Page:Life with the Esquimaux - 1864 - Volume 1.djvu/28

Rh the United States or England. 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 cannot. 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 volunteer 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 Expedition. 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 other persons to whom I had letters of introduction. I stopped one day at Philadelphia, and visited Dr. Hayes, Mr. Robert Kane, Mr. George Childs, and a few more; then proceeded 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