INTRODUCTION. xliii 



by his intelligence, gallantry, and zeal. His name occurs 

 in both the Franklin records. 



The seamen composing the crews of the two ships had 

 been carefully selected ; they were, for the most part, hardy 

 north-countrymen, the remainder being men-of-war's men. 



I cannot better conclude this imperfect notice of the 

 gallant men whose sad fate has moved with sympathy the 

 whole civilized world, than by giving a few extracts from 

 some of their last letters (from the oldest to the youngest 

 officer on board) w r ritten to friends at home, whilst upon 

 their outward voyage and during their short detention 

 in Greenland, at the Whalefish Islands ; the last letter 

 received from them is dated 12th July. These extracts will 

 convey to the reader, far better than any description could 

 do, an idea of the delightful tone of feeling which existed 

 amongst them, and of their devoted loyalty, I may with 

 truth say, affection, for their renowned leader. 



Gallant spirits eminently worthy of their heroic chief! 

 Higher praise than this it is alike impossible to win or to 

 bestow. 



EXTRACTS. 



(1). "Sir John is delightful, active, energetic, and evidently even 

 now persevering ; what he has been, we all know. I think it will turn 

 out that he is in no way altered." 



(2). " I would not lose him for the command of the expedition, for 

 I have a real regard — -I might say affection — for him, and believe this is 

 felt by all of us." 



(3). " Of all men he is the most fitted for the command of an enter- 

 prise requiring sound sense and great perseverance ; and he is full of 

 benevolence and kindness withal. You have no conception how happy 

 we are. " 



(4). "Yesterday we had the highest sea I ever saw; it was very 

 fine. I know nothing finer than a gale of wind, particularly when you 

 are running before it. We had a few seas over our decks, one of which 



