# Captain Bob Bartlett — A Negro Explorer at the North Pole character guide > Captain Bob Bartlett in A Negro Explorer at the North Pole by Matthew Henson. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Bartlett, Captain Bartlett **First appearance:** 0002-a-negro-explorer-at-the-north-pole ## Snapshot The Roosevelt's captain, the seasoned seaman whose ice-navigation skill carried the expedition north through waters that had stopped lesser ships. ## Who they are As master of the Roosevelt, Bartlett occupies a distinct rank in the expedition's hierarchy — answerable to Peary, but responsible for every soul aboard when the ship is in motion. His authority rests on seamanship rather than command, and the northern passage tests both his judgment and the vessel's hull. For Henson, Bartlett is a fellow mariner whose competence is measured in the same practical terms Henson learned as an able-bodied seaman. ## In the story ### [A Negro Explorer at the North Pole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/a-negro-explorer-at-the-north-pole) Captain of the Roosevelt and a crucial member of the expedition. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/ii) Ship captain, described as quick, strong, and knowledgeable; handles the landing at Eskimo settlements. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/iii) Navigates the Roosevelt through ice, finding leads and managing the ship's progress. ### [Preparing for Winter at Cape Sheridan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/iv) Works with the Commander to secure the ship near the shore. ### [VII Sledging to Cape Columbia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/vii) Had already started for Cape Columbia; his igloos noted for neatness; went to Parr Bay to hunt musk-oxen. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/viii) Returns from an unsuccessful musk-ox hunt, tired and discouraged; eats Henson's stew hungrily. ### [Ready for the Dash to the Pole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/ix) Met Henson on the trail, helped push loaded sledges to Cape Aldrich, and was among the first to depart onto the ice after Peary's arrival. ### [Forward! March!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/x) Alert and attentive; sets sail with his crew Ooqueah, Pooadloonah, and Harrigan on February 28, 1909. ### [Fighting Up the Polar Sea—Held Up by the 'Big Lead'](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/xi) Built the igloo that Henson reaches on March 4; his trail is followed by the main party. ### [Pioneering the Way](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/xii) Takes the field again following Peary's example; part of the main column after the Big Lead crossing. ### [Chapter XIII: The Final Supporting Parties Turn Back](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/xiii) Co-leads the pioneer party with Henson; works long hours making trail and building igloos. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/xiv) Reaches his farthest north at 87° 48' and turns back with a cheerful goodbye, tasked with knitting the trail together for the return. ### [The Pole!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/xv) Departed southward with his two boys after reaching 87° 48' North, leaving the main column to continue. ### [The Return Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/xvi) Mentioned as having reached land safely; his igloos at Crane City are found intact. ### [Safe on the Roosevelt—Poor Marvin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/xvii) Suffering from swollen legs and feet after the journey. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/xviii) Uses dynamite to free the Roosevelt's propeller from ice; oversees preparations for departure. ### [The Roosevelt Starts for Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/xix) Not directly mentioned in the excerpts, but part of the expedition crew. ### [Two Narrow Escapes — Arrival at Etah — Harry Whitney — Dr. Cook's Claims](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/xx) Orders more anchor chain during the storm; previously directed the outfitting of Mr. Bradley's hunting expedition. ### [XXI Etah to New York — Coming of mail and reporters — Home!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/xxi) Not explicitly mentioned in this chapter, but his ship the Roosevelt is central. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/characters/captain_bartlett - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/characters