It is believed that this book, with its true but none the less stirring adventures, will be of much interest to the general public, as well as gratifying to the many warm friends of Lieutenant Lockwood. It will likewise correct any erroneous impressions which may have arisen from the publication of garbled extracts from the official journals kept by the different members of the Greely party and, by order of the War Department, laid open to the public. By this order, Lockwood's journal and those of others became public property, and hence any reference to them in advance of their official publication is allowable.
The few pages devoted to the early life can not be expected to especially interest the general public, but will gratify Lieutenant Lockwood's friends. They are here produced to give them permanency, and to show his sterling character.
No attempt is here made to give a history of the Expedition, and only so much of Lockwood's journal is produced as shows his connection therewith. The voyage to Lady Franklin Bay is given more in detail, 2 as it presents a lively picture of an interesting people not much known, and as it exhibits the buoyant spirits with which he entered upon the work, before dissensions in camp had checked them, though without marring his faithfulness and energy. The important part he had in the enterprise, his zeal, energy, and loyalty to his chief and to the cause, all are fully set forth, and will be more clearly seen when the more elaborate history of the Expedition shall be published by Lieutenant Greely, as will shortly be done.
Although the journal has been freely used, its language and style have not been closely followed, except in those parts quoted which refer to Lockwood's sentiments and feelings. The deep pathos of these could be expressed as well in no other words.
