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Colonel H. W. FEILDEN
Naturalist to the Nares Expedition of 1875–76.
I consider the exploration of the west coast of Ellesmere Land by the mode suggested in your paper not only entirely practicable but certain to obtain most valuable results, with the minimum expenditure of money. I think it almost certain that a small party organized as suggested would be able to trace the west shore of Ellesmere Land and prove whether Hayes Sound is a fiord or a channel. They might possibly connect with Greely's farthest, on the southwest of Grinnell Land. I trust that a competent geologist may be included in the expedition, for observations made on the west coast of Ellesmere Land and Grinnell Land would be of the highest value, and would connect with those of General Greely in Grinnell Land and my own from Cape Sabine to Cape Joseph Henry on the east coast. Let me join in the invaluable advice given by Commodore Melville, to establish a base, and on no account allow the party to attempt exploration unless fire-proof shelter and a year's supply are deposited at the base.
Another letter of Colonel FEILDEN.
I told you in my last that I had written to Sir George Nares, enclosing your prospectus. I also sent him your letter to read. I heard from him this morning, and he writes:
"Stein is evidently on the right track. I will write to him on Sunday if possible."
If I can assist further let me know. I take the same interest in American Arctic enterprises as in British ones, and my good wishes and sympathies are as cordial as if your expedition carried the Union Jack instead of the Stars and Stripes. I will tell you a tale in connection with Arctic story that I do not think has ever seen the light.
When Aldrich returned to the ship from his wonderful sledge journey round the north shore of Grinnell Land in 1876, we were discussing at the ward-room table a suitable name for the
