INTRODUCTION. XXV11 



The expedition under Franklin was in reality the 

 last which was sent forth by this country in the pursuit 

 of Arctic discovery. Those which subsequently fol- 

 lowed, seven in number and consisting of no less than 

 twenty-four vessels, twenty of which were equipped 

 by the Government, and which by ship and sledge 

 traversed the Arctic seas for over ten years, were sent 

 exclusively in search of the ' Erebus ' and ' Terror,' and 

 their geographical discoveries were purely incidental 

 to that search. 



Notwithstanding all that has been written con- 

 cerning this unfortunate expedition, it has so direct a 

 bearing on the one which has lately returned from an 

 attempt to reach the Pole, that it is imperative briefly 

 to recall its main features, and to follow for a time the 

 footsteps of those who so long and so unsuccessfully 

 persevered in their attempts to lift the veil which 

 shrouded all connected with it in the deepest mystery. 



Franklin and his companions, like many who pre- 

 ceded them, went forth to accomplish the North-west 

 passage, that is to sail north-west from the Atlantic 

 to the Pacific Ocean ; and w T ith the knowledge — or 

 perhaps it would be more correct to say the ignorance — 

 which then existed as to the difficulties by which the 

 task was surrounded, there seemed a fair probability 

 that their mission would have been successful. At any 

 rate there were none who doubted that the way they 

 would go would be open to their safe return. They 

 had two stout ships, the best ever despatched on such 

 service. These vessels were furnished with steam 

 power, though to a limited extent, and their personnel 

 comprised the flower of the naval service. 



It is probable that few, if any, at this time believed 

 that practical results useful to navigation or commerce 



