The 1860 Isaac Israel Hayes Polar Expedition

Isaac Israel Hayes was an American Arctic explorer, physician, and politician. After graduating from Penn, he then signed on as ship’s surgeon for the second Grinnell Expedition of 1853–1855. Led by Elisha Kane, the project’s members left New York harbor in June 1853 in search of Franklin’s lost Arctic expedition. After reaching New York in October 1855 and recuperating from the ordeal, Hayes embarked on a lecture tour, speaking before audiences at the American Geographical Society and Smithsonian Institution and eventually becoming “the most prolific lecturer and writer on the Arctic in the nineteenth century,” according to biographer Douglas Wamsley.

After raising $30,000, Hayes also led his own expedition from 1860 to 1861. Departing in June of 1860 aboard the schooner United States, he ultimately hoped to reach the North Pole. According to researchers, the farthest point reached by Hayes was Cape Collinson. Believing that they had achieved at least part of their objectives, Hayes and his team reached Greenland only to learn that their nation had descended into Civil War.

These letters relate to Hayes setting about organizing his 1859 mission, gaining funding and forming his team.

Autograph letter signed, Isaac Israel Hayes, to Mr. William F. Townsend, April 6, 1859. “If you have leisure, please stop at my house on your way to dinner. I have something to communicate which will interest you.”

Peter Cooper was an American industrialist, inventor, philanthropist, and politician. He designed and built the first American steam locomotive, the Tom Thumb, founded the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, and served as the Greenback Party’s candidate in the 1876 presidential election. Cooper was also a funder for the expedition.

Letter signed, Peter Cooper, April 13, 1860, to Hayes. “Permit me to introduce Dr. GHC Salter, who is desirous of joining your proposed expedition in search of open sea, discovered by Morton. Dr. S will submit to you all necessary references.” Salter would ultimately become American consul in China.

Hayes and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow were friends and frequent correspondents. This letter is dated a month before Hayes left on expedition.

Autograph letter signed, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, to Hayes, May 2, 1860. “If you would waive the ceremony of a formal introduction, and be kind enough to dine with me at half past I should be much gratified.”