OF THE POLAR SEA. 



91 



On the 2 5 tli the ice departed from Pine 

 Island Lake. We were, however, informed 

 that Beaver Lake, which was likewise in 

 our route, would not afford a passage before 

 the 4th of June. According to directions 

 left by Mr. Franklin, applications were 

 made to the chiefs of the Hudson's Bay and 

 North-West Companies' Posts, for two 

 canoes, with their crews and a supply of 

 stores, for the use of the expedition. They 

 were not in a condition to comply with this 

 request till the arrival of their respective 

 returns from Isle h, la Crosse and the Sas- 

 katchawan Departments. Of the six men 

 whom we brought from England, the most 

 serviceable, John Hepburn, had accom- 

 panied Mr. Franklin, and only one other 

 desired to prosecute the journey with us. 

 Mr. Franklin had made arrangements with 

 Mr. Williams for the employment of the 

 remaining five men in bringing to Cumber- 

 land House the ammunition, tobacco, &c. 

 i left at York Fort, which stores were, if 

 ! possible, to be sent after us in the summer. 

 ; On the 30th Dr. Richardson returned from 



