A Negro Explorer at the North Pole · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for A Negro Explorer at the North Pole by Matthew Henson.
Chapter 1
A Negro Explorer at the North Pole
Matthew Henson recounts his journey as an African American explorer on Commander Peary's expedition to the North Pole, detailing the challenges, teamwork, and ultimate triumph of reaching the northernmost point on Earth.
Chapter 2
I
Matthew Henson recounts his early life, from his birth in Maryland in 1866 to his education in Washington, D.C., and his early career as a seaman. He describes meeting Commander Peary in 1888 and beginning a long association as his assistant, accompanying him on expeditions to Nicaragua and the Arctic. Henson provides an overview of his Arctic experiences, including the 1891 North Greenland Expedition, the harrowing 1895 icecap crossing, the recovery of meteorites, and the persistent efforts leading to the discovery of the North Pole in 1909. He also reflects on his deep connection with the Eskimo people and the tragic losses of fellow explorers.
Chapter 3
II
The chapter covers the departure of the Roosevelt from Oyster Bay, the farewell to families, and the journey northward through Sydney, Hawks Harbor, and Cape York. Henson describes the expedition members, the acquisition of dogs and supplies from the Eskimos, and the challenges of trading and managing the local people. The chapter ends with the arrival at Etah on August 12.
Chapter 4
III
At Etah, the expedition rescues Rudolph Franke, left behind by Dr. Cook, and takes on final coal and supplies. Trading with the Inuit involves exchanging tools for dogs, highlighting the unequal value. Harry Whitney decides to stay for the winter. The Roosevelt then battles ice packs for 21 days to reach Cape Sheridan on September 5, 1908, with all hands preparing for the winter.
Chapter 5
Preparing for Winter at Cape Sheridan
The expedition arrives at Cape Sheridan and begins preparations for winter. The ship is unloaded, temporary shelters are built from provisions, and the crew settles into a routine. Henson describes his duties, the ship's amenities, and the challenges of living with the Eskimos aboard the Roosevelt.
Chapter 6
V
Henson describes building new Peary-designed sledges and the challenges of hunting in the Arctic night. He reflects on the intelligence, ferocity, and indispensability of the Eskimo dogs, detailing their behavior, the process of harnessing them, and their crucial role in polar exploration. The chapter also captures his personal discouragement during an unsuccessful eight-day hunt as the long polar night descends.
Chapter 7
VI
The chapter describes the unique winter at Cape Sheridan under the Peary plan, emphasizing constant activity, hunting, and preparation for the polar journey. Henson recounts building sledges, hunting trips, and the terrifying storms that hurl massive rocks. He also provides a detailed portrait of the Eskimo families who accompanied the expedition, noting their adaptability, the impact of civilization on their culture, and the decline of their population and traditional way of life.
Chapter 8
VII Sledging to Cape Columbia
In this chapter, Matthew Henson describes the arduous journey from the Roosevelt to Cape Columbia in February 1909. He details the challenges of soldering leaky alcohol tins in extreme cold, the heavy sledging over rough ice and deep snow, and the camaraderie and hardships shared with his Eskimo companions and fellow explorers. The chapter includes diary entries from February 18-22, 1909, covering the departure, the soldering work at Porter Bay, the overland route across Fielden Peninsula, and the final arrival at Cape Columbia.
Chapter 9
VIII
At Cape Columbia, the expedition prepares for the final push to the North Pole. Henson describes the stark beauty of the Arctic landscape, the practical preparations including haircuts and baths, and the arrival of various team members. They build igloos, adjust sledge loads, and wait for Peary and Marvin. Henson reflects on the desolation and color of the region, the camaraderie among the men, and the sparse reading material available.
Chapter 10
Ready for the Dash to the Pole
As the expedition prepares for the final push to the North Pole, Henson describes the harsh conditions at Cape Columbia, including heavy snowfall, extreme cold, and the logistical movements of supplies. The chapter captures the arrival of Commander Peary and the immediate departure of Bartlett and Borup onto the Arctic Ocean, emphasizing the relentless discipline and urgency of the mission.
Chapter 11
Forward! March!
The expedition departs from Cape Columbia on March 1, 1909, with Commander Peary's command 'Forward! March!' setting the tone. Captain Bartlett and George Borup lead the first teams, while the main party, including Peary, MacMillan, Goodsell, Marvin, Henson, and fourteen Eskimos with ninety-eight dogs, prepares to follow. Despite early injuries to Ooblooyah and Slocum, Henson and his team take the lead, marking the beginning of the arduous march toward the North Pole.
Chapter 12
Fighting Up the Polar Sea—Held Up by the 'Big Lead'
Henson describes the grueling early stages of the northward march from Cape Columbia, including constant sledge repairs, brutal cold, and the frustration of being halted by the open water of the Big Lead. The chapter captures the daily struggles of the team as they battle rubble ice, broken sledges, and freezing injuries while waiting for the lead to close.
Chapter 13
Pioneering the Way
Henson describes the dangerous and grueling work of pioneering the route northward after crossing the Big Lead. He details the extreme cold, broken sledges, treacherous ice conditions, and the discipline required to manage both dogs and men. Key supporting parties are sent back, including MacMillan and Goodsell, while Henson pushes forward with his team, facing open leads and constant repairs.
Chapter 14
Chapter XIII: The Final Supporting Parties Turn Back
Henson describes the grueling march northward across the polar ice, the daily challenges of trail-making through rough ice and pressure ridges, and the emotional farewells as supporting parties turn back. He recounts the system of alternating travel and sleep between the pioneer and main parties, the camaraderie among the men, and the moment when Commander Peary tells him he will continue onward, leaving only Captain Bartlett between him and the Pole. The chapter ends with Henson's poignant goodbye to Professor Marvin, who would later drown on the return journey.
Chapter 15
XIV
Captain Bartlett reaches his farthest north and turns back, while the main party continues northward. The chapter details the extreme cold, treacherous ice crossings, the killing of a dog suffering from piblokto, and the constant danger of open leads. The party camps, waits for leads to freeze, and prepares for the final push to the Pole.
Chapter 16
The Pole!
The final march to the North Pole. With Captain Bartlett sent back, Peary, Henson, and four Eskimos—Ootah, Egingwah, Seegloo, and Ooqueah—push northward. After grueling marches and near-disasters, Peary takes a solar observation on April 7, 1909, confirming they have reached the Pole. The American flag is planted, and Henson reflects on the historic role of a Black man at this achievement.
Chapter 17
The Return Journey
After reaching the North Pole, the party makes a rapid and grueling return journey to land, covering three upward marches in one return march. Despite extreme fatigue and physical deterioration, they reach Cape Columbia on April 23, 1909, where they find Captain Bartlett's igloos intact. The chapter emphasizes the immense physical and mental strain of the expedition and celebrates Peary's conquest of the Pole.
Chapter 18
Safe on the Roosevelt—Poor Marvin
After a grueling return journey from Cape Columbia, Matthew Henson reaches the Roosevelt and learns of Professor Marvin's tragic drowning. He experiences a mix of relief and grief, resting and recovering while grappling with the loss of his friend.
Chapter 19
XVIII
After the polar triumph, the expedition remains at Cape Sheridan while various scientific parties complete their work. Henson is idle for weeks before Peary orders him to build and repair sledges. MacMillan and Borup return from record-breaking scientific work at Cape Jesup, and Borup later erects a cairn at Cape Columbia. Dr. Goodsell hunts musk-oxen and caribou, collects specimens, and meets MacMillan at Fort Conger. As July progresses, the ice begins to break up, and the crew prepares the Roosevelt for departure.
Chapter 20
The Roosevelt Starts for Home
The Roosevelt departs from Cape Sheridan on July 17, 1909, beginning the journey home. The ship faces severe storms, ice drifts, and delays in Robeson Channel and Kennedy Channel. Along the way, the crew stops at various Eskimo settlements, takes on new families and dogs, and learns of Dr. Cook's safe return from Ellesmere Land. The chapter also describes a dramatic dog fight for pack supremacy and the beauty of places like Karnah.
Chapter 21
Two Narrow Escapes — Arrival at Etah — Harry Whitney — Dr. Cook's Claims
The Roosevelt faces two near-disasters: an accidental rifle discharge wounds Professor MacMillan, and the ship loses its anchor in a storm. After hunting walrus and landing supplies at Karnah, the expedition arrives at Etah, where they reunite with Eskimos Panikpah and Pooadloonah, crew members Murphy and Pritchard, and hunter Harry Whitney. Whitney reveals that Dr. Cook claims to have reached the North Pole, but Henson and others, after questioning Cook's Eskimo companions, dismiss the claim as unfounded.
Chapter 22
XXI Etah to New York — Coming of mail and reporters — Home!
The final chapter describes the Roosevelt's homeward voyage from Etah to New York, including the relief ship meeting, mail delivery, stormy seas, stops at various harbors, the reunion with Mrs. Peary and children, the disbanding of the expedition at Sydney, and the triumphant arrival in New York. Henson reflects on his longing for the Arctic and his companions.
Chapter 23
Appendix I: Notes on the Eskimos
This appendix provides ethnographic observations on the North Greenland Eskimos, covering their physical appearance, social customs, material culture, family life, and spiritual beliefs. Henson notes their capacity for imitation, use of tools, clothing, housing, and the harsh realities of their existence, including the treatment of women and death rituals. He concludes by acknowledging their invaluable assistance in polar exploration despite their isolation from the commercial world.
Chapter 24
Appendix II: List of Smith Sound Eskimos
This appendix provides a comprehensive list of 218 Smith Sound Eskimos, including 122 males and 96 females, with two unnamed female babies. The names are listed with phonetic spellings and males are marked by an asterisk.
Chapter 25
List of Illustrations
This chapter presents a list of illustrations included in the book, featuring key figures and scenes from the North Pole expedition, including Robert E. Peary, the four North Pole Eskimos, Camp Morris K. Jesup, the Roosevelt in winter quarters, and Matthew Henson.
