_For over three centuries the world has dreamed of solving the mystery of the North. To-night the Stars and Stripes stand nearest to that mystery, pointing and beckoning. And, God willing, I hope that your administration may yet see those Stars and Stripes planted at the Pole itself. For, between those two great cosmic boundaries, the Panama Canal and the North Pole, lie the heritage and the stupendous future of that giant whose destinies you guide to-day, the United States of America._ [Illustration: ·THE·HUBBARD MEDAL· AWARDED BY THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY TO ROBERT E. PEARY FOR ARCTIC EXPLORATIONS. FARTHEST NORTH 87°6′ DECEMBER 15th 1906] ANNOUNCEMENT NEW YORK, MARCH 30, 1907 The Peary Arctic Club at a recent meeting resolved unanimously to place the _Roosevelt_ on dry dock for a refitting, and to subsequently tender the same to Commander Peary for a final attempt to be made by him to reach the North Pole. Believing Commander Peary will be successful, the Club has taken this action, and they have every confidence in the gallant and intrepid American, and share in the pride that must animate the American people to see planted at the North Pole the American flag. The Peary Arctic Club asks the aid of those who have heretofore contributed, as well as the co-operation and aid of all or any who are interested in this patriotic enterprise. The expense of this final expedition it is estimated will be one hundred thousand dollars. MORRIS K. JESUP, _President_. NEW YORK, MARCH 30, 1907 The fact, as indicated in Mr. Jesup’s letter, that the Peary Arctic Club hopes to send out another Polar Expedition the coming summer, will, I trust, be accepted as an excuse for any shortcomings in this volume. The writer has, from the day of his return, been under the stress of insistent and incessant demands, and in working and planning for the next campaign, has found it difficult and at times impossible to put this narrative of the campaign just finished, in the shape that would do full justice to himself and his publishers. [Illustration: _R. E. Peary_] CONTENTS PAGE Introduction vii CHAPTER I. From New York to Etah 3 II. Etah to Cape Sheridan 33 III. Autumn at Cape Sheridan 55 IV. Through the “Great Night” 73 V. Sheridan to the “Big Lead” 97 VI. From the “Big Lead” to 87° 6′ N. Lat. 123 VII. From 87° 6′ to the Greenland Coast 139