The Sun.
London, England, 1852-01-13 00:00:00

this scientific society and others well acquainted with the
navigation of the Polar regions, I think it would be pre-
sumptuous in me to attempt an explanation of my reasons
for commencing the search from the north-went of Beh-
ring's Straits. I believe that many aro of opinion that a
high northern latitude may be reached through the open
water seen by Wrangel, and that subsequently an east-
ern passage may be forced by a screw-steamer. I may,
however, be permitted to mention that this is no hasty
idea of mine, but one which I have had in contemplation
for above two years. On my arrival from Africa at the
close of 1849, after the return of Sir James Ross, I began
to think seriously of the probable causes of Sir John
Franklin's detention, and while in Russia last winter, in
speaking upon the subject with some officers of the Imperial
navy who had been in the Arctic Seas, I found that their
opinions were exactly the same as mine, namely, that Sir
John would pass to the nortnward of the Parry Island, and
never think of turning back till in the meridian of
Behring's Straits. They were also of opinion that when
he arrived thus far he would be prevented getting to
the southward by a chain of islands extending far to the
westward—a continuation. in fact, of the Parry Islands.
Supposing, however, Franklin to have succeeded iu
getting so far to the westward, and being stopped there,
it cannot be imagined that he would relinquish the at-
tempt to get through this last barrier to all his hopes,
and the realizitiou of the passage into the Pacific, to re-
trace his steps from a point which may have taken years
to reach. What would a brave man do in such a case?
Certainly not to retreat in two or even three years, par-
ticularly if, as we hope, they have met with sufficient
animal food to support them. I believe Sir John Franklin
to be somewhere to the north of Behring's Straits. and
certainly not far to the eastward, and in that belief
wrote to Lady Franklin in October last, stating my plan,
and soliciting her assistance, which, I am hrppy to say,
was immediately given. I have since then exerted
mt self in selecting a suitable vessel, which I have
purehased, and which is now in dock undergoing the
necessary alterations. She is a schooner of nearly
200 tons, but capable of carrying a much
larger quantity. I intend fitting her with three
separate engines of 8-horse power each, with separate
boilers, by which arrangement I can effect an immense
saving of fuel by only working one or more engine, as
circumstances may require. In addition to this I take a
steam-launch, with an engine of 5 'horse power. My
crew will consist of only 15 men and myself. I shall,
by a careful selection of provisions, be enabled to take
enough for five years. The whole of these arrangements
I expect to have completed and be able to leave England
by the end of next month, and to proceed direct to the
Sandwich Islands, whence, having tilled up with coal,
&c., to push on for the Straits, which I hope to be able
to enter by the middle or latter end of July. When
there, of course I must be guided by the condition of the
ice. If there is a possibility of getting to the north, on
or about the meridian of the Straits, I shall do so; other-
wise, I intend pushing my way to the north-west till I
arrive at the open water seen by Wrangel, when, per-
haps, I may be able to get to the north and then to the
east. Should I not succeed in getting so far along the
coast this year, I might employ the spring (before the
breaking up of ice) in an attempt to reach that land
aeon by Captain Kellett from Herald Island, and thus be
enabled to perform one part of the scheme proposed by
Lieutenant Pim. I would next in the spring push
away to the north and east, in which direction I believe
I shall eventually find some traces of our missing ships.
I consider it would have been desirable (and, in fact, it
was my first intention) to have had another smaller
screw-steamer as a tender, and of far greater power. I
am sorry to say that I am not able to accomplish this,
but am, nevertheless, determined to go in the best
way I can. " I have the honour to be, Sir.
" Your obedient humble servant,
" DONALD BEATSON.
" Sir R. Murchison, President of the Royal
Geographical Society,"
Captain Fitzroy, Sir Woodbine Parish, the Presi-
dent, and Mr. White addressed some observations to
the meeting, in all of which a hope was expressed that
Franklin and some at least of his brave companions
might still be alive.
The plan of Captain Beatson was most favourably re-
ceived, and a resolution was unanimously adopted," That
his generous and noble devotion deserved the counte-
nance and support of the society."
It was announced that a subscription list is aid of
Captain Beatson's undertaking would be opened at the
society's rooms, and that handsome contributions had
been made by Lord Ellesmere, Admiral Beaufort, Mr.
Barrow, and others. The chief cost of his enterprise
will, however, fall upon Captain Beatson himself,