Page:Life with the Esquimaux - 1864 - Volume 1.djvu/87

66 "He inquired very much about Mr. Grinnell, whose name is as familiar in Greenland as it is in the United States and Europe.

"At our tea the governor partook of two dishes which he then tasted for the first time in Greenland, viz. fresh lobsters and cranberry preserves. He pronounced them 'very good.' American cheese—with which he keeps himself well supplied—he also likes much.

"After an interchange of friendly gifts—that from the governor being an Esquimaux suit of water-proof sealskin—our visitors took their departure, and were rowed on shore by girls, two of them very neatly attired in their native costume.

"This day, in presence of Captain Budington and Lars Kleijt, I have had a prolonged conversation with Adam Beck, an Esquimaux who acted as interpreter for Sir John Ross in 1850–1. Lars can talk much more fluently the English language than Adam Beck. The latter said:—

"'Captain Phillips' (who was with Sir John Ross) 'speak: "Adam Beck, plenty lie." Beck then paused a moment and added, "Sir John Ross very good man—plenty pray—plenty eat—Carl Petersen no speak Husky (Esquimaux) quick—not good Husky speak—small speak Husky!"'

"Adam farther continued, and said, 'he spoke with the Esquimaux at Cape York. They told him two ships had been seen there; that there were plenty of officers and men—much butter and much bread—ships go all to pieces—all die. Adam Beck speak to Peterson, lie! Petersen speak Adam Beck, lie! Carl Petersen plenty lie—d—d lie!'

"Both Captain B and myself are satisfied that Adam Beck told to Sir John Ross exactly what York-Cape Esquimaux told to him. It seems that Commander Phillips and Carl Petersen repeatedly told Beck that he was a liar, and otherwise abused this now almost wreck of a man! The treatment Adam Beck received from Sir John Ross is remembered kindly to this day. Poor Beck was the instrument of communicating fabrications of Cape York Esquimaux, and for this English historians have written him down as the