SEARCH FOR FRANKLIN. 255 



in sight of a wide and desolate bay, on the southern 

 shore of which was found a large boat, mounted on a 

 sledge ; " another melancholy relic which Hobson had 

 found and examined a few days before, as his note left 

 here informed me, but he had failed to discover record, 

 journal, pocket-book, or memorandum of any descrip- 

 tion." 



In the boat was that which transfixed the searchers 

 with awe : the portions of two skeletons the one of a 

 slight young person ; the other of a large, strongly-made, 

 middle-aged man. Near the former, which lay in the 

 bow of the boat, was found the fragment of a pair of 

 worked slippers, and beside them a pair of small strong 

 shooting half- boots. 



" The other skeleton was in a somewhat more perfect 

 state, and was enveloped with clothes and furs ; it lay 

 across the boat, under the after-thwart. Close beside it 

 were found five watches ; and there were two double- 

 barrelled guns one barrel in each loaded and cocked 

 standing muzzle upwards against the boat's side. It may 

 be imagined with what deep interest these sad relics were 

 scrutinised, and how anxiously every fragment of cloth 

 ing was turned over in search of pockets and pocket- 

 books, journals, or even names. Five or six small 

 books were found, all of them scriptural or devotional 

 works, except the 'Vicar of Wakefield.' One little book, 

 * Christian Melodies,' bore an inscription upon the title- 

 page from the donor to G. G. (Graham Gore ?) A small 

 Bible contained numerous marginal notes, and whole 



