(Published in the "Letters to
the Editor" section of Hampton's
Magazine)
We have received the following letter
and a statement from the negro who
accompanied Commander Peary to the Pole:
"I saw recently a statement that I had
turned against Commander Peary. That is
all newspaper talk. All I ever told the
reporter was that the twelve pictures I
had, Mr. Peary did not want me to use. I
think I ought to have a chance to make a
living. That was every word except this
copy which I am sending you of what I
did say in black and white, and if you
or any one else call that turning
against anyone I don't know how to start
about it. I hope you will know all that
I have said about Mr. Peary." MATTHEW A.
HENSON.
The gist of Henson's statement is as
follows:
"Peary has his proofs and they are in
such shape that the most skeptical
scientists will be thoroughly convinced.
His data are in excellent shape and will
leave no doubt in the mind of anyone."
"Peary did reach the North Pole. I was
with him and knew the hardships endured,
the determination of the leader, the
discouragements that faced him the hope
of success which spurred him on, and the
final exultation when he stood at the
point where there was no north."
"Had Peary not reached the North Pole, he
would be in the Arctic to-day, for his
expedition was fully equipped to spend a
year or two longer in the north. Peary
was determined to win and nothing short
of impending starvation would have
induced him to turn south again. He did
turn south, but not until he had reached
the North Pole."
Matthew A. Henson, 1910
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