232 ATTEMPTS MADE TO DISCOVER 



temporaries, enthusiastically involved in the question of the 

 north-west passage, the undertaking was again resumed. 



In order the more effectually to ensure success, Capt. 

 Middleton sailed from Churchill River, in Hudson's Bay, 

 in the year 1741, where, by order of the Admiralty Board, 

 he had been ordered to winter, that, by being so near to the 

 expected place, the greatest possible advantage might 

 accrue to the inquiry. The ships employed on this occasion 

 were two sloops of war. 



The expectations attached to this undertaking also proved 

 fallacious, as Capt. Middleton found it impossible to proceed 

 further north than 66° 30' of north latitude, and returned 

 to England greatly disappointed, and determined to oppose 

 a project which he considered visionary and impracticable. 



In consequence of the representations of Capt. Middleton 

 on the subject, the public opinion was much divided ; yet 

 so firmly was Mr. Dobbs convinced of the truth and 

 strength of his positions, that he hoped by perseverance to 

 effect an object, for which, by much cherishing, he had 

 contracted an unconquerable affection. 



One opinion seemed, at this time, very much to aid the 

 purpose of Mr. Dobbs, and to excite him to greater 

 exertion ; and that was, that the failures of Capts. Scroggs 

 and Middleton were in some measure effected by the 

 endeavours of the Hudson's Bay Company, the members 

 of which, the better to protect their monopoly in the trade 



