The Sun.
London, England, 1836-01-15 00:00:00

NORTH WEST PASSAGE

A Public Meeting took place this day at the Literary
Institution, Aldersgatc-street, for the purpose of taking into
consideration a proposition from Mr. Richard King, relative
to a further survey of the Northern Coast of America, and the
deciding the question of a North West Passage, which has
been for the last three centuries a favourite project with this
country.
At half-past One o'clock the Secretary, Mr. King, inti-
mated to the meeting that a letter had been received from the
Lord Mayor, regretting that severe indisposition would pre-
vent his taking the Chair as he had previously promised. He
regretted this the more, as from the cordial manner in which
the worthy Alderman had accepted the office, he was satisfied
that nothing but what he had stated would have prevented his
attendance. Under these circumstances the Committee had
requested that another Gentleman would preside, and he beg-
ged to propose that John Walford, Esquire, do take the Chair.
Mr. WALFORD would accept the honour with pleasure, and
trusted the meeting would excuse any deficiencies which he
might labour under. The Chairman then detailed the ob-
ject of the meeting, and hoped that at a time when the
Russians were making such advances, a great nation like
England would not allow them or any other power to have
the honour of making this importrnt discovery.
Mr. RICHARD KING having been called upon by the Chair-
man, read his proposition as follows :
" Having served in the Arctic Land Service for a period of
nearly three years, during a third of which time I was honoured
with the command, I am induced to propose an expedition for
the complete survey of the coast of the Polar Sea, from Point
Turnagain, Eastward, and for determining the Isthmus of
Boothia Felix. This proposition I have had the honour of
laying before his Majesty's Government, to which I have riot
received an official answer. I do hope, therefore, that the ap-
probation which I trust will be this day manifested towards my
enterprize, will ultimately secure the sanction'of his Majesty's
Ministers. Past experience makes me feel confident of success,
and fix the period for its accomplishment at three years—the
expense not exceeding 1,0001. By a recent discovery it is in
the power of a great nation to perfect that which has been a
favourite project with England for nearly three centuries. Let
us not then, since the distance unexplored is by no means ex-
tensive, and the sum required for its ' completion so small,
leave to others the perfecting of that of which we have
borne most of the danger and expense. 'Suppose it proved
of no commercial interest, (and this is far from being the case)
let us hope, with the Editor of the Nautical Magazine, for
Dec., 1833—", here are some men with British feeling, who
would rue the hour when the flag of any other nation was
hoisted on any hitherto unknown or inaccessible point or pin-
nacle of the wide world, where, had it not been checked or
discouraged, the red cross of England might have waved tri-
umphantly, and borne testimony-to the gallantry and perseve-
rance of those who are her standard bearers." The expedition
will consist of an officer and six men ; the men to be hired at
Montreal in Lower Canada, and thus the expense of taking
them from this country would not only be saved, but their pay
up to the 20th of April, the period I hope to leave Canada for
the interior. It is not a little gratifying to me, however, to be
enabled to state that five of the men lately under my com-
mand have volunteered their services without remuneration.
Having completed my crew, and obtained the necessary outfit,
I should embark in a canoe, and proceed to Lake Winipeg
to secure eight bags of provision necessary for the sea-
coast voyage, whence I should make direct for the Atabasca
Lake. Here would begin a new survey for the purpose of ascer-
taining a shorter route to the great Fish River than by the Slave
lake. This track is well known to the Chipewayan Indians,whose
authority is much more to be depended upon than the public
have hitherto been led to believe. The incorrectness of Indian
report is not attributable to the natives themselves, so much as
to the indiscreet manner in which they have been questioned.
If they are allowed to tell their simple narratives—to mark out
their rude charts with charcoal, and to place their own compass
to the sun without molestation—there will appear a lake in
one place, and a stream in another ; a tributary here, and
portage there ; and as they proceed, conscious of their own
importance, they will tender opinions upon the possibility or
impossibility of the navigation.
The uneducated Indian, however, is almost immediately
questioned upon the various points of the compass. He is told.
of the impossibility of such waters reaching such a place; and
when this proves insufficient, he is cautioned upon the pro-
bability of having to prove their assertions. The unfortunate
youth, with the accustomed impatience of a barbarian, finding
his veracity doubted, and his knowledge suspected, designedly
utters the most gross falsehoods, while the more aged and
subtle, looking forward to a separation from family and friends,
determines upon evasion, and thus frustrates your immediate
plan, or mars your ulterior object. Convinced of the
practicability of the route, and, from the shortness of
the Summer in very high latitudes, aware of the impor-
tance of making a rapid march, to secure as much time as
possible for the discovery of the coast, I shall take a guide,
and as the chart, copied from one drawn by an Indian, now
presented to the meeting, will show, pass from a bay of the
Athabasca lake, by a chain of four lakes impeded by five short
portages, to the Tayentry, a lake into which two rivers empty
themselves. The discharge of the Tazennatory forms the
Taynmadezza, which widening forms the Newsbethtory, and
again narrowing is called the Newsbethdezza, which falls into
the Slave Lake. The Indians do not pass far down the
stream, but make a portage to a lake that is tributary to it.
They then pass by a river, or rather a chain of lakes, which
narrows for some distance, when they make a short portage to
large Hares' Lake, whence a river of considerable size takes
its rise. After having descended this river for some distance,
by making a short portage they fall upon a stream that is tri-
butary to the Great Fish River, which runs into that river
sufficiently low to avoid all the shallows, and many of the rapid
parts. The large river (the Thleweedzza) which I have just
mentioned, is said to run parallel with the Thleweechodezza,
both of which fall into the sea so close to each other,
that a fire can be teen from either. And what I think
of importance, with respect to the New River, it having
been reported as well wooded, and tlfe haunt of Moose Deer
an animal only frequenting well-wooded ground. On the
banks of the New River I should winter, as having several
In the first place, as being the resort of an animal
that migrates less
ast ahtanndeaveerf
the Chippeweyan
advantages.tdheeer re sae c onl y,h
dpeople
congregate in large numbers, as the Copper, and other In-
dians, and Inthdaianns the
winter reinter
consequently but rarely meet with those disasters
so common to tribes that acknowledge a Chief, and keep in one
body ; thirdly, as enabling me to take advantage of the breaking
up of the first ice, which, in any situation like Fort Reliance,
our last wintering-house, where lakes were before us, I could
not. As early as possible the following Spring I should
descend the Great Fish River to its mouth, in 67 deg. 7 min.
N., and 94 deg. 40 min. W., and having ascended the inlet
to the farthest point made by us, in lat. 68 deg. 13 min. 57
aec., and long. 98 deg. 58 min. 1 sec. W., make direct for
Point Turnagain, and afterwards to the Eastward, to clear up
the Point, now at issue, respecting the Isthmus of Boothia
Felix. Whatever may be the issue of the attempt West-
ward, there is hardly a doubt but the long-agitated
question of a North West Passage by Regent's Inlet will
be set at rest for ever. And when by a reference to that
chart it will be seen, one day's sail or two days labour, and
another anxious night beyond the ground 1 have already
passed over, may lead to the discovery of that passage which
has been a favourite project with England for nearly three
centuries, I do hope there will not be a dissenting voice tee the
enterprise we have now met to consider. If successful, and
of which not a doubt can be entertained, then will the country
have to rejoice in the return of those men, who notwithstand-
ing the repeated failure—notwithstanding the appalling nar-
rative of every voyager,.nothing daunted, rushed on to add to
her glory, and probably her commercial interests." Mr. King,
who had been listened to with marked attention, then sat down
amid loud cheering.
DR. HODGKIN was very sorry that it had not fallen into
more able hands, the having to second the project of his
friend. There was no one who had the cause more at heart than
he had ; but there were many more able than he to do justice
to the subject, and he felt very sorry it had not fallen into
their hands. The question had often been asked, what was
the use of sending those men to these inhospitable regions ?
It has been frequently answered, and he would endeavour to
state to the meeting his opinion on the subject. Many expo-
ditions had gone out in former days—he wished not to cast any
blame upon them ; they had been useful in paving the way for
others. Far be it from him to say that they had failed for want
of any skill or enterprise ; and his friend, and those who now
proposed to go out, would have the benefit of all the experience
gained in those former times—he would have the benefit of the
knowledge gleaned by those who had gone before him. This
was not a case of mere geographical interest, undertaken
merely in order to enable a few more lines to be laid down in
our charts : it was undertaken upon higher grounds. It was
most desirable that we should know something of those regions
through which it was necessary to pass, before coming to those
shores which England hadalways been so very anxious to explore.
There was another motive which weighed most strongly
with him (Dr. H.)—that long tract of country was inha-
bited by the remains of a race of men whom Britons had
been the means of dispossessing of their own land,—a race
of men who had scarcely known whites except as their op-
pressors. He trusted that that state of things was now at
an end, and he was certain that the individual who was
anxious to go forward with this expedition would signalize
himself by the utmost humanity, and with the most careful
attention to the people. It might be asked was this the
proper time for undertaking such an expedition ? In answer
he would beg leave to remind the meeting that. besides his
friend( Mr. King)there were six others who had already been out
in these seas, who had expressed their willingness to go
along with him. All present knew something of the diffi-
culties which had to be encountered; he saw a gentleman
present, who from experience was well aware of the ex-
treme nature of these difficulties : therefore it was most im-
portant that the expedition should have the benefit of the
experience and knowledge gained by these men. The very
trees which would bewilder an inexperienced traveller
were the very best guides to the experienced, and
mark out, in the plainest manner, the points which
they were moat anxious to gain. How important was it, then,
that his friend should have the benefit of the experienee and
knowledge of these six men who had voluntarily offered their
services. Another reason which made it desirable that the
expedition should be fitted out at the present time was, that
relations had been entered into with some of the tribes, and
it was most desirable and important that no time should be
lost in order to get the benefit of the knowledge of
the country which the natives had, and so extend
our own knowledge. It might be asked why sup-
port this individual, when there are many others that
might be selected equally competent. He was not there, nor
did he feel it incumbent upon him to disparage any one. The
country was much indebted to all who had gone before ; but it
was very desirable that the individual who went out should
have experience, and that his friend Mr. King had that

experience, be had proof in Captain Back's own hand-
writing it was in a letter written to Mr. King when
the Captain was leaving him in command of the ex-
peditioe, and bore most unquestionable testimony to the
character and zeal of Mr. King—the best proof of which was
the manner in which he had brought home his companions in _
the expedition. It was very important also that a person should
be employed who had not only talent, zeal and ability, but who
was also possessed of physical powers. His friend was such a
man—he had already sustained all the extreme cold and
dangers of such an expedition. He had also given proof that
his heart and soul were engaged in the expedition for exploring
these countries ; for he looked for no pecuniary advantage,
but had made the offer to go out at a considerable sacrifice to
himself. He had also offered to serve in the expedition which
had lately sailed in aid of the whale ships, beset in the ice,
but unfortunately his offer had been received too late. Ano-
ther reason why he was best fitted for the expedition was, that
he would be commander, medical officer, and naturalist.
It might be supposed that he ought to be the last
man to recommend such an union of offices, as conjoining the
medical man with commander. It would be madness to undertake
such an expedition without a medical man, for in such a cli-
mate it was most important that there should be one; but to
send an individual to have the command, and another to have
the care of the body, would be sending out the very elements
of failure. When travelling through such inhospitable regions,
it was very necessary to have the least quantity of luggage,
which could only be done by the plan suggested.—
( Hear, hear.) His friend had also formed an acquain-
tance with many of the natives, which was a great advantage.
He had devoted his talents to the study of natural history,
and he ( Dr. H.) fully believed that his friend was quite com-
petent to make those surveys which would enable the con-
structors of maps to lay down the latitude and longitude of
all the places explored. Another advantage which his friend '
offered was, that the amount required was comparatively small.
He trusted that in a wealthy city like this there would be no
difficulty in obtaining so small a sum, which would be well
spent, if in this undertaking they did no more than clear the
way for future expeditions. He evict not conceive that
this large continent was to be a monopoly in the hands of
any one—this was to be purely a philanthropic enterprise,
and it should be discouraged by no one. His friend had no
personal end in view—he (Dr. H.) had none; all that h.
wanted to do was to urge the meeting to come forward
and supply his friend with the means of undertaking
this enterprise, and when he would return, crowned with suc-
cess, they would feel great satisfection in having done so.
The worthy Doctor then moved a resolution to the effect, that
the sum proposed for the expedition was small, and that it was
expedient that a subscription should be entered into for the
purpose Of enabling it to be fitted out.
GORDON DUFF, Esq., said he rose to second the resolution
which had just been moved by the scientific gentleman who
had now addressed the meeting. If he had expressed his re-
luctance to put himself forward, how much mere must he ( M. D. )
feel diffidence. But he was urged forward by the consideration of
the importance of the undertaking which he believed would be
generally recognised not only by the Meeting but the public
general.-_( Cheers.) It would perhaps be considered in-
trusive on his part if he expatiated on the importance of the
undertaking after what had fallen from others, but he
flattered himself that it was unnecessary to do so.---( Cheers. )
The next question was as to the fitness of the individual
for the undertaking ? Now as to that he was perfectly satis-
fied of the capacity of Mr. King, otherwise he should not
have come forward to second the resolution.—(Cheers.)
He would be sorry, however, to wish the meeting to take Mr.
King's fitness on his testimony alone, for he had that of seve.
ral persons of eminence (that of Sir Astley Cooper)
who stated his opinion of Mr. King's good sense and steady
perseverance in any object he might undertake.—( Cheers.)
Sir Astley wished him success in the undertaking, andin- his
(Mr. Duff's) opinion, a more kind and flattering letter could
not have been written. He had also a letter from Mr. Stewart,
a gentleman well known as a traveller in North America, who
was connected with the Hudson Bay Company—that gentle-
man wished Mr. King every success and had most hand-
somely put down his name as a subscriber for twenty guineas,
for the purpose of promoting the object of the undertaking.
Mr. Stuart, firmly expressing his opinion in the practi-
cability of accomplishing the object.—(Loud cheering.)
Considering the education of Mr. King, he fancied
there could no doubt remain in the breast of any person pre-
sent, as to his competency for the undertaking. It was a sin-
gular coincidence, that Mr. King had been educated at St.
Paul's School, that the building in which the present meeting
was held was the place where that school was first established,
and that he (Mr. Duff) was educated there also. The wor-
thy Gentlemen then concluded by wishing Mr. King every
success, and heartily seconding the resolution.
The CHAIRMAN then put the resolution, and declared it to

be carried unanimously.
SAMUEL HUNTER
/CHRISTIE, ESQ., said that before the
resolution passed, he wished to make a few remarks.—(Cries
of " The resolution has passed.")
The SECRETARY intimated to Mr. Christie that he would be

at liberty to make any observations after the Resolution had
been carried, with which he expressed himself satisfied.
A GENTLEMAN moved that the t.hanks of the Meet

allow Gentlementheir
rwho
nameshad kindly
jcpnolgancs placed ion neimnt eminently
enCtfiol ymr first
dueiinstance,tt Committee, tfhore tothe purpose of conducting the
undertaking.
S. H. CHRISTIE, Esq., seconded the resolution, conceiving that gentlemen who had come forward to support any national
object deserved well 'of their country ; though he did not
agree with the meeting in the manner of
conducting it, he ap-
proved heartily of the conduct of the individuals .who-had %NO
handsomely come forward.

The resolution was carried unanimously.
Mr. CHRISTIE then again came forward.---In rising to make
any remarks on the plan proposed to the meeting, he did so,
under painful circumstances, for since he had come into the
room, he had learned a fact he was not aware of—that
Mr. King, whose son had proposed the plan that the Meeting
had heard to day, was an old schoolfellow of his. He
therefore begged it to be understood that in anything
he might state in opposition to the plan, was stated
by him from a sense of public duty. The plan for
the exploration of the northern coast of America, had for
many years occupied the attention of the country ; and by the
public, various expeditions had been fitted out ; it was quite
unnecessary for him to say what had been done by Franklin,
Parry, and Back. If he understood rightly, Mr. King was
engaged under Captain Back, in the late expedition to explore
the Northern Coast of America, or, more properly speaking,
in the first instance, to take out assistance to Captain Ross,
who was considered to be lost. When, however, it was as-
certained that Captain Ross had arrived, it was considered
right by Captain Back to explore further the Northern
coast. Mr. King had stated that he had been in command in
America for three years.
Mr. KING—No, only one-third of the time, from June to ,
September.

I

Mr. CHRISTIE said he must be labouring under a mitre
take.—( Hear, hear.) He thought that before any sue'
expedition was entertitned by private individuals, it would
be well to ascertain whether Government were not
disposed to patronise such expeditions ? He did not
speak rith any authority on the point, but he believed
Government were most anxious such expeditions should
take place, but the great question was the expense of
them. He was sure that many individuals of influence and
science were most anxious that the very important question of
settling the outline of the Northern coast should be decided.
He was in possession of some observations made by Cap-
tain Back during the late expedition, (and it must be ac-
knowledged that the whole of the responsibility of that
expedition rested with Captain Back), which observations
were of a scientific character, and the public should
wait to see those observations before any individual should
be sent out on another expedition.—( Hear, hear.) Without
any hostile feeling whatever towards Mr. King, he did
not think he could avoid saying that Mr. King had forced.
himself forward in opposition to Captain Back.—(Cries of
" No.") He knew Capt. Back was anxious to complete the dis-
covery made by Sir J. Franklin, Dr. Richardson, and others.
Captain Back he believed was willing to be employed in
such an expedition, though he (Professor Christie) could
not say precisely what sort of expedition Captain Back
would fix on. With all deference to Mr. King, he thought,
as Sir John Franklin, Dr. Richardson, Captain Back,
and other gentlemen who had spent so many years in explor-
ing the country, the result of their observations ought to be
well considered, before any expedition of the kind now pro-
posed was undertaken. Again he thought that Mr. King ought
to have conferred, with the Geographical Society, many
members of which were much interested on this subject,
and able to give a decided opinion upon the practicability and
advantages of such an expedition. Mr. King estimated tii.e
cost at 10001. Now he proposed to spend the f.rst
winter at the mouth of the new river, and then to proceed, for-
wards in the Summer.
Mr. KING here observed to Professor Christie that by his
plan he expected to save some hundred miles of ice, and to
gain five months in time.
Professor CHRISTIE.—Then von take it for granted that the 4
the Chippewa In
Mr. KING— dioy me perfeedy correct in their maps.
Captain Back depended on the same, and you.
will find them approved of in the Geographical transactions.
Professor CHRISTIE remarked that he had had some conver-
sation with Capt. Back, who agreed with him that, from the
nature of the continent there was some great outlet in a north-
easterly direction.
A GENTLEMAN here rose, and suggested that these were
points which ought rather to be left to the Committee of
Management, than to be discussed in a meeting of this kind.
As to the question of a preference to Captain Back, he was
sure the meeting would not sanction any unjast spirit of ri-
valry. If the Government were inclined to send out an expe-
dition, of course Mr. King would be glad to unite with
it, but if not he had acted very properly in making his.
appeal to the public. The best way would be to refer this
question entirely to the Committee, who could make the ne-
cessary enquiries.
Mr. KING, in answer to some observations made by Mr.
Christie, said that he was quite satisfied it was not the in-
tention of Captain Back to undertake another expedition.
He was equally satisfied that an expedition of six individuals.
acquainted with the country, would be much more efficient
than a large party in a7place when provisions were scarce.
The Rev. J. N. Barber, Dr. Hodgkin,' and Mr; Marsh;
also answered the objections
of Mr. Christie, to the complete
satisfaction of the meeting.
Thanks were then voted' to the Chairman, and the meeting
adjourned.
M .11v

•
.tage-coaclnen in America, as in England, are an
altered race of men. A few years ago, Sir (said adr ivel
near New York), DO coachman considered himself qo,lified
to drive a stage unless he was drunk, but there is u: vast
change now-a-daiS.".