Congress and the North pole

Front matter

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II. The Second Grinnell Expedition

Immediately upon the return of DeHaven, Mr. Grinnell, the owner of the vessels which formed his expedition, generously offered them for another cruise in search of Sir John Franklin, if Congress should think proper to authorize it. Congress did not accept this offer, and Mr. Grinnell placed one of them — the Advance — at the disposal of Dr. Kane, who, at the solicitation of Lady Franklin, had been authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to lead a new American expedition in search of her lost husband.

The expedition was a private one, so far as outfit was concerned, Mr. Peabody, of London, contributing largely for this purpose. In addition to Dr. Kane, ten of the party belonged to the U. S. Navy and were attached to his command by orders from the Department, and without special legislation in either case. Dr. I. I. Hayes, subsequently distinguished in the same field of exploration, was attached to the vessel as Surgeon.

The following extract from the Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, under date of Dec. 4, 1852, gives the official record of his action in the matter : —

“ Lady Franklin, whose devotion to the cause of her unfortunate husband has excited so large a sympathy in the United States, has been encouraged to make another effort to determine the fate of the gallant navigator of the Arctic seas, and is now intent upon the organization of a new expedition, under the auspices of our countrymen, Mr. Henry Grinnell, of New York, and Mr. George Peabody, of London. >S< >J< ^ ^

The distinguished lady, whose sorrows have inspired this zeal of adventure and whose energy has given jt an intelligent and hopeful direction, has done no more than justice to a meritorious young officer of our Navy, Passed-Assistant Surgeon Kane, in asking his co-operation in this hazardous expedition. * *

The request of Lady Franklin, to enlist Dr. Kane in the new expedition has been handed to me and I have not delayed to give him the necessary permission and to confer upon him all the benefit he may derive from his position in the Navy by an order which puts him upon special service.

If it should become requisite in the field of operations to which he is destined to provide him with the means for the prosecution of scientific study beyond those which may be afforded by the Department and the liberality of the distinguished gentlemen who have assumed charge of this expedition, I would commend it to the enlightened regard of Congress with the most confident hope that that body will respond to the suggestions of this necessity with a prompt appreciation and generous support of an undertaking so honorable to humanity and so useful to the enlargement of liberal science. ” * * * *

Dr. Kane’s assignment to duty in connection with the expedition was issued in November, 1852, as follows;

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Navy Department, Washington, D. C., November 27, 1852.

Sir : — Lady Franklin having urged you to undertake a search for her husband, Sir John Franklin and his companions, and a vessel — the Advance — having been placed at your disposition by Mr. Grinnell, you are hereby assigned to special duty for the purpose of conducting an overland journey from the upper waters of Baffin's bay to the shores of the Polar seas.

Relying upon your zeal and discretion, the Department sends you forth upon an undertaking which will be attended with great peril and exposure. Trusting that you will be sustained by the laudable object in view, and wishing you success and a safe return to your friends, I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

John P. Kennedy, Secretary of the Navy.

Passed-Assistant Surgeon, E. K. Kane, U. S. Navy.

In February the scope of his duties was enlarged by the following additional instructions :

Navy Department, February 9, 1853.

Sir : — In connection with the special duty assigned to you by the order of this Department, bearing date Nov. 27, 1852, your attention is invited to objects of scientific inquiry, particularly to such as relate to the existence of an open Polar Sea, terrestrial magnetism, general meteorology and subjects of importance connected with natural history.

John P. Kennedy, Secretary of the Navy.

The expedition sailed from New York, May 30, 1853, and reached Upernavick, in Greenland, July 24, and Dr. Kane's report of his arrival at this place was the last tidings received of him or his party for more than two years, during a portion of which time they were mourned as sharers of Sir John Franklin's fate.

In the fall of 1854 the friends of the missing navigators became alarmed at their long absence and took steps to have a naval vessel sent in search of them. As this required legislation, application was made to Congress for the necessary authority, and December 18, 1854, Mr. Brodhead, of Pa., submitted for the consideration of the Senate the following resolution :

Resolved , That the Committee on Naval Affairs be instructed to inquire into the expediency of sending a steamer and tender to the Arctic seas for the purpose of rescuing or affording relief to Passed-Assistant Surgeon, E. K. Kane, of the United States Navy, and the officers and men under his command.

On the 19th the Senate proceeded to consider this resolution, and the following extracts are made from Mr. Brodhead' s remarks in its support :

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“ Lady Franklin urged him to take command of another expedition in search of her husband; Mr. Grinnell gave his tried vessel, the Advance; Mr. Peabody of London gave $10,000; and Dr. Kane used his exertions as a lecturer and his influence with different scientific institutions to make up the rest. He had, however, succeeded but partially, when Mr. Kennedy, the then Secretary of the Navy, took an important part in consummating the scheme. He gave Dr. Kane orders, as a navy officer, to take command of the expedition, assigned to him the

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services of several warrant officers and seamen, provided hospital and other stores, astronomical and nautical instruments, &c., &c., furnished the vessel with a library, and finally ordered Dr. Kane to report fully to the Department on his return. The cause of science was thus to be advanced by governmental aid.

* * Dr. Kane is a gallant officer, conducting a hazardous and mer-

itorious enterprise with the consent and under the orders of the government, and hence it becomes the duty of a generous Government, representing a generous people, to take measures for his rescue or relief. We have officers and men unemployed; officers have already volunteered and there will be no difficulty in procuring men of the best sort, and I therefore hope the resolution will be adopted.”

There was no opposition, and the resolution was adopted without discussion.

On the same day — December 19th — Mr. Fish, of New York, presented the memorial of James Brown and others, of New York, praying that an expedition be sent to the Polar seas for the purpose of affording relief to Dr. Kane, his officers and crew; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

In the Senate, January 10, 1855, Mr. Brodhead called up the matter and said :

“The Committee on Naval Affairs to whom were referred memorials from the Chamber of Commerce, New York; from James Brown and others, of New York; from the Board of Trade, of Philadelphia; from the Board of Trade, of Boston; from the Life Saving Benevolent Association, of New York; from the Marine Insurance Companies of New York; from the American Philosophical Society, of Philadelphia, and others, asking Congress to extend relief to Passed Assistant Surgeon Kane, have instructed me to report a joint resolution respecting the Arctic Expedition, commanded by Dr. Kane.”

The joint resolution was read a first time, and ordered to a second reading.

Mr. Brodhead urged immediate consideration, but objection being made by Mr. Badger, it went over.

Senate, January 15th, 1855.

On motion of Mr. Brodhead the joint resolution was taken up, and after a brief discussion passed with an amendment, providing that the steamer and tender should be officered and manned by volunteers from the Navy and others who may declare their willingness to be so engaged.

Previous to the vote : Mr. Hunter, of Virginia, expressed a doubt as to

the propriety of the proposed expedition, as probably involving the government in an endless series of expeditions.

Mr. Mallory, of Florida, in reply, gave a brief statement of Dr. Kane’s plans, which included provision for such an emergency as had actually arisen, showed that the object of the proposed expedition could be accomplished in a few months without serious risk or loss.

In the House of Representatives the friends of the missing ones had not been idle, as the following record shows :

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December ii, 1854.

Mr. Florence, of Pa., asked consent to offer a resolution providing for an expedition for the relief of Dr. Kane, but objection was made by Mr Jones, of Tennessee, and the resolution was not received.

December 14.

Mr. Wheeler, of New York, introduced a memorial on the subject from the Chamber of Commerce, of New York, which was sent to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

January 22d, 1855.

Mr. Pennington, of New Jersey, presented a memorial in favor of the Kane relief expedition, from the Governor of New Jersey and the State Legislature, which was referred to the Naval Committee.

Mr. Chandler, of Pennsylvania, asked consent to take from the Speaker’s table the Senate joint resolution, and called attention to the necessity of speedy action.

Mr. Smith, of Virginia, objected and the matter went over.

January 25th, 1855.

Mr. Chandler, of Pennsylvania, again tried to get the resolution from the Speaker’s table, but objection was made by Mr. Millson, of Virginia.

The Speaker laid before the House a communication from the Governor of Pennsylvania, transmitting copy of a resolution adopted by the Legislature of that State, in favor of an expedition to rescue Dr. Kane and his crew.

Mr. Florence moved its reference to the Naval Committee, when Mr. Chandler again asked that the Senate joint resolution be taken up, and after some discussion the rules were suspended, and after an eloquent statement from Mr. Chandler of the circumstances under which the relief was rendered necessary, the resolution passed, in the following words.

Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of

America, in Congress Assembled :

That the Secretary of the Navy be and he is hereby authorized to provide and dispatch a sub able naval or other steamer, and if necessary a tender, to the Arctic Seas, for the purpose of rescuing or affording relief to Passed Assistant Surgeon E. K. Kane, of the United States Navy, and the officers and men under his command ;

Provided , That such steamer and tender shall be officered and manned by volunteers from the Navy and others who may declare their willingness to be so engaged.

(Approved February 3d, 1855.)

Money was now needed to fit out the search expedition, and this was speedily provided, as the record shows that in the Senate March 3d, 1855, the Naval Appropriation Bill being under consideration, the following amendment was offered by the Committee on Finance and adopted :

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“To enable the Secretary of the Navy to carry into effect the joint resolution respecting the Arctic Expedition commanded by Passed Assistant Surgeon E. K. Kane, or so much thereof as may be necessary — $150,000."

The time for preparation was limited ; but with the aid of energetic officers and the active and praiseworthy co-operation of the naval contractors and mechanics at the navy yards of Brooklyn and Philadelphia, two small vessels were admirably and rapidly fitted out.

Excellent officers volunteered — good seamen enlisted — complete supply of provisions and clothing for two years of rough exposure was laid in, and on the 4th of June the little party of brave and philanthropic adventurers left New York Harbor, amid the encouraging cheers of their countrymen, who knew so well how to appreciate such acts of daring and humanity. The expedition con sisted of two vessels — the barque Release, and steamer Arctic — and was commanded by Lt. Henry J. Hartstene, U. S. Navy, who received the following instructions for his guidance :

Navy Dept., May 25, 1855.

Sir: — A resolution of Congress, approved Feb. 3, 1855, authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to provide and dispatch a suitable naval or other steamer, and if necessary, a tender, to the Arctic seas, for the purpose of rescuing or affording relief to Passed-Assistant Surgeon, E. K. Kane, of the United States Navy, and the officers and men under his command.

The barque Release and steamer Arctic, having been procured, and especially fitted and equipped for this service under your supervision and inspection, with full rations and extra provisions for two years, and clothing peculiarly adapted for the climate of the Arctic region, and such officers and men detailed as the department, as well as yourself, considered necessary and sufficient, and the command of the expedition having been already assigned to you, you will, so soon as the above named vessels are, in all respects, ready for you, proceed with them, by all means as early as the first of June, in the prosecution of the object of the resolution of Congress. Economize as much as possible in the way of coal. * * * * * * '

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J. C. Dobbin, Sec’y. of Navy.

The following named officers of the Navy were attached to the vessels of the expedition :

To the “ Release.” — Commander H. J. Hartstene, Commander of the Expedition; Lieutenants, William S. Lovell, and Joseph P. Fyffe ; Assistant Surgeon, James Laws, and Boatswain Van R. Hall.

To the “Arctic. ” — Lieutenant Commander, Charles C. Simms; Lieutenant, Watson Smith; First Assistant Engineer, Harman Newell. Dr. John K. Kane, brother of the explorer, was attached to the Arctic as Medical Officer.

The story of their achievements and the successful relief of Dr. Kane and party, is briefly but eloquently told in the report of the Secretary of the Navy,

J. C. Dobbin, as follows :

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The recital of their hair-breadth escapes, their

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terrible conflicts with nature, which seemed to mock their efforts — their alternations of sad misgivings and sustaining hopes, impart truly an air of romance to this unostentatious exhibition of genuine heroism. In about four months with their little barques, they sailed eight thousand miles , fully circumnavigated Baffin’s Bay, passed further north into Smith’s Sound at the northern boundary than any one save Dr. Kane, and nearly to Beechy Island — visited a village of Esquimaux, from whom, after hours of difficulty, by means of signs and drawings, they learnt the point to which Dr. Kane and his party had directed their course — immediately changed their route, found the unhappy party at Disco Island, and returned them in safety to their country and friends — thus accomplishing the benevolent purposes of Congress.”

The relief expedition reached New York on its return, October nth, 1855.

In the House of Representatives, March 7, 1856, Mr. Tyson, of Pennsylvania, on leave, presented resolutions passed by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, of thanks to Dr. Kane and his officers and crew for the successful result of their recent expedition to the Polar region, which were laid on the table and ordered to be printed.

March 11, 1856, Mr. Tyson, by unanimous consent, introduced the following preamble and resolution, which were read, considered and agreed to :

Whereas, The intrepid conduct and scientific zeal of Dr. Elisha Kent Kane in his late expedition to the Polar regions in search of Sir John Franklin, aided by the officers and men under his command, have placed his name in the first rank among Arctic explorers; and,

Whereas, The observations and discoveries he has made are important additions to geographical and meteorological science, and valuable in the light which they shed upon the currents of the ocean ; upon the mysterious changes in the magnetic needle, and upon the physical laws of this globe; and

Whereas, The narrative of these heroic labors and their magnificent results, should be widely diffused as well to encourage the spirit of scientific research among our countrymen as to express the profound sense we entertained of the merits and services of the explorer ; therefore,

Resolved , That the Committee on the Library be instructed to inquire into •the character of the book about to be issued by Dr. Kane, as to letter-press, illustrations, and binding, and report their opinion of the expediency of ordering a certain number of copies thereof for use and distribution.

The attempt to connect the Government with a private firm in publishing an unofficial narrative of a private expedition, was unsuccessful, as will be seen from the following extracts from the Globe.

Mr. Tyson, from the Library Committee, submitted a report on the resolution for the purchase of Dr. Kane’s Narrative, and recommended the purchase of fifteen thousand copies for the use of Congress ; a'so recommending that medals be struck and presented to Dr. Kane, his officers and men, respectively, as an expression of the high estimation in which Congress held their merits and ser-

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vices. After a long discussion, in which considerable feeling was manifested, the resolution was passed as reported.

Senate — March 12, 1856.

Mr. Bigler, of Pennsylvania, presented the resolution of the Pennsylvania Legislature, and moved their reference to the Committee on the Library, with instructions to inquire into the expediency of purchasing for the use of the Senate a certain number of copies of Dr. Kane’s Narrative, to be published in Philadelphia. In the course of his remarks upon the resolutions, Mr. Bigler said :

* * * * * “ The feats of the most daring on the

field of battle are not better calculated to touch the chords of the American heart, and to command general admiration, than the startling discoveries and thrilling adventures incident to the career of a daring navigator and explorer. The feeling is peculiarly strong with an enterprising and progressive people.

“The Royal Geographical Society of England has by resolution assigned to him a front rank among Arctic explorers. It has also in store for him, as I learn, a personal compliment in the shape of a gold medal. The French Government, also, ever magnanimous in its recognition of genius and courage, and generous in its patronage of the arts and sc'ences, has congratulated the Doctor on his triumphs. The Legislature of Pennsylvania, Kane’s native State, have thanked him for the honor his career has conferred upon her people. The Legislature of New York, by unanimous consent, have evinced their estimate of the expedition by presenting its leader with a gold medal. Complimentary resolutions have also been passed by the Legislatures of Maryland and New Jersey.

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“ Some of the ancients we read honored civilians as well as soldiers, and surely in no age, ancient or modern, should the daring navigator and discoverer command less of his country’s admiration and bounty. The brave man who plants the flag of his country in the enemy’s camp, is worthy of distinction, but not more so than he who extends the limits of civilization and human knowledge at the risk of life and the loss of health and comfort. The most desperate in battle do not evince a higher degree of true courage.

* * * * * “ They are entitled to the gratitude and

admiration of the whole human race, and will be to the end of time.”

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Mr. Seward, of New York, submitted a substitute for the resolution, which was accepted by Mr. Bigler and read as follows :

Resolved , That the Committee on the Library be instructed to purchase, for the use of the Senate, ten thousand copies of Dr. Kane’s Narrative of his late Expedition to the Arctic regions, from Messrs. Childs & Peterson : Provided the price shall not exceed five dollars per copy.

Mr. Brodhead, of Pennsylvania, suggested an amendment, that if the Committee found the work to be a useful one, and yet not consider it expedient to purchase an unofficial book, a bill be reported authorizing a direct money payment of $10,000 or $20,000 to Dr. Kane. He doubted the propriety of going

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into partnership with any publishing firm in the United States, and cited the amount voted Commodore Perry for his services in the Japan Expedition as a precedent.

Mr. Bigler stated that Dr. Kane felt a delicacy in appearing before the country as a claimant for pecuniary reward, and hence he thought the plan indicated by the resolution the best.

After a brief discussion the subject, on motion of Mr. Seward, went over

until next day.

Senate, March 13, 1856.

The consideration of Mr. Brodhead’s amendment was renewed and discussed at length without any definite result, and it was again postponed.

Senate, March 24, 1856.

Mr. Seward called up the resolution concerning Dr. Kane, and his substitute was adopted, as follows :

Resolved , That the Committee on the Library be instructed to inquire into the expediency of some legislative recognition of the eminent services and success of the recent expedition of Dr. Kane to the Arctic regions.

Senate, April 18, 1856.

The joint resolution for the purchase of Dr. Kane’s forthcoming work, and for the presentation of medals, was read twice and referred to the Committee on Library.

Senate, August 11, 1856.

Mr. Pearce, of Maryland, from the Committee on the Library, reported back the resolution for purchase of books and presentation of medals, with an amendment and a written report, and asked immediate consideration, unless debate was likely to ensue. At the request of several Senators it went over, and the report was ordered to be printed

Senate, August 18, 1856

The joint resolution was reached on the calendar, and on Mr. Clay’s motion its consideration was postponed until the second Monday in December.

Mr. Pearce called up the joint resolution and stated that the recommendation of the Library Committee which had it in charge was to strike out the clause providing for the purchase of 15,000 copies of Dr. Kane’s work, and retain only the clause to provide medals. The title was changed to correspond with this recommendation and it passed as amended without debate.

House of Representatives, March 3, 1857.

On motion of Mr. Tyson the House passed the joint resolution awarding medals to Dr. Kane, as amended by the Senate, in the following words :

Resolved , By the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled,

That the Secretary of the Navy shall cause to be struck and presented to Dr. Kane, his officers and men respectively, such appropriate medals as in the judg-

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ment of the said Secretary shall express the high estimation in which Congress holds their respective merits and services.

Approved March 3. 1857.

Senate, April 2, 1856.

Mr. Mason, of Virginia, from Committee on Foreign Relations reported a joint resolution granting permission to Dr. Kane and his officers to receive from the British Government some expression of their thankfulness for services rendered in connection with the search for Sir John Franklin.

The resolution was supported by Messrs. Cass and Mason, and opposed by Messrs. Crittenden, Bayard and Reid, and modification suggested by Messrs. Seward and Toucey ; but went over without action.

Senate, May 26, 1856.

Mr. Mason of Virginia, called up the resolution authorizing Dr. Kane and the officers associated with him in his arctic expedition, to receive certain pres~ ents from the British government, and recommended its passage. After a brief discussion the yeas and nays were ordered, and resulted, yeas 33, nays 4.

House of Representatives, Aug. 30, 1856.

Mr. Pennington called up the joint resolution authorizing acceptance of testimonial from the British government, and it was passed without debate.

The following is the text as passed :

Whereas, The President of the United States has communicated to Congress a request from the Government of Great Britain that permission should be given by this government allowing Dr. Elisha K. Kane, a Passed-Assistant Surgeon in the navy of the United States, and the officers who were with him in his late expedition to the arctic seas in search of Sir John Franklin, to accept from the government of Great Britain some “token of thankfulness,” and as a memorial of the sense entertained by that government of “their arduous and generous service in that behalf, be it therefore

Resolved By the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that Congress hereby consents that Dr. Elisha K. Kane, of the navy of the United States, and such of the officers who were with him in the expedition aforesaid as may yet remain in the service of the United States, may accept from the government of Great Britain such token of the character aforesaid as it may be the pleasure of that government to present to them.

Approved August 30, 1856.

In the Senate, Feb. 24, 1857, Mr. Fish called up the following joint resolution which was passed after a brief discussion of its object :

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“ The Secretary is hereby authorized to pay to the officers and seamen of the expedition sent in search of Dr. Kane and his companions, while on duty in connection with said expedition, the same rate of compensation that was allowed to the officers and seamen in the expedition under Lt. De Haven ; and to such officers as were not mentioned in said expedition, the following additional compensation, namely : The lieutenants and masters, the pay of a lieutenant commanding ;

the first-assistant engineer, the pay of a chief engineer ; and the clerk, the pay of a secretary to commander of a squadron.

This resolution was referred to the committee on naval affairs in the House of Representatives Dec. 7, 1858, and was reported adversely from that committee, January 14, 1859, by Mr. Sherman, of Ohio. It therefore failed to become a law.

The following resolution, approved March 16, 1858, closes the favorable Congressional action in relation to this expedition :

Resolved , That the officers and men engaged in the several expeditions which have been fitted out in the United States for the recovery of Sir John Franklin and his companions be authorized to accept the medals recently transmitted to this government for presentation to them by the government of Great Britain.

III. The Recovery Of The Resolute

The Recovery of the Resolute and the subsequent official disposition made of her, form an interesting episode in the history of Arctic adventure, the record of which appears to come properly within the scope of these articles.

The British barque Resolute was abandoned May 15th, 1854, in Wellington Inlet, by order of Sir Edward Belcher, and after a drift of over one thousand miles was picked up about the first of September, 1855, near Cape Mercy, by Capt. James Buddington, of the American whaler, “ George Henry/’ and brought to the port of New London, as a prize. The fact of the recovery of the vessel was brought to the attention of the authorities in Washington, and resulted in its purchase by the government and presentation to the British government as an act of high international courtesy. The story is fully told in the official proceedings which follow. It is noteworthy that the first man to board the Resolute from the George Henry, was Capt. Geo. E. Tyson, then serving on the latter vessel as “ boat-steerer,” but since identified with the cruise of the Polaris, the extraordinary ice-drift of one hundred and ninety-eight days, and the recent voyage of the Florence, as a member of the Preliminary Arctic Expedition of 1877.

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CONGRESSIONAL ACTION.

In Senate, June io, 1856 — Mr. Foster, of Conn., offered a resolution instructing the Committee on Commerce to inquire into the expediency of authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a register to the British-built barque, “ Resolute, ” found derelict, near Cumberland Inlet, in the Arctic ocean, by the officers and crew of the American whaling ship George Henry, of New London, Conn., and by said salvors brought into the port of New London all claim to said vessel by the British government, having been relinquished to the salvors. Mr. Foster stated that this barque was one of a squadron sent out by the English government to the Arctic ocean in search of Sir John Franklin, and was abandoned by the officers and crew belonging to her, in Wellington Inlet. Eighteen months afterward she was discovered by the “George Henry” imbedded in the ice more than one thousand miles from the place where she was abandoned.

Mr. Mason, of Virginia, suggested that the proper disposition of the vessel would be for the LTnited States to purchase her and refit her in a proper manner and send her back to England as an act of national courtesy. Whereupon Mr. Foster withdrew his resolution.

In Senate, June 24, 1856.

Mr. Mason, ot Va. , introduced a joint resolution authorizing the purchase and restoration to the British government of the ship “ Resolute,” late of the British Navy. Pending the consideration of the resolution, Mr. Foster, of Conn., said, “in regard to the ship there are certain circumstances that make it of peculiar value to the government of Great Britain. It is the ship that was enabled to communicate with the crew of another ship belonging to the British navy, the Investigator, which went through Behring’s strait, intending to make the northwest passage in that direction by sailing to the east, but having got locked in the ice, remained for two years in the bay of Mercy, I believe. While lying there, this ship — the “ Resolute ” — by sending a party of men across some two hundred miles or thereabouts, communicated with the Investigator and tier crew, commanded by Capt. McClure, and brought those men from the Investigator eastward to where the Resolute was lying. The northwest passage was thus carried out practically by these two ships ; neither, however, having completed it by passing through the water, but by the men passing through over the ice on sledges.” There was no opposition, and ihe resolution passed unanimously.