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Diary
Call number: Mss1 Am 167 a 1 pages 96-96

“My dear brother, I write these lines in the faint hope that by God’s merciful providence they may reach you all at home. I have myself now very little hope of surviving. We have been without food for nearly 2 weeks.”

An excerpt of Ambler’s tender farewell dated October 20, 1881, written on pages from his so-called ice diary.

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Menu from the Nash papers
Call number: Mss1 N1786 a 8043

Several years after the Jeannette’s departure, Dr. Francis S. Nash joined an Arctic expedition to rescue the Greely (1884–85). This menu details the daily rations and is no doubt similar to that on the Jeannette. Notice that lime juice tops the list.

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Ambler watch
Call number: 1983.44

Dr. Ambler’s pocket watch was among the personal effects retrieved from his body and sent to his family.

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Ambler medal
Call numbers: 1983.43

This medal was issued to Dr. Ambler “in commemoration of perils encountered and as an expression of the high esteem in which Congress holds his service.” The act was approved September 30, 1890.

“Wherever we were and whatever our situation, Ambler proved himself a skilled physician, an excellent officer and a noble man.” George W. Melville, chief engineer of Jeannette and one of 13 survivors

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