116 ORDER TO WITHDRAW CREWS. [February, 



the 'Intrepid,' or whether you despatched the ' Intrepid' forward with 

 the crew of the ' Investigator :' you may, indeed, have been entrapped 

 as the ' Assistance ' is.* 



19. It is however of the utmost importance, and must yield to every 

 oilier consideration, that the crew of the ' Investigator' be forwarded, 

 independent of the uncertainty of open water last season. They must 

 be at Beechey Island, if possible, before the middle of June. 



20. In order to secure this desirable object, I shall superintend this 

 duty in person, advancing not only sledges but boats to CapeHothaui, 

 and adopt other measures for the retreat of your entire parties. 



21. If the water should make early and release this ship and 'Pio- 

 neer,' one or both may be advanced to your support ; but I much fear 

 any release to this ship until the extreme of the season. 



22. I shall myself repair to the ' North Star' and assume the direc- 

 tion of affairs there until the anticipated arrival and departure of the 

 relief which will, in all probability, be afforded by their Lordships ; for 

 the fate of all, when Commander Inglefield departed, was problematical. 

 His assumption that it was my intention to return to England this 

 season is without foundation, and of this my despatch will inform their 

 Lordships. 



23. All will depend on the report of Commander Pullen : he is by 

 me, knows my iiitentions fully, and will clear up any doubts. 



24. Unless distinct and unmistakable evidence is adduced bearing 

 on the traces of Sir John Franklin or Captain Collinson, you are to 

 consider that you are hereby directed to rejoin me at Beechey Island 

 with all possible despatch, subject only to the deviations in paragraphs 

 11, 13, and 14. 



25. I think I have now relieved you from any possible doubts as to 

 your mode of proceeding and the intentions of Her Majesty's Govern- 

 ment. 



26. You will forward to me every possible document by Commander 

 Fallen which may enable me to inform their Lordships of our latest 

 proceedings, and which may possibly be forwarded by me before any 

 possibility exists of your rejoining me at Beechey Island. 



27. I have been thus circumstantial in every point in order to free 

 you from every possible misconception, and I have forwarded to you a 

 copy of their Lordships' Instructions to me, in order that you may fully 

 understand their wishes. 



Too true. 



