Having wintered in 1846-7 at Beechey Island in lat. 74° 43´ 28´´ N., long. 91° 39´ 5´´ W., after having ascended Wellington Channel to lat. 77°, and returned by the west side of Cornwallis Island.
Sir John Franklin commanding the expedition.
All well.
THE FRANKLIN RECORD
Party, consisting of 2 officers and 6 men, left the ships on Monday, 24th May 1847.
Gm. Gore, Lieut.
Chas. F. Des Vœux, Mate.”
The following notes were written round the margin:—
“April 25th, 1848.—H.M. ships Erebus and Terror were deserted on the 22nd April, 5 leagues N.N.W. of this, having been beset since 12th September 1846. The officers and crews, consisting of 105 souls, under the command of F.R.M. Crozier, landed here in lat. 69° 37´ 42´´ N., long. 98° 41´ W. Sir John Franklin died on 11th June 1847; and the total loss by death in the expedition has been, to this date, 9 officers and 15 men.
(Signed)(Signed)
F. R. M. Crozier, James Fitzjames,
Captain and Senior Officer.Capt. H.M.S. Erebus.