66 
LIFE OF CAPT ROSS 
CHAPTER If. 
THE LIFE, AND FIRST VOYAGE OF CAPTAIN ROSS. 
It is well know r n that the discovery of the north western pas¬ 
sage has always been a favourite object of enterprise with Mr. 
Barrow, the highly gifted Secretary to the Admiralty, and at 
his earnest recommendation it was determined to fit out an expe¬ 
dition, wdiich was to be sent forth with such means and power, 
as to determine at once the existence, or nonexistence of the 
Jong sought for passage. 
On the 11th December 1817, Capt. Ross received a letter from 
Sir George Hope, his former patron, and then one of the Lords 
of the Admiralty, containing the information that it was the 
intention of government, to fit out two ships on an expedition 
to determine the existence of a north west passage, and desiring 
him to forward without delay his consent, or dissent to take 
the command of it: Capt. Ross was informed at the same time 
that the ships would be fitted out in the completest manner pos¬ 
sible ; that he would be provided with Greenland pilots, who had 
been accustomed to navigate the northern seas, and be accompli 
nied by men eminent in geographical science, and nautical skill 
Under these flattering prospects, Capt. Ross expressed his ex¬ 
treme readiness to undertake the command of the expedition, 
and on the 16th of the same month he received orders to proceed 
with all possible despatch from Loch Ryan to Greenock, in the 
Driver, and on being superseded, he was to proceed to London. 
Previously to entering upon the account of his first voyage, 
we will give a few particulars of the life of Capt, Ross, whose 
name will ever stand conspicuous amongst the enterprising 
navigators of this country. 
