86 THE SAULT DE STE. MARIE. 



formed me that the vast quantity of floating ice 

 on Lake Superior had prevented his forwarding 

 the despatches mentioned by Mr. Keith before 

 the 1st of the month; so that, in reality, they 

 were only eleven days in advance of me, though 

 sent from England in December. My only re- 

 gret at this circumstance was, the very limited 

 time which would be thus afforded Mr. Simpson 

 for aiding the expedition in the efficient man- 

 ner to which, I was well assured, his zeal would 

 prompt him. As yet, I had not one third of the 

 necessary number of volunteers to go through 

 the service ; and there were many other im- 

 portant arrangements that could be satisfactorily 

 made by the resident governor alone. 



Owing to the scarcity of provisions in the 

 interior, it became advisable to take a supply for 

 five weeks ; and a third canoe was purchased to 

 assist in carrying it. Before leaving the Sault, 

 I waited on the officers of the American garrison, 

 accompanied by the gentlemen of the Company ; 

 and it is almost superfluous to say, that we expe- 

 rienced a reception in perfect keeping with the 

 strong feeling of interest which had been mani- 

 fested for us throughout the state of New York. 

 But the commanding officer, Captain Baxly, not 

 satisfied with the ordinary courtesies of polite 

 attention, sent us a more substantial proof of his 

 kindness, in the shape of prepared venison, 



