I have the honour to inform you that H.M. ships under my command left Bantry Bay on June 2. The _Valorous_ arrived at this port on the 4th, and the _Alert_ and _Discovery_ on the 6th instant. After leaving the Irish coast, finding that the _Valorous_ could not keep station while we were under sail alone, I directed her to part company, and make her voyage independently. During the passage we encountered three consecutive gales from the westward, and after passing Cape Farewell one from the northward, each accompanied with high seas. Owing to the heavy lading of the Arctic ships they were extremely wet and uneasy, which necessitated the hatchways to be frequently battened down; otherwise they behaved well. The _Alert_ and _Discovery_ each lost a whale-boat during a heavy gale on June 13; beyond this loss I am happy to say that the defects of the ships are merely nominal. The _Valorous_ will supply two boats to replace those lost. On the night of June 13 (while the _Alert_ was wearing) the _Discovery_ was lost sight of during a heavy squall, and the two ships did not again join company until the 30th, in Davis Strait. The _Valorous_ having economised her coal as much as possible, has been able to complete each of the Arctic ships with as much as they can carry, and has remaining for her return voyage a quantity equal to that expended during her outward voyage. All the provisions and stores brought here by the _Valorous_ for our use have been taken aboard, and we are now complete in all respects for three years from July 1, 1875. After passing Cape Farewell, each ship fell in with loose pack ice from fifty to sixty miles south-west of Cape Desolation, with a clear sea to the westward of it--it was the débris of very thick ice, and had evidently been carried round Cape Farewell, from the east coast of Greenland. The ice extended north as far as latitude 62° 30´, since which none has been sighted within sixty miles of the coast; there has also been a remarkable absence of icebergs. Mr. Krarup Smith, the inspector of North Greenland, and the other Danish officials have been extremely obliging in giving me every information in their power, and in providing for our wants. Mr. Smith has arranged for my being supplied with all the dogs we require. Twenty-five have been received from Disco, and twenty are to be ready on our arrival at Ritenberk; the rest will be taken on board at Uppernivik. An Esquimaux accompanies the expedition from Disco, and I think it probable that Hans, who was in the _Polaris_ with Captain Hall, and is now at Proven, will also be willing to join me. I would respectfully suggest that Mr. Smith should be officially thanked for his ready compliance with all our requirements, and his courteous behaviour.