INSTRUCTIONS OF 1853-54. 243 



the preceding; but should the question of further search 

 be entertained, certain means of sustenance are for- 

 warded. 



At paragraph 2 of these second Instructions, it is 

 clearly intimated that having done all that could be done 

 in the matter of search, the Expedition was to be aban- 

 doned. And if such likewise should be my opinion, 

 after mature consideration with the Senior Officers under 

 my command, I was to abandon. 



This simply refers to my opinion formed, after consul- 

 tation with all the officers in whom I placed confidence, 

 as to further search. But that decisive opinion had 

 been given before I asked for it. 



But it is not for me to state on whom I confided, or 

 what were the opinions. It is universally conceded that 

 " ah 1 had been done that could be done." As the Com- 

 mander of that Expedition, I was in communication with 

 all : I knew their secret feelings, and on those feelings I 

 acted, on my own responsibility, without insulting any 

 one for obtrusive advice. I did not leave any one to 

 suffer for my decision ; but boldly, and as I had the 

 temerity to believe, generously, putting my neck into the 

 halter, issued my orders in my proper province, as it 

 was expected I would do by those who confided in my 

 courage to face any difficulty which looked me in face. 

 Had I been weak enough to yield, and disaster had en- 

 sued, where would my character now be ? It requires 

 no prophet to conclude how I should have been dealt 

 with. 



At paragraph 3 full confidence is renewed, and to that 

 confidence I have responded by the determined act which, 



R 2 



