OFFICIAL REPORT. 
499 
way, but directed me to search for traces of his expedition in the very chan- 
nel at the entrance of which it is now ascertained he had passed his first 
winter. 
The direction in which search with most chances of success is now to be 
made for the missing expedition, or for traces of it, is no doubt in the direction 
•which is so clearly pointed out in my instructions. 
To the channel which appeared to lead into the open sea over which the 
cloud of frost smoke hung as a sign, I have given the name of Maury, after 
the distinguished gentleman at the head of our ]Vati{mal Observatory, whose 
theory with regard to an open sea to the north is likely to be realized through 
this channel. To the large mass of land visible between N.W. to N.N.E., I 
gave the name of Griimcll, in honor of the head and heart of the man in 
whose philanthropic mind originated the idea of this expedition, and to wliose 
munificence it owes its existence. 
To a remarkable peak bearing N.N.E. from us, distant about forty miles, was 
given the name of Mount Franklin. An inlet or harbor immediately to the 
north of Cape Bowden was discovered by Mr. Griffin in his land excursion 
from Point Innes on the 27ih of August, and has received the name of Griffin 
Inlet. 
The small island mentioned before was called Murdaugh’s Island, after the 
acting master of the Advance. 
The eastern shore of Wellington Channel appeared to run parallel "with the 
western, but it became quite low% and being covered with snow, could not be 
distinguished with certainty, so that its continuity with the high land to the 
north was not ascertained. 
Some small pools of open water appearing near us, an attempt was made 
about filty yards, but our combined efforts were of no avail in extricating the 
Rescue from her icy cradle. A change of wind not only closed the ice up 
again, but threatened to give us a severe nip. We unshipped her rudder and 
placed it out of harm’s way. 
September 23d was an uncomfortable day. The wind was from northeast, 
with snow. From an early hour in the morning the fioes began to be pressed 
together with so much force that their edges were tlirown up in immense ridges 
of rugged hummocks. The Advance was heavily nipped between two floes, 
and the ice was piled np so high above the rail on the starboard side as to 
threaten to come on board and sink us with its weight. All hands were occu- 
pied in keeping it out. The pressure and commotion did not cease till near 
midnight, when we were very glad to have a respite from our labors and fears. 
The next day we were threatened with a similar .scene, but it fortunately ceased 
in a short time. 
For the remainder of September and until the 4th of October, the vessels 
drifted but little. Tlie winds were very light, the thermometer fell to minus 12, 
and ice formed over the pools in sight sufficiently strong to travel upon. 
We were now strongly impressed with the belief that Itie ice had become 
fixed for the winter, and that we should be able to send out traveling parties 
from the advanced position for the examination of the lands to the northward. 
Stimulated by this fair prospect, another attempt was made to reach the shore, 
in order to establish a depot of provisions at or near Cape Manning, which 
would materially facilitate the progress of our parties in the spring ; but the ice 
