Leopold McClintock to James Clark Ross (14/Dec/18xx)

2 Gardiners Place
Dublin 14th Decr
Ansd 28th Decr 

My dear Sir.

I hasten to avail myself of your offer off renewed assistance in the matter which now occupies my thoughts almost exclusively. I enclose a letter from Sir Edd Parry which will show you his opinion of my journey, it is a letter which I feel much pride in being able to produce to those who like yourself have kindly interested themselves about me; the journal referred to is a copy written by the surgeon for Sir John Richardson, the original is still at the Admty and I have written to Mr Barrow requesting he will retain it for you should you like to read it, when done with you could perhaps have it sent to me through the Admiralty and I must also beg of you to return Parry’s letter when done with.

Should you be in communication with him perhaps you would mention how very anxious I am to obtain Arctic employment since he may have it in his power to recommend. I have offered my services for the next expedition and am personally known to Admiral Berkeley, Captn Milne, Sir F Beaufort, Captn Hamilton, & Mr Barrow.

I hear that Sir Ed Belcher and Capt Keppel are trying for the command: the most formidable competitors I shall have will I think be Commanders Pullen and Maguire both friends of Capt Kellett. besides my Arctic experience of which you are aware, I ^have^ served nearly three years in Steamers and obtained a 1st Class certificate in steam machinery at the R.N. College so that I am equally eligible to command a Steamer; I was promoted for service in the Gorgon (Capt Sir Chas Hotham) upon the receiving of that Ship after she had been stranded at Montevideo.

The Clubs I hear have been supplied with copies of the Arctic committee book and there you will see my proposed equipment for travelling parties as well as what share I took in fitting out those of the recent expedition. my late chiefs Captns Austin & Ommanney have both most strongly expressed their willingness to advance my interests, the former particularly so, but knowing how tormented he must have been since is return I have made no application to him; he is known in the service as a “fast friend to any one at his elbow”, so should the opportunity occur I am sure much benefit would accrue from your refreshing his memory.

Having now explained my position I must leave you to act as you think proper and am well assured that your ingenuity and perseverance will allow no favorable opportunity to escape.

I cannot help feeling that the present is the all important moment which will decide whether I am to rise in my profession or be placed upon the shelf. I remain, 
my dear Sir
yours sincerely obliged
F. L. M:Clintock

To
Sir James C. Ross.
&c. &c.