dangers were not to be apprehended, while the objects to he attained, were important at once to the naval character, scientific reputation, and commercial interests of Great Britain; and I received directions from Earl Bathurst to make the necessary preparations for the equipment of the expedition, to the command of which I had the honor to be nominated.
“My much valued friend. Dr. Richardson, offered his services as naturalist and surgeon, and also volunteered to undertake the survey of the coast to the eastward, while I should be occupied in endeavouring to reach Icy Cape. Lieutenant Bushnan, who had served under Captains Ross and Parry, was likewise appointed to accompany me; but, long before the party was to leave England, I had to lament the premature death of that excellent young officer, who was eminently qualified for the service, by his skill in astronomical observations, surveying, and drawing[1]. Many naval officers, distinguished for their talent and ability, were desirous of filling the vacancy; but my friend and former companion, Lieutenant Back, having returned from the West Indies, the appointment was offered to him, and accepted with his wonted zeal, Mr. Edward Nicholas Kendall, admiralty mate, and recently assistant-surveyor with Captain Lyon[2], was appointed to accompany Dr. Richardson in his voyage from the mouth of the Mackenzie to the eastward, and to do the duty of assistant-surveyor to the expedition at large, whilst it continued united. Lastly, Mr. Thomas Drummond, of Forfar, was appointed assistant-naturalist.
“A residence in the northern parts of America, where the party must necessarily depend for subsistence on the daily supply of fish, or on the still more precarious success of Indian hunters, involves many duties which require the superintendence of a person of long experience in the management of these duties, and in the arrangement of the Canadian voyagers and Indians: we had many opportunities, during the former journey, of being acquainted with the qualifications of Mr. Peter Warren Dease, a chief trader of the Hudson’s Bay Company, for these services, and I therefore procured the sanction of His Majesty’s Government for his being employed on the expedition.
“As soon as I had authority from Earl Bathurst, I entered into a correspondence with the Governor and Directors of the Hudson’s Bay Company; and these gentlemen, taking the most lively interest in the. objects of the expedition, promised their utmost support to it, and forthwith sent injunctions to their officers in the Fur Countries to provide, the necessary depots of provisions at the places which I pointed out, and to give every other aid in their power.
“Pemmican, the principal article of provision used in travelling, being