PREFACE.

THERE cannot be a better, or a more noble career placed before the youth of England, and especially her sailors, as an ensample and encouragement, than that of the gallant, devoted officer whose services I have attempted to sketch in the following pages, some of which originally appeared in "Once a Week."

In all things, and under all circumstances, Franklin stands " sans peur et sans reproche:' he carved out his own high reputation by hard labour, zeal, and self-sacrifice, and was indebted neither to the interest of friends, nor to social position, for attaining the summit of naval fame.

Combining the highest qualities of hand and head, we find Franklin labouring equally well in the field of battle and in the field of maritime discovery; and it is in the double character of naval hero and distinguished navigator, that he may be almost said to stand alone in our history.

SHERARD OSBORN,

LONDON, December, 1859.

CAPTAIN.