LIBRARY OF THE MELAND STAMFORD MINNVERSITA а.48440 MAR G2 1901 LONDON: Printed by A. SPOTTISWOODE, ΤΟ CAPT. SIR JOHN FRANKLIN, R. N. COMMANDING THE NORTH POLAR EXPEDITION. MY DEAR SIR JOHN, Fully impressed with the idea, that a token seldom corresponds, and never is expected to correspond, in value to the sentiments it is meant to testify, I still take the liberty of inscribing to you this slight but most sincere tribute, not only of my regard and esteem, but of a gratitude far exceeding the ordinary sense of obligation, for those courtesies, and that hospitality, which, in common with every visitor, I experienced from you in Hobart Town. In my case, indeed, I have to acknowledge far more than mere conventional civilities. When, after completing the exploration of New South Wales, I ventured on that of Van Diemen's Land, I was welcomed, on my arrival at Launceston, by a kind letter of yours, which is now before me, and which insured to me, a stranger at that time, all the protection and assistance which the pursuit I was engaged in could require. The two years and a half which followed, were often marked by instances of that assistance, and always by the uninterrupted manifestation of a most kind and friendly interest, on the part both of Lady Franklin and yourself; and even when far away from Van Diemen's Land, in other climes and countries, the influence of your friendly disposition followed me still, as on my return to England I found myself honoured by an address from the Tasmanian Public, headed by your name, and which, from the motives which prompted it, will form the proudest memorial of my life. Whilst acknowledging my obligations to you, permit me at the same time, my dear Sir John, to offer you in all sincerity my most warm and cordial wishes for the success of that important Expedition which in a few days will leave the shores of England under your command. Nearly eighteen years have elapsed since last you visited the Polar Regions,— three hundred since the first attempt was made to ascertain the practicability of navigating round the Northern Boundary of the American Continent : May the enviable lot of solving this still pending geographical problem fall to your share! and may that good fortune be united with a prosperous voyage, and a safe return to your country and your friends! Believe me, &c. &c. My dear Sir John, Yours most sincerely, P. E. DE STRZELECKI. London, May 13. 1845. PREFACE. In the course of my travels and voyages round the globe, and which occupied twelve years, I had explored or visited both North and South America, part of the West Indies, the South Sea Islands, New Zealand, New South Wales, Van Diemen's Land, the Javanese Islands, part of China and the East Indies, and Egypt. On my return to England, I had the honour to receive, through the hands of Francis Corbould, Esq., the following address from the Tasmanian Public, dated Van Diemen's Land, June, 1843: "We, the undersigned, cannot suffer you to depart from our shores without presenting to you the assurance of our sincere regret. The benefits which you have conferred upon our country have added other motives to those of private friendship, which call for a public and united expression of our esteem. "We are conscious that much is owing to your scientific knowledge, and to your indefatigable exertions; much that will, from henceforth, advance the progress of science, and the developement of the natural resources of Tasmania; and, in thanking you for these benefits, suffer us also to acknowledge one still more valuable than these, and still more worthy of our gratitude that example, namely, which has testified among us the 1 reality and the dignity of his calling who exchanges the ordinary pursuits and pleasures of life for the patient and self-denying investigation of the works of God: may He amply reward you with that knowledge for which you seek. "Permit us, as your friends and well-wishers, bound to you more especially by the interest which you have attached to our adopted home, to offer our contribution towards the completion of your labours in illustration of the physical phenomena of this country. It was originally our purpose to have presented a chronometer as the token of our esteem, until we understood that you are already so well provided in that respect. "We now beg to be allowed to leave to your better judgment the selection of a more appropriate alternative; feeling, at the same time, that the result of your labours, when given to the world, would form a most fitting and durable monument of your connection with those regions, and (we trust it may not be ungrateful to you to add) with the friends whom you have left behind." The signatures to this address were headed by that of His Excellency the Governor, Sir John Franklin, R. N.; His Honour the Chief Justice, Sir John Pedder; the Colonial Secretary, G. Boyes, Esq.; and comprehended those of most of the settlers in Van Diemen's Land. To the very flattering expressions and hearty good wishes which this address breathes throughout, was added a subscription amounting to 400l. sterling, 100%. of which was contributed by Sir John Franklin himself. I need not say with what emotions of honest pride and pleasure I received this address and subscription, and how fully and gratefully I appreciated the ex |