104 ELISHA KENT KANE. 



of these three craft were, the Red Eric, the Hope, 

 and the Faith ; and they were mounted on sledges, 

 for the purpose of being conveyed over the ice where 

 navigation was impossible. The 17th of May was 

 the day appointed for the commencement of their 

 return and for their desertion of the ice-bound and 

 immovable brig. When the designated time ar- 

 rived, every preparation had been completed which 

 the circumstances of the case permitted. It was 

 Sunday. The entire ship's company were sum- 

 moned into the cabin. The commander read prayers 

 and a chapter of the Bible. He then addressed the 

 party, explaining the difficulties and duties which 

 were before them ; at the same time assuring them 

 that he believed they might all be overcome by energy 

 and subordination. He reminded them of the perils 

 through which they had already passed, and urged 

 them to rely upon that great unseen Power which 

 had thus far protected and sustained them. 



The members of the expedition, after the con- 

 clusion of Dr. Kane's remarks, immediately drew 

 up a paper, in which they stated their conviction of 

 the impossibility of removing the brig from her 

 solid bed of ice ; the peril of their attempting to 

 remain a third winter in the Polar regions; and 

 promising unqualified obedience to his commands, 

 and special attention to their sick comrades. 



