xliv INTRODUCTION. 



found its way down on our table just as we had done dinner. We are 

 packed so closely we can't move very far ; but the good humour of 

 every one is perfect, and we do dance before it (the gale) finely." 1 



(5). " I wish I could, however, convey to you a just idea of the im- 

 mense stock of good feeling, good humour, and real kindliness of heart 

 in our small mess. We are veiy happy, and very fond of Sir John 

 Franklin, who improves very much as we come to know more of him. 

 He is anything but nervous or fidgety ; in fact, I should say remarkable 

 for energetic decision in sudden emergencies. Our men are all fine 

 hearty fellows." 



(6). " 'Tis a rare thing to find met together twelve men of different 

 ranks and ages who combine the scholar with the gentleman, such as 

 these which it has been my fortunate lot to mix with ; and I do most 

 fervently pray that nothing may occur to loosen the ties which at pi-esent 

 so happily bind us to each other. With such a man to command us, 

 'tis next to impossible that we shall be aught else than most happy and 

 comfortable. " 



(7). " I had omitted to mention that we have had Divine Service 

 every Sunday since we left Greenhithe ; and you would be perfectly 

 delighted at the beautiful and impressive manner in which Sir John 

 reads both the Service and the Sermon. I assure you it was with 

 unalloyed feelings of delight that I witnessed their fervent and audible 

 responses (the entire crew) ; every individual on board has a Bible and 

 Prayer-Book." 



(8). "11 P.M., Lat. 63 N. The air is delightfully cool and bracing, 

 and everybody is in good humour, either with himself or his neighbours. 

 Goodsir is catching the most extraordinary animals in a net, and is in 

 ecstacies. Gore and Des Vceux are over the side with nets and long 

 poles. We take it in turns to fish with a net at the end of a long pole, 

 and bring up most strange animals." 



(9). "The more I see of our worthy chief the more I like and 

 admhe him ; in fact, he is deservedly beloz>ed by us all, seamen as well 

 as officers. As this day (Sunday) will serve as a sample of what has 

 already taken place on the Lord's Day, and which will no doubt be 

 strictly adhered to for the future, I will describe our observance of 

 it : — We assemble at Prayers at ten o'clock, the beautiful Service of the 

 Church of England is read by Sir John in the most impressive manner, 

 after which a Sermon adapted to our pursuits is also most impressively 

 delivered. At seven in the evening all those who are desirous assemble 

 in Sir John's cabin, when the Evening Service is read, and another 



This extract is dated 23rd June, off Cape Desolation, Davis Strait. 



