William H. (William Henry) Gilder
Schwatka's Search: Sledging in the Arctic in Quest of the Franklin Records
"Schwatka's Search: Sledging in the Arctic in Quest of the Franklin Records" by William H. Gilder is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The narrative recounts the ambitious journey led by Lieutenant Frederick Schwatka, who embarks on an Arctic expedition to uncover the fate of Sir John Franklin's ill-fated voyage and to locate the long-lost records of his expedition. This journey is marked by extreme cold, dangerous conditions, and the efforts of a diverse crew consisting of experienced explorers and local Inuit guides. The opening of the book introduces the reader to the context of Schwatka's search, detailing the historical significance of the Franklin expedition and the skepticism surrounding the various previous searches for it. The prologue sets a tone of adventure, revealing the determination and perseverance required by Schwatka and his companions as they leave their last point of contact, the schooner "Eothen," and venture into the treacherous Arctic landscape. The narrative showcases their preparations, the camaraderie amongst the crew, and the challenges they anticipate facing in pursuit of their goal, along with reflections on the weather, dangers of the land, and the dire implications of their quest.