CONCLUSION. 



565 



" So there's war, then, in reality, among us at home. The North 

 and the South are fighting against each other." 



"What !" I exclaimed, in utter amazement ; " what — ivar f War 

 in the United States, and among ourselves P 



" True enough," was the response ; " at least so says our pilot." 



A few words with the pilot assured me of the main fact, though 

 without informing me of any particulars, for he could give none. 

 But the news was so astounding that I did not for a while recov- 

 er from the shock. Bitter was the feeling that came over me on 

 receipt of the intelligence, and I tried hard to doubt it, until doubt 

 became impossible, especially when I landed and heard all the 

 facts from our consul. This first news from home created a gen- 

 eral gloom among us on board, and much of the joy which we 

 should naturally have felt on reaching a civilized port was lost by 

 reflecting upon the fact that so serious a calamity had fallen upon 

 our beloved land. 



As we approached the harbor of St. John's the excitement 

 among us was intense. The head became somewhat confused as 

 it turned from one object to another in the vast and noisy assem- 

 blage around us. But when the ship had dropped anchor and I 

 had landed, the overpowering sensations that followed were more 

 than I can describe. I was in a constant whirl. It seemed to me 

 as if I were just coming from death into life, and it was with dif- 

 ficulty I could manage to control myself in the society of the 

 many kind and warm-hearted friends to whom I was soon intro- 

 duced. 



The news of our arrival soon spread through the town, and 

 many persons flocked around the ship to see us, all expressing 

 much surprise at our robust and healthy appearance. My Innuit 

 companions, Ebierbing and Tookoolito, with their infant, also at- 

 tracted much attention. Every where on shore we were most 

 hospitably received, and I shall never forget the names of those 

 in St. John's who so warmly welcomed me. 



On first landing I immediately telegraphed my arrival to Mr. 

 Grinnell and to my own home, and received replies in a few 

 hours. 



We -staid at St. John's until the 26th, when we made sail for 

 New London, where we arrived on Saturday morning, September 

 13, 1862 ; and thus ended my voyage and explorations of two 

 years and three and a half months in and about the arctic seas. 



