OFFICIAL INSTRUCTIONS. 
XXI 
the sea towards the western side of the Strait is so loaded with ice, 
as to render it difficult and dangerous for the ships to proceed so 
far to the northward as Lancaster Sound, at so early a period of 
the season ; it may be advisable, in that case, to endeavour in the 
first instance, to examine Cumberland Strait, or any other opening 
that may be likely to bring you to the eastern coast of America, 
in preference to the loss of time and the danger to the ships, 
which might be occasioned in persevering too anxiously in the at- 
tempt to get to Lancaster Sound ; and should you, on your first 
reaching Davis’ Strait, find it to be impracticable to make your 
way up the western side of the Strait to that Sound, or even to 
Cumberland Strait, you will understand, that you are at liberty 
to proceed towards those places, going round by a more easterly track, 
if the state of the ice, and all other circumstances, should induce you 
to think it most advisable to do so. Thus, although the track, 
which we wish you to pursue, if practicable, is pointed out ; you 
will, nevertheless, perceive, that the course to be finally adopted 
by you for getting to the northward, is, in fact, left to your own 
discretion, on a careful examination into the state of the ice on 
your arrival in Davis’ Strait ; always bearing in mind, that, it is 
an important object of the Expedition, that Lancaster Sound be 
thoroughly examined by you, and afterwards those of Jones and 
Smith, if you should have failed in previously finding a passage to 
the westward. 
Should you be so successful as to find a passage to the westward, 
it will be advisable to make the best of your way, without stopping 
to examine any part of the northern coast of America, to Behring’s 
Strait ; and if you should fortunately accomplish your passage 
