Journal of a Voyage in Baffin's Bay and Barrow Straits in the Years 1850–1851
Performed by H.M. ShipsLady Franklin and Sophia Under the Command of Mr. William Penny in Search of the Missing Crews of H.M. ShipsErebus and Terror

An 1852 first-hand account, in two volumes, of the search led by William Penny for the missing Franklin expedition.

Peter Cormack Sutherland (Author)

9781108072083, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 March 2014

620 pages, 12 b/w illus. 3 colour illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 3.5 cm, 0.78 kg

In the mid-nineteenth century, British Arctic exploration was focused on the search for the missing expedition of Sir John Franklin. Physician and geologist Peter Cormack Sutherland (1822–1900) served as surgeon on William Penny's 1850–1 search expedition, which was instructed to concentrate on Jones Sound, Wellington Channel and Barrow Strait in the Canadian Arctic. Sutherland's illustrated eyewitness account, first published in two volumes in 1852, tells of appalling weather conditions, notes the hazards of navigating icy seas, describes the wildlife and geology of the region, and offers observations on the Inuit. Sutherland also recounts the poignant discovery of Franklin's winter quarters at Beechey Island and the graves of several of his crew. Franklin's fate, however, was yet to be discovered. Volume 2 contains insightful details relating to sledging journeys and crew diet. The volume concludes with the return voyage to Britain.

16. Preparations for travelling
17. Travelling parties
18. Captain Penny's travelling report
19. Return of all the travelling parties except Mr Penny's
20. Return of Mr Penny
21. Passage to England
Appendix, containing detailed reports of the travelling parties.

Subject Areas: Historical geography [HBTP]