Ships if caught in the Ice, which is by no means improbable.
I suppose the Commanders would prefer taking up their winter
quarters on Land – the woodwork of the Interior of our veƒsels
is fitted to take out and put in with the view of removing
the Beds &c on shore if preferred – I am attached to
that division going direct to the Pole under the command
of Cap^t Buchan a pleasant gentlemanly man and one I
should ^ ^suppose who will strive every nerve to accomplish the object.
Many are sanguine of our succeeding – I have not I must
confeƒs yet arrived at that point – though I really see
much reason to hope and none to despair in the various
Books which are written on the Subject. Although we
should not actually succeed in effecting the paƒsage – the observations
in these high latitudes will be of the greatest importance
to Science in general – we go with a great variety of new
Instruments and Instructions for the expreƒs purpose of
making observations. I most sincerely hope some benefit
may be derived for Scientific People from our enquiries.
Whether our Efforts are succeƒsful or not I apprehend the officers
employed will have reason to expect Promotion on their return
There is a Rumour that M^r Parry and myself the two Commanders
of the smaller veƒsels – will have our Promotion before we
Sail – I cannot however trace the rumour to a good source
I dare not therefore indulge in the hope – should it take
place I really shall consider myself as one of the most
fortunate of men – since succeƒs [illegible] might
lead to the other step – at any rate would always insure
my future employment: Sir Joseph Banks has been
a most warm Friend – and to him only am I indebted for
my present advantageous appointment – I think he is disposed
to go considerable length to aƒsist and should not be surprized if