xxii 



INTRODUCTION. 



health. If Providence had so ordered it that we should not find 

 our way back to civilization, but should cast our lot with Esqui- 

 maux, I have no doubt we would have lived perhaps quite as 

 long, and in quite as good health, as in the United States or En- 

 gland. Had we lost our commander, I confidently believe not 

 one of our expedition would have returned. Our countrymen 

 might have come to us, but we could not have gone to them. 

 White men can live where Esquimaux can, and frequently where 

 and when they can not. This I know by experience. * * * * 



"Little did I think, on returning to the United States with my 

 companions and beloved commander, that I would ever again go 

 to the north ; but believing, on my soul, from a practical life in 

 the arctic regions, that you are right in entertaining the opinion 

 that some of Sir John Franklin? s men are yet to be found living with 

 the Esquimaux, and that they should be rescued and restored to their 

 country and friends, I hereby cheerfully offer my services, and vol- 

 unteer as a member of the expedition you propose to organize. 



" For direct evidence of me, and my devotedness to this cause, 

 I would refer you to the written works of him whose memory 

 and name I almost worship — Dr. Kane." 



This confirmation of my views was exceedingly gratifying, but 

 I had one sent to me which still more stamped upon my mind the 

 truth of what I had surmised in respect to the Franklin Expedi- 

 tion. It was from Henry Grinnell, Esq., of New York, and will 

 be introduced farther on. 



After laying my plans before friends at Cincinnati, I at once 

 started for the Eastern States, with a view of consulting men of 

 experience in the arctic whale fishery, and also calling upon oth- 

 er persons to whom I had letters of introduction. 



I stopped one day at Philadelphia, and visited Dr. Hayes, Mr. 

 Eobert Kane, Mr. George Childs, and a few more ; then proceed- 

 ed on to New York, where I was hospitably welcomed by Mr. 

 Grinnell, who entered warmly into my views. 



On the 14th of February I went to New London, where I had 

 an opportunity of meeting many experienced whaling captains, 

 among whom was Captain S. A. Brown, who was very warm and 

 kind in reference to my plans. Captain Christopher Chappel, who 

 had passed a winter in Northumberland Inlet, likewise gave me 

 great hope and encouragement. So did Mr. Thomas W. Perkins, 

 who allowed me access to the logs of various voyages made in the 

 arctic regions by vessels belonging to the late firm of Perkins and 



