The note was all too brief. It had been placed where they believed it would be readily found, under the cairn marking the exploration of the region by an earlier expedition. 

The note simply read:

“25th, April 1848. Her Majesty’s ships 'Terror' and 'Erebus' were deserted on the 22nd April, 5 leagues North, Northwest of this spot, havIng been beset since 12th September, 1846. The officers and crews, consisting of 105 souls, under the command of Captain F.R.M. Crozier.

Sir John Franklin died on the 11th June, 1847; 

and the total loss by deaths in the expedition has been to this date 9 officers and 15 men. (Signed) JAMES FITZJAMES, Captain H.M.S. Erebus.

(Signed) F.R.M. CROZIER, Captain & Senior Officer

 

and on tomorrow, 26th, start for Back's Fish River.”

 

And on tomorrow, the 26th, we start for Back’s Fish River

We start for Back’s Fish River.

Consisting of 105 souls

105 souls

105 souls.