1853.] NOTICE LEFT BY COMMANDER M'CLURE. 331 



Melville Island, but finding it hampered by ice, had win- 

 tered at Dealy Island, Bridport Inlet. That Lieutenant 

 Mecham, on his return last season from the duty of lay- 

 ing out the depots, had fortunately discovered a record 

 left by Commander M'Clure at the Sandstone Rock, in 

 Parry's Winter Harbour, stating that H.M.S. Investiga- 

 tor had been blocked for three winters in the ice, at the 

 " Harbour of Mercy," Banks Land. Captain Kellett con- 

 sequently had despatched a travelling party to the ' In- 

 vestigator' in the early spring, and Commander M'Clure 

 succeeded in reaching the 'Resolute' on the 19th of 

 April. The ' Investigator' had lost one man since enter- 

 ing the ice." 



The following is a copy of the document left by Com- 

 mander M'Clure : 



Abstract of the Proceedings of Her Britannic Majesty's Discovery Ship 

 ' Investigator,' since part/ny company icilh the ' Herald,' upon tJif 

 Zlst July, 1850, off Cape Lisoonrne. 



August 2, 1850. 5.20 A.M., lat, 72 1' N., long. 16(5 12' W. 

 Made the ice, which did not appear heavy ; but upon entering it a 

 short distance was undeceived, and ran out. 



August 5. In running along the pack edge, endeavouring to find 

 an opening, exchanged numbers with the ' Plover,' and at 11 A.M. 

 made a low shingle beach to the eastward of Wamwright Inlet, and at 

 midnight rounded Point Barrow in 73 fathoms, but from the foggy 

 state of the weather did not see it. 



August 8. 1.45 A.M., being off Point Drew, sent Mr. Court, 'Se- 

 cond Master, and Mr. Miertsching, interpreter, to deposit a notice of 

 our having passed, who met some Esquimaux that had arrived three 

 days previous. These trade with the Russians, and were very friendly ; 

 therefore sent a letter, with the chance of its reaching the Admiralty. 

 We also heard from them that last year three boats had passed to the 

 eastward, with white men and Indians, which was most probably Lieu- 

 tenant Pullen. In the evening erected a cairn, and buried another 

 notice at Point Pitt. 



