68 TRANSACTIONS iSQg-'oo 



tor," who had entered on their fifth year of arctic service, were 

 that day on board the " North Star " at Beechey Island. With 

 them were the crews of the "Resolute," the "Intrepid," the 

 "Assistance," and the "Pioneer," all five vessels having been 

 abandoned, all waiting the order of Sir Edward Belcher to cast 

 off from the ice floe on their homeward voyage. The order was 

 given, and just then the faint outlines of two ships were seen 

 through the haze. They proved to be H. M. ships " Phoenix " 

 and "Talbot" from England, bringing with them letters for many 

 of the crew. The men were at once distributed among the three 

 vessels, which immediately proceeded on their course. We can 

 imagine the joy of the men on that day. 



