Matthew Henson

A Negro Explorer at the North Pole

Narrator and key explorer, reflecting on his role and experiences.

I

Narrator and author; born in Charles County, Maryland, August 8, 1866; attended N Street School in Washington, D.C.; shipped as cabin-boy and became able-bodied seaman; met Commander Peary in 1888 and served as his body-servant and assistant on multiple Arctic expeditions.

II

Narrator and key expedition member, busy with trading, hunting, and managing Eskimos.

III

Narrates the chapter; works on sledges, trades with Inuit, and reflects on his 42nd birthday.

Preparing for Winter at Cape Sheridan

Narrator and observer; describes his duties and personal effects aboard the Roosevelt.

V

Narrator and builder of the new sledges; leads a hunting party and reflects on the hardships of Arctic life.

VI

Narrator; built over two dozen sledges, went on two hunting trips, and observed the Eskimo families.

VII Sledging to Cape Columbia

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

VIII

Narrator and key organizer at Cape Columbia; teaches tricks for keeping warm, builds igloos, and performs dances to keep blood circulating.

Ready for the Dash to the Pole

Narrates the chapter, describes his own movements and observations, including helping build an igloo for Dr. Goodsell and retrieving supplies with his dog team.

Forward! March!

Ordered to take the lead with his three Eskimo boys at half past six in the morning.

Fighting Up the Polar Sea—Held Up by the 'Big Lead'

Narrator and lead sledge driver; repairs his own sledge and later Ootah's and Kudlooktoo's; reconnoiters leads and pushes forward despite exhaustion.

Pioneering the Way

Narrator and pioneer; leads the forward party with his dog team, repairs sledges, and drives the expedition onward despite extreme cold and dangerous ice.

Chapter XIII: The Final Supporting Parties Turn Back

Narrator and trail-breaker; relieved to learn he will continue north; reads his Bible before sleep.

XIV

Leads his party following Bartlett's trail, describes the hardships of the march, and the killing of a dog that fell into a lead.

The Pole!

Narrator and key navigator; gauges distances and endures the final march alongside Peary.

The Return Journey

Describes his own gaunt, aged appearance in the mirror, but notes his eyes still twinkle; reflects on the shared ordeal.

Safe on the Roosevelt—Poor Marvin

Returns to the Roosevelt exhausted, learns of Marvin's death, and begins recovery.

XVIII

Spends nearly three weeks in idleness before Peary orders him to build and repair sledges; goes on short hunting trips but never leaves the ship for long.

The Roosevelt Starts for Home

Narrates the chapter, describing the journey, dog fights, and Eskimo settlements.

Two Narrow Escapes — Arrival at Etah — Harry Whitney — Dr. Cook's Claims

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.

XXI Etah to New York — Coming of mail and reporters — Home!

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

Appendix I: Notes on the Eskimos

Author of the appendix, providing first-hand observations of Eskimo life and customs.

List of Illustrations

Featured in an illustration titled 'Matthew Henson in his North Pole furs, taken after his return to civilization'.