appendix no. iii. 
319 
This letter will be deposited in a cairn on Littleton Island, in latitude 
78° 24' N. The prospects of a farther progress have led me to leave 
near this spot a metallic life-boat, with a supply of stores, as a means 
of retreat should our vessel be imprisoned in the ice. 
The course of our party will be from this date along the coast of 
Greenland, trending to the north and east. If a possible chance pre¬ 
sents itself of forcing the brig into a northern sea, I will endeavor, 
before availing myself of such a chance, to leave another cairn, an¬ 
nouncing my point of departure. 
Our officers and men are in excellent health and spirits, and no cases 
have yet occurred of scurvy or other serious disease. 
After the brig is obliged to go into winter quarters, I intend to start 
with a carefully-equipped party to establish a depot for the final labors 
of next season. Our dogs are in admirable condition, and well broken 
to harness. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
E. K. Kane. 
Hon. Secretary of the Navy, Washington. 
No. m. 
SURVEYS before abandoning the brig. 
Orders to Mr. Me Gary to examine the State of the Ice. 
To Second Officer, James McGary. 
Sir :—William Godfrey and the sledge will be placed at your dis¬ 
position. After sleeping at Anoatok, proceed on the next day to Cape 
Hatherton and Flagstaff Point, returning to the brig on Monday, 14th 
of May. 
The object of this journey is that you may compare the ice of this 
season with that Seen in your last year's inspection. You are requested 
to note accurately the condition and advance of the open water, and 
report in writing your opinion as to the possibility of its reaching our 
brig in time to escape during the coming year. 
Respectfully yours, 
E. K. Kane, Commanding Expedition . 
Brig Advance, April 12, 1855. 
