Lot 463: HAYES, ISAAC I.

ISAAC I. HAYES (1832-1881) American explorer who led an Arctic expedition aimed at proving the existence of open seas around the North Pole. Uncommon, very fine content A.L.S. "I. I. Hayes ", 4pp. 8vo., New York, Aug. 7, 1878, to James Gordon Bennett, Jr., owner and editor of The New York Herald, who, at this time, was involved in supporting George Washington de Long's outfitting an expedition to the Arctic. In part: "...When the map which you were so good as to send me yesterday came to hand I jumped at once to the conclusion that is was the proof of a map intended for publication. Afterward I saw that is was taken from a book. It is in the main correct, but contains some errors of established fact calculated to mislead. I will prepare a map of the same size which I will send to you along with this one, which will more clearly show what I mean. I have precious little confidence in schemes founded upon guessing. There are certain reasonable analogies of physical geography what we may follow, but it is well to get what facts we can. On the whole this map is good. Allow me to merely suggest whether a map, with sufficient text, may not be well for insertion at some prefatory time, in the Herald. Entitled something as follows: 'Proposed routs of the Bennett- North Pole Expeditions'. I will get from the Geol. Society Nares' Book and will submit to you a criticism of it...Yesterday I wrote letters which will speedily place you in communication with the Ship owners of Newfoundland and the makers of convenient food. I shall be very glad to know about the Donottas [?]; and will in that as in all things have acquired, and will always give you my views with great pleasure, for I feel a very deep interest in the success of a truly great undertaking... ". Scottish explorer Sir George Nares made an historic oceanographic voyage around the world only a few years earlier (1872-74), and, at the conclusion of that voyage, released a 50-volume report to the sponsors of the project, the Geographical Society no doubt one of them. In a postscript, he adds: "I shall also be glad to learn if Mr. Churchill obtained anything new from the whalers... ". With Bennett's backing, De Long succeeded in mounting an expedition, and embarked for the Arctic aboard the Jeannette on July 8, 1879. On June 13, 1881, the Jeannette was crushed in ice and broke in two, just north of Siberia. With two cutters and one whale boat, the party divided into three groups and attempted to reach land. Only one of the groups succeeded in reaching the coast of Siberia, with one of the unfortunate groups, led by De Long, all died of starvation. Creases, a bit of soiling, else very good condition, and rare with this superb association and content. $800-1,200