The schooners Bowdoin and Sachem III are leaving Wiscasset embarking on an expedition to the coasts of Newfoundland, Laborador, Baffin Land, and Greenland.

The Sachem was the sister ship of the Bowdoin. Historically sister ships were similarly constructed to their companion ships so if the need arose that material from one ship had to be used on the other, it easily could be. For this trip the Sachem was used to assist Commander MacMillan and carry some some of the scientists for the expedition.