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 EXPLORATION. 
 
 
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 POLAR COLONIZATION. 
 
 To the Honorable Senators and Members of the forty- 
 fourth Congress this brief memoir is respectfully submitted, 
 in the hope that its perusal will convince them of the wis- 
 dom of supporting the plan for establishing a temporary 
 Arctic colony which it sets forth, and in the hope that, 
 under the direction of Divine Providence, it may prove of 
 service in promoting and furthering the attainment of an 
 object so worthy alike of national ambition and of national 
 success. 
 
 HEKRY W. HOWGATE. 
 
ARCTIC EXPLORATION. 
 
 In the House of Represenatives, January 8, 1877. Read 
 twice, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and 
 ordered to be printed. 
 
 Mr. Hunter, on leave, introduced the following bill : A 
 bill to authorize and equip an expedition to the Arctic Seas. 
 
 " Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
 the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the 
 President of the United States be authorized to organize 
 and send out one or more expeditions toward the north pole, 
 and to establish a temporary colony, for purposes of explor- 
 ation, at some point north of the eighty-first degree of north 
 latitude, on or near the shore of Lady Franklin Bay ; to 
 detail such officers or other persons of the public service to 
 take part in the same as may be necessary, and to use any 
 public vessel that may be suitable for the purpose ; the 
 scientific operations of the expedition to be prosecuted in 
 accordance with the advice of the National Academy of 
 Science ; and that the sum of fifty thousand dollars, or such 
 part therof as may be necessary, be hereby appropriated out 
 of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, 
 to be expended under the direction of the President: Pro- 
 vided, that no part of the sum so appropriated shall be car- 
 ried to the surplus fund or covered into the Treasury 
 until the purpose of the appropriation shall have been 
 completed, but may be applied to expenses of said expedition 
 incurred during any subsequent year that said expedition 
 may be engaged in its duties." 
 
INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 The history of Arctic exploration is one of the most 
 thrilling interest, and its pages, whether turned by the 
 hands of youth or of mature r years, enchain alike the facul- 
 ties of thought and fancy with a weird fascination akin to 
 that whereby the "ancient mariner" held the wedding 
 guest a captive to his will. Since the days of the gallant 
 Frobisher — the first Englishman who sailed in search of the 
 famous northwest passage — of Raleigh, Drake and Hawkins, 
 the gallant men of Devon, and of the fated Hendrick Hud- 
 son, who perished so miserably upon his ill-starred quest, 
 down to the latter times of Ross and Parry, of the canonized 
 Franklin and the unfortunate Hall, the icy barriers of the 
 Pole have guarded, still unsolved, their strange, mysterious 
 riddle, as surely as the Egyptian sphinx has kept its hidden 
 lore beneath the burning sands of an equally inhospitable 
 clime. The lists of holy martyrdom contain no names illu- 
 minated by a purer piety, the rolls of chivalry no titles 
 gilded by deeds of greater prowess, than the history of that 
 strange region has given to an admiring world or shrouded 
 from the knowledge of mankind behind its un lifted veil of 
 mystery. Men of many diverse nations have penetrated 
 those gloomy fastnesses to wage fierce warfare for the sake 
 of science and of gain, while the impelling motives of the 
 navigators have been as various as their nationalities. The 
 love of adventure which stimulated the hardy sons of Devon 
 was spurred to more earnest action by visions of Cathay, 
 but the lust for gold which sought its outlet and highway 
 in the " northwest passage " has not alone inspired the 
 breasts of those who made the oft-recurring journeys over 
 this frozen road to honor. The high minded sentiments of 
 honorable governments who would not leave to unknown 
 fates the gallant sons whom they sent forth to conquer 
 nature, and the undying love of a great lady for her missing 
 lord — a love which knew no shadow of change through 
 time or doubt or distance — these nobler causes have con- 
 tributed more than all else to emblazon the pages of Arctic 
 history with names whose lustre time can never dim. Nor 
 has mankind alone been the explorer of these hidden 
 regions. Ships manned by no human hands have sailed 
 the ice bound seas. Steered by the helmsman Fate upon 
 their unknown voyage through Boreal solitudes they have 
 
yet returned staunch, taut and seaworthy; and although no 
 human intelligence traced upon the log book any record of 
 the cruise, still they have told to practical eyes truths which 
 have iiided the unraveling of the great primeval mystery. 
 
 The history of several abandonded whaling vessels, and 
 more particularly of the Resolute — her fifteen months' soli- 
 tary cruise and subsequent recovery — is too well known to 
 need further mention here. 
 
 But the glamor of romance and the intense longing to 
 grapple with and solve the mysteries of the unknown — 
 strong though their influence may be upon the human 
 mind and the human inclination — sink to utter insignificance 
 when compared with the nobler aims which urge mankind 
 toward the conquest of the Pole. Almost every depart- 
 ment, of terrestrial and celestial science alike, abounds 
 with great problems whose solution will be found alone be- 
 hind the icy barriers of the North, and to a few of these 
 the attention of the reader will be briefly directed. 
 
 ' GEOGRAPHY. 
 
 This science will derive most substantial benefits and ad- 
 ditions from further Polar research. To ascertain whether 
 the Polar sea contains important lands or islands scattered 
 throughout it, and to settle finally the true configuration of 
 Greenland, may be noted as two of the most important 
 points to be decided. 
 
 HYDROGRAPHY AND METEOROLOGY. 
 
 Already in. these two great branches of science, so im- 
 portant, not only to the needs of trade and commerce, but 
 to our daily wants and existence, the United States are in 
 advance of all the nations of the earth, and in no other re- 
 gion are discoveries so important to be looked for as will 
 doubtless be made within the Polar basin. The question of 
 ocean streams and currents, where the Gulf stream and 
 Kurosiwo end and the Polar current commences, with the 
 phenomena attending the diurnal rise and fall of the tides, 
 the direction, changes, velocity and character of winds, also 
 many questions of temperature, can nowhere be studied 
 with absolute success unless it be within this wondrous area. 
 
 GEODESY. 
 
 A series of observations upon the vibrations of a pendu- 
 lum swinging in the immediate vicinity of the Pole can 
 
alone accurately determine the true configuration of the 
 earth and settle definitely many disputed points connected 
 with the laws of gravity which are still uncertain. Upon 
 these important subjects some of the most valuable infor- 
 mation yet obtained has been gained from the careful and 
 thorough experiments made by the scientific members of 
 the Polaris expedition, experiments under the direction of 
 our own National Academy of Science. 
 
 MAGNETISM, ASTRONOMY, &C. 
 
 Terrestrial magnetism and atmospheric electricity can be 
 studied in these regions more satisfactorily and with better 
 prospects of important discovery than in any other portion 
 of the globe. In solar and stellar chemistry, numberless 
 facts concerning the solar corona and the zodiacal and auroral 
 lights are yet wanting to a more perfect knowledge of the 
 science and its laws, facts which must be looked for near 
 the Pole, and there alone. The study of the spectrum of the 
 sun, the aurora, and the Arctic twilight, will yield rich and 
 increasing treasurers of knowledge. A phenomena defying 
 all description and accurate classification, its study in high 
 latitudes by careful observers, and the spectrum analysis will 
 yield new and important truths to science. The Arctic win- 
 ter is a more pleasant season for such observations than is 
 usually supposed. The long Polar night is said to be 
 " more endurable and more enjoyable" with its corruscating 
 splendors of the aurora borealis, than the same season fur- 
 ther south, with its mist and fog. To quote Dr. Kane, "the 
 intense beauty of the Arctic firmament can hardly be im- 
 agined; it looked close above our heads, with its stars 
 magnified in glory, and the very planets twinkling so much 
 as to baffle the observation of our astronomer." 
 
 MINERALOGY. 
 
 The Polar regions are rich in this department. Graphite, 
 and other useful minerals are abundant, while cryolite, the 
 double fluoride of sodium and aluminum, which has been 
 found so invaluable in the industrial arts of this country, is 
 not known to exist in any other part of the world. Gold 
 has also been found, and a colony remaining for several 
 seasons would probably be able to determine the extent and 
 value of the auriferous deposits. 
 
 GEOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY, ETC. 
 
 The geology of this distant clime is especially worthy of 
 
6 
 
 close and extended study, while its flora and fauna are of 
 the greatest interest to the naturalist. The Arctic regions 
 are the richest of the world in fossil remains, and in the de- 
 partment of Ethnolog}^ suggest an inquiry of equal interest 
 and importance. In latitude 81° 30', Captain Hall found 
 traces of human beings, and if land should be found at the 
 pole, within the Polar sea, traces may be discovered of that 
 race of Arctic Highlanders, anterior to the Esquimaux, of 
 whose former existence Sir John Ross obtained such, indubi- 
 table proofs.* 
 
 Tt is impossible in a brief memoir to do more than glance, 
 in the briefest manner, at the principal triumphs which are 
 to be won in these far distant -regions and in the cause of 
 science, while the absolute poverty of any summary, so at- 
 tempted, can readily be imagined when it is remembered 
 that the volume of scientific instruction and suggestion, 
 prepared under the direction of the British Royal Society, 
 or the guidance of Arctic explorers, contained nearly 800 
 pages. 
 
 From the year 860, when Naddodr, the Norwegian, sailed 
 northwest toward the Arctic regions and discovered the 
 island of Iceland, down to the departure of Captain Allen 
 Young from England, in 1876, to communicate with the 
 depots of the Alert and the Discovery under Captain Xares, 
 there have been no less than two hundred Arctic voyages of 
 which we possess authentic record. In the 9th century there 
 was one, in the tenth one, in the eleventh, twelfth, thir- 
 teenth and fourteenth centuries, one each. Then they com- 
 mence to increase very rapidly in numbers, for in the fif- 
 teenth century there were three ; in the sixteenth, twenty- 
 two, and in the seventeenth, thirty-eight; while from 1800 
 to 1850 there were thirty-seven, and from 1851 to 1876, no 
 less than sixty-nine expeditions. 
 
 It is only necessary here, however, to glance rapidly at 
 five of the most recent Arctic voyages. 
 
 DE HAVEN'S EXPEDITION. 
 
 This was first in order of those which may be considered 
 purely American, and was fitted out by the United States 
 Government, but chiefly at the cost of Mr. Henry Grinnell, 
 
 * There prevails, indeed, even now, among the Esquimaux, traditions of 
 lands far north of their own, inhabited by a people superior to themselves in 
 knowledge and intelligence; lands where long bearded men fatten the musk 
 ox and where churches and clocks are found. 
 
of New York City. It consisted of two small brigs, the 
 Advance, of 140, and the Rescue, of 90 tons ; was organized 
 for the purpose of exploration, and also of searching for the 
 missing Sir John Franklin, being designed to co-operate 
 with several English expeditions for the same purpose which 
 had started for, or were already cruising within the Arctic 
 circle. The expedition was commanded with distinguished 
 ability and zeal throughout by Lieutenant Edwin J. DeHa- 
 ven, of the United States Navy, and sailed from New York 
 May 24, 1850, accompanied, as surgeon and naturalist, by 
 the celebrated Eastern and Arctic explorer, Dr. Kane, of 
 whom more hereafter. The plan of the. expedition was to 
 push forward, without delay, toward Bank's Land and Mel- 
 ville Island, and generally to make the best use of every 
 opportunity for exploring in that direction. At this time 
 there were within the Eastern Arctic waters no less than 
 eleven vessels belonging to various exploring expeditions. 
 DeHaven visited Cape Riley and Beechy Island, about three 
 miles west of the cape and just at the entrance of Welling- 
 ton Channel, in the latter part of August, where traces of 
 the Franklin party had been found, and wintered in the vi- 
 cinity of ships of the other expeditions. The spring of 
 1851 was devoted to land explorations, in which the. shores 
 of Wellington Channel, the coast of Bank's Land, and the 
 waters leading from Barrow's Strait to Melville Island, were 
 thoroughly explored. DeHaven, with his compeers, dicov- 
 ered 675 miles of hitherto unknown coast, and to him and 
 his expedition belongs exclusively the honor of discovering 
 Grinnell Land, to the north and west of Smith's Sound and 
 Kennedy Channel. Finally, their expedition, which had 
 gallantly led the way wherever they could go, and whose 
 commander earned for himself at the hands of the English 
 the sobriquet of " the mad Yankee," after enduring much 
 suffering and danger, arrived in New York, the Advance on 
 September 30, and the Rescue on October 3, 1851, having 
 been absent a little over sixteen months, and having win- 
 tered within the Arctic seas. It is worthy of notice here 
 that Lieutenant DeHaven invariably found that the water of 
 the Polar seas preserved beneath the ice a temperature of 
 28° Fahrenheit, or 4° below the melting point of fresh 
 water ice. 
 
 DR. KANE'S EXPEDITION. 
 
 This expedition was another of those sent out in search of 
 
Sir John Franklin. It was fitted out at the expense of the 
 United States, Mr. Grinnell and Mr. George Peabody; 
 sailed from New York May 30, 1853, and followed the Smith 
 Sound route. Kane wintered in 1853-54 in Rensselaer Bay, 
 on the western coast of Greenland in latitude 78° 37' north. 
 Leaving his ship, the Advance, he made a boat journey to 
 Upernavik, 6° further south, and next traced Kennedy 
 Channel, the northerly prolongation of Smith's Sound, to 
 latitude 81° 22' north, and sighted the highest northerly 
 land which had been seen up to that time. Hayes, who ac- 
 companied him, reached a still higher latitude in dog- 
 sledges. Members of the expedition saw an open sea to the 
 north of Kennedy Channel with tides which ebbed and 
 flowed, and these tides must have come from the Atlantic 
 ocean, most probably by and through the North Atlantic 
 Channel. Members of this expedition, during its stay in 
 these regions, penetrated as far as latitude 80° 35', a point 
 named by thern Cape Constitution, in Washington Land. 
 On May 17, 1855, they abandoned the Advance, and after a 
 journey of eighty-four days in boats and sledges, after many 
 narrow escapes and much privation they reached Uper- 
 navik on the 9th of August, where they were found by 
 Captain Hartstene, commanding the 'Release and steamer 
 Arctic, an expedition which had been fitted out by the United 
 States to find and rescue them. Dr. Kane, in a scientific 
 point of view, attained most important results, among some 
 of them may be mentioned the following: 
 
 1. The discovery of a large channel to the northwest, 
 free of ice, and leading into an open and expanding area, 
 equally free. 
 
 2. The discovery and delineation of a large tract of land, 
 forming the extension northward of the American con- 
 tinent. 
 
 3. The completion of the circuit of the straits and bay 
 heretofore known at their southermost opening of Smith's 
 Sound. 
 
 The expedition finally reached New York, on its return, 
 in October, 1855, having spent two winters in the Polar 
 regions. A remarkable feature of this expedition was that 
 the existence of the open Polar Sea which it discovered, had 
 been already maintained by T)r. Kane, in a paper read before 
 the American Geographical Society, October 14th, 1852. 
 "Well deserved honors were showered upon the lion hearted 
 explorer. Gold medals were awarded to him by Congress, 
 
9 
 
 by the Legislature of New York, and by the Royal Geo- 
 graphical Society of London. He also received the Queen's 
 medal given to Arctic explorers between the years 1818 and 
 1856, and a testimonial from the British residents of New 
 York city. 
 
 HAYES' EXPEDITION. 
 
 Dr. Isaac I. Hayes, who accompanied the enterprise just 
 referred to, and a firm believer in the theory of the open 
 Polar Sea, succeeded with the aid of private subscriptions in 
 organizing and fitting out another Arctic exploring expedi- 
 tion. With a company of only fourteen men he left Boston 
 July 6, 1860, in the schooner United States for Proven and 
 Upernavik, in Greenland, arriving at the latter place on the 
 12th of August, where he took on board three Danes, three 
 Esquimaux and a number of dogs for sledge work. Hayes 
 entered Baffin's Bay about the 20th of August, but was so 
 delayed by ice that although he had designed reaching some 
 point between latitude 79° and 80°, the schooner was frozen 
 in at Port Foulke, a point about latitude 78°. Several sledge 
 journeys were made during the winter months, but were 
 somewhat barren of results until April 3, when with several 
 sledges drawn by dogs, a lifeboat upon another sledge drawn 
 by men, and twelve of his crew, he started across Smith's 
 Sound to Grinnell Land to explore its coast line. After 
 encountering great danger and difficulty, sending back nearly 
 all the party, several sledges and the -lifeboat, which could 
 not be carried further, Hayes with three men reached Cape 
 Hawks, Grinnell Land, on May the 11th. Turning north- 
 wards, they explored the coast for several days, but the men 
 were exhausted, and Hayes was obliged to leave two of them 
 on the way. With Knorr, his remaining companion, Dr. 
 Hayes reached latitude 81° 35' on May 18, 1861, further 
 advance being forbidden by the rotten ice and cracks. 
 Having no boat the explorer retraced his steps, and taking 
 up in detail the men he had dropped out en route, he reached 
 the schooner in the beginning of June, after a toilsome 
 journey, when, finding that she was so much damaged as to 
 render further extended exploration impossible, he returned 
 to Boston in October, 1861, fully determined to make another 
 effort, which the civil war prevented him from undertaking. 
 
 CAPTAIN HALL. 
 
 This expedition, the last sent out from American shores, 
 and the one, which in spite of its unfortunate conclusion, 
 
10 
 
 did more towards the solution of the points in question and 
 the advancement of scientific knowle'clge than any of its 
 predecessors, left Newfoundland, June 29th, 1871, sailed up 
 Smith's Sound, and reached the 80th parallel ahout the end 
 of August. Thence it proceeded up Kennedy Channel, and 
 penetrated into Robeson Channel, its northern prolongation, 
 and only thirteen miles wide. This passage was followed 
 to 82° 16' north latitude, being the highest point up to that 
 time attained by any ship. Thence she returned to winter 
 in Thank-God Harbor, a point on Robeson Channel latitude 
 81° 38. During the early autumn of the same year, Captain 
 Hall made a sledge journey northwards, reaching latitude 
 82° 3', and returning from this journey was taken ill and 
 died November 8th, 1871, when Captain Buddington, the 
 former sailing master, succeeded to the command. The 
 Polaris left her winter quarters in August, 1872, and on 
 October 15, 1872, being fast in the ice about latitude 78° 
 20' and leaking badly, a part of the crew, while landing pro- 
 visions, were separated from her by the breaking up of the 
 ice floe, and drifted rapidly southward. On April 30, 1873, 
 they were picked up by the ship Tigress — sent out by the 
 United States to find and rescue them — in latitude 53° 35' 
 north The remainder of the crew who were left on the 
 Polaris were rescued June 23d, 1873, by the Scotch steamer 
 Pavenscraig, about latitude 75° 30'. 
 
 CAPTAIN NARBS. 
 
 It may not be out of place here to give a brief outline of 
 the last expedition which has returned from the Polar basin, 
 and thus bring down to the present date the records of 
 Arctic research, more especially as the route which it took 
 was that followed by Kane, Hayes and Hall. The Alert and 
 Discovery, under Captains Nares and Stephenson, sailed 
 from England in May, 1875, and left Upernavik in Green- 
 land July 22d of the same year. Passing through Smith's 
 Sound and Kennedy Channel, the Discovery wintered in 
 latitude 81° 44', but the Alert struggled on through Robe- 
 son Channel, rounded the northeast point of Grantland, and 
 found not, as was anticipated, a continuous coast line, but a 
 vast ice bound sea. Finding no harbor, the ship was 
 secured inside a barrier of ice in latitude 82° 31', the most 
 northerly wintering place ever yet occupied by man. The 
 winter which followed was the severest on record. For 142 
 days the sun was never seen, and the mercury was frozen 
 
11 
 
 during a period of nearly nine weeks. Upon one occasion 
 the thermometer showed 104° below the freezing point, and 
 during two fearful weeks the mean temperature was 91° 
 below the freezing point. As soon as the sun reappeared 
 sledge exploration began. One party went east, exploring 
 the northern shore of Greenland, and the other explored 
 westward on the shores of G-rantland. Captain Stephenson, 
 of the Discovery, crossed Robeson Channel to Polaris Bay 
 and erected over the grave of Captain Hall a tablet with a 
 suitable inscription, which had been brought out from Eng- 
 land for the purpose. The shores of Grantland were traced 
 to longitude 85° 33', while those of Greenland were ex- 
 plored as far east as (west) longitude 50° 40'. Lastly, a 
 party commanded by Commander Markham pushed north- 
 ward, and after unheard of difficulties, on May 12, 1876, 
 they planted the British flag in latitude 83° 20' 26", which 
 is believed to be the most northern point ever reached by 
 civilized man. After accomplishing these results the ex- 
 pedition returned to Great Britain, arriving at Valencia, 
 Ireland, October 27th, 1876. 
 
 CAUSES OF FAILURE. 
 
 From this rapid survey of the more recent expeditions it 
 will be seen that though Dr. Hayes, with only limited means 
 at his command, and a small number of men made as 
 high a latitude as 81° 35' in 1861: Captain Hall went only 
 thirty-six nautical miles beyond him ; while Captain ISTares, 
 with two vessels and over a hundred men, fitted out at a 
 cost of a million of dollars, went only some seventy nautical 
 miles beyond Captain Hall's furthest northern point. The 
 records of Arctic exploration afford' to the careful reader 
 many details of great and exceeding interest, and none of 
 these are more instructive than those which point the causes 
 leading to the failure of so many expeditions planned with 
 so much prudence and foresight, so thoroughly organized 
 and so brave'ry led.. Prominent amongst these causes may 
 be named the following : 
 
 First The expeditions were frequently sent out in the 
 severest seasons, and at times when meteorological science, 
 now so closely studied, was either in its infancy or entirely 
 unknown, and could not be used to forecast the possibilities 
 of closed or open seasons. 
 
 Second. Much valuable time — often the precious period 
 during which alone the way was open and the temperature 
 
12 
 
 favorable — was lost by the explorers in making the voyage 
 to the scene of their operations, which they reached, in many 
 instances, only to find exploration impossible, and to be en- 
 closed for whole seasons in the relentless ice, advance or 
 retreat being alike impossible. 
 
 Third. The hardships of this voyage out, with its delays, 
 too often so tried the men and sapped their strength that 
 upon arriving in the Arctic basin they were unfitted for 
 the work of exploration. 
 
 Fourth. The neglect or insufficient use of lime juice and 
 other anti-scorbutics. 
 
 Fifth. The lack of proper discipline, which, in expedi- 
 tions of this kind should be of the most thorough and per- 
 fect character. 
 
 Sixth. The failure to emploj^ the Esquimaux as guides, 
 hunters and assistants, and their invaluable dogs for draft 
 purposes in the sledges. 
 
 Seventh. The imperfect means of communication — such, 
 for instance, as signalling or telegraphing — between sepa- 
 rated members or parties of the same expedition : and, 
 
 Eighth, and most important of all, a cause, fruitful of 
 much disaster, which has sown in so many promising un- 
 dertakings of the kind the seeds of dissension and of utter 
 failure — dependence upon their vessels. Having their ships 
 always near them, or within reach in case of need, as 
 " cities of refuge" — having save them no fixed habitation, 
 rendezvous or base of operations — with them they were 
 timid, unadventurous and irresolute, while without them 
 they were helpless and despairing. 
 
 And this brings us to the plan which is now proposed for 
 adoption, a plan in which it is hoped to redeem the errors of 
 the past by the knowledge of the present and the fair prom- 
 ise of the future. From the wrecks of former expeditions, 
 with their tales of suffering and disaster, we should be able 
 to pluck at last the weapon with which to conquer success. 
 The days of spasmodic and unsupported expeditions have 
 passed away, and a new era should open with the effort to 
 commence the steady conquest, step by step — each step 
 being used as the coign of vantage from which to plan and 
 plant its successor — of the ice-bound cordon which environs 
 the open sea, until the Columbus of Arctic discovery shall 
 plow its virgin waters. 
 
13 
 THE COLONIZATION PLAN. 
 
 PRELIMINARY. 
 
 The expedition of Captain Hall in the Polaris, in 1871, and 
 of Captain Nares in the Alert and Discovery, in 1875, have 
 shown that by the use of steam it is a comparatively easy 
 matter to reach the entrance to Robeson's Channel in lati- 
 tude 81° north, and that the serious difficulties to be over- 
 come in reaching the Pole lie beyond that point. Parties 
 from the two expeditions have made fair surveys 140 miles 
 north of this, leaving only about 400 miles of unexplored re- 
 gions between that and the goal of modern geographers — the 
 Pole. 
 
 "When Captain Hall reached the upper extremity of Robe- 
 son's Channel the lookout of the Polaris reported open 
 water in sight and just beyond the pack which surrounded 
 the vessel and prevented further progress. This open water 
 was afterwards seen from the cape at the northern opening 
 of Newman's Bay, and it was the opinion of the crew of that 
 ill-fated vessel that if she had been but the fraction of an 
 hour earlier in reaching the channel they could have steam- 
 ed unobstructed over a veritable " open sea " to the Pole 
 itself. We know that they did not succeed, but were forced 
 to winter almost within sight of this sea, and subsequently, 
 disheartened by the loss of their gallant commander, aban- 
 doned the enterprise. 
 
 Where this open water was found Captain Nares, in 1875 
 and 1876, found solid, impenetrable ice, through which no 
 vessel could force its way, and over which it was equally im- 
 possible for sledge parties to work. 
 
 These facts appear to show that within the Arctic circle the 
 seasons vary as markedly as in more temperate southern 
 latitudes, and that the icy barriers to the Pole are sometimes 
 broken up by favoring winds and temperature. To reach the 
 Pole prompt advantage must be taken of such favoring cir- 
 cumstances, and to do this with the greatest certainty and 
 with the least expenditure of time, money, and human life, 
 it is essential that the exploring party be on the ground at 
 the very time the ice gives way and opens the gateway to the 
 long sought prize. This can only be done by colonizing a 
 few hardy, resolute, and experienced men at some point 
 near the borders of the Polar Sea, and the most favorable 
 one for the purpose appears to be that where the Discovery 
 wintered last year. 
 
14 
 
 THE COLONY. 
 
 Such a party should consist of at least fifty men, and 
 should be provided with provisions and other necessary sup- 
 plies for three years, at the end of which period they should 
 be visited, and if still unsuccessful in accomplishing the 
 object, revictualled and again left to their work. Captain 
 Hall spent eight years among the Esquimaux, and each year 
 found himself better fitted to withstand the severity of the 
 Arctic circle, and the party of which I speak would in like 
 manner become acclimated, and eventually succeed in ac- 
 complishing the long-sought end. With a strong, substan- 
 tial building, such as could easily be carried on shipboard, 
 the party could be made as comfortable and as safe from 
 atmospheric dangers as are the men of the signal service 
 stationed on the summits of Pike's Peak and Mount Wash- 
 ington, or the employes of the Hudson's Bay Company 
 stationed at Fort York, where a temperature of minus 60 
 degrees is not uncommon. A good supply of medicine, a 
 skillful surgeon, and such fresh provision as could be found 
 by hunting parties would enable them to keep oif scurvy, 
 and to maintain as good a sanitary condition as the inhabi- 
 tants of Godhaven, in Greenland. Game was found in fair 
 quantities by the Polaris party on the Greenland coast, and 
 by those from the Alert and Discovery on the mainland to the 
 west, especially in the vicinity of the last-named vessel, 
 where fifty-four musk oxen were killed during the season, 
 with quantities of other and smaller game. A seam of good 
 coal was also found by the Discovery's' party, which would 
 render the question of fuel a light one, and thus remove one 
 of the greatest difficulties hitherto found by Arctic voyagers. 
 
 The principal depot or post is to be located upon Lady 
 Frankin Bay between latitude 81° and 82°, and there is 
 no question that this can be reached with a steam vessel, as 
 Captain Hall went as high as Cape Union, between latitude 
 82° and 83° with the Polaris, and Captain Nares still higher 
 with the Alert. It is probable that the last named point 
 may be reached with the vessel, in which case coal and pro- 
 visions could be deposited there to form a secondary base 
 of operations for the exploring party. If this latter can he 
 done the road to the Pole will be shortened by about ninety 
 miles in distance and three weeks or more in time, two very 
 important items. It should be clearly understood, that 
 the only use to be made of the vessel, which it is hoped 
 
15 
 
 to obtain from the ]STavy Department, is in the transporta- 
 tion of the men and supplies to the location of the colony. 
 When this is done the vessel will return to the United States 
 and await further instructions. An annual visit might be 
 made to the colony, to carry fresh food and supplies, to keep 
 its members informed of events occurring in the outside 
 world, and bear them news and letters from anxious rela- 
 tives, to bring back news of progress made and of a private 
 character to friends; also, if necessary, to bring back in- 
 valided members of the expedition, and carry out fresh 
 colonists to take their places. This annual visit, however, 
 is not absolutely necessary, for if the return trip is deferred 
 until the third year, it is probable that the work of the 
 colony will be found completed, and it can be permanently 
 abandoned. The vessel should, of course, take out a 
 sufficient quantity of supplies to enable the colony to 
 remain longer than three years if necessary. It is hoped 
 that Congress will authorize the employment of detailed 
 officers and men to form the majority of the colony, as this 
 plan will best secure that military discipline, without which 
 the failure of former expeditions will undoubtedly find a 
 new parallel in this last one. The permanent colony shall 
 consist of fifty selected men , mustered into the service of the 
 United States, three commisisoned officers, and two sur- 
 geons ; all to be selected with a view to their especial fitness 
 for the w r ork, young, able bodied, resolute men, who can be 
 depended upon to carry out instructions to the extreme limit 
 of human endurance. An astronomer and two or more 
 naturalists, to be selected by the National Academy of 
 Sciences, and to work under instructions from that body, but 
 subject to such general supervision and direction from the 
 head of the expedition, as is customary at all posts in charge 
 of an officer of the United States, should accompany the 
 expedition. One or more members of the regular force 
 should be competent to make. meteorological observations, 
 and to communicate by telegraph and signals whenever such 
 communication becomes necessary. 
 
 ESQUIMAUX AND DOGS. 
 
 To the expeditionary corps brought from the United 
 States should be added a number of Esquimaux to serve as 
 hunters, guides, &c, and who can be taken over with their 
 families from Disco or Upernavik, in Greenland, and also 
 an ample number of the Esquimaux dogs, so indispensable 
 
16 
 
 for sledging and so useful as food when their capacity for 
 work is gone. 
 
 ANTI-SCORBUTICS. 
 
 The outfit of the Polaris expedition offers a safe guide in 
 this respect, and one which, if followed, will afford proper 
 safeguards against scurvy. Lime juice has been used too 
 often and has proved too absolute an antidote for its virtues 
 to be called in question now. 
 
 THE COLONY 
 
 should be kept under the strictest discipline, and to this end 
 should be formally enrolled in the military service, save 
 perhaps the strictly scientific members. By discipline only 
 can such control be exercised as will be indispensable to the 
 successful ending of the search. 
 
 One cannot read without pain the account of the Polaris' 
 expedition, where the bonds of discipline, only too loose 
 before Hall's untimely death, were entirely relaxed after it. 
 The first in command of the new expedition should be a man 
 able not only to gauge men but to control them, and his 
 second should be like unto him. Enthusiasm and energy 
 are especially desirable, but coolness of temper, firmness of 
 rule, persistency of purpose, and a well balanced mind, fer- 
 tile in resources and expedients, are indispensable to success. 
 
 The outfit of the expedition should include some two 
 hundred miles or more of copper wire, to connect the colony 
 at Lady Franklin Bay with the subsidiary depot at Cape 
 Union, and thence northward as far as practicable. Copper 
 wire is strong, light, flexible and a good conductor, and can 
 be worked while lying upon the dry snow or ice without 
 support. The necessary battery, material and instruments 
 should be taken to equip the amount of line, and the battery 
 could be kept permanently at the Bay station, where, fuel 
 being abundant, it could be kept from freezing. A few 
 sets of signal equipments, such as are used in the army sig- 
 nal service, would also form an indispensable part of the 
 outfit, and all of the men should be instructed in their use 
 and in the signal code. Thus provided with means of com- 
 munication the sledging parties could move forward with 
 confidence, as they would be able, when necessary, to call 
 upon their comrades who remained behind for advice or 
 assistance. Open water will, it is believed, be found in any 
 ordinary season before the party gets as far north as 83° 20' 
 
17 
 
 .26", the turning point of Lieutenant Markham's sledge party, 
 and that boats can thence be used to the land which it is 
 still believed will be found about latitude 85°, in accord- 
 ance with Captain Hall's theory based upon the native 
 traditions. The existence of coal at the Discovery's winter 
 quarters settles the question of colonization and the location 
 of the colony as a means of Polar exploration ; and the 
 Nares expedition would have been a success if it had done 
 nothing more than this. The failure of his admirably equip- 
 ped expedition is in a great measure attributable to the ab- 
 normally cold season and the exceptionable character of the 
 winds, which had resulted in the formation of ice ridges 
 running across the line of march, thus making progress dif- 
 ficult, slow and dangerous. It is reasonable to suppose from 
 past meteorological records that these unusual conditions 
 will not exist during the preseut season, and, indeed, may 
 not occur again for several years. Instead of discouraging 
 further effort, the failure of Nares' expedition from the 
 causes named should stimulate fresh endeavors, and hold 
 out a fair prospect of success. At any rate, the little colony 
 on Lad}' Franklin Bay during their three years' residence, 
 besides having the opportunity of selecting an open season, 
 and becoming thoroughly hardened and acclimated, would 
 have their work narrowed down to a common focus — the 
 pathway due north. The work of the ISTares expedition clears 
 the way for a direct movement upon the Pole. The explora- 
 tions westward along the coast by Lieutenant Aldrich, and 
 eastward by Lieutenant Beaumont, obviate the necessity for 
 similar work now. Upon landing and unloading the stores 
 and provisions quarters should be erected, and the vessel, 
 returning to the United States, would leave behind her a 
 thoroughly equipped, self supporting and self reliant colony 
 which would push, ever northward, the limits of discovery. 
 
 SLEDGE JOURNEYS. 
 
 The attempt to draw the loaded sledges by means of mere 
 manual labor should not be made unless it should become 
 in any particular instance a matter of absolute necessity, as 
 it is sure to result disastrously, and seems to have been one 
 of the causes of failure of the Nares expedition. The ex- 
 pedition from the colony to the Pole may consist of eight 
 sledges, with six men to each sledge, the distance to be 
 traveled being some 400 miles, divided into eight stages of 
 fifty miles each. At the end of the first stage one sledge 
 
18 
 
 could be sent back. A portion of the provisions which it 
 originally carried would have been consumed, and the rest 
 would have been deposited in a cache in the ice secure from 
 Arctic animals. At the end of the second stage the second 
 sledge would be sent back ; at the close of the third stage 
 the third sledge would take up its homeward journey, and, 
 following out this plan, only a single sledge would remain. 
 The returning sledges being but lightly freighted, and 
 traveling, moreover, a route already pioneered, several of 
 their hands could be retained so as to man the eighth sledge 
 with ten or more explorers. This last sledge with its full 
 complement would perform the most important work of all. 
 It would press forward, reach the Pole, make the necessary 
 observations and then return. Upon its homeward jour- 
 ney it would follow the route already made in the forward 
 journey, and would find provisions at each successive cache. 
 This portion of the plan would be useful in a closed season, 
 but in an open one the journey would have to be made 
 either wholly in boats or partly in these and partly by 
 sledges. 
 
 ADVANTAGES OF THE SMITH'S SOUND ROUTE. 
 
 This route is preferable to that by Spitsbergen, where the 
 ice drift is much greater and where the all important vein 
 of coal does not exist. Moreover, two recent expeditions, 
 those of Hall and Nares, have shown that the whole length 
 of the Sound is practicable for steaming up as far as Dis- 
 covery Harbor, on Lady Franklin Bay, if not beyond, in any 
 ordinarily open season. But it is not doubted that during 
 its three years' sojourn the colony may experience and take 
 advantage of such a season as will carry an expedition much 
 farther, and perhaps even the whole distance to the Pole. 
 There is a warm current setting steadily northward from the 
 Pacific Ocean through Behring's Straits, which constitutes 
 the mighty ocean river of the Kuro Siwo. This current 
 must have an outlet, which is possibly found in the southerly 
 drift of the Atlantic side. 
 
 During the summer there are probably long lanes of 
 water free of ice, from the upper end of Smith's Sound, 
 and following these, against the downward flowing cur- 
 rent, a pathway will surely be found, practicable for 
 boats, during some favoring season. Such favoring sea- 
 son and such a practicable pathway can only be found by 
 men colonized as proposed at a point where — half the jour- 
 
19 
 
 ney already safely completed — they will be ready, healthy, 
 vigorous, acclimated and unwearied by a long and perilous 
 voyage — they will be ready and eager to seize the proffered 
 opportunity. Failing such an opportunity, a chance barely 
 possible, the alternative of sledge journeys stills remains, 
 and sledge journeys undertaken under better and more fa- 
 vorable auspices than any which have been as yet attempted. 
 
 THE HEALTH AND PROSPECTS OF A COLONY. 
 
 The severity of the climate on Lady Franklin Bay and in 
 the neighboring regions has been much exaggerated. To 
 parties under cover it is not more trying than that at the 
 summits of Mount Washington, in New Hampshire, or of 
 Pike's Peak, in Colorado, as stated by a former member of 
 one of Dr. Hayes' expeditions, who has since served a year 
 upon the summit of the last named mountain. The report 
 on the Polaris expedition shows that during the summer all 
 the low lands and elevations at Thank G-ocl Harbor (oppo- 
 site Discovery Harbor on Lady Franklin Bay) were 
 bare of snow and ice, excepting patches here and there 
 in the shade of the rocks. The soil at that period was 
 covered with a vegetation of moss interspersed with small 
 plants and willows. Seals were abundant in the water, as 
 were also jelly-fish and shrimps. Captain Hall's last des- 
 patch, dated from his encampment on the north side ot 
 Newman's Bay, nearly a whole degree further north than 
 the site of the proposed colony, says : " We find this a much 
 warmer country than we expected. We found the moun- 
 tains on either side of Kennedy Channel and Robeson Strait 
 entirely bare of snow and ice with the exception of one 
 glacier that we saw. The country abounds with life, and 
 seals, game, ducks, musk cattle, rabbits, wolves, foxes, 
 bears, partridges, &c. Our sealers have shot two seals in the 
 open water while at this encampment." 
 
 Again, there are several towns in Northern Asia inside 
 the Arctic circle, and a flourishing city of Russia (Archan- 
 gel) is not far from it. At Yakutsk, on the river Lena, the 
 ground is frozen solid all the year round, and only thaws 
 a few inches in depth during the hottest summer. The 
 thermometer often falls to 65° or 70° minus, and every 
 winter there are periods of two or three weeks during which 
 it does not rise above 60° minus upon Farenheit's scale. Yet 
 this is a town possessing a population of 4,000 hardy, pros- 
 perous and contented human beings. 
 
20 
 
 HOME SICKNESS. 
 
 The members of former exploring parties sailed away 
 from the hospitable shores of Christendom, leaving behind 
 them no connecting link of succor or of aid. With proud 
 yet foreboding hearts, wafted by favoring gales, they passed 
 into the very shadows of death. 
 
 Nostalgia, that dreaded foe of isolated men, found in them 
 an easy prey through the long, sunless, Arctic night, and 
 drove some to mutiny and others to suicide, while, when the 
 hour of deadly peril came — the supreme moment of despair 
 — the stoutest heart was appalled by the knowledge that 
 succor, if sent at all, must be guided by the merest chance, 
 and that the rude cairn which covered his last resting place 
 or his frozen effigy upon some drifting ice-floe might never 
 meet the gaze of human eye. The new enterprise will go 
 forth under far different auspices to seek a definite rendez- 
 vouz from which every forward step will be duly chronicled, 
 and the members of the expedition, well knowing that com- 
 munication will be kept up for their aid, comfort and supply, 
 will strive with a keener endeavor for the long coveted prize. 
 
 But changing seasons with their varying temperatures 
 bring with them varying conditions of existence. There is 
 a brighter side to the picture, and Dr. Hayes gives encour- 
 aging views upon this point, urging the general cheerfulness 
 of Arctic crews, which is such a great stimulant to health 
 and to success. Speaking of his expedition in 1861, he says 
 that the crew were always, and had been, in perfect health ; 
 that he was his own ship's doctor, and a doctor without a 
 patient, and that, " believing in Democritus rather than Her- 
 . aclitus, they had laughed the scurvy and all other sources of 
 ill-health to shame." Nor is the danger of Arctic exploration 
 so great as it, at first thought, appears to be. A distin- 
 guished naval officer who has served in those regions states 
 that, " of all the seas visited by men-of-war the Arctic have 
 proved the most healthy;" and Mr. Posthumus states, fur- 
 ther, that, since 1841, England and America have sent out 
 thirty-two expeditions, the total number of deaths from 
 which has been only 38 men, or'1.7 per cent, a percentage 
 which would appear much more favorable if the expeditions 
 of the Germans, Swedes and Norwegians were included. 
 
21 
 
 FACTS FROM FORMER EXPEDITIONS, AND VIEWS OF SCIENTISTS 
 AND EXPLORERS, WHICH SHOW THE 'PLAN TO BE A FEASIBLE 
 
 ONE. 
 
 The expedition of Captain ISTares, while a failure in certain 
 respects, has done a vast service for future ■ explorers in 
 clearly defining the difficulties to be met and overcome. 
 The coast on either side of Robeson's Channel has been so- 
 well laid down as to render any further attempts in this di- 
 rection futile on the part of an expedition via Smith's Sound. 
 In that direction the Pole must be reached by sledge and 
 boat from Cape Joseph Henry, which is but 7° from the Pole. 
 
 Captain Nares, who certainly does not underrate the diffi- 
 culties, states that Lady Franklin Bay, latitude 81° 45', can 
 be reached every year if the attempt is made in the right 
 season. 
 
 There it is proposed that the colony shall be established 
 and left for three years. Its high latitude, the facility 
 for reaching it and the seam of coal found by the Dis- 
 covery, render it undoubtedly the best wintering place 
 in Robeson's Channel. The party having three years to re- 
 main and no means of retreat open, has every inducement to 
 devote its time and energy to the accomplishment of its pur- 
 pose. From Cape Joseph Henry to the Pole is about 430 
 miles, which in a favorable season could be passed over in 
 ninety days, going and returning. 
 
 In 1853 Captain McClintock made a sledge trip of 1,200 
 miles in 106 days, and Lieutenant Mecham one of over 1,000 
 in ninety-three days. In 1821 a trip of 800 miles was made 
 by Wrangell in thirty-six days. The character of the ice 
 passed over by him accords, in his description, with that 
 found by Commander Markham. It is true that Com- 
 mander Markham's party only averaged one and a fourth 
 miles daily, but several causes operated against more rapid 
 progress. 
 
 First. The want of dogs. The failure to take them seems 
 a great error, for when their capacity for work is gone they 
 can be used for food. 
 
 Second. The pack ice was exceedingly rough, and the 
 drifted snow lay in such directions as to seriously impede 
 their progress. The snow lay in its particular direction 
 from a continued west wind, which does not prevail every 
 year. 
 
 The evidence of Arctic travelers all shows that the sur- 
 
22 
 
 face of the ice materially changes from year to year, being 
 some years quite smooth. The statements of Lieutenant 
 Payer, the commander of the Austro-Hungarian expedition, 
 1872-74, are especially important in this respect, he giving 
 an account of the change from smooth, regular fields of ice 
 to rough, huge, disjointed packs. 
 
 Third. The party leaving land in Robeson's Channel pre- 
 sumably experienced some drift south until they had cleared 
 the 83d parallel, when the tendency is divided between 
 drifting east or south. The tide and current observations 
 in Robeson's Channel showed continued strong southerly 
 currents. The experience of Parry, who traveled weeks 
 on pack ice before he discovered the general move- 
 ment, shows how imperceptible the drift is. The state- 
 ment that Commander Markham's party traveled 276 
 miles to go seventy-three miles from the ship and but 
 245 to return corroborates this opinion. The party was 
 thirty-nine days going and, although sick, but thirty-three 
 days returning. Directly north of Cape Joseph Henry the 
 drift must become feebler as a party goes north, as Robe- 
 son's Channel being too small to relieve the Polar basin of 
 all its ice, the general drift is east, so as to escape by the 
 east coast of Greenland. Any drift apart from the locality 
 near the mouth of Robeson's Channel would hardly increase 
 one's distance from the Pole. 
 
 Fourth. The party was unprovided with lime juice or 
 other anti-scorbutics, and incipient scurvey impaired the 
 strength of the party shortly after starting. 
 
 It is exceedingly probable that Commander Markham's 
 party, when compelled by scurvy to turn back, was very 
 near to land. The water had, we are told, shallowed to 
 seventy fathoms. 
 
 Dr. Peterman, who probably has examined with the 
 closest attention the records of all Polar expeditions, is 
 firmly of the opinion that land will be found directly north 
 of Cape Joseph Henry, in about latitude 87°. That land 
 was not seen by Markham's. party in no wise militates 
 against this theory, as the nature of the ice was such as to 
 preclude a view of even eight or ten miles, and low land, 
 such as usually prevails in the Arctic regions, can for the 
 greater part of the year only be distinguished from pack ice 
 by being traveled over. Should land be found within one 
 hundred and fifty miles of Cape Joseph Henry a sub-station 
 could be stocked with provisions, and success thus rendered 
 
23 
 
 a certainty. Should the sea open, the crossing of it would 
 be a matter of only a few days. That it does open for a 
 considerable distance Captain Nares admits in his report as 
 definitely settled. The undoubted evidence of Kane, Hayes, 
 Meyer, and Payer, is conclusive on this point. The latter, at 
 Cape Fligely, latitude 82° 5', in 1874, found a sea open as 
 far as eye could reach. An English writer commenting on 
 this account ingenuously remarks that Payer was too 
 scientific, too cool, and possessed of too good judgment to 
 term it an open sea, but called it a " polymia," or water 
 hole. It matters naught what it is named so long as it 
 affords a safe, open road for a considerable distance toward 
 the Pole. Dr. Petermann, the great geographer, believes 
 such to be the case, and doubts not but had Captain Nares 
 remained another year he would have reached the Pole. 
 
 Ferrell, the great mathematical physicist, states that the 
 physical condition of the globe forbids our believing in a 
 solid frozen sea, but that the ocean currents maintain an 
 open sea of greater or less extent. This opinion is borne 
 out by the tidal and current observation made in Smith's 
 Sound and Robeson's Channel and by the authorities quoted 
 above, and also by the fact that, in June, 1872, the Polaris 
 found open water to nearly 83°, while Payer, in the Tegett- 
 hoff, was fast in the ice at 76°, near JSTova Zembla; and, 
 lastly, in 1837 the True Love, of Hull, England, sailed north 
 of Nova Zembla to latitude 82° 30', and saw an open sea as 
 far as eye could reach. 
 
 A SUMMARY. 
 
 To sum up, then, in brief: It is proposed to ascend a 
 well known and practicable channel to an equally well 
 known point where exploring parties have previously win- 
 tered, and there form a colony. From the post so formed no 
 time will be spent in needless quests along the shore either 
 east or west, as surveys there have already been completed ; 
 but starting afresh, the point of their beginning having the 
 closing point of former expeditions, with all the information 
 of their forerunners to commence with ; better provisioned, 
 equipped and disciplined ; with better means of inter-com- 
 munication ; thoroughly acclimated, and without the refuge 
 of the ship to paralyze energy and sow the seeds of discon- 
 tent and slothfuluess; with all these advantages of greater 
 nearness to the coveted goal, and more favorable conditions 
 for its attainment, it is proposed to await the favorable 
 
24 
 
 opportunity, born of the varying seasons, and follow it up 
 to an assured success. In other words, to use alike the par- 
 tial successes and the partial failures of others, added to the 
 utmost foresight, experience and scientific aids to form the 
 fulcrum of the archimedian lever which shall move the 
 Arctic world. 
 
 PUBLIC OPINION. 
 
 Already applications to serve have been received from 
 many, most of them men who are in every way qualified for 
 the work, and the press throughout the country are almost 
 unanimous in urging the adoption of the plan. The Ameri- 
 can Geographical Society, the Smithsonian Institution, the 
 National Academy of Science, the members of former 
 Arctic expeditions and many gentlemen of high distinc- 
 tion in the walks of science have given it their cordial 
 support, while several of the most important cities through- 
 out the country have directed their Representatives in Con- 
 gress to advocate the passage of the bill. 
 
 INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION. 
 
 If America would not be outdone by other nations it be- 
 hooves her to move at once The English press report 
 Sweedish and Dutch expeditions as already organizing. 
 The English themselves, although they have knighted Cap- 
 tain ISTares and promoted every commanding officer of that 
 expedition, are by no means satisfied with their failure or 
 partial success, and the government is being urged to send 
 out again the vessels just returned. France is about to or- 
 ganize a new Arctic expedition, and already there comes 
 across the ocean a suggestion from both France and Hol- 
 land that by mutual agreement a series of synchronous ob- 
 servations should be taken by each expedition at all points 
 of their courses for future comparison and for the advance- 
 ment of science throughout the world. The colony on Lady 
 Franklin Bay would form a ralbying point and center for 
 the different expeditions of various nations, and it would be 
 the natural objective point of those trying to reach the Pole 
 by way of Behring's Straits and JSTova Zembla, of which there 
 are several, while for those going by way of Smith's Sound 
 it would form the natural base of operations. By the adop- 
 tion of this plain, therefore, the United States would hold 
 the key to the position and the Pole, a position as glorious as 
 it would be difficult, and one equally worthy of our national 
 
25 
 
 greatness and enterprise. Certainly, having once put our 
 hands to the plow, we should not turn back. Having done 
 so nobly in the past we can not afford to idly relinquish all 
 part in the future. Such a course would neither be consis- 
 tent with our reputation for energy nor creditable to our 
 Government. 
 
 CONGRESSIONAL AID. 
 
 The sum ($50,000) asked from Congress is small, and 
 we have enough of surplus energy in either the army or 
 navy to furnish a force in every way fitted for the work. 
 The present Secretary of. the Navy has always taken the 
 most hearty interest in Arctic explorations, and would 
 probably find a vessel fitted to do its specified work, and 
 from army and navy could come qualified volunteers. 
 
 In reading over the following bill which has been intro- 
 duced in the present Congress and referred to the Committee 
 on Naval Affairs, several points will immediately present 
 themselves : the sum asked for is small^almost to pettiness; 
 the plan of detailing officers and others already in the Gov- 
 ernment service ; the use of a vessel which would otherwise 
 perhaps be idle or out of commission ; and the fact that 
 the money is not to be used in fitting out a mere Arctic ex- 
 pedition, but to establish a colony. It must be borne in mind 
 that out of four purely American expeditions, three were 
 mainly equipped by private enterprise, while the fourth, that 
 of Captain Hall, which the United States equipped at the 
 paltry cost of some $50,000, achieved, in fact, more than had 
 hitherto been done by the same or any other route, and little 
 less than England accomplished later at a cost of $1,000,000. 
 The present plan is designed to hold the point which Hall 
 attained as a permanent post for a series of years, from whence 
 to make further advances. 
 
 In the House of Representatives, January 8, 1877. Read 
 twice, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and 
 ordered to be printed. 
 
 Mr. Hunter, on leave, introduced the following bill : A 
 bill to authorize and equip an expedition to the Arctic Seas. 
 
 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
 United States of America in Congress assembled, That the 
 President of the United States be authorized to organize and 
 send out one or more expeditions toward the North Pole, 
 
26 
 
 and to establish a temporary colony, for the purposes of ex- 
 ploration, at some point north of the eighty-first degree of 
 north latitude, on or near the shore of Lady Franklin Bay ; 
 to detail such officers or other persons of the public service 
 to take part in the same as may be necessary, and to use any 
 public vessel that may be suitable for the purpose ; the 
 scientific operations of the expedition to be prosecuted in 
 accordance with the advice of the National Academy of 
 Science; and that the sum of fifty thousand dollars, or such 
 part thereof as may be necessary, be hereby appropriated 
 out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropri- 
 ated, to be expended under the direction of the President : 
 Provided, that no part of the sum so appropriated shall be 
 carried to the surplus fund or covered into the Treasury 
 until the purpose of the appropriation shall have been com- 
 pleted, but may be applied to expenses of said expedition 
 incurred during any subsequent year that said expedition 
 may be engaged in its duties. 
 
 * CONCLUSION. 
 
 An attempt has been made in the foregoing pages to give 
 a bare outline of the chart which points the way to Arctic 
 conquests ; but who shall preach the crusade ? Surely some 
 chivalrous spirit in the halls of Congress will raise the glove 
 which the English have so recently flung down, and accept 
 the friendly challenge to a noble contest ! During the late 
 bitter civil war, which arrested the footsteps of the gallant 
 Hayes upon the threshold of further discovery, and through 
 which our ship of state rode so triumphantly to port, the 
 hand of the Architect was not stayed or the mason's chisel 
 raised from the marble pile where, from her snowy dome, 
 the Goddess of Liberty looks forth with earnest eyes for 
 newer realms of conquest, and there can be no time more 
 fitting than the present — a time of more peaceful contest — 
 for the prayer of science to find a hearing and an answer. 
 It is to be hoped that some such champion will be found, 
 brave and patriotic enough to forget the acrimonies of the 
 present in the glories of the past, and, rising above the polit- 
 ical discussions of the hour, to identify himself with an in- 
 ternational undertaking which shall reflect glory upon him- 
 self and clothe the country of our pride with added honor ! 
 
 The United States has entered the lists in this matter 
 upon too many occasions, it has spent too much treasure, it 
 has sacrificed too many valuable lives to draw back now. 
 
27 
 
 And yet we have fairly shared the honors of Arctic 
 explorations with our English cousins ; and their last effort 
 was, in fact, more discouraging than our own. We have 
 spent but a fraction of the treasure and sacrificed the merest 
 tithe of the lives which have been given by England to this 
 great and noble quest, and yet the results which we have 
 achieved will not yield to those attained by any other nation 
 in point of importance or of permanence. We need enter- 
 tain no doubts of the result. Through the dim vista of 
 vanished centuries the oar of colonizing Greek, the sword 
 of conquering Roman have descended to the Anglo-Saxon 
 as his peculiar appanage and possession, while the heart of 
 Asia, the deserts of Africa and the mighty canons of the 
 West bear ample testimony with the ice-bound seas that 
 neither peaceful implement nor warlike weapon have been 
 found too heavy for the brawny hand of the youngest scion 
 of the English speaking race. 
 
 But the rock-bound coast, the lonely glacier, teach their 
 lesson of Christian fortitude and of dauntless courage to no 
 unwilling ears. The English ensign still floats in those vast 
 solitudes, planted in advance of ours, and the tablet placed 
 over the grave of Hall by English hands is not only a grace- 
 ful courtesy, but a friendly challenge to sojourn once more 
 in those w T aste and desert places whence the noble Hall, 
 like the Jewish seer of old, looked forth upon the land 
 of promise which his feet might never tread — a land not 
 flowing, indeed, with milk and honey, but rich in the au- 
 rora-tinted gifts of science. The memorial tablet, the 
 lonely grave, still keep watch and ward above the conquests 
 we have won, while from beneath, the Arctic martyr beck- 
 ons with a ghostly hand to future glory, and taking up 
 again our keen unrusted weapons, we should never pause un- 
 til one more star is added to the galaxy which adorns our 
 flag — the mighty planet that in silent majesty guards, in 
 those dim and distant regions, the solemn mysteries of the 
 Pole. 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 The following selections are made from the numerous 
 communications received favoring the "Colonization" plan in . 
 its most essential features, and show the general feeling of 
 interest in the subject among explorers and men of science. 
 
 In one feature several of the gentlemen whose views are 
 given differ with me — that of the permanent retention of a 
 vessel at the proposed colony. This, in my opinion, would 
 be unwise and fatal to the success of the expedition, as I 
 have explained elsewhere. 
 
 (From the President of the American Geographical Society.) 
 
 American Geographical Society, 
 
 No. 11 W. 29th St., New York City, 
 
 January 18th, 1877. 
 Captain H. W. Hoiogate: 
 
 My Dear Sir: Before your letter was received I inserted 
 in my annual address a notice of your plan and of the bill 
 before Congress. 
 
 As you will find by my address, your mode of exploration 
 is the one that I have uniformly approved and recommended 
 for many years. I expressed this opinion in my address of 
 1869, and in the first of my addresses, which have been 
 printed, (1870,) I declared my conviction that a passage to 
 the Pole by water would, in all probability, not be found, 
 and' that the true method of exploration was by sledge oper- 
 ations upon land from the furthest point that could be safely 
 reached by a vessel. 
 
 You will see from this that I have long been impressed 
 with your general plan, and the only criticism I have to offer 
 is that I think the station should not be limited to some 
 point north of 81° ; for though a vessel may winter securely 
 in Discovery Bay, and although there is a fine seam of 
 bituminous coal three miles from where the Discovery 
 wintered, yet the region, as shown by the experience of the 
 English expedition and by the abandonment of the Esqui- 
 maux settlements just below it, is very barren of animal 
 28 
 
29 
 
 life either upon the land or upon the water, whilst at Fort 
 Foulke it is otherwise, and a temporary colony could be 
 maintained there without any difficulty. For this reason I 
 think it would have been better to have said north of 78°. 
 
 It will afford me great pleasure to do all that I can to for- 
 ward your views, and anything that the Society can do I am 
 sure will be done. 
 
 The suggestion I have made as to the limitation in the 
 bill as to location of colony is entirely for your consideration, 
 and will in no way affect our hearty support of the measure. 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 Chas. P. Daly. 
 
 (From Prof. Elias Loomis, of Yale College.) 
 
 Yale College, January 14, 1877. 
 Gapt. H. W. Howgate: 
 
 Dear Sir: I have received your letter of January 7th, 
 together with a copy of a bill to be presented to Congress, 
 asking for an appropriation to defray the expense of another 
 expedition towards the North Pole. I have for many years 
 taken a deep interest in Polar expeditions, and see no reason 
 for abandoning further effort because former expeditions 
 have not accomplished all that was expected. If we review 
 the entire history of Polar expeditions since Captain Parry's 
 first voyage, more than half a century ago, we find that every 
 expedition has proved in some sense a failure ; that is, has 
 accomplished less than was anticipated; and some may 
 therefore conclude that all the labor which has been ex- 
 pended on this Polar problem has been wasted. I take a 
 very different view of the subject, and consider that the re- 
 sults of the many Polar expeditions, from the first voyage of 
 Capt. Parry to the present time, are worth far more than 
 all the money and labor which have been expended on them. 
 
 In order to estimate the value of the results of these expe- 
 ditions we should consider what would have been the state 
 of our knowledge of the physics of the globe if no such expe- 
 ditions had been undertaken. There is scarcely a problem 
 relating to the physics of the globe which can be fully 
 understood without a knowledge of the phenomena within 
 the Polar regions. Whatever phenomena we may wish to 
 investigate, it is of special importance to determine its max- 
 
30 
 
 imum and minimum values, and in nearly all questions of 
 terrestrial physics one or other of these values is found in the 
 neighborhood of the Pole. If, for example, we wish to de- 
 termine the distribution of temperature upon the surface of 
 the globe, it is specially important to determine the extremes 
 of temperature, one of which is to be found near the equa- 
 tor and the other near the Poles. If we wish to investigate 
 the system of circulation of the winds, our investigation 
 would be sadly defficient without a knowledge of the phe- 
 nomena in the Polar regions. 
 
 If we wish to study the fluctuations in the pressure of the 
 atmosphere, whether periodical or accidental, we cannot be 
 sure that we understand the phenomena in the middle lati- 
 tudes unless we know what takes place in the Polar regions. 
 If we wish to investigate the currents of the ocean, we find 
 indications of currents coming from the Polar regions, and 
 it is important to be able to trace these currents to their 
 source. If we wish to investigate the laws of the tides, we 
 need observations from every ocean ; and observations in the 
 Arctic regions have a special value on account of their dis- 
 tance from the place where the daily tidal wave takes its 
 origin. If we wish to study the phenomena of atmospheric 
 electricity and of auroral exhibitions, no part of the world is 
 more important than the Polar regions. If we wish to 
 study the phenomena of terrestrial magnetism, observations 
 in the Polar regions have a special value, since it is here the 
 dipping needle assumes a vertical position and the intensity 
 of the earth's magnetism is the greatest. If we wish to 
 determine the dimensions and figures of the earth, we require 
 to know the length of a degree of latitude where it is great- 
 est and also where it is least. If we wish to determine how 
 the force of gravity varies in different parts of the world, we 
 require observations of the second's pendulum both where 
 it is greatest and where it is least. In short, there is no 
 problem connected with the physics of the globe which does 
 not demand observations from the Polar regions, and gener- 
 ally the Poles and the Equator are more important as 
 stations of observation than any other portions of the earth's 
 surface. If the information which has been acquired upon 
 the various subjects in the numerous Polar expeditions of the 
 last half century were annihilated, it would leave an immense 
 chasm which would greatly impair the value of the re- 
 searches which have been made in other parts of the world. 
 
 The subjects to which I have here referred are scientific 
 
31 
 
 rather than commercial ; but many of them have an im- 
 portant bearing upon questions which affect the commerce 
 of the globe. In the attempts which are now being made 
 by the joint efforts of the principal nations of the globe to 
 determine the laws of storms, if we could have daily obser- 
 vations from a group of stations within the Arctic circle, it 
 is believed that they would prove of the highest value in 
 enabling us to explain the phenomena of the middle lati- 
 tudes. Every winter upon the eastern side of the Rocky 
 Mountains we find an intensely cold wave moving dowm 
 from the northward and spreading over a large portion of 
 the United States. How can we fully understand the cause 
 of the great changes of temperature which so frequently 
 occur during the winter months unless we know where this 
 cold air comes from? And how can this be determined with- 
 out fixed stations of observation extending s northward over 
 the Polar regions ? 
 
 The vast extension of the commerce of the world in recent 
 times and its increased security are due in no small degree 
 to more accurate information respecting the physics of the 
 globe, including such subjects as the mean direction and 
 force of the prevalent winds ; the laws of storms ; the use 
 of the barometer in giving warning of approaching violent 
 winds ; the surest mode of escaping the violence of a storm 
 when overtaken by a gale; the most advatnageous route 
 from one part to another; the direction and velocity of the 
 current in every ocean ; the variation of the magnetic 
 needle in all latitudes, and its changes from year to year ; 
 together with many other problems ; and most of these in- 
 vestigations have been greatly facilitated by observations 
 which have been made within the Arctic regions. I do not 
 regard it as any exaggeration to claim that the benefits 
 which have resulted both directly and indirectly to the com- 
 merce o± the world in consequence of Polar expeditions, 
 are more than equal to all the money which has been ex- 
 pended on these enterprises. 
 
 Is any additional advantage to the commerce of the world 
 to be anticipated from further explorations in the Polar re- 
 gions ? Undoubtedly. Precisely what these advantages 
 may prove to be we cannot certainly pronounce beforehand; 
 but upon most of the questions to which I have already 
 alluded more minute information is needed. The demands 
 of science are by no means satisfied, and we may confi- 
 dently anticipate that any advance in our scientific knowl- 
 
32 
 
 edge respecting questions connected with the physics of the 
 globe will impart increased security to commerce. If a 
 steamer starting from New York and traveling northward 
 could pass directly over the North Pole, through Behring 
 Straits into the Pacific Ocean it would be a triumph of ge- 
 ographical science equal to the first discovery of America. 
 Whether such a result will ever be witnessed we cannot 
 safely predict ; but past explorations have not shown that 
 such an achievement is impossible. I hope we shall not rest 
 contented while so much that is clearly feasible remains to 
 be done and until the northern boundary of Greenland has 
 been traced. 
 
 Hoping that your efforts to secure assistance in the further 
 prosecution of this Polar problem may prove successful, 
 I am, with much respect, yours truly, 
 
 Elias Loomis. 
 
 U. S. Naval Observatory, 
 
 Washington, D. C, January 25, 1877. 
 
 My Dear Captain : You have asked me for my views 
 in regard to the vast methods of conducting Arctic explo- 
 ration. I take great pleasure in complying with your 
 
 request. 
 
 + ****** 
 
 I am opposed to all spasmodic efforts to reach the Pole, 
 because the chances of success are not commensurate with 
 the necessary outlay. There have been comparatively few 
 well organized Polar expeditions, and all these have endeav- 
 ored to effect their object in a single season by a spurt, as it 
 were. They have gone at erratic intervals, knowing com- 
 paratively nothing of the laws that govern the Arctic sea- 
 sons; so that, so far as their knowledge of th:i meteorological 
 and hydrographical conditions of the Polar regions was 
 concerned, each of them stood an equal chance of success. 
 Under these circumstances each expedition was justly re- 
 garded as an experiment. The failures that attended them 
 were, in a great measure, due to a blind haste to gain their 
 objects. That eminent scientists should have considered 
 the quite meagre results as an ample reward for the expen- 
 diture of life and money, proves only the magnitude and 
 extent of the scientific secrets which are locked up in the 
 frozen North awaiting the intelligent and persistent ex- 
 
33 
 
 plorer. The only legacies that can be considered of absolute 
 value which these expeditions have left to the world are 
 the feats of heroism and endurance that send the enthusi- 
 astic glow of admiration through the heart of humanity, the 
 bloodless deeds of renown, and the immortal glory won, 
 not by triumphs over fellow men, but by victories over 
 nature in its most forbidden guise. 
 
 A ship bearing reinforcements and supplies should, if 
 possible, visit the colony each year. No one should be com- 
 pelled to remain longer than one winter either on the ship 
 or at the station ; and the commander should each year 
 order home those whom experience has proved to be unser- 
 viceable or uncompanionable. 
 
 The band of explorers should spend each spring* and au- 
 tumn in making excursions in various directions and in pay- 
 ing minute attention to the accurate survey and delineation 
 of the country traversed. Dogs should be used for draught. 
 They are the natural teams of the country; they require 
 little food and no clothing; they need no shelter; they are 
 fleet and strong ; they will serve as food to a famishing party, 
 and, moreover, they multiply so amazingly that, with proper 
 precautions, the kennel need never be empty. The sleds 
 should approximate in shape, size and material to those used 
 by the Esquimaux. At least they should be fastened together 
 by thongs of raw hide and should be shod with ivory. Es- 
 quimaux should be employed as dog drivers to accompany 
 all sledge expeditions, both because they understand how to 
 take care of dogs, how to build, quickly and well, snow- 
 gloos (which are best suited for temporary shelter) and also 
 because they know how to hunt, which is a very important 
 consideration. ISTow, white men, with all their genius and 
 skill, while able to do these things tolerably after consider- 
 able practice, are totally unable while on a sledge journey to 
 make themselves as comfortable as the Esquimaux, who, at 
 the same time, need less food and clothing. Hence, the 
 knowledge and aid of these hardy sons of the North should 
 be invoked. A man with ordinary tact and judgment can 
 secure a willing service from these innocent and docile 
 
 people. 
 
 ******** 
 
 A continuous effort would also afford an opportunity to 
 test men, and, in time, those qualified physically and men- 
 tally for the peculiar service would be secured. A long res- 
 
34 
 
 idence at the station or on the ship — whether continuous or 
 broken by returns home for recuperation — would give an 
 experience in the modes of Arctic travel that would be val- 
 uable indeed, and that would insure final success. The>ser- 
 vice would be eminently desirable, and each year hosts of 
 volunteers would present themselves, from whom good men 
 could be chosen. Under proper management scurvy would 
 not appear, and if the quarters were comfortable and the 
 food plentiful and of the right kind, the men could live as 
 well and happily as in more southern latitudes. 
 
 In order to preserve the health of the crew, special atten- 
 tion should be paid to discipline. The men should not 
 be required to expose themselves so as to become very 
 cold or wet except under the most imperative necessity; 
 neither should any unnecessary service, nor service of ques- 
 tionable expediency, be forced from them. The great solic- 
 itude of a commander of an Arctic expedition should be to 
 keep up the spirits of his men, to banish all repinings and 
 disquietude, and to promote their happiness and thorough 
 content. Scurvy has no power over a man with a cheerful 
 frame of mind if only he has the opportunity to provide 
 suitably for the wants of his body. Exercise must be per- 
 formed cheerfully and with the mind interested, to be of any 
 service ; enforced exercise rarely accomplishes the intended 
 results. 
 
 Land as a base of operations is essential for the b 
 of Polar effort, not only because thereby whatever ad- 
 vance may be made can be held, but because the value of 
 the observations will be increased if made at a permanent 
 station. Many routes present this advantage, and I would 
 not presume to say, absolutely, which would offer the few- 
 est obstacles to an advance to the Pole. I trust that in a 
 few years every possible route will be faithfully tried. 
 
 But as an American and for an American expedition, I 
 
 would unhesitatingly recommend the Smith's Sound route — 
 
 the field in which Kane, Hayes and Hall won such renown — 
 
 a field that still affords an opportunity to show the world 
 
 what American pluck and enterprise can accomplish. It 
 
 will be unnecessary to mention additional reasons for this 
 
 preference. They will naturally present themselves to the 
 
 Arctic student. 
 ******** 
 
 The United States has the right to consider the Smith's 
 
35 
 
 Sound route as peculiarly its own, and no effort should be 
 spared to carry on in that direction the work of her illustri- 
 ous heroes, living and dead. Her history contains no 
 brighter pages than those that record their courage and 
 endurance. 
 
 Your plan, so far as you have announced it, is so like 
 mine that it seems almost unnecessary to say how heartily 
 in sympathy I am with you in your efforts to organize a 
 Polar expedition upon a sound basis. I trust that you will 
 be very successful ; that Congress will determine to carry 
 on the good work, and that you will be spared to share its 
 triumphs. Polar research offers more rewards in the way of 
 national glory and renown than any other similar enterprise.. 
 
 I am fully convinced that the flag of the United States 
 can be planted upon the North Pole itself if the proper sup- 
 port be given to those who have the patience and deter- 
 mination to attempt and pursue the indicated plan. 
 
 When the Arctic regions shall have thus been made 
 known and the necessary scientific observations secured,, 
 then the attention of explorers might be directed to the 
 South Pole, and under a corresponding system that vast and 
 unknown Antarctic region will yield up its secrets, and man 
 will at last " have dominion over all the earth," and prove 
 his obedience by attempting to " subdue it." 
 
 Very respectfully and sincerely yours, 
 
 R. W. D. Bryan. 
 To Capt. H. W. Howgate, U. S. A., Washington, D. C, 
 
 (From Captain George E. Tyson, of the Polaris.) 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 Captain If. W. Howgate : 
 
 Dear Sir : I was very agreeably surprised to see your 
 letter, published some time ago in the New York papers, 
 containing a proposition to Congress to appropriate money, 
 ship and the necessary equipment for another expedition to 
 endeavor to reach the North Pole, and I heartily concur 
 with you in the plan therein suggested as the most prac- 
 ticable yet devised. It is a matter of no little surprise to 
 me that there has not been more of an outpouring of 
 American enthusiasm toward the achievement of the sue- 
 
36 
 
 cess of this great enterprise, and that, too, when we con- 
 sider the magnitude and great importance of the work. It 
 is unquestionably a noble effort, and the scientific societies 
 of the country would do well to unite in memorializing 
 Congress relative thereto. Now is the time, and if this 
 Government fails this year, through a spirit of parsimonious 
 economy, to appropriate the means necessary to the further- 
 ance of this project, England or Germany will, in all proba- 
 bility, secure the honor of this great achievement. 
 
 George E. Tyson. 
 
 (From Captain H. C. Chester of the Polaris Expedition) 
 
 To the Editor of the New York Times : 
 
 Having had some experience in Arctic exploration, and 
 being familiar with its dangers and difficulties, my attention 
 has been called to the letter of Captain Henry W. Howgate, 
 published in the "Times" on the 26th of December, I beg 
 to express my thorough approval of the plan submitted by 
 Captain Howgate, as I believe it to be the only way by 
 means of which the Pole can be reached. All future explora- 
 tions tending to solve the mysteries of this extreme northern 
 region will have to be prosecuted by means of gradual ad- 
 vances made from some main depot. Exactly the same 
 idea was entertained by Captain Hall. When we were at 
 the furthest point of land, about 82° 8", in October, 1871, 
 we looked at the so-called impenetrable sea of ice. Then it 
 was moving ice and water. From its smoothness we felt 
 very sure that when the colder weather set in we would 
 have but little trouble traversing the channel in the spring. 
 We should have endeavored to have crossed Robeson's 
 Straits, and would have tried to gain a point of land visible 
 northwest of us, which land we called Cape Union, and 
 which we calculated was some sixty miles distant. If Cap- 
 tain Howgate's suggestions of establishing a party at or about 
 Robeson's Channel, or to the west of it, is ever carried out, I 
 think these people would by progressive stages reach in time 
 the much desired goal. As to the obstructions mentioned 
 b} T Captain Nares, all I can state is that such impediments 
 did not exist in my time. The reasons why I suppose they 
 cannot be so formidable are founded in the following 
 observations : When in May and June of 1872 we lay with 
 the boats and crew of the Polaris, twenty-five miles from the 
 
37 
 
 ship, on the floe ice, waiting for an opening in Robeson's 
 Channel, in order to cross it, during four weeks' time the 
 straits were blocked with ice, but this ice was all moving 
 south. We found no opening for a month, and were una- 
 ble to use our boats. This ice went southerly at the uniform 
 rate of about one and a half miles an hour, and was never 
 checked, save when the winds blew south or southwest. 
 If, then, the strait was filled with ice moving southerly, such 
 an impassable barrier of ice as Captain Nares speaks of must 
 have been found at a point very much further north than 
 the land designated by us as being Cape Union. I do not 
 think there could have been much of an error as to the 
 distance we supposed ourselves to be from this Cape Union, 
 and the North Pole could not have been more than 420 
 miles north of it. 
 
 "When Captain Hall and the writer undertook the fourteen 
 day sledge journey, when we worked our way along in the 
 twilight, Captain Hall said to me, "I am satisfied that the 
 only way to reach the Pole will be for us to carry our pro- 
 visions across Robeson's Channel, to form a depot on the 
 other side, and from thence take out parties. It is work we 
 must lay out for ourselves this spring." I believe, had Cap- 
 tain Hall lived, he would have carried forward the work just 
 as Captain Howgate proposes that is, by establishing depots 
 and making progressive stages. Captain Hall's untimely 
 death, on the. 8th of November, 1871, prevented his accom- 
 plishing this design. I think in order to prosecute the 
 plan proposed by Captain Howgate, there would be no diffi- 
 culty in procuring thirty men accustomed to Arctic travel, 
 who would ultimately achieve success. As to fresh blood 
 food, I am positive that, at least in the neighborhood of 
 Robeson's Channel, the musk ox can be found from May to 
 October. I shot the first musk ox on the Polaris plane in 
 81° 40" during the latter part of September. With the 
 crew of the Polaris in the latitude of 82° we killed twenty- 
 four musk oxen. I do not believe there would be any 
 trouble in provisioning thirty men yearly with this fresh 
 food. I therefore must freely indorse Captain Howgate's 
 views, and say with him, "Let an expedition be organized to 
 start in the spring of 1877, and I firmly believe that in 1880 
 the geography of the Polar circle would be definitely settled, 
 and that without loss of life." 
 
 H. C. Chester. 
 
 Philadelphia, Saturday, December 30, 1876. 
 
38 
 
 (From Mr. Robert Seyboth, a member of Dr. Hayes' expedition.) 
 
 Captain H. W. Howgate : 
 
 I have not the slightest doubt if a sufficient number of 
 energetic men, well selected and officered, can acclimate 
 themselves to the terrible severity of Arctic winters, the 
 greatest difficulty in the way of the discovery of the Pole 
 will have been overcome, for such a party and depot could 
 be used as a base of operation from which to push forward, 
 in favorable junctures of temperature and their accompany- 
 ing condition, successive posts, each one to be permanently 
 held until the next was established, and until some favoring 
 season made the open Polar Sea a navigable reality. 
 
 The great question to be answered in considering your 
 scheme is the possibility of sustaining human life at such 
 high latitudes for a sufficient length of time. I do not hesi- 
 tate to answer this question in the affirmative. My own 
 experience during a stay of nearly two years within the 
 Arctic circle, and with an expedition that possessed none of 
 the comforts and safeguards usually provided for Arctic ex- 
 plorers, warraut me to believe that a systematically con- 
 ducted plan of colonization, such as you propose, would 
 meet no insurmountable difficulties in the effort to sustain 
 life and sufficient robustness to carry out the work of ex- 
 ploration. Scurvy, the great enemy of former explorers, 
 can be entirely avoided by adopting the proper hygienic 
 precautions, as has been fully proved by the late Captain 
 Hall, who spent several years in succession in company of 
 the Esquimaux, in perfect health and without assistance 
 from the outside world. 
 
 It is a noteworthy fact that American whalers, who fre- 
 quently remain two or more successive winters in the Arc- 
 tic regions, do not suffer from scurvy while wintering, but 
 are almost invariably afflicted with the fell disease during 
 the homeward voyage. Why ? Because they do not hesi- 
 tate to eat plentifully of seal, walrus, bear and even whale 
 meat, all of which is readily obtainable in the highest lati- 
 tudes. To this diet I myself found no difficulty in becom- 
 ing accustomed, and, consequently, did not suffer from 
 scurvy until after the enforced resumption of " salt junk " on 
 the homeward stretch. Granting, then, the possibility of 
 colonization, I fully believe that the adoption of your scheme 
 would strike at the root of former failures in Arctic explor- 
 ations, for it substitutes the steady conquest, step by step, 
 
39 
 
 in place of the spasmodic and unsustained efforts hitherto 
 made at the sacrifice of untold treasure and the loss of great 
 and noble lives. 
 
 Very respectfully, Robert Seyboth. 
 
 (Action of the Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce.) 
 
 Chamber of Commerce, Milwaukee, January 13, 1877. 
 
 Whereas this Chamber has been and is now interested in 
 matters of scientific interest, and has by its action largely 
 aided and forwarded the inception and perfecting of the pre- 
 sent Signal Service of the United States, as applied to com- 
 merce and navigation ; 
 
 And whereas this Chamber is desirous of expressing its in- 
 terests in and good will toward all measures calculated to 
 forward and extend scientific explorations and experiments 
 which may have even an indirect, bearing upon such subject; 
 therefore, 
 
 Be it resolved, That we cordially approve of the proposed 
 appropriation of $50,000 b} 7 the G-eneral Government to aid 
 in the establishment of a temporary colony, for the purpose 
 of exploration and scientific research, at or near the eighty 
 first degree of north latitude, under the direction of the 
 President of the United States and with the advice and 
 counsel of the National Academy of Science, to carry into 
 effect such detailed observations in the sciences of meteor- 
 ology, botany, geology and climatology, together with the 
 perfecting of the geography of unknown regions extending 
 to the North Pole, as may increase the sum of human 
 knowledge, redound to the credit of the United States 
 and sustain the reputation and honor of our country already 
 won through the labors of De Haven, Kane, Hayes, Hall and 
 other eminent explorers in the northern Polar Seas. 
 
 Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to transmit to 
 our Senators and Represenatives in Congress a copy of the 
 foregoing preamble and resolutions, and to respectfully 
 request their careful consideration of the same. 
 
 The foregoing preamble and resolutions were introduced 
 at a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce of Milwaukee, 
 January 13, 1877, and unanimously adopted. 
 
 [seal.] E". Vankirk, President. 
 
 W. J. Langson, Secretary. 
 
 [Introduced in House of Representatives January 20, 1877, and referred to 
 Committee on Appropriations. 
 
 Introduced in Senate January 26, 1877, and referred to Committee on Ap- 
 propriations.] 
 
40 
 
 (Action of Indianapolis Board of Trade.) 
 
 Board of Trade, Indianapolis, Jvnuary 23, 1877. 
 
 Whereas there is now pending before Congress a bill 
 introduced by General Hunter, of Indiana, appopriating the 
 sum of $50,000 to aid in the establishment of a temporary 
 colony for the purpose of exploration and scientific research 
 at some point near the eighty-first degree of north latitude, 
 under the direction of the President of the United States, 
 and to carry into effect such detailed observations in the 
 sciences, together with the perfecting of the geography of 
 unknown regions extending to the North Pole as may in- 
 crease the sum of human knowledge and redound to the 
 honor of our country ; therefore be it 
 
 Resolved, That this Board of Trade favors the passage of 
 the bill, and that the Secretary transmit to our Senators 
 and Representatives in Congress a copy of these proceedings.