372 ARCTIC VOYAGES. Chap. X. 



with grass, and nourishes most of the shrubs and 

 berry-bearing plants that were met with north of 

 Fort Enterprise. 



After much discussion, and great apprehension 

 on the part of the Indians and voyagers, regarding 

 the hostility of the Esquimaux, in order to allay 

 their fears, Julius and Augustus were sent on to 

 have a communication with them ; a very small 

 party were fallen in with at the rapid described by 

 Hearne, their usual resort ; they found them to be 

 mild, peaceable creatures, and but too glad to be on 

 terms of friendship with the Indians. They con- 

 sisted only of four men and as many women, who 

 at night disappeared, having seen, it is supposed, 

 some of Akaitcho's Indians, who had unauthoris'edly 

 followed, contrary -to their chief's promise, and 

 shown themselves on the hills. It was at this place 

 where Hearne describes the dreadful massacre of 

 the Esquimaux by the Chipewyan Indians, and 

 therefore named it the " Bloody Fall." On Franklin 

 and the party approaching it and encamping, nine 

 Esquimaux appeared on the opposite bank of the 

 river, carrying their canoes on their backs ; but 

 they fled on seeing the tents. Not only were these 

 people alarmed, but the Indians also were so ter- 

 rified that they insisted on returning the next day ; 

 nor could Franklin prevail on two hunters to re- 

 main with him. The reduced part} 7 , however, 

 proceeded, and on the 18th of July reached the 



