Note 69 — Chapter X · LONG SLEDGE JOURNEY ALONG THE COAST NORTHWARDS—DISCOVERY OF KING WILLIAM’S ISLAND—MARCH 8TH TO APRIL 27TH, 1870.[64]

Ellinger, with his aspirations and intelligence, might have become a great support to the German Arctic Expedition, but he unfortunately died shortly after its return. In December, 1870, he left Rotterdam on a Dutch ship for Savannah, and after eleven days’ fever, in the hospital of that place, he died on the 26th February, 1871. Besides Payer every one connected with the Expedition gave him the most excellent character. In the official report of the Committee for the North German Expedition, in Bremen, on the 15th of July, 1871, it runs thus:—“Captain Koldewey and Dr. Copeland made honourable mention of Peter Ellinger, sailor on board the Germania during the second German Expedition, and who is lately dead. The death of this young man—he was only twenty-four—is still more to be deplored, as his whole conduct during that time led us to suppose that he would eventually prove an ornament to the German navy, not only from his cleverness in all seaman’s work, but also for his great interest in all nautical science. He thirsted for knowledge, and was very successful in meteorological and magnetic observations, and also took part in surveying; and being employed in all great undertakings, deserves the utmost thanks at the hands of the Expedition.”