336 CREW HEALTHY. [1851. 



that the flood-tide sets from the westward we have ascertained beyond 

 a doubt, as the opportunities afforded during our detention along the 

 western shore of this island gave ample proof. 



The prevailing winds along the American shore and the Prince of 

 Wales Strait we found to be north-east, but upon this coast south- 

 south-west to north-west. A ship stands no chance of getting to the 

 westward by entering the Polar Sea ; the water along shore being very 

 narrow and wind contrary, and the pack impenetrable but through 

 Prince of Wales Strait, and by keeping along the American coast I 

 consider it practicable. 



Drift-wood is in great abundance upon the east coast of Prince of 

 Wales Strait, and on the American shore also. Much game abounds. 

 In this vicinity the hills abound in reindeer and hare, which remain the 

 entire winter. We have been very fortunate in procuring upwards of 

 four thousand pounds. 



The health of the crew has been and still continues excellent, with- 

 out any diminution of numbers : nor have we felt the slightest trace of 

 scurvy. 



It is my intention, if possible, to return to England this season, 

 touching at Melville Island and Port Leopold ; but should we not be 

 again heard of, in all probability we shall have been carried into the 

 Polar pack, or to the westward of Melville Island : in either of which 

 any attempt to send succour woidd only be to increase the evil, as any 

 ship that enters the Polar pack must be inevitably crushed ; therefore 

 a depot of provisions, or a ship at Winter Harbour, is the best and only 

 certainty for the safety of the surviving crews. 



No traces whatever have been met with, nor any information ob- 

 tained from the natives, which could by any possibility lead to the sup- 

 position that Sir John Franklin's Expedition, or any of his crew, have 

 ever reached the shores we have visited or searched ; nor have we been 

 more fortunate with respect to the 'Enterprise,' not having seen her 

 since parting company at the Strait of Magellan on the 20th of April, 

 1850. 



This notice was deposited by a travelling party in April, 1852, con- 

 sisting of 



CAPTAIN M'CLURE, 

 MR. COURT, Second Master. 

 JOHN CALDER, Captain Forecastle. 

 SERGEANT WOON, R.M. 

 GEORGE GIBBS, Ab. 



