Report of the Hudson's Bay expedition of 1886, under the command of Lieut. AR Gordon

146 Pages·2013·13.77 MB·English

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The EDITH and LORNE PIERCE
COLLECTION o/CANADIANA
Queens University at Kingston
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60 Victoria Sessional Papers (No. 15) A. 188?
REPORT
\
OF THE
HUDSON'S BAY EXPEDITION OF
1886
TJNDBE THE COMMAND OP
LIEUT. K GORDON, R.K
A.

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60 Victoria. Sessional Papers (No. 15.) A. 1887
•" • * •• * •-
EEPOET
OF THE
HUDSON'S BAY EXPEDITION OF
1886,
UNDER THE COMMAND OF
R
Lieut. A. Gordon, R.N.
t
Toronto, 18th March, 1887.
The Hon. Geo. E. Foster,
Minister of Marine and Fisheries,
Ottawa.
—
Sir, I have the honour to submit herewith the report of the Hudson's Bay
Expedition of 1886.
The report is divided under the heads of:-«»
Narrative,
Ice Observations,
Notes by Observers,
Resources fthe Hudson's Bay Kegion,
Meteorological Observations,
Eeport by Mr. F. F. Payne on the Flora and Fauna of Stupart's Bay,
Eeport by Dr. R. Bell on Economic Minerals, &c,
Concluding remarks on the Navigation of the Straits.
NARRATIVE OF THE VOYAGE OF THE DOMINION STEAMER
"ALERT," 1886.
In accordance with your instructions, I left Toronto on 1st June, and after
meeting you in Ottawa, proceeded to Halifax to superintend the fitting out ofthe
ship, and the purchase ofall the necessary stores, provisions, &c.
On 24th June, all stores being on board, and the crew shipped, I received from
you the following letter ofinstructions :
" Ottawa, 22nd June, 1886.
"To Lieut. A. R. Gordon, R.N.,
«Halifax, N.S.
—
"Sir, With reference to the voyage of the l Alert' and the work to be per-
formed under your charge for the present season, it is desirable that you should be
guided by the following instructions, which are intended rather as an index of the
general wishes ofthe Department, than as an absolute direction from which you are
under no circumstances to deviate. Changes that may be rendered necessary, by
circumstances now unforeseen, and otherworkthan thatindicated which mayappear
to you proper to bo done during the course of your voyage, are to be within your
own discretion, always bearing in mind the purpose of the expedition, and the time
at your disposal.
156—11
—
60 Victoria. Sessional Papers (No.15.) A. 1887
11 It is desirable that you should proceed to the mouth of Hudson's Straits with
as little delay as possible, so as to avail yourself ofthe very first feasible opportunity
to make the passage through. Ifyouareprevented fromatonceenteringtheStraits,
you will occupy your time in takiDg accurate observations of, the extent and condi-
tion ofthe ice, the prevailing winds, and the currents at its mouth.
"At the earliest possible period consistent with the safetyof the expedition you
will push through the Straits, in order to demonstrate the earliest date of opening
navigation and the time required to pass through the ice, noting carefully all the
incidents ofthe passage.
"Unless necessity exists for visiting any of the stations, of which you will be
advised by the system of signals agreed upon, you will not lose any time in visiting
them during your outward voyage.
" After having made your way through the Straits and taken all necessary
observations, it will be advisable for you to push forward to the western coast of the
bay, and employ the time at your disposal with carefully examining Churchill Har-
bour and the Nelson .River, flowing into the bay, taking all necessary soundings and
observing the lead of this river up to Seal Island, with a view to ascertainicg the
suitability oftheseharbours,forthereceptionandsecurityofvesselsand the purposes
oftrade.
" In addition to this, any information, hydrographical, geological or with refer*
ence to the fisheries ofthat region, which you can gather, should be as carefully and
completely collected as opportunity permits.
"It would be well to delay your homeward voyage through the Straits to as
late a period as is consistent with safety and the labour involved in gathering the
men and plant of the observing stations, in order to gain whatever data you can as
to the condition ofthe Straits at the latest period ofnavigation.
"The observers, the houses and all portable and valuable articles at the stations
you will take on board the ' Alert' on your return voyage, and bring them with you
to Halifax.
"You will bear in mind that it is the wish of the Department to demonstrate as
far as possible the navigability of the Straits, for purposes of commerce, in point of
time and facility, and anything that will conduce to that end the Department relies
upon you to do to the limit ofthe means placed at your disposal.
"I am, Sir,
"Your most obedient servant,
"GEORGE E. FOSTER."
On receipt of this letter, I immediately prepared for sea, and sailed from Hali-
fax, leaving tho Departmental wharf at 3 p.m. on the 24th ofJune.
There were borne on tho ship's book at this date:
1 captain,
3 mates,
1 meteorological assistant,
1 boatswain,
20 able-bodied seamen,
1 lamp trimmer,
5 stewards and cooks,
2 engineers,
2 oilers,
6 stokers.
Capt Markham, R.N., also accompanied the expedition as the representative of
the Winnipeg and Hudson's Bay Railway Company, making 43 persons Jn all on
board at the date of sailing.
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