XIV 
INTRODUCTION. 
MEMORANDUM ACCOMPANYING THE INSTRUCTIONS. 
“ We deem it advisable that the ship should be in Eeering’s Strait 
by the 10th of July, and that she should remain at some appointed 
rendezvous until the end of October, or to as late a period as the 
season will admit, without incurring the risk of being obliged to winter 
there. 
“ At present we know of but one place on the eastern shore of 
the strait which we can recommend as a rendezvous for both parties, 
viz. Kotzebue’s Sound ; there it appears the ship may remain with all 
winds. Desirable as it is to take up a more northerly position than 
this, in order that the voyage of Captain Franklin's party in open 
boats may be shortened ; yet, admitting the possibility of deep inlets 
on the coast, it is evident that the boats of Captain Franklin would 
have more difficulty in searching for the ship in them than in pro- 
ceeding at once to the above-mentioned sound ; and the certainty of 
finding the ship at a fixed point would be more satisfactory to Captain 
Franklin. 
“ In order, however, to lessen as far as possible the difficulties of 
the land party (still preserving the fixed rendezvous), it is recom- 
mended that a party, well armed, and having a supply of provisions 
and fuel, shall be left at Chamisso Island with a boat ; or, if it be neces- 
sary, the defences of the island may be strengthened by the two fore- 
castle guns, which, with a strong boat’s crew, will be sufficient to protect 
the only landing-place in the island against any force the natives can 
bring, should they be hostile *. 
“ Leaving this party at the rendezvous, the Blossom may proceed 
to examine the coast, assisted by her decked launch, keeping in-shore 
of her ; and signals then can be regularly placed on every conspicuous 
cape or height, according to the mode agreed upon, for the purpose of 
* This erroneous idea was suggested by Captain Kotzebue’s account of the island, 
arising no doubt from a bad translation. 
