CAPTAIN M^'CLURE's DESPATCHES. 43 



master), which complete Tables, I hope, with other interesting observa- 

 tions, to be enabled to carry safely home in the ship. 



And, having particularized the officers in the various services they 

 have been employed upon, I cannot conclude without expressing the 

 extreme satisfaction that the crew have given me upon all occasions, 

 when, in the perilous passage of the Polar Sea, activity, energy, and 

 arduous duty were required, as well as during this loug period of 

 inactivity ; they have been characterized by cheerfulness, propriety, and 

 good conduct, which fully entitle them to the most favourable consider- 

 ation of their Lordships. 



I have the honour to be. Sir, 



Your most obedient humble Servant, 



ROBERT M'CLURE, Commander. 



Bay of Mercv, Baring's Island, April 5, 1853. 

 Lat. 74° 6' 30" N. ; Long. 118° 15' 0" W. ■ 



Her Majesti/s Discovery-ship Investigator^ Bay of Mercy, Bariiujs 



Island, April 10, 1853. 



Sir, — In the event of our not getting to England this year, I think 

 it necessary to acquaint you, for the information of the Lords Commis- 

 sioners of the Admiralty, what our operations will be to effect that 

 object in 1854, that tlieir Lordships may be enabled to take such co- 

 operative measures for our relief as may appear expedient. 



Should the ice break up in this bay sufficiently early to permit of 

 our getting through the Straits this season, and finding the water open 

 to the eastward of Leopold Island, it would be my object to push 

 forward, without stopping to take on board any provisions from Port 

 Leopold ; but if, on the contrary, the ice should be thick towards 

 Lancaster Sound, I would, if possible, proceed to Port Leopold, and 

 complete a twelvemonths' provisions, and then risk wintering in the 

 pack, or getting through, in preference to remaining at the above port. 

 If, however, we are detained in this bay until next year, it will then be 

 requisite to leave towards the end of April, and make for Port Leopold, 

 where I am aware that there is a good boat, a house, and ample 

 supplies ; and, when the navigable season opens, proceed to Pond's Bay, 

 coasting along the south shore of Barrow's Straits. Arriving at Pond's 

 Bay, and finding from the Esquimaux that no whalers have as yet been 

 there, I should there await their appearance as long as my provisions 

 would admit, and then go down the west shore of Baffin's Ba}^ keeping 

 close along the land floe, where wdialers or their boats are almost certain 

 of being met with. Failing this, I should cross to Disco, with the hope 

 of getting a passage in some of the Danish vessels which come there 

 annually, and leave about the beginning of September ; or, being too 

 late for them, either charter or purchase one of their coasting schooners, 

 which, I believe, are made among the settlements, if she was capable of 

 standing an Atlantic voyage. Could neither of these be accomplished, 

 we must of necessity remain until the following season at that settle- 

 ment. Should any of Her Majesty's ships be sent for our relief, and 



