The next day, while off Cape Spencer, the officers of the _Prince Albert_ saw that to push further into the ice-pack through the few lanes still open might mean, in case of a sudden nip, being shut up for the winter, so it was reluctantly decided to make for home. [Sidenote: _CAPTAIN OMMANEY_] Leaving behind them that noble fleet of searching vessels, including the _Assistance_, the _Lady Franklin_, the _Sophia_, the _Rescue_, and, though not visible, the _Advance_ and _Intrepid_, the _Prince Albert_ turned her bow homeward. At Cape Riley the officers noticed a signal-post and immediately sent a boat ashore to discover what it meant. “As the boat touched the shelving rocks,” writes Mr. Snow, “I hastily sprang out into the water, leaving the men to secure her; and ran to the signal-post about fifty yards off. I was there in a moment, with Grate close at my heels. A few paces off I observed another and a rougher post erected, but this one had a small flag flying, and was evidently the principal. I really cannot tell whether the cylinder handed to me in the course of a second or two had been buried or merely tied to the post, so intent was I upon conjecturing what news I should receive. My hands trembled with eagerness, and I could hardly read the paper. It was as follows:— “‘Her Majesty’s Arctic Searching Expedition. “‘This is to certify that Captain Ommaney, with the officers of her Majesty’s ships _Assistance_ and _Intrepid_, landed at Cape Riley on the 23d of August, 1850, where he found traces of an encampment, and collected the remains of materials which evidently prove that some party belonging to her Majesty’s ships have been detained on this spot. Beechey Island was also examined, where traces were found of the same party. “‘This is also to give notice that a supply of provisions and fuel is at Port Leopold. Her Majesty’s ships, _Assistance_ and _Intrepid_, were detached from the squadron under Captain Austin, off Wolstenholme, on the 15th inst., since when they have examined the north shores of Lancaster Sound and Barrow Strait, without meeting any other traces. Captain Ommaney proceeds to Cape Hotham and Cape Walker in search for further traces of Sir John Franklin’s expedition. “‘Dated on board her Majesty’s ship _Assistance_, off Cape Riley, August 23, 1850. “‘ERASMUS OMMANEY.’”