WE REACH THE POLE 297 



friends of the club for the purpose of securing this 

 geographical prize, if possible, for the honor and 

 prestige of the United States of America. 



The officers of the club are Thomas H. Hubbard, 

 of New York, President; Zenas Crane, of Mass., Vice- 

 president; Herbert L. Bridgman, of New York, Secre- 

 tary and Treasurer. 



I start back for Cape Columbia to-morrow. 



Robert E. Peary, 

 United States Navy. 



90 N. Lat., North Pole, 

 April 6, 1909. 

 I have to-day hoisted the national ensign of the 

 United States of America at this place, which my 

 observations indicate to be the North Polar axis of 

 the earth, and have formally taken possession of the 

 entire region, and adjacent, for and in the name of the 

 President of the United States of America. 



I leave this record and United States flag in pos- 

 session. 



Robert E. Peart, 

 United States Navy. 



If it were possible for a man to arrive at 90° north 

 latitude without being utterly exhausted, body and 

 brain, he would doubtless enjoy a series of unique 

 sensations and reflections. But the attainment of 

 the Pole was the culmination of days and weeks of 

 forced marches, physical discomfort, insufficient sleep, 

 and racking anxiety. It is a wise provision of nature 

 that the human consciousness can grasp only such 



