SECRETARY ROBESON'S ORDERS. 583 



men can live, with no extraordinary sufferings, for years 

 in the depths of the Arctic regions. I have lived there 

 for years, and can teach my associates how to do so. 

 Upon this new expedition I shall be amply provided with 

 all means for a thorough exploration. I shall have with 

 me a scientific observer, a naturalist fully qualified to 

 report upon everything in his department, and an artist 

 and photographer, who will be able to depict everything 

 relating to the Arctic regions. Thus abundantly sup- 

 plied, and aided by my own experience of more than ten 

 years, I think that I shall be able to accomplish some- 

 thing worthy of the means placed at my disposal." 



Secretary Robeson on June 9th, 1871, issued his official 

 orders to Captain Hall ; he conveyed them in a letter 

 written in his characteristic style dignified and explicit, 

 and yet kind and showing a lively interest in the expedi- 

 tion and a full appreciation of its importance and its dan- 

 gers, as well as of the peculiar fitness of the captain to 

 lead in the vast undertaking. Accompanying the Secre- 

 tary's letter was one from President Henry of the National 

 Academy of Sciences, with complete detailed instructions 

 for the making of scientific researches and the keeping of 

 an accurate and intelligible record of observations. 



The Polaris left the Washington Navy Yard on the 

 following day for New York, arriving at the Brooklyn 

 Yard on the 14th. The equipment and final preparations 

 for the hazardous enterprise were pushed rapidly forward, 

 and on the 28th Captain Hall wrote the Secretary that 

 the Polaris was " now ready for sea, and will sail to-mcr- 

 row." He added : " Before leaving port, I cannot forbear 

 expressing my great obligation to you for the intelligent 

 and generous manner in which you have provided for 

 the expedition in all respects. The ship has been, under 

 your directions, strengthened and prepared for the special 

 service upon which she enters in the most approved man- 

 ner, and is supplied with every appliance to make the 



