FURTHER INQUIRY RESOLVED ON.

213

wrote a statement in the Esquimaux language, affixing his signature to it in confirmation of his statement. After this, there remained but one thing for any one to hang a hopeful doubt hopeful doubt upon, and that was, that possibly Adam himself might not have rightly understood the natives, who were of a different tribe and race to himself. This question was put to him both by Sir John, first, and by our steward, and elicited the answer, that "he perfectly well understood them, and they had told him what he now stated."

This was, indeed, a climax to our fears and gloomy thoughts, which could not now, very well, be turned aside by argument or further doubt. Capt. Austin had called in two of his senior officers, and all were severally asked what was their opinion concerning it. To delay the expedition even for a day was of great risk where the season was already so far advanced, time so precious, much to be done, and the state of the ice both here and in Lancaster Sound still an uncertainty; and yet to let this strange tale pass without further inquiry, and without due examination of the coast to which it referred, would never do. What was the individual opinion of each

*This statement has appeared in the public papers; but, I am informed, cannot be made at all intelligible to the gentleman — a Moravian missionary, well conversant with the language — who tried to interpret it.

one present concerning the statement we had all heard? Sir John Ross, in reply, gave it as his firm belief that the whole affair was, alas! too true, for he could not but place credence in the tale Adam had told us; Captain Ommanney thought some importance ought to be attached to it as evidently referring to something of which we were not wholly cognizant; the two officers called in, thought the same; Commander Phillips, however, could not help having great doubt about it; Capt. Forsyth was out of the cabin at the time when opinions were requested; and myself, upon being asked, both now, and afterwards when alone with Capt. Austin, ventured very briefly to separate what I considered the clear parts of the story from those most confused and least credible, and to state, in conclusion, that I certainly thought there was so much truth in it as regarded some vessel or other, that the story could not entirely be set aside. Captain Austin, himself, was very much of this opinion, reasoning upon all the points of the question in that plain, clear, and common-sense manner which none can fail to understand. He could not believe that two ships like the "Erebus" and "Terror" and their fine crews, every way well equipped, could have been so destroyed; and though the ice might have done the chief work before the natives, yet it was still hardly

CAPT. OMMANNEY SENT FOR MR. PENNY. 215

credible. Then, too, how easily the natives themselves might have fabricated such a tale. There could not be a doubt that whalers had long before spread the report of two ships being missing, and that a reward was offered for any tidings of them; and this might, with such leading questions as Adam probably put to them, have led them to narrate so monstrous a tale. It was probable however, he added, that something might have occurred to some ship, perhaps to the "North Star," or tidings could be gained of her; and, consequently, he thought the readiest way would be to try and effect an immediate communication with Penny, whose vessels were still in sight at some little distance to the westward, apparently stopped by ice. Captain Penny and his interpreter might then proceed to Cape York and try once more to see the natives and get the truth from them. Accordingly, Capt. Ommanney was desired to proceed without delay in the "Intrepid ;" and after receiving on board Capt. Penny and his interpreter, who were to be requested to proceed on this affair, all speed was to be made to return to Cape York and get fresh information from the natives. The "Resolute" would meanwhile edge down gently to the southward till Capt. Ommanney returned.

The latter officer immediately took his departure; and when all was settled, our thoughts were

then turned as to what the commander and myself were to do. Sir John Ross and Commander Phillips, with the Esquimaux, had gone on board the " Felix,” which was close by; but the "Prince Albert" and the "Assistance" were a long way astern, and our boat, moreover, had been sent back upon our reaching the "Intrepid." We had nothing, therefore, to do for it but remain on board. Capt. Forsyth was accommodated in the gun-room, and Capt. Austin, with the courtesy which distinguishes that noblehearted sailor, invited me to occupy an arm-chair in his own cabin. It appeared almost like a palace to me, but it had some things in common with our own humble quarters, and amongst these were the portraits of Sir John Franklin and Sir John Barrow, presented to the ships by Lady Franklin and by Mr. Barrow.

STEAMERS MOVING
OMMANNEY HAVING AGAIN COMMUNICATED WITH THE

ABOUT IN THE ICE. -CAPTAIN

TAIN PENNY

HIS INTERPRETER, MR. PETERSEN.

"ADAM'S" STATEMENT DISPROVED.

· CALOOSÀ AGAIN.

RETURN TO THE OTHER SHIPS AND PROCEED, AS BEFORE, TO THE NORTHWARD.

I SLEPT but little during the night, or, rather, morning. It was not that I could not have slept in that manner; but the thoughts of what I had heard, aroused me after a few moments' slumber. It was too horrible to rest quietly upon, until the whole affair had been thoroughly examined and settled. Early in the morning I was again in motion, and, after paying my respects to Captain Austin, who was preparing for deck, I was soon in company with Commander Forsyth, a boat from the "Resolute” taking us on board our own vessel, which had, with the "Assistance," come up to us during the night