1854.] INSTRUCTIONS TO CAPTAIN KELLETT. 113 



28. You are furnished with copies of ray former orders to Captain 

 Kellett, as well as to Commander Pullen, by which you will be guided 

 when not met by these Instructions. You have also my final Instruc- 

 tions of this date to Captain Kellett. These cannot be sealed at pre- 

 sent, as they must in some degree guide you ; but you will consider 

 them as confidentially open to you, and seal them before you deliver 

 them to Captain Kellett. 



29. My general orders respecting notices and cairns you will carry 

 out, and without reasons to be explained, those relating to commands 

 of sledges will of course be observed. 



30. You will, in the full spirit of the Instructions, draw up, during 

 your detention at the ' North Star,' such further hints for the officer 

 left in command as may prevent any misconception of the duties in- 

 tended. I will further send especial orders by the next Division as to 

 the second journeys of the sledges to Assistance Bay. 



31. Every possible facility has been afforded to you for the most 

 perfect equipment of the sledges placed under your direction; and 

 having full confidence in you, and that your energy will be fully ade- 

 quate to the arduous service entrusted to your command, I now com- 

 mend you and your gallant companions to the care of the Great Dis- 

 poser of events, praying earnestly that your return in safety may be 

 attended with the welcome intelligence of the well-being of Captain 

 Kellett's Division. 



Given under my hand on board Her Majesty's 

 Ship Assistance, this 15A day of February, 

 1854, in the Wellington Channel. 



EDWARD BELCHER. 



To COMMANDER RICHARDS, H.M.8. Assistance. 



It was not rny intention to have troubled my readers 

 with the specific Instructions to Captain Kellett, but 

 events immediately succeeding render it almost impe- 

 rative. 



The original, penned on the 15th of October, 1853, I 

 had considered undeniably distinct, and, had Commander 

 Richards, by demise, succeeded to the command, would 

 inevitably have met with immediate obedience. 



VOL. II. I 



