Subject: Arctic regions--Discovery and exploration

This document is the Annual Report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution from the 37th Congress, 2nd Session (1861-1862). It includes, on pages 149-160, a lecture by Dr. Isaac Israel Hayes titled "Arctic Explorations." The lecture summarizes Hayes's 1860-1861 expedition to the Smith Sound region, including his wintering at Port Foulke in Northwest Greenland and a trip to Grinnell Land. Hayes's earlier involvement as a surgeon in the Second Grinnell Arctic Expedition (1853-1855) is also mentioned. The provided description further details Hayes's background, his ambition to explore the Arctic, his privately funded voyage, his claims of reaching a farthest north and encountering the Open Polar Sea, and the influence of his experiences and knowledge on subsequent Arctic exploration. It also notes his contributions to humanitarian and social causes during the Civil War and his political career in New York State. The book draws upon family papers, diaries from Hayes's expeditions, and unpublished primary sources.

A letter from David McConkey to Dr. Isaac Israel Hayes, dated March 1, 1860, in West Chester, Pennsylvania. McConkey thanks Hayes for a copy of his book, likely "An Arctic Boat Journey," published in 1860, and mentions his service as a surgeon in the Grinnell Arctic Expedition (1853-1855).

First American edition of "The Land of Desolation: Being a Personal Narrative of Observation and Adventure in Greenland." Published in 1872. This book recounts Dr. Isaac Israel Hayes's experiences in Greenland, including his time aboard a friend's yacht with the artist William Bradford. Hayes, a Civil War surgeon and participant in the Second Grinnell Arctic Expedition (1853-1855), details his observations and adventures. The book features 40 illustrations. The description also notes that the book draws upon Hayes family papers, diaries from Hayes's expeditions, and other unpublished primary sources, presenting a biography of the explorer, writer, politician, and humanitarian.

This is a presentation copy of Isaac Israel Hayes's account of his 1860-1861 Arctic expedition, published in 1867. Bound in period custom leather, it details Hayes's voyage aboard the schooner United States, his claims of reaching the farthest north land at the time, and his observations on the possibility of an open polar sea. The book includes illustrations and draws upon Hayes's diaries and other primary sources.