USS Advance departs New York for Franklin search (1850)

The USS Advance departed New York on 23 May 1850 to search for Sir John Franklin's lost Arctic expedition. Loaned to the Navy by Henry Grinnell, the vessel sailed alongside the Rescue under De Haven's command. This voyage marked the first Grinnell expedition, aiming to locate the ships stranded in the frozen north since 1846.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Sir John Franklin's expedition departed England in 1845 to traverse the Northwest Passage. The ships were abandoned in April 1848 after being icebound for over a year. Franklin died in June 1847, and the expedition's ultimate fate involved heavy loss of life. The Admiralty launched a search in 1848, and American efforts followed with the first Grinnell expedition.

Preparation. The USS Advance, originally built as Augusta in Virginia, was loaned to the Navy by Henry Grinnell on 7 May 1850. Grinnell supported the search for Franklin's expedition, which had been stranded in the frozen north since 1846. The vessel was prepared for Arctic operations alongside the Rescue, forming the first Grinnell expedition.

Departure. De Haven commanded the Advance, which put to sea from New York on 23 May 1850. The ship sailed in company with the Rescue. This departure marked the start of the American search for Franklin's lost expedition, distinct from earlier British efforts that began in 1848.

People involved

Sources

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