The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-08-27
Splendid Prospects and Departure Of the EK-
petition for the "High Latitudes."


halfpast eight P. M. of August 81 when we left the
harbor OF Uppernavk having on board Governor
Elberg. OF whom I made previous men.
ton, and several of his people, bound
for this place on a visit. After
steaming twelve miles to the northwest and west
ward we hauled up in front of small island set.
Element called King-i-toke where Governor Eberg
and myself, with boats crew, went ashore to
purchase dogs, urs and other requisites for the
pediJiOn. was able after considerable difficulty,
to get eleven dogs to add to the number already
possessed by the Poaris. Having spent tive
hours at King -T0ke we returned aboard. At ono
A. M, August 20 renewed our voyage for Tossac,
making our way, by the aid Of good native pilots.
among the numerous reefs, rocks and islands with
which Uppernavik and vicinity abound. At half
past five A. M. of the 22d we arrived at Tossac.
At once l called on Jensen, and to my
astOnishment and disappointment found that
mistake had been made In any one OF us expecting
that his consent could be obtained to leave his
home at the present time.
PROFESSIONAL DOG-DRIvER ENGAGED.
By the full consent and cooperation of the gov.
eminent authorities OF Denmark resident In
Greenland, 1 have concluded o contract with
Hans Christian, by which he enters the ser
vice of the United States North Polar Expedition a
dog-driver, hunter and servant. The wife and
three children are to accompany Hans. The pros
poets Of the expedition are fine; the weather beau
tiful, clear and unexceptionaly warm. Every pre-
paration has been made to bid farewell to civIliza-
ton for several years. II need be, to accomplish our
purpose Our coal bunkers are not only full.
but we have full ten tons yet on deck, besides
wood planks tar and rosin in considerable guam
titles, that can be used for steaming purposes in
any emergency. Never was an Arctic expedition
more completely fitted out than this
sTEAMING QUALITIES OF THE PoLARTs.
The progress Of the P0laris so far has been quite
favorable, making exceedingly good passages from
port to port-frst from Washington to
New York, thence to New London; then
to st. Johns, N. F., and thence to
Greenland. First to Fiscanaes, then to Holsten-
berg, thence to Godhavn, Upernavik and this port
Tossac, the last link binding us to the land Of civil
ization. The actual steaming sailing time OF the
P0lars from Washington to New York was sixty
hours, and from the latter place to this-the most
northern civilized settlement Of the world, unless
there be one for US to discover at
or near the North Poe-has been twenty days,
seven hours and thirty minutes. There is every
reason to rejoice that everything pertaining to the
expedition, under the rulings of High Heaven, is In
a far more prosperous and substantially successful
condition than even have hoped or prayed for
We are making every effort to leave here to-mor.
row. | Will at the latest moment resume my place
In continuing this communication.
DETAINED BY FOG.
EVENING, August 23 1S7l.-we did not get under
way to-day, as expected, because q heavy, dark
fog has prevailed all day, and the same now con.
tinues. The venture OF steaming out into sea OF
underlined reefs and sunken rocks, under
the present circumstances could not be under.
TAKEN The full number Of dogs, sixty, required
for the expedition Is now made up. At the seve-
ral.ports OF Greenland where we have stopped We
have been successful in obtaining proper food for
the dogs
August M-1P. M.
AWAY FOR THE UNKNOWN REGIONS.
The fog still continues. and decide we cannot
walt longer for Its dispersion for longer
delay will make it doubtful OF the expedition
securing the very high latitude desire
to obtain before entering into winter quarters. A
good pilot has offered to do his very best in con-
Quoting the Polaris outside Of the most imminent
danger Of the reefs and rocks. Now half-past one
one P. M, the anchor OF the Polaris has Just been
weighed, and not again will 1t 20 down
till, as l trust and pray higher.
far higher latitude, has been attained
than ever before by civilized man. Governor Ell
berg is about accompanying out OF the harbor
and seward. He leaves us when the pilot does.
Tribute TO GOVERNOR ELBERG.
Governor LOwertz Elberg has rendered to this
expedition much service, and long will remember
him for his great kindness. am sure you and my
country will fully appreciate the hospitality and
cooperation Of the Danish officials In Greenland, as
relating to our North Polar expedition.
Now, 2:l6, the Polaris bids
ADrEU TO THE CIVILIZED WORLD.
Governor Elberg leaves US, promising to take these
dispatches back to Uppernavik, and to send them
to our Minister ct Copenhagen by the next ship
which opportunity may not be until next year. God
be with US.
Yours ever, C. F. HALL.
To GEORGE NJ ROBSON Secretary of the NAVY.
washington.
OFFICERS or THE PoLARrs.
List OF commander, officers and crew OF the
United States North Polar Expedition on board
steamer Polaris on leaving Tossac for the North
Pole -
G. F. Hall, Commander Sidney o. Buddington,
Sailing and Ice Master; II. Q. Tyson, assistant
navigator; Il. @. Chester. first mate; Will
liam Morton, second mate; Emil Schuman,
chief engineer; A. A. Odell, assistant eng.
neer; w. F. Campbell, fireman; John W.
Booth, fireman; John Heron, steward william
Jackson, cook; Nathan J. Coffin, carpenter Herman
9. Kruger, seaman; Henry Hobby Seaman: Joseph
B. Mauch, seaman; G. w. Lnguist seaman; Peter
Johnson Johnson seaman; William NIaeinann, seaman;
scientific corps; r. w. d. Bryan, astron.
omer and chaplain; Frederick Meyer, me-
teorologist &C.; Joe, Esqumaux interpreter
and general assistants Hannah, Esquimaux inter-
prefer and general assistant; Puny, daughter of
Joe and Hannah; Hans Christian, dog driver.
hunter &C.; wife ofHans Christian, three children
OF Hans Christian-in all thirtynne souls.
@. +. HALL
Commanding North Polar Expedition, United States
T0ssac Harbor
To the Hon. secretary United States Navy, GroRoI
n. R0BBs0ks