New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-06-06
"REMINISCENCES OF CAPT. HALL.

us FIRST VOYAGE FROM NEw-LONDoN-HIs WON
pFRFUL POWERS OF NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
uoV's ENTERPRISE N THE WHALING TRADE
DIsSENsIONs AMONG HALLS CREW.
IRON rHE srEcIAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TR1BrSEl
Rrw-LoxpoN. Conn. May 29.-The first voyage Of
Capt Hai into northern waters indeed his first sea
voyage in any direction, was made from New
London in 1900 in the whaling vessel George Henry,
owned by Williams g. Haven. He was at that time
totally unfamiliar with the sea and had neither
practical nor theoretical knowledge Of navigation.
He was full # adventurous enthusiasm, however
and impressed all with whom he had any converse
tin WITH his earnestncss and sincerity though the
practical s,auen of the hard old whaling port of
Eew-London considered him a sort Of monomaniao
upon the subject, whose tax was entertaining and
somewhat amusing, but who would hardly be able
ever 70 carry out any Of his wild and visionary pro-
jeets he came TO New-London with a letter
TO the Hon. Henry p Haven of the firm of
Williams & Haven-late Republican candidate
for Governor of consolidation Mr.. Henry Grin
nell OF New-York. He had succeeded in impresslng
Nt GIinnel with the idea that, Notwithstanding his
lack Of experience and Of scientific knowledge, he
had what was perhaps more essential than either an
Undyng determineduess Of will and pluck, and
aoOmplete abandonment OF everything to this one
object 70 be made the mission Of his life. Mr.. Grin
nell thought he had found in him the stuff for an
Arctic explorer by the absorbing devotion TO the
subject which be exhibited and his indOmitable en-
ergy 10 sumOmting the obstacles in bis way. Mr..
Haven had great confidence in the judgment of Mr..
Griunell, and being himself somewhat interested in
The subject Of Arctic exploration readily consented
that he should have passage in the George Henry,
then being fitted up for a whaling voyage TO hud-
sons Bay The orudeness Of Halls notions at that
md laoly
penis and pnvatons Of such a voyage were well IL
Illustrated by the fact, afterward often alluded 70
with a smile by his New.Iondon seafariue aeouain-
tances, that when the George Henry was ready TO
Sail be had prepared for himself neither bed nor he'd
ding nor blankets, nor hardly the extra clothing
which makes the necessary outfit Of seamen on such
voyages 80 that the vessel was detained little he
yOnd the time fixed for her departure in order n
enable him TO pick up the articles Of his outfit.
But he was not simply an enthusiast or mono
maniac. He picked up very speedily such practical
information as was necessary for him in his new
vocation, applied himself to learning navigation.
which he soon mastered and in a short time was as
good a sailor as any Of them, supplementing his
knowledge with an absorbing passion for the work.
which gave him an incentive 10 diligence and zeal
which the ordinary seaman did not have. His pre-
d@Hinsnt characteristics were the wonderful pluck
~ ehuuIahcc with when ne encountered pTlVatOu
AID hardship, and his Incorporating faith in his
nrssOn. II was on bis second voyage TO the North
tAat upon coming back to his vessel after long
tedge trp on the ice, be expressed 70 bis com.
pshlons the certainty Of his belief in the open POaI
pa adding and shall ind il and find the North
roe or die on the way" prediction which he has
fulfilled, by having bis body buried nearer the
we Than that Of any other known white man.
AeS-iondOn and GrotOn-the town just across
~ iaAnes-have been represented IN pretty nearly.
: SN qaAte every, American expedition 10 the Polar
,S0nS and II wasjn that quarter that Capt. Hall
s,aADy cEPeeted 70 fad bis officers and portion
as ereN The Sew-LendOn whalemen have bad
800 % less experience with Ice navigation aud
1any With the geography Of the Northern
Tor the past twenty or thirty yeara, their
c. ealing them TO H8issn's Bay and the
Ae.A'aa oo-s.s IN pursuit Of the whale, which has
NsVS,nuCh exteTIniRsted in al the other old