The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-09-09
THE ARCTIC EXPEDITION.
The following letter to Captain Collinson gives
information of the whereabouts of the expedition
under Captain McClintock
T Fox, HoLSrETNBORG, commenced
Mn 9 1919 nlnsnh Nh

under Captain McClntock:
YACHT Fox, HoLSTEINBoRG, commenced J
Nav 3, 1858, closed Nav I.
My DEAR COLLINSoN:-Our cruise hitherto has
been short and sharp-mOst lamentaby short, in
deed, but, thank God, it is not at end; the real
work is only now beginning. We have only got
to repeat the attempt this year which failed sig
nav last year. Our progress finally stopped
in Melville Bay, Aug. Is, from which time up to
the 25th of April remained in the pack drifting
southwark with it. While beset we have dritted
down from 75% north to G313 north; the whole
amount is l, ,l94 geographical miles. You will un-
derstand what disappointment and anxiety this
ill-fOrtune entacd upon me. For a whole month
in Melville Bay our fate hung in the balance The
season was very similar to 1913, when was with
Sir J. Ross; the whole bay crammed full Of
light pack, and there no land ice.
Having previously examined the edge of the mid
die ice down as far as 12O 20 without any prospect
of success there was but one course open to me
to enter the pack whenever favorable opportun-
tv offered, and trust to boring through into the
north water. This is what Sir j. Ross did, and,
being on the same spot, and also on the same day,
and moreover, very favorable opportunity of long
leads opening out, ! tried the plan. We did
not succeed: a long run of sOuthery winds closed
the ice together much thatit did not open again
Still had the precedent of the North Star from
which draw the hope of II drift through into the
north water, and this, think we should have done
in time to save season but for the grounding of
some bergs on a bank off Cape York, which it has
been our lot to discover. We drtted up within "a
I
ward before commencing our southern march. But
all this YOU will in my statement of proceedings
and track chart which have sent to Lady Frank
lin.
We are thoroughly efficient, but rather short
handed, and am sorry to add that r. Scott dead
ing stokerl died on the 4th of December.
We are in excellent health, and the ship unin-
iurcd She leaks a little and we had to pump her
| out all winter three times weekly.
Forty tons of coal remain on board, and will
take in as much more at the Waigat As for pro-
visions have excellent in quality, of salt meat
II months, preserved meat and pemmicam l3
months. &c. From this you will see how well pro-
vided we are, and how easily can complete our
selves for third winter at Beechev Island.
With regard to my future plans, see no reason
for departing from my original scheme. If early
into the west water, l will thoroughly sift the
Ponds Bay natives, as to separate the history OF
Belchers abandoned ships from such knowledge as
they may possess respecting Franklins ships.
| hope to look into Port Leopold before visiting
Becchcy'Island. as the former would be the place
to which would have to fall back. If the launch
is Injured | will take boat from Bcechey Island
and leave her there soould | 90 down to Bellot
Strait or at Cape Walker, should | succeed getting
down Peel Strait.
Should | get down to the Magnetic Pole will
pass on the east side of King Williams Land, com
muncating with the natives, and into Fish River
If can manage to complete my work in Fish River
by ship, it would be an immense advantage to W IN
ter near the southwest angle of King William
Land.
DISCO, MAY 2l-For the early part of this season
| shall be among the whalcrs, leIsurely iollowlng
their motions: but, should they not persevere to
thc north as Inno rs | think desirable, | must then
iu,lpc for myself whether to persevere or return
south with them and seek a southern passage. l
nurnose sailing tomorrow morning. We shall long
remember the kindness of Mr.. and Mrs. 0lrick and
all here
'"'' very SF'fIsS F. /, SGiCLINToCK.