INTELLIGENCE from the Whale Ships, 1845
Last known Position of the Polar Ships.
Hull, 29 October 1845.
I Have seen Captain Dannett of the Prince of Wales, who
states that he was not in Lancaster Sound; but whilst in Melville Bay on
the 26th July 74deg.- 48 min. N. lat ., long 66 deg. - 13 min. W., he fell
in with the discovery ships, distant about three miles: a boat with seven
officers board him, but he does not know their names; one was second
in command of one of the ships (Captain Fitzjames); no letters were left,
but the officers were all well, and in high spirits; Captain Dannett was
to have dined on board Sir John Franklin's ship the following day, but,
the wind favouring him, he did not do himself this honour, otherwise no
doubt letters would have been sent to you. Captain D. was as far as 14
miles from Cape York, bearing east by compass. About the 12th July the
discovery ships were in the stream of Lancaster Sound, in Melville Bay,
intending to cross for the Sound as soon as the ice opened (this was on
the 26th July). Captain D. got clear of Melville Bay 12th August: the ice
was very heavy, but loose: the officers expressed good hopes of soon completing
the expedition. Captain D. further states, that during three weeks after
parting company with the ships, he experienced very fine weather, and thinks
they would have made good progress.
I have, &c.
J. R. Duncan
John Barrow, Esq
Admiralty, London
source: (Official Report on ther
Franklin Expedition):
Arctic Expedition, Ordered By the House of
Commons,
to be Printed 13 April 1848
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