Inquiries as to Whalimj. 33 



fidence in his ])l{tns, liis friends, therefore, luid reasons id this time 

 seemingly as solid as those which, at a later date, i)r(>iiii)t((l tlie 

 learned members of the National Academy of Sciences to say in their 

 instructions for the Polaris Expedition — 



We have, however, full contideiice not only in the ability of Captain Hall 

 and his Naval associates to make important additions to the geography of the 

 Polar Eegions, but also in his interest in science and his determination to do all 

 in his power to assist in determining the scientific operations. 



If he was enthusiastic in the extreme, there was some method 

 in his enthusiasm. It marks a strongly determined purpose that he 

 should write in his private journal, in connection with his feelings as 

 quoted above — 



I may record my opinion that I cannot succeed in getting the necessary co- 

 operation of my countrymen to carry out my proposed expedition. God only 

 knows my struggles. But, single handed an<l alone, I will yet accomi)lish my 

 purpose — for I know it is a just and noble one — or die in attempting it. I will, 

 if possible, get passage for myself, Ebierbiug, and Too-koo-li-too in June next to 

 Frobisher Bay. By degrees I will push northward and westward till I reach 

 Ig-loo-lik, and thence to liepulse Bay, and in time to Boothia and King Williaiirs 

 Land, the Meta of my aspirations. By this route it will take me three years to 

 to reach King William's Land, three years to return — in all I shall exi)ect to be 

 absent ten years. 



His two cherished objects were to be as steadily pursued if he went 

 alone as they could be were he fully equipped; and he was encouraged 

 in the idea of securing substantial benefits to American whaling inter- 

 ests by the replies received from New London, then vigorously pursu- 

 ing that branch of industry. His inquiries of the whaling- firms of that 

 city had been in relation to the value of the whale oil and bone 

 brought home in American ships from Davis Straits, Northumberland 



Inlet, and Hudson's Bay. 

 S. Ex. 27 3 



