# XXI Etah to New York — Coming of mail and reporters — Home! explained — A Negro Explorer at the North Pole

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Perseverance and Endurance

The chapter highlights the final challenges of the homeward voyage, including storms, dangerous ice, and the crew's determination to return safely.

### Loyalty and Companionship

Henson's deep affection for Peary and the expedition members is evident in his longing to see them again and his pride in their shared achievement.

### Memory and Legacy

Henson reflects on the end of the journey and the lasting call of the Arctic, framing the expedition as a tale that will be remembered.

## Character check-ins

### Commander Robert E. Peary

Leads the expedition home, reunites with family at Sydney, and gives the first interview to reporters at Battle Harbor.

### Matthew Henson

Narrates the final leg of the journey, sews a white bar with 'North Pole' onto an American flag, and expresses longing for the Arctic.

### George Borup

Receives mail and groans upon learning that Harvard beat Yale.

### Professor Donald B. MacMillan

Consoles Borup after his bad news about the Harvard-Yale game.

### Josephine Diebitsch Peary

Arrives aboard a steam-yacht with the children to reunite with Commander Peary.

### Harry Whitney

Transfers his equipment to the Jeanie to hunt polar bears.

### Captain Bob Bartlett

Not explicitly mentioned in this chapter, but his ship the Roosevelt is central.

## Key lines

> I long to see them all again! the brave, cheery companions of the trail of the North. I long to see again the lithe figure of my Commander! and to hear again his clear, ringing voice urging and encouraging me onward, with his 'Well done, my boy.'

Henson expresses a deep desire to reunite with his fellow explorers and hear Peary's encouraging words once more.

_Reflects Henson's emotional attachment to his comrades and his admiration for Peary._

> The lure of the Arctic is tugging at my heart, to me the trail is calling! 'The Old Trail! The Trail that is always New!'

Henson feels an irresistible pull to return to Arctic exploration, describing it as an ever-fresh challenge.

_Captures the enduring allure of exploration and Henson's personal connection to the Arctic._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/xxi
- 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