Balloon message in mahogany frame as used on the Franklin Search Expedition, leader, Sir Edward Belcher. Black printed text on paper. The text on the obverse reads: 'Despatched by a Balloon, from H.M.S. Assistance. / Winter Quarters. / Lat.76.51.0.N — Long. 97.0..W / Captain Sir Edward Belcher.C.B / Commanding Searching Squadron.'
The text on the reverse reads: ‘Principle Depot. H.M.S.North Star, Beechey Island. / Caches between Melville Island and here, placed by H.M.S. Resolute, / Provisions, House, and Steam Launch, — Port Leopold. / H.M.S. Resolute, Captain Kellett. C.B & Tender, Intrepid, / Bridport Inlet, Melville Island. / H.M.S. Investigator. — Ice bound Bay of God's mercy, Banks Land. / (not a relief point) / The Coasts N.E. to Jones Sound Examined by Sir E. Belcher. / The Coasts S.W. to Melville Island. Examined by Commander Richards. / Capt. Kelletts. Division, Westerly of Melville Island, & Banks Land / No traces found of Sir J. Franklin. / Mouth of Jones and Smiths Sounds in Baffins Bay, examined by / Commander Inglefield, private screw, S.V. Isabel, without success. / E. Belcher. Captain / July.2.1853 / Commanding Expedition. / [ H.Briant, Printer. H.M.S.Assistance.]’ Donated to the RUSI in 1877 by the printer or a member of his family.