Synopses & Reviews
When the experienced Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin (1786-1847) was put in command of an expedition in 1845 to search for the elusive North-West Passage he had the backing of the Admiralty and was equipped with two specially-adapted ships and a three-year supply of provisions. Franklin was last seen by whalers in Baffin Bay in July 1845. When the expedition failed to return in 1848, enormous resources were mobilised to try to discover its fate. In 1852 H.M.S. 'Assistance' was sent to lead another search mission. It was captained by Edward Belcher (1799-1877), who recounts his unsuccessful adventure in this illustrated two-volume book, first published in 1855. Volume 2 covers, and attempts to justify, Belcher's much-criticised decision to abandon four ships in the pack-ice. It also contains Belcher's views on reports of cannibalism among Franklin's crew, as well as scientific observations and a fascinating list of provisions.
Synopsis
This 1855 publication by the leader of an unsuccessful search for missing Arctic explorers describes the harsh conditions they encountered.
Synopsis
Published in 1855, this two-volume account by the captain of H.M.S. Assistance describes his unsuccessful mission to find the missing Arctic expedition led by John Franklin (1786-1847). Volume 1 describes the outward journey, Arctic animals, and the men's struggle against the cold of the northern winter.
Table of Contents
Preface; Preliminary; 1. At sea; 2. Anchor at Upernavik; 3. Native dogs; 4. Frozen in; 5. Retreat; 6. The 'Assistance'; 7. Transit telescope; 8. Short days; 9. Rise of temperature; 10. The cairn; 11. Inconvenient elevation; 12. Hamilton Depot; 13. Open water; 14. First symptom of winter.