1854.] ORDERS FOR SENIOR AT BEECHEY ISLAND. 207 



I insert the following, to show that, at all events, the 

 next in command seemed to think with me, that prudent 

 forethought was necessary, and that, circumstanced as we 

 are, orders should precede the chance of events; and those 

 I had long contemplated. 



" You ought now to write plain instructions for the 

 officer commanding here, -what he is to do on arrival of 

 vessels from England, in case of his breaking out before 

 any can arrive ; and what he is to do, suppose there 

 should be open water and no vessel, in case of being- 

 carried down with the pack, whether he is to wait at 

 any particular rendezvous for you, and until what time. 

 But you know how uncertain everything is in this country, 

 and how necessary it is to have orders to meet all contin- 

 gencies." 



It is evident some change of mind must have influ- 

 enced these remarks, as my intention up to this moment 

 and to the last will be, if such should be the pleasure of 

 the Admiralty and not left to my judgment, to return 

 Captain Kellett, with the necessary volunteers, to the 

 ' Resolute.' 



The following order was issued, directed to all Cap- 

 tains and Commanders, etc.: 



By SIR EDWARD BELCHER, KT., C.B., Captain of fl.M.S. Assistance, 

 and in Command of the Arctic Searching Squadron. 



(General Memorandum.) 



As unforeseen events may drive the 'North Star' from her present 

 ice-bound position at Beechey Island, and force her out of the Lancas- 

 ter Strait, 



The Senior Officer who may at that time be on board will repair first 

 to Cape Warrender, then to Port Dundas, and finally back to Beechey 

 Island. 



