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Les diagrammes suivants iliustrent la mAthode. irrata to pelure. n A H 32X 1 2 3 1 2 3 / 4 5 6 ■■:« ■^ THE NORTH-WEST PASSAGE. i^O w .■=1 f« »- 111 ■ V 3 ^ ■a- •> r:]o t '.If ^ <^ ji 5 THE NORTH-WEST PASSAGE, AND THE PLANS FOR THE SEARCH fOB SIR JOHN FRANKLIN. % llebklu, foitjj Paps, tfc. BY JOHN BROWN, F.R.G.S.. FKLLOW OF THB BOVAL BOCIBTT OF NOBTOBBir ANTIQUARIBS OF COFBHBAOBN. SECOND EDITION, WITH A SEQUEL, iwciunmo tub VOYAGE OF THE "FOX." " A mighty maze ! but not without a plsu." — Pupk. " Here, on a ainf^le plunk thrown safe ashore, I hear the tumult of the distuut throng."— Yoi'Mc»aivc cost; and over and above nil, wu observed tliat it was in tliu true direction involved iu the intfiil of Sir John Franklin's Instructions. The Oovenimeut declined to act— "Enough had been done." That Government, which had with such prodigal pertinacity directed the Search in a tcrong direction, now refused all pecuniary aid to complete that which it had left incomplete iu a right one. It was left to the high-minded English wife — Lady Franklin — to do it, if to be done at all. "With pious hope, and undespairing energy. Lady Franklin and her friends made the attempt, and have succeeded. Her Final Expedition has uplifted the mysterious veil. To record and perpetuate her noble conduct, the talent, the daring, and the energy of M'Clintock, Young, Ilobson, and tlie other officers, and gallant little crew of the " Fox" this sequel is published.* Their conduct, shown in their deeds, tells us that the chivalrous spirit of our ancestors, the " Old Worthies," still animates us as a nation. May this spirit bo ever cherished ; for by it England became great, and with it will continue 80 to the end. J. B. ScALEBY Lodge, Camden IIoad, August, 1860. • We here would acknowledge our obligation to Mr. JouN MruitAV, tlio eminent Publisher of Albemarle Street, for the fac-Bimile of the precious Record found at Point Victory. On our application, he, with a most kind and generous fi-eling, at once acceded to our reciuest, and perniittod us to have the number of copies we required. Wo liave IiikI, ou another occasion, to thank Mr. Murray for Ids liberality. tid above all, iu tho iiitrwil i decliucd to ich had with ng direction, it had leil ded English With pious ricnds made edition has her noble M'Clintock, crew of the rn in their 8, the " Old rit bo ever ill continue J.B. !iou8 Becord nd genorrjus luiinber of Murray for PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDlTlOxN. TuE renewal of the Bad subject to which tho following pages ore devoted, may to some apiwar ungracious, and therefore r:;necessary ; but while the lives of one hundred and thirty-five gallant English- men sent on a perilous service remain unaccounted for, while the area to which they tcere specially directed is yet unsearchcd, the British nation's character for honour and humanity suffers. The fate of Sir Hugh Willoughby and his companions became known to us, because the scene of the melancholy catastrophe was within the range of his fellow-man's haunts and wanderings; but, unhappily, it is not so with Sir John Franklin and his associates — they are beyond com- munication with the civilized world. Cut off from it, they can never be recovered, or the question of their existence set at rest, unless sought; happily, the area within which efforts may be con- centrated is circumscribed, but renewed search is imperative. To keep alive the recollection of the hapless, forlorn position of our missing countrymen is the primary object of this volume. With failure, notwithstanding the persevering efforts of our daring sailors, iu the past, we cannot thuik this appeal to the British nation, so renowned for its generous humanity, will be made in vain. Prefaro CONTENTS. PAOK • Preface . . . . . . . — Instructions — Reflections — The Americans — France— Russia — Our Sailors — The Search — Sir John Franklin — Eud of 1816 — Sir John Ross — Opinions asked for — Hudson's Bay Company — Remarks. . 19— G2 Chapteb IV. — Various Plans — Rewards — Admiral Bcechey's Plans — Dr. M'Connick's — Notes, Fitzjames — Memorandum of Sir Jolm Barrow — Sir J. C. Ross's Plans by Lancaster Sound, and by Behring's Strait — Notes, Fitz- James— 1847 ends. ..... 03—72 Chapteb V. — Plover Sails for Behring's Strait, and Herald — Rumours from Peel's River — Sir John Richardson's Final I'lan — Dr. King's Plan — Opinions on it — Remarks — Rewards — Lady Franklin to Mr. Barrow — Sir John Richardson and Dr. Rae start for the Mackenzie- Sir J. C. Ross and Capt. Bird — Instructions — Tlic Enterprise and Investif/alor Sail — Remarks - Peel's River Report again— 18-18 closes. . . . 73—80 Chapteb VI. — Intelligence from Sir J. C. Ross — Opinions — North Star Sails — Lieutenant S. Osborn and the North- West Continent of America — Addi- tional Rewards Offered by Government and Lady Franklin — Dr. M'Cor- mick's Plan of a Boat Expedition — Sir John Richardson's Report — Sir John Ross— Pond's Bay Report and Sketch — Sir J. C. Ross's Unexpected Return — Sir John Richardson Arrives — Dr. Rae left to renew Search of Wollaston and Victoria Lands — Sir F. Beaufort Proposes an Expedition by Behring's Strait — Opinions — Remarks — Hudson's Bay Company to renew Search — Dr. Rae — Mr. Christopher — Capt. Penny — Behring's Strait— 1819 ends. 9()— no Chapikb VII. — New Year Sad but Active — New Plans — Dr. M'Comiiek — COXTENTS. ■m Lieutenant H. Osbom — Lwly Frnnklin — Offers of Sorvioo from Capt. Reid, llcv. J. VVolir, R. A. OfKKUir — Sir John Ross's Plan — t'npt. Collinson and CommnntliT M'Clurc Sail for IJeliring's Strait — Instructions — "Observer" — IlydrogrnplierV New Exi)edition to Barrow's Strait — Opinions — Hamilton, Parrj', Sabine, Unck, IJeeeliey, Ricliiirdson— Remarks — Lady Franklin — Addi- tional Offers of Search from W. 1*. Snow, John M'Lean, U.S. America, Lieu- tenant S. Osboni — Remarks — Ur. Scoresby's Offers of Search from S. Russel Bartlett— Capt. W. F. Lynch, U.S.N.— Capt. WUkes, U.S.N. 111—143 CiTArxEU VIII. — Dr. King— Sir R, II. Inglis—R<'marks— Lieutenant Pullen— Dr. Rao — Capt. Penny and Mr. Stewart Sail — Instructions — Remarks — Capts. Austin and Ommaney Sail — Instructions — Sir John Ross Sails — Mr. Orinnell — The American Expedition under Lieutenant do IlaTcn Sails — Remarks — Prince Albert, Commander Forsyth, R.N., Sails — Esquimaux (Adam Beck's) Reiwrt — Prince Albert Returns — First Traces of Frank- lin at Point Riley and Bcechey Island — Royal Geographical Society — Our Views— Remarks— Year 1850 closes. 144 — 169 CiiAPTKB IX. — Plans— Admiral Taylor's — \V. P. Snow's— Behring's Strait Expe- dition — Kellett and Moore — Reports — Lieutenant Pim — Collinson and M'Clure Sail for the North — Collinson compelled to Return — Prince Albert Sails under Mr. Kennedy and Lieutenant BoUot, F.I.N. — Instructions — Lieutenant Pullen and Mr. W. 11. Hooper — Behring's Strait Squadron — Capt. Collinson — Lieutenant Barnard — Kindness of the Russian Authorities — Unexpected Arrival of Capts. Austin and Ommam^y, and of Capt. Penny and Mr. Stewart — Committee of Inquiry — Travelling Parties — Ommaney, S. Osbom, Browne, Aldrich, M'Clintock, &c. — Results — Remarks — Penny, Stewart, Sutherland, Goodsir, Marshall, &c. — Results — Remarks. 170 — 192 CiiAPTKB X. — Evidence before the Committee — Austin and Penny's Expedition — Report of Committee — Opinions Requested — Replies from Sir John Boss, Dr. Scoresby, Capts. Austin, Kellett, Ommaney, Sir John Richardson, and Capts. Penny and Stewart — Remarks — Sir John Ross Arrives — Commander Phillips— Adam Beck's Second Report— Remarks. . 193—213 Chapteb XI. — Sir J. C. Ross's Suggestions — Lieutenant Pim and the Kolyma — Polynia — Russian Goveriunent — A Balloon — Dr. Rao's Opinion — The Ameri- can Expedition Returns — Fearful Drift in the Ice — Dr. Rac Examines Wollaston Land — Lieutenant W. H. Hooper's Plan — Dr. M'Cormick's — Mr. Roomc's — Capt. R. Maguire's Plan — Commander Pidlcn's — Behring's Strait Squadron— Collinson, Moore, Welleslcy — Death of Lieutenant Barnard — Collinson SaUs for the North— Reflections—The Year 1851 ends. 214—233 CtiArxER XL* — Home Thoughts— Capt. Penny again Offers liis Services — Capt. S. Osborn's New Plan — Sir John Ross's renewed Offer of Service — Adam Beck's Talcs Resuscitated — Mr. D. Beatson's Plan, addressed to Sir R. I. Murchison, Pn^sident of the Royal Geographical Society — Remarks — Mr. A. Peterniii Mil's Plan, via Nova'ia Zemlia — Remarks — Capt. Wilkes, U.S. Navy, Views on the Search — Two Ships Seen in tlie Ice off Newfoundland — The Admiralty direct Capt. Ommaney to Examine the Report — His Opinion — Dr. Ship Ban Wei W. Dr. ( 'oni Tlie ('apt mam Plan Chapteb Stra Chapteb toB Islai F.I.: Kan ditio Capt Bale -R tena^ Capt Prep M'C cross Bay Lieu Mer — Ci Gem Chapteb Stra Wal( — N Exp of I 185] — U goto well Run Pete ~Ci Cloa CONTENTS. XI rom Capt. Rcid, t. Collinson and -" Obsorvop "— ions — Jlnmilton, Franklin — Addi- . America, Licu- 1 from S. RusBel 111-143 X'nnnt Pullen — IS — Remarks — loss Sails — Mr. Haven Sails — Is — Esquimaux ices of Frank- 1 Society — Our 144—169 ['s Strait Expo- Collinson and -Prince Albert -Instructions — lit Squadron — ian Authorities if Capt. Penny es — Ommaney, marks — Penny, ;s. 170—192 I Expedition — ir John Boss, ichardson, and — Commander 193—213 the Kolyma — I — The Ameri- tac Examines )rmick's — Mr. shring's Strait it Saniard — I. 214—233 rvices — Capt. Jrrice — Adam I to Sir E. I. irks — Mr. A. , U.S. Navy, ndland— Tlic is Opinion — Dr. Rne Exnniinfs Victoria Land, and dinoovors Relic* of Oovernmcnt Sliips' Fittings—Rcmnrki" — Sir Edward rdclipr mid Cnpt. Kollctt Sail fop Harrow's Strait — Instructions — Remarks — Sir Eflward Rolclicr takes tlio Wollini^ton Clmnncl and Capt. Kellctt the Melville Inland Route — Lieutenant W. H. Hooi>or's Plan — ■Ttnporfant Letter of Cnpt. Fitzjnmcs— Reflections — Dr. Rue olfers Suggestions— Coiiiniander Tnglefield .Sails for Smith's Sound — Cotinnaiifler II. Trollope ofTers Services, rif'i Spil/.bergen and Nova Zembla — The Prince Alhort, Kennedy and Relict, Arrives— Tlieir Report— Remarks — ('apt. Ommaney offers Services to attem]>t to reach the North Polo — Com- mander Inglefleld returns — His Daring Voyage — Capt. Penny .suggests Two Plans — Deer with Slit Ears at Spitzbergcn. 23^—27 CilAPTKB XII. — Petermann's revised Plan — Observations thereon — Bcliring's Strait Searching Ships — Reflections on the Close of the Year 1852. 273 — 278 Chapter XIIT. — New Year— State of Feeling — Kennedy's projected Expedition to Bcliring's Strait in the Isabel, but abandoned — PAq°?. .'j sails for Beechey Island — Additional Instructions to Sir Edward Belcher — Lieutenant Bellot, F.I.N. — Second American Expedition sails for Smitli's Sound, under Dr. Kano — Basis of the Voyage — Remarks — W. Parker Snow's projected Expe- dition from Melbourne to Behring's Strait abandoned — Phoenix returns — Capt. Ingleficld's Despatches — Death of Xieutenant Bellot — Sir Edward Belcher's Despatches — Winters in Northumberland Sound— Ilis Discoverlbs — Remarks — Report of his TravelUng Parties — Commander Richards — Lieu- tenant S, Osbom — Assistance and Pioneer leave Northumberland Sound — Capt. Henry Kellctt's Despatches — Winters at Dealy Island, Bridport Inlet — Preparations for Spring Journeys — Lieutenant Mecham discovers Commander M'Clure's Record at the Parry Sandstone, Melville Island — Lieutenant Pirn crosses to Banks' Land — Finds Commander M'Cluro and Investigator at the Bay of Mercy — Capt. Kellctt despatches Travelling Parties — Their Routes — Lieutenant Pim returns with Commander M'Clure — Dr. Domville sent to Mercy Bay with Commander M'Clure, to hold Survey on Investigator's Crew — Capt. Kcllett's Hopes — His high Opinion of his OfHcers — His Buoyant, Generous Feelings. ..... 279—294 Chapteb XIV. — Capt. M'Clure's Despatches — Point Warren — Prince of Wales* Strait — The North- West Passage Discovered — Winters, 1850-51, in Prince of Wales' Strait — His Searching Parties despatched — Their Routes and Results — New Tribe of Esquimaux — Capt. M'Clure's Opinion as to the Missing Expedition — Returns to the South, and again to the North by the West Side of Baring Island — Terrific Navigation — Bay of Mercy — Winters there, 1851-52 — Visits Melville Island — Detention — Intentions — Winters, 1852-53 — His Observations — Remarks — Lieutenant Pim arrives on board the Investi- gator — Arrangements — Commander Pullen's Despatches — His Visit to Max- well Bay — Dr. M'Cormick's Boat Party — Remarks — The Press at Home — Rumoured New Arctic Expedition — Exploration — Controversy — Inglefleld, Petcrmann, and the late Admiral Beechey — Despatches from Bcliring's Strait — Capt. Frederick — Commanders Maguire and Trollope — Reflections on the Closeof the Year 1853 .... .'.■:)5— 32'i - ■ Mil ( ONTKVTS. Chaptkk XV. — Home— Hopp Dcmrd— Additioniil Iii«tnirtiiJiiit to JIcIirinKV Htmit Sinmilroii — Admiralty Notiogm|)hical Sooii'ty — Coilinxon — lA-tter'* — Fox b«n't — Drift — Letters — I'oiul's IJay — Dr. Hnyeo, U S. Kxpcdition — Arrival of Fox — R<'port — Beechcy iRlanil — Peel Sound — Bellot Strait — Port Ketinedy — Doi)»\t» — Capo Victoria — Esquimaux — A Ship cruslieil— Spring Journeys — Sledge Pnrtics start— R8(|uiinaux Report — A Second Ship lost — Fate of Crow — M'Clintock and Ilohaon part — M'Clintock down the East side of King William Island, and Ilobson for the West side — Montreal IsUnd — Back's Finh River — M'Clintock returns to King William Island- Skeleton— Capo Ilerschel — Note from Ilobson — Point Victory — Record left by Qore — Death of Franklin, kc. — Ships abandoned, 18-i8 — 105 Men landed — Boat and Two Skeletons — Return to Ship — Young returns from Priiioe of Wales Island — Now Strait — Eirccts on Young and Ilobson — Fox returns t» England — M'Clintock's Remarks — Reception — Lady Franklin — Success of " Final Expedition" — Miss Cracrofl — M'Clintock— Results of Voyage — Services recognized by the Queen — Knighted — Dublin Meeting — Freedom of London — Qoographical Medals awarded to Lady Franklin, and M'Clintock — Arctic Medal— Rewards — t^'opy of Record — Remarks on it . . . . 1 — 20 CitArxEB XXI. — Reflections — Franklin up Wellington Channel — Comwallis and Bathurst Islands — Qoodsir and M'Dougall — Beechey Island — Departure — By which Channel did the Ships reach King William Island? — Bellot Strait? — Remarks — Peel Sound? — Remarks — Kennedy ond Bellot — M'Clintock Channel? — Our Investigations and Conclusions — Young confinns them — New York Journal of Commerce — Observations by the QrinncUs on the "Plans for the Search" — Objections to the Western Route answered — Tl»6 Record misconstrued — Dates misplaced — Remarks — Beechey Island, When did Franklin leave it? — Date estimated — Distances obtained in Barrow's Strait by Parry and Kellett — Estimate — Melville Sound and M'Clintock Channel, their Trend— Current and Drift— Franklin's Route by Melville Sound — The Estimated Time and Distances applied — Conclusions — Also the Estimated Time and Distances Applied to the Assumed Place of Besetmcnt in the Chart and Plans, &c. — Conclusions — Error follows Error , 21 — 43 CnAFTER XXII. — The Question, Did Sir John Franklin Discover the North- west Passage? answered — His anxiety to ascertain whether a Passage existed between the Ships and Deaso and Simpson's Sea — Gore and Des Vooux and Party sent — Their Route S.W. — Proved Further by the Record at Point Gore — Cape Crozier — Sixty-Five Miles distant — The Existence of a Passage could bo proved there — Gore returns in June — Remarks in proof that Franklin knew the Passage existed before he died — The Honour His — Tho Discovery further proved by the Derclicta — Back's River — Why tlie Retreat in that direction ? — The Question answered — Franklin's Pre^lilections — Repulse Bay— Wager Inlet — Did the Crow divide? — Point Warren— Arc tliere any Survivors ?— Remarks — Risk, Waste of Life and Money— Replied to — The "Cvi bono?" Cry answered — Our Sailors our Stay and Pride— Our Arctic Explorers our Admiration — Arctic Ileroes — Science — England's Position — PhiloBophcrs- Prince Albert's Opinion of them — Conclusion. u—r,i W' IN In the ] to the Il< CoUinson, probable 1 as inexpli( sufficient ; these relic must exia the direc Plan and to show t for which probable ] on the chi The exisi Allen Tc prising a and the f has also Point V proving 1 pursuit ( ARCTIC EXPEDITIONS AND THEIR RESULTS. INTRODUCTION TO THE SECOND EDITION. In the Introduction to the First Edition of this work, in referring to the Belies found and brought home by Dr. Rae and Captain CoUinson, R.N., we pointed out that while "they indicated the probable locality of the Franklin Expedition, its weal or woe was as inexplicable as ever," and " we thought they had not received sufficient attention." In that work we endeavoured to trace whence these relics came, and in the course of doing so proved that a Strait must exist running out of Melville or Parry Sound to the S.E., in the direction of King William Island. Looking to the original Plan and Instructions for the voyage, and there being no evidence to show that Sir John Franklin was unable to complete the object for which he was sent, we suggested the route he would take, the probable position in which the Erebus and Terror would be found, and on the charts appended to the work, this assumed track is laid down. The existence of the Strait has since been confirmed by Captain Allen Toung, and is now distinguished by the name of the enter- prising and talented commander of the Fox, M'Clintock Channel ; and the soundness of our views regarding the position of the ships has also been verified by the recovery of the precious Record at Point Victory by Lieutenant (now Commander) Hobson, clearly proving that all search by the North was, as we expressed it, " the pursuit of a myth." The Record does indeed tell us that Franklin B S INTilDUl'L'TIOir. really did ascend the Wellington Channel — no doubt from finding his passage West and South obstructed— but this we can only regard as an experiment. His subsequent route, there is as little doubt, was in the line of his Instructions. Surprise has often been expressed that no notices or records of the Franklin Expedition have been found by the searching squadrons. If we calmly reflect on the route ho was directed to take, abundant reasons will be afforded in answer : — First, Beechey Island is on the North side of Barrow Strait, and Franklin's route lay along the South side ; he would conclude, therefore, that he would not be looked for on the North, and to leave a record unnecessary. Secondly, his first point for leaving such document would be Cape Walker : but that Cape has never been found accessible by water,— it may not have been accessible to him ; and, to avoid loss of time, he would pass on to the westward. His course would then lie to the S.W., and this would take him clear of the Parry Group ; hence no traces have been found on the South sides of those Islands. After this, he would have no chance of leaving a record on any then known land until, being beset, he hod drifted through M'Clintock Channel down on to King William Island, and hereabouts the first records are found. We regret the unknown space between Gateshead Island and Wynniatt's furthest was not examined, for here our hope rests that more information regarding the Expedition will be found. Captain M'Clintock had intended to have examined this space, but from circumstances— finding the Becord, &c. — he did not deem it necessary ; for these various reasons we find no previous records or indications of the movements of the Urdus and Terror. We have felt it our duty, in justice to the memory of the great and good Franklin, to say thus much. The voyage of the Fox has set at rest the fate of Sir John Franklin and part of the officers and crews — we would that we knew the end of the remainder, and that the journals, &c., had been recovered ; about these, and whether Franklin was enabled to realize the plan of the voyage, there is yet mystery. We con- scientiously believe he did, to the letter. We have ever advocated Arctic Facts over Arctic Opinioiis, hence we /^ INTUUIX crioN, 9 find ourselves in the present como ilin'oring from high Arctic authority as to the route the Erebui and Terror took to arrive at their known position ; we have no doubt it was % JUrlville Sound and M'CUntock Channel, and not hy Peel Sound and Franklin Channel. It cannot but bo regretted that the search should have been made by the North. Time was lost, and labour, suffering, and suspense uselessly endured, while Melville Sound was altogether neglected. During our inquirioi into the voriouB plans and results we have ex- pressed our opinions frankly, but wo hope without prejudice, much less malice : our object was Truth. Hero, again, wo would repeat our admiration of our Arctic oiHcers and men, founded on the sincere convection that, with rare exceptions, they have nobly done their duty, and deserve well of their country- We feel that the history of Arctic enterprise has yet to be written; the mass of facts our Arctic Expeditions have gathered,' have yet to be collected and recorded. Proud should we be if the materials we have brought together could be made available, and contribute to so desirable on end. I. B. SCAIBBT LODOB, CaUDBK BoaD. Augutt, 1800. CHAPTEU I. A GLANCE AT THE OBIOIN OF THE QUESTION OF A NORTH-WEST PASSAGE. THE "old WOBTHIES" BY BEA ANI) BY LAND, TO 1031. It is scarcely necossory to recapitulate in our day, when Arctic enterprise has been so much discussed, all the circumstances that gave rise to the long (more than three centuries and a half) much agitated question of a North-West Passage. The marvellous and brilliant discoveries made by Christopher Columbus in the West, and by Diaz and Do Gama in the East, without doubt set men's minds pondering on acquisitions still to be gained, and on profitable specu- lations yet to be hoped for. Columbus more particularly excited astonishment. Of him " there was great talke in all the Court of Henry VII.," " inasmuch that all men with great admrrution affirmed it to be a thing more divine than humane to sail by the West unto the East, where spices growe, by a way that was never knowen before."* The Cobotas were already here (Henry VII., 1496) ; rilen of great reputation. " John Cabot, the father, who was very skilful in navigation and cosmography," conjectured, from the success of Columbus, " that there might probably be lands to be found out to the North-West."+ These opinions at once obtained credit with the king and with * .n merchants. "The era was propitious to the quick advancement of knowledge. The recent invention of the art of printing enabled men to communicate rapidly and extensively their ideas and discoveries." "Every step in advance wa:^ immediately and simultaneously and widely promulgated, recorded in a thousand forms, and fixed for ever. There could never again be a dark age. Nations might shut their eyes to the light, and sit in wilful darkness, but they could no., tra^jiple it out ; it would still shine on, dispensed to happier parts of the wojlM."J John and Sebastian taught " by • Ilakluyt, part iii., p. 6 ; T.-jiiiu.- » • N' Histoi ," vol i., p. 87; Hakluyt Society's Vol., 1849 (by RuncJ^r.), o. k t Lediard's "Naval ni8tor>." "ol. »,. j-. 84. X Washington Ining's "Life ..ad Voyages of Columbus" (Bohn), p. 29. g TTTT TTT TT /r.. ARCTIC REGIONS lU hum/n in 1846. btii^ a ecfy cftk* (KmH tuppUml •> (N« Fr aoklia Exprditiaa . \ -^... ^ Sttu\t\>rd. (JLi/uur '< TTTTiTriTij E Sumti^. tXaruw '>v*t. USB AdJ^iiUj/- ,Ll,,Ll+i.U.liJJ LliJJJJ. M» ^ ChurtafPartofA* ARCTIC REGIONS *, and wholly unprovided for wintering, having to contend with a thounand real diiliciiltieH, as well as with number- less imaginary ones, which the superstitions then existing among sailors would not fail to conjure up,— that any man under such cir- cumstances should, two hundred years ago, have persevered in accom- plishing what our old navigators did accomplish, is, I confess, sufficient to create in my mind a feeling of the highest prido on the one hand, and almost approaching to humiliation on the other: of pride, in remembering that it was oun countrymen who performed these exploits ; of humiliation, when I consider how little, with all our advantages, we have succeeded in going beyond them. "Indeed, the longer our experience has been in the navigation of the Icy Seas, and the more intimate our acquaintance with all ita ditlicidties and all its precariousnesa, the higher have our admiration and respect been raised for those who went before us in these enter- prises. Persevering in difficulty, iinappalled by danger, and patient under distress, they scarcely ever use the language of complaint, much less that of despair ; and sometimes, when all human hope seems at its lowest ebb, they furnish the most beautiful examples of that firm reliance on a merciful and superintending Providence, which is the only rational source of true fortitude in man. Often, with their narratives impressed upon my mind, and surrounded by the very difficulties which they in their frail and inefficient barks undauntedly encountered and overcame, have I been tempted to exclaim, with all the enthusiasm of Purchas : " • Hew shall I admire your heroicke courage, Ye marine worthies, beyond mioies of worthiness ? ' " CHAPTER II. ATTEMPTS TO GET TO THE NOHTH OF HUDSON B HAV— KNIOnt, UAH- LOW, AND VALtinAX— SCUodUS, MIDULETON — UKAHNE, MACKENZIE, PHIl'1'8, TO nEACU THE POLE — COOK AND CLEUKE, TO OET ^.E. FROM llEUniSu's 8TUAIT8 — PICKEnHdILL ANIJ YOtN(J "O MEET THEM BY DAVIs' 8TUAIT8— NEW FACTS — IIUEAK-VP OF THE SEA ON THE EAST COAST OF OHEENLAND— 8IU JOHN UABUOW — CAP- TAIN 8COHE8UY — BATCH OF AllCTIC HEUOES. Sevehal years now intervene, and the attempts made were desul- tory, and occur at irregular intervals, yet the question of a passage West by the North had not lost its interest. The representation of« the enterprising Grosscliez, a Frenchman, now (lOHH) led to the formation of tho Hudson's Bay Company, and Capt. Z. Gillam was despatched by them to Rupert's Kiver to take possession. Tliis Company, in 1719, sent an expedition to the northern part of Hud- son's Bay, under Knight, Barlow, and Vaughan, to search for a copper mine as reported by the Esquimaux, all of whom perished, it is supposed, on ^[arble Island. One John Scroggs was sent in search of tliem, but the richness of the copper mine seems to have had more influence oyer his actions than tho salvation of hia fellow men. The results were unsatisfactory, but sufficient information was elicited upon which to found strong arguments in favour of the existence of a North- West Passage ; and Mr. Dobbs unceasingly solicited the Hudson's Bay Company to make an attempt. This, at last, was done under their captain, Christopher Middleton. The result of this voyage never transpired, but it appears to have been most unsatis- factory to Mr. Dobbs, who openly charged the Hudson's Bay Com- pany with "intentionally preventing the discovery." In the end, Mr. Dobbs prevailed on the Admiralty to renew the attempt ; and two ships were fitted out (1741), under Captain Middleton and Mr. William Moor. Wager Inlet and Beptilae Bay were discovered; they reached the lat. 66° 14', and from thence saw a Frozen Strait to the eastward, which afterwards led to much controversy, too lengthy here to be entered upon. Dobbs, still less satisfied, charged Middle- 1(! M