114 MR. RAE'S EXPEDITION. May, 



among the ice. But, having been compelled to 

 leave our craft in September without the smallest 

 hope of their being found again in a seaworthy 

 condition, and having only one boat remaining 

 that could be employed on the service, it became 

 necessary to determine which of us should take 

 charge of that vessel and of the small party it could 

 contain. Setting all personal considerations aside, 

 and looking solely to the means of providing for 

 the examination of as large a portion of the Arctic 

 Sea as could be accomplished, I had no hesitation 

 in deciding in favour of Mr. Rae. His ability and 

 zeal were unquestionable ; he was in the prime 

 of life, and his personal activity and his skill 

 as a hunter fitted him peculiarly for such an 

 enterprise. The arrangement I made for with- 

 drawing the European party, and employing volun- 

 teers from the men engaged in the country, was a 

 considerable pecuniary saving, which I was bound 

 to consider, as far as I could, without cramping 

 the means of search. 



It has been already mentioned that Mr. Rae ex- 

 plored the country between Fort Confidence and 

 the Coppermine River in winter, to select the best 

 route for dragging the boat over in spring. In 

 April he conveyed provisions, boat stores, and other 

 necessaries across to the Kendall on dog-sledges, 

 and left two men at Flett's station in charge of 



