Viewing page 16 of 22

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

(13)

extraordinary freedom from sickness and death.  The terrors of the climate to be encountered, have proved almost mythical upon trial, and scurvy, the scourge of Northern travellers, has been altogether unknown.

Our explorers in Siberia travelled for two or three months, the thermometer showing 40 [[degree symbol]] and 44 [[degree symbol]], without greater inconvenience than that manifested by the natives.  On the American side the spirit thermometer indicated - 58 [[degree symbol]] at one time, yet no one of our parties who were exposed in the discharge of their duty, were severely frozen.  But one death occurred among the parties in the field, namely, that of Mr. Robert Kennicott, who died from organic disease of the heart at Noolato, on the Tonkon River, May 13th.  He died in the flush of early manhood, in the active discharge of his duty, and though young, leaving behind him a creditable record.  In his loss, Science mourns an ardent devotee, and Society a genial companion.  The other deaths noted, occurred on board ship, and were in no wise attributable to the climate, but resulted from disease contracted before leaving San Francisco.  The only case of lingering illness was that of Capt. C. M. Scammon, who was unfit for duty, from the time of his arrival in Norton Sound.  The climate of the North has proved healthful beyond our expectations, and not a single case of disease has resulted from exposure, either in winter or summer.  For further particulars I respectfully refer you