INTRODUCTION. 



xxvii 



est sons, a little lad, very intelligently said, "He guessed that 

 where I was going to I might see the day when I should be glad 

 to get as good!" Since then, how often and often have I called 

 to mind that entertainment and young Master Haven's words, 

 especially when obliged to eat scraps of raw walrus hide, whale- 

 skin, the contents of walrus and reindeer paunches, etc., and some- 

 times not able to get even that much to try and satisfy my crav- 

 ing hunger ! Frequently have I sat down and thought of my 

 dinner at Mr. Haven's, vainly wishing that I could get, if it were, 

 only the very poorest fragments of that Monday's feast. 



On the 29th of May, accompanied by Mr. Grrinnell and several 

 citizens of New London, among whom was Mayor Harris, I 

 stepped from the wharf, amid a crowd of friendly spectators, 

 and entered the boat that was to convey me on board. A few 

 strokes of the oars, however, had only been made, when we re- 

 turned at the voice of Mr. Haven hailing us. It was to give me 

 a present, in the shape of a little book called u The Daily Food," 

 which, though small in size, was great in its real value, and which 

 proved my solace and good companion in many a solitary and 

 weary hour. 



Once more bidding adieu to all on shore, the boat swiftly car- 

 ried me to the ship, where preparation was being made for depart- 

 ure. In a few moments more the steam-tug was alongside, and 

 we were towed out to sea. Then came the final moment of part- 

 ing. The last farewell had to be uttered — the one word that was 

 to sever me for many months, perhaps years, from my country, 

 my home, my friends ! Never shall I forget the emotions I ex- 

 perienced when the noble Grinnell came to take my hand and 

 say, " Good-by ! God bless you !" Hardly could I respond to his 

 kind and earnest expressions toward me and on my behalf. With 

 warm but trembling utterance, this truly great and good man 

 spoke of the brave old navigators, and those of our own times, 

 who had often dared the perils of unknown seas, relying on their 

 own stout hearts, it is true, but depending more on the aid and 

 support of a Supreme Power. He bade me ever do the same ; 

 and, commending me to that mighty Being, he once more, with 

 moistened eye, said " Farewell !" and hastily embarked on the tug 

 that was to convey the visitors on shore. 



The last link binding me to my own dear native land was now 

 severed. The steamer cast off as we were passing Montauk Point, 

 and then there arose one deafening shout from those on board, 



