# VII Sledging to Cape Columbia explained — A Negro Explorer at the North Pole

> Chapter companion for A Negro Explorer at the North Pole by Matthew Henson.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Perseverance and Endurance

Henson's relentless work soldering alcohol tins in extreme cold, darkness, and with inadequate tools, and the grueling sledging with overloaded sledges, exemplify the theme of perseverance.

### Loyalty and Companionship

The cooperation between Henson and his Eskimo boys, the mutual aid (e.g., Ootah thawing his foot under Henson's shirt), and the camaraderie with MacMillan highlight loyalty and companionship.

### Exploration and Discovery

The chapter details the logistical preparations and the journey to Cape Columbia, a critical step in the exploration of the Arctic and the quest for the North Pole.

## Character check-ins

### Matthew Henson

Narrator and leader of a sledge party; performs soldering of alcohol tins in extreme cold; keeps a diary of the journey.

### Professor Donald B. MacMillan

Leads a separate sledge party; travels alongside Henson; compliments Henson's soldering work.

### Captain Bob Bartlett

Had already started for Cape Columbia; his igloos noted for neatness; went to Parr Bay to hunt musk-oxen.

### Dr. J. W. Goodsell

Had already started; his igloo identified by scattered cocoa-tins; caught up with at the end of the ice-foot.

### Ootah

Eskimo companion who froze his great toe; thawed it under Henson's bearskin shirt.

### George Borup

Left leaky alcohol tins at Porter Bay that Henson had to solder.

### Chief Engineer Wardwell

Henson watched him solder cases aboard the ship to learn the technique.

## Key lines

> If you will get out your geography and turn to the map of the Western Hemisphere you will be able to follow me.

Henson invites the reader to use a map to trace the route along the 70th meridian west from Cape Columbia southward.

_Sets the geographical context for the polar journey._

> If there ever was a job for a demon in Hades, that was it.

Henson describes the soldering work as hellishly difficult, combining the risk of freezing and burning.

_Emphasizes the extreme hardship of the task._

> I have started for a place, and do not intend to run back to get a better start.

Henson is determined to press forward to Cape Columbia without backtracking, despite the heavy loads.

_Reflects his resolve and commitment to the mission._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/vii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters