The Eskimos were childishly delighted with our success.

While, of course, they did not realize its importance fully, or its world-wide significance, they did understand that it meant the final achievement of a task upon which they had seen me engaged for many years.
Then, in a space between the ice blocks of a pressure ridge, I deposited a glass bottle containing a diagonal strip of my flag and records of which the following is a copy: 90 N.LAT., NORTH POLE, April 6, 1909.
Arrived here to-day, 27 marches from C.Columbia.
I have with me 5 men, Matthew Henson, colored, Ootah, Egingwah, Seegloo, and Ooqueah, Eskimos; 5 sledges and 38 dogs.

My ship, the S.S.
_Roosevelt_, is in winter quarters at C.Sheridan, 90 miles east of Columbia.
The expedition under my command which has succeeded in reaching the Pole is under the auspices of the Peary Arctic Club of New York City, and has been fitted out and sent north by the members and friends of the club for the purpose of securing this geographical prize, if possible, for the honor and prestige of the United States of America.
The officers of the club are Thomas H.Hubbard, of New York, President; Zenas Crane, of Mass., Vice-president; Herbert L.Bridgman, of New York, Secretary and Treasurer.
I start back for Cape Columbia to-morrow.
ROBERT E.PEARY, _United States Navy_.
90 N.LAT., NORTH POLE, April 6, 1909.
I have to-day hoisted the national ensign of the United States of America at this place, which my observations indicate to be the North Polar axis of the earth, and have formally taken possession of the entire region, and adjacent, for and in the name of the President of the United States of America.
I leave this record and United States flag in possession.
ROBERT E.PEARY, _United States Navy_.
If it were possible for a man to arrive at 90 deg.

north latitude without being utterly exhausted, body and brain, he would doubtless enjoy a series of unique sensations and reflections.

But the attainment of the Pole was the culmination of days and weeks of forced marches, physical discomfort, insufficient sleep, and racking anxiety.