JAMES CLARK ROSS 259 
change should take place of the observations made in the 
two ships, in order that any scientific discovery made by 
the one, should be quickly communicated to the other, as 
well for their advantage and guidance in making their 
future observations, as for the purpose of more certainly 
ensuring their preservation. ... In the event of 
any fatal accident to yourself, Commander Crozier is 
hereby authorised to take command of the expedition, 
either on board the Erebus or Terror, as he may prefer 
(placing the senior lieutenant in command of the other 
ship), to carry these instructions into execution. 
“ In the event of England being involved in hostilities 
with any other power during your absence, you are 
clearly to understand that you are not to commit any 
hostile act whatever ; the expedition under your command 
being fitted out for the sole purpose of scientific dis- 
coveries and it being the established practice of all 
civilised nations to consider vessels so employed as 
exempt from the operations of war. ... On your 
arrival in England, you are forthwith to repair to 
this office in order to lay before us a full account of your 
proceedings, taking care before you leave the ship to de- 
mand from the officers and all other persons on board, 
the logs and journals they had kept, and the charts, draw- 
ings, and observations which they had made, and which 
are all to be sealed up ; and you will issue similar direc- 
tions to Commander Crozier and his officers, etc.; the 
said logs, journals, and other documents to be thereafter 
disposed of as we may think proper to determine. You 
will also receive our future directions for the disposal 
of all such specimens of the animal, vegetable, and 
mineral kingdoms as in the course of the voyage may 
have been collected by- any- person on board of either of 
