1852.] ADMIRALTY INSTRUCTIONS. 11 



On the return of any of the ships to England from Beechey Island, 

 it is desirable that the coast to the southward of Ponds Bay, namely, 

 from the River Clyde towards l'apr Y\ alsinghiim, should be examined; 

 and you are therefore to endeavour, in your instruction to the ships 

 proceeding to England, to meet this contingency. 



In the event of your health rendering it necessary for you to return 

 to England, and the necessity of a part of the squadron remaining out 

 another winter, you are to make known to the officer whom you may 

 appoint to succeed you in command, all your views and arrangements 

 respecting further proceedings. 



Although this country is now at war with Russia, you are clearly to 

 understand that you are not to commit any hostile act whatever, the 

 ships under your command having been fitted out for the sole purpose 

 of aiding those engaged in scientific discoveries ; and it being the esta- 

 blished practice of all civilized nations te consider vessels so employed 

 as exempt from the operations of war. 



I am, Sir, 



Your most humble servant, 



R. OSBORNE. 



I have used the expression " nearly apparent," but at 

 the sixth paragraph of these first Instructions it will at 

 once occur to my readers that my mission was not quite 

 single. Independent of the leading feature of this search 

 for Sir John Franklin, two others of Her Majesty's ships, 

 under the command of Captain Collinson, C.B., and 

 Commander M'Clure, the 'Enterprise' and 'Investiga- 

 tor,' were yet to occupy my attention, and that too of 

 a nature not contemplated, but, to my perception, to in- 

 crease in interest, as well as importance, with each suc- 

 ceeding season of my absence from this country ; and 

 unless recalled by intelligence of their safety, still de- 

 manding my presence in those regions until every secu- 

 rity for their comfort and final relief was provided for 

 by depots of provisions, as well by leaving behind some 



