152 CONDITION OF ' INVESTIGATOR'S' CREW. [March, 



Moreover, excepting where vessels are nipped and de- 

 stroyed in contact ivitk sound floe, the salvation of the 

 boats is problematical, and should such a misfortune 

 occur all hands must perish! 



But to return to the ' Resolute,' her tender, and the 

 ' Investigator.' Early in March last, Captain Kellett 

 had despatched a Lieutenant and his Surgeon to visit 

 the ' Investigator,' and report upon the condition of the 

 crew, etc. Unfortunately the Lieutenant left the Surgeon 

 tented on the ice and proceeded alone, and Commander 

 M'Clure returned with the Lieutenant to the ' Resolute.' 

 Commander M'Clure was still anxious to be afforded 

 another chance of getting through ; and Captain Kel- 

 lett, yielding to his wishes, despatched his Surgeon with 

 him to survey the crew, and should twenty volunteers 

 come forward he might remain until the next season. 

 But they were unfit ; they had been reported to me 

 demi-officially as in a deplorable state ; in the words of 

 Captain Kellett, " they were in a terrible condition, 

 disorganized in addition to disease :" more I will not 

 divulge. 



What then were my feelings, what my duty ? As the 

 Commander of such an Expedition, possessing the entire 

 confidence of Government, was I tamely, with such mat- 

 ter in my hands, to betray my trust ? Could I lend my 

 approval barely to what I have divulged? and if the mat- 

 ter before me did not warrant my disapproval of an in- 

 stant' s delay in conveying the crew of the ' Investigator' 

 to England, had I not ample ground in declining fur- 

 ther risk of life, further anxiety to the public, and the 

 additional expense <>!' leuun^ in-hind three vessels ? for 



