xxvi 



INTRODUCTION. 



Mr. G. W. Kogers, of New London, who had built the boats for 

 the expeditions under De Haven, Kane, and Hartstene, was com- 

 missioned to build mine. Its dimensions were as follows : length, 

 28 feet ; beam, 7 feet ; depth, 29 J inches ; and thickness of her 

 planking, which was of cedar, Jths of an inch. In form she was 

 similar to a whale-boat, drawing only eight inches of water when 

 loaded with stores and a crew of six persons. She had one mast, 

 on which a jib and mainsail could be carried ; a heavy awning 

 to shelter the crew at night or when at rest; and the lockers 

 for stores at each end were sufficiently large that a man could, if 

 need be, comfortably sleep in either of them. Five oars, and all 

 other essentials, formed a portion of her equipment. The sledge 

 I took was made under my own eye in Cincinnati, as also a stock 

 of pemmican. 



I now returned to the West for the purpose of settling my af- 

 fairs and preparing for departure. 



The press gave friendly notice of my intentions ; and a circu- 

 lar was issued by Mayor Bishop and Miles Greenwood, inviting 

 my fellow-citizens to meet me at the Burnet House. This meet- 

 ing took place on the 26th of April, and I was much gratified* 

 with its auspicious character. 



Soon after this (on May 10th) I bade adieu to my home and 

 friends — to all of human ties that I held dearest to my heart, and 

 departed for New York. Here I devoted the remaining time in 

 various matters connected with my departure, constantly receiv- 

 ing advice and assistance from Mr. Grinnell. Finally, on Sat- 

 urday evening, May 26th, I left for New London to join the 

 George Henry. The funds for my expedition were, however, so 

 low, that I found myself sadly deficient in many things that were 

 almost absolutely necessary. But, at the last moment, when this 

 was known to Mr. Grinnell, he unhesitatingly supplied the de- 

 ficiency. 



On arriving at New London, I received many kind invitations 

 from numerous friends I encountered there. Among others, I 

 can not forbear alluding to a dinner given the day before my final 

 departure by Mr. Haven (of the house of Williams & Haven), 

 who, with his amiable family, extended every hospitality toward 

 me. On the occasion to which I refer, the viands were plentiful 

 and good; but Mrs. Haven -uttered some graceful remark, wish- 

 ing there had been longer time to have made a more abundant 

 and richer display to welcome me ; whereupon one of her young- 



