Apr. 1857. VOLUNTEERS FOR ARCTIC SERVICE. 5 



square. The ordinary heating apparatus for winter use was 

 dispensed with, and its place supplied by a few very small 

 stoves. The ' Fox ' had been the property of the late Sir 

 Richard Sutton, Bart., who made but one trip to Norway 

 in her, and she was purchased by Lady Franklin from his 

 executors for 2000/. 



Having thus far commenced the refit of the vessel, I 

 turned my attention to the selection of a crew and to the 

 requisite clothing and provisions for our voyage. 



Many worthy old shipmates, my companions in previous 

 arctic voyages, most readily volunteered their services : and 

 they were as cheerfully accepted, for it was my anxious wish 

 to gather around me well-tried men, who were aware of the 

 duties expected of them, and accustomed to naval discipline. 

 Hence, out of the twenty-five souls composing our small 

 company, seventeen had previously served in the arctic 

 search. 



Expeditions of this nature are always popular with seamen, 

 and innumerable were the applications made to me ; but still 

 more abundant were the offers to " serve in any capacity " 

 which poured in from all parts of the country, from people 

 of all classes, many of whom had never seen the sea. It 

 was, of course, impossible to accede to any of these latter 

 proposals, yet, for my own part, I could not but feel gratified 

 at such convincing proofs that the spirit of the country was 

 favourable to us, and that the ardent love of hardy enterprise 

 still lives amongst Englishmen, to be cherished, I trust, 

 as the most valuable of our national characteristics — that 

 which has so largely contributed to make England what 

 she is. 



My second in command was Lieutenant W. R. Hobson, 

 R.N., an officer already distinguished in arctic service. 

 Captain Allen Young joined me as sailing-master, contribut- 

 ing not only his valuable services but largely of his private 



