL – DWSV – RDG – QHN – CVFH [Reaching St St. John’s Harbor, no news about result of expedition to be communicated until further orders. Issuing these instructions to everybody].

Mercurial barometer 30.12 at end of watch.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Moderate breeze and long swell from southward.

Sighted a large berg on starboard beam.

Mercurial barometer at end of watch 30.15, attached thermometer 55°. Vessels of squadron in position.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and damp first two hours, misty with heavy fog last two. Gentle to stiff breeze from South and SxE.

At 9.00 took in and stowed main royal staysail. Moon rose at 10.15 and shortly after it appeared misty on horizon. Fine Auroral display visible in West (true) across the zenith to NE. Mist became thicker and finally heavy fog settled down from southward and eastward. Slowed down at once and sounded fog whistle.

At 11.30 took in all fore and aft sail.

At midnight “Bear” in position on port quarter, lights just visible. “Loch Garry” not within hearing distance.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 30.15.

At 8.00 changed course to SW¾S.

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14 July 1884

At sea, Godhavn, Greenland, to St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 54.05, Long -53.77

Midnight to 4am:

Foggy and very thick. Moderate to fresh breeze from southward and eastward.

At 1.45 passed a medium sized ice berg on port beam close aboard. Squadron in position on either quarter.

At end of watch answering fog signals from flagship. Mercurial barometer 30.10.

4am to 8am:

Thick fog, vessels can be seen about ¼ of mile. Wind from SE, moderate breeze. Moderate sea.

Running slow and sounding whistle at intervals. Vessels of squadron in position until about 7.30, when “Alert” and “Loch Garry” dropped astern out of sight. Barometer 30.20 rising.

At 8 changed course to SWxS.

8am to meridian:

Overcast with thick fog first three hours. Moderate to fresh breeze from SSE.

Running at half speed from 8.00 to 10.00, and 11.00 to noon, full speed rest of watch.

Received coal reports as follows: “Alert” 7½, “Bear” 7, “Loch Garry” 6½. Signaled: “Thetis” 8 tons.

At 11.30 set fore topmast staysail and spanker.

Mercurial barometer at noon 30.20.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy and misty. Fresh breeze with long sea from southward and eastward.

At 1 exchanged latitude and longitude with squadron, vessels agreeing in their positions.

Made general signal: “MDF – FB – VTS – DB – FBQR” [Course South ¾ East True – RTS is erroneously written instead of VTS], also general signal “HNQ – DBR – DQGV – DRCS – QHN – VWR – VQG” [During a thick fog keep within signal distance, reduce rim to 10 miles]. Also general signal: “QDL – DSMJ – DQPN – GNJ – WBR – DJWR – BQWT – CM – FKS – HBF – FRB – GTP” [If separated, rendezvous at point 25 miles from Cape Spear to NE, 47° 50’ latitude, 52° 10’ longitude]. Squadron in position on either quarter.

At 1.20 changed course to SSW¾W. Passed a number of small bergs during watch. Mercurial barometer 30.14.

4pm to 6pm:

Cloudy and misty. Moderate breeze from SEbyS. Long southerly swell.

Vessels of squadron in position at end of watch. Mercurial barometer 30.15, attached thermometer 57°.

Passed a number of bergs.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast, with mist and heavy dew. Gentle breeze from SSE.

Mercurial barometer 30.25.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast, cloudy and misty. Moderate breeze from southward and eastward.

Passed a few small bergs during first part of watch. Squadron in position on either quarter. Mercurial barometer 30.12.

At 8.20 changed course to SSW½W.

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15 July 1884

At sea, Godhavn, Greenland, to St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 50.98, Long -53.03

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast and foggy, with drizzling rain. Obscured moonlight first half. Moderate breeze from SSE. Long southerly swell.

Slowed down 12.55 for 20 minutes to allow “Alert” and “Loch Garry” to come up; and at 3.00 for 10 minutes on account of fog.

At end of watch vessels of squadron in position. Mercurial barometer 30.08, attached thermometer 45°.

Passed small berg.

4am to 8am:

Weather cloudy, with passing squalls of mist and fog. Sun and horizon occasionally visible. Wind fresh from SEbyE. Long swell from eastward.

Set fore topsail at 7.00. Squadron in position till 8.00, when “Alert” and “Loch Garry” were about 1 mile astern.

Mercurial barometer 30.05 at 8.00, falling.

8am to meridian:

Overcast, cloudy, thick weather. Foggy at intervals last part of watch. Misty during entire watch.

At 9.00 patent log registered only 5 knots; hauled it in, cleared it of some seaweed and put it overboard again.

Passed an ice berg at 10.00.

At 11.00 changed course to SSW¼W.

Mercurial barometer 29.98. “Loch Garry” signaled: “Parted wire hawser at 8am, got it again all right”.

At noon squadron signaled coal expenditure as follows: “Alert” 8¾ tons, “Bear” 9¾ tons, “Loch Garry” 7½ tons; and we signaled to squadron: 7¼ tons.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast and cloudy, with fresh wind from SExE. Long broken swell.

At 1.00 signals were made as follows: “Alert” FLB – GTC – FRC – GTD [51° 01’ latitude, 53° 02’ longitude], “Bear” FLB – GTD – FRC – GTH [51° 02’ latitude, 53° 04’ longitude], “Loch Garry” FLB – GTC – FRC – GTL [51° 01’ latitude, 53° 07’ longitude], “Thetis” FKW – HBR – FRC – GTD [50° 59’ latitude, 53° 02’ longitude] and FB – VTS – DB – FBQR [South ¾ East True].

“Alert’s” steel hawser having carried away in towing, signaled to “Loch Garry”: “Cast off and take position six cable lengths astern of this ship”, and to “Alert”: “Make sail and keep position”. Signals were obeyed by both vessels.

Slowed down several times to allow “Alert” to come up, she having shortened sail in order to maintain course.

At end of watch vessels of squadron in position. Mercurial barometer 29.90, attached thermometer 59°. Passed several large bergs.

At 4.00 changed course to SSW.

4pm to 8pm:

Overcast with heavy rain. Gale from SExE. Heavy sea.

Took in and furled fore and main topmast staysails. Bent and set fore storm staysail. Took two reefs in spanker and set it. Under easy steam.

At 5.00 changed course to SxW and [at] 8.00 to South. Ship pitching easily. Occasional heavy rain.

Signaled course SSE to squadron at 6.00.

At 8.00 “Bear” in position, “Loch Garry” in position astern, and “Alert” about 2 miles astern bearing North (pc).

Barometer 29.82 at 8.00, steady.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast, with moderate gale from southward and eastward. Frequent squalls of wind and rain.

Hauled down and stowed main topmast staysail. “Bear” on port quarter, “Loch Garry” on starboard quarter at end of watch; and “Alert” last seen astern at 11.20.

Barometer 29.75.

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16 July 1884

At sea, Godhavn, Greenland, to St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 49.32, Long -52.08

Midnight to 4am:

Thick and foggy. Running slow. Moderate gale to moderate breeze from SSE. Long broken swell.

“Bear” and “Loch Garry” in position on either quarter. “Alert” neither seen nor heard during watch.

At 1.30 changed course to SxE.

Mercurial barometer 29.70, thermometer 52°.

4am to 8am:

Thick fog, lighting [lightening] up occasionally, so that vessels can be seen about ¼ of a mile. Wind light to moderate from SSE, hauling to SSW by 8.00. Heavy swell.

Sounding whistle every two or three minutes. “Bear” and “Loch Garry” on port and starboard quarters.

At 8.00 hailed them and told them the course was South (true).

Changed course to SSW¾W (pc). The “Alert” not seen or heard during watch.

Mercurial barometer 29.70, steady.

8am to meridian:

Foggy first part, but clearing finally toward end of watch. Moderate breeze from SSW. Long swell from southward.

At 9.00 changed course to SwbyS, running slow till 10.00.

“Bear” and “Loch Garry” in position at end of watch. “Alert” not in sight. Mercurial barometer 29.72, thermometer 60°.

At noon vessels signaled coal expenditure as follows: “Thetis” 8 tons, “Bear” 8 tons, “Loch Garry” 4½ tons.

Meridian to 4pm:

Generally overcast with fog. Gentle breeze from SSW.

At 1.00 exchanged noon position with squadron as follows: “Bear” FKV – GVF – FRB – GVF [49° 19’ latitude, 52° 19’ longitude], “Loch Garry” FKV – GVH – FRB – GTB [49° 20’ latitude, 52° 0’ longitude], “Thetis” FKV – GVF – FRB – GTJ [49° 19’ latitude, 52° 5’ longitude].

Made general signal FB – FBQR – DQPM [South True, rendezvous].

Went half speed from 1.00 to 1.14 and from 2.30 to 3.10 owing to thickness of fog; full speed remainder of watch.

“Bear” and “Loch Garry” on either quarter. Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.72.

4pm to 6pm:

Cloudy. Misty around horizon. Wind moderate from southward and westward.

At 4.50 changed course to SW¼W. Made general signal FD – VTR – GB – FBQR [SbyW 11/16 West True].

Raised up port chain for bending. Mercurial barometer 29.72.

“Bear” on port, “Loch Garry” on starboard quarter at 6.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Fog bank on horizon to southward and eastward. Light wind from southwestward. Long southerly swell.

“Bear” and “Loch Garry” in position on either quarter. Mercurial barometer 29.74, attached thermometer 57°.

Rousing up and bending chains. Got a cast of the lead at 8.00, 180 fathoms wire out, bottom gray sand.

8pm to midnight:

Foggy third hour, clear with heavy dew rest of watch.

At 11.00 slowed down ten minutes on account of fog.

At 9.35 lookout on fore topgallant yard reported white flashlight 3½ points on starboard bow.

At 10.00 got cast of lead in 125 fathoms, rocky bottom.

At 10.30 changed course to SW¼S.

At midnight got cast of lead in 200 fathoms, no bottom.

“Loch Garry” and “Bear” in position on either quarter at end of watch. Mercurial barometer at midnight, 29.74.

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17 July 1884

At sea and St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.565, Long -52.700

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy with thick fog. Moderate breeze from southward and westward.

At 2.30 fog shut down thick. Signaled squadron and stopped engines to wait for clear weather. Hauled in patent log. Got cast of lead, 100 fathoms, gravel and sandy bottom.

At 4.00 fog lifted; started ahead and put over patent log.

At end of watch “Loch Garry” on starboard quarter, “Bear” on port quarter. Mercurial barometer read 29.68.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy and foggy; light southerly airs.

Standing in for St. John’s, courses various as directed by Commander. Running slow and ship frequently stopped on account of fog.

Mercurial barometer 29.64, attached thermometer 55°.

8am to meridian:

Overcast with heavy fog. Calms and variable light airs.

Standing off and on at dead slow speed, off the mouth of St. John’s Harbor. Sounding whistle at frequent intervals, and exchanging signals with “Bear” and “Loch Garry”.

At 8.55 took pilot on board and stood in for harbor. Fog very thick.

At 9.37 let go anchor in 14½ fathoms water, muddy bottom. Draft of ship 15 feet forward, 16 feet 8 inches aft.

Commanding Officer left ship at once with official dispatches.

Made preparations for coaling ship. Received small mail aboard. Lowered and got up steam in steam launch. Half masted colors.

Mercurial barometer 29.62. Started distiller.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast with occasional fog and rain during last of watch.

Stopped coaling at 4.00, having transferred 170 bags, about 8½ tons from main hold to starboard bunker.

Used steam launch for passage to and from shore. Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.62.

4pm to 8pm:

Overcast with drizzling rain and fog. Occasional clearings, showing entrance to harbor and some distance to seaward.

No sign of the “Alert” up to sunset. Starboard watch granted liberty.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 29.63.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast with fog first hour. Clear last three. Calms and light airs from WxS.

Mercurial barometer at midnight 29.64.

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18 July 1884

St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.565, Long -52.700

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast with fog first hour. Clear last three. Light airs to breeze from WbyN and West.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 [unspecified, weather page record 29.60].

4am to 8am:

Generally overcast and misty. Light airs from WxN and West.

Called all hands at 5.30. Commenced coaling ship at 6.00.

At 8.00 had transferred 81 bags, about 4 tons, and 9 buckets, 2¼ tons, from main hold to starboard bunker.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 [unspecified, weather page record 29.62].

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Light airs from westward.

At 8.45 called all hands to muster and read congratulatory telegram to Commander Schley and command, from the Secretary of the Navy.

Ice Pilot J. W. Norman left the ship on leave until Tuesday the 22^nd.

Shifting coal from main hold to bunkers. Mercurial barometer 29.66.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy but pleasant. Light breeze from westward with light passing showers.

Shifting coal from main hold to bunkers; shifted 132 buckets. Mercurial barometer 29.68.

4pm to 8pm:

Cloudy and rainy. Wind from westward.

At 7.30 “Alert” came in and anchored. Signaled to “Alert”: “Anchor at discretion”.

Mercurial barometer 29.74.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy with drizzling rain the first part of watch. Calms and light airs.

Mercurial barometer 29.78.

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19 July 1884

St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.565, Long -52.700

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy and thick. Calm and easterly airs.

Mercurial barometer 29.80.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy and misty. Light variable airs.

Commenced shifting coal to bunkers at 6.00. Mercurial barometer 29.92. Shifted about 8 tons.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy but pleasant. Light breeze from North.

“Alert” taking coal from “Loch Garry”. Shifted 14 tons of coal from main hold to bunkers.

Mercurial barometer 30.04, attached thermometer 58°.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy but pleasant. Light variable airs.

Shifted 17 tons coal from main hold to bunkers. “Loch Garry” cast off from “Alert” and anchored up the harbor.

Mercurial barometer 30.10, attached thermometer 55°.

4pm to 8pm:

Cloudy and pleasant. Light southeasterly airs.

Received from “Loch Garry” 3000 coal bags. Mercurial barometer 30.16, attached thermometer 55°.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy first part with light variable airs, afterwards light breeze from West. Sky (?) [sic].

Mercurial barometer at midnight, 30.20, attached thermometer 54°.

20 July 1884

St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.565, Long -52.700

[Scans of this log page are missing.]

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21 July 1884

St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.565, Long -52.700

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast with light fog. Light to gentle breeze from SE.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 30.29.

4am to 8am:

Overcast with fog and mist. Gentle breeze from SE.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 30.28.

8am to meridian:

Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Moderate breeze from SE. Foggy at intervals during watch.

Mercurial barometer 30.22.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Occasional fog.

At 12.30 “Loch Garry” signaled for permission to get underway. Answered: “Yes”.

At 12.50 “Loch Garry” got underway and stood out.

Mercurial barometer 30.20. Breeze southward and eastward.

4pm to 8pm:

Cloudy, rainy and foggy. Moderate SE wind.

Mercurial barometer 30.02.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast, rainy and foggy. Strong SE wind increasing to moderate gale last hour of watch.

Dropped port anchor underfoot. Mercurial barometer 29.78.

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22 July 1884

St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.565, Long -52.700

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast, cloudy and raining hard. Moderate gale from southeastward, moderating to fresh wind latter part of watch. Thick and foggy.

Mercurial barometer 29.68.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy and foggy. Wind SW latter part of watch.

Hove up port anchor. Loosed foresail to clear mooring buoy that had fouled stern.

Mercurial barometer 29.68.

8am to meridian:

Clear and fair. Fresh southwesterly wind.

Scraped spars. Mercurial barometer 29.80.

Meridian to 4pm:

Generally clear and fine, cloudy last hour. Fresh westerly wind.

Finished scraping spars.

Mr. J. W. Norman, Ice Pilot, returned from leave.

Mercurial barometer 29.80.

4pm to 8pm:

Pleasant. Light westerly breeze.

Mercurial barometer 29.87.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and pleasant. Light westerly breeze.

Mercurial barometer 29.90.

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23 July 1884

St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.565, Long -52.700

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Light variable airs.

Mercurial barometer 29.85.

4am to 8am:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from southward.

Commenced painting ship outside. Received on board for crew: fresh beef 35 lbs, vegetables 10 lbs, fresh bread 25 lbs.

Mercurial barometer 29.84.

8am to meridian:

Overcast. Light to gentle breeze from SE to SxE.

At 8.30 called “all hands up anchor”, and hove in to 30 fathoms.

At 9.30 got underway and shifted anchorage, letting go anchor in 16 fathoms and veering to 45 fathoms just forward of windlass.

Bearings: Consular flagstaff N50°E, South Head Lighthouse [Fort Amherst Lighthouse] S38°E. Ship’s head South.

Painting ship outside. Mercurial barometer 29.80.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast with rain. Light to gentle breeze from South to WSW.

Mercurial barometer 29.74.

4pm to 8pm:

Overcast with rain. Light airs from WSW to WxN.

Finished painting ship. Mercurial barometer 29.72.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast. Light airs to gentle [breeze] from WxN.

Mercurial barometer 29.74.

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24 July 1884

St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.565, Long -52.700

Midnight to 4am:

Clearing. Pleasant. Gentle breeze and light airs from WSW.

Mercurial barometer 29.78.

4am to 8am:

Overcast. Light airs from WSW to West.

Mercurial barometer 29.90.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Light westerly breeze.

Cleaning ship. Mercurial barometer 29.94.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy but pleasant. Moderate westerly breeze.

Sir John and Lady Glover [John Hawley Glover was the Governor of Newfoundland] and a number of guests visited the ships of the squadron on the invitation of Commander Schley and the Officers of the squadron.

Mercurial barometer 29.96.

4pm to 8pm:

Cloudy and rainy. Wind from southward and eastward.

Hoisted steam launch for repairs. Struck donkey engine and boiler below.

Mercurial barometer 29.94.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy and rainy. Wind fresh from southward and westward.

Barometer 29.86.

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25 July 1884

St. John’s, Newfoundland

Lat 47.565, Long -52.700

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy and rainy. Wind from southward and westward.

Mercurial barometer 29.74.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy and rainy. Wind from southward and westward.

Mercurial barometer 29.72.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy. Threatening rain.

Painted ship inside, under topgallant forecastle.

Wind light from SW. Mercurial barometer 29.62.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy. Light to moderate breeze from WSW.

Received on board six wrought iron caskets for the dead of the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition.

Mercurial barometer 29.60.

4pm to 8pm:

Cloudy. Light to moderate southwesterly breeze.

Transferred the remains of the dead of the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition to caskets, and stowed them in main hold.

Mercurial barometer 29.55.

Made general signal, International Code: HJT – DLMW – DRNV – GST [Hour of sailing 10am].

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy but clearing. Light westerly wind.

Mercurial barometer 29.55.

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26 July 1884

St. John’s, Newfoundland, and at sea

Lat 47.45, Long -52.62

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy. Light wind from westward.

Mercurial barometer 29.58.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy. Light to moderate breeze from West, fresh in squalls.

Engaged in preparing for sea. Mercurial barometer 29.56.

8am to meridian:

Generally overcast, but clearing at end of watch. Gentle breeze from West to SW.

At 8.30 hove in to 30 fathoms. US Consul [Thomas N. Molloy] visited the ship.

At 10.00 called “all hands up anchor” and left the harbor of St. John’s, followed by the “Bear” and “Alert” and a small fleet of tugs who escorted the squadron outside the Heads. Exchanged frequent salutes.

At 10.30 made signal as follows: RKH and GPB [Take position].

At 11.15 took departure from Cape Spear Lighthouse (magnetic) NxW¼W, distant 3 miles. Set course SW (pc), patent log 3.2. Hoisted signal FM [SW – written as FWN in log-book; the signal is recorded correctly in Bear’s log-book]. Draft of ship 15.6 feet forward, 17.6 feet aft.

At noon “Alert” signaled coal 1½ tons, “Bear” 6 tons, Flagship 1500 lbs.

Passed two sail, one bound southward and westward, the other to northward and eastward.

At 10.45 set jib, main topmast staysail, main and mizzen topgallant staysails, and main royal staysail.

At 11.30 took in all sail.

Secured both anchors for sea. Secured boats. Mercurial barometer at noon 29.68.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy but pleasant. Fresh breeze from southward and westward.

Made general signal DFQP – DSM[J] – DQPM – QHD – GNC – DLMW – WQS – CTDP – CB – VWM – VQG [In case of separation, rendezvous [at sea] with islands of shoals [bearing] due north 6 miles.] [The shoals mentioned are probably Isles of Shoals, near Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where the squadron is headed.]

Long swell from southward and westward. Mercurial barometer 29.60.

4pm to 6pm:

Cloudy but pleasant. Fresh wind from WSW. Moderate sea.

At 4.30 made general signal, International Code: MNW – CLJ [Swing ship]. Swung ship, started ahead again 5.24 setting course at SWxW¾W. Land on starboard beam. Several sail in sight.

At end of watch mercurial barometer 29.60, attached thermometer 58°.

Ships of squadron in position on either quarter, “Alert” to starboard, “Bear” to port.

6pm to 8pm:

Partly clear. Fine rain shower first hour, misty first part of last hour. Rainbow to northward and eastward. Moonlight.

At 7.00 slowed down 15 revolutions to allow “Alert” to get in position.

At 7.55 Cape Race Light appeared 2 points on starboard bow.

Mercurial barometer 29.62.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy but pleasant. Misty first part of watch. Moderate NW breeze. Long westerly swell.

At 8.30 changed course to WSW½W.

At 9.00 changed course to WxS.

At 10.00 changed course to West.

Mercurial barometer 29.74. Regulating vessel’s speed to keep “Alert” in position.

Squadron in position on either quarter at end of watch.

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27 July 1884

At sea, St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 45.88, Long -54.82

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast and cloudy with light rain. Fresh westerly and northwesterly wind. Squally second hour, falling light towards end of watch.

Regulating speed so as to allow “Alert” to maintain position. Mercurial barometer 29.78, attached thermometer 55°.

At 1.25 lost sight of Cape Race Light, two points on starboard quarter.

4am to 8am:

Pleasant weather; cloudy first part. Moderate breeze from NW, veering to northward. Heavy swell from northward and westward.

Saw two sail standing to eastward. Slowed down twice during watch to allow “Alert” to get in position.

Squadron in position at end of watch. Mercurial barometer 29.98 at 8.00.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant weather. Light to moderate breeze from northward and westward.

Three sail in sight during watch.

At 10.00 called all hands to muster, held divine service and Commanding Officer inspected ship’s company.

Inspected guncotton; condemned 5 discs and expended them, with canister. Loosed sail to dry. Furled sail at 11.00.

At noon changed course to W½N. “Alert” signaled coal expenditure 8 tons, “Bear” 8 tons, “Thetis” signaled 4 tons.

Made general signal GC [W½N]. Mercurial barometer 30.04.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from westward. Long swell.

At noon stopped to key up on forward cross-head.

At 12.25 started ahead setting course at W½N.

At 1.00 ships of squadron exchanged position as follows: “Thetis” FKQ – HBJ – FRD – HBD [45° 52’ latitude, 54° 49’ longitude], “Alert” FKQ – HBJ – FRD – GWV [45° 52’ latitude, 54° 47’ longitude], “Bear” FKQ – HBN – FRD – HBC [45° 56’ latitude, 54° 48’ longitude].

At 2.15 took in fore and aft sail.

At 3.30 came up with “Alert” and “Bear” and signaled RKH – GPB [Take position].

At end of watch ships in position. Mercurial barometer 30.16, attached thermometer 58°. Passed several sail.

4pm to 6pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from WNW.

At 5.30 got cast of lead in 35 fathoms, gravel bottom. Several sail in sight standing to southward and eastward.

Mercurial barometer at 6.00 30.17.

6pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from northward and westward.

At 7.00 changed course to W¾N.

Several sail and a steamer in sight at end of watch. Squadron in position on either quarter. Mercurial barometer 30.16.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and pleasant. Damp. Light westerly wind.

Sighted several sail. Regulating speed so as to allow “Alert” to maintain position.

At end of watch “Alert” and “Bear” in position. Mercurial barometer 30.12, attached thermometer 60°.

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28 July 1884

At sea, St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 45.12, Long -58.12

Midnight to 4am:

Clear. Damp. Light breeze from WxN and WxS.

“Bear” in position, “Alert” half a mile astern, closing up at end of watch.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 30.12.

4am to 8am:

Pleasant weather. Light breeze from WSW. Smooth sea.

Running slow to allow “Alert” to keep position.

Squadron in position at end of watch. Barometer at 8.00 30.12.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy but pleasant. Light southwesterly wind. Smooth sea.

Exchanged colors and signal letters with an English schooner, she hoisting [call sign] FWQP. Passed several other sail. Regulating speed to that of “Alert”.

At noon signaled coal expenditure as follows: “Thetis” 6¾ tons, “Alert” 8¾ tons, “Bear” 7 tons.

At end of watch squadron in position. Mercurial barometer 30.07, attached thermometer 57°.

At 10.00 got cast of patent lead, 43 fathoms, gravel bottom.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast with rain. Wind, light to gentle breeze in force, shifting from SW to SSE.

At 12.30 made signal to squadron GB – VTK – CB [W¼N].

At 1.00 exchanged noon position as follows: “Alert” FKQ – GTR – FRK – GTH [45° 12’ latitude, 58° 04’ longitude], “Bear” FKR – GTP – FRK – GTH [46° 10’ latitude, 58° 04’ longitude], “Thetis” FKQ – GTL – FRK – GTL [45° 07’ latitude, 58° 07’ longitude].

At 1.25 made signal to squadron GB [West]. Changed course at 12.30 to W¼N, and at 1.25 to West (pc).

At 2.00 set main topmast staysail.

Cleaning boat gear. Mercurial barometer [at] 4.00 29.98. “Bear” and “Alert” in position at end of watch.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Wind moderate from South to East.

Squadron in position on either quarter. Mercurial barometer 29.90.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast and cloudy, with continuous rain. Fresh easterly wind veering to northward. Smooth sea.

At 7.30 got a cast of patent lead, no bottom at 70 fathoms.

At end of watch ships of squadron in position, “Alert” carrying foresail, topsails and head sails. Mercurial barometer 29.91, attached thermometer 65°.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast with hard rain first three hours, clearing last hour. Moderate to stiff breeze from ENE.

At 9.00 set foresail.

“Alert” on starboard bow, “Bear” on port quarter. Mercurial barometer at midnight 29.90.

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29 July 1884

At sea, St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 43.94, Long -62.23

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy but pleasant. Wind fresh from ENE to North.

At 2.30 sighted a white light 2 points on port bow, supposed to be a fisherman at anchor.

“Alert” on starboard bow, “Bear” on port quarter at end of watch. Mercurial barometer 29.94.

At 12.45 got a cast of the lead, bottom at 31 fathoms, yellow sand.

At 2.50 got a cast of lead in 36 fathoms, yellow sand and black specks.

4am to 8am:

Clear, pleasant weather. Fresh breeze from NE, hauling to NNE and decreasing. Long swell from NE.

Set fore and aft sail, foresail and main topsail.

Took in main topsail at 7.00 and slowed down to allow “Alert” to get in position. A schooner in sight to southward and westward.

Standing to westward. Got a sounding at 5.40 in 48 fathoms, gravel bottom.

Mercurial barometer 30.16 at 8.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Wind shifting from NE to West and falling from gentle breeze to light air in force.

At 9.00 took in foresail and rolled up fore topsail.

At 9.50 got cast of lead in 65 fathoms and no bottom. Hauled down all fore and aft sail at 11.30.

Observed marked tide rips. Large number of porpoises around vessel. Squadron in position at end of watch.

Coal reports at meridian as follows: “Bear” VWP [8], “Alert” VWQ [9], “Thetis” VWN [7].

Mercurial barometer at noon 30.12.

Scraping gear and cleaning out port boats. Painting port passageway and under the forecastle.

Overhauled and passed a schooner bound to the westward. Furled all sail.

Long swell from southward and eastward.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy but pleasant. Light breeze from southward and westward.

At 1.00 exchanged latitude and longitude with squadron.

Squadron in position on either quarter at end of watch. Mercurial barometer 30.08.

Made general signal FV [W½S]. At 1.00 changed course to W½S.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast. Light wind and long swell from southward.

Regulating speed so as to allow “Alert” to maintain position.

At end of watch squadron in position. Mercurial barometer 30.10, attached thermometer 65°.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast with light rain last hour. Gentle breeze from SW.

At 6.30 set fore and main topmast staysail.

“Alert” and “Bear” in position. Mercurial barometer at 8.00 30.09.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Wind moderate from southward and westward to South. Occasional showers passing.

Squadron in position on either quarter. Mercurial barometer 29.98.

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30 July 1884

At sea, St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 42.83, Long -65.45

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Fresh wind from southward and eastward, very fresh in squalls third hour. Long southerly swell.

Regulating speed to that of “Alert”.

At end of watch vessels of squadron in position. Mercurial barometer 29.81, attached thermometer 64°.

4am to 8am:

Thick fog from 4.30 during the remainder of watch. Wind fresh from SSE, hauling to South at end of watch. Long swell from SE. Sounding whistle.

At 5.00 changed course to WxS and signaled course to squadron by fog whistle, and signaled: “Speed 4 knots”. Signaled “Alert” twice during watch to come closer.

At 7.00 signaled: “Speed 5 knots”.

Squadron in position at end of watch. Barometer 29.80 at 8.

8am to meridian:

Very thick fog. Light SW breeze. Lumpy sea.

Squadron in position on either quarter answering fog signal.

At meridian “Alert” signaled 7½ tons coal expenditure, “Bear” 7¼ tons.

At 9.00 got cast of the lead, 71 fathoms, sand and gravel.

At 10.15 got cast, bottom 95 fathoms.

At 10.30 changed course to West.

At noon changed course to WxN; and got a cast, bottom 95 fathoms. Signaled changed of course to squadron.

Heard two fog horns on starboard bow during watch. Mercurial barometer 29.94.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast and cloudy with thick fog. Moderate southwesterly wind. Long southerly swell.

Running at half speed and sounding fog signal frequently.

At end of watch vessels of squadron in position.

Got a cast of lead at 4.00 80 fathoms, fine white sand and gravel.

Mercurial barometer 29.72, attached thermometer 64°.

4pm to 6pm:

Overcast with thick heavy fog. Wind gentle in force and varying from WSW to West.

At 6.00 took sounding, 87 fathoms, white sand bottom. Mercurial barometer at 6.00 29.70.

6pm to 8pm:

Thick fog first part of watch; clearing latter part.

At 7.00 got cast of lead, 98 fathoms, sand and gravel bottom.

Wind moderate from WxN to WNW. “Alert” signaled 74 fathoms.

Squadron in position at end of watch. Mercurial barometer 29.74.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy, but clearing latter part. Moderate wind, fresh in squalls from NW. Long southerly swell.

Sighted two vessels’ lights. Vessels of squadron in position. Got cast of lead with patent apparatus at 9.00, and at midnight in 80 fathoms water, gray sand and gravel.

Moon set at 11.45. Mercurial barometer at midnight 29.82, attached thermometer 59°.

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31 July 1884

At sea, St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 42.68, Long -68.42

Midnight to 4am:

Clear; damp. Moderate to gentle breeze from NW to West.

Squadron in sight and nearly in position. Mercurial barometer at 4.00 29.91.

4am to 8am:

Pleasant weather, hazy near horizon. Wind light from WSW. Moderate swell.

At 8.00 passed a white boat with stern stove in; stopped two minutes to examine her, no name could be made out.

Squadron in position. One sail to southward standing to eastward. Barometer 29.94 at 8.00.

At 8.00 changed course to WxN¼N.

8am to meridian:

Pleasant, hazy about horizon. Moderate wind from SW and moderate sea.

Passed two fishing schooners and a number of pieces of driftwood. Tide rips.

At 8.15 set spanker, main and mizzen topgallant and main royal staysails, and head sails, and at 10.30, gaff topsail and mizzen top staysail.

At noon vessels signaled coal expenditure as follows: “Thetis” 5⅓ tons, “Alert” 8 tons, “Bear” 7 tons.

At noon changed course to WNW⅛W and made general signal GH [WNW].

Ships of squadron in position. Mercurial barometer 29.96, attached thermometer 65°.

Meridian to 4pm:

Hazy, mild and pleasant. Gentle breeze from SW.

At 1.00 exchanged noon position with squadron as follows: FKM – GWN – FSB – GVN [42° 41’ latitude, 68° 25’ longitude], “Alert” FKM – GWR – FSB – GWB [42° 44’ latitude, 68° 32’ longitude], “Bear” FKM – GWR – FSB – GWR [42° ’44 latitude, 68° 44’ longitude].

At 2.30 took in and stowed flying jib, main royal staysail, main and mizzen topgallant staysails, mizzen topmast staysail and gaff topsail.

At 3.15 got cast of the lead in 85 fathoms, gravel bottom. Patent log reading 813.7.

Sail in sight one point abaft starboard beam. Vessels of squadron a little astern of position. Mercurial barometer 29.95 at 4.00.

Painted dory. Took up and beat wardroom carpet.

4pm to 6pm:

Cloudy but pleasant. Fresh SW wind.

Passed a number of schooners standing to eastward. Exchanged colors with one close aboard. She dipped, we answered.

Squadron in position on either quarter. Mercurial barometer 29.90.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy but pleasant. Fresh breeze from SW. Moderate sea.

At 7.00 took in spanker. Engaged in rousing up chain and getting anchors ready.

Squadron in position. Mercurial barometer 29.86.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast with rain. Gentle to stiff breeze from SWxW.

Got up and ranged 30 fathoms chain on each anchor.

At 8.00 changed course to WxN.

Got cast of lead at 10.45 at 55 fathoms, fine sandy bottom.

Passed two sail standing to eastward. Mercurial barometer at noon 29.77.

At 10.50 took in and furled fore and main topmast staysails.

LOGS FOR AUGUST 1884

1 August 1884

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 43.080, Long -70.703

[Scans of this log page are missing.

As can be read in the official report from Commander Schley and in the log-books of USS Bear, the relief expedition reached Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in the morning of 1 August 1884, where it was met by the North Atlantic Fleet, under the command of Rear Admiral Stephen Bleecker Luce. The three ships were then escorted towards their anchorages in Pepperrell Cove, and cheered along the way.

Once moored, the Commanders of Thetis, Bear and Alert went immediately on board USS Tennessee to meet Secretary of the Navy William Eaton Chandler, who then proceeded to visit the three ships.

Lieutenant Greely and the five other survivors were immediately transferred to the jurisdiction of Rear Admiral Clark Henry Wells at the Navy Yard.]

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2 August 1884

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 43.080, Long -70.703

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Calms and light northwesterly airs.

Clear hawse. Mercurial barometer 30.15.

4am to 8am:

Clear and pleasant. Calm.

Elbow in hawse. Mercurial barometer 30.22.

8am to meridian:

Clear, calm and warm. Gentle breeze from SE last part of watch.

Loosed sails to dry at 9.00.

Numerous visitors on board the ship. Mercurial barometer 30.23.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light airs from SE.

Elbow in hawse.

General William Babcock Hazen and party visited ship officially.

Numerous visitors on board. Mercurial barometer 30.20.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear, warm and pleasant. Gentle breeze from SW.

Numerous visitors on board the ship.

Commander Gilbert Cornwall Wiltse, USN, commanding USS “Swatara”, made an official visit at 5.00.

Received a visiting party of men from USS “Swatara” from 7.00 to 8.00.

Mercurial barometer 30.20.

8pm to midnight:

Clear, calm and damp.

Cross in hawse. Mercurial barometer 30.20.

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3 August 1884

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 43.080, Long -70.703

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy and calm, but pleasant.

Mercurial barometer 30.18.

4am to 8am:

Partly cloudy, and pleasant. Light southerly airs.

Elbow and cross in the hawse. Mercurial barometer at 8, 30.17.

8am to meridian:

Clear, warm, and pleasant. Calms and variable light airs.

Elbow in hawse. Numerous visitors on board.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Calm.

A number of visitors on board.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear first, cloudy last. Gentle and light breeze from SSE.

The Governor of New Hampshire [Samuel Whitney Hale] and staff visited the ship. Crowds of visitors on board.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from southward and eastward.

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4 August 1884

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Lat 43.080, Long -70.703

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and damp. Calm.

Mercurial barometer 30.10.

4am to 8am:

Commenced clear. Foggy from 6.00 to 7.00 with light shower of rain. Clearing latter part. Light variable wind.

Running flood tide. Elbow and cross in hawse, starboard chain on top.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy first part, clearing latter part of watch.

At 9.45 sent 18 men, in charge of Ensign Harlow, on shore to take part in the procession, in celebration of the return of the Greely survivors. Commander Schley and five Officers left the ship for the same purpose at 10.00.

A number of visitors on board.

Got the remains of Sergeant Jewell on deck to turn over to Rear Admiral Wells [Welles in log-book], to be delivered to Jewell’s relatives.

Meridian to 4pm:

Partly cloudy, pleasant weather. Light and gentle breeze from South to SSW.

Numerous visitors on board.

At 3.45 the crew returned from participation in the ceremonies on shore.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant.

A large number of visitors on board.

Secretary [of the Navy] Chandler, General Benjamin Franklin Butler, Honorable Samuel Jackson Randall, Honorable George Maxwell Robeson, Governor Hale and staff visited the ship.

8pm to midnight:

Pleasant weather. Wind from SSW.

Swung to ebb tide at 11.45. All Officers that could be spared from the three ships, “Thetis”, “Alert”, and “Bear” and 18 men from the crew of each of them, attended a celebration in Portsmouth.

Party returned at midnight.

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5 August 1884

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and at sea

Lat 42.78, Long -70.60

Midnight to 4am:

Foggy first part of watch, clearing latter part. Calm.

4am to 8am:

Overcast, foggy. Light variable southerly airs.

At 5.30 transferred the remains of Sergeant Jewell, US Army, to the care of Rear Admiral Wells [Welles in log-book], USN, at the Navy Yard, Kittery.

Cleared hawse, there being a round turn and cross, and hove up both anchors. Made signal for “Alert” and “Bear” to get underway at 8.00. Draft aft 16 feet 6 inches, forward 14 feet 0 inches.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy, with rain last two hours. Moderate breeze from SSW and long southerly swell.

At 8.20 got underway and stood out of Portsmouth Harbor, accompanied by “Alert” and “Bear”.

At 8.45 bell buoy bore East (pc), distant 200 yards. Patent log registering 5.

At 9.30 steam Revenue Cutter “Boston” passed firing 1 gun as a salute to “Thetis” and “Bear”. Dipped colors and blew three whistles in return.

Course various as per columns and directed by Commander. At end of watch mercurial barometer 30.07.

At 10.00 made general signal, International Code, RTD – CJSL – BQGL – HJC – VWS – CPHW – HJK – FCKG – KLR – DWQP [Must arrive New York in the morning at 11 o’clock, am using full speed, thanks], and at noon ships of squadron signaled coal expenditure as follows: “Thetis” 1 ton, “Bear” 3 tons and “Alert” 5 tons.

Ships in position at end of watch, “Alert” on starboard, “Bear” on port quarter.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy and cool with light drizzling rain first hour of watch. Gentle to moderate breeze from SSW to SW.

At 12.30 sighted Cape Ann Lighthouse on starboard bow.

At 1.15 beacon on Dry Salvages [bearing] West, 1 mile distant, patent log 25.4. Course changed to SxE½E. Made signal to squadron DS [SxE½E].

At 1.20 made signal CQWV [CKWV in log-book] – CFDH – CDNG – WTB – WTL – CFJH – QHF [QFH in log-book] – FCQV – DTWQ – QGJ – CLJ – CWMG – QHM – FCVD – CWHL – CLJ, “Crossing Pollock Rips and Vineyard Sound, both ships follow in wake of flag-ship”.

Engaged in shifting coal from port bunker to starboard bunker, fire room.

“Alert” going very slow. Mercurial barometer 30.02.

4pm to 6pm:

Partially overcast. Moderate to stiff breeze from SWxS.

Shifted rudder from port to starboard side of main deck. Shifting coal in engine room.

Mercurial barometer 30.04.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy and misty. Fresh breeze from southward and eastward.

At 6.30 changed course to SxE.

At 7.00 got cast of lead, 21 fathoms, gravel bottom.

At sundown a schooner in sight on starboard bow. Squadron on either quarter. Mercurial barometer 30.06.

At 8.00 got cast of lead, 26 fathoms, gravel and sand.

Inspected dry guncotton and found it in good condition.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy, heavy fog latter part. Fresh southwesterly breeze.

At 8.10 made Highland Light two points on starboard bow, and at 10.10 lost it in the fog, three points on starboard quarter.

Courses various as per columns. Commander conning ship. Regulating speed to that of “Alert”.

Ships in position at end of watch. Sounding fog signal frequently.

At midnight mercurial barometer 30.12.

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6 August 1884

At sea, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to New York

Lat 41.57, Long -69.88

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast, foggy. Gentle breeze from SxW.

Slowed down frequently to keep “Alert” in sight.

At 12.30 got cast of lead in 35 fathoms, gray sand.

At 12.10 changed course to SxW½W.

Got cast of lead at 1.55 in 12½ fathoms, at 2.30 in 10 fathoms, and at 2.45 having changed course to SW½S, heading in direction of fog whistle of Pollock Rip Light[ship], started hand lead and obtained 8 fathoms least sounding.

At 3.00 made signal to squadron to anchor with kedge, and dropped a kedge, veering to 35 fathoms on hawser. Finding ship drifting to northward, dropped another at 3.30 veering 40 fathoms on both hawsers.

Fog lifted slightly at 4.00. Mercurial barometer 30.03.

4am to 8am:

Overcast with dense fog. Light airs to gentle breeze from SxW to SSE.

At 5.30 took in kedges and went at slow speed S½W until the bells of the “Alert” and “Bear” could be plainly heard.

Anchored again, with largest kedge on starboard hawser, light kedge on port hawser. Sounding bell at frequent intervals. Fog horn on Pollock Rip Lightship in plain hearing, bearing SSW. Mercurial barometer 30.05.

Steamer passed close on port hand heading to southward. Got up 30 fathoms on port chain and ranged 25 fathoms.

8am to meridian:

Very dense fog. Light SE airs.

Anchored with two kedges. Exchanged fog signals with “Alert” and “Bear”.

At 11.50 fog scaled a little; got underway.

Fog whistle on Pollock Rip Lightship heard at intervals. Several bells and a whistle heard at intervals.

Meridian to 4pm:

Dense fog. Light southwesterly breeze.

At noon got underway and stood down through Vineyard Sound. Commander conning ship from crow’s nest.

At 1.30 passed Pollock Rip Lightship, at 1.58 [passed] Shovelful [Shoal Lightship] and at 2.40 Handkerchief [Shoal Lightship]. Exchanged colors with all.

Fog lifting at intervals, then setting in thick again. Mercurial barometer 30.10. Passed a number of sail.

4pm to 6pm:

Thick fog, lifting a little at intervals. Gentle breeze from SWxS.

At 4.00 course WxN.

At 4.40 passed close to Cross Rip Light Vessel and changed course to WNW¼W, patent log reading 21.1.

Passed two three-masted schooners standing to eastward. Mercurial barometer at 6.00 30.11.

6pm to 8pm:

Overcast, foggy. Light airs and breeze from SWxS and SW.

Sounding fog whistle at frequent intervals.

At 8.00 let go port anchor in 7 fathoms water off Woods Hole. Nobske Light NE½N, Woods Hole N½W. Rocky bottom, veered to 25 fathoms chain.

Mercurial barometer at 8.00 30.14.

8pm to midnight:

Thick, foggy, scaling at intervals. Wind light from SW.

At 8.00 Commanding Officer left the ship on duty.

At 10.15 Commanding Officer returned to the ship. Signaled the squadron to get underway. Hove up port anchor and found we were foul of a wire cable; hove it off and catted the anchor.

Started ahead, sounding fog signals. Squadron in position.

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7 August 1884

At sea, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to New York

Lat 40.85, Long -72.20

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy and very foggy latter part. Light southwesterly breeze.

At 1.12 sighted Vineyard Sound Lightship one point forward of starboard beam, and at 1.25 Vineyard Sound Lightship (pc) WxN.

Lost sight of [Gay] Head [at] 2.15 (pc) E½N, and Vineyard Sound [Lightship] 2.35 NE¾E.

Got cast of patent lead at 3.00 and 4.00, 20 and 21 fathoms, hard rock and sandy bottom.

Ships of squadron in position. Mercurial barometer 30.12.

4am to 8am:

Overcast and foggy with occasional drizzling rain. Light breeze and airs from SWxW.

At 4.30 a steamer passed on starboard side standing to westward.

At 4.40 heard the sound of fog signal on SE end of Block Island, bearing about two points on starboard bow.

Got cast of lead: at 6.00 in 15½ fathoms, bottom sand and gravel; at 6.30, patent log 84.5, in 15 fathoms, same bottom; at 7.00 12½ fathoms, bottom sand with black specks; and at 7.30, patent log 89.7, in 21½ fathoms, sand and mud.

Mercurial barometer 30.14 at 8.00.

8am to meridian:

Overcast with fog and heavy continuous rain. Light airs and breeze from NW.

At 9.00 Montauk [Point] Lighthouse was made out through the mist about 1 point forward of starboard beam. Changed course to WSW¾W.

At 8.30 took cast of lead in 17¾ fathoms, sand and gravel bottom.

At 10.00 got cast in 15¼ fathoms, same bottom.

At noon got cast in 15 fathoms, white sand and reddish gravel bottom.

Holystoned forecastle deck and underneath forecastle.

At noon “Alert” and “Bear” hoisted coal reports as follows: “Alert” VWN [7], “Bear” VWN – VSW [7½]. Flagship wig-wagged to squadron 4½ tons.

Mercurial barometer 30.13.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast, thick and rainy. Moderate breeze from eastward, and northward and eastward.

At 1.37 Shinnecock Lighthouse [bearing] North, distant 4 miles. Squadron in position on either quarter.

At 2.00 got cast of lead, 12 fathoms, white sand bottom.

At 4.00 got cast in 12½ fathoms, sand and shell bottom.

At 12.30 changed course to WxS.

4pm to 6pm:

Cloudy and rainy, clearing latter part. Fresh NE breeze. Smooth sea.

Engaged in rousing up and ranging chain on both anchors.

At 5.40 made Fire Island Lighthouse, three points on starboard bow.

At 4.55 stopped engine for five minutes to set up on forward rod nut.

Mercurial barometer 30.04.

6pm to 8pm:

Cloudy with moderate breeze from ENE. Rain first hour, clearing away last hour with freshening breeze from NNE.

At 6.15 set topsails and signaled “Alert” to do the same.

At 7.10 took in topsails to reduce speed.

At 8.00 Navesink Light [Nevasink in log-book] in sight, bearing (pc) WSW¾W. Set course directly for it. Fire Island Light still visible one point on starboard quarter.

Mercurial barometer 30.06.

8pm to midnight:

Generally overcast. Light breeze from NNW.

At 9.27 changed course to W½S, and at 10.03 to WNW¾W, remainder of watch following buoys along ship channel under direction of Commanding Officer.

At 11.55 anchored off Sandy Hook. Bearings at anchorage (pc) [Sandy] Hook Beacon E¼N, Navesink Light SSE. Ship’s head WNW¼W. Veered to 30 fathoms chain in 6 fathoms.

Mercurial barometer 30.07.

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8 August 1884

At sea and New York

Lat 40.692, Long -74.038

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Light NW airs. Flood tide.

At anchor beside Sandy Hook. “Bear” and “Alert” anchored on port beam.

4am to 8am:

Clear and fine. Light southeasterly breeze.

Engaged in cleaning ship and preparing caskets that contained the dead of the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition for delivering to the Army authorities at New York.

At 9.25 the Navy Yard tug “Catalpa” came alongside and Captain William A. Kirkland, USN, came on board.

Hove in to 15 fathoms on port chain. Mercurial barometer 30.14.

8am to meridian:

Clear sky, thick haze about horizon. Light airs to gentle breeze from SE.

At 8.15 got underway and stood up New York Harbor. Stopped at Quarantine Station off Tompkinsville, where Medical Officer directed us to “go right on”.

At 10.45, off Governors Island, Fort Columbus [Fort Jay] fired a salute of 21 guns.

At 11.05 anchored in 5 fathoms, veering to 30 fathoms port chain. Bedloes Island [Liberty Island] (pc) WSW⅞W, Ellis Island (pc) NbyW⅛W, ship’s head SW. As soon as squadron had anchored, half masted colors.

Received an official visit from an Army Officer from Governors Island, representing General Hancock, extending courtesies and congratulations, and desiring official information concerning the disposition of the dead bodies still on board.

Transferred the bodies of James B. Lockwood, 23^rd Infantry; Sergeant Edward Israel, Signal Corps; Sergeant David C. Ralston [Signal Corps]; Private William A. Ellis, Troop C, 2^nd Cavalry; Private Roderick R. Schneider, Battery A, 1^st Artillery; to Navy Yard tug “Catalpa”, placed at the disposition of Army Officers.

Mercurial barometer 30.20.

Meridian to 4pm:

Hazy but pleasant. Gentle to moderate breeze from SW.

Fort on Governors Island fired minute guns from noon to 12.40.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 30.18. Ebb tide.

4pm to 8pm:

Partly cloudy and hazy, with light breeze from SE, rainy during last hour.

At 5.00 sent liberty party of starboard watch on shore.

Passed Assistant Surgeon Green left the ship on leave of absence.

Cockbilled starboard anchor. Mercurial barometer 30.28.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast with rain showers. Foggy during latter part.

Swung to ebb tide at 11.30. Mercurial barometer at end of watch 30.20.

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9 August 1884

New York

Lat 40.692, Long -74.038

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy with light to gentle breeze from NNW.

Mercurial barometer at 4.00 30.30.

4am to 8am:

Partly cloudy and hazy with moderate breeze from North to NE.

Liberty party returned at 7.30am.

Several Atlantic Mail steamers left the harbor and saluted by dipping colors. Returned the salute.

8am to meridian:

Partly cloudy. Moderate breeze from NE.

Sent to Governors Island all relics of Greely party.

Congressional Committee on Ordnance visited the ship in company with General Hancock.

Mercurial barometer at noon 30.34. Veered 30 fathoms chain to water’s edge.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy with heavy rain last two hours of watch. Moderate to light breeze from NE to ENE.

At 1.00 signaled squadron to stand by to get underway and anchor nearer The Battery.

Got underway at 1.30, steamed up the bay, and at 1.50 anchored in 7 fathoms of water, veering to 30 fathoms on port chain. The flagstaff on Governors Island (pc) SE½S, pedestal [of the Statue of Liberty, installed in 1885/1886] Bedloes Island (pc) SW¾W, Castle Garden [Castle Clinton] (pc) ENE¾E. Ship’s head ExN.

Sent liberty party, port watch, on shore.

4pm to 8pm:

Overcast with hard, continuous rain. Light breeze from ENE.

Mercurial barometer 30.30.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy, calm. Riding to ebb tide.

Mercurial barometer 30.28.

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10 August 1884

New York

Lat 40.700, Long -74.029

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy but pleasant. Light NE airs.

Ship riding to ebb.

4am to 8am:

Clear and pleasant. Light to gentle breeze from ENE.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy but pleasant. Light breeze from northward and eastward.

At 10.00 called all hands and mustered ship’s company.

Riding to the flood tide.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy but pleasant. Moderate northeasterly breezes.

Swung to ebb at 12.35. Mercurial barometer at 4.00 30.00.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Wind NE.

Riding to ebb.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and pleasant. Light northwesterly and northeasterly breeze.

Swung to flood at 8.25.

At midnight mercurial barometer 30.12.

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11 August 1884

New York

Lat 40.700, Long -74.029

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy and rainy with light to moderate breeze from NWxW.

Swung to ebb tide at 1.50.

Mercurial barometer 30.12.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy and hazy. Breeze light from northward and westward.

Ship riding to the ebb.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from NxW.

Swung to flood at 8.30.

Sent ashore to Ellis Island powder station all powders and guncotton, as follows: 17 boxes shotgun ammunition, 11 boxes rifle ammunition, 2000 rounds revolver ammunition, also about 100 charges for rifles and shotguns, loose, 10 rockets, 1 box spare electric fuses, 7 boxes gunpowder torpedoes, 13 boxes guncotton torpedoes, 16 tanks gunpowder, two boxes electric, 7 boxes dry guncotton.

Mercurial barometer 30.15.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from NxW.

At 1.15 received an official visit from Major General W. S. Hancock and staff.

At 1.30 made signal to squadron: “Stand by to get underway in half to three quarters of an hour”.

At 2.15 Navy Yard tug went alongside the “Alert” to assist in taking her to the Navy Yard; the squadron then got up anchor and stood up to Navy Yard, the “Alert” leading and “Bear” in rear at safe working distance apart.

Exchanged salutes with numerous water craft. Mercurial barometer 30.17.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear and pleasant. Light southwesterly airs.

Standing up East River for Navy Yard, and at 5.10 made fast to Navy Yard wharf at foot of Main Street. Hauled fires.

Passed Assistant Surgeon Edward H. Green returned from leave.

Commander Schley called officially on Commandant [of Navy Yard, T. S. Fillebrown].

Mercurial barometer 30.20.

8pm to midnight:

Clear, calm and sultry, hazy about horizon.

Many mosquitoes about. Barometer 30.21.

500dc361cd0db4000200012d: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_139_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200012e: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_139_1.jpg)

12 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast, damp and calm.

Mercurial barometer 30.22.

4am to 8am:

Pleasant. Hazy. Calm.

Mercurial barometer 30.28.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Light NE airs.

Secured ship to the dock by chain fasts. Served out money to all the crew, ten (10) dollars to each man.

Mercurial barometer 30.30.

Meridian to 4pm:

Overcast and hazy. Light to gentle breeze from NNE to NE.

Got up specimens of Arctic outfit to be issued to Louisville Exposition.

Numerous visitors on board ship. Mercurial barometer at 4.00 30.29.

4pm to 8pm:

Cloudy and pleasant with light northeasterly airs.

Numerous visitors inspecting ship. Sent liberty party of starboard watch [ashore].

By order of Commanding Officer, J. W. Norman, Ice Pilot, was discharged from this date, his services being no longer required.

Mercurial barometer 30.30.

8pm to midnight:

Clear, cool and damp. Calm.

Mercurial barometer 30.26.

13 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

[Scans of this log page are missing.]

14 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

[Scans of this log page are missing.]

500dc361cd0db4000200012f: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_153_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000130: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_153_1.jpg)

15 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Light airs from ENE.

4am to 8am:

Clear, calm and pleasant.

Commenced breaking out pemmican and bread.

8am to meridian:

Clear and warm. Light northeasterly airs.

Engaged in breaking out pemmican and bread for transfer to Department of Provisions and Clothing in Yard.

A large number of visitors on board.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and very warm. Light northeasterly airs.

Got up and placed on dock for delivery 140 barrels pemmican for crew, 137 barrels pemmican for dogs, and 72 boxes of bread.

A large number of visitors on board.

USS “Despatch” cast off from wharf and stood round to North River.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear and warm. Light variable airs and calms.

8pm to midnight:

Clear and warm. Light southeasterly airs and calms.

500dc361cd0db40002000131: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_154_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000132: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_154_1.jpg)

16 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant.

4am to 8am:

Clear and pleasant.

8am to meridian:

Clear, warm and hazy. Light and variable easterly breezes.

Engaged in getting up stores from fore peak.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear, hazy and sultry. Light and variable easterly breezes.

Numerous visitors on board. Transferred to store 153 boxes of bread. Sent liberty party of starboard watch [ashore].

4pm to 8pm:

Clear, warm and pleasant, with light breeze SSE.

8pm to midnight:

Clear, calm, sultry and hazy.

500dc361cd0db40002000133: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_155_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000134: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_155_1.jpg)

17 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Clear, calm and hazy.

4am to 8am:

Clear, calm and hazy. Variable airs towards end of watch.

8am to meridian:

Clear and hot. Light breeze from SSW to SE.

Liberty party on shore. Hot and sultry. Held muster at 10.00. Light breeze from SW.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and hot. Light breeze from SSW to SE.

Liberty party on shore.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear and cooler. Light breeze from SE.

8pm to midnight:

Clear, cooler and damp. Calm and light airs from SE to NW.

500dc361cd0db40002000135: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_156_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000136: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_156_1.jpg)

18 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Light airs from SW.

4am to 8am:

Misty and hazy. Light airs and breezes from SE.

Commenced getting up bread from fore hold at 6.00.

8am to meridian:

Overcast but pleasant; breeze SE.

Engaged in discharging Paymaster’s and Engineer’s stores.

Sent to Provisions and Clothing [Department] 68 packages of bread and 284 packages of pemmican.

Meridian to 4pm:

Cloudy and hot. Wind light from SSE.

Transferred to Provisions and Clothing nine boxes of plum pudding, seven boxes chocolate, 1 box pumpkins, 18 boxes oysters, 47 boxes of milk, 10 boxes beets, 1 box dried peaches, 1 box whortleberries, 6 boxes farina, 9 boxes cranberries, six boxes cornstarch, 9 boxes tapioca, 38 boxes leaf lard, [the following are presumably boxes] 34 mince meat, 48 cheese, 13 chicken, 7 eggs crystalized, 12 assorted soup, 1 turnips, 1 dried prunes, 2 carrots, 1 arrowroot, 4 spiced beef, 6 hominy, 2 head cheese, 8 coffee, 1 mustard, 1 assorted jam, 3 roast turkey, 37 fried potatoes, 1 assorted apples, 1 bologna, 1 pearl barley, 30 barrels rice, [the following are presumably barrels] 8 buckwheat, 4 shaker corn, 64 sugar, 23 Lima beans, 24 split peas, 6 vermicelli, 13 nuts, 11 dried beans, 23 marrow beans.

4pm to 8pm:

Cloudy but pleasant. Wind southward and eastward.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudy but pleasant. Wind southward and eastward.

500dc361cd0db40002000137: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_157_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000138: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_157_1.jpg)

19 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy and foggy. Wind WSW.

4am to 8am:

Clear and warm. Shifted berth at 7.00.

8am to meridian:

Clear and warm. Light southeasterly airs.

Sent to Department of Provisions and Clothing the following stores: 2 boxes beef tea, 24 barrels beef tongue, 20 barrels raw hams, 2 barrels buckwheat, 15 barrels shaker corn, 8 barrels dried green peas, 20 barrels cooked hams, 77 boxes fried potatoes, 17 boxes cheese, 64 chests of tea, 23 boxes oatmeal, 23 boxes of dried cooked sugar cakes, 1 box meat bread, 9 boxes of bread.

Many visitors on board.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and warm. Light southeasterly breeze.

Transferred to Bureau of Provisions and Clothing the following stores, viz: 287 boxes of bread, 17 boxes potatoes, 12 boxes soup, 1 box (12 lbs) mustard, 1 box (15 lbs) pepper, 3 tins beef extract.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear and warm. Light southeasterly breeze.

8pm to midnight:

Cloudless. Warm. Calm.

500dc361cd0db40002000139: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_158_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200013a: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_158_1.jpg)

20 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and warm. Calm.

4am to 8am:

Clear and pleasant. Light variable airs and calms.

8am to meridian:

Hazy, warm and sultry. Light variable airs.

At 11.00 the Commanding Officer paid an official visit to the Mayor of New York [Franklin Edson].

Transferred to Department of Provisions and Clothing: 68 boxes of bread, 75 boxes of candles, 26 boxes soup, 6 boxes tobacco, 3 boxes evaporated apples, 3 boxes pearl barley, 5 boxes blackberries, 5 boxes herbs, 26 boxes carrots, 21 boxes turnips, 11 boxes fried potatoes, two boxes whortleberries, 1 box cherries, 2 boxes peaches, 7 boxes condensed milk, 4 boxes chocolate.

Engaged also in discharging Engineer’s stores.

Meridian to 4pm:

Hazy, warm and sultry with occasional light or gentle breezes from westward.

Transferred to Provisions and Clothing: 14 boxes baking powder, 2 boxes pepper, 4 boxes curry powder, 1 box cheese, 1 box pepperpot, 1 box cranberries, 1 box sausages, 2 boxes spices, 1 box mince meat, 4 boxes mustard, 4 boxes arrowroot, 4 boxes cornstarch, 1 box tapioca, 1 box assorted spices, 32 boxes butter, 14 kegs macaroni, 2 kegs pemmican, 6 kegs vermicelli, 4 kegs citrons, 5 kegs salt, 5 kegs figs, 2 kegs hops, 27 barrels marrow beans, 19 barrels flour, 11 barrels corn meal, 95 kegs lime juice, 8 kegs eggs.

Engaged in discharging Engineer’s stores. Numerous visitors.

4pm to 8pm:

Hazy, warm and sultry, with occasional light variable airs, from southward and westward.

Sent liberty party on shore, of starboard watch.

8pm to midnight:

Clear, warm and sultry with occasional gusts of moderate breeze from SW after 10.00; clouding over last part.

500dc361cd0db4000200013b: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_159_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200013c: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_159_1.jpg)

21 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Cloudy, warm and sultry, with light rain after 2.00, and light shift of wind from SSW to NNE.

4am to 8am:

Cloudy, warm and hazy. Light variable airs from southward and eastward.

8am to meridian:

Warm and hazy. Light breeze from SE.

Discharging main hold.

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Sebree, Chief Engineer Melville and Ensign Chambers paid an official visit to the President of the United States [Chester Alan Arthur].

Meridian to 4pm:

Hot and hazy. Calms and light airs from SSE.

The Honorable Secretaries of Navy [W. E. Chandler] and War [R. T. Lincoln], with party, visited the ship.

Discharging main hold. Got up coal bags to dry. Got out oil. Memorandum of stores sent up is appended. Sent besides 54½ barrels of flour.

Adam Stett (Blacksmith) was discharged today from the 18^th instant by order of Commanding Officer, his services no longer being required.

4pm to 8pm:

Warm and hazy. Light breeze from SSE.

8pm to midnight:

Warm and hazy. Calms and light variable airs.

500dc361cd0db4000200013d: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_160_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200013e: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_160_1.jpg)

22 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Hazy and warm. Light airs from SE.

4am to 8am:

Overcast, misty. Gentle breeze from SSE.

Commenced breaking out after hold.

8am to meridian:

Clear and warm. Breeze SE.

Transferred to Paymaster’s Department: 104 barrels pork, 18 of beef, 22 of bacon, 10 of sauerkraut, 1 of vinegar.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant.

Transferred 77 barrels beef, 15 barrels of vinegar, 2 barrels pork, 7 barrels vinegar [sic], 13 barrels molasses to Paymaster’s Department.

Thunder shower latter part.

4pm to 8pm:

Overcast, cloudy and rainy.

Ensign C. H. Harlow was today detached from duty on board this ship.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast, cloudy and pleasant.

500dc361cd0db4000200013f: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_161_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000140: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_161_1.jpg)

23 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast and cloudy. Clearing latter part. Light variable airs.

4am to 8am:

Clear first part. Clouding over afterwards. Light northeasterly airs.

8am to meridian:

Cloudy but pleasant. Light northeasterly airs.

Transferred to the Department of Provisions and Clothing in the yard the following articles, viz: 12 barrels vinegar, 4 barrels syrup, 8 barrels pickles, 7 barrels sauerkraut, 12 barrels salmon, 1 barrel mackerel, 12 barrels [unspecified], 1 barrel pork, 33 reindeer sleeping bags, 72 reindeer suits.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant, wind light and variable.

Transferred the following articles of clothing to Bureau of Provisions and Clothing, viz: snow shoes two bales, woolen stocking 7 bales, feather pillows 3 bales, woolen mufflers 3 bales, Arctic trousers 2 bales, knit hoods 1 bale, reindeer skins 1 bale, blue jeans suits 1 bale, canvas duck 2 bales, woolen socks 1 bale, sheeting 1 bale, blankets 7 bales, Alaska socks 2 bales, mittens 1 bale, undershirts 2 bales, flannel 2 bales, foot nips 1 bale, blue cloth 1 bale, blanket insoles 2 boxes, spool cotton two boxes, drawers 1 bale, overshirts 1 bale, monkey jackets 2 bales, eagle buttons two boxes, black thread two boxes, tape 1 box, beeswax 1 box, can openers 1 box, cotton handkerchiefs 1 box, medium buttons 1 box, white thread 1 box, rubber sandals 1 large and 1 small box, seal moccasin boots 6 bales, knack sacks 39, Alaska socks 27 pairs, monkey jackets 3, drawers 21 pairs, blue jeans suits 47, blue cloth 1 bale, wristlets 1 bale, Arctic trousers 9 pairs, blue flannel overshirts 14, oilskins 15 pieces, D.E. buttons 3 boxes, spool silk 1 box, shears 1 package, laces for monitors 1 package, knit hoods 13, seal skin moccasins 3, foot nips 5, blue caps 27, Greely monitors 47, rubber sandals 1 box and 22 pairs, shoe brushes 21, black thread 1 gross, cotton handkerchiefs 1 box, white thread 1½ lbs, blacking 42 boxes, white cotton 14½ dozen, insoles 6 pair, seal skin mitts 17, whisk brooms 12, snow shoes 14 pairs, sheeting ½ bale.

4pm to 8pm:

Clear and warm. Light SW breeze.

8pm to midnight:

Clear. Light breeze from SW.

500dc361cd0db40002000141: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_162_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000142: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_162_1.jpg)

24 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Clear and pleasant. Light variable airs.

4am to 8am:

Clear and pleasant. Light northwesterly breeze.

8am to meridian:

Clear, warm and pleasant. Light breeze from NNW to NNE.

Meridian to 4pm:

Partly cloudy and pleasant. Light airs from NNW to NNE.

4pm to 8pm:

Partly cloudy and pleasant. Light breeze from NE.

8pm to midnight:

Clear, cool and pleasant with light breeze from NE.

500dc361cd0db40002000143: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_163_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000144: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_163_1.jpg)

25 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Clear, cool and pleasant. Light to gentle breeze from NE.

4am to 8am:

Clear, cool and pleasant. Light to gentle breeze from NE.

8am to meridian:

Clear and pleasant. Light airs from SW.

Unbent all sail. Transferred to Navigation storehouse: 2 chronometers (221 Bond and 1464 Negus), 2 pocket chronometers, 2 transporting cases, 2 comparing watches, 1 magnetometer and tripod, 3 pocket compasses, 2 superior sextants, 1 night octant, 3 artificial horizons, 1 dip circle and [unspecified], 1 gimbal table and brass legs, 1 set charts, 1 Thompson’s sounding machine complete with 100 fathoms wire without lead, 1 set International Signal Code, and 1 mercurial barometer.

Transferred to Construction: 2 sleds complete and 2 ice chisels; and to Equipment: 5 ice anchors and 2 ice picks.

Meridian to 4pm:

Clear and pleasant.

Transferred to Equipment: 1 foresail, 1 main sail, 1 storm mizzen sail, 1 storm main staysail, 1 storm fore staysail, 1 fore topsail, 1 mizzen topsail, 1 spanker, 1 jib, 1 fore topmast staysail, 1 outer jib, 1 flying jib, 1 gaff topsail, 1 main topmast staysail, 1 mizzen topmast staysail, 1 fore topgallant sail, 1 main topgallant sail, 1 main topgallant staysail, 1 mizzen topgallant staysail, and 1 main royal staysail.

4pm to 8pm:

Overcast with light breeze from SSE.

8pm to midnight:

Overcast with light breeze from SSE.

500dc361cd0db40002000145: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_164_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000146: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_164_1.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000147: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_165_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000148: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_165_1.jpg)

26 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Midnight to 4am:

Overcast and cloudy. Light breeze from SSW.

4am to 8am:

Overcast, cloudy and rainy. Light breeze and airs SSW.

[Other watches missing.]

500dc361cd0db40002000149: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_166_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200014a: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_166_1.jpg)

27 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Clear and warm. Wind as per columns.

8am to midnight:

Clear and pleasant with haze about horizon most of day. Wind as per columns.

The following men were discharged from this ship: John W. Powers (Yeoman), F. F. Taylor (Seaman), Fred F. Baggesen (Seaman), Walter Booth (Machinist), E. W. Walker (Boatswain’s Mate), George E. Yewell (Captain of Top), Bartley Cook (Seaman), John McDonald (Seaman), Carl Wasdon (Seaman), Joseph Mitre (Boatswain’s Mate), George Harvey (1^st class Fireman), George Von Spreckelson (3^rd class Machinist), John McLeod (Quartermaster).

500dc361cd0db4000200014b: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_167_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200014c: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_167_1.jpg)

28 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Day commences calm and clear and continues warm [and] pleasant, growing overcast and cloudy at night, with light breeze and airs from SSW.

Transferred to Navigation: 1 letter press, 1 brush, 1 bowl, 1 parallel ruler, 1 alidade, stand and sockets, 12 spirit thermometers, placards Government of the Navy (4), placards More Efficient Government of the Navy (3).

Library: 1 chart table, 1 case (for aneroid barometer).

Lieutenant Uriel Sebree, USN, detached from this ship and placed on waiting orders.

500dc361cd0db4000200014d: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_168_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200014e: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_168_1.jpg)

29 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.705, Long -73.991

Day commences partly cloudy and pleasant. Heavy rain after 4am continuing at irregular intervals throughout the day. Light airs to moderate breeze from SSW to SSE.

Chief Engineer Melville left ship on leave of absence.

Got up spare pump and connected it with hose permanently in port gangway as a precaution against fire.

500dc361cd0db4000200014f: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_169_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000150: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_169_1.jpg)

30 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Day commences cloudy and damp, clearing away about noon, with light breeze from SSW after 5.15pm; heavy rain with thunder and lightning and gentle to light breeze from SSE.

At 11am Navy Yard tug “Catalpa” came alongside. Cast off from the dock and moored ship to the Cob Dock, in the slip formerly occupied by USS “Vermont”.

Led out extra hose from ship to hydrant on Cob Dock as an extra precaution against fire.

500dc361cd0db40002000151: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_170_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000152: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_170_1.jpg)

31 August 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Day commences cloudy and damp, clearing away about 8am.

At 9.30am mustered crew at quarters and inspected ship.

William Griffin (1^st class Fireman) absent without leave.

LOGS FOR SEPTEMBER 1884

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1 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear and pleasant throughout the day. Light airs and breezes from NNW to NW.

William Griffin (1^st class Fireman) returned on board at 12.30, having been absent without leave 36 hours.

Engaged discharging ashes from fire room.

500dc361cd0db40002000155: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_172_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000156: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_172_1.jpg)

2 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear and pleasant throughout the day. Variable airs from NW, SE and SW.

Passed Assistant Surgeon Green left ship on leave of absence.

Filled boiler with fresh water.

W. A. Coffin (Yeoman) was granted six days’ leave of absence.

500dc361cd0db40002000157: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_173_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000158: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_173_1.jpg)

3 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear, warm and pleasant throughout the day. Light to gentle breeze from SSW to WSW.

Pumped ship out.

At 9.30am mustered crew at quarters.

Commanding Officer W. S. Schley inspected ship and before departing for Washington left orders for special attention to be paid daily to the amount of water in bilge and precaution against fire.

At 6pm USS “Richmond” came up to Navy Yard and went alongside the Ordnance Dock.

Max Tyron (Cook). in accordance with recommendation of Surgeon, was granted one week’s sick leave.

500dc361cd0db40002000159: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_174_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200015a: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_174_1.jpg)

4 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear, warm and pleasant, hazy horizon. Light and gentle breezes from WSW to SW.

At 9.30am mustered crew at quarters.

Michael Hickey (Quartermaster) absent without leave.

500dc361cd0db4000200015b: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_175_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200015c: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_175_1.jpg)

5 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear, warm and sultry, with light airs and breezes from southwest.

Michael Hickey returned at 9.30am, 25 hours over time.

At 9.30am mustered at quarters. Engaged cleaning fire and engine rooms.

At 11am half masted colors as a tribute to memory of Secretary of the Treasury Charles James Folger, deceased.

At 1.30pm a board consisting of Ezra W. Clark, Chief of Revenue Marine, Charles E. Emory, Consulting Engineer, and R. Stueler, Shipwright and Naval Architect, requested permission to inspect the “Thetis” and “Bear” with a view to examining them as to their fitness for the Revenue Service, and were shown every possible courtesy for that purpose.

500dc361cd0db4000200015d: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_176_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200015e: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_176_1.jpg)

6 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear sky, hazy around horizon, warm and sultry. Calm.

Engaged cleaning ship most of day.

Half masted colors from sunrise to sunset in memory of Rear Admiral Andrew Allen Harwood, USN, deceased.

500dc361cd0db4000200015f: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_177_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000160: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_177_1.jpg)

7 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear, warm and sultry, with light breeze and airs from SSW to SSE.

At 9.30am mustered crew at quarters and inspected ship.

500dc361cd0db40002000161: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_178_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000162: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_178_1.jpg)

8 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear, warm and pleasant. Light southwesterly breeze.

At 9.30am mustered crew at quarters.

500dc361cd0db40002000163: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_179_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000164: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_179_1.jpg)

9 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear, warm and sultry. Light southwesterly breeze. Partly cloudy during part of afternoon.

At 9.30am mustered at quarters. John Manin (Quartermaster) absent without leave.

Pumped ship out. John Manin returned ½ hour over time.

Colors half masted from sunrise to sunset in memory of the Honorable C. J. Folger, deceased, late Secretary of the Treasury.

500dc361cd0db40002000165: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_180_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000166: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_180_1.jpg)

10 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear, warm, hazy and sultry. Calm most of am. Light breeze from WSW during pm.

At 9.30am mustered at quarters.

Transferred to Navigation the following stores:

1 box containing: 3 deck trumpets, 1 fog horn, 2 white signal lanterns, 1 oil feeder, 1 ½-hour glass, 3 14-second glasses, 3 28-second glasses, 1 navigator’s lamp; 2 boxes [containing] Navy night signals, 2 pistols, 2 frogs and 2 pouches; 1 box [containing] blue lights and 2 pistols; 1 box of line (Thompson Sounding Apparatus); 1 box containing 2 hydrometers; 100 rocket staves, 2 boat compasses, 3 Hitchcock lamps and spare gear, 1 Army signal kit (Myers Code), 1 coasting and spear lead line, 1 deep sea lead line, 2 log lines and 2 reels, arming for lead, 1 tripod, Navigator Noon Report; leads: 1 50-lbs and brass cup, 2 25-lbs, 2 7-lbs, 1 9-lbs, and 1 14-lbs; Meteorological Observations: 1 parallel rule, 1 gutta-percha rule, 4 log chips; 1 Bliss taffrail log (complete), 3 Bliss spare rotators and 1 registerer, 2 spare lamps (binnacle), 3 lamps (springs for running lights), 1 azimuth circle, 1 deep sea reel, 4 log lines, 6 thermometers, 1 box candles, 2 snatch blocks, 3 running lights (red, green, white), 2 binnacle lamps, 1 International Signal book, 1 letter scale, 1 superior telescope.

Lieutenant E. H. Taunt was today detached from this ship and placed on waiting orders.

500dc361cd0db40002000167: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_181_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000168: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_181_1.jpg)

11 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Light southwesterly airs and calms.

Commander W. S. Schley, USN, turned over command of the vessels of the Greely Relief Expedition to Commander G. W. Coffin, the next in rank by order of the Navy Department.

500dc361cd0db40002000169: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_182_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200016a: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_182_1.jpg)

12 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear and pleasant. Light to moderate breeze from NW.

USS “Bear” came out of drydock and moored to Cob Dock.

500dc361cd0db4000200016b: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_183_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200016c: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_183_1.jpg)

13 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Clear and pleasant. Gentle to strong breezes from NW.

At 10am shifted to Navy Yard, and at 1.30pm hauled into drydock.

500dc361cd0db4000200016d: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_184_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200016e: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_184_1.jpg)

14 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear and pleasant. Variable winds from northward to westward.

Inspected ship at 10am.

500dc361cd0db4000200016f: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_185_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000170: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_185_1.jpg)

15 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear and pleasant. Light NNE to southeasterly airs.

500dc361cd0db40002000171: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_186_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000172: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_186_1.jpg)

16 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear and pleasant. Light SSE and SW airs.

500dc361cd0db40002000173: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_187_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000174: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_187_1.jpg)

17 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear and pleasant. Light airs, variable in direction.

500dc361cd0db40002000175: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_188_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000176: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_188_1.jpg)

18 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear and pleasant. Strong and variable winds from northwestward.

500dc361cd0db40002000177: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_189_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000178: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_189_1.jpg)

19 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear and pleasant. Gentle to light breezes from North and westward.

500dc361cd0db40002000179: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_190_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200017a: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_190_1.jpg)

20 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Clear and pleasant. Light breezes from southward to westward, shifting to northward and westward.

In drydock, Navy Yard. Men engaged in caulking and painting.

500dc361cd0db4000200017b: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_191_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200017c: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_191_1.jpg)

21 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Pleasant weather. Wind light and variable.

Disrated Thomas Maloney [Malloney in log-book] (Ship’s Cook) to Seaman by order of Commanding Officer.

500dc361cd0db4000200017d: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_192_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200017e: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_192_1.jpg)

22 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.706, Long -73.973

Pleasant weather. Calm and light airs from southward and eastward.

Navy Yard men painting ship’s bottom.

Transferred Thomas Maloney (Seaman) to USRS “Vermont” by order of Commanding Officer.

500dc361cd0db4000200017f: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_193_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000180: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_193_1.jpg)

23 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Pleasant weather. Variable and NW breezes first part. Gentle breezes to light airs from NE last part.

At 8.30am came out of drydock and made fast to slip next to the Cob Dock.

500dc361cd0db40002000181: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_194_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000182: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_194_1.jpg)

24 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Weather overcast and foggy. Winds from NE to southward in light breezes at am.

During pm winds blowing from a gentle to stiff breeze in squalls from SSE.

William Griffin (1^st class Fireman) absent without leave.

500dc361cd0db40002000183: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_195_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000184: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_195_1.jpg)

25 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Weather partly clear. Wind blowing in stiff to moderate breezes from SSE during am, hauling from South to NNE in gentle breezes during pm.

USS “Yantic” arrived at Navy Yard at 2.30pm and made fast to Cob Dock.

William Griffin (1^st class Fireman) returned on board, overstaying liberty 60 hours.

500dc361cd0db40002000185: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_196_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000186: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_196_1.jpg)

26 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Weather pleasant and clear, with light breezes from northward and eastward first part of day, latter part wind hauling to ESE and calm.

500dc361cd0db40002000187: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_197_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000188: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_197_1.jpg)

27 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Weather partly clear. Calm and light breeze from ESE, overcast during latter part of day.

Hoisted colors half mast at 8am in memory of Commodore T. S. Fillebrown, deceased.

500dc361cd0db40002000189: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_198_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200018a: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_198_1.jpg)

28 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Weather overcast. Light to gentle breezes from southward and westward, slight rain squalls towards midnight.

At 10.45am USS “Alarm”, US Monitors “Passaic” and “Nantucket” arrived at Navy Yard and came to at the Ordnance Dock.

500dc361cd0db4000200018b: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_199_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200018c: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_199_1.jpg)

29 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Pleasant weather, gentle breeze from SW to WNW.

Paid monthly money.

500dc361cd0db4000200018d: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_200_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200018e: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_200_1.jpg)

30 September 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Partly clear, and variable airs during first part of day, latter part overcast. Calm and rain.

At 4.30pm the USS “Alert” came out of drydock and made fast temporarily alongside of this ship.

LOGS FOR OCTOBER 1884

500dc361cd0db4000200018f: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_201_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000190: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_201_1.jpg)

1 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Cloudy and warm. Light NNE breeze.

500dc361cd0db40002000191: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_202_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000192: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_202_1.jpg)

2 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Overcast, cloudy and rain throughout best part of day. Strong to gentle breeze from NE.

500dc361cd0db40002000193: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_203_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000194: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_203_1.jpg)

3 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Overcast and rainy. Light breeze from NE and calms.

500dc361cd0db40002000195: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_204_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000196: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_204_1.jpg)

4 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Overcast, cloudy and warm during morning, clear and warm remainder of day. Gentle to strong breeze from southwestward.

500dc361cd0db40002000197: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_205_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db40002000198: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_205_1.jpg)

5 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Clear and pleasant. Light northwesterly breeze am, northward and eastward and variable pm.

500dc361cd0db40002000199: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_206_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200019a: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_206_1.jpg)

6 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Clear and warm. Calm early am, light SSW breeze rest of day, light NW breeze evening.

Crew at work on “Bear”, transporting stores to Navy Yard.

500dc361cd0db4000200019b: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_207_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200019c: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_207_1.jpg)

7 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Clear, warm and pleasant weather. Light to gentle NW breeze.

Engine room force at work painting in their department.

500dc361cd0db4000200019d: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_208_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db4000200019e: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_208_1.jpg)

8 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Clear and pleasant weather. Moderate rain showers evening. Light northerly and easterly breeze am, southerly and easterly pm.

By order of Commander Coffin, commanding Greely Relief ships, Michael Hickey (Seaman) was rated Quartermaster from this date, and P. W. Johnson (Seaman) rated Ship’s Cook from this date.

500dc361cd0db4000200019f: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_209_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db400020001a0: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_209_1.jpg)

9 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Clear and pleasant. Moderate to fresh NW breeze.

Commander Coffin visited the ship.

500dc361cd0db400020001a1: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_210_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db400020001a2: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_210_1.jpg)

10 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Clear and pleasant.

By order of Commander Coffin, transferred all men belonging to this ship to USRS “Vermont” for berthing and messing.

500dc361cd0db400020001a3: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_211_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db400020001a4: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_211_1.jpg)

11 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Clear and pleasant. Light breeze from SW.

500dc361cd0db400020001a5: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_212_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db400020001a6: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_212_1.jpg)

12 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Clear and pleasant. Moderate to gentle breeze from SW, hauling to the NE towards midnight.

500dc361cd0db400020001a7: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_213_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db400020001a8: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_213_1.jpg)

13 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Clear and cold with strong NE breeze during am. Wind abating to gentle breeze from NE and partly cloudy during pm.

500dc361cd0db400020001a9: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_214_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db400020001aa: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_214_1.jpg)

14 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Partly clear with variable breezes from southward and eastward during am, veering to SW and cloudy during pm.

500dc361cd0db400020001ab: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_215_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db400020001ac: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_215_1.jpg)

15 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Clear and pleasant. Gentle breeze from NW.

Transferred to USRS “Vermont”, William Griffin (1^st class Fireman), to be sent to US Naval Hospital for medical treatment.

500dc361cd0db400020001ad: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_216_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db400020001ae: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_216_1.jpg)

16 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Partly clear. Light and variable breezes from southward and westward.

500dc361cd0db400020001af: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_217_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db400020001b0: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_217_1.jpg)

17 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Clear, pleasant but cold with strong breeze from NW best part part of day.

At 6pm wind veering to southward and westward, with heavy rain squalls.

500dc361cd0db400020001b1: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_218_0.jpg)

500dc361cd0db400020001b2: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_218_1.jpg)

18 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Clear and cold. Strong breeze from the NW blowing in heavy squalls. Light frost towards midnight.

500dc361cd0db400020001b2: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_218_1.jpg)

19 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Clear and pleasant. Light airs from northward and westward am. Overcast, cloudy, light variable airs and breeze from SE during pm.

500dc361cd0db400020001b2: (http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/USS Thetis/Thetis_1884b/Vol002of024_218_1.jpg)

20 October 1884

Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York

Lat 40.7012, Long -73.9761

Partly clear with variable airs and calm during am. Clear, pleasant and gentle breeze from SW pm.

[Logs for October 21^th 1884 to January 14^th 1887 not included]