Between the Years 1839 and 1843.
It had long been considered very desirable by scientific men that,
for the advancement of science, especially with regard to magnetic
phenomena, and also for that of geographical knowledge, that an
expedition under experienced officers should be sent to visit the
southern regions of the globe. With these and other objects in view,
the Admiralty commissioned the 'Erebus' and 'Terror' in the year
1839, and gave the command of the first to Captain James Ross, and of
the latter to Commander Francis Rawdon Crozier as second in command
of the expedition. The ships were equipped on the most liberal
scale, with every arrangement for the health and comfort of the
officers and crews which science and experience could suggest. The
'Erebus' was a bomb of 370 tons, of strong build and capacious hold.
The 'Terror' was of 340 tons, and had been strengthened for the
Arctic seas on the detention of so many British whaleships in
Baffin's Bay in 1836, and had been employed in the subsequent summer
under Sir George Back on his attempt to reach Repulse Bay. From the
numerous applicants from the gallant and brave officers in the Navy,
the following were selected for the interesting, though arduous,
service contemplated:--