PREFACE. Vll 



proved, as designed, the means of snatching myself and my faithful 

 companions from the further sufferings which, almost to the last 

 moment, we seemed doomed to encounter. 

 I have the honour to be. 



Gentlemen, 

 Your very humble and grateful servant, 



JOHN ROSS, Capt. R.N. 



Arctic Land Expedition. — Answer. 



21, Regent Street, October 22, 1833. 



Sir, 



I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your 

 letter dated the 20th inst. addressed to the Committee for managing 

 the Arctic Land Expedition, and returning your thanks to its 

 members, to the Hudson's Bay Company, and to all the Subscribers 

 towards the equipment of that expedition, for the exertions made 

 by them in hopes of rescuing you and your brave companions from 

 your perilous situation. 



In reply, I beg, in the name of the committee and of all the 

 subscribers, to offer you our warmest congratulations on your safe 

 return ; and although the main object of Captain Back's expedi- 

 tion is thus attained without his assistance, yet we feel much 

 gratified that it should have gone, inasmuch as it proves to all 

 future adventurers in a like career, that their country will not be 

 unmindful of them ; while, on the other hand, your return also 



A 2 



