46 BALCH— WHY AMERICA SHOULD [April 22, 



In forwarding copies of these letters to the writer, the late 

 George C. Hurlbut, librarian of the American Geographical Society, 

 wrote as follows : 



March 12, 1906. 

 My dear Mr. Balch: 



We received on the loth an answer to the letter written to the Secre- 

 tary of the Navy about a ship for the Antarctic, and I enclose a copy for you. 

 It is final for the time, but no one knows what may come to pass. 



Sincerely yours, 



George C. Hurlbut. 



Miss Wilkes, the daughter of our great explorer, also sent the 

 writer the following letter : 



814 Connecticut Avenue, 



Washington, D. C. 

 My dear Sir: 



Your ideas as to an Antarctic expedition to substantiate my father's dis- 

 covery of a continent appeals more and more to my sister and me. We 

 hope that you will see fit to endeavor to persuade some government official 

 or some man in power politically or financially to work upon and push your 

 plan to successful completion calling it the " Balch Expedition." If we can 

 do anything in our little way to bring your idea into notice, we shall gladly 

 speak or write. 



But alas ! we are women, not ever of much use in such grand projects 

 as you, with your knowledge and courage in speaking for the truth, are so 

 fitted to undertake. It was really a happiness to talk with you, who have 

 done so much to uphold my father's name. My sister and I both regretted 

 very much that she too had not the gratification of meeting you and your 

 wife. We will hope to see you both in Washington when you come, with 

 your admirable manner and convincing words to lay your most kind intention 

 before the officials here. With most grateful thanks to you and regards to 

 your wife. 



Very cordially, 



Eliza Wilkes. 



April 12, 1906. 



Not long after this, the writer succeeded in enlisting a powerful 

 helper in the cause of Antarctic exploration. This was Com- 

 mander Robert E. Peary, who up to this time, curiously enough, 

 had apparently taken no interest whatever in the Antarctic. Indeed, 

 in his letter of September 2, 1903, explaining his plans for a new 

 Arctic expedition to the Secretary of the Navy, Commander" Peary 

 showed that he was unaware that there was a south polar problem, 

 when he wrote :-^ 



^Bulletin American Geographical Society, Vol. XXXV., 1903, p. 375. 



