Feb. 28, 1859.] ADDITIONAL NOTICES. 149 



Rink is well founded. But what data are there upon which to assert posi- 

 tively either of these alternatives, or upon which to contradict the positive 

 testimony of the Russians, and of Morton and his companion? What is 

 hnown of the Arctic regions which can warrant an a priori conclusion so sure 

 as to justify the impeachment of witnesses otherwise without impeachment ? 

 To my own judgment the antecedent probabilities are so great, that if Mor- 

 ton's report were questioned at all, it would be upon the ground that he sought 

 to adjust his account to scientific probability — a supposition which, to those 

 who know the man, would be impossible.' 



To the enthusiastic reasoner upon Arctic explorations there are many tempt- 

 ations offered by the literature of my subject. I beg to refer you to the 

 American Journal of Science, of May, 1858 (vol. xxv.), for an exemplification 

 of the reserve with which I have permitted myself to consider antecedent 

 reports : a copy of that article, which was hastily written at the friendly sug- 

 gestion of Professor Dana, is herewith mailed to you. I beg your acceptance 

 of it, as an humble, though, in its transmission, most hearty manifestation of 

 personal respect. Through the kind offices of Professor Henry I was enabled 

 to present my views at the Smithsonian Institution. An abstract of my lec- 

 tures published in the National Intelligencer of Washington is also herewith 

 mailed to you. At the last meeting of the American Association for the Ad- 

 vancement of Science I presented my reasons more at large. I enclose a 

 newspaper report, which, though imperfectly made, will serve to exhibit the 

 aspect in which I have adopted the evidence. 



In the interests of science, and especially of the future development of the 

 great Polar problem, which with the aid of my countrymen I hope ere long to 

 solve, may I beg you to present to the Royal Geographical Society such of the 

 foregoing remarks as you may deem pertinent to the discussion upon Dr. 

 Rink's paper ? 



I have ventured to hope that your interest in the subject will extend so far 

 as to procure your indulgence for this letter. 



Believe me, with sincere respect, 



Your obedient servant, 



Isaac J. Hayes, 



Late Surgeon to the American Arctic Expedition^ 

 E. K, Kane, U, 8. N., commanding. 



