434 THE FRANKLIN SEAECH— 18^8-51. 



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in the Arctic Sea. On the 13th August, the " Plover " hove in sight, and 

 joined the "Herald" off Cape Lisburne, the place of rendezvous. Com- 

 mander Moore had visited Wainwright Inlet and Point Barrow, but could 

 not trace the rumours respecting the white men to any tangible source. It 

 appeared that the Eskimos had invented the stories. " The Eskimos are 

 quick," writes Seemann, " and where it is likely that their natural cupidity 

 would be gratified, ever ready, can they but get a lead, to exercise their 

 ingenuity by inventing a story. It was after Commander Moore had made 

 the chief of the Hotham Inlet- tribe understand the object of the 

 ' Plover's ' wintering in those regions that the majority of the reports were 

 received." 



On the 27th, Captain Kellett turned towards the south, passed Behrihg 

 Strait, and arrived at Michaelovski, on Norton Sound, to investigate the 

 reports respecting white men which Mr Pirn had heard there. The chief 

 official and his second, however, had left the fort, taking all papers and letters 

 with them, and no information could be obtained. Again the bow of the 

 " Herald" was turned north ; and on the 5th September, having re-entered the 

 strait, she arrived at Port Clarence, where Kellett joined the " Enterprise '* 

 and " Plover." The latter had already entered Grrantly Harbour, in which 

 Commander Moore had resolved to wintei*, and on the shores of which he 

 was abeady erecting a house for the reception of provisions. The house was 

 finished on the 21st September, the provisions landed and stowed, and the 

 ship dismantled. On the 23d, the " Herald " made sail again for the 

 southern seas, and thus concluded its third and last summer cruise up 

 Behring Strait. 



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