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Journal of David Legge Brainard

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Journal of David Legge Brainard
by David Legge Brainard

Written from the years 1880−1884, this journal, kept continuously by Brainard, describes the ill-fated Lady Franklin Bay Expedition under Adolphus Greely.

609264Journal of David Legge BrainardDavid Legge Brainard
May 13, 1882
From observations taken along route, we believe we are in a higher latitude than ever before reached by man, and on land farther north than any was thought to exist. Once again we ran up the Stars and Stripes, this time with a feeling that warmed our spirits despite the northern breeze which swirled around us.[1]
April 9, 1884
Lieut. Lockwood became unconscious early this morning and at 4:30 p.m. breathed his last. This will be a sad blow to his family who evidently idolized him. To me it is also a sorrowful event. He had been my companion during long and eventful excursions, and my feeling toward him was akin to that of a brother. Biederbick and myself straightened his limps and prepared his remains for burial. This was the saddest duty I have ever yet been called upon to perform.[2]
Spring 1884
Our own condition is so wretched, so palpably miserable, that death would be welcomed rather than feared...[1]

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