A Negro Explorer at the North Pole · Chapter
Two Narrow Escapes — Arrival at Etah — Harry Whitney — Dr. Cook's Claims explained
The Roosevelt faces two near-disasters: an accidental rifle discharge wounds Professor MacMillan, and the ship loses its anchor in a storm.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Companionship
Henson's reunion with old Eskimo friends Panikpah and Pooadloonah, and the crew's shared relief and humor at their survival, highlight bonds formed through hardship.
Cultural Exchange and Imperialism
The distribution of tools and supplies to the Eskimos at Karnah reflects a paternalistic exchange, while Whitney's adoption of Eskimo lifestyle shows cultural adaptation.
Exploration and Discovery
The chapter centers on the verification of Dr. Cook's polar claim, underscoring the competitive and contested nature of Arctic exploration.
Characters to notice
- Matthew Henson
Narrates the chapter; narrowly avoids being hit by the same bullet that wounds MacMillan; goes ashore at Etah and interviews Dr. Cook's Eskimo companions.
- Professor Donald B. MacMillan
Wounded in the shoulder and forearm by an accidental rifle discharge; treated by Dr. Goodsell; later helps question Dr. Cook's boys about the Pole claim.
- George Borup
Shares the cabin with MacMillan when the bullet penetrates the partition.
- Chief Engineer Wardwell
Accidentally discharges Commander Peary's rifle, causing the bullet that wounds MacMillan.
- Captain Bob Bartlett
Orders more anchor chain during the storm; previously directed the outfitting of Mr. Bradley's hunting expedition.
- Harry Whitney
Spent the winter alone at Etah hunting big game; reports Dr. Cook's claim of reaching the North Pole; is not permitted to bring Cook's effects aboard the Roosevelt.
Key passages
“Quickly a boat was lowered, and I saw to it that I was a member of the crew of that boat, and when we reached the beach the first person to greet me was old Panikpah, greasy, smiling, and happy as if I were his own son.”
Henson made sure to join the boat crew going ashore, where he was warmly greeted by the Eskimo Panikpah.
Shows Henson's eagerness to reconnect and the affectionate reception from the Eskimos.
“When the Roosevelt reached Etah, Mr. Whitney was an Eskimo; but within one hour, he had a bath, a shave, and a haircut, and was the same mild-mannered gentleman that we had left there in the fall.”
Whitney had fully adopted Eskimo ways during the winter, but quickly reverted to his former appearance after boarding the ship.
Highlights the contrast between civilized and indigenous life and Whitney's adaptability.
“We knew Dr. Cook and his abilities; he had been the surgeon on two of Peary’s expeditions and, aside from his medical ability, we had no faith in him whatever.”
The expedition members dismissed Cook's polar claim because they knew his poor reputation and lack of endurance from previous service.
Establishes the skepticism toward Cook's claim based on firsthand experience.
