We perceived our strength decline every day, and every exertion began to

be irksome; when we were once seated the greatest effort was necessary

in order to rise, and we had frequently to lift each other from our

seats; but even in this pitiable condition we conversed cheerfully,

being sanguine as to the speedy arrival of the Indians. We calculated

indeed that if they should be near the situation where they had remained

last winter, our men would have reached them by this day. Having

expended all the wood which we could procure from our present dwelling,

without danger of its fall, Peltier began this day to pull down the

partitions of the adjoining houses. Though these were only distant about

twenty yards, yet the increase of labour in carrying the wood fatigued

him so much, that by the evening he was exhausted. On the next day his

weakness was such, especially in the arms, of which he chiefly

complained, that he with difficulty lifted the hatchet; still he

persevered, while Samandrè and I assisted him in bringing in the wood,

but our united strength could only collect sufficient to replenish the

fire four times in the course of the day. As the insides of our mouths

had become sore from eating the bone-soup, we relinquished the use of

it, and now boiled the skin, which mode of dressing we found more

palatable than frying it, as we had hitherto done.

On the 29th, Peltier felt his pains more severe, and could only cut a

few pieces of wood. Samandrè, who was still almost as weak, relieved him

a little time, and I aided them in carrying in the wood. We endeavoured

to pick some _tripe de roche_, but in vain, as it was entirely frozen.

In turning up the snow, in searching for bones, I found several pieces

of bark, which proved a valuable acquisition, as we were almost

destitute of dry wood proper for kindling the fire. We saw a herd of

rein-deer sporting on the river, about half a mile from the house; they

remained there a long time, but none of the party felt themselves strong

enough to go after them, nor was there one of us who could have fired a

gun without resting it.

Whilst we were seated round the fire this evening, discoursing about the

anticipated relief, the conversation was suddenly interrupted by

Peltier's exclaiming with joy, "_Ah! le monde!_" imagining that he heard

the Indians in the other room; immediately afterwards, to his bitter

disappointment, Dr. Richardson and Hepburn entered, each carrying his

bundle. Peltier, however, soon recovered himself enough to express his

delight at their safe arrival, and his regret that their companions{44}

were not with them. When I saw them alone my own mind was instantly

filled with apprehensions respecting my friend Hood, and our other

companions, which were immediately confirmed by the Doctor's melancholy

communication, that Mr. Hood and Michel were dead. Perrault and Fontano

had neither reached the tent, nor been heard of by them. This

intelligence produced a melancholy despondency in the minds of my party,

and on that account the particulars were deferred until another

opportunity. We were all shocked at beholding the emaciated countenances

of the Doctor and Hepburn, as they strongly evidenced their extremely

debilitated state. The alteration in our appearance was equally

distressing to them, for since the swellings had subsided we were little

more than skin and bone. The Doctor particularly remarked the sepulchral

tone of our voices, which he requested us to make more cheerful if

possible, unconscious that his own partook of the same key.

Hepburn having shot a partridge, which was brought to the house, the

Doctor tore out the feathers, and having held it to the fire a few

minutes divided it into six portions. I and my three companions

ravenously devoured our shares, as it was the first morsel of flesh any

of us had tasted for thirty-one days, unless, indeed the small gristly

particles which we found occasionally adhering to the pounded bones may

be termed flesh. Our spirits were revived by this small supply, and the

Doctor endeavoured to raise them still higher by the prospect of

Hepburn's being able to kill a deer next day, as they had seen, and even

fired at, several near the house. He endeavoured, too, to rouse us into

some attention to the comfort of our apartment, and particularly to roll

up, in the day, our blankets, which (expressly for the convenience of

Adam and Samandrè,) we had been in the habit of leaving by the fire

where we lay on them. The Doctor having brought his prayer-book and

testament, some prayers and psalms, and portions of scripture,

appropriate to our situation, were read, and we retired to bed.

Next morning the Doctor and Hepburn went out early in search of deer;

but though they saw several herds and fired some shots, they were not so

fortunate as to kill any, being too weak to hold their guns steadily.

The cold compelled the former to return soon, but Hepburn persisted

until late in the evening.

My occupation was to search for skins under the snow, it being now our

object immediately to get all that we would, but I had not strength to

drag in more than two of those which were within twenty yards of the

house until the Doctor came and assisted me. We made up our stock to

twenty-six, but several of them were putrid, and scarcely eatable, even

by men suffering the extremity of famine. Peltier and Samandrè continued

very weak and dispirited, and they were unable to cut fire-wood. Hepburn

had in consequence that laborious task to perform after he came back.

The Doctor having scarified the swelled parts of Adam's body, a large

quantity of water flowed out, and he obtained some ease, but still kept

his bed.

After our usual supper of singed skin and bone soup, Dr. Richardson

acquainted me with the afflicting circumstances attending the death of

Mr. Hood and Michel, and detailed the occurrences subsequent to my

departure from them, which I shall give from his journal, in his own

words; but I must here be permitted to express the heart-felt sorrow

with which I was overwhelmed at the loss of so many companions;

especially of my friend Mr. Hood, to whose zealous and able co-operation

I had been indebted for so much invaluable assistance during the

Expedition, whilst the excellent qualities of his heart engaged my

warmest regard. His scientific observations, together with his maps and

drawings (a small part of which only appear in this work), evince a

variety of talent, which, had his life been spared, must have rendered

him a distinguished ornament to his profession, and which will cause his

death to be felt as a loss to the service.

DR. RICHARDSON'S NARRATIVE.

After Captain Franklin had bidden us farewell we remained seated by the

fire-side as long as the willows the men had cut for us before they

departed, lasted. We had no _tripe de roche_ that day, but drank an

infusion of the country tea-plant, which was grateful from its warmth,

although it afforded no sustenance. We then retired to bed, where we

remained all the next day, as the weather was stormy, and the snow-drift

so heavy, as to destroy every prospect of success in our endeavours to

light a fire with the green and frozen willows, which were our only

fuel. Through the extreme kindness and forethought of a lady, the party,

previous to leaving London, had been furnished with a small collection

of religious books, of which we still retained two or three of the most

portable, and they proved of incalculable benefit to us. We read

portions of them to each other as we lay in bed, in addition to the

morning and evening service, and found that they inspired us on each

perusal with so strong a sense of the omnipresence of a beneficent God,

that our situation, even in these wilds, appeared no longer destitute;

and we conversed, not only with calmness, but with cheerfulness,

detailing with unrestrained confidence the past events of our lives, and

dwelling with hope on our future prospects. Had my poor friend been

spared to revisit his native land, I should look back to this period

with unalloyed delight.

On the morning of the 9th, the weather, although still cold, was clear,

and I went out in quest of _tripe de roche_, leaving Hepburn to cut

willows for a fire, and Mr. Hood in bed. I had no success, as

yesterday's snow-drift was so frozen on the surface of the rocks that I

could not collect any of the weed; but on my return to the tent, I found

that Michel, the Iroquois, had come with a note from Mr. Franklin, which

stated, that this man and Jean Baptiste Belanger being unable to

proceed, were about to return to us, and that a mile beyond our present

encampment there was a clump of pine-trees, to which he recommended us

to remove the tent. Michel informed us that he quitted Mr. Franklin's

party yesterday morning, but, that having missed his way, he had passed

the night on the snow a mile or two to the northward of us. Belanger, he

said, being impatient, left the fire about two hours earlier, and, as

he had not arrived, he supposed must have gone astray. It will be seen

in the sequel, that we had more than sufficient reason to doubt the

truth of this story.

Michel now produced a hare and a partridge which he had killed in the

morning. This unexpected supply of provision was received by us with a

deep sense of gratitude to the Almighty for his goodness, and we looked

upon Michel as the instrument he had chosen to preserve all our lives.

He complained of cold, and Mr. Hood offered to share his buffalo robe

with him at night: I gave him one of two shirts which I wore, whilst

Hepburn in the warmth of his heart, exclaimed, "How I shall love this

man if I find that he does not tell lies like the others." Our meals

being finished, we arranged that the greatest part of the things should

be carried to the pines the next day; and, after reading the evening

service retired to bed full of hope.

Early in the morning Hepburn, Michel, and myself, carried the

ammunition, and most of the other heavy articles to the pines. Michel

was our guide, and it did not occur to us at the time that his

conducting us perfectly straight was incompatible with his story of

having mistaken his road in coming to us. He now informed us that he

had, on his way to the tent, left on the hill above the pines a gun and

forty-eight balls, which Perrault had given to him when with the rest of

Mr. Franklin's party, he took leave of him. It will be seen, on a

reference to Mr. Franklin's journal, that Perrault carried his gun and

ammunition with him when they parted from Michel and Belanger. After we

had made a fire, and drank a little of the country tea, Hepburn and I

returned to the tent, where we arrived in the evening, much exhausted

with our journey. Michel preferred sleeping where he was, and requested

us to leave him the hatchet, which we did, after he had promised to come

early in the morning to assist us in carrying the tent and bedding. Mr.

Hood remained in bed all day. Seeing nothing of Belanger to-day, we gave

him up for lost.

On the 11th, after waiting until late in the morning for Michel, who did

not come, Hepburn and I loaded ourselves with the bedding, and,

accompanied by Mr. Hood, set out for the pines. Mr. Hood was much

affected with dimness of sight, giddiness, and other symptoms of extreme

debility, which caused us to move very slowly, and to make frequent

halts.

On arriving at the pines, we were much alarmed to find that Michel was

absent. We feared that he had lost his way in coming to us in the

morning, although it was not easy to conjecture how that could have

happened, as our footsteps of yesterday were very distinct. Hepburn went

back for the tent, and returned with it after dusk, completely worn out

with the fatigue of the day. Michel too arrived at the same time, and

relieved our anxiety on his account. He reported that he had been in

chase of some deer which passed near his sleeping-place in the morning,

and although he did not come up with them, yet that he found a wolf

which had been killed by the stroke of a deer's horn, and had brought a

part of it. We implicitly believed this story then, but afterwards

became convinced from circumstances, the detail of which may be spared,

that it must have been a portion of the body of Belanger or Perrault. A

question of moment here presents itself; namely, whether he actually

murdered these men, or either of them, or whether he found the bodies in

the snow. Captain Franklin, who is the best able to judge of this

matter, from knowing their situation when he parted from them, suggested

the former idea, and that both Belanger and Perrault had been

sacrificed. When Perrault turned back, Captain Franklin watched him

until he reached a small group of willows, which was immediately

adjoining to the fire, and concealed it from view, and at this time the

smoke of fresh fuel was distinctly visible. Captain Franklin

conjectures, that Michel having already destroyed Belanger, completed

his crime by Perrault's death, in order to screen himself from

detection. Although this opinion is founded only on circumstances, and

is unsupported by direct evidence, it has been judged proper to mention

it, especially as the subsequent conduct of the man shewed that he was

capable of committing such a deed. The circumstances are very strong. It

is not easy to assign any other adequate motive for his concealing from

us that Perrault had turned back; while his request overnight that we

should leave him the hatchet, and his cumbering himself with it when he

went out in the morning, unlike a hunter who makes use only of his knife

when he kills a deer, seem to indicate that he took it for the purpose

of cutting up something that he knew to be frozen. These opinions,

however, are the result of subsequent consideration. We passed this

night in the open air.

On the following morning the tent was pitched; Michel went out early,

refused my offer to accompany him, and remained out the whole day. He

would not sleep in the tent at night, but chose to lie at the fire-side.

On the 13th there was a heavy gale of wind, and we passed the day by the

fire. Next day, about two P.M., the gale abating, Michel set out as he

said to hunt, but returned unexpectedly in a very short time. This

conduct surprised us, and his contradictory and evasory answers to our

questions excited some suspicions, but they did not turn towards the

truth.

_October 15th_.--In the course of this day Michel expressed much regret

that he had stayed behind Mr. Franklin's party, and declared that he

would set out for the house at once if he knew the way. We endeavoured

to sooth him, and to raise his hopes of the Indians speedily coming to

our relief, but without success. He refused to assist us in cutting

wood, but about noon, after much solicitation, he set out to hunt.

Hepburn gathered a kettleful of _tripe de roche_, but froze his fingers.

Both Hepburn and I fatigued ourselves much to-day in pursuing a flock of

partridges from one part to another of the group of willows, in which

the hut was situated, but we were too weak to be able to approach them

with sufficient caution. In the evening Michel returned, having met with

no success.

Next day he refused either to hunt or cut wood, spoke in a very surly

manner, and threatened to leave us. Under these circumstances, Mr. Hood

and I deemed it better to promise if he would hunt diligently for four

days, that then we would give Hepburn a letter for Mr. Franklin, a

compass, inform him what course to pursue, and let them proceed together

to the fort. The non-arrival of the Indians to our relief, now led us to

fear that some accident had happened to Mr. Franklin, and we placed no

confidence in the exertions of the Canadians that accompanied him, but

we had the fullest confidence in Hepburn's returning the moment he could

obtain assistance.

On the 17th I went to conduct Michel to where Vaillant's blanket was

left, and after walking about three miles, pointed out the hills to him

at a distance, and returned to the hut, having gathered a bagful of

_tripe de roche_ on the way. It was easier to gather this weed on a

march than at the tent, for the exercise of walking produced a glow of

heat, which enabled us to withstand for a time the cold to which we were

exposed in scraping the frozen surface of the rocks. On the contrary,

when we left the fire, to collect it in the neighbourhood of the hut, we

became chilled at once, and were obliged to return very quickly.

Michel proposed to remain out all night, and to hunt next day on his way

back. He returned in the afternoon of the 18th, having found the

blanket, together with a bag containing two pistols, and some other

things which had been left beside it. We had some _tripe de roche_ in

the evening, but Mr. Hood from the constant griping it produced, was

unable to eat more than one or two spoonfuls. He was now so weak as to

be scarcely able to sit up at the fire-side, and complained that the

least breeze of wind seemed to blow through his frame. He also suffered

much from cold during the night. We lay close to each other, but the

heat of the body was no longer sufficient to thaw the frozen rime formed

by our breaths on the blankets that covered him.

At this period we avoided as much as possible conversing upon the

hopelessness of our situation, and generally endeavoured to lead the

conversation towards our future prospects in life. The fact is, that

with the decay of our strength, our minds decayed, and we were no longer

able to bear the contemplation of the horrors that surrounded us. Each

of us, if I may be allowed to judge from my own case, excused himself

from so doing by a desire of not shocking the feelings of the others,

for we were sensible of one another's weakness of intellect though

blind to our own. Yet we were calm and resigned to our fate, not a

murmur escaped us, and we were punctual and fervent in our addresses to

the Supreme Being.

On the 19th Michel refused to hunt, or even to assist in carrying a log

of wood to the fire, which was too heavy for Hepburn's strength and

mine. Mr. Hood endeavoured to point out to him the necessity and duty of

exertion, and the cruelty of his quitting us without leaving something

for our support; but the discourse, far from producing any beneficial

effect, seemed only to excite his anger, and amongst other expressions,

he made use of the following remarkable one: "It is no use hunting,{45}

there are no animals, you had better kill and eat me." At length,

however, he went out, but returned very soon, with a report that he had

seen three deer, which he was unable to follow from having wet his foot

in a small stream of water thinly covered with ice, and being

consequently obliged to come to the fire. The day was rather mild, and

Hepburn and I gathered a large kettleful of _tripe de roche_; Michel

slept in the tent this night.

_Sunday, October 20_.--In the morning we again urged Michel to go a

hunting that he might if possible leave us some provision, to-morrow

being the day appointed for his quitting us; but he shewed great

unwillingness to go out, and lingered about the fire, under the pretence

of cleaning his gun. After we had read the morning service I went about

noon to gather some _tripe de roche_, leaving Mr. Hood sitting before

the tent at the fire-side arguing with Michel; Hepburn was employed

cutting down a tree at a short distance from the tent, being desirous of

accumulating a quantity of fire-wood{46} before he left us. A short time

after I went out, I heard the report of a gun, and about ten minutes

afterwards Hepburn called to me in a voice of great alarm, to come

directly. When I arrived I found poor Hood lying lifeless at the

fire-side, a ball having apparently entered his forehead. I was at first

horror-struck with the idea, that in a fit of despondency he had hurried

himself into the presence of his Almighty Judge, by an act of his own

hand; but the conduct of Michel soon gave rise to other thoughts, and

excited suspicions which were confirmed, when upon examining the body, I

discovered that the shot had entered the back part of the head, and

passed out at the forehead, and that the muzzle of the gun had been

applied so close as to set fire to the night-cap behind. The gun, which

was of the longest kind supplied to the Indians, could not have been

placed in a position to inflict such a wound, except by a second

person. Upon inquiring of Michel how it happened, he replied, that Mr.

Hood had sent him into the tent for the short gun, and that during his

absence the long gun had gone off, he did not know whether by accident

or not. He held the short gun in his hand at the time he was speaking to

me. Hepburn afterwards informed me that previous to the report of the

gun Mr. Hood and Michel were speaking to each other in an elevated angry

tone; that Mr. Hood being seated at the fire-side, was hid from him by

intervening willows, but that on hearing the report he looked up and saw

Michel rising up from before the tent-door, or just behind where Mr.

Hood was seated, and then going into the tent. Thinking that the gun had

been discharged for the purpose of cleaning it, he did not go to the

fire at first; and when Michel called to him that Mr. Hood was dead, a

considerable time had elapsed. Although I dared not openly to evince any

suspicion that I thought Michel guilty of the deed, yet he repeatedly

protested that he was incapable of committing such an act, kept

constantly on his guard, and carefully avoided leaving Hepburn and me

together. He was evidently afraid of permitting us to converse in

private, and whenever Hepburn spoke, he inquired if he accused him of

the murder. It is to be remarked, that he understood English very

imperfectly, yet sufficiently to render it unsafe for us to speak on the

subject in his presence. We removed the body into a clump of willows

behind the tent, and, returning to the fire, read the funeral service in

addition to the evening prayers. The loss of a young officer, of such

distinguished and varied talents and application, may be felt and duly

appreciated by the eminent characters under whose command he had served;

but the calmness with which he contemplated the probable termination of

a life of uncommon promise; and the patience and fortitude with which he

sustained, I may venture to say, unparalleled bodily sufferings, can

only be known to the companions of his distresses. Owing to the effect

that the _tripe de roche_ invariably had, when he ventured to taste it,

he undoubtedly suffered more than any of the survivors of the party.

_Bickersteth's Scripture Help_ was lying open beside the body, as if it

had fallen from his hand, and it is probable, that he was reading it at

the instant of his death. We passed the night in the tent together

without rest, every one being on his guard. Next day, having determined

on going to the Fort, we began to patch and prepare our clothes for the

journey. We singed the hair off a part of the buffalo robe that belonged

to Mr. Hood, and boiled and ate it. Michel tried to persuade me to go to

the woods on the Copper-Mine River, and hunt for deer instead of going

to the Fort. In the afternoon a flock of partridges coming near the

tent, he killed several which he shared with us.

Thick snowy weather and a head wind prevented us from starting the

following day, but on the morning of the 23d we set out, carrying with

us the remainder of the singed robe. Hepburn and Michel had each a gun,

and I carried a small pistol which Hepburn had loaded for me. In the

course of the march Michel alarmed us much by his gestures and conduct,

was constantly muttering to himself, expressed an unwillingness to go

the Fort, and tried to persuade me to go to the southward to the woods,

where he said he could maintain himself all the winter by killing deer.

In consequence of this behaviour, and the expression of his countenance,

I requested him to leave us, and to go to the southward by himself. This

proposal increased his ill-nature, he threw out some obscure hints of

freeing himself from all restraint on the morrow{47}; and I overheard

him muttering threats against Hepburn, whom he openly accused of having

told stories against him. He also, for the first time, assumed such a

tone of superiority in addressing me, as evinced that he considered us

to be completely in his power, and he gave vent to several expressions

of hatred towards the white people, or as he termed us in the idiom of

the voyagers, the French, some of whom, he said, had killed and eaten

his uncle and two of his relations. In short, taking every circumstance

of his conduct into consideration, I came to the conclusion that he

would attempt to destroy us on the first opportunity that offered, and

that he had hitherto abstained from doing so from his ignorance of his

way to the Fort, but that he would never suffer us to go thither in

company with him. In the course of the day he had several times remarked

that we were pursuing the same course that Mr. Franklin was doing when

he left him, and that by keeping towards the setting sun he could find

his way himself. Hepburn and I were not in a condition to resist even an

open attack, nor could we by any device escape from him. Our united

strength was far inferior to his, and, beside his gun, he was armed with

two pistols, an Indian bayonet and a knife. In the afternoon, coming to

a rock on which there was some _tripe de roche_, he halted, and said he

would gather it whilst we went on, and that he would soon overtake us.

Hepburn and I were now left together for the first time since Mr. Hood's

death, and he acquainted me with several material circumstances which he

had observed of Michel's behaviour, and which confirmed me in the

opinion that there was no safety for us except in his death, and he

offered to be the instrument of it. I determined, however, as I was

thoroughly convinced of the necessity of such a dreadful act, to take

the whole responsibility upon myself; and immediately upon Michel's

coming up, I put an end to his life by shooting him through the head

with a pistol. Had my own life alone been threatened, I would not have

purchased it by such a measure; but I considered myself as intrusted

also with the protection of Hepburn's, a man, who, by his humane

attentions and devotedness, had so endeared himself to me, that I felt

more anxiety for his safety than for my own. Michel had gathered no

_tripe de roche_, and it was evident to us that he had halted for the

purpose of putting his gun in order, with the intention of attacking us,

perhaps, whilst we were in the act of encamping.

I have dwelt in the preceding part of the narrative upon many

circumstances of Michel's conduct, not for the purpose of aggravating

his crime, but to put the reader in possession of the reasons that

influenced me in depriving a fellow-creature of life. Up to the period

of his return to the tent, his conduct had been good and respectful to

the officers, and in a conversation between Captain Franklin, Mr. Hood,

and myself, at Obstruction Rapid, it had been proposed to give him a

reward upon our arrival at a post. His principles, however, unsupported

by a belief in the divine truths of Christianity, were unable to

withstand the pressure of severe distress. His countrymen, the Iroquois,

are generally Christians, but he was totally uninstructed and ignorant

of the duties inculcated by Christianity; and from his long residence in

the Indian country, seems to have imbibed, or retained the rules of

conduct which the southern Indians prescribe to themselves.

On the two following days we had mild but thick snowy weather, and as

the view was too limited to enable us to preserve a straight course, we

remained encamped amongst a few willows and dwarf pines, about five

miles from the tent. We found a species of _cornicularia_, a kind of

lichen, that was good to eat when moistened and toasted over the fire;

and we had a good many pieces of singed buffalo hide remaining.

On the 26th, the weather being clear and extremely cold, we resumed our

march which was very painful from the depth of the snow, particularly on

the margins of the small lakes that lay in our route. We frequently sunk

under the load of our blankets, and were obliged to assist each other in

getting up. After walking about three miles and a half, however, we

were cheered by the sight of a large herd of rein-deer, and Hepburn went

in pursuit of them; but his hand being unsteady through weakness he

missed. He was so exhausted by this fruitless attempt that we were

obliged to encamp upon the spot, although it was a very unfavourable

one.

Next day, we had fine and clear, but cold, weather. We set out early,

and, in crossing a hill, found a considerable quantity of _tripe de

roche_. About noon we fell upon Little Marten Lake, having walked about

two miles. The sight of a place that we knew, inspired us with fresh

vigour, and there being comparatively little snow on the ice, we

advanced at a pace to which we had lately been unaccustomed. In the

afternoon we crossed a recent track of a wolverene, which, from a

parallel mark in the snow, appeared to have been dragging something.

Hepburn traced it, and upon the borders of the lake found the spine of a

deer, that it had dropped. It was clean picked, and at least one season

old; but we extracted the spinal marrow from it, which, even in its

frozen state, was so acrid as to excoriate the lips. We encamped within

sight of the Dog-rib Rock, and from the coldness of the night and the

want of fuel, rested very ill.

On the 28th we rose at day-break, but from the want of the small fire,

that we usually made in the mornings to warm our fingers, a very long

time was spent in making up our bundles. This task fell to Hepburn's

share, as I suffered so much from the cold as to be unable to take my

hands out of my mittens. We kept a straight course for the Dog-rib Rock,

but, owing to the depth of the snow in the valleys we had to cross, did

not reach it until late in the afternoon. We would have encamped, but

did not like to pass a second night without fire; and though scarcely

able to drag our limbs after us, we pushed on to a clump of pines, about

a mile to the southward of the rock, and arrived at them in the dusk of

the evening. During the last few hundred yards of our march, our track

lay over some large stones, amongst which I fell down upwards of twenty

times, and became at length so exhausted that I was unable to stand. If

Hepburn had not exerted himself far beyond his strength, and speedily

made the encampment and kindled a fire, I must have perished on the

spot. This night we had plenty of dry wood.

On the 29th we had clear and fine weather. We set out at sunrise, and

hurried on in our anxiety to reach the house, but our progress was much

impeded by the great depth of the snow in the valleys. Although every

spot of ground over which we travelled to-day, had been repeatedly

trodden by us, yet we got bewildered in a small lake. We took it for

Marten Lake, which was three times its size, and fancied that we saw the

rapids and the grounds about the Fort, although they were still far

distant. Our disappointment when this illusion was dispelled, by our

reaching the end of the lake, so operated on our feeble minds as to

exhaust our strength, and we decided upon encamping; but upon ascending

a small eminence to look for a clump of wood, we caught a glimpse of the

Big Stone, a well-known rock upon the summit of a hill opposite to the

Fort, and determined upon proceeding. In the evening we saw several

large herds of rein-deer, but Hepburn, who used to be{48} considered a

good marksman, was now unable to hold the gun straight, and although he

got near them all his efforts proved fruitless. In passing through a

small clump of pines we saw a flock of partridges, and he succeeded in

killing one after firing several shots. We came in sight of the Fort at

dusk, and it is impossible to describe our sensations, when on attaining

the eminence that overlooks it, we beheld the smoke issuing from one of

the chimneys. From not having met with any footsteps in the snow, as we

drew nigh our once cheerful residence, we had been agitated by many

melancholy forebodings. Upon entering the now desolate building, we had

the satisfaction of embracing Captain Franklin, but no words can convey

an idea of the filth and wretchedness that met our eyes on looking

around. Our own misery had stolen upon us by degrees, and we were

accustomed to the contemplation of each others emaciated figures, but

the ghastly countenances, dilated eye-balls, and sepulchral voices of

Captain Franklin and those with him were more than we could at first

bear.

_Conclusion of Dr. Richardson's Narrative._

* * * * *

The morning of the 31st was very cold, the wind being strong from the

north. Hepburn went again in quest of deer, and the Doctor endeavoured

to kill some partridges: both were unsuccessful. A large herd of deer

passed close to the house, the Doctor fired once at them, but was unable

to pursue them. Adam was easier this day, and left his bed. Peltier and

Samandrè{49} were much weaker, and could not assist in the labours of

the day. Both complained of soreness in the throat, and Samandrè

suffered much from cramps in his fingers. The Doctor and Hepburn began

this day to cut the wood, and also brought it to the house. Being too

weak to aid in these laborious tasks, I was employed in searching for

bones, and cooking, and attending to our more weakly companions.

In the evening Peltier, complaining much of cold, requested of me a

portion of a blanket to repair his shirt and drawers. The mending of

these articles occupied him and Samandrè until past one A.M., and their

spirits were so much revived by the employment, that they conversed even

cheerfully the whole time. Adam sat up with them. The Doctor, Hepburn,

and myself, went to bed. We were afterwards agreeably surprised to see

Peltier and Samandrè carry three or four logs of wood across the room to

replenish the fire, which induced us to hope they still possessed more

strength than we had supposed.

_November 1_.--This day was fine and mild. Hepburn went hunting, but was

as usual unsuccessful. As his strength was rapidly declining, we advised

him to desist from the pursuit of deer; and only to go out for a short

time, and endeavour to kill a few partridges for Peltier and Samandrè.

The Doctor obtained a little _tripe de roche_, but Peltier could not eat

any of it, and Samandrè only a few spoonfuls, owing to the soreness of

their throats. In the afternoon Peltier was so much exhausted, that he

sat up with difficulty, and looked piteously; at length he slided from

his stool upon his bed, as we supposed to sleep, and in this composed

state he remained upwards of two hours, without our apprehending any

danger. We were then alarmed by hearing a rattling in his throat, and on

the Doctor's examining him, he was found to be speechless. He died in

the course of the night. Samandrè sat up the greater part of the day,

and even assisted in pounding some bones; but on witnessing the

melancholy state of Peltier, he became very low, and began to complain

of cold and stiffness of the joints. Being unable to keep up a

sufficient fire to warm him, we laid him down and covered him with

several blankets. He did not, however, appear to get better, and I

deeply lament to add he also died before daylight. We removed the bodies

of the deceased into the opposite part of the house, but our united

strength was inadequate to the task of interring them, or even carrying

them down to the river.

It may be worthy of remark that poor Peltier, from the time of Benoit's

departure, had fixed on the first of November as the time when he should

cease to expect any relief from the Indians, and had repeatedly said

that if they did not arrive by that day, he should not survive.

Peltier had endeared himself to each of us by his cheerfulness, his

unceasing activity, and affectionate care and attentions, ever since our

arrival at this place. He had nursed Adam with the tenderest solicitude

the whole time. Poor Samandrè was willing to have taken his share in the

labours of the party, had he not been wholly incapacitated by his

weakness and low spirits. The severe shock occasioned by the sudden

dissolution of our two companions rendered us very melancholy. Adam

became low and despondent, a change which we lamented the more, as we

had perceived he had been gaining strength and spirits for the two

preceding days. I was particularly distressed by the thought that the

labour of collecting wood must now devolve upon Dr. Richardson and

Hepburn, and that my debility would disable me from affording them any

material assistance; indeed both of them most kindly urged me not to

make the attempt. They were occupied the whole of the next day in

tearing down the logs of which the store-house was built, but the mud

plastered between them was so hard frozen that the labour of separation

exceeded their strength, and they were completely exhausted by bringing

in wood sufficient for less than twelve hours' consumption.

I found it necessary in their absence, to remain constantly near Adam,

and to converse with him, in order to prevent his reflecting on our

condition, and to keep up his spirits as far as possible. I also lay by

his side at night.

On the 3d the weather was very cold, though the atmosphere was cloudy.

This morning Hepburn was affected with swelling in his limbs, his

strength as well as that of the Doctor, was rapidly declining; they

continued, however, to be full of hope. Their utmost exertions could

only supply wood, to renew the fire thrice, and on making it up the last

time we went to bed. Adam was in rather better spirits, but he could not

bear to be left alone. Our stock of bones was exhausted by a small

quantity of soup we made this evening. The toil of separating the hair

from the skins, which in fact were our chief support, had now become so

wearisome as to prevent us from eating as much as we should otherwise

have done.

_November 4_.--Calm and comparatively mild weather. The Doctor and

Hepburn, exclusive of their usual occupation, gathered some _tripe de

roche_. I went a few yards from the house in search of bones, and

returned quite fatigued, having found but three. The Doctor again made

incisions in Adam's leg, which discharged a considerable quantity of

water, and gave him great relief. We read prayers and a portion of the

New Testament in the morning and evening, as had been our practice since

Dr. Richardson's arrival; and I may remark that the performance of these

duties always afforded us the greatest consolation, serving to

re-animate our hope in the mercy of the Omnipotent, who alone could save

and deliver us.

On the 5th the breezes were light, with dark cloudy weather, and some

snow. The Doctor and Hepburn were getting much weaker, and the limbs of

the latter were now greatly swelled. They came into the house frequently

in the course of the day to rest themselves, and when once seated, were

unable to rise without the help of one another, or of a stick. Adam was

for the most part in the same low state as yesterday, but sometimes he

surprised us by getting up and walking with an appearance of increased

strength. His looks were now wild and ghastly, and his conversation was

often incoherent.

The next day was fine, but very cold. The swellings in Adam's limbs

having subsided, he was free from pain, and arose this morning in much

better spirits, and spoke of cleaning his gun ready for shooting

partridges, or any animals that might appear near the house, but his

tone entirely changed before the day was half over; he became again

dejected, and could scarcely be prevailed upon to eat. The Doctor and

Hepburn were almost exhausted. The cutting of one log of wood occupied

the latter half an hour; and the other took as much time to drag it into

the house, though the distance did not exceed thirty yards. I

endeavoured to help the Doctor, but my assistance was very trifling. Yet

it was evident that, in a day or two, if their strength should continue

to decline at the same rate, I should be the strongest of the party.

I may here remark that owing to our loss of flesh, the hardness of the

floor, from which we{50} were only protected by a blanket, produced

soreness over the body, and especially those parts on which the weight

rested in lying, yet to turn ourselves for relief was a matter of toil

and difficulty. However, during this period, and indeed all along after

the acute pains of hunger, which lasted but three or four days, had

subsided, we generally enjoyed the comfort of a few hours' sleep. The

dreams which for the most part, but not always accompanied it, were

usually (though not invariably,) of a pleasant character, being very

often about the enjoyments of feasting. In the day-time we fell into the

practice of conversing on common and light subjects, although we

sometimes discussed with seriousness and earnestness topics connected

with religion. We generally avoided speaking directly of our present

sufferings, or even of the prospect of relief. I observed, that in

proportion as our strength decayed, our minds exhibited symptoms of

weakness, evinced by a kind of unreasonable pettishness with each other.

Each of us thought the other weaker in intellect than himself, and more

in need of advice and assistance. So trifling a circumstance as a change

of place, recommended by one as being warmer and more comfortable, and

refused by the other from a dread of motion, frequently called forth

fretful expressions which were no sooner uttered than atoned for, to be

repeated perhaps in the course of a few minutes. The same thing often

occurred when we endeavoured to assist each other in carrying wood to

the fire; none of us were willing to receive assistance, although the

task was disproportioned to our strength. On one of these occasions,

Hepburn was so convinced of this waywardness that he exclaimed, "Dear

me, if we are spared to return to England, I wonder if we shall recover

our understandings."

_November 7_.--Adam had passed a restless night, being disquieted by

gloomy apprehensions of approaching death, which we tried in vain to

dispel. He was so low in the morning as to be scarcely able to speak. I

remained in bed by his side to cheer him as much as possible. The Doctor

and Hepburn went to cut wood. They had hardly begun their labour, when

they were amazed at hearing the report of a musket. They could scarcely

believe that there was really any one near, until they heard a shout,

and immediately espied three Indians close to the house. Adam and I

heard the latter noise, and I was fearful that a part of the house had

fallen upon one of my companions, a disaster which had in fact been

thought not unlikely. My alarm was only momentary, Dr. Richardson came

in to communicate the joyful intelligence that relief had arrived. He

and myself immediately addressed thanksgivings to the throne of mercy

for this deliverance, but poor Adam was in so low a state that he could

scarcely comprehend the information. When the Indians entered, he

attempted to rise but sank down again. But for this seasonable

interposition of Providence, his existence must have terminated in a few

hours, and that of the rest probably in not many days.

The Indians had left Akaitcho's encampment on the 5th November, having

been sent by Mr. Back with all possible expedition, after he had arrived

at their tents. They brought but a small supply of provision that they

might travel quickly. It consisted of dried deer's meat, some fat, and a

few tongues. Dr. Richardson, Hepburn, and I eagerly devoured the food,

which they imprudently presented to us, in too great abundance, and in

consequence we suffered dreadfully from indigestion, and had no rest the

whole night. Adam being unable to feed himself, was more judiciously

treated by them, and suffered less; his spirits revived hourly. The

circumstance of our eating more food than was proper in our present

condition, was another striking proof of the debility of our minds. We

were perfectly aware of the danger, and Dr. Richardson repeatedly

cautioned us to be moderate; but he was himself unable to practise the

caution he so judiciously recommended.

Boudel-kell, the youngest of the Indians, after resting about an hour,

returned to Akaitcho with the intelligence of our situation, and he

conveyed a note from me to Mr. Back, requesting another supply of meat

as soon as possible. The two others, "Crooked-Foot and the Rat,"

remained to take care of us, until we should be able to move forward.

The note received by the Indians from Mr. Back, communicated a tale of

distress, with regard to himself and his party, as painful as that which

we had suffered; as will be seen hereafter, by his own narrative.

_November 8_.--The Indians this morning requested us to remove to an

encampment on the banks of the river, as they were unwilling to remain

in the house where the bodies of our deceased companions were lying

exposed to view. We agreed, but the day proved too stormy, and Dr.

Richardson and Hepburn having dragged the bodies to a short distance,

and covered them with snow, the objections of the Indians to remain in

the house were dissipated, and they began to clear our room of the

accumulation of dirt, and fragments of pounded bones. The improved state

of our apartment, and the large and cheerful fires they kept up,

produced in us a sensation of comfort to which we had long been

strangers. In the evening they brought in a pile of dried wood, which

was lying on the river-side, and towards which we had often cast a

wishful eye, being unable to drag it up the bank. The Indians set about

every thing with an activity that amazed us. Indeed, contrasted with our

emaciated figures and extreme debility, their frames appeared to us

gigantic, and their strength supernatural. These kind creatures next

turned their attention to our personal appearance, and prevailed upon us

to shave and wash ourselves. The beards of the Doctor and Hepburn had

been untouched since they left the sea-coast, and were become of a

hideous length, and peculiarly offensive to the Indians. The Doctor and

I suffered extremely from distention, and therefore ate sparingly[15].

Hepburn was getting better, and Adam recovered his strength with amazing

rapidity.

[15] The first alvine discharges after we received food, were, as

Hearne remarks on a similar occasion, attended with excessive

pain. Previous to the arrival of the Indians the urinary

secretion was extremely abundant, and we were obliged to rise

from bed in consequence upwards of ten times in a night. This was

an extreme annoyance in our reduced state. It may, perhaps, be

attributed to the quantity of the country tea that we drank.

_November 9_.--This morning was pleasantly fine. Crooked-Foot caught

four large trout in Winter Lake, which were very much prized, especially

by the Doctor and myself, who had taken a dislike to meat, in

consequence of our sufferings from repletion, which rendered us almost

incapable of moving. Adam and Hepburn in a good measure escaped this

pain. Though the night was stormy, and our apartment freely admitted the

wind, we felt no inconvenience, the Indians were so very careful in

covering us up, and in keeping a good fire; and our plentiful cheer gave

such power of resisting the cold, that we could scarcely believe

otherwise than that the season had become milder.

On the 13th, the weather was stormy, with constant snow. The Indians

became desponding at the non-arrival of the supply, and would neither go

to hunt nor fish. They frequently expressed their fears of some

misfortune having befallen Boudel-kell; and, in the evening, went off

suddenly, without apprizing us of their intention, having first given to

each of us a handful of pounded meat, which they had reserved. Their

departure, at first, gave rise to a suspicion of their having deserted

us, not meaning to return, especially as the explanations of Adam, who

appeared to be in their secret, were very unsatisfactory. At length, by

interrogations, we got from him the information, that they designed to

march night and day, until they should reach Akaitcho's encampment,

whence they would send us aid. As we had combated{51} their fears about

Boudel-kell, they, perhaps, apprehended that we should oppose their

determination, and therefore concealed it. We were now left a second

time without food, and with appetites recovered, and strongly

excited{52} by recent indulgence.

On the following day the Doctor and Hepburn resumed their former

occupation of collecting wood, and I was able to assist a little in

bringing it into the house. Adam, whose expectation of the arrival of

the Indians had been raised by the fineness of the weather, became,

towards night, very desponding, and refused to eat the singed skin. The

night was stormy, and there was a heavy fall of snow. The next day he

became still more dejected. About eleven, Hepburn, who had gone out for

the wood, came in with the intelligence that a party appeared upon the

river. The room was instantly swept, and in compliance with the

prejudices of the Indians, every scrap of skin was carefully removed out

of sight: for these simple people imagine, that burning deer-skin

renders them unsuccessful in hunting. The party proved to be

Crooked-Foot, Thooee-yorre, and the Fop, with the wives of the two

latter dragging provisions. They were accompanied by Benoit, one of our

own men.

We were rejoiced to learn, by a note from Mr. Back, dated November 11,

that he and his companions had so recruited their strength that they

were preparing to proceed to Fort Providence. Adam recovered his spirits

on the arrival of the Indians and even walked about the room with an

appearance of strength and activity that surprised us all. As it was of

consequence to get amongst the rein-deer before our present supply

should fail we made preparations for quitting Fort Enterprise the next

day; and, accordingly, at an early hour, on the 16th, having united in

thanksgiving and prayer, the whole party left the house after breakfast.

Our feelings on quitting the Fort where we had formerly enjoyed much

comfort if not happiness, and, latterly, experienced a degree of misery

scarcely to be paralleled, may be more easily conceived than described.

The Indians treated us with the utmost tenderness, gave us their

snow-shoes, and walked without themselves, keeping by our sides, that

they might lift us when we fell. We descended Winter River, and, about

noon, crossed the head of Round-Rock Lake, distant about three miles

from the house, where we were obliged to halt, as Dr. Richardson was

unable to proceed. The swellings in his limbs rendered him by much the

weakest of the party. The Indians prepared our encampment, cooked for

us, and fed us as if we had been children; evincing humanity that would

have done honour to the most civilized people. The night was mild, and

fatigue made us sleep soundly.

From this period to the 26th of November, we gradually improved, through

their kindness and attention; and on that day arrived in safety at the

abode of our chief and companion Akaitcho. We were received by the party

assembled in the leader's tent, with looks of compassion, and profound

silence, which lasted about a quarter of an hour, and by which they

meant to express their condolence for our sufferings. The conversation

did not begin until we had tasted food. The Chief, Akaitcho, shewed us

the most friendly hospitality, and all sorts of personal attention, even

to cooking for us with his own hands, an office which he never performs

for himself. Annoethai-yazzeh and Humpy, the Chief's two brothers, and

several of our hunters, with their families, were encamped here,

together with a number of old men and women. In the course of the day

we were visited by every person of the band, not merely from curiosity,

but a desire to evince their tender sympathy in our late distress. We

learned that Mr. Back, with St. Germain and Belanger, had gone to Fort

Providence; and that, previous to his departure he had left a letter in

a _cache_ of pounded meat, which we had missed two days ago. As we

supposed that this letter might acquaint us with his intentions more

fully than we could gather from the Indians, through our imperfect

knowledge of their language, Augustus, the Esquimaux, whom we found here

in perfect health, and an Indian lad, were despatched to bring it.

We found several of the Indian families in great affliction, for the

loss of three of their relatives who had been drowned in the August

preceding, by the upsetting of a canoe near Fort Enterprise. They

bewailed the melancholy accident every morning and evening, by repeating

the names of the persons in a loud singing tone, which was frequently

interrupted by bursts of tears. One woman was so affected by the loss of

her only son, that she seemed deprived of reason, and wandered about the

tents the whole day, crying and singing out his name.

On the 1st of December we removed with the Indians to the southward.

On the 4th we again set off after the Indians about noon, and soon

overtook them, as they had halted, to drag from the water, and cut up

and share a moose-deer, that had been drowned in a rapid part of the

river, partially covered with ice. These operations detained us a long

time, which was the more disagreeable, as the weather was extremely

unpleasant from cold low fogs. We were all much fatigued at the hour of

encampment, which was after dark, though the day's journey did not

exceed four miles. At every halt the elderly men of the tribe made holes

in the ice and put in their lines. One of them shared the produce of his

fishery with us this evening.

In the afternoon of the 6th, Belanger, and another Canadian, arrived

from Fort Providence, sent by Mr. Weeks with two trains of dogs, some

spirits and tobacco for the Indians, a change of dress for ourselves,

and a little tea and sugar. They also brought letters for us from

England, and from Mr. Back, and Mr. Wentzel. By the former we received

the gratifying intelligence of the successful termination of Captain

Parry's voyage; and were informed of the promotion of myself and Mr.

Back, and of poor Hood, our grief for whose loss was renewed by this

intelligence.

The letter from Mr. Back stated, that the rival Companies in the fur

trade had united; but that, owing to some cause which had not been

explained to him, the goods intended as rewards to Akaitcho and his

band, which we had demanded in the spring from the North-West Company,

were not sent. There were, however some stores lying for us at

Moose-deer Island, which had been ordered for the equipment of our

voyagers; and Mr. Back had gone across to that establishment, to make a

selection of the articles we could spare for a temporary present to the

Indians. The disappointment at the non-arrival of the goods was

seriously felt by us, as we had looked forward with pleasure to the time

when we should be enabled to recompense our kind Indian friends, for

their tender sympathy in our distresses, and the assistance they had so

cheerfully and promptly rendered. I now regretted to find, that Mr.

Wentzel and his party, in their return from the sea, had suffered

severely on their march along the Copper-Mine River, having on one

occasion, as he mentioned, had no food but _tripe de roche_ for eleven

days.

All the Indians flocked to our encampment to learn the news, and to

receive the articles brought for them. Having got some spirits and

tobacco, they withdrew to the tent of the Chief, and passed the greater

part of the night in singing. We had now the indescribable gratification

of changing our linen, which had been worn ever since our departure from

the sea-coast.

_December 8_.--After a long conference with Akaitcho, we took leave of

him and his kind companions, and set out with two sledges heavily laden

with provision and bedding, drawn by the dogs, and conducted by Belanger

and the Canadian sent by Mr. Weeks. Hepburn and Augustus jointly dragged

a smaller sledge, laden principally with their own bedding. Adam and

Benoit were left to follow with the Indians. We encamped on the

Grassy-Lake Portage, having walked about nine miles, principally on the

Yellow Knife River. It was open at the rapids, and in these places we

had to ascend its banks, and walk through the woods for some distance,

which was very fatiguing, especially to Dr. Richardson, whose feet were

severely galled in consequence of some defect in his snow-shoes.

On the 11th, however, we arrived at the Fort, which was still under the

charge of Mr. Weeks. He welcomed us in the most kind manner,

immediately gave us changes of dress, and did every thing in his power

to make us comfortable.

Our sensations on being once more in a comfortable dwelling, after the

series of hardships and miseries we had experienced, may be imagined.

Our first act was again to return our grateful praises to the Almighty

for the manifold instances of his mercy towards us. Having found here

some articles which Mr. Back had sent across from Moose-deer Island, I

determined on awaiting the arrival of Akaitcho and his party, in order

to present these to them, and to assure them of the promised reward, as

soon as it could possibly be procured.

In the afternoon of the 14th, Akaitcho, with his whole band came to the

Fort. He smoked his customary pipe, and made an address to Mr. Weeks in

the hall previous to his coming into the room in which Dr. Richardson

and I were. We discovered at the commencement of his speech to us, that

he had been informed that our expected supplies had not come. He spoke

of this circumstance as a disappointment, indeed, sufficiently severe to

himself, to whom his band looked up for the protection of their

interests, but without attaching any blame to us. "The world goes

badly," he said, "all are poor; you are poor, the traders appear to be

poor, I and my party, are poor likewise; and since the goods have not

come in, we cannot have them. I do not regret having supplied you with

provisions, for a Copper Indian can never permit white men to suffer

from want of food on his lands, without flying to their aid. I trust,

however, that we shall, as you say, receive what is due next autumn; and

at all events," he added, in a tone of good-humour, "it is the first

time that the white people have been indebted to the Copper Indians." We

assured him the supplies should certainly be sent to him by the autumn,

if not before. He then cheerfully received the small present we made to

himself; and, although, we could give a few things only to those who had

been most active in our service, the others, who, perhaps, thought

themselves equally deserving, did not murmur at being left out in the

distribution. Akaitcho afterwards expressed a strong desire, that we

should represent the character of his nation in a favourable light to

our countrymen. "I know," he said, "you write down every occurrence in

your books; but probably you have only noticed the bad things we have

said and done, and have omitted the good." In the course of the

desultory conversation which ensued, he said, that he had been always

told by us, to consider the traders in the same light as ourselves; and

that, for his part, he looked upon both as equally respectable. This

assurance, made in the presence of Mr. Weeks, was particularly

gratifying to us, as it completely disproved the defence that had been

set up, respecting the injurious reports circulated against us amongst

the Indians in the spring; namely, that they were in retaliation for our

endeavours to lower the traders in the eyes of the Indians. I take this

opportunity of stating my opinion, that Mr. Weeks, in spreading these

reports, was actuated by a mistaken idea that he was serving the

interest of his employers. On the present occasion, we felt indebted to

him for the sympathy he displayed for our distresses, and the kindness

with which he administered to our personal wants. After this conference,

such Indians as were indebted to the Company were paid for the provision

they had given us, by deducting a corresponding sum from their debts; in

the same way we gave a reward of sixteen skins of beaver to each of the

persons who had come to our relief at Fort Enterprise. As the debts of

Akaitcho and his hunters had been effaced at the time of his engagement

with us, we placed a sum equal to the amount of provision they had

recently supplied, to their credit on the Company's Books. These things

being, through the moderation of the Indians, adjusted with an

unexpected facility, we gave them a keg of mixed liquors, (five parts

water,) and distributed among them several fathoms of tobacco, and they

retired to their tents to spend the night in merriment.

Adam, our interpreter, being desirous of uniting himself with the Copper

Indians, applied to me for his discharge, which I granted, and gave him

a bill on the Hudson's Bay Company for the amount of his wages. These

arrangements being completed, we prepared to cross the lake.

Mr. Weeks provided Dr. Richardson and I with a cariole each, and we set

out at eleven A.M., on the 15th, for Moose-deer Island. Our party

consisted of Belanger, who had charge of a sledge laden with the

bedding, and drawn by two dogs, our two cariole men, Benoit, and

Augustus. Previous to our departure, we had another conference with

Akaitcho, who, as well as the rest of his party, bade us farewell, with

a warmth of manner rare among the Indians.

The badness of Belanger's dogs, and the roughness of the ice, impeded

our progress very much, and obliged us to encamp early. We had a good

fire made of the drift wood, which lines the shores of this lake in

great quantities. The next day was very cold. We began the journey at

nine A.M., and encamped at the Big Cape, having made another short

march, in consequence of the roughness of the ice.

On the 17th, we encamped on the most southerly of the Rein-deer Islands.

This night was very stormy, but the wind abating in the morning, we

proceeded, and by sunset reached the fishing-huts of the Company at

Stony Point. Here we found Mr. Andrews, a clerk of the Hudson's Bay

Company, who regaled us with a supper of excellent white fish, for which

this part of Slave Lake is particularly celebrated. Two men with sledges

arrived soon afterwards, sent by Mr. McVicar, who expected us about this

time. We set off in the morning before day break, with several

companions, and arrived at Moose-deer Island about one P.M. Here we were

received with the utmost hospitality by Mr. McVicar, the chief trader of

the Hudson's Bay Company in this district, as well as by his assistant

Mr. McAuley. We had also the happiness of joining our friend, Mr. Back;

our feelings on this occasion can be well imagined, and we were deeply

impressed with gratitude to him for his exertions in sending the supply

of food to Fort Enterprise, to which, under Divine Providence, we felt

the preservation of our lives to be owing. He gave us an affecting

detail of the proceedings of his party since our separation; the

substance of which I shall convey to the reader, by the following

extracts from his Journal.

MR. BACK'S NARRATIVE.

1821. October 4.

Captain Franklin having directed me to proceed with St. Germain,

Belanger, and Beauparlant, to Fort Enterprise, in the hope of obtaining

relief for the party, I took leave of my companions, and set out on my

journey, through a very swampy country, which with the cloudy state of

the weather and a keen north-east wind, accompanied by frequent snow

showers, retarded us so much, that we scarcely got more than four miles

before we halted for the night, and made a meal of _tripe de roche_ and

some old leather.

On the 5th we set out early, amidst extremely deep snow, sinking

frequently in it up to the thighs, a labour in our enfeebled and almost

worn out state, that nothing but the cheering hopes of reaching the

house and affording relief to our friends, could have enabled us to

support. As we advanced we found to our mortification, that the _tripe

de roche_, hitherto our sole dependence, began to be scarce, so that we

could only collect sufficient to make half a kettleful, which, with the

addition of a partridge each, that St. Germain had killed, yielded a

tolerable meal; during this day I felt very weak and sore in the

joints, particularly between the shoulders. At eight we encamped among a

small clump of willows.

On the 6th we set out at an early hour, pursuing our route over a range

of hills at the foot of one of which we saw several large pines, and a

great quantity of willows; a sight that encouraged us to quicken our

pace, as we were now certain we could not be far from the woods. Indeed

we were making considerable progress, when Belanger unfortunately broke

through the ice, and sank up to the hips. The weather being cold, he was

in danger of freezing, but some brushwood on the borders of the lake

enabled us to make a fire to dry him. At the same time we took the

opportunity of refreshing ourselves with a kettle of swamp tea.

My increasing debility had for some time obliged me to use a stick for

the purpose of extending my arms; the pain in my shoulders being so

acute, that I could not bear them to remain in the usual position for

two minutes together. We halted at five among some small brushwood, and

made a sorry meal of an old pair of leather trowsers, and some swamp

tea.

The night was cold with a hard frost, and though two persons slept

together, yet we could not by any means keep ourselves warm, but

remained trembling the whole time. The following morning we crossed

several lakes, occasionally seeing the recent tracks of deer, and at

noon we fell upon Marten Lake; it happened to be at the exact spot where

we had been the last year with the canoes, yet though I immediately

recognised the place, the men would not believe it to be the same; at

length, by pointing out several marks, and relating circumstances

connected with them, they recovered their memory, and a simultaneous

expression of "Mon Dieu, nous sommes sauvés{53}," broke from the whole.

Contrary to our expectations the lake was frozen sufficiently to bear

us, so that we were excused from making the tours of the different bays.

This circumstance seemed to impart fresh vigour to us, and we walked as

fast as the extreme smoothness of the ice would permit, intending to

reach the Slave Rock that night; but an unforeseen and almost fatal

accident prevented the prosecution of our plan: Belanger (who seemed the

victim of misfortune) again broke through the ice, in a deep part near

the head of the rapid, but was timely saved by our fastening our worsted

belts together, and pulling him out. By urging him forwards as quick as

his icy garments would admit, to prevent his freezing, we reached a few

pines, and kindled a fire; but it was late before he even felt warm,

though he was so near the flame as to burn his hair twice; and to add to

our distress, (since we could not pursue them,) three wolves crossed the

lake close to us.

The night of the 7th was extremely stormy, and about ten the following

morning, on attempting to go on, we found it totally impossible, being

too feeble to oppose the wind and drift, which frequently blew us over,

and on attempting to cross a small lake that lay in our way, drove us

faster backwards, than with every effort, we could get forwards; we

therefore encamped under the shelter of a small clump of pines, secure

from the south-west storm that was raging around us. In the evening,

there being no _tripe de roche_, we were compelled to satisfy, or rather

allay the cravings of hunger, by eating a gun cover and a pair of old

shoes; at this time I had scarcely strength to get on my legs.

The wind did not in the least abate during the night, but in the morning

of the 9th it changed to north-east and became moderate. We took

advantage of this circumstance, and rising with great difficulty, set

out; though had it not been for the hope of reaching the house, I am

certain, from the excessive faintness which almost overpowered me, that

I must have remained where I was. We passed the Slave Rock, and making

frequent halts, arrived within a short distance of Fort Enterprise; but

as we perceived neither any marks of Indians, nor even of animals, the

men began absolutely to despair: on a nearer approach, however, the

tracks of large herds of deer, which had only passed a few hours, tended

a little to revive their spirits, and shortly after we crossed the

ruinous threshold of the long-sought spot; but what was our surprise,

what our sensations, at beholding every thing in the most desolate and

neglected state; the doors and windows of that room in which we expected

to find provision, had been thrown down and the wild animals of the

woods had resorted there as to a place of shelter and retreat. Mr.

Wentzel had taken away the trunks and papers, but had left no note to

guide us to the Indians. This was to us the most grievous

disappointment: without the assistance of the Indians, bereft of every

resource, we felt ourselves reduced to the most miserable state, which

was rendered still worse, from the recollection that our friends in the

rear were as miserable as{54} ourselves. For the moment, however,

hunger prevailed, and each began to gnaw the scraps of putrid and frozen

meat that were lying about, without waiting to prepare them. A fire,

however, was made, and the neck and bones of a deer, found in the house,

were boiled and devoured.

I determined to remain a day here to repose; then to go in search of the

Indians, and in the event of missing them, to proceed to the first

trading establishment, which was distant about one hundred and thirty

miles, and from thence to send succour to my companions. This indeed I

should have done immediately, as the most certain manner of executing my

purpose, had there been any probability of the river and lakes being

frozen to the southward, or had we possessed sufficient strength to have

clambered over the rocks and mountains which impeded the direct way; but

as we were aware of our inability to do so, I listened to St. Germain's

proposal, which was, to follow the deer into the woods, (so long as they

did not lead us out of our route to the Indians,) and if possible to

collect sufficient food to carry us to Fort Providence. We now set about

making mittens and snow shoes, whilst Belanger searched under the snow,

and collected a mass of old bones, which when burned and used with a

little salt we found palatable enough, and made a tolerable meal.{55} At

night St. Germain returned, having seen plenty of tracks, but no

animals; the day was cloudy, with fresh breezes, and the river was

frozen at the borders.

On the 11th we prepared for our journey, having first collected a few

old skins of deer, to serve us as food; and written a note to be left

for our commander, to apprize him of our intentions. We pursued the

course of the river to the lower lake, when St. Germain fell in, which

obliged us to encamp directly to prevent his being frozen; indeed we

were all glad to rest, for in our meagre and reduced state it was

impossible to resist the weather, which at any other time would have

been thought fine; my toes were frozen, and although wrapped up in a

blanket I could not keep my hands warm.

The 12th was excessively cold with fresh breezes. Our meal at night

consisted of scraps of old deer skins and swamp tea, and the men

complained greatly of their increasing debility. The following morning I

sent St. Germain to hunt, intending to go some distance down the lake,

but the weather becoming exceedingly thick with snow storms, we were

prevented from moving. He returned without success, not having seen any

animals. We had nothing to eat.

In the morning of the 14th the part of the lake before us was quite

frozen. There was so much uncertainty in St. Germain's answers as to the

chance of any Indians being in the direction we were then going,

(although he had previously said that the leader had told him he should

be there) and he gave me so much dissatisfaction in his hunting

excursions, that I was induced to send a note to the Commander, whom I

supposed to be by this time at Fort Enterprise, to inform him of our

situation; not that I imagined for a moment he could amend it, but that

by all returning to the fort we might, perhaps, have better success in

hunting; with this view I despatched Belanger, much against his

inclination, and told him to return as quickly as possible to a place

about four miles further on, where we intended to fish, and to await his

arrival. The men were so weak this day, that I could get neither of them

to move from the encampment; and it was only necessity that compelled

them to cut wood for fuel, in performing which operation Beauparlant's

face became so dreadfully swelled that he could scarcely see; I myself

lost my temper on the most trivial circumstances, and was become very

peevish; the day was fine but cold, with a freezing north-east wind. We

had nothing to eat.

_October 15_.--The night was calm and clear, but it was not before two

in the afternoon that we set out; and the one was so weak, and the other

so full of complaints, that we did not get more than three-quarters of a

mile from our last encampment, before we were obliged to put up; but in

this distance we were fortunate enough to kill a partridge, the bones

of which were eaten, and the remainder reserved for baits to fish with.

We, however, collected sufficient _tripe de roche_ to make a meal: and I

anxiously awaited Belanger's return, to know what course to take. I was

now so much reduced, that my shoulders were as if they would fall from

my body, my legs seemed unable to support me, and in the disposition in

which I then found myself, had it not been for the remembrance of my

friends behind, who relied on me for relief, as well as the persons of

whom I had charge, I certainly should have preferred remaining where I

was, to the miserable pain of attempting to move.

_October 16_.--We waited until two in the afternoon for Belanger; but

not seeing any thing of him on the lake, we set out, purposing to encamp

at the Narrows, the place which was said to be so good for fishing, and

where, according to St. Germain's account, the Indians never failed to

catch plenty; its distance at most could not be more than two miles. We

had not proceeded far before Beauparlant began to complain of increasing

weakness; but this was so usual with us that no particular notice was

taken of it, for in fact there was little difference, all being alike

feeble: among other things, he said whilst we were resting, that he

should never get beyond the next encampment, for his strength had quite

failed him. I endeavoured to encourage him by explaining the mercy of

the Supreme Being, who ever beholds with an eye of pity those that seek

his aid. This passed as common discourse, when he inquired where we were

to put up; St. Germain pointed to a small clump of pines near us, the

only place indeed that offered for fuel. "Well," replied the poor man,

"take your axe Mr. Back, and I will follow at my leisure, I shall join

you by the time the encampment is made." This is a usual practice of the

country, and St. Germain and myself went on towards the spot; it was

five o'clock and not very cold, but rather milder than we had

experienced it for some time, when on leaving the ice, we saw a number

of crows perched on the top of some high pines near us. St. Germain

immediately said there must be some dead animal thereabouts, and

proceeded to search, when we saw several heads of deer half buried in

the snow and ice, without eyes or tongues: the previous severity of the

weather having obliged the wolves and other animals to abandon them. An

expression of "Oh merciful God! we are saved," broke from us both; and

with feelings more easily imagined than described, we shook hands, not

knowing what to say for joy. It was twilight, and a fog was rapidly

darkening the surface of the lake, when St. Germain commenced making

the encampment; the task was too laborious for me to render him any

assistance, and had we not thus providentially found provision, I feel

convinced that the next twenty-four hours would have terminated my

existence. But this good fortune in some measure renovated me for the

moment, and putting out my whole strength I contrived to collect a few

heads, and with incredible difficulty carried them singly about thirty

paces to the fire.

Darkness stole on us apace, and I became extremely anxious about

Beauparlant; several guns were fired, to each of which he answered. We

then called out, and again heard his responses though faintly, when I

told St. Germain to go and look for him, as I had not strength myself,

being quite exhausted. He said, that he had already placed a pine branch

on the ice, and he could then scarcely find his way back, but if he went

now he should certainly be lost. In this situation I could only hope

that as Beauparlant had my blanket, and every thing requisite to light a

fire, he might have encamped at a little distance from us.

_October 17_.--The night was cold and clear, but we could not sleep at

all, from the pains of having eaten. We suffered the most excruciating

torments, though I in particular did not eat a quarter of what would

have satisfied me; it might have been from using a quantity of raw or

frozen sinews of the legs of deer, which neither of us could avoid

doing, so great was our hunger. In the morning, being much agitated for

the safety of Beauparlant, I desired St. Germain to go in search of him,

and to return with him as quick as possible, when I would have something

prepared for them to eat.

It was, however, late when he arrived, with a small bundle which

Beauparlant was accustomed to carry, and with tears in his eyes, told me

that he had found our poor companion dead. Dead! I could not believe

him. "It is so, Sir," said St. Germain; "after hallooing and calling his

name to no purpose, I went towards our last encampment, about three

quarters of a mile, and found him stretched upon his back on a sand bank

frozen to death, his limbs all extended and swelled enormously, and as

hard as the ice that was near him; his bundle was behind him, as if it

had rolled away when he fell, and the blanket which he wore around his

neck and shoulders thrown on one side. Seeing that there was no longer

life in him, I threw your covering over him, and placed his snow-shoes

on the top of it."

I had not even thought of so serious an occurrence in our little party,

and for a short time was obliged to give vent to my grief. Left with one

person and both of us weak, no appearance of Belanger, a likelihood that

great calamity had taken place amongst our other companions, still

upwards of seventeen days' march from the nearest Establishment, and

myself unable to carry a burden; all these things pressed heavy on me;

and how to get to the Indians or to the fort I did not know; but that I

might not depress St. Germain's spirits, I suppressed the feelings to

which these thoughts gave rise, and made some arrangements for the

journey to Fort Providence.

_October 18_.--While we were this day occupied in scraping together the

remains of some deer's meat, we observed Belanger coming round a point

apparently scarcely moving. I went to meet him, and made immediate

inquiries about my friends. Five, with the Captain, he said, were at the

house, the rest were left near the river, unable to proceed; but he was

too weak to relate the whole. He was conducted to the encampment, and

paid every attention to, and by degrees we heard the remainder of his

tragic tale, at which the interpreter could not avoid crying. He then

gave me a letter from my friend the Commander, which indeed was truly

afflicting. The simple story of Belanger I could hear, but when I read

it in another language, mingled with the pious resignation of a good

man, I could not sustain it any longer. The poor man was much affected

at the death of our lamented companion, but his appetite prevailed over

every other feeling; and, had I permitted it, he would have done himself

an injury; for after two hours' eating, principally skin and sinews, he

complained of hunger. The day was cloudy, with snow and fresh breezes

from the north-east by east.

The last evening, as well as this morning, the 19th, I mentioned my

wishes to the men, that we should proceed towards Rein-Deer Lake, but

this proposal met with a direct refusal. Belanger stated his inability

to move, and St. Germain used similar language; adding, for the first

time, that he did not know the route, and that it was of no use to go in

the direction I mentioned, which was the one agreed upon between the

Commander and myself. I then insisted that we should go by the known

route, and join the Commander, but they would not hear of it; they would

remain where they were until they had regained their strength; they

said{56} I wanted to expose them again to death (_faire perir_). In vain

did I use every argument to the contrary, for they were equally heedless

to all. Thus situated I was compelled to remain; and from this time to

the 25th we employed ourselves in looking about for the remnants of the

deer and pieces of skin, which even the wolves had left; and by pounding

the bones, we were enabled to make a sort of soup, which strengthened us

greatly, though each still complained of weakness. It was not without

the greatest difficulty that I could restrain the men from eating every

scrap they found, though they were well aware of the necessity there was

of being economical in our present situation, and to save whatever they

could for our journey; yet they could not resist the temptation, and

whenever my back was turned they seldom failed to snatch at the nearest

piece to them, whether cooked or raw.

We had set fishing-lines, but without any success; and we often saw

large herds of deer crossing the lake at full speed, and wolves pursuing

them.

The night of the 25th was cold with hard frost. Early the next morning I

sent the men to cover the body of our departed companion Beauparlant

with the trunks and branches of trees, which they did; and shortly after

their return I opened his bundle, and found it contained two papers of

vermilion, several strings of beads, some fire-steels, flints, awls,

fish-hooks, rings, linen, and the glass of an artificial horizon. My

two men began to recover a little as well as myself, though I was by far

the weakest of the three; the soles of my feet were cracked all over,

and the other parts were as hard as horn, from constant walking. I again

urged the necessity of advancing to join the Commander's party, but they

said, they were not sufficiently strong.

On the 27th we discovered the remains of a deer, on which we feasted.

The night was unusually cold, and ice formed in a pint-pot within two

feet of the fire. The coruscations of the Aurora were beautifully

brilliant; they served to shew us eight wolves, which we had some

trouble to frighten away from our collection of deer's bones; and,

between their howling and the constant cracking of the ice, we did not

get much rest.

Having collected with great care, and by self-denial, two small packets

of dried meat or sinews, sufficient (for men who knew what it was to

fast) to last for eight days, at the rate of one indifferent meal per

day, we prepared to set out on the 30th. I calculated that we should be

about fourteen days in reaching Fort Providence; and allowing that we

neither killed deer nor found Indians, we could but be unprovided with

food six days, and this we heeded not whilst the prospect of obtaining

full relief was before us. Accordingly we set out against a keen

north-east wind, in order to gain the known route to Fort Providence. We

saw a number of wolves and some crows on the middle of the lake, and

supposing such an assembly was not met idly, we made for them and came

in for a share of a deer which they had killed a short time before, and

thus added a couple of meals to our stock. By four P.M. we gained the

head of the lake, or the direct road to Fort Providence, and some dry

wood being at hand, we encamped; by accident it was the same place where

the Commander's party had slept on the 19th, the day on which I supposed

they had left Fort Enterprise; but the encampment was so small, that we

feared great mortality had taken place amongst them; and I am sorry to

say the stubborn resolution of my men, not to go to the house, prevented

me from determining this most anxious point, so that I now almost

dreaded passing their encampments, lest I should see some of our

unfortunate friends dead at each spot. Our fire was hardly kindled when

a fine herd of deer passed close to us. St. Germain pursued them a short

distance, but with his usual want of success, so that we made a meal off

the muscles and sinews we had dried, though they were so tough that we

could scarcely{57} cut them. My hands were benumbed throughout the

march, and we were all stiff and fatigued. The marching of two days

weakened us all very much, and the more so on account of our exertion to

follow the tracks of our Commander's party; but we lost them, and

concluded that they were not before us. Though the weather was not cold,

I was frozen in the face and was so reduced and affected by these

constant calamities, as well in mind as in body, that I found much

difficulty in proceeding even with the advantages I had enjoyed.

_November 3_.--We set out before day, though, in fact, we were all much

fitter to remain, from the excessive pain which we suffered in our

joints, and proceeded till one P.M., without halting, when Belanger, who

was before, stopped, and cried out, "Footsteps of Indians." It is

needless to mention the joy that brightened the countenances of each at

this unlooked-for sight; we knew relief must be at hand, and considered

our sufferings at an end. St. Germain inspected the tracks, and said

that three persons had passed the day before; and that he knew the

remainder must be advancing to the southward, as was customary with

these Indians, when they sent to the trading establishment on the first

ice. On this information we encamped, and being too weak to walk myself,

I sent St. Germain to follow the tracks, with instructions to the chief

of the Indians to provide immediate assistance for such of our friends

as might be at Fort Enterprise, as well as for ourselves, and to lose no

time in returning to me. I was now so exhausted, that had we not seen

the tracks this day, I must have remained at the next encampment, until

the men could have sent aid from Fort Providence. We had finished our

small portion of sinews, and were preparing for rest, when an Indian boy

made his appearance with meat. St. Germain had arrived before sunset at

the tents of Akaitcho, whom he found at the spot where he had wintered

last year; but imagine my surprise when he gave me a note from the

Commander, and said that Benoit and Augustus, two of the men, had just

joined them. The note was so confused, by the pencil marks being partly

rubbed out, that I could not decipher it clearly; but it informed me,

that he had attempted to come with the two men, but finding his strength

inadequate to the task, he relinquished his design, and returned to Fort

Enterprise, to await relief with the others. There was another note for

the gentleman in charge of Fort Providence, desiring him to send meat,

blankets, shoes, and tobacco. Akaitcho wished me to join him on the

ensuing day, at a place which the boy knew, where they were going to

fish; and I was the more anxious to do so, on account of my companions:

but particularly that I might hear a full relation of what had happened,

and of the Commander's true situation, which I suspected to be much

worse than he had described.

In the afternoon I joined the Indians, and repeated to Akaitcho what St.

Germain had told him; he seemed much affected, and said, he would have

sent relief directly, though I had not been there; indeed, his conduct

was generous and humane. The next morning, at an early hour, three

Indians, with loaded sledges of meat, skins, shoes, and a blanket, set

out for Fort Enterprise; one of them was to return directly with an

answer from Captain Franklin, to whom I wrote; but in the event of his

death, he was to bring away all the papers he could find; and he

promised to travel with such haste, as to be able to return to us on the

fourth day. I was now somewhat more at ease, having done all in my power

to succour my unfortunate companions; but was very anxious for the

return of the messenger. The Indians brought me meat in small

quantities, though sufficient for our daily consumption; and, as we had

a little ammunition, many were paid on the spot for what they gave.

On the 9th I had the satisfaction of seeing the Indian arrive from Fort

Enterprise. At first he said they were all dead, but shortly after he

gave me a note, which was from the Commander, and then I learned all the

fatal particulars which had befallen them. I now proposed that the Chief

should immediately send three sledges, loaded with meat, to Fort

Enterprise, should make a _cache_ of provision at our present

encampment, and also, that he should here await the arrival of the

Commander. By noon two large trains, laden with meat, were sent off for

Fort Enterprise. The next day we proceeded on our journey, and arrived

at Fort Providence on the 21st of November.

_Conclusion of Mr. Back's Narrative._

* * * * *

I have little now to add to the melancholy detail into which I felt it

proper to enter; but I cannot omit to state, that the unremitting care

and attentions of our kind friends, Mr. McVicar and Mr. McAuley, united

with our improved diet, to promote to the restoration of our health; so

that, by the end of February, the swellings of our limbs, which had

returned upon us, entirely subsided, and we were able to walk to any

part of the island. Our appetites gradually moderated, and we nearly

regained our ordinary state of body before the spring. Hepburn alone

suffered from a severe attack of rheumatism, which confined him to his

bed for some weeks. The usual symptoms of spring having appeared, on the

25th of May we prepared to embark for Fort Chipewyan. Fortunately, on

the following morning, a canoe arrived from that place with the whole of

the stores which we required for the payment of Akaitcho and the

hunters. It was extremely gratifying to us to be thus enabled, previous

to our departure, to make arrangements respecting the requital of our

late Indian companions; and the more so, as we had recently discovered

that Akaitcho, and the whole of his tribe, in consequence of the death

of the leader's mother, and the wife of our old guide Keskarrah, had

broken and destroyed every useful article belonging to them, and were in

the greatest distress. It was an additional pleasure to find our stock

of ammunition more than sufficient to pay them what was due, and that we

could make a considerable present of this most essential article to

every individual that had been attached to the Expedition.

We quitted Moose-deer Island at five P.M., on the 26th, accompanied by

Mr. McVicar, and Mr. McAuley, and nearly all the voyagers at the

establishment, having resided there about five months, not a day of

which had passed without our having cause of gratitude, for the kind and

unvaried attentions of Mr. McVicar and Mr. McAuley. These gentlemen

accompanied us as far as Fort Chipewyan, where we arrived on the 2d of

June; here we met Mr. Wentzel, and the four men, who had been sent with

him from the mouth of the Copper-Mine River; and I think it due to that

gentleman, to give his own explanation of the unfortunate circumstances

which prevented him from fulfilling my instructions, respecting the

provisions to have been left for us at Fort Enterprise[16].

[16] "After you sent me back from the mouth of the Copper-Mine River,

and I had overtaken the Leader, Guides, and Hunters, on the

fifth day, leaving the sea-coast, as well as our journey up the

River, they always expressed the same desire of fulfilling their

promises, although somewhat dissatisfied at being exposed to

privation while on our return, from a scarcity of animals; for,

as I have already stated in my first communication from

Moose-Deer Island, we had been eleven days with no other food but

_tripe de roche_. In the course of this time an Indian, with his

wife and child, who were travelling in company with us, were left

in the rear, and are since supposed to have perished through

want, as no intelligence had been received of them at Fort

Providence in December last. On the seventh day after I had

joined the Leader, &c. &c., and journeying on together, all the

Indians, excepting Petit Pied and Bald-Head, left me to seek

their families, and crossed Point Lake at the Crow's Nest, where

Humpy had promised to meet his brother Ekehcho[16a] with the

families, but did not fulfil, nor did any of my party of Indians

know where to find them; for we had frequently made fires to

apprize them of our approach, yet none appeared in return as

answers. This disappointment, as might be expected, served to

increase the ill-humour of the Leader and party, the brooding of

which (agreeably to Indian custom) was liberally discharged on

me, in bitter reproach for having led them from their families,

and exposed them to dangers and hardships, which but for my

influence, they said, they might have spared themselves.

Nevertheless, they still continued to profess the sincerest

desire of meeting your wishes in making _caches_ of provisions,

and remaining until a late season on the road that leads from

Fort Enterprise to Fort Providence, through which the

Expedition-men had travelled so often the year before--remarking,

however, at the same time, that they had not the least hopes of

ever seeing one person return from the Expedition. These alarming

fears I never could persuade them to dismiss from their minds;

they always sneered at what they called 'my credulity.'--'If,'

said the Gros Pied[16b], 'the Great Chief (meaning Captain

Franklin), or any of his party, should pass at my tents, he or

they shall be welcome to all my provisions, or any thing else

that I may have.' And I am sincerely happy to understand, by

your communication, that in this he had kept his word--in sending

you with such promptitude and liberality the assistance your

truly dreadful situation required. But the party of Indians, on

whom I had placed the utmost confidence and dependance, was Humpy

and the White Capot Guide, with their sons, and several of the

discharged hunters from the Expedition. This party was

well-disposed, and readily promised to collect provisions for the

possible return of the Expedition, provided they could get a

supply of ammunition from Fort Providence; for when I came up

with them they were actually starving, and converting old axes

into ball, having no other substitute--this was unlucky. Yet they

were well inclined, and I expected to find means at Fort

Providence to send them a supply, in which I was, however,

disappointed, for I found that establishment quite destitute of

necessaries; and then, shortly after I had left them, they had

the misfortune of losing three of their hunters, who were drowned

in Marten Lake: this accident was, of all others, the most fatal

that could have happened--a truth which no one, who has the least

knowledge of the Indian character, will deny; and as they were

nearly connected by relationship to the Leader, Humpy, and White

Capot Guide, the three leading men of this part of the Copper

Indian Tribe, it had the effect of unhinging (if I may use the

expression) the minds of all these families, and finally

destroying all the fond hopes I had so sanguinely conceived of

their assisting the Expedition, should it come back by the

Anna-dessé River, of which they were not certain.

[16a] Akaitcho the Leader.

[16b] Also Akaitcho.

"As to my not leaving a letter at Fort Enterprise, it was

because, by some mischance, you had forgot to give me paper when

we parted[16c].

[16c] I certainly offered Mr. Wentzel some paper when he

quitted us, but he declined it, having then a note-book;

and Mr. Back gave him a pencil.

"I, however, wrote this news on a plank, in pencil, and placed it

in the top of your former bedstead, where I left it. Since it has

not been found there, some Indians must have gone to the house

after my departure, and destroyed it. These details, Sir, I have

been induced to enter into (rather unexpectedly) in justification

of myself, and hope it will be satisfactory."

In a subsequent conversation he stated to me, that the two Indians, who

were actually with him at Fort Enterprise, whilst he remained there

altering his canoe, were prevented from hunting; one by an accidental

lameness, the other by the fear of meeting alone some of the Dog-Rib

Indians.

We were here furnished with a canoe by Mr. Smith, and a bowman, to act

as our guide; and having left Fort Chipewyan on the 5th, we arrived, on

the 4th of July, at Norway House. Finding at this place, that canoes

were about to go down to Montreal, I gave all our Canadian voyagers

their discharges, and sent them by those vessels, furnishing them with

orders on the Agent of the Hudson's Bay Company, for the amount of their

wages. We carried Augustus down to York Factory, where we arrived on the

14th of July, and were received with every mark of attention and

kindness by Mr. Simpson, the Governor, Mr. McTavish, and, indeed, by all

the officers of the United Companies. And thus terminated our long,

fatiguing, and disastrous travels in North America, having journeyed by

water and by land (including our navigation of the Polar Sea,) five

thousand five hundred and fifty miles.

THE END.

[Illustration: Route from York Factory]

[Illustration: Route from Isle à la Crosse]

[Illustration: Route from Slave Lake]

* * * * *

LONDON:

PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES,

Northumberland-court.

* * * * *

Transcriber's corrections and comments:

1. Original had "throngh"; corrected to "through".

2. Assume -45° 5' means -45.5°, but possibly this could also

be -45-5/60°

3. Original had "phenemenon"; corrected to "phenomenon".

4. The context of soap making indicates that "ley" is most likely a

misprint for "lye".

5. Original had "holyday"; corrected to "holiday" (as in 2nd

edition).

6. Original list order was "M., L."; changed to "L., M." for

consistency.

7. Original list order was "S., R."; changed to "R., S." for

consistency.

8. Original had "storehouse"; changed to "store-house" to be

consistent with other occurrences in the text.

9. Original had "An"; corrected to "At".

10. Original had "McAulay"; changed to "McAuley" to be consisten with

other occurrences in the text.

11. Added comma missing after "tobacco" in original.

12. Original had "determine"; corrected to "determined".

13. Original had "considerally"; corrected to "considerably" (as in

2nd edition).

14. Original had comma after "him"; corrected to period.

15. Original had period after "impossible"; corrected to comma.

16. Added "a" missing before "medal" in original.

17. Assume "Akaiyazzeh" is the same as "Akaiyazza" in chapter VIII.

18. Original had "Instructions"; corrected to "instructions".

19. Original had "et"; corrected to "set".

20. Original had "June", which doesn't fit into the sequence;

corrected to "July".

21. Original had "good-nature" at line break; corrected to "good

nature".

22. Original had "looses and"; corrected to "loose sand".

23. Original had "June", which doesn't fit into the sequence;

corrected to "July".

24. Original had "this"; corrected to "his".

25. Original had "tattoed"; corrected to "tattooed".

26. Original had "her and"; corrected to "her".

27. Added period missing after "house" in original.

28. Added comma missing after "being" in original.

29. Original had "easernmost"; corrected to "easternmost".

30. Added period missing after "Academy" in original.

31. Original had "Blackmeat"; changed to "Black-meat" to be consistent

with other occurrences in this text and in the first volume.

32. Alternative spellings for "Thlueetessy" in the first volume are

"Thlouee-tessy" and "Thloueea-tessy".

33. Original had "tha"; corrected to "that".

34. Original had "Slate-Clay"; changed to "Slate-clay" to be

consistent with occurrence in chapter XI.

35. Original had "sandstone"; changed to "sand-stone" to be consistent

with other occurrences in the text.

36. Original had "philanthrophist"; corrected to "philanthropist".

37. Original had "brush-wood"; changed to "brushwood" to be consistent

with other occurrences in the text.

38. Original had "port-folio"; changed to "portfolio" to be consistent

with spelling in footnote 6 in chapter X.

39. Original had "daybreak"; changed to "day-break" to be consistent

with other occurrences in the text.

40. Original had "amongt"; corrected to "amongst".

41. Original had "Rein-deer"; changed to "Rein-Deer" to be consistent

with other occurrences in the text.

42. Original had "signed"; corrected to "singed".

43. Original had "goiug"; corrected to "going".

44. Original had superfluous comma after "companions"; deleted.

45. Added comma missing in original after "hunting".

46. Original had "firewood"; changed to "fire-wood" to be consistent

with other occurrences in the text.

47. Original had "morrrow"; corrected to "morrow".

48. Added word "be" missing in phrase "used to considered" in

original.

49. Original had "Semandrè"; corrected this and all further instances

to "Samandrè" to be consistent with the spelling used earlier in

this text and in the first volume.

50. Original had "w"; corrected to "we".

51. Original had "combatted"; corrected to "combated" (as in 2nd

edition and elsewhere in the text).

52. Original had "exited"; corrected to "excited".

53. Original had "sauvès"; corrected to "sauvés".

54. Superfluous "as" in original; deleted.

55. Added period missing after "meal" in original.

56. Original had superfluous comma after "said"; deleted.

57. Original had "scacrely"; corrected to "scarcely".