Weekly Trinity journal., 1857-08-01
The New Expedition in search Of Sir John
Franklin.


Franklin.
The following letter from Captain M'CLTNTocK
has been received by Mr.. S. r. GRAVES the
Chairman Of the Liverpool Shipowners' Associa-
ton:
UNITED SERVICE CLUB, Pail mall, May l3.
DEAR SIR take the liberty Of addressing
you the more freely, perhaps, because by your
letter you seem to feel considerable interest in
the object of my voyage / regret much that
cannot visit Liverpool now as all the work is
thrown upon my hands. In this note simply
purpose to offer you my best thanks for your cor
dial offer of assistance, and also to afford you
few details of my plan, and the means placed at
my disposal for carrying it out.
AS you may have not convenient pocket map
at hand for reference, send yon Lady FRANK
Inns pamphlet which contains one. Upon it
you will see marked out the to be searched.
All the other lands laid down have been
searched.
/ intend to sail about the end of June, from
Aberdeen, and proceed to Barrow Strait, ascer
tain that the provisions stores, and the boats
left at Fort Leopold and Beecbing Island by the
recent searching expeditions are in good order.
in the event of my having to fall back upon
them, Examine the state of the ice in Peel
Strait and if practicable, proceed down it into
the unknown area.
Should | not succeed here, intend 10 return
to Port Leopold, and proceed down Prince Re
gents Inlet to Belot Strait and there make ano-
ther attempt to pass into and through the field
of search 10 Victoria Land, where ] shall win
ter, and in the ensuing spring, before the thaw
sets in complete the entire exploration, and
search by means Of sledges drawn by men and
by dogs.
In endeavoring to reach Victoria Land, it is
my intention to avoid, if possible, any risk of be-
coming involved in the ice and, should not
succeed in reaching Victoria Land, l will return
to Belot Strait to pass the winter, as we know
by experience that the retreat of the ship from
there amounts almost to a certainty. From Vic
tora Land the homeward voyage is equally GER
tain, but by the way of Bebring Straits
The means of accomplishing Lady Franklin's
object the completion of the search, and now
placed at my disposal, are ample. The vessel is
three-masted screw schooner yacht with fore
topsail and topgallant sail the topsail reefs
from the deck she is decidedly a elipper-dia-
g0nally built, 80 feet long over all, 800 tons
builders measurement, with a light draught Of
water trunk engines, of 80 horse power crew
numbering so individuals, including an E9qui-
maux Interpreter.
Almost all will be old shipmates Of my own in
former Arctic voyages they shall be fed and
clothed as in the Government expedition, and re-
ceve double pay. /, therefore, anticipate no
difficulty in keeping up precisely the same dis
cipline as that which we found to answer so well
in the three Arctic expeditions in which have
served. The vessel is now in the hands Of Messrs
Hall, Aberdeen, for the purpose of being fort
fed, by means of doubling, extra hold beams
stringers, &c, to enable her to Withstand ice
pressure and upwards of 100 men are at work
upon her. All Arctic men agree in pronouncng
her to be the best adapted vessel ever selected
for Arctic service From her sharp midshp
section she will rise to ice pressure which would
crush in the sides of wall sided vessel. Her
speed, under steam, when deep, is expected to he
six knots.
She will carry five weeks fuel for full speed
and two and half years prOvisons-beng
enough to last us for a second winter, should we
unavOidably be detained. | believe have no.
thing more to add, except to say that the volun
eer offers of service from officers seamen, and
lasdsmen, are very numerous and as have al
ready secured the very best of matCridi, so |
hope, also, to be fortunate with the personal of
the expedition
Thus, having all the means gladly accept
the responsibility aud no efforts upon my part
shall be wanting to secure the accomplishment
of an object earnestly desired by the great
and good of all nations.
Believe me to be, dear Sir, faithfully yours,
i. l.. M'CLINTOCK.
To S. r. GRAVES, Esq, No Baltic Buildings
RedcrOss Street, Liverpool"