XXIV 



INTRODUCTION. 



of the Esquimaux, with a view thereafter to visit the Lands of 

 King William, Boothia, and Yictoria ; then endeavor, by person- 

 al investigation, to determine mOre satisfactorily the fate of the 

 105 companions of Sir John Franklin now known to have been 

 living on the 25th day of April, 1848. 



"I take with me an Esquimaux interpreter, and during my so- 

 journ in the arctic regions shall employ a crew of natives for the 

 boat accompanying me. With these natives I purpose starting 

 from Northumberland Inlet, and proceed up an arm of it that runs 

 westward toward a lake not far from its extremity. This lake 

 will be reached by crossing a small portage. I then shall traverse 

 the lake to its western outlet, which, by Esquimaux report, is a 

 navigable river emptying into Fox Channel. On arriving at 

 " Fox's Farthest" (lat. 66° 50' R, long. 77° 05' W.), I shall, if prac- 

 ticable, turn to the northward, proceeding on the east side of said 

 channel to the Straits of " Fury and Hecla," thus uniting the dis- 

 coveries of Fox in 1631 and Parry in 1821-3. 



"On completing this work I shall cross the strait to Igloolik 

 (lat. 69° 20' K, long. 81° 53' W.), and try to establish friendly re- 

 lations with the community of Esquimaux known to congregate 

 at that point. I will there and then decide, by the circumstances, 

 whether to winter at Igloolik, return to Northumberland Inlet, or 

 proceed southward on the east coast of Melville Peninsula to Win- 

 ter Island, or to push my way directly westward across the Gulf 

 of Boothia to Victoria Harbor. 



"During the winter and early spring, sledge-journeys will be 

 undertaken with a view of acquiring a thorough knowledge of 

 the country. 



" When at Northumberland Inlet and other places, I shall care- 

 fully examine into the facilities for traveling, so as to decide upon 

 the most practicable course to pursue in my efforts to satisfactorily 

 and truthfully determine the history of the Franklin Expedition. 



" To extend this undertaking to a favorable conclusion will re- 

 quire the assistance of my fellow-countrymen. 



" This voyage is one I am about to make for the cause of hu- 

 manity and science — for geographical discovery, and with the sole 

 view of accomplishing good to mankind." 



Such was the statement I made of my views and intentions. 

 Happily, I had strong confirmation of my opinions concerning the 

 Franklin Expedition from Mr. Henry Grinnell, who gave me the 

 following letter : 



