August 4th: 'I have lived through five days more of intense suspense'
In her Arctic Journal, Josephine writes that she worries about her husband, who has gone on a journey across the ice
Today we return again to Josepine Peary’s My Arctic Journal. (I’ve written about her twice before: July 10th and July 21st)
A short bio: Josephine Diebitsch Peary (1863-1955) was an author and explorer. She grew up in a family who encouraged her to develop her inquisitive side, and after she married admiral-to-be Robert Edwin Peary in 1888, she would accompany him on an expedition to Greenland in 1891-1892. It was on that expedition that she wrote the journal she would later publish as My Arctic Journal.
Today we’re looking at August 4th, 1892; over a year after the two previous diary entries I shared from the book. We find Josephine worried about her husband Robert (whom she refers to in her journal as Mr. Peary). He had left just over three months prior, on the 3rd of May, on an overland ice journey to the head of the bay. The party had planned to return in three months, but there had been several worrying signs, such as a dog from Mr. Peary’s pack returning by itself, wounded and malnourished.
I have lived through five days more of intense suspense. The Eskimos console me by talking of Mr. Peary as “sinnypoh” (dead); one of them yesterday told me that he had dreamt that only one “kabloona” (white man) would return from the ice. To offset these dark forebodings, and keep my spirits from sinking too low, I repeat a paragraph in Mr. Peary’s letter, which says: “I have no doubt I shall be with you about August 1st, but if there should be a little delay, it will be delay only, and not danger. I have a hundred days’ provisions.”
The weather continues exceptionally fine, clear, bright, and warm. Professor Heilprin, having determined to move his party to the head of the bay, preparatory to a search on the inland ice, the “Kite” heaved anchor at nine this morning, and is now lying opposite the point which I only recently deserted. By the professor’s kind invitation I joined the “Kite” party, and Matt, who has been my steady guardian since Mr. Peary’s departure, accompanies me.
On August 6th, so two days later, Mr. Peary did indeed return. Josephine wrote: ‘From a half-sleep I was roused early this morning by the plash of oars and loud talking, and before I had fully grasped the idea that the professor’s party had returned, some one jumped over the rail on the deck just over my head, and a familiar footstep made its way hurriedly toward the companionway. I knew it was Mr. Peary, but was unable to move or make a sound. He came rushing down the stairs and rattled at my door, calling to me to open it; but I seemed to be paralyzed, and he forced it open and stood before me, well and hearty, safe at last.’
My Arctic Journey can be read in full here on Project Gutenberg.