Haabet (Hope)
Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:07 pm
On 12th May 1721 THE HOPE set sail from Bergen with a total of 46 people on board as well as materials, tools and supplies.
The southern point of Greenland, Cape Farewell, was sighted on board on 4th June, but hereafter THE HOPE ran into field ice, which caused a lot of anguish.
Not till 3rd July did THE HOPE reach port, presumably the old Dutch port on the northern side of the mouth of the Godtháb River.
Some days later Hans Egede decided to erect a house on one of the islands not far from here. This was to become Hans Egede's first home, the Island of Hope.
Here the HOPE lay up for the winter and returned to Bergen next spring.
In order to be able to trade with the Greenlanders and apart from this also do missionary work, it was necessary to visit the scattered Greenlandic settlements. To this end wooden boats - gigs, which had been brought from home, but also the Greenlanders' own women's boats were used.
Stamp issued 24.6.2002. Greenland Philatelic.