OFF FOR THE POLE 
Belle Isle to Hawks Harbor, where there is a 
whale-factory. From here we leave for Turn- 
avik. 
We have been racing with the Erik all day, 
and have beaten her to this place. Captain 
Bartlett's father owns it, and we loaded a lot 
of boots and skins, which the Captain's father 
had ready for us. From here we sail to the 
Esquimo country of North Greenland, with- 
out a stop if possible, as the Commander has 
no intention of visiting any of the Danish set- 
tlements in South Greenland. 
Cape York is our next point, and the ship 
is sailing free. Aside from the excitement of 
the start, and the honor of receiving the per- 
sonal visit of the President, and his words of 
encouragement and cheer, the trip so far has 
been uneventful; and I have busied myself in 
putting my cabin in order, and making myself 
useful in overhauling and stowing provisions 
in the afterhold. 
July 24: Still northward-bound, with the 
sea rolling and washing over the ship ; and the 
Erik in the distance seems to be getting her 
share of the wash. She is loaded heavily with 
fresh whale-meat, and is purposely keeping in 
20 
