AKCTIC YOYAGES. 
183 
at least, as the Esquimaux there have doubtless heard reports from the 
more western tribes respecting the loss of the Eranklin Expedition. I also 
expect to meet the whalers there, to obtain some further supplies from 
them, and give them our letters. I shall despatch two more cases of 
specimens to you. I think you had better not open them, as there are 
only a few birds’ skins in one of the cases which can possibly spoil by 
keeping. They are filled with specimens of minerals, birds’ eggs, and 
dredge specimens, in jars. We have met with an unusual quantity of 
ice since leaving Melville Bay; in fact, it has constantly been close about 
us, impeding our progress for the last six days. We have been in Lan¬ 
caster Sound, advancing, upon the average, ten miles per day! whereas, 
in clear water, we could have averaged 100. 
“ Sunday, 18th July. Between Capes Hay and Liverpool, and drift¬ 
ing with the ice down towards Pond’s Bay, very much as we did in the 
* Enterpriselovely weather. 
“19th July.fortunately, watching over my little Expe¬ 
dition, and taking very frequent and anxious surveys of the surrounding 
ice from the Crow’s Nest, afford me some occupation. I am careful to 
inform Lady Eranklin and Captain Collinson of all my doings and inten¬ 
tions, so that they may see my cards, and judge of my chances of success, 
or otherwise, as well as if they were aboard the * Eox.’ 
“ 24th July. Off Possession Bay. Eor a week we have been closely 
beset, and unable to move except with the ice, which was influenced by 
the winds and currents. Great was my surprise, when in this unhappy 
plight, to see, a few days ago, a fine steam whaler, which had got ahead 
of me in Melville Bay, struggling through the ice not many miles from 
me. This morning we have regained our freedom of action, and only 
lack the wind to proceed. The winds lately have been favourable for 
moving the ice out of Barrow Strait, so I have no fears for the future. 
We all continue in excellent health, and manage to vary our grub by 
shooting looms, rotchies, ducks, and seals. The latter we can manage to 
devour as well as any Esquimaux. Although we are but few in number, 
we have plenty of noise on board the 4 Eox.’ Our twenty-seven dogs 
howl and fight continually, and we shoot at everything we see. Two 
days ago Mr. Petersen shot an immense bear (8ft. Sin. in length), at 150 
yards, with a Minie rifle ; the bullet went through his body. 
“ 26th July. Near Pond’s Bay. We have found one whaler, and, as 
I fear we shall not see any others, and may not meet her again, I 
think it better to close this at once, in order to secure the oppor¬ 
tunity. Should another occur, I will write to you the result of our 
doings at Pond’s Bay. As yet, the ice and wind prevent our pushing on 
for it. It is probable that we shall meet with more than ordinary difficul¬ 
ties in Barrow Strait; but I trust we shall meet them in the right spirit, 
and, with God’s blessing, be more successful in this our second attempt. 
“ Believe me ever affectionately yours, 
“E. L. M‘Clixtock. 
“ P. S.—This letter and the two cases of specimens I have mentioned 
are to go to Hull, in the ‘ Diana,’ Captain J. Gravill, who has kindly 
promised to take charge of them for me.” 
