Although Mr. Peary had spent about a quarter of a century Essaying the task by means of luxurious expeditions, he had done little more than other explorers and did not, in my opinion, either secure an option on the Pole or upon the services of the natives.
"My Attainment of the Pole"
Frederick A. Cook
I reached Gross Wardein to dinner, and passed the night there, Essaying, but with no remarkable success, to learn something of Count Hunyadi, his habits, age, temper, and general demeanor.
"That Boy Of Norcott's"
Charles James Lever
The word was now given to tack; I was in the act of Essaying a soft speech to Lady Agnes, when the confounded cry of 'ready about, starboard there, let go sheets and tacks, stand by, hawl.
"The Confessions of Harry Lorrequer, Complete"
Charles James Lever (1806-1872)