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

JANUARY 1, 1862.

the ice to the other, and towards the evening they
were at some distance from us. Captain Ommanney
left early in the morning, with directions from me to
give Captain Penny an opportunity to proceed to the
south-west. When Captain Ommanney reached the
brigs were adrift, under sail, and there was a kind of
race between Captain Penny's two brigs and the In-
trepid. Shortly after this the weather changed, a
thick fog came on—it was very severe weather—and
the Intrepid returned. I shall have to refer to Cap-
tain Ommanney's report as to what passed on that
occasion. He came back with difficulty, and from
that time until 1 sent a party out to examine if the
ships were fast, and preparing themselves for the
winter, I did not know where the brigs were,
although I had certain apprehensions about them. The
Intrepid returned. We had very severe weather at
this period, and were drifting with the ice to the
southward. The first moment that admitted of it we
cast off—that is, our expedition and one of the Ame-
rican vessels, the other having broken adrift during
the severe weather; and after as severe a day as ever
I experienced in my life, we got into open water
under the lee of Griffith Island. I considered that
our situation at this moment was a very serious one,
for everything depended upon our reaching to the
west of Griffith Island, and I thought that unless we
came upon the remains of our fellow, country men be-
tween that and Melville Island, nothing would have
allowed me to have returned to England as long as I
existed, for my orders were Melville Island. We thus
arrived under the lee of Griffith Island. Se,-ing, from
the state of the season, the lowness of the temperature,
that I had no dependence upon the steamers on ac-
count of that low state of the temperature, as the
injection of water from the sea could not be regu•
early supplied, which I wish to be kept in view—
seeing that if they stopped there was no moving
again, and it would be sailing ships on which I
should have to depend—under th.,se circumstances I
must say that I felt very anxious. There was no ice
to keep us off from Griffitn Island, and therefore it
was necessary to push for something in the shape
of security. But to the eastward I would not
go; I called for Captain Ommanney on board
to inquire as to the state of the ice between
Griffith Island and Cape Martyr, his report being
that there were hopes of some fast ice being found
there. We continued under a press of sail to make
that ice. Whilst doing so the American vessels
hoisted their colours, and bore up, and I was much
pained at the moment by a supposition that they must
be for America, and that they would have no report
on board from me. But I felt at that moment that
nothing would justify me in keeping the expedition
without some holdfast. We pushed on, and reached
the fixed ice at Griffith Island, which eventually be-
came our winter quarters. As will be seen from my
circular, I made up my mind that the Assistance
should not advance; but I was anxious that she
should remain to the latest moment, to see if we
could get round Griffith Island. And again it re-
quired some little time carefully to think over the
instructions necessary to give to Captain Ommanney,
to ensure the operations being carried out to the
utmost next spring. In the meantime a tender was
dispatched to look to the south end of Griffith Island,
in the hope that there might be something in the
shape of water that would admit of fifty miles more
to the westward being obtained, as I must say that I
had made up my mind that, having the Assistance
in her place, the Resolute should become a forlorn
hope. However, as my report will show in de-
tail, there was no hope, and the Assistance and
her tender were sent off in the execution of her in-
structions to get into port. She made the attempt,
but with her tender and her steam she became in,
such a helpless position that Captain Ommanney felt
that the sooner he could get back into a channel of
water to join us it was his duty to do so. The As-
sistance having returned, the temperature fell consi-
derably. There was much ice, and very little open
water, and this state of things continued some days.
At last I felt that there was no hope of getting this
fifty miles, and in that case that both ships had better
be together, for then we should have joint operations,
which would be more successful. The ice had formed
so strongly, and become so pressed, and the tempera-
ture so low, that I determined that both ships should
go into winter quarters. I saw there was not the
slightest hope of getting westward, and I began to
cut through 300 and 400 yards in extent between us
and the channel, which promised to lead us into a
little bay to the eastward of Cape Martyr, but the
ice again made so fast that I felt it was necessary to
give up further operations in that direction. We
then, considering the ships fixed, dispatched parties in
the hope of doing something, at the same time with
the view of giving them some idea of what travelling
would be. One of the party discovered the
position of Captain Penny. I must say
that the weather was so severe, that the tempera-
ture being down to 17 below zero, that our
advance parties were driven in. I would refer to
their journals for the sufferings these people under-
went at this period. Captain Penny came over in
his dog-sledge, and he cheerfully undertook to com-
plete the search of 'Wellington Strait. He was two
days' march nearer than we were. This brings us
up to the commencement of the winter. We then
commenced our operations for the health and exer-
cise of the men during the winter season.
Chairm to—lf you refer to your report of July for
the proceedings of the winter, you can proceed at
once to the spring, when you sent your parties out.
Captain Austin—Yes. These papers will be pro-
duced. I have nothing to repeat further in that re-
spect. Captain Austin continued—Winter com-
menced, and our great object was to establish health,
improvement, and happiness amongst the men. So
soon as the weather would admit of it we commenced
training, which I consider a most important thing.
It was most beneficial in this instance. It gave us; in
the first place, confidence in the men; and, secondly,
by testing their strength, it enabled us to form an opi
nion as to the extent of labour they could endure
this was continued as far as the weather would admit.
Previous to this I assembled all the officers together
and gave them the plan of operations, which I take
the opportunity of saying were wholly my own ; for
my occupation during the winter was having my in-
structions before me, as well as all the best works
which had been written on the subject of Arctic
travel. All the officers to whom I communicated
my opinions appeared satisfied with their destinations,
and I called upon them to give me their views and
their anticipations, to name their sledges, select their
men, their flag, and their motto, and they were to be
brought to me on a certain day. This was done and
received my approval. I never met with so much
earnestness as was exhibited on that occasion by the
officers and men in training for that work. At the
same time I consulted all the authorities as to the time
I could ensure safety in departure, because I felt that
we could not go away too early; first, that we should
avoid the risk of the ice being disrupted in the strait
on our return, and second, because as the season ad-
vanced the labour of proceeding would become so
much greater. Everything worked well, and was
highly satisfactory. During the period of detention
from the weather, seeing that there was great anxiety,
I addressed one of the best petty officers of the
division and asked him how he felt about the
weather, and he said he thought the sooner
we were off the better.
My attention was
rather called to this remark of his, and
I asked him why ? His reply was, I feel assured
that we shall find it much worse as the season ad-
vances than the severity we have now. That con-
vinced me that the men were reasoning and reflecting,
and I derived considerable satisfaction from the cir-
cumstance. The time had arrived for an inspection
of the parties as arranged for departure, and I must
say that I never witnessed anything equal to it in
my life. The earnestness, determination, and general
conduct of all afforded me the highest gratification. I
addressed them on the spot and issued a memoran-
dum. I felt it due to them to embody my opinions
in a document, so that they might stand on record as
a public document; that document will be amonest
the papers to be produced. They departed, and from
that time until they returned not one of the arrange-
ments we had made failed. When they returned
they did so, just as was anticipated, and the greatest
confidence existed in the abilities of all to accom-
plish what they had undertaken. I had almost
forgotten to state that as the parties came in I
again dispatched what I considered the limited
and auxiliary parties ; first, in order that in
the event of anything happening to the distant
parties, they should be there to bring them in ; and
second, in order that what had been discovered
should be satisfactorily laid down—that is, that the
positions should be fixed, and that all should be sur-
veyed that could by any possibility be accomplished.
Captain Penny reached the Resolute, and communi-
cated to me that be had discovered a large space of
water up the Wellington Strait. At this time I
really had no assistance to give to Captain Penny, but
I am by no means prepared to admit that Captain
Penny asked me for it. My impression is, that I
observed to Captain Penny that I regretted that I
had not the means, but that we must have a boat in
that water. What I meant by that was, that Captain
w
Penny and myself, that is, with my assistance, should
have a boat in that water, and I recollect also that
Mr. Allen, the master of the Resolute, said to me, I
"Why, sir, I should be glad to go under Captain
Penny, if it is only to do the astronomical part.' I
said, " You have gratified and pleased me much; we
must talk that over." This conversation occurred
after our dinner, on, I believe, a royal birthday. I
have no very full recollection of this, but I may
refer to my notes, and, if necessary, I will' return I
to the subject hereafter. Previous to this, in the
afternoon, Captain Penny and myself were walking
before dinner, and I desired to elicit from Cap-
tain Penny, if I could, what really was the state
of the case as to the water ; for round about me
there was nothing but ice, and I could not well un-
derstand that he had been in an open sea, circum-
stanced al We were. I pit Owe close Taegu:s to

Ceptain Penny, but not by any means so close as
should have put to Captain Ommenney, or any of his
rank who had come to me with that report. I found
that Captain Penoy was angry, and I felt that he
would not allow me to make such inquiries. My ob-
ject was most certainly not to create any bad feeling,
and therefore I can say little more about the ques-
tions. We went to dinner then. I have related the
conversation before dinner. In the evening, finding
Captain Penny in conversation with my officers, as
he was my guest I did not wish to interrupt his con-
versation with them, consideiieg it was not in good
taste to do so. I descended the cabin two or three
steps, and it cccurred to me I must say good night to
Penny. I went up and asked him if be would take
anything ? Knowing him to be a very abstemious
man, I might have asked him if he would take a glare
of water. The conversation proceeded and I went
away. ,To my astonishment—for I must ray I was
looking forward to the Sabbath passing with a
view to some determined arrangement as to
what was to be done in the Wellington Strait—
to my astonishment the bombardier came to
me at twelve o'clock at night to say
that Captain Peony had gone. I think he said to the
Assis'ance, but lam not positive. I know that Cap-
taM Penny had an invitation to dine on board the
Assistance on Sunday, for I was invited to meet him.
I never made it a practice to accept invitations on
Sunday, but out of compliment to Captain Penny, I
determined on going. I said, "I think Captain
Penny is it, want of meat for his dogs. I should not
be at all surprised if he is gone towerds Griffi b's
Island." I declare that from that time to this I have
endeavoured to account for it. However, among other
things, I atterwerds became impressed that Captain
Penny was angry with me, perhaps, because I had
not returned his visit. He had offered me his dog
sledge, and I am sure I shauld have been very happy
there. I am sure of that, for I have always considered
him a very generous man, but there were a hundred
of my people out. My mind was on the stretch,
causing me great care and anxiety ; under
such circumstances I could not think of
leaving the ships. However, there was an interval
between what may be called the limited and the ex-
tended parties. I determined to walk over to Captain
Penny's, and found it a most tiresome journey—•a
most laborious journey of from eight to nine hours. I
thought of catching Captain Penny before he went
out, but when I arrived unhappily I found that
Captain Penny had gone up Wellington Channel. I
was detained there. My intention was to remain
there 48 hours, but in the hope of some one coming
back my stay extended over six days at Captain
Penny's winter quarters on board the Lady Franklin.
During the time I was there the extended party came
back a little earlier than they expected. I was away
during the arrival of Captain Ouimanney, Aldridge,
and Osborne. While on board the Lad. Prat klie.
thinking that there must be some mistake between
myself and Captain Penny, I wrote him a letter. I
cannot recollect the substance of it, for I never in-
tended it to be produced at such an inquiry as this. I
apologised to him, and desired that there should be
no coolness between us for the good of the cause. I
then returned to the expedition.
Chairman—Had you not better say what you apo-
gised for ? Captain Austin—l think I said, "If you
are offended, the desire of an honourable mind must
be to make an apology. If I have offended you I
never intended it."
Captain Austin continued—l came back to the ship
after another very laborious journey, and the parties
came in unhappily without finding traces, having
looked most carefully and minutely for any trace.
Sir E. Parry—Will you state about the time of
this ? Capt. Austin—All the parties were in by the
4th of July. I cannot, without notes, speak now ;
but after minutely considering with my colleague,
and receiving the officers' journals and reports, I felt
satisfied that there was nothing more to be done to
the southward and westward, and I decided ac-
cordingly.
Chairman—You had better explain here what bad
been done.
Captain Austin—Notbing more could be done to
the northward and westward by Lieutenant Aldridge
and Lieutant M'Clintock, Mr. Bradford, the surgeon,
and Mr. M`Dougall, the second master ; and to the
southward and westward by Captain Ommannet
Lieut. Osborne, Lieut. Browne, and Lieut. Mechainyi,
and also by Mr Allen, who had searched Lowther
Island and Garrett Island,' and the ice generally
is
that direction, as shown in my outline chart.
(To be continued.)

THE CoUINTKI MARKETs
LIVERPOOL, DEC. 30 —The atteudanee was good, and
trade had a more healthy aspect. For wheat and flour
more money was demanded, and in some lest *noes paid.
MI kinds of spring corn were held firmly, and full prices
realised. Indian corn was dull, and rates loner. Ar-
rivals—lreland and coastwise, wheat, 764; barley, 553;
oats, 1,956; malt, 776; flour, 1,064; pease, 219. Foreign
wheat, 6,515; &air, 1,780 sacks and 7,659 barrels;
pease. 734.
NEWCASTLE CATTLE MARKET, DEC 30.—The number
of cattle this week was 710; the same .5a ek last year 645.
The number of sheep this week was 4,180; the same
week last year 3,620. The supply of cattle was larger
at f
than last w
r ateek. 'I he b-tter qualities met a ready sale
ormer es. For other sorts trade was slow. Sheep
was a slow axle at drooping rata a, and part remain. d
unsold; supply not so large as last week. Priees—Beefs
4s 6d to 6s; poik (small) 5s to 55 6d ; large, 4a 3d to
48 9d per stone ; mutton* aid to Sid per lb.
EDINBURGH MEAL MARKET, Dec. 30.—There were in
the meal market to-day 4 sacks oatmeal, each weighing
2801bs. imperial, which sold thus at 1/ los Od,
and 3 at 119 s od; average price of the whole 119 s 3d 0-12ths.
1 sack pot-barley, which sold at 245.
EDINBURGH EAT AND STRAW MARKET, Dec. 30.—
Oat straw, from 8s Od to 10s Od per kemple of 16 stones trop;
wheat ditto, 7s I'd to 88 Od ; barley ditto, 61 Od to 71 6d.
Hay, from 9d to 1 id per storm.
DALKEITH MEAL MARKET, Dec. 29.—There were
93 bags of oatmeal and 17 of barleymeal at this day's market;
sales ready. Oatmeal the same on the top and current prices,
that sold at 26s per bag was of inferior quality ; barleymeal
lid per bag cheaper; there was no pot-barley in market.
Oatmeal, per sack, of 280 lbw. First becona flurd.
imports! Barleymeal, per ditto 28s Od 27s 3d 26s Od
Pease me
19s 6d —r Os
Flour l Od —s Od —s Od
...
Pot barley

.•• —8 Odd
I —8 Od I —3 ad
... 8 O --8 Od

00AL MARK ET.--YESTIMDAY•
Prices of Coal per ton at the close of the market :
Allsrdean Hartley ... 13s Od Lumley
Carr'e Hartley .... ... 14s Qd Russell's Hetton
Cahaessttinerglyslalitr..t.i.e.y.........
.1.445 s
pe6dalgtceawrba7t,;sug..ll
...
...
17,,,s
60dd
Newcastle Hartley..., 14s Od'Whitwell
Howard's W. H. Neth. 14s od •Hool .. 6-
Tyne Main artlep
............ 12s 9d Heugh Hall
Ravensworth'sW.Hart 14s i d Kelloe ..... ........ .. Li 3d
Redheugh Main ...... 13s Od South Hartlepool ....• 17- 3'l
Troinwfinelledytrß utes...
Canfield Moor ......... 14s Od Thorniey
114488
60dd
aWuhlirwtwicokrth
—14 s
Walker's Primrose ... 12s €4l Adelaide Tees ...... 163 cd
Wylam ..... lss 9d Maclean's Tees l4s 6d
Wall's End, &c. South Durham.....,.,, 165 3d
Bell and 8r0wn...... ... 15s 3d Tee! ..... ... ....... —.. 17 3
Park ...s West Cornforth
Elm Pa ............ 15 3d 15s 3d
Goeforth ..... .......... 15s 3d Cleveland Tees lss 6d
Heatddellon
Ri
Burnhope l4s Od Coke .
Eden Main ...... ...... 16s 3d Hartley ..........
Lambton Primrose ... 16s 6,i,Nixon's Merthyr and Belmont ... 168 Od; Cardiff ............... 21, 0
Braddyll y-'s Hartley - 0
kietton
Lambton
Ships at market, 246
----____
rA

...Sold. 101.

~...DVERTIsEMENT.] Holloway's Pills an extra-
ordinary Remedy for Liver Complaints.—:Extract of a letter
from Mr. Robert James, of Tredegar, dated Dec. 16,1851.
'' To Professor Hullo% ay. Sir,—With gratitude I write to
inform you of the wonderful cure your Pills have effected on
my daughter, who had been suffering from enlargement of the
liver, palpitation of the heart, dropsy, and troublesome cough.
Her case was given up by the medical attendants as hopeless.
At this alarming crisis I was induced to try your Pills, and
after taking them it was astonishing to see how rapidly she re-
gained her health. She is now perfectly recovered, and as well
as a parent could desire."—Sold by all medicine vendors, and
at Professor Holloway's Establishment, 244, Strand, London.
ROMAN CATHOLIC STATISTICS.—By eta official re-
turn just made of the
present position of the Roman Catholic
Church in this country, it appears that in Great Britain
there are 708 churches and chapels; 12 colleges for the edu-
cation of ecclesiastical and lay stud-nts ; 17 houses of religious
rnen,i ne the Benedictines, Franciscans, Dominicans,
Jesuits, Pig ling
asisionists, Cistercians, Redemptorists, Oratorians,
Fathers of Charity, and Conceptionists ; 62 convents for fe-
males of different orders. The number of clergy, including
i
1 archbishop and 12 bishops, s 1,032. From ihe same source
it appears that there are between 40 and 50 Roman Catholic
bishops in the British colonies.