1853.] THE 'PHOENIX' DEPARTS. 7 



sence, she will convey but gloomy intelligence of both 

 Divisions, particularly as Commander Inglefield, by his 

 letter to me, seemed to have imbibed some unfounded 

 notion of my intention to return to England this season. 

 Their Lordships however will clearly perceive, from the 

 despatches, that no such idea ever entered the minds of 

 Captain Kellett or myself. 



The ' North Star' exchanged great part of her crew, 

 obtaining nearly a new set of officers and men from the 

 ' Phoenix ;' and the history of her adventures last season 

 will doubtless be magnified into something grand and 

 sublime, perhaps got up for amusement at one of the 

 minor theatres, and frighten the loving wives of some of 

 our married men. But it is indeed no matter for joke ; 

 we have yet a dreary winter to go through, and, even if 

 the ' BreadalbaneV fate does not befall us, it is not im- 

 probable may have to abandon our vessels, and seek re- 

 fuge at Beechey Island. It is much to be regretted that 

 amongst all the proposals so plentifully showered on the 

 Admiralty for the benefit of this Expedition, no one 

 thought of proposing a house not even Commander 

 Pullen by the ' Isabel/ last season. It must ere this 

 have occurred to many in England, that before August 

 next there may be many collected at Beechey Island who 

 may require shelter, and that the same or a worse acci- 

 dent than that to the ' Breadalbane' may again visit the 

 ' North Star,' or indeed every vessel of this Squadron ! 



September 24. Here we remain. Every hour con- 

 vinces me that screw steamers alone, not sailing vessels, 

 should be employed on this service. Had we been pos- 

 sessed of adequate moving power, this Division would, in 



