red every kind of hardship, from
the loss of boats and the mutiny of their attendants: several perished,
having eaten their old shoes and scraps of leather: yet Franklin
recorded in his journal the following grateful expressions--"We looked
to the great author and giver of all good for the continuance of the
support hitherto supplied in our greatest need." They completed a
journey of 5,550 miles. The narrative of this expedition excited at the
time much admiration, as a rare example of intrepidity, perseverance,
and elevated piety.[231] In 1824 Franklin was entrusted with the charge
of another expedition. They were attacked by the Indians, and the party
was saved from destruction by the coolness and judgment of the leaders:
they encountered storms, fogs, and cold, which prevented their reaching
their destination. These efforts considerably enlarged the scientific
knowledge of the icy region. On his return to England in 1843, it was
resolved to confide to Sir John Franklin a new effort to discover the
north-west passage. Accompanied by Captain Crozier, he sailed in May,
1845. The vessels--the _Erebus_ and _Terror_--were furnished with
provisions and artificial fuel for four years. They were last seen by
whalers in Lancaster's Sound.

In 1847 the long absence of Franklin and the 136 persons under his
command awakened considerable alarm. English expeditions, both by land
and water, a reward of L20,000 offered by parliament, and the earnest
co-operation of foreign powers, have done all that money, or daring, or
affection could accomplish to solve the mystery of their fate. Though
these efforts are not even now (1852) relinquished, the issue has ceased
to be regarded with hope;--except by Lady Franklin, whose exertions to
rouse and prolong the search have excited the sympathy and admiration of
nations.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 228: _Narrative of some passages in the History of Van
Diemen's Land, during the last three years of Sir John Franklin's
administration of its government._]

[Footnote 229: _Franklin's Narrative_, p. 21.]

[Footnote 230: _Back's Expedition_, p. 180. 1836.]

[Footnote 231: _Quarterly Review._]

HISTORY OF TASMANIA

FROM 1843 TO 1847.

FROM 1843 TO 1847.

SECTION I.

Sir John Eardley Eardley-Wilmot, Bart., succeeded Sir John Franklin,
August 21st, 1843. His short and troubled administration, although
crowded with incident, presents few events of permanent interest.
Cha