1853.] ARRANGEMENTS. 243 



Each sledge was stored with forty days' rations for the 

 number of men (fifty-seven), making the average draught 

 per man about two hundred pounds. Commander Ri- 

 chards was the bearer of despatches for the Admiralty, 

 via Melville Island, as well as others for Captain Kellett, 

 to be left at the previously ordered rendezvous in 77 N. 

 and 105 W. The arrangements contemplated the Com- 

 missariat sledges to aid Commander Richards until he 

 had reached the meridian of 110, when he would have 

 forty days remaining, and adequate depots secured for 

 his return to Cape Lady Franklin, where the whale-boat, 

 with sufficient provision, was already deposited ; he was 

 also provided with one of the light ice-boats. 



The little fleet, having at this time their masts better 

 secured, sails reefed, and their Commanders having in 

 every way gained experience from their former trip, now 

 sailed away more " ship-shape," and were soon lost to 

 our view. 



One great feat complete, I had now to revert to my 

 own course. I had heavy difficulties to contend with, 

 but go I must : I could not leave such an important 

 trust to any one I had here. The first step was the 

 completion of my official correspondence for the Admi- 

 ralty, to be deposited at Cape Becher, where I fully 

 relied on my emissary being met by one from Com- 

 mander Pullen, if he himself did not come. 



April 11. The weather continuing to hold out the 

 prospect of moderate temperatures, our mean being 

 above zero, I determined on despatching two sledges, 

 under the command of Mr. Loney, aided by Mr. Allard, 

 to lay out our first north-east depot. This was also in- 



