The following general order relative to the Arctic expedition, has been promulgated amongst the. officers and men of the American navy :- "General Order. - Information has been received at this department that her Britannic Majesty's ships Erebus and Terror are proceeding to make a further attempt for the accomplishment of a north-west passage by sea from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. In compliance with the request of the British Government, communicated by her Majesty's Minister at Washington, and to the end that the Government of the United States may manifest its interest in the effort to advance the bounds of human knowledge, all officers in the naval service of the United States are hereby authorised and directed to afford every assistance in their power, in case of need, to the commanders of these vessels in promotion of the object of the expedition. George Bancroft Naval Department, June 11

SG & SGTL 20 Dec 1845

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