The Expedition Postponed to 18G4. 39 



once I felt there could be but slight hope of resuming- my Arctic exploriitions at 

 the time i)roi)osed. Arriving in the States, and s])ending a few weeks among 

 friends devoted to Arctic exi)lorations, I came to the conclusion to spare no exer- 

 tions in preparing for my second expedition to the Arctic Seas. In my struggle 

 to make the proper preparations I have labored long and perseveringly, the 

 results ofttimes appearing hopeful of my ultimate success. I need only to refer 

 to the stupendous obstacle (the American war) that has been constantly before me 

 during all my labors; for the subject is absorbing the attention of the whole civil- 

 ized world. I deeply regret to say that, owing to the want of sufiicient means and 

 the lateness of the season, I am now compelled to postpone my exi)edition till 

 next year. In the mean time I shall proceed to prepare my narrative of my late 

 voyage (18G0-'61-'62) for publication, and at the same time take such steps as will 

 insure the necessary aid for my expedition to the Arctic Eegious, now postponed 

 to the spring of 18G4. 



Hall's feelings in regard to the labor called for upon his book will 

 be learned from a single expression in a letter of October 20, 1863: 

 " I have been deeply engaged for weeks and months upon my chart, 

 and yet am not done with it. I had rather make a dozen voyages to 

 the regions of ice and snow than prepare one book for publication. I 

 fear that months will be used up before I get through with my 

 book"; — words which may recall a like saying accredited to Dr. 

 Livingston, that he would rather again cross Africa than write his 

 Expedition to the Zambesi. Kane, too, had said that the writing of 

 his book was his coffin. Close apj^lication was, however, given to the 

 " Researches." It was all that Hall could accomplish during the year. 



In the early part of the spring of 1864 direct efforts were renewed, 

 but an application made to the legislature of the State of New York 

 for an appropriation of $25,000 and an appeal to the Council of the 

 city were alike unsuccessful. On the 5th of May, by invitation of Rev. 

 Dr. R. Storrs, President of the L(>ng Island Historical Society, Hall 



