252 Arctic and Antarctic Exploration [parti 
therefore equipped another schooner named the Prince 
Albert, under Commander Forsyth, to search in that direc- 
tion. That warm-hearted and philanthropic American, 
Mr Grinnell, also fitted out and despatched two small 
vessels from New York, the Advance and Rescue. Thus 
no less than twelve vessels were despatched in 1850 
in search of Franklin's expedition. 
Since the Enterprise was paid off, M'Clintock had been 
studying all the details of sledge travelling. He joined 
the Assistance at Woolwich directly he was appointed, 
and was absorbed in the work of fitting-out. In Captain 
Austin he found an officer with a genius for organisa- 
tion who had been brought up to Arctic work in the 
splendid school of Parry. He examined into every detail ; 
if care and forethought availed anything there would be 
no scurvy where Austin commanded. He secured the 
health and comfort of the men in the winter by fixing 
the Sylvester stove on the keelson, and sending warm 
air from it round the living decks, while bathing and 
all washing was done in the holds, so that the living decks 
were kept dry and wholesome. Austin was a short, stout 
man, of florid complexion, fifty years of age and thus 
rather too old for sledge-work, but he was full of vivacity 
and life, very kind-hearted, and most sympathetic and 
thoughtful for those under his command. If there ever 
was justification for employing an Arctic commander at 
the age of fifty, it was in the case of Austin. The perfect 
health of all in the four ships was due to him. 
The present writer served on the Assistance under 
Ommanney. Sir Edward Parry, now near the close of 
his well-spent life, visited the ships at Greenhithe, and 
bade us God speed with a few earnest words which went 
to our hearts. Owing to constant adverse winds in 
the Atlantic we did not reach the Whale Fish Islands 
until the 15th of June. We filled up with stores from 
the transport and on the 25th reached the edge of the 
Melville Bay ice, where we overtook Penny's brigs. Then 
on to battle with that ice for many arduous days, and to 
come out victorious. 
Parry had twice attempted the middle pack. The 
first time he was successful, but the second time he 
suffered long detention. It is better to stick to the land 
