34 INTERPRETATION OF INSTRUCTIONS. \_0ctober, 



operations to the spring of 1854, supposing even that I 

 am assisted by Nature. The new orders of this season 

 rely on my judgment, -for what? zeal in the prose- 

 cution of common sense operations, but determination 

 where it bears on the abandonment of the Expedition, 

 "unless yon see reason to think differently;" implying 

 simply the powers accorded to me throughout. Stores 

 indeed were sent to Beechey Island, but for what end ? 

 Not to prolong service here, but to place in depot there, 

 for those who might arrive at Beechey Island, ourselves 

 included! for to bring them here, or to send them to aid 

 the Western Division, required an express Expedition for 

 this object and no other ! People in England forget to 

 reason on this matter. Let it even be imagined that the 

 ' Phoenix 3 and another vessel had been sent out complete, 

 to replace part of my Squadron, what would have been 

 the result? They could not have been moved beyond 

 Beechey Island, and would have remained there idle, 

 shut up at that position ! 



Upon the 6th paragraph of the latter Instructions it 

 was my duty to act, and totally irrespective of the opi- 

 nions of any officers but those around me and known to 

 exist. Accordingly my views were discussed with Com- 

 manders Richards and Pullen (the former next in senio- 

 rity to Captain Kellett), and, without adverting to their 

 special opinions, which coincided with mine, or were 

 even literally more decisive as to obedience to my orders 

 to return, I came to the conclusion that nothing like 

 uncertainty, or indecision, upon such important matters, 

 would be deemed by those who selected me for com- 

 mand as satisfactory. 



