There is not space to narrate more of the various efforts made to search for the lost ships. I must, however, touch upon the attempts made by Lady Franklin and her friends. Twice did she send out the little yacht Prince Albert for the purpose of examining Boothia, but each time did the vessel come back unsuccessful. Strange to say, on the first occasion only 300 miles furAway, also, by the old route of Baffin Bay ther progress was necessary to have accomplishand Barrow Strait, where Austin and Omman-ed what we now know would have told the eventney, M'Clintock, Sherard Osborne, Cator, Aldridge, Bradford, M'Dougall, Allen, Penny, Stewart, Sutherland, Forsyth, and afterward

ful tale. Also, on the next voyage, her commander made a hazardous journey of several weeks on land in a direction which, at a certain point where he hesitated as to the route, was exactly opposite to the correct one. Had he gone south instead of north he would have solved the mystery. Then again did the persevering wife of Franklin try. A small screw steamer was sent, but had to be given up. Finally she bought the Fox, and, under M'Clintock's command, this vessel succeeded in obtaining the only tidings-tidings still unsatisfactory-yet known as to the unfortunate men's fate.

would be out of place to relate here, other than it bore strongly on the fact that only negative information was yet obtained, and all that M‘Clintock's party did, was while the snow and ice lay on the ground when very little could possibly be discovered. A summer and autumn search was necessary, and it was this that he now sought to accomplish. Insufficient support was given. The attempt failed from want of means; and it now rests with him to do all in his power to aid any one else who, as Mr. Hall proposes, intends prosecuting the work until this strange mystery is truly solved. But let us see what it is proposed to be done, and as yet in part accomplished.

Previous to this, however, in 1854, Dr. Rae, while exploring the south of Boothia, met with certain Esquimaux who told him that "white We have already said that doubts, in many men" had been seen some summers before in a minds, existed as to the fate of the Franklin very famished state, dragging along a boat to- Expedition being truly known. Apart from all ward the Great Fish River where they had all idea as to the possibility of any members of that perished. Many articles, watches, coins, silver, expedition surviving for years among the Esquietc., were found in possession of these natives, maux, there is still the question of what has beand were deemed by the Admiralty sufficient come of their ships, their journals, their scienevidence to conclude that the fate of Franklintific records, and private papers? This question, and his party had been determined. Accordingly their names were erased from the Navy list-a reward of $50,000 was given to Dr. Rae, and the whole affair was then thought to be at an end. But, as I have just said, the mourning wife of the lost chief did not coincide with this view, nor did many of note in the land. The Fox therefore was dispatched, and in 1857 left England on her errand of mercy.

The voyage of the Fox and the account Captain M'Clintock gave, is well known.* After two years' absence he returned to England with a report that the true fate of the lost expedition had been determined by the discovery of a record placed in dépôt, and three skeletons, a boat, and a large quantity of clothes, ships' stores, and other material on King William's Land. The Esquimaux also stated that the ships had been seen, and that one was crushed, while the other would be found "asleep" on shore. The record was meagre in detail, and unsatisfactory as to facts. Sir J. Franklin had died in June, 1847-the vessels were abandoned in 1848, and the officers and crews, numbering one hundred and eight persons, were, under Crozier and Fitzjames, on their way to the Fish River. This, coupled with the tale given to Dr. Rae, was now considered as quite conclusive; and all further hope of knowing more about these unhappy wanderers was abandoned, except by a very few. Among the few, and determined then to persevere in further search, was the writer of this article. The reasons he gave in lectures all over England, by papers read before the British Association at Oxford and Manchester, and in print through the press and published pamphlets, were carefully examined by men of scientific note, both opposed to, and in favor of another expedition. The result was, no disproof of the soundness of his arguments by those adverse to him, and open countenance of his plans by such as deemed his theory good. What that was See Harper's Magazine for March, 1860.

it is true, may not be deemed of much importance by those who have not closely examined into Arctic affairs. But in reality it is so; for it must ever be remembered that for nineteen months Franklin and his officers were beset in the ice close to the Magnetic Pole. Indeed, from observations afterward made by M'Clintock, it is almost certain that one of their encampments (that at Cape Felix) was actually upon the spot. The Magnetic Pole is situated in about lat. 7°, long. 97° 19', from the Pole of the Earth. It is still a mystery, and has baffled all efforts (as yet known) of scientific men concerning it. In 1831, when Ross discovered its position by instruments with him, he had little opportunity for doing more than determining the spot within a circle of a mile in diameter. But since then M'Clintock fixes it at Cape Felix, forty miles W.S.W. of its former position, and this leads to the belief, long entertained, that the Magnetic Pole slowly moves; thus, perchance, accounting for the variations detected at observatories in the magnetic needle.

Now as the British Government, in its instructions to Franklin, deemed it of "great importance" that daily observations should be carried on when in the vicinity of the Magnetic Pole, it is quite certain that during the nineteen months they were located there, a vast amount of scientific material, particularly useful to mankind, must have been collected. That such material, with all the valuable informationgeographical, ethnological, meteorological, and otherwise they had obtained, was safely deposited, by a duplicate copy, in their principal dépôt (yet undiscovered), can hardly be doubted. To recover those documents is-as many eminent men consider-worth one more serious effort. M'Clintock did not seek for them: he was not able to search for them: he was on a specific duty, viz., the ascertaining what had become of that chief whose mourning wife had sent him out. Therefore, even had the ground

been denuded of its wintry covering, he would hardly have been justified in remaining another season to look for scientific journals, after the fate of Franklin himself had been ascertained. But, apart from this, the present writer has positivé evidence that more could have been found had not certain matters (never made public) prevented it. Thus, then, it is no stretch of fancy to say that if the locality of the Magnetic Pole is again reached, and a certain spot which geographers and Arctic chiefs tell me I am right in forming the idea of be examined, no doubt valuable results will be attained, and the cost of any such attempt more than amply repaid by pecuniary returns from Government if needed.

great the obstacles may be in England, when such work is attempted by one of the People, instead of by the naval aristocracy, yet here the case is different, and it is to be hoped that Mr. Hall will be well encouraged when he again starts on his adventurous errand. His idea was good, and precisely that put forth long ago and frequently since by the present writer. Indeed, it is the only real way of arriving at the truth, unless by aid of a totally different kind to that generally adopted. But there can be little doubt that a small vessel-large enough for carrying stores and for giving sleeping accommodation, and yet no larger than for such use—is better than any thing else. Alone, and with only native aid, information is all that can be gained. Nothing can be brought back, even if discovered. But in a vessel, no matter how small, every thing may be brought home.

In 1860, at Oxford, before the British Association, and after remarks to the above effect were made by me, Admiral Sir Edward Belcher said, "He advocated another search, and he was quite of opinion that magnetic observations had been carried on at Cape Felix. Records would be found buried, and duplicates taken on by a traveling party." Lord Wrottesly in his Address, in 1856, after showing how great the advantage is of Polar research, said: "Independently of additions to our geographical and physical knowledge, the possible recovery of the magnetic observations and the journals of the Franklin Expedition is a consideration of great moment, since the former must have been made by officers well trained to the task, with excellent instruments verified before the sailing of the expedition, and in localities possessing peculiar interest in reference to the theory of mag-known does not in the least degree lessen the netism."

Baron Von Humboldt said, in a letter: "Is it possible that, after so many generous sacrifices made by two nations of the same race, having in their possession part of the property known to belong to those victims of shipwreck-after having reduced to such a small space the country to be searched-is it possible, I repeat, that they do not add a last effort (perilous as is every thing great and hazardous) for the solution of this sorrowful problem?"

As for the supposition that records can not exist so long, I merely refer to the fact that one of Parry's, on Melville Island, was discovered in good order thirty-one years after being deposited, and another of his twenty-five years old. When Ross escaped he carried even minerals with him a part of the way. These with other things he had to abandon; but he deposited them in a secure place, and they were afterward brought home to England in a whaling ship sent expressly to the locality for them.

The discoveries made by Mr. Hall are on the outer coast-if we may so term it-of all Arctic geography. The sheet of water called Frobisher Strait has been well known for years past, though the British Hydrographic Department, in accordance with its usual habit of never correcting mistakes, or printing new discoveries unless coming from their own naval officers, made no acknowledgment of the facts brought home by whaling ships. This was shown in the case of the first American Arctic Expedition, and in all similar affairs, whether strangers or Englishmen may be concerned.

But the fact of "Frobisher Strait" being well

value of Mr. Hall's important services in geographical exploration. A glance at any good map of the Arctic Regions will show how much remains yet to be done, and, comparatively, how easily it may be accomplished. In a commercial point of view alone it is worth the effort. Valuable furs can be obtained, and mineral wealth, quite clear of the jurisdiction or rights of the Hudson Bay Company. In Prince of Wales Land there is an excellent copper-mine, some of the ore of which was brought to England and deposited in the British Museum. In Boothia abundance of animal life is to be found at the proper seasons; and on the west parts of Cockburn's Land, above and northwest of Mr. Hall's researches, there is quite a new field for the adventurous explorer, or the capitalist who would speculate in that direction.

It appears, by such reports as have yet been published, that Mr. Hall conceived the idea of still following up the search for additional traces of the lost Polar Expedition. To successfully Now, it is almost literally the case that some accomplish this he passed his first winter in American whaling ships annually go within a learning the Esquimaux language, and adoptcomparatively short distance of the very spot ing their style of life. He then began his exwhere the Franklin records could be possibly plorations in a boat, accompanied by six natives, obtained. Is there any reason, then, why a male and female. The latter are especially small vessel, expressly fitted out for that pur- serviceable in all northern expeditions. Every pose, but making furs, etc., also auxiliary to it, account we read of these voyages, from Parry could not accomplish what was wanted, and also downward, shows the value of the opposite sex prove serviceable in opening out new whaling in all matters where information has to be gaingrounds? Surely none whatever; and, however ed. They are the best interpreters, skillful geog.

འ

ferate be as. Many by the Esquimaux and taken to a Moravian missionary setmis mud be shown: and reference tlement. Finally they arrived at North Shields on the 28th Dr Hayes, things of the missing long-boat and her crew. Last year Angust, 1860, and since then there has never been any sprove the Company's ships brought no news except a letter from s smering early Great Whale River, which I have an extract of, and send vy die ou a copy, and would like to have your opinion, as the parting of the boats seems mysterious to me. - mi men As it has been known for people to live for years among the Esquimax, I am hoping, year after year, that come traces will be Land of them. Should any thing come under your no:s Lost Disice, either at home or abroad, I humbly beg, dear Sir,

2

Is that

will remember me, for not knowing the end of my och lamented husband's sufferings has caused me to live in great distress of mind, which I trust will be sufficient apology for my troubling you; and may a kind Providence watch over you is the sincere wish of

P.S-Extract of letter from Chief Factor Anderson, dated Great Whale River, September 27, 1861:

L

During last winter and spring, I have learned from the Esquimaux that the boat of the Kitty came on shore But exactly when, or how, I can not find out, as our insomewhere in Nugava Bay, and that the crew all perished. serpreter understands English so badly that he has a diffmity in understanding us, and I fear gives a poor translation of what the Esquimaux tell him.'"

The glacier discovered by Mr. Hall, and named by him "Grinnell Glacier," is one of many that may be found in those regions. The numerous channels running west from Davis Straits abound av in them. Eclipse Sound, or rather Strait, as Tat may be inferred (farther North), is full of all that belongs to the grandeur of Alpine scenery. Indeed, the entire locality embraced within an area of 15 north and south, and 30° east and west, presents a wondrous field for the artist, the lover of nature, the geologist, the enterprissini ing capitalist, or the adventurous traveler.

The natives brought home by Mr. Hall are now becoming so familiar to inhabitants of civized America and Europe that little description is needed concerning them. The habits and customs of these singular people are, however, not so well known, except by a few. It will, therefore, be very interesting to the public at large if Mr. Hall gives the series of lectures on ter the subject he proposes, especially accompanied up by the collection he has made.

of Current

of Current Events.

Stares of the South by the strongest social, political, and commercial ties; and believing that the people Maryland desired to throw off the government of the United States, the South had long wished to and them in so doing. No restraint would be laid Wheth upon the citizens of Maryland, but they would be our un protected in every opinion. "It is for you," he hand Barper's adds, "to decide your destiny freely and without reu are acadou straint. This army will respect your choice, whatWwwata ut at ever it may be; and while the Southern people will A do rejoice to welcome you to your natural position tobusal to the among them, they will only welcome you when you yh of Marched, come of your own free-will." A general uprising in of the Couderate their favor of the people of Maryland was undoubtwowpath edly anticipated by the Confederate leaders, which which had been indicted would enable them not only to maintain their posiled to the tion in that State, but even allow them to carry the

war into Pennsylvania. took place.

But nothing of the kind | wooded knolls, with cultivated fields between. The battle commenced on the right, where, after half an Our army, which with the exception of about hour's sharp fighting, the enemy began to give way, 14,000 men at Harper's Ferry had been concentrated and were forced across a corn-field, where they suf near the Capital, and had been placed under the im- fered severely, into a dense wood, followed hard by mediate command of General M'Clellan, advanced to our men. As they advanced, they were received meet the enemy. Passing up the Potomac, they in- by a deadly fire, and forced back half-way to their terposed in force between the Confederates and the original position; while large bodies of the enemy fords by which they had crossed, threatening to cut poured upon them. Hooker ordered up fresh regioff their retreat in case they should be defeated. ments. He was severely wounded, and the comPerceiving this, the Confederates abandoned Fred- mand of his division devolved upon Sumner. The erick, and went northward to Hagerstown, which struggle was now for the corn-field. First we drove was occupied on the 11th. A strong body was then them from it back again into the woods. Then they sent to attack Harper's Ferry. The assault was rallied and regained the field. At 1 o'clock affairs opened on the 12th and continued during the follow-on the right had a gloomy look. All that had been ing day, when our troops were driven from the gained in front was lost, our men were almost exheights on the Maryland side. On Monday morn-hausted, but the enemy were in no better condition. ing the place was fairly surrounded, and fire was opened from seven or eight different points. In the opinion of Colonel Miles, who commanded, it was utterly useless to hold out longer, and on the morning of the 15th he ordered the white flag to be raised; and a few moments after he was struck by a shot which mortally wounded him. The cavalry, numbering some 2000 who had been at the Ferry, cut their way through the enemy's lines and escaped.engaged in a desperate struggle. He had to cross The remainder of our troops, to the number of about 11,000, surrendered, and were immediately parolled, The enemy also possessed themselves of 50 cannon, and a considerable amount of stores and ammunition. It is generally held that the surrender at the time was not necessary, but that the place might have held out until it could be reinforced. Its possession was of considerable advantage to the enemy, though they retained it but for one day; the bridge over the Potomac not being destroyed enabled them to cross the river, and take part in the Battle of Antietam which followed on the 17th.

Franklin now came up with fresh troops, retook the corn-field for the last time, and dashed upon the woods, drove out the enemy, and held the point. The battle on the right was won. Mansfield, whose corps had been sent to the support of Hooker early in the action, was shot in the breast by a rifle-ball, receiving a mortal wound, while forming his men for the attack. In the mean time Burnside on the left was

the Antietam Creek in order to reach the enemy. This was spanned by a stone bridge which was strongly defended by infantry and artillery. The first attempt to take the bridge was repulsed with heavy loss. A second was made, with no better success. He resolved upon a third and still more desperate effort, commanding the assault in person. The bridge was stormed, our soldiers passed it, formed into line on the other side, the enemy falling back to his batteries upon the hills beyond. It was now 4 o'clock, and Burnside was ordered by M'Clellan to carry these batteries at all hazards. He carried the one nearest to him, on a low hill commanded by a higher one beyond. The enemy hurled large bodies of troops against him, and forced him back toward the bridge. He sent to M'Clellan for reinforcements, saying that without them he could not hold his position for half an hour. There were no reinforcements that could be detached. M'Clellan replied that he must hold his ground till night, at any cost; or at all events he must defend the bridge to the last man. If that was lost, all was lost. Burnside did hold the bridge, and the day was won. The action was not renewed on the following day, which was spent in

In the mean time the enemy, under Lee, commenced its retreat from Frederick toward the fords of the Potomac above those by which they had crossed into Maryland, being closely followed by our forces. Our advance-the right and centre under Hooker and Reno, the left under Franklin-came up early on the morning of the 14th with the enemy, who were strongly posted on the crest of the South Mountain, commanding the road to Hagerstown. The attack on both wings was successful, the action lasting from noon until nightfall. The enemy were forced from all their positions, and retreated during the night in the direction of Williamsport, still high-removing the wounded and burying the dead. In er up the river, and about 15 miles above Harper's Ferry, losing a considerable number of prisoners. In this action General Reno was killed.

The Confederates, under Jackson, having hastily abandoned Harper's Ferry, recrossed the Potomac, and joined the main body under Lee. Our combined forces, under M'Clellan, with Hooker, Burnside, Mansfield, Sumner, Franklin, and others, followed rapidly, and at evening of the 16th came up with them, strongly posted on Antietam Creek, ready to give battle. The action commenced at daylight on the morning of the 17th of September. It was opened by Hooker's corps, formerly commanded by M'Dowell, which formed our right in conjunction with Mansfield's, formerly Banks's corps; Sumner's corps formed our centre; while Burnside's formed a flanking column on the left. All the available forces of both armies, with their best commanders, were on the field. The ground was admirably adapted to give full play to the skill of the officers and the bravery of the soldiers, being undulating, broken by

the night the enemy fell back to the Potomac, which they crossed without serious opposition. Their stay in Maryland was just a fortnight, and the results of the expedition have proved more disastrous to them than our attempt upon Richmond was to us. General M'Clellan, in his official report, gives the following as some of the results of the battles of South Mountain and Antietam :

"At South Mountain our loss was 443 dead, 1906 wound

ed, and 76 missing. Total, 23.5. At Antietam our loss was 2010 killed, 9416 wounded, and 1043 missing. Total, 12,469. Total loss in the two battles, 14,794.

"The loss of the rebels in the two battles, as near as can be ascertained from the number of their dead found

upon the field, and from other data, will not fall short of the following estimate:

intended the burial of the dead, reports about 3000 rebels buried upon the field of Antietam by our troops.

"Major Davis, Assistant Inspector-General, who super

"Previous to this, however, the rebels had buried many of their own dead upon the distant portion of the battleleast 500. The loss of the rebels at South Mountain can field, which they occupied after the battle-probably at not be ascertained with accuracy; but as our troops con