HALL, CHARLES FRANCIS American arctic explorer, was born at Rochester, N.H. His enthusiasm for arctic exploration led him in 18.59 to volunteer to the American Geographical Society to "go in search for the bones of Franklin." With the proceeds of a public subscription he was equipped for his expedition and sailed in May 1860 on board a whaling vessel. The whaler being ice-bound, Hall took up his abode in the regions to the north of Hudson bay, where he found relics of Frobisher's 16th century voyages. He published an account of his experi ences under the title of Arctic Researches and Life among the Esquimaux (1864). Determined to learn more about the fate of the Franklin expedition he returned to the same regions in 1864, and passing five years among the Eskimo was successful in obtaining a number of Franklin relics, as well as information pointing to the exact fate of 76 of the crew, whilst also perform ing some geographical work of interest. In 1871 he was given command of the North Polar expedition fitted out by the U.S. Government in the "Polaris." Making a remarkably rapid passage up Smith sound at the head of Baffin bay, which was found to be ice-free, the "Polaris" reached on Aug. 3o, the lat. of 82° I at that time and until the English expedition of 1876 the highest north attained by vessel. He died suddenly on Nov. 8, 18 71.