Viewing page 104 of 309
This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.
1861 - Tuesday Jan 8th bemoan her as without hope? Let us cherish the feeling that Nuk-er-ton is now far better off than while among us. She hath exchanged the Earthly for the Heavenly! As I wish to preserve the incidents of this night for future perusal, I herewith set them down in the order in which they occurred, premising one or two facts revalent. This Morning, rather should I say Monday Morn, Tuk-oo-li-too informed me that she had taken some seal soup in to Nuk-er-ton who relished it well. This was good news, giving me another glimmer of hope that N. might yet be spared to us. Tuk-oo-li-oo also informed me that her winga (husband) had passed a restless night from pains in his left side & back. Of this complaint, I was aware Ebierbing had been troubled for a considerable length of time. Its increase caused me to have a deep solicitude in Ebierbing's behalf therefore I promised I would visit him carrying with me some excellent liniment [[strikethrough]] furnished [[/strikethrough]] prepared by my esteemed friend O.E. Newton, M.D. of Cincinnati, O. on my departure from the States. This liniment I proposed to apply with my own hand in such a way that the friction should serve as a pleasant accompaniment to the virtues of the wash. I must say again that I feel as deep an interest in Ebierbing & Tuk-oo-li-too as though they were my children. Not only do I look to them as assistants to me in my coming voyage this season, but I esteem them worthy of Companionship. I have many friends - very many friends in the States who I know would give their hands & hearts - [[end page]] [[start page]] Tuesday 1861 Jan 8th their hospitality & friendship to [[underlined]] these same - [[/underlined]] son & daughter - of this icy, but [[underlined]] warm-hearted [[/underlined]] North. Not only to these but to others of this peculiar people. Lantern in hand, with two bottles from my medicine chest, I left the ship at V o'clock last eve, accompanied by a file of Innuits (three men one small boy & girl) I leading the way. Ebierbing [[strikethrough]] heeled [[/strikethrough]] 'toed me' another him & so on to the hindmost. I desired Ebierbing would call with me on Nuk-er-ton. Carefully I pushed aside the little snow door & drew myself through the low, narrow entrance just of size that would admit my squeezed frame. All was list, save the long, loud breathing of the only one within, noble Nuk-er-ton. I raised myself up - looked upon Nuk-er-ton - called her name - but she answered not! Again & again I called - she answered not! I felt her heart-beatings! [[underlined]] O God - She is dying! [[/underlined]] was the thought of my poor overwhelmed heart. I called to Ebierbing: 'Ki-ete-shu-kalle-kirte'. Come - come quickly. In he came & also Koud-loo male cousin of Nuk-er-ton. I informed them that Nukerton was dying. The announcement seemed to be overwhelming in sadness. Watching intently each breathing of this friend of all, for awhile, we were silent. At length, it occured to me that Tuk-oo-li-too would wish to be informed of Nuk-er-ton's condition. I therefore indicated the
Transcription Notes:
Reviewed. Corrected for incorrect insertion designation, irrelevant strikethroughs & other transcription errors.
