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I remember a documentary on the redoubtable researchers who had unearthed for us much more information. It was the first known casualty who was John Torrington. Something we can as a group of human beings appreciate, their work and interest.

I am indebted to:

www.mummytombs.com
Franklin.

Old friend. Wikipedia.
Franklin Expedition.

I was particularly interested in the fact that the lowest tender was given to a company who canned foods. Such was the novelty of a new break through in preserving foods, that the Victorians were slap dash in some ways. Cans were found and analyzed. The cans were soldered on the inside. This accounted for the amount of lead in the system of young John Torrington.

Of interest also is the fact that the commanders did it right initially. They built a stone shed and even had a practice firing range. A speculation is that the lead poisoning set in and a boat was dragged by some of the survivors. It was not equipped for survival, it is said.

We may never know, but had they stayed put, they might have stood a chance. Well- who knows? Torrington has living relatives, we are informed.