“Sir John Franklin left England, accompanied by Captain Crozier, in the ships 'Erebus' and 'Terror,' in the year 1845. Nothing being subsequently heard, as many as 17 expeditions from England, and three from America were sent for the relief. In 1855, tne British Government satisfied of the death of Sir John, desisted from sending other expeditions. Franklin's idea had been to force a passage either to east or west, or sail across the Pole to India. In 1870, however, an attempt was made to reach the Pole, and the American Government fitted out a wooden gunboat, under Captain Hall's command, but the Captain died, and disaster overtook his followers. The British Government thereupon resolved in 1875, to send out an expedition extremely well equipped, with instructions to approach as near as possible to the Pole. Captain Nares was chosen Commander, and the ships ' Alert ' and ' Discovery,' were fearfully and wonderfully fitted up for the purpose. The Prince of Wales and his brother inspected the ships on the 21st May. On the 29th the ships left Portsmouth, and in course of time, sighted Cape Farewell. The ships, however, got separated after leaving England, and did not meet till just before reaching Disco Island. Here the travellers met Eskimo friends. The ships touched at Upernavik, the most northerly abode of civilised man, one ship grounding in Discovery Bay, the other in Rodmore Harbour. After staying in winter quarters, during which a push was made for the Pole, and many interesting incidents occurred, the ships safely arrived again at Portsmouth 29th October.”