Home › Contents › Story of Sir John Franklin

Story of Sir John Franklin

O tale of Arctic adventure is more of Baffin Bay, moored to an iceberg and thrilling than that of Sir John awaitingan opening into Lancaster Sound. Franklin. A pathetic interest This was the last time they were ever gathers about his name, seen. Toward the end of 1847, nothing and probably the hero having been heard of the expedition, never lived who was more brave and reso- alarm began to be felt as to its safety, was more brave and reso- alarm began to be felt as to its safety, lute, or who has shown such perseverance and, early the following year, three difin the face of danger. When he made ferent relief expeditions were despatched his last expedition, he was not a stranger by the British Government. to explorations in the Polar regions. The During several successive years, a num- Northwest passage, which had been so ber of smaller expeditions went out from eagerly sought, had not been found, and Great Britain and from our own country.. Sir John seemed to be possessed with One was fitted up by Mr. Henry Grinnell, an idea that he was the one to make of New York, and comprised two vessels, the discovery. That he did not count the Advance and the Rescue, under the the difficulties and dangers, is evident command of Lieut. De Haven, who was from the fact that he and his brave party accompanied by the afterward celebrated lost their lives among the desolate snows explorer, Dr. Kane. This expedition left of the North.

New York, May 24, 1850. Capt. Ommaney, of the ship Assistance, came upon the first traces of the missing mariners at The Erebus and Terror were the vessels chosen for his last voyage. Each was fitted with a small steam-engine and screw Cape Riley, August 23, 1850. A minute propeller. Sir John commanded the examination of the surrounding country Erebus; Capt. Richard Crozier the Terror. afforded proof that Franklin's party had The vessels sailed on May 29, 1845. On remained there for a considerable length July 26th, of the same year , they were of time. The site of a tent, paved with small seen by a whale-ship in about the centre stores, quantities of birds' bones lying