The Express.
London, England, 1860-05-29 00:00:00

BIR F. L IeCLINTOCK.

The PneernerriinidLie;hs;uß ..-0T commemorating in
an especial manner the Arctic researches of our asso-
ciate, the late Sir John Franklin, and of testifying to
the fact that his expedition was the first to discover a
north-west paavage, the council of the Royal Geographical
Society hes awarded the founder's gold medal to his widow,
Lady Franklin—kbeerel—in token of their ndmiration of
her noble and self-iracriticing perseverence in sending out
at her own cost several searching expeditions, until, at
length, the fate of her husband has been finally ascertained.
(Hear, hear.) The council has further adjudicated the
council's old medal to Captain Sir F. L. M'Clintock, R.N.
—(cheers)—for the consummate skill and unflinching
fortitude with which, in the Fox yacht, lie and his gallant
companions have not only enlar4ed our acquaintance with
Arctic geography, but have also brought to light the precious
"Record" winch has revealed to us the voyage and final
abandonment of the Erebus and Terror. (Cheers.) In
making these award*, it is but right to call attention to
some of the leading facts connected with this subject.
Having already taken part in two of Nelson's glorious
victories, and in other battles of the old war, Sir John Frank-
lin began his Arctic explorations in the year 1818 to 18'12,
and subsequently by his researches in 18211 to 1827 he had
already acquire.] a renown second only to that of Parry.
(Hear, hear.) Aspiriug, however, to the supreme object of
his ambition, the discovery of • north-west passage, he
again left our shores m 18411 to Recompile a that great
mission. In ascertaining the date and place of thedeath of
Franklin, Captain M'Clintock has also effected several in-
portent geographhad discoveries. Lands and seas which
had hitherto been entirely unknown to geography were, by
hie energy and ability, laid open. (Hear.) Owing thus to
the devotion of Lady Franklin and the skill of Captain
M'Clintock, it is now demonstrated that the Erebus and
' Terror ascended Wellington Channel to 77 deg. of north
latitude, that the two ships were navigated round Corn-
'width land, which was thus proved to he an island, and that
finally, steering from Beechy Island to the south-west, they
were, on the 12th of September, 1845, beset in the ice, in
which they wintered, inlaCtude north 75 deg. it min., and
long. west 98 dog. 23 min., having reached • position never
before or since attained by any other ship. (Hear, hear.)
Having by this great feat rendered bin acme 111U11.
trice's, the council deem it an net of justice that
just as Ross, Back, Simpson, Rae, Inglefield,
Sane, and Collinson, have each been
rewarded by a medal of this society for their distinguished
Arctic researches, so the list:of such worthiesoannot be more
appropriately enriched than by offering the patron's medal
of the year to the consecration of the deeds of Franklin.
(Hear, hear.) In so doing the council have inked a peculiar
I satisfaction in awarding this media to the relict of the great
navigator, in admiration of the eingle-miuded and undaunted
energy which have animated her endearoura, and which
I have terminated in clearly ascertaining that in sacrificing
their lives Franklin and his brave compunions died in solving
the long-fought geographical problem. The couneil, there-
, fore hope that lady Franklin will mender the gold medal
now &waisted to her not only as the merited recompense of
her liuslend's discoveries, but will also accept it as • testi-
mony of the admiration entertained by British geographer
for her who has devoted the last twelve years of her life to
the glorious object in accomplishing which she has sacrificed
en kegs a portion of her worldly means. (Hear, hear.)
But nll the devotion of lady Franklin and the efforts it
the British nation might well have failed in unravel-
ling the fate of the Erebus awl Terror had
not such a commander been selected for the Fox as Captain
M'Clintock. Inured by previous explorations to the lake
and dangers of Arctic life, this brave officer has so modestly
and clearly told his stirring tale, of how in a yacht of 170
tons heathen he successfully worked out his great minion,
that he has already enlisted the sympathies of Europe and
America. (Hear, hear.) He his also imperishably chroni-
cled in the exploits of the expedition the names of his
worthy associate'', Hobson, Young, and Walker, in a work
that Will doubtless endure as long as men shell mediate
to revere the deals of pereoveneig and skilful explorers.
Of the events of this narrative, there is no one which has
drown forth more commendation than the calm resolve
with which the gallant commander, after having been driven
back 1,200 miles in the lack, and carried out into the
Atlantic, returned to combat with the olsdacles of frozen
seas, and nothing disheartened, steered bark his little yacht
once 1110119 into Baffin's Bay. Marking the judgment and
sagacity lie showed throughout the whole of an expedition
which terminated in making known the extent of the
discoveries of Franklin, ex well Sc the place and
date of his death, and the almost certain fate of those
gallant comminione—Cmzier, Fitsjames, and others—who
survived him—the council have the wand' actitm of remelting
that the commander and officers of the Fox have also added
vastly to geo,aaphind knowledge. (Hear, hear.) In
proving that Bella Strait is navigable they have demon-
strauel diet its southern shore ready constitutes the most
northern pnimontory of North America, in rounding
which, and in idedging along the western shores of Boothia,

, L u.,tiveo u. naiad. to 6114:VC that is some fa-
the r,„tea.ge even br a rbip May possibly be
i lean Kohn • liar sato the long and tortuous
• I %titterer' Collins's' so recently navigated.
ahile the re..whet of Lieutenant, now Com.
• 11..tano, ind only delineated for the first
•• stern •Ic .4 King William's
• • lewd lu the ileteeti,m .4 the preektu "Range
....series and heat days of Franklin, with many
oslefstigalde jounsela of the gallant and poems'
• Allen 1 non 4 Iclicers—have not only
- sit:l...Ratline of a Linn- portion of Prince of Walesa
rio entirely UliVi•ite4l, but have gone to sandy
gs that the ice-choked cluinnel. towhich the
' . ham been attacheth rarely if ever offer.
for ships. (I'lleene.) For three successful
~,sl with very slender sienna and under the
the palndne medal is bestowed on the
• I est espeslitam, whose services hare alrewly
wannest appr.,betion of his en...egoism end his
who will doubtless rejoice to knowing
this ...ion the recipient of
e. honour as that which is adjudged
abledninded of Franklin. ichert...)
. R. Murehitsn, the president continual—ll
g.- pleasure in entrusting to yon, Mar Roderick
. tint letter to lash' Franklin, with the founeler'n
:. »ha It the coined have awarded to her as proof
felt hr the Royal Hcograpbiesl
• re, .era Tres retiilertiol to seieLbee by her late gal.
• eel also a. a token of respect and admiration
i.e..l with which 'he ha.. pursued
it wh hare resulted in clearing up the fate
as of the Erebus end Terror, and at
tinge in making important additions to
o.llasl knowledge of the Arctic regions.
~u awe Ireplieil-I..eilleasteil se 1 have
•-, the Royal Hertgraphical Society since its founda-
,..ure you, my lonl, that no event relating to
... given me greater satisfaction than the unani-
acquinaeuee of the council in the
proposali
to thorn to grant our fuuneler's medal
(Cheers.) Having pi-codiel over the
fifteen years ago, when niv (lest. friend Frank-
our shores, it usturallr hemmer me in the
Years, when we 14eie to Ise anxious
ti.a• fate of the Erebus and Terror, that I
advocate every search, both public and
• . which might throw a light on the voyage
vowels, area 1 have thus had abundant opportune.
• olenervieg end tasting the sterling guslaws .4 a
proved herself to be worthy of the admire,-
' nenkind. (Hear, hear.) Nothing daunted by
(es fsilure--through twelve lung years of hope de-
-1 nereeverl with a singletims of purpose and a
I ediun which are truly unparelleled dheir, hear)
w that her own last expedition of the Fox, under
I. ~,t ll'Clintork, has retelisral the two great facts,
-.hand had tneversed wide seas unknown to for-
..tors, and died in eli.e.ereriei a NerttilVelit
surly the iblindleatiuti to her of this medal
ogled hy the tuition as well as by this society as one
many recompenses to which the widow of the
is Franklin is eminently entitled. (Loud cheers.)
te.i.klin's gratitude for ibis the highest testimonial
r. is thus feelingly esperatel in a letter to ma-
, .. wily drawback to my regaling of which is, that bile
t•s. mock on my poor though Waken eetTicei :
" 5, Park.place, hit. James's, May 24,1360.
U. dsar ltoderiek,--As you were the fist to corn•
the grant Miaow that has been conferred upon
•0. thrit._ (.4ralraphicaltinetety, and.,,
were alma the fret to make the auggeatson which
alb soul aaaaimonsly accepted by the council, I sun
...gt ...11 do me the bother favour of returning my
It thanks to them.

coulsl I make this request more fitly, as it
en. . awl with man malltieuce, than to the faith.
• ,e 1 .leu heekemil mei myself who, Maria(
. )..ArN luus nowle the raver of the lost creme of

1 I.l.llend Terns his own, an.l to wh.sr---us:tit-a;d
sorrel energy. eterted is behalf of our latest, and as
.• 11, d, in.; effort, the little eapedition of the Foe has
• ..-empienosisly indelded.
• :Isom expression to my natural feelings on receiv-
, - • medal, sod will feel assured that its chief
• !•. toe el the amquitt,a ty the moot competent au-
!r" • Irbil' it testtfies to, .4 the life-long sermon .4
th, ramie .4 gogruphical researeh, and. tope-
L,ll, .4 to„ r.migin .liacovery .4 the North •West
• • hi. e nnprnion., whleh bet them their
• •-• the emitemplation just awl so generous an not
•••• . • tle. dead, all logionalconeideration. are well Loth
set out ao entirely hut that I feel deeply the
• evleampliosal kirhwm• of which I have myself he-
, object. Ilakelairming, as I mast ever do, all nicrit
• e• t. which ori,pristed to the natural impulses of love
• • sod who meter could have been suceeenful
.telf.s•t those who upheld and served me
I •hall not the lem elierish with grent pride as well
...ob.. the and diatingnished Tmoof an gene-
. to me of the approbation sad sympathy
1:-..1 ;...tospha-al !twisty.—Relieve me, that Sir
.• S. •.u....•• ly grat•flilly yours._

- -
**JANE FRANKLIN.
th•lerick tf•irhison. Vie... President of the Royal
.e.iptiplocal Society, Lc^
•ne as the+ letter does the (einem 4 s grateful
• heart, .•t it not give rest to an none bed-
hoeh I.el hunklia animists-I fan Ira. Mimi,
tn. *only that the imenureaufarradmiestier to wetly
ot he knowinie that .he only data is that
the Skuts which has bees. Mt
le.towsl upon Captain Sir Leopold lif'Clistaek
.. gallant asoiciatee. Maar.) Alodlisf 1010.=
setter-et, Is ra riser vet ampstileJ)
• Irrest .4 the Irfl.:..rf of Fnuiklia--o toathwest wide\
bromehol .n the Hume of Commons toy Ns
i. 14fgt the. it met with moeral &poisons 'and
..1 the rosumordstion 4 the prime mim.t sad.
•at •Ivalete hoth eules--wireely, that settles ride
try re • intleivis,-rot to herself for that loam su-
ture .4 noses which she coal dl afford, she hopes
miliaincat may he tine far maenad is to reward
•o. ..al ere. of the Fox -flies. hear) —sod elan
r tho circles oA a monument to the memory of bee
4 ..tsl hot companion. in $ public place, is which
ro.'ordr4 that they in being the drat to din,
-.th.erest . (Loud awl repeated cheers)
.01, gift .A that Alv umiak solemnly and mord.
of. nett I.y us esLaily Franklin for her decodes
muse, ha followed up both bra suitable
t-. the lose alirem and ere. of the tot, and by
I....unwind 1.. Franklin ha Trwialsami`rare rothat
on .t armee, staler the immortal Nelson may be
.1 gab the aatiott's recosuitioa of hie Arctic lams.
I To the honour of France, her bog-lost sad
'•-I winsome, La l'eyrome, lows his touounient rind
•..a the (Hest. hear.) Let Eas,land thus

.1,••,. her 4ratitale to Franklie dud his compealons b
•hte Robb. us moral 'a hronse.• and thus show that
4 1.-4. truly Masonry those who die in sal nobly serving
-entry (I lecro.)
-- It off onto toe great gratification, Capitals
mets, to lave to peanut to you the highest reward
4:eogiaphival Society caw wafer. via, the Patroa's,
• ,sis Gold M,.1w4 ta acknowledgment of the very
• iod nimbi, • -mime you hese perfornied—arrises
• •Jr apperchited not only thonighout this coustry,
av, throughout all Europe and Arixerkm (Hear.)
, I. o•Ctivroca felt deeply grateful is receiving so
1. • • ~..11; of the edisiatios which the Road Geographiail
• •, )tovw epos the services which he laid been cadged
t to the canoe of geographical scoace. At the
tom- he could sot forget that the dionveriew
• had gained for him this distinguished honour
'•-•11 male ineatentdly white following np a
• .10f•-rout purpose ; and he regarded it as
• r.ewil proof tl,. liberality of the council that sob
• Wing that ...rem ...lance they hail awanled him so
• token of their approliataa. He woo sure they
with him Then •ail the value 41 the swami
• • r' .•mial ImgeN enhAnced hy being c.aferre4 is oon•
' the n.nrkr.t awl feeling tribute which had
• - o tail to the moiner 4 that great Arctic di...ovens
or.l Thu cireroot.inee, together with the no
• a wht•li haul Ire,. tti.4.10 of the last iiarsiora oaf the
! Frankl•n mid his &vomit companion.. was
•• gratifyinig to.titilouir that emull he bona, and
reward that mil& he ormferral upon his mils
▪ • *-li. behalf of his companions to the late expedi-
might le• permitted to olowtve that they wouhl see
nt of the day's psoceediuge with pleasure, because
••••• would find an acksiorledgnient or their ter-
' - .41 as a reward of hi own. It hal not been hie
. •oployal hitt. ra. directly or exclusively is
• .• d ilimoiericw, hut in what had occurred tmelay
•• l• be mig:it find an incentive to tors hi future
• ' direction. (Hear, hear.) We lived in times
.• a chow., aml it was impoaitile to my
111 -,c ht is•cnr, lint thieve
b
Might he allowed
that it would afford him great pleasure if the
' 1.1. anima could he accepted hereafter to explore
13•• .414., gad extra! the boundaries of our knowledge in
• Sean. 'Mem
I. M. 1.4 111.,S •—I Mitt.' to expeess one feeling which
▪ '• • ).sly k'nuilitin. There is ao wish that she has
:•••rt thin that parliament should properly reward
.• • .•••iido ofll,eri and gallant crew of the Fox, who
*dyed the problem of the fate of the
t aprhti.u. (f'heen.
*lowa% then pri,,,,tori to read the usual address,
• •i• tol• •Irsmunt cif all the proceedings of the society
• • bat sear, the •;;,,ozriaphical ilitcoverws matte in
'. • ,'• the r.premily in Afrrea. Huai, l'hina,
• : and payinz s ttihnte to the 'seaway
- • Fe)low• aml honorary members who
the ls•t minual meeting, ainisigut whom
General sir T. ll'Llotagal Bri.haas• Rey.
• a•itim. How }liiiintotuart taphimitnns.
~,D Rahert latepheastes, ger George
• . oast Professor Carl Hitter.
• '• • neenherw were then elected by ballet, and
V.auts to the pranilent, the connail, sad
• •r• so-m .44<A. 3rll after the trinaution d WOO
Wont.' the mortisig separated. Lard Ash-
. • i• iiie:er•tisal, is to be the president fur the Oh

" TI., •4' CIVIL ENG! . . Wt. IMP
r•• that the ~nurrrorr:...•a• a Mr. G. P.
•••I.•at ..1 thr lie.tit•iti.et a %,,s1 Logisorra, win
•., t his iTtu-stay. N►l 2t), as estgiseay
.t this day week, Tuesday, tie 54 June, M