Next year, regular shipping by Russian ships probably will be passing through the Northwest Passage. Nuclear power stations are being built by the Russians for the exploration of the Arctic Ocean's supposed rich oil and gas deposits; they will be floated into Arctic waters and fixed at needed positions.

It seems pretty well-established that Franklin and the last of his men perished from lead solder in the food cans they carried with them. (See above). Franklin's body has not yet been found, but crewmen exhumed from the icy graves show strong evidence of lead poisoning.

Franklin was knighted for earlier exploits, thus Sir John, but he was not a hereditary lord.