Page:Physical Description of New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land.djvu/12

that assistance, and always by the uninterrupted manifestation of a most kind and friendly interest, on the part both of Lady Franklin and yourself; and even when far away from Van Diemen's Land, in other climes and countries, the influence of your friendly disposition followed me still, as on my return to England I found myself honoured by an address from the Tasmanian Public, headed by your name, and which, from the motives which prompted it, will form the proudest memorial of my life.
 Whilst acknowledging my obligations to you, permit me at the same time, my dear Sir John, to offer you in all sincerity my most warm and cordial wishes for the success of that important Expedition which in a few days will leave the shores of England under your command. Nearly eighteen years have elapsed since last you visited the Polar Regions,—three hundred since the first attempt was made to ascertain the practicability of navigating round the Northern Boundary of the American Continent: May the enviable lot of solving this still pending geographical problem fall to your share! and may that good fortune be united with a prosperous voyage, and a safe return to your country and your friends!
  Believe me, &c. &c.
    My dear Sir John,
      Yours most sincerely,
        P. E. De Strzelecki.

London, May 13. 1845.