A Lesson Learned
In comparing The Rescue of Greely and P.W. Johnson’s diary, we encounter two vastly different narratives, each reflecting a distinct lens on the Greely Expedition’s harsh realities. The official narrative, as outlined in The Rescue of Greely, is carefully polished, using structured storytelling to emphasize the heroism of both the rescuers and the survivors. It aligns with a historical tendency to portray expeditions as epic struggles that validate human courage and perseverance.
On the other hand, Johnson’s diary strips away the veneer of heroism, replacing it with an immediacy and honesty that exposes the expedition's desperate human toll. His chaotic, unfiltered entries—filled with spelling inconsistencies and fragmented sentences—capture a tone of horror and pity as he describes the scene at Cape Sabine, recounting the sight of “multiple unburied bodies” and the “blood-smeared face” of a starving survivor.
In studying these two accounts, we learn that the truth of historical events often lies somewhere between official record and personal recollection. The Rescue of Greely underscores the endurance and valor central to Greely and Schley’s legacies, providing a focused narrative that celebrates resilience. Johnson’s diary, however, fills in the emotional void, illuminating the cost of survival with stark, unsettling clarity. Ultimately, these narratives remind us of the complexity of history, urging us to seek multiple perspectives to honor both the ideals and the individuals at the heart of every story.
Works Cited
Schley, W. S., & Soley, J. R. The Rescue of Greely, Illustrated from the Photographs and Maps of the Relief Expedition. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1885. https://www.yesterdaysmuse.com/pages/books/2332389/w-s-schley-j-r-soley-winfield-scott-james-russell/the-rescue-of-greely-illustrated-from-the-photographs-and-maps-of-the-relief-expedition
Schley: The Navy Man Who Saved Greely." The History Reader. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://www.thehistoryreader.com/military-history/schley-the-navy-man-who-saved-greely/.
Soley, James R." Naval History and Heritage Command. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/us-people/s/soley-james-r.html.
A Hoosier Shackleton: Julius Frederick and the Greely Expedition." Indiana History Blog. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://blog.history.in.gov/a-hoosier-shackleton-julius-frederick-and-the-greely-expedition.
"Johnson Diary." Dartmouth Library Digital Collections. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://fromthepage.com/dartmouthlibrary/johnsondiary.