1854.J OPEN WATER. 217 



" But I have not been unmindful of every course 

 which he might adopt : the Melville Island chain is com- 

 plete and adequately stored ; at Cape Bunny, should he 

 take up the Peel Strait, he will find supplies, and notices 

 where to find more ; at Port Leopold the house is not fit 

 to shelter his people, but I think the materials for sus- 

 taining life are not wanting." 



" Here, the house, the position of the provisions, fuel, 

 and stores, offer the home provided for Sir John Frank- 

 lin, and where possibly I may yet have to prove that 

 another winter can be endured." 



" Until the month of September is half expended I 

 shall, if detained here, still cling to the hope of his join- 

 ing us, and of the arrival of steamers adequate to our 

 need in conveying so many persons to our country with- 

 out the risk of one bottom." 



"August 21, 1854. Open water in every direction. 

 The non-appearance of H.M.S. Assistance, and the opi- 

 nion here, that I ought to decide on the spot as to her 

 future fate, compels me to close. If Captain Kellett 

 should be blown out in H.M.S. North Star and reach 

 England, I must refer to him for my latest intentions." 



Such were then my feelings on the 21st of August, 

 and, unless pressed at that date by that screw general 

 opinion, I did not intend to have quitted my post until 

 the 26th, intending first to learn the nature of my new 

 Instructions, and then decide. It is immaterial to no- 

 tice what were the arguments or opinions advanced, as 

 the decision at which I arrived would render me alone 

 responsible. 



I made up my mind to proceed to the ship, taking 



