72 THE VOYAGE OF THE JEANXETTE. 



between the two men there had been no jar or misun- 

 derstanding. On the one hand there had been the ut- 

 most liberaUty and confidence ; on the other, the closest 

 fideHty. As the time drew near for the expedition to 

 start, and Captain De Long tried in vain to secure from 

 Government a convoy to Behring Strait, he burst out 

 in one of his desjiatches to Mr. Bennett's representative 

 in New York : " Thank God, I have a man at my back 

 to see me throuofh when countries fail ! " Mr. Ben- 



^?^" 



WILLIAM DUNBAR. 



nett's final instructions, sent by Atlantic cable from 

 Europe and forwarded to Captain De Long, closed with 

 these words : — 



" Regret exceedingly I cannot be there to bid him God- 

 speed, but hope to be on hand to congratulate hira upon suc- 

 cessful return. Tell him I have greatest confidence in his 

 energy and pluck, and I thank him sincerely for his fidelity to 

 me. Say, also, he may push forward to north next spring with 

 perfect confidence, for if ice-bound, I shall spare neither money 

 nor influence to follow him up and send assistance next year, 

 so neither he nor his men will be in danger. I wish this to be 



