Diary as a Reflection of Deteriorating Physical Wellbeing
David Brainard's diary provides two clear indicators of his physical deterioration over the course of the expedition - the quality of his handwritting and the quality of pages, including many stained pages towards the end of the diary.
Writing Quality
Below, Brainard's writing is pictured at two points in his journal - at the beginning of his documentation on March 1, 1884 (Page 73), and later on his final day of documentation on June 21, 1884 (Unpaginated), just one day before their ultimate rescue. By comparing Brainard's writing quality, we can conclude that his physical condition had evidently deteriorated, resulting in poorer writing quality.
Here, Brainard's writing is clear and crisp, complete with delicated cursive lettering and straight writing going horizontally across the page. Brainard writes: "Clear but with fresh westerly wind which at times caused much drift." This description of the scenery reflects the straightforward and informative tone of the diary, before the trip goes astray and becomes defined by starvation, freezing, and general physical deterioration.
Here, Brainard's writing is sloppy and uneven, with hurried pen strokes that lack the careful consideration of his earlier handwritting. Brainard writes: "Since day before yesterday Elison has eaten his stew by having a spoon tied to his wrist." This description of his fellow crewmember Elison reflects the true physical deterioration of others around him. Furthermore, Brainard himself is clearly is not in a positive enough physical state to maintain his writing quality.
Page Quality and Stains
Below, later pages of Brainard's diary are pictured. While earlier pages are rarely stained, these final pages of Brainard's diary are riddled with numerous distinct stains, which were likely stained in the final days of Brainard's journey as he got closer to the diary's end. In particular, five unique stains can be observed in the later pages of Brainard's diary. These all occur on unpaginated pages of the book; thus, these pages have been distinguished by the number of pages after Page 240, the final numbered page of the diary.
This first stain can be found on the page one after 240 through 24 pages after 240. This larger stain occurs in the bottom right corner on the diary on a page with writing on it. Due to this larger stain size, it can be inferred that this stain was the result of spilled liquid on the page.
This second stain can be found on the page 25 after 240 through 27 pages after 240. This smaller stain occured towards the bottom of the page and is defined by small brushes up onto the page. Due to this smaller stain size, it can be inferred that this stain was the result of Brainard's wet, icy fingers brushing against the bottom of the page.
This third stain can be found on the page 32 after 240 through 43 pages after 240. This long, dotted stain occured along the right side of the page and is quite dark in color. Due to the dotting of this stain, it can be inferred that this stain was the result of Brainard's fingers clutching his diary, resulting in numerous stain dots around the size of a fingertip.
This fourth stain can be found on the page 44 after 240 through 47 pages after 240. This smaller stain occured towards the center of the page and appears similar in appearance to the second observed stain. As a result, it can be inferred that this stain too was the result of Brainard's fingers brushing against the page.
This fifth and final stain can be found on the page 48 after 240 through 51 pages after 240. This larger stain occured in the bottom right corner of the page and appears similar in appearance to the first observed stain. As a result, it can be inferred that this stain too was the result of spilled liquid on the page.
Ultimately, the evidence of decreasing handwriting and page quality due to stains provide an indicator of Brainard's deteriorating physical condition towards the end of the expedition. While it is no doubt a miracle that he still maintained this diary despite the immense suffering of him and his crew, the later pages of his diary further display his physical decline.