The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1818-03-30 00:00:00

ARCTIC EXPEDITION.

Saturday, about two o'clock, Viscount Melville,
accompanied by Sir George IVarreirder and Admi-
re,' Sir G. Moore and Sir J. Yorke, Barb. arrived.
ut Deptford dock-yard, where they were received
by Commissioner Cunningham, the Officers of the
dock-yard, and Captains Ross awl Buchan, and
immediately went on board the vessels bound to the
Arctic regions. They were received with the usual
honours, and proceeded to inspect the equipment
of the vessels in every part. The Esquimaux went
through his various exercises with his canoe, and
displayed his dexterity in throwing his darts, &c.
Viscount Melville and the other Gentlemen
re-
turned to town in the evening. The vessels are
expected to drop down the River this day. At
the Nore double wages to the officers and Inert ►ill
be paid ; after which they proceed to Shetland.
It► the equipment of these ships no expense has
been spared in providing for the comfort and con-
venience of all on board. The interior and exterior
of each vessel have been rendered as strong as the
union of iron and wood can effect. The windows
in the cabins have been doubled, and at the buttons
of each hatchway sliding doors are placed. From
the galley, comal r pipes cu► be extended between
decks fur diffusing warmth. through every part,
by of the steam arlsing from s ulimtry
operations. The usual practice of sleeping in
hammocks is departed from, mill in lieu, each
person has fitted up u small place with ►lid-
iab doors, containing a bed, so that it may be
said each indi►idual has • separate cubit, ; these
places are so contrived, that they can be taken out
entire, for removal on shore, should unforeseen
causes render it irectswiry. The ballast consists
entirely of coals, and the Isabella and Dorothea
have each nearly 100 cluddrons CM board ; and the
others as merry as they can stow away. Meals of
every description that can be preserved are on
board, as also large supplies of portable ►oups ;
together with exterisite assortments of woollens,
kerseys, and all sorts of warm clothing. The ves-
sels ate provided wills ice-boats, and briar% getr
for catching whales.
Captain Ross goes up Davis's Strait as high
as 71. when he will endeavour to proceed to the
westward, by whichever direction circumstances
may point out as most practicable. Capt. Buchan
goes direct for the Pole ; and, if he pitches there,
will lake such course as events will allow I for
Bhering's Strait, which is also the object of Capt.
Rom Some experienced navigators of the Green-
land seas are on board, to act us pilots in the ice ;
as also astronomers and other scientific gentlemen,

to assist the ming officers. In the event of the
ships returning, they are to bring home each u
cargo of blubber for the owners, iii iron tanks, by
which a saving to Gower 1111 l ent on the hire of the
vessels, to nearly 10,000/. will be rtfecird. Sir
Joseph Bunks has daily communications with Mi-
nisters on the subject of the expedition. Uu Fii-
day he was at the Admiralty nearly two hours.

The Elephant is taken out of dock at Ports-
mouth ; the President ib tikes, in, to be fitted fur
commission; the Lyra is to be 1.01,1 out of the her.
vice; the Leveret is to be paid off, and re-com-
uus.ootied.

Captain Ramos, it is raid, will b• Flag-Cap.
fain to Admiral Sir GEoaus Cameave.i.,
as Commander-in-Chief at Porten ttttt A regu-
lation has been establiplied, which di:qualifies Cop-
tains of less than 15 years rank froze► holding ruch
appointment.
_ _

'Jr. STEWART. Eq. is appointed Surgenn or the
Badscark, •t Sittetaraa. Mr. IiARTET, of the.: Om-
pstrur, is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.