492 A JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



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 Eiver ; and I think it due to that 

 gentleman, to give his own explanation of the unfortunate circum- 

 stances which prevented him from fulfilling my last instructions, 

 respecting the provisions to have been left for us at Fort En- 

 terprise *. 





* « 



After you sent me back from the mouth of the Copper-Mine 

 :en the Leader, Guides, a n d Hunters, on the fifth dav. leavW t 



as on our journey up the River, they always expressed the same desire of fulfilling their pro- 

 mises, 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 



s with no other food but tripe 

 and child, who were travelling 



with us, were left in the rear, and are since supposed to have perished through want, as 



*e had been received of them at For 

 after I had joined the Leader, fyc. <§f 

 entiner Petit Pied and Bald-Head. 1 



On the 



Humpy 



find them ; for we had 



party 



— — w- 



appeared in return as answers. This disappointment, as might be expected, served 



increase 



( 



Indian custom) was liberally discharged 

 from their families, and exposed them i 

 ence, they said, they might have spared 



I hardships, 



Nevertheless 



your wishes 



and 



the road that leads from Fort Enterp 



m g> 



return 



ugh which the Expedition-men had travelled so often the year before — remark 

 er, at the same time, that they had not the least hopes of ever seeing one per 

 from the Expedition. These alarming fears I never could persuade them t< 

 dismiss from their minds ; they always sneered at what they called * my credulity.' 

 * If, 1 said the Gros Pied f, < 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 com- 



* Akaitcho the Leader. + Also 



