116 MR. EAE'S EXPEDITION. May, 



to the westward through Dolphin and Union Straits, and 

 to the eastward of them, sets to the eastward towards Cape 

 Alexander ; coming, we must conclude, from the northward 

 between the lands in question : for the survey by Messrs. 

 Dease and Simpson has shown that the coast of Victoria 

 Land is continuous up to the 111th parallel; and the 

 latter gentleman records his opinion, that much of the 

 heavy drift ice that encumbers Coronation Gulf descends 

 between these lands from the north. 



" The exploration of the shores of this strait is of much 

 importance in the search for the Discovery Ships, for the 

 following reasons: — Sir John Franklin having been directed 

 to steer to the south-west after he had passed Barrow's 

 Straits, would be led directly into it, and he would be de- 

 terred from attempting a more westerly course by the cir- 

 cumstance of Sir Edward Parry having found that route 

 impracticable for two successive seasons. Should there be 

 several islands between "Wollaston and Banks's Lands, 

 and the channels between them be intricate, it is not un- 

 likely that the ships may have been shut up therein by 

 ice. It was the intention of Sir James Ross, in the event 

 of his reaching Winter Harbour last year, to send a party 

 across the ice this spring to pass between Victoria and 

 Wollaston Lands towards Cape Krusenstern and the 

 Coppermine River. To co-operate with that party and to 

 aid it with provisions, or to supply its place, should circum- 

 stances have prevented its being sent, it is expedient that 

 a party should go from hence, and as you and a sufficient 

 number of men have volunteered for this service, I hereby, 

 in virtue of the clause of my instructions which authorises 

 me to detach you and a party of volunteers under your 

 command, appoint you to this duty. You are therefore 

 to descend the Coppermine River ; and as soon as the sea 

 opens in July, are to proceed to explore the strait in 



