6 
Peary Auxiliary Expedition. 
Geographer; Prof. T. C. Chamberlin^ Geologist; Dr. Axel Ohlin, 
of Sweden, Zoologist; Mr. Emil Diebitsch, Civil Engineer; Mr. 
H. L. Bridgman, Historian, and Dr. H. E. Wetherill, Surgeon. 
After a speedy and uneventful voyage the “Portia” reached St. 
Johns on June 25th. Here we were to go on board our own ves- 
sel, the steam whaler “Falcon,” a bark-rigged craft of 31 1 tons 
net register, which had been chartered for the voyage. In past 
years, the citizens of St. Johns have witnessed the departure and 
return of nearly all the American Arctic expeditions, and they ex- 
tended a cordial welcome to the members of our party. Our 
vessel not being in readiness, a tedious delay of eleven days in- 
tervened before we were able to move on board the “Falcon.” 
The time was agreeably occupied, however, in excursions in the 
neighborhood and in accepting the social attentions extended to 
the members of the party by the Governor of the colony, the offi- 
cers of Her Majesty^s North Atlantic Squadron and others. 
Here the final additions were made to our equipment, a year’s 
provisions placed on board the “Falcon” and last messages sent 
to friends in the South. Captain Henry Bartlett, who had con- 
ducted Lieutenant Peary north the previous year, was again se- 
cured as Ice Master, and under him was the ship’s complement 
of fifteen men-— all hardy Newfoundlanders— -veterans of the Arc- 
tic whaling service and northern sealing trade. 
At length, all preparations being completed, on the afternoon 
of July 7th, our staunch little steamer swung out from her pier 
and slowly made her way down the harbor. As we passed the 
British cruiser “Cleopatra,” the blue jackets manned the yards 
and gave us three rousing cheers. With this fraternal farewell 
ringing in our ears, we soon passed “The Narrows” whose stern 
and lofty walls guard the entrance to St. Johns, and ere long 
found ourselves embarked on the last stage of the long journey 
to the north. 
During the ensuing few days the time was passed in unpack- 
ing trunks and boxes and in accommodating ourselves to the 
routine of life on shipboard. On the “Falcon” the food was plain 
and the passenger accommodations, especially on the return voy- 
age, exceedingly restricted. But one scarcely looks for luxurious 
