244 FURTHER SEARCH IMPOSSIBLE. 



I trust, has met with the approval of every man of cou- 

 rage or of common sense, and of which I bear written 

 evidence from competent authority, as well as from the 

 highest ornaments of both professions, in language too 

 strong to allow of insertion here. 



But as regards any volunteer to remain out, that was 

 my province to decide. I could not so far forget my 

 duty, as the chief, to allow any one to creep between me 

 and danger. 



If the 'Resolute' and tender remained, it must be 

 clear to professional minds that the chief must also re- 

 main at Beechey Island until the next season. 



All this I foresaw in October, 1853, and the confusion 

 which would involve any hesitation on my part. 



And what is the result of my judgment ? The ' Re- 

 solute' is as safe where she is, as if she had been moored 

 for ever at Melville Island. Would any one dream of 

 her extrication, if she had, in obedience to my original 

 order, been abandoned there ? 



It is almost unnecessary to revert to my final Instruc- 

 tions, as they reached after I had quitted and had taken 

 my measures ; but they incontestably prove the propriety 

 of my decision, and that all my grounds for action were 

 well founded. As to further search, that never could be 

 contemplated by any reasonable individual who had the 

 interest of his country at heart, or who was entrusted 

 with plenary powers, if he thought there was any reason- 

 able direction in which they could be exercised. 



As regards the ' Resolute,' I knew enough to enable 

 me to decide, and events have proved my decision judi- 

 cious. I knew the difficulties of 1850 to 1853. I had 



