PREFACE. IX 



of the Admiralty, and feeling assured of their Lordships' 

 encouragement and protection. 



I have the honour to remain. 



Sir, 

 Your most obedient servant, 



JOHN ROSS, Capt. R.N. 



To the Right Hon. J. \V. Croker, &c. &c. &c, 



Atiswer. 



Admiralty Office, March 23, 1829. 



Sir, 



Having laid before my Lords Commissioners of the 

 Admiralty your letter of this day's date, stating that you are about 

 to undertake a voyage of discovery at the entire cost of yourself 

 and others, and in the event of complete success in the discovery of 

 a north-west passage, and subsequently falling in with his Majesty's 

 ships of war or others belonging to foreign states, it would be 

 desirable that you should possess a document to prove that your 

 vessel is navigated, and your expedition undertaken, with tlie 

 approbation and good wishes of their Lordships, I have it in 

 command to express their Lordship's approbation and good wishes 

 relative to the expedition in question, and also their authority to 

 you to state the same. 



I am. Sir, 



Your obedient servant, 



J. W. CROKER 



To Captain Ross, R.N. 

 Victory Discovery Ship, Union Dock. 



