The Arkansas Banner

Arctic Expedition.

Copy of a dispatch received at the Navy Department from Lieut. Ed. J. De Haven, commanding the United States expedition in search of Sir John Franklin.

United States Brig Advance,

Whale Fish Island, June 29, 1850.

Sir: I have the honor to report the proceedings of the squadron under my command up to this date.

This vessel arrived here on the 29th inst., after rather a long passage, owing to light winds. Many icebergs were met with on the eastern coast of Newfoundland, and as far up as latitude 51 deg. N. From thence we found a perfectly clear sea until within one hundred miles of this place, when a few bergs were met, but not enough to obstruct navigation.

The Rescue arrived here on the 27th. By keeping more to the eastward off Newfoundland, she avoided the bergs by which we were surrounded, and saw but little ice during the passage.

To the NE of Newfoundland, in latitude 49 deg. 30 min., in the night, during a thick fog, with a light fair wind, we came in contact with a large iceberg. It could not be seen in time to avoid it. We got clear of it in a few minutes, fortunately with no other damage than the loss of a jib-boom, which we were able to replace.

The English squadron, under the command of Com. Austin, sailed from here only the day before we got in. We were fortunate in finding his store-ship here, about to return to England, as it gives us a good opportunity of sending letters home.

I was in hopes of finding a good supply of seal-skin dresses here for our men, but found that Com. Austin had exhausted the whole supply. But a few indifferent suits were procured. I am in hopes, however, of being more successful at the Northern settlement, (Upernavik,) where I propose touching.

For information, I sent a boat to Lively, on Disco Island, twenty-five miles distant from this anchorage. The Danish authorities treated both officers and men in a very kind and hospitable manner; but nothing of importance, either in the way of supplies or information, could be procured, the English having engrossed everything.

We shall leave here to-day, and proceed to the north, touching at Upernavik, if wind and weather will permit. Thence we shall make for Lancaster Sound. Should Wellington Strait be open on my reaching it, and finding that none of the English vessels have entered it ahead of me, I shall make a bold push for the north and west in that direction.

With the exception of one man, (whom I send home as an invalid, entirely disqualified to stand the climate,) the officers and crews of both vessels are in good health and spirits, and appear sanguine as to the success of our undertaking.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

Edwin J. De Haven,

Lieut. Commanding Arctic Expedition.

The Hon. W. Ballard Preston,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington.