A Personal Narrative of the Discovery of the North-west Passage

by Armstrong, Alexander

• ISBN13: 9781108033350
• ISBN10: 1108033350
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-07-14
• Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr

Summary

The H.M.S. Investigator spent the years 1850-4 in the Western Arctic engaged in a search for the lost expedition of the explorer Sir John Franklin. In this 1857 publication Alexander Armstrong (1818-99), surgeon and naturalist to the ship, gives a first-hand account of life on board during the voyage, as testimony to the 'heroism, devotion, and endurance' of his shipmates. He describes the harsh conditions that the crew had to endure, and argues convincingly that no travel 'more thoroughly tests man's powers of endurance, both morally and physically' than travelling in the Arctic. He also notes that lemon juice proved the most effective remedy against scurvy. Armstrong's natural history research was cut short when the ship was abandoned and his collections left behind, but he includes an appendix listing the animals and birds observed on the voyage, and the Arctic plants collected by a friend and colleague.

Table of Contents

Preface

Departure from England

Preparations for leaving the Strait

Departure from Honolulu

Enter the ice

Difficulties in working to the north-east

Weather

Weather

Departure from Cape Bathurst

Young ice

Appearance of weather

Departure of the travelling party

The first day of 1851

An unexpected arrival

State of the ice

Departure from Prince of Wales' Strait

Weather and prospects

Weather

Position on 23rd September

The hunting

First day of 1852

Laborious occupation of the crew

The year 1853

The 'Resolute'

Appendix

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