Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1852-02-14
SEARCH FOR SIR JOHN FRANKLIN,

SEARCH FOR SIR JOHN FRANKLIN,
By the steamer Europa we learn that pri-
vate expedition, under Capt. Beatson, is to leave
England shortly to look for Sir John franklin
1t is sent out under the conviction that Sir John
has advanced through the Wellington Channel
into high latitude, far to the westward, pro-
badly as far as the meridian of Behring's Straits.
Lady Franklin contributes $500, and Captain
Beatson has purchased vessel of 200 tons,
which he intends fitting with three separate en-
gines, of eight-horse power each, with separate
boilers. He will likewise take with him a
steam-launeh, of eight-horse power Her crew
will consist of fifteen picked men. The expe-
dition will sail about the end of next month.
Thursdays Intelligencer contains another let
ter from Lit. Gins. Wilkes, in relation to the
Arctic Search, which we insert below. His
suggestions relative to the mode of conducting
future explorations, strike as being eminent
ly practical, and if carried out may lead to the
discovery of the long lost expedition.
Messrs. GALES AND SEAroN: Many have
been the inquiries made of me relative to the
Franklin. | desire now to say a few words
more in your columns on the subject of Arctic
Search.
1st. The great disderatum in a search is to
avoid the risking of any more valuable lives in
the attempt to relieve those whom very many
believe have now persisted, and others, buoyed
up by hope, still cling to the belief that relief
may yet be in time.
I'd. To make the relief both as speedy and
effectual as possible. Great loss of time has al
| ready been the result of the futile search in
vessels; therefore, propose to use them only
| to convey men and provisions to a harbor, (viz.
the harbor where Sir John Franklin passed the
winter of 1845-'46, at the mouth of Yelling
ton Channel.) which can be annually approach
ed by vessels; there to place a temporary colo
ny of between four and five hundred men, pro.
vided with all the means necessary, viz sledges,
boats, &c, of the best and most appropriate
constructions and for this temporary colony to re-
main until the whole arctic region is searched in
all directions from this point. This force would
be adequate to make an effectual exploration
in two seasons, and be subject to no more risk
than what may be encounteredin such climates,
which by experience of former expeditions
have not been found to be subject to greater
casualties than other portions of the globe.
1t will readily be admitted that a we'll planted
and well-provisioned temporary colony, indie
pendent of ships or vessels, and well provided
with the most approved construction in both boats
and sledges, could not fail, under the guidance
of energy and perseverance, to succeed in salts
factorily exploring this region, and without in
convenience or apprehension OF any kind to those
engaged in the service, except the necessary IA
tigues and discomforts attending such arduous
service and if it should be the good fortune of
p.l.-
and his companions they would have the means
of not only effectually rescuing them, but of af-
fording them all the comforts a temporary colo
ny could supply and this without any inconve-
nience to the parties themselves. This great
object would not interfere with lesser ones, viz:
the determination of the geography of these arc
tic regions, which has so long engaged, and at
great cost, the attention of the British Govern
ment. To this [ woad add the investigation of
many subjects of science, of which it is unne-
cessary for me but to allude. These would serve
to amuse as well as usefuly employ the tempo
rary colony during the season of darkness. Belle
wing that this outline proceedingwi give all an
idea of the manner of affording effectual re-
lief, and of its practicability, without mourning
the loss of lives, deemit unnecessary to touch
upon the details of such duties. Those who
will have the performance of them will be the
best judges Of what they may require and,
having the responsibility, they should have
their wishes acceded to and their wants well
supplied
Having full confidence in the practicability of
the means above sketched out, | am equally con-
fident that the result, whether it be in the hui
name effort of affording relief to Sir John Frank
lin, determining his fate, or contributions to our
knowledge and science, must prove highly homo
rable to our country; and therefore hope that,
both branches of Congress, before whom l have,
through a memorial, brought the subject, will
not delay action, but pass the appropriation re-
qured, but short time is left to make prepare
lions in order to meet the opening of the season
of navi cation in the north.
CHARLES WILKES.
WASHINGTON, February Il, 1859.