Describes a preliminary plan of exploration, useful for another main expedition of 1878, but involving both meteorological and naturalist research. The expedition had George Tyson as choosing a suitable ship, the Florence, and captain of the expedition which sailed on August 3 from New London for a year-long venture. Howgate was a flawed character who nonetheless was a consummate bookman, none better to prepare for the book needs of the IPY expedition in 1881.
p. 3: Kind friends from all parts of the country have contributed from their stores, in addition to articles of food and clothing, a liberal supply of books and papers to wile away the long, weary hours of the sunless Arctic winter. A spare berth in the forecastle is filled with story-books, histories, novels, and volumes of poetry: a large trunk is filled to overflowing with papers, and still another is loaded down with magazines; the whole making a library of considerable dimensions …. The Secretary of the Navy furnished a complete outfit of maps, charts, and sailing directions.
p. 4, the o bject ive was to prepare a base at Lady Franklin Bay and Tyson’s instructions or the same to his possible successors as commander were to carry out the objects of the expedition “keeping a stout head and committing himself and comrades to the care of Divine Providence.” In addition to a future colony at Lady Franklin Bay, object ive s were to collect scientific data and specimens, and capture sufficient bone and oil to make a profitable return cargo. Finally it was intended to link up with the next expedition of 1878 at Disco and return home. Also called for temperance, fair and firm dealing with aborigines, and finally (p. 5) “I commend yourself and crew to the care of an All-wise Power, with the prayer that your voyage may be prosperous and your return a safe and happy one.” (H.W. Howgate, United States Army).
p. 41, aboard Florence: Kind friends from all parts of the country contributed…a liberal supply of books and papers to while away the long, weary hours of the sunless Arctic winter. A spare berth in the forecastle was filled with story-books, histories, novels, and volumes of poetry. A large trunk was filled to overflowing with papers, and still another loaded down with magazines; the whole making a library of considerable dimensions….
p. 42: The Secretary of the Navy furnished a complete outfit of maps, charts, and sailing directions.
p. 45, Howgate cautions against use of alcohol.
In 1879 Howgate gave a copy of this book to the American Philosophical Society (Proceedings, 18, no. 103 (1879) p. 154. The APS library catalogue indicates a signed copy at PAM 350.no.9. Another version signed by Howgate is PAM 350.no.8 .