2-888-612 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Captain Austin's Expedition, Sent in Search of Sir John Franklin, 1850. Ships bound for the Arctic: 'The Expedition consists of the Resolute, Captain H. T. Austin; the Assistance, Captain Erasmus Ommanney; the Pioneer, Lieutenant-Commander Sherard Osborn; and the Intrepid, Lieutenant-Commander, John Bettie Cator. The...vessels have been provided with a great number of scientific aids and appliances...The Gutta Percha Company manufactured eight light gutta percha sledges or boats of 201b weight each...When turned upside down, they will be found admirably adapted to serve as a shelter to the men during the night...A number of copies were also supplied to each vessel of a highly useful and easily understood vocabulary of the Esquimaux language, compiled by Captain Washington, R.N., and suitable for carrying in the pocket on land excursions or over the ice'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.