CONTENTS. Page Introductory Remarks ....... 5 CHAPTER I. The Public Duty, under still existing Grounds of Hope, concerning our gallant Countrymen . . • . 9 CHAPTER II. Historical Sketch of the Plan and Outset of the Missing Expedition, and of Researches hitherto made for its Relief . . . . . . . . .10 CHAPTER III. Considerations as to present Measures for the Discovery and Relief of the Franklin Expedition . . .31 CHAPTER IV. The Passage of the Middle Ice—or the Crossing of Baffin Bay ......... 50 CHAPTER V. On Aids to the Furtherance of Research . . . .80 APPENDIX I. On the Researches by the Herald and Plover, by Behring Strait, in the Summer of 1849 . . 96 II. Tabular Record of the Times of Passing the Middle Ice, by the leading Ship, or Ships . . . .98