CHAPTER X. 



CAPTAIN JOHN FRANKLIN. 

 1819-20-21-22. 



Narrative of a Journey to the Shores of the Polar Sea. By 

 John Franklin, Capt. R.N., F.R.S., Commander of the 

 Expedition. 



This expedition, under the command of Commander 

 (now Captain Sir John) Franklin, has not only 

 added greatly to the geography, geology, and na- 

 tural history of that portion of the northern coast 

 of North America within the Arctic regions, but 

 more especially to that which borders on the south- 

 ern shores of the Polar Sea ; and has also contri- 

 buted largely to, and firmly established, that esti- 

 mate of the physical, mental, and moral character 

 of British seamen, equally good when serving on 

 shore as afloat — an estimate which we Englishmen 

 had long formed, and of which we are justly proud. 

 It has also supplied traits of character, and of the 

 physical constitution of the various native tribes. 



" The narrative of Captain Franklin ' (the writer is here 

 borrowing from himself) " adds another to the many splendid 

 records of the enterprise, zeal, and energy of British sea- 

 men — of that cool and intrepid conduct which never forsakes 

 them on occasions the most trying — that unshaken con- 



