14 OCTOBER 1865, Page 3

The last mail from America brings clear evidence that three

at least of Sir John Franklin's companions were alive as late as 1854. Captain Hall, the Arctic explorer, has written to a friend in Nev York to communicate several most important items of evidence. The cousin of a native whom Captain Hall had seen fell in while sealing with Crozier—Sir John Franklin's successor—and three men with him. Crozier was at the point of death from starvation, and was only saved by the prudence of this cousin in feeding him with small pieces of seal at a time. The other three men were fat, having, according to the native report, been living on human flesh; which Crozier refused to eat. The four remained with the cousin for some time, and Crozier gave many presents to him out of gratitude. At last one of the men died, and Crozier and the remaining two started south in an india-rubber boat. Captain Hall wrote in great haste —the dogs were harnessed—and promises much fuller details on the first opportunity.