The Voyage of the Jeannette (Volume 2); The Ship and Ice Journals of George W. de Long, Lieutenant-Commander U.S.N. and Commander of the Polar Expedition of 1879-1881 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1883. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXIII. CONCLUSION. The Court of Inquiry. -- The Points of Instruction. -- The Finding of the Court. -- The Voyage of the Jeannette and its Word to the Reader. The loss of the Jeannette and the subsequent fate of the commanding officer and others of the ship's company were made the subject of a court of inquiry, according to the rules of the United States Navy. The court was summoned by the Secretary of the Navy to meet at Washington, October 5, 1882. Commodore William G. Temple was appointed president of the Court, Captain Joseph N. Miller and Commander Frederick V. McNair, members, and Master Samuel C. Lemly, judge advocate. It was instructed "diligently and thoroughly to investigate the circumstances of the loss in the Arctic Seas of the exploring steamer Jeannette, and of the death of Lieutenant-Commander George W. De Long and others of her officers and men." It was also "carefully to inquire into the condition of the vessel on her departure, her management up to the time of her destruction, the provisions made and plans adopted for the several boats' crews upon their leaving the wreck, the efforts made by the various officers to insure the safety of the parties under their immediate charge, and for the relief of the other parties, and into the general conduct and merits of each and all the officers and men of the expedition." Under this comprehensive order the court conducted its examination during eighty-five days, and received the testimony of the survivors of the expedition, and of a number of persons who had been personally cognizant of the construction, alteration, and equipment of the Jeannette. The log-books and journals of Captain De Long were also read by the court as a part of the testimony. The records of the proceedings of the court form ...