When the year 1848 arrived, and no tidings had been received of the lost voyagers, it was determined to send out three expeditions to look for them. One under Captain Kellett, who commanded the _Herald_ and Captain Moore, who commanded the _Plover_; proceeded to Behring's Straits, and after continuing along the American coast as far as they could go, they were to despatch some whale-boats, to meet a second expedition under Sir John Richardson and Dr Rae, who were to descend the Mackenzie River, and there to examine the coast; while Sir James Ross, commanding the _Enterprise_, and Captain Bird, the _Investigator_, were to proceed at once to Lancaster Sound, and there to examine the coast as they proceeded. After leaving deposits of food and directions in several places, these expeditions returned, without having discovered any traces of our missing countrymen. Notwithstanding the ill-success of the first set of expeditions, others were without delay determined on. Captain Collinson was appointed to command the _Enterprise_, having under him Commander McClure in the _Investigator_; and on the 20th of January, 1850, they sailed from Plymouth for Behring's Straits, where they were to be joined by the _Plover_. They were to endeavour to reach Melville Island. In the meantime, Dr Rae, who had remained in America, was ordered to continue his search along the northern coast; while the Government of the United States prepared an expedition for the same purpose. The British Government likewise fitted out four ships, under the command of Captain Austin, in the _Resolute_; the _Assistance_, Captain Ommanney; the _Pioneer_; Lieutenant Osborn; and the _Free Trader_--the two latter screw-propeller steam-vessels. Two private expeditions have also started. The _Lady Franklin_ is commanded by Mr Penny, a veteran whaling captain, who has with him a fine brig as a tender, called the _Sophia_. Captain Penny was to be guided by circumstances, in following the course he judged expedient. Besides this, the veteran explorer, Sir John Ross, has taken command of another private expedition. He is on board the _Felix_, a large schooner, and has the _Mary_, a tender of twelve tons, with him. They also are to proceed to Barrow Straits, and to examine various headlands on their way. The _Mary_ is to be left at Banks' Land, as a vessel of retreat, and the _Felix_ will proceed for another year as far as she can to the westward, examining the coast on the way. These last expeditions have been fitted out in consequence of the energetic and persevering efforts of Lady Franklin, and the niece of Sir John Franklin, Miss Sophia Cracroft; and those who have seen them, month after month, indefatigably labouring in that, to them, holy cause, hoping almost at times against hope, yet still undaunted, persevering unweariedly, must feel and heartily pray that they may have their reward in the happy return of the long-missing ones.