Page:Voyage of the Jeannette - 1884 - Volume 1.djvu/21

 THE VOYAGE OF THE JEANNETTE. CHAPTER I. THE COMMANDER OF THE EXPEDITION. Parentage and Birth. — Early Influences and Surroundings. — School Life. — The Choice of a Profession. — In the Law Office of Hon. John Oakey. — Forces his Way into the Naval Academy. — A Mid- shipman who dispenses with Red Tape. — Death of his Parents. — Marriage under Difficulties. — Promotion. — On the Juniata. — Commanding the Little Juniata. — A Perilous Boat Journey. — His Recollection of his Experience. — The Arctic Fever. — Powers of Endurance. — Temperament. — Frolics. — His Dealings with Men. — Testimony of an Associate. George Washington De Long was born in the city of New York, August 22, 1844, of a family of Hugue- not descent. His parents, who moved to Brooklyn when he was four years old, had no other child, but they had adopted a niece of his mother's, who was his principal playmate. His childhood was one of great seclusion. His mother, especially, was almost morbidly solicitous for him, so that he was jealously guarded from outdoor influences, and restrained from the ordi- nary sports of boyhood. The world seemed to the anxious mother full of perils for her boy, and she was unM'illing that he should meet them in the near pur- suits of swimming, boating, and skating. Home was made bright and happy, and every innocent and safe 1