150 PROBABLE DANGERS. [March, 



is a constant current throughout to the eastward. I am 

 well into the Strait ; still, if it breaks up at all, I must 

 get through (unless I get smashed], and, I think, south of 

 Lowther ; but it ivill all depend on the wind, of which we 

 have but little this winter, so I hope for a good share 

 this summer. Should I get smashed (which, light as I 

 am, I do not think will happen), I must seek some of the 

 depots east or west of me." Matter here connected with 

 other parties, but which merely served to strengthen my 

 opinion as to my duty, I must omit. " I hope to be able 

 to visit Princess Royal Island and ' Investigator/ and to 

 bring back from Dealy a few preserved meats ; that is, if 

 you think I ought. 



" Be sure you write me a long yarn of all you have 

 been doing (privately, as you did before), and be honest 

 in your opinions of my proceedings. 



" Send back the dogs for me, and I shall be with you 

 in no time ; but do not put yourself out of the way to 

 come this road, for there is nothing to be seen or done. 



" We have had the weather intensely cold in February ; 

 the mean for the month 41." 



The tenour of this correspondence is to the effect that 

 all has been done that could be done ; that the vessels 

 might be smashed, and that notwithstanding my orders 

 to return were positive, even to be at Beechey Island in 

 the summer of 1854, that such intention of the Govern- 

 ment was to be frustrated, and the further dilemma of 

 keeping out one or more ships, to look for the shattered 

 remains of these vessels and crews, incurred. 



So far, then, from altering my views, I came to the 

 conclusion that before any discussion could arise which 



