114 IF TRACES BE FOUND, [February, 



By SIR EDWARD BELCHER, A7., C.B., Captain of Her Majesty's Ship 

 Assistance, and in Command of the Arctic Searching Squadron. 



In consequence of additional Instructions furnished to me by my 

 Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, it becomes my duty to forward 

 to you certain directions for your guidance. 



2. In the absence of any information of your movements since Com- 

 mander Richards quitted you on the 8th of June, 1853, I must con- 

 clude, from your letter of that date, that you are at this moment at 

 Melville Island ; 



3. Or have made the attempt to reach Beechey Island. 



4. Further : the result of your spring searches after Sir John Frank- 

 lin or Captain Collinson being unknown to me, I am reduced to the 

 necessity of assuming cases on which to found Instructions. 



5. The first and absorbing interest is the fate of the crews of the 

 ' Erebus' and ' Terror.' Should any reliable traces have been disco- 

 vered, you will of course adopt such decisive measures for following 

 them up as appear requisite, apprising me with all despatch of every 

 particular, and suggesting any matters which may enable me to afford 

 you that vigorous support which such a discovery would infallibly call 

 forth from the fine body of men engaged in this enterprise. 



6. You would therefore direct the instant return of Commander Pul- 

 len,* so that I may be enabled to double the caches which I intend 

 pushing forward this spring towards Cape Capel, in order that the 

 main or midway depot may be satisfactorily completed without, if pos- 

 sible, trenching on the necessary supplies for your parties seeking 

 Beechey Island. 



7. Of course the above contingency would entirely change the fea- 

 tures of our Expedition, which would date de novo from the ensuing 

 spring. 



8. Under such circumstances, should the trace prove westerly, I 

 should adopt measures for reinforcing the Western Division by the ad- 

 vance of a ship or steamer to Cape Capel, and forming a new depot on 

 Byam Martin Island, as well as one easterly, near Cape Hotham. 



9. In order to meet any such possible case I have furnished Com- 

 mander Pullen with a copy of these Instructions. He will himself 

 carefully watch on his advance for any eligible position. 



10. And distinct orders will be given to each officer in command of 

 the Commissariat sledges to remain at, examine, and leave his distinct 



* Then charged with this duty. 



