Vlll PREFACE. 



shows that no situation should be considered too desperate to be 

 beyond the reach of a similar exertion. 

 I have the honour to be. 

 Sir, 

 Your most obedient servant, 



CHARLES OGLE, Chairman. 



To Captain John Ross, Royal Navy. 



The above correspondence requires no comment, as they must 

 fully convey to the public the feelings of both parties. I have 

 now to introduce the two following letters, which were originally 

 intended to precede the narrative, but which were omitted for 

 reasons already mentioned. 



Victory Discovery Ship, Union Dock, 

 London, March 28, 1829. 



Sir, 



I request you will have the goodness to submit to the 

 Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that I am about to 

 undertake a voyage of discovery at the entire cost of myself and 

 others, and in event of complete success in the discovery of a north- 

 west passage, and subsequently falling in with his Majesty's ships 

 of war, or those belonging to foreign nations, it may be proper 

 and necessary that I should have on board a document to prove 

 that my vessel is navigated, and my expedition undertaken with 

 the approbation and good wishes of the Lords Commissioners 



