118 NO VOLUNTEERS. [February, 



behind, and I see no use (myself), not being in a position to judge, 

 of leaving a crew if the vessel is safely placed. The facility, or other- 

 wise, of Bichards's enterprise will guide you better than anything I 

 can advance. 



I prefer, if new hands are sent out, that the depot shall be at 

 Beechey Island and Port Dundas, of which inquire of Richards. 



But bear in mind that the lives of all " the touched" must be secured 

 by their presence at Beechey Island before the 1st of September. I may 

 send away 'North Star' even before that date with invalids and 'Inves- 

 tigator's.' 



Under every advantage I cannot see the prospect of your release 

 past Cape Hotham before the 1st of September ; the steamer might (?); 

 but I have some idea that if you abandon it will be at Melville Island, 

 for I can readily imagine the pains and penalties of such a proceeding 

 before reaching a place of security, and where indeed such an act might 

 be more than hazardous. 



I have not the slightest conception how many might be induced to 

 remain out in any of the vessels ; but as far as I can see into the con- 

 stitutions of those who have been out before, and talk most, I should 

 not think it safe to leave any volunteers beyond Beechey Island, not for 

 want of spirit, but from the chance of inability to travel at the required 

 moment. This becomes a matter beyond surgical advice. We who 

 have commanded so many years know full well how suddenly, without 

 disease, men droop and will not recover, in fact, make up their minds 

 to die. 



1 have many men fit to travel forty miles to the ' North Star,' but it 

 would go hard to make them travel from Northumberland Sound had 

 we been frozen in there all this season. Indeed, it is a matter beyond 

 our feelings ; and as I can only read their Lordships' intentions to 

 mean that a crew was to be left, if I thought proper, in September 

 last : if it be their intention, and they will know if it be important by 

 the failure of intelligence from Captain Collinson, fresh volunteers will 

 be sent from England. 



Captain Richards may however inform you of my reasons for moving 

 cast to Port Dundas before the season closes, as I have strong suspicions 

 that the fate of Sir John is to be sought southerly of Lancaster Sound, 

 Kiid the assistance of the interpreter of the 'Investigator'' is important. 



\ do not perceive that you have taken Commander M'Clure under 

 your command ; I therefore, to place this matter beyond any possible 

 doubt, enclose to you the requisite order, and you will bear him and 



