58 Whalers at the Island. lAugast, i864. 



among Hall's papers and dating within tlie years 1860-62, as well as 

 the future history of other like cases, justify the precaution he took. 



Before taking Rudolph into his service he told him, in Mr. Gardner's 

 presence, the very darkest and hardest side of the story as to the life 

 he must lead if he went to King William's Land, asking him also if he 

 were aware that perhaps they would starve, or be killed by the 

 Innuits. But Rudolph answered that he could endure what any one 

 else could, and could stand it as well as Hall ; and if they should find 

 no chance of escape, a man would have to die but once, and, therefore, 

 he was not afraid to go. A contract was then made for the term of 

 three years, at a compensation of $25 per month, with the promise of 

 a much larger sum if the objects of the expedition should be secured; 

 and to complete the papers properly required in the case. Captain 

 Parsons of the Isabel, received from Hall a copy of the contract, to be 

 shown, if necessary, at the custom-house in New London on the 

 return of the brig. 



On the 26th, Mr. Gardner recorded for Hall his observations for 

 the day, which included some lunar distances. 



On the 27th, no fewer than eight whalers, the Cornelia, George and 

 Mary, Concordia, Morning Star, Isabel (brig), and Isabel (schooner), 

 with the Monticello, and her Tender, were all at anchor. The officers 

 and men of these vessels very kindly added some useful things to 

 Hall's small outfit, and promised their assistance whenever it should be 

 ill tlieir power. The Morning Star, leaving her anchorage for Cyrus 

 W. Field's Bay, received a copy of Hall's chart of Frobisher Bay. 

 Tli(^ next day the crews of the Monticello and Helen F. were engaged 

 in towing'- tlu- former vessel to the place selected for her winter quarters. 



