APPENDIX NO. IV. 
323 
Dr. Kane sailed from New York in the Advance early i n June, 1853, 
since which time the Department has received no information from him. 
It is believed, however, that intelligence was received of him at Uper- 
navik in July, 1853, by his father, Judge Kane, of Philadelphia. 
The expedition was then going north; and this is the last that has 
been heard from it. The Department, however, learns, and deems it 
proper to put you in possession of the information, that it was the 
intention of Dr. Kane, after leaving Upernavik, on his way up to 
make a depot of provisions and erect a beacon, &c. at Cape Alexander, 
the east cape of Smith’s Sound, or at Cape Isabella,— most probably 
the former. The department further learns that it was then the 
intention of Dr. Kane to pass up Smith’s Sound and proceed west; 
and in case it was necessary for him to abandon his vessel he would 
make for Beechy Island. 
Should you fall in with any of Franklin’s party, your own humane 
feelings will suggest the propriety of extending to them all the relief 
in your power. 
Before sailing, you will acquaint Lieutenant C. C. Simms, who has 
been ordered to command the Arctic, and whom of course you will 
consider as your second in command, fully with all your plans and 
intentions, and appoint places of rendezvous, so that, in case the two 
vessels of the expedition may at any time become separated, each may 
know where to look for the other. 
You will seize any opportunity that may offer of communicating 
with the Department, informing it of your progress and your future 
movements; and you will also take particular care to avail yourself of 
every occasion for leaving, as you proceed, records and signs to tell of 
your condition and intentions. For this purpose you will erect flag- 
staffs, make piles of stones, or other marks, in conspicuous places, 
burying a bottle at the base containing your letters. Should the two 
vessels be separated, you will direct Lieutenant Simms to do like¬ 
wise. 
The Department has every confidence in your judgment, and relies 
implicitly upon your sound discretion. You are aware of the generous 
considerations which prompted Congress to authorize this mission of 
humanity. I have determined to trust you with its execution, untram¬ 
melled by stringent directions , which might embarrass you and conflict 
with the suggestions of circumstances and developments of the future. 
Judge Kane, the father of the doctor, is in possession of much import¬ 
ant information left by his son, to be used in the event of a search for 
him. This will aid you much. I would suggest, however, that you 
