The Sun.
London, England, 1854-11-09 00:00:00

NEWS OF THE PLOVER, ARCTIC

DISCOVERY SHIP.

We have been favoured by the Admiralty with the
following document :
IL M.S. Trincomalee, San Francisco, Sep. 20, 1854.
Sir,—l have the honour to inform you that in obedi-
ence to the orders of my Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty, directing the commander-in-chief in the Pa-
cific to detach a ship of his squadron to reach Port Clar-
ence "at the opening of the season, viz., the 25th of
June," her Majesty's ship under my command arrived in
that port on that day. We found the Rattlesnake there
all well. Commander Trollope's arrangements for win-
tering in Port Clarence, instead of Grantley Harbour,
had been most successful.
The four live cattle and 25 pigs, with vegetables (po-
tatoes, onions, and pumpkins), which we got at Hono-
lulu, reached in the best condition, the fodder for the
cattle being nearly expended. I recommended Cowman-
der Trollope to use theta for his ship, reserving the pigs
for the Plover—this was attended to.
The Rattlesnake made a trip to Point Spencer for a
supply of draft wood for the house, which their lordships
have directed to be built on the spit of Grantley Har-
bour. On her return, we gave her all the assistance she
required, viz., watering her, making good her defects,
and exchanging officers and men, and on the 15th July
she sailed, hoping to he of use assisting the Plover.
On that day, Mr. Kellard, our carpenter, with eight
of his crew, and other artificers, landed to work at the
house, during the absence of Mr. Oliver, the carpenter,
and the artificers of the Rattlesnake. _

On the 17th, I started, accompanied by Mr. Norway,
the master, and other officers, with our gig and second
cutter and their crews, and a baidar with an Indian
guide, to go up the River Age-e-puk and elsewhere, on
a discovery and surveying trip. We were not fortunate,
although away 14 days. We had such very bad wea-
ther that we did not get more than 50 miles from the
ship, and whenever we particularly wanted the sun, it
did not show. The sea Nrohich gets up in Grantley Har-
bour, and also in the lake before you enter the river, is
a very trying one for boats.

We observed in all directions coal. We were suc-
cessful in our sport so far as grouse, ptarmigan, and
plover, but only saw two deer. We shot a few hares
also. We returned to the Spit-house in the night of
the 31st of July, and ♦ery early on the Ist were sur-
prised and delighted at the arrival of the Plover (she
had seen nothing of the Rattlesnake). Her commander,
officers, and men generally were in the best health ;
they had experienced the most severe winter, which
was concluded by the ice entirely disappearing days
before it usually commences even to move. I gave
Commander Maguire a copy of their lordships' orders.
After due deliberation he determined to return to Point
Barrow for another winter. I concurred with him, it
is undoubtedly possible that the Enterprise may fall
back on Point Barrow. We know it is an open sea
thereabouts ;it may not be on the Atlantic side. Com-
mander Maguire, and every one of the officers of the
Plover, were perfectly satisfied with the state of their
ship as to her capability of returning ; she makes no
water, and ,although it is true she has some bad tim-
bers, in her three-and-a•half inches of doubling is per-
fectly sound, as are her many strengthening pieces.
We then commenced victualling and storing her, sup-
plying the places of such men as were invalided or
desirous of leaving and making good her defects. These
were entirely blacksmiths, and confined to the wear of
her heating apparatus, funnels, forge, &c. The provi-
sions we gave her were of the best description, especially
Hogarth's preserved meats, and the very superior bread
made far her Majesty's ships on the station ley Mr.
Walker, the contractor at Valparaiso. During all the
time the Plover was at Port Clarence her crew were on
fresh provisions, and they took away six very large
hogs, with potatoes, oinions, &c. It was not till Satur-
day, the 12th, that the Rattlesnake returned. I had
been more than usually anxious for her, for she had all
the Plover's letters. I then arranged with Commanders
Maguire and Trollops that Saturday, the 19th, should
be the day of departure—that is for the Trincomalee and
Plover. I thought he could afford that time for writing
letters and relaxation, and change so necessary, especi-
ally for the Plover, after their long isolation ; and on
that morning we both started ; the wind was favourable
for the Plover, and so it remained the next day, and I
have every reason to think sho made good progress ;
and I calculate she would get into her winter quarters
easier and earlier than in either of the present years.
As the wind was contrary for us after going a few
miles down the bay, we anchored ; getting away with a
north-westerly wind early on the morning of the 21st,
and arrived in this port on Monday the 18th instant.
Lieutenant Moore, invalided from Rattlesnake, and
Mr. Gordon, mate, returning home from the Plover,
being desirous of getting to England with all despatch, I
have given them permission to go via Panama, and take
advantage of their doing so to forward in their charge
this letter, and all the Arctic despatches we have. Mr.
Gordon's long service in the Plover in the Arctic Seas,
especially the two last ;years, wintering at Point Bar-
row, have given him great opportunities of acquiring
much valuable information and great experience, which
he has not failed to profit by ; and their Lordships may
depend upon his opinions and statements.
He has generally been an active participator in all
extra and detached and difficult services.—l have the
honour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant.
(Signed) WALLACE HOUSTOWN, Captain.