Greely was to proceed to some point on Lady Franklin Bay, which enters the mainland of North America at about 81 deg.

44' north latitude, build his station, and prepare for a two-years' stay.

Provisions for three years were supplied him.

At the end of one year it was promised, a relief ship should be sent him, which failing for any cause to reach the station, would cache supplies and dispatches at specified points.

A year later a second relief ship would be sent to bring the party home, and if for any reason this ship should fail to make the station, then Greely was to break camp and sledge to the southward, following the east coast of the mainland, until he met the vessel, or reached the point at which fresh supplies were to be cached.