HENSON, Matthew
Two-Page Typed Letter Signed ("Matthew A. Henson")
Headed New York, June 5, 1929. Nearly 400 words on two integral leaves, with a 3-word manuscript insertion; about fine. A wonderful and exciting letter from the Arctic explorer who accompanied Peary on his quest for the North Pole in 1909.Henson (1866-1955) was the first Afro-American in the extreme Arctic. In 1888, Peary hired Henson as a personal assistant for his expedition to Nicaragua, Central America. Because of Henson's resourcefulness, strength, and skills (he was an accomplished mechanic, navigator, and carpenter), Peary chose Henson to accompany him on his next seven expeditions to the Arctic, including the last of 1908-09 when Peary, Henson, and four Eskimos were the first to reach the North Pole.
[BTC #78693]
