186 VOYAGE TO THE POLAR SEA. October 1870 



classes of their countrymen, notwithstanding the some- 

 what natural disappointment that the North Pole had 

 not been reached. 



The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty were 

 pleased to express their warm approval of the conduct 

 of all engaged in the Expedition, and we were honoured 

 by receiving the following letter addressed to the 

 First Lord of the Admiralty by direction of Her Most 

 Gracious Majesty the Queen. 



1 Balmoral : November 4, 1876. 



' Dear Mr. Hunt, — 



' I am commanded by the Queen to request 

 that you will communicate to Captain JSTares, and to 

 the officers and men under his command, Her Majesty's 

 hearty congratulations on their safe return. 



' The Queen highly appreciates the valuable ser- 

 vices which have been rendered by them in the late 

 Arctic Expedition, and she fully sympathises in the 

 hardships and sufferings they have endured, and laments 

 the loss of life which has occurred. 



' The Queen would be glad if her thanks could be 

 duly conveyed to these gallant men for what they 

 have accomplished. 



' Yours very truly, 



' Henry F. Ponsonby.' 



