Despatch balloon message

One of two balloon messages, printed in black on white silk. The message reads: ''COPY / Provisions left in H.M.S. North Star, at Beechey Island. / Provisions, House and Steam Launch, at Port Leopold. / Spring Parties searching by Sledges, in the direction of / Jones's Sound and along the North Shore of Melville Island. / H.M.S. Resolute and Steam Tender at Bridport Inlet, Melville / Island. H.M.S. Investigator, found by Resolute at Bank's Land. / Smith's, Whale, and Jones's Sound, have been examined by / Commander Inglefield, in the Screw Steamer Isabel. but no / traces found. Letters from England by her. / W.W. May Lieut. & Commanding Officer. / [H.Briant, Printer H.M.S. Assistance.] On reverse: 'Despatched by a Balloon, from H.M.S. Assistance, / Captain Sir Edward Belcher. / In Winter Quarters Lat 76,51 0 N Long 97.0.0. W. / To Sir John Franklin, June 23, 1853.' The message was printed on board for Lieutenant -later Captain - Walter William May (1830-96), both an Arctic explorer and later a well-repiuted marine painter.