OF THE POLAR SEA. 



165 



them, drew forth my highest approbation. These gentlemen had 

 brought all the stores they could procure from the establishments at 

 Cumberland and Isle a la Crosse ; and at the latter place they had re- 

 ceived ten bags of pemmican from the North-West Company, which 

 proved to be mouldy, and so totally unfit for use that it was left at 

 the Methye portage. They got none from the Hudson's Bay post. 

 The voyagers belonging to that Company, being destitute of pro- 

 vision, had eaten what was intended for us. In consequence of 

 these untoward circumstances, the canoes arrived with only one 

 day's supply of this most essential article. The prospect of having 

 to commence our journey from hence, almost destitute of provision, 



and scantily supplied with stores, was distressing to us, and very 

 discouraging to the men. It was evident, however, that any unne- 

 cessary delay here would have been very imprudent, as Fort Chi- 

 pewyan did not, at the present time, furnish the means of subsistence 

 for so large a party, much less was there a prospect of our receiving 

 any supply to carry with us. We, therefore, hastened to make the 

 necessary arrangements for our speedy departure. All the stores 

 were demanded that could possibly be spared from both the esta- 

 blishments ; and we rejoiced to find, that when this collection was 

 added to the articles that had been brought up by the canoes, that 

 we had a sufficient quantity of clothing for the equipment of the 

 men who had been engaged here, as well as to furnish a present to 

 the Indians, besides some few goods for the winter's consumption ; 

 but we could not procure any ammunition, which was the most es- 

 sential article, or spirits, and but little tobacco. 



We then made a final arrangement respecting the voyagers, who 

 were to accompany the party ; and, fortunately, there was no diffi- 

 culty in doing this, as Dr. Richardson and Mr. Hood had taken the 

 very judicious precaution of bringing up ten men from Cumberland, 

 who were engaged to proceed forward if their services were required. 

 The Canadians, whom they brought, were most desirous of being 



