Proceedings, &c.JoT 1886. 803 



of science which are to be investigated during an exploration which, 

 from its very important and serious nature, eminently merits the 

 favourable consideration of this great and enterprising maritime 

 nation. 



No 9. 



CAPTAIN FAIRWEATHER'S LETTER FROM 

 DUNDEE, OFFERING SERVICES. 



Dundee, 28th September, 1886. 



The Right Honourable the Governor of Victoria. 



Honourable Sir — There is a rumour current here to the effect 

 that an Antarctic Expedition and Whaling Enterj)rise is likely to 

 be undertaken on behalf of the Victorian Government, and I 

 venture to address you these in reference. I have been intimately 

 connected with the North Sea whaling and sealing trade for 

 upwards of seventeen years, eight of which have acted as master, 

 and for the past five years I have had (and still have) command of 

 one of the largest and finest steamers hailing from this port of 

 Dundee. I would venture to ask, and would esteem it a favour, 

 if you would inform me as to the authenticity of this flying report; 

 and if your colony is really entertaining an undertaking of this sort, 

 I would gladly avail myself of an opportunity of being connected 

 with an expedition to the southern latitudes to look for the black 

 or right whale. I am of opinion that our trade here is fast dying 

 out on account of the continued catching and decadence of the 

 whale in our northern waters. I have youth on my side, being only 

 thirty-three years of age, and I would like to alter my cruise 

 to the Antarctic Seas, as I feel convinced the whale must 

 be numerous there, and consequently a succession of good 

 cargoes would in all probability be obtainable. This is my 

 chief reason for venturing to address you, and a second reason 

 is that my father is buried in Australia, and I have a strong 

 desire to see the spot where he lies. If the proposed expedition 

 is to be purely scientific, the only capacity in which I could act 

 would be with reference to my extensive experience with and know- 

 ledge of ice navigation. I hold a master's certificate of competency, 

 and can produce the highest testimonials ; on the other hand, if it 

 is with a view to whaling, I would not leave here unless I was to 

 get command of a steamer. 



I will be in Dundee until about 1st February next, and a reply 

 from you will be esteemed a favour by yours most respectfully, 



(Signed) James Fairweather. 

 P.S. — Address enclosed. — J.F. 



