226 A JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



him next morning, some modification of the plan, which might meet 

 his approbation. Soon after we were gone, however, he informed 

 Mr. Wentzel, with whom he was in the habit of speaking confi- 



dentially, that as his advice was neglected, his presence was useless, 

 and he should, therefore, return to Fort Providence with his 

 hunters, after he had collected some winter provision for us. Mr. 

 Wentzel having reported this to me, the night was past in great 

 anxiety, and after weighing all the arguments that presented them- 

 selves to my mind, I came reluctantly to the determination of re- 

 linquishing the intention of going any distance down the river 

 this season. I had considered, that could we ascertain what were the 

 impediments to the navigation of the Copper-Mine River, what 

 wood grew on its banks, if fit for boat-building, and whether drift 

 timber existed where the country was naked, our operations next 

 season would be much facilitated ; but we had also cherished the 

 hope of reaching the sea this year, for the Indians in their conver- 



sations with us, had only spoken of two great rapids as likely to 



obstruct us. This was a hope extremely painful to give up, for 



in the event of success we should have ascertained whether the 



sea was clear of ice, and navigable for canoes ; have learned the 



disposition of the Esquimaux; and might have obtained other 



information that would have had great influence on our future 

 proceedings. 



I must confess, however, that my opinion of the probability of 

 our being able to attain so great a desideratum this season had been 

 somewhat altered by the recent changes in the weather, although, 

 had the chief been willing to accompany us with his party, I should 

 have made the attempt ; with the intention, however, of returning 

 immediately upon the first decided appearance of winter. 



On the morning of August 27 th, having communicated my sen- 

 timents to the officers, on the subject of the conference last evenii 

 they all agreed that the descent to the sea this season could not be 



s> 



