Page:Life with the Esquimaux - 1864 - Volume 1.djvu/31

10 be undertaken with a view of acquiring a thorough knowledge of the country.

"When at Northumberland Inlet and other places, I shall carefully examine into the facilities for travelling, so as to decide upon the most practicable course to pursue in my efforts to satisfactorily and truthfully determine the history of the Franklin Expedition.

"To extend this undertaking to a favourable conclusion will require the assistance of my fellow-countrymen. "This voyage is one I am about to make for the cause of humanity and science—for geographical discovery, and with the sole view of accomplishing good to mankind."

Such was the statement I made of my views and intentions. Happily, I had strong confirmation of my opinions concerning the Franklin Expedition from Mr. Henry Grinnell, who gave me the following letter:—

"New York, March 14, 1860.

"Mr. C. F. Hall,—

",—Probably no one in this country is more desirous of arriving at the truth relative to the fate of Sir John Franklin and his party than myself. The fate of Franklin and some of his officers and men is known by the record found on King William's Land by Captain (now Sir F. L.) Clintock; but the fate of 105 members of Franklin's Expedition, living on the 25th day of April, 1848, and many other matters important to the history of that expedition, has yet to be determined.

"I believe some of the 105 may yet be found habitants among the Esquimaux of Boothia, of Victoria, or Prince Albert Lands. I farther believe that the graves of Franklin and some of his officers and men, known to be dead, as well as the records of the expedition and many important relics, will be found on King William's Land, if search be made there in the months of July, August and September.

"The course you propose to pursue is entirely a new and important one, and I see not why, with the exercise of your best judgment, you may not ultimately accomplish all that