TO CAPTAIN BACK. 47 



creatures supposed to be in circumstances at 

 which our nature shudders. 



" I fully concur in Mr. Keith's suggestions, 

 respecting the necessity of getting experienced 

 men who are inured to the fatigues of the coun- 

 try. There will probably be some difficulty in 

 procuring volunteers ; but I am happy to confide 

 this part of the arrangement to Messrs. Chief- 

 factors Cameron and Christie, gentlemen, who, 

 from their experience in the country, and well 

 known benevolence of character, are eminently 

 calculated to assist in furthering the well-being 

 and comfort of the party. Mr. Charles will 

 meet you at Jack River, and is directed to give 

 you the full benefit of his experience and local 

 knowledge of the country about Slave Lake and 

 its vicinity. 



" By the enclosed you will perceive that the 

 Council have nominated four officers in the Com- 

 pany's service, all men of courage and ability ; 

 any one of whom will be fully adequate to the 

 duties which may devolve upon him under your 

 command. Hope of speedy promotion in the 

 service is the reward held out to such person of 

 that number as may embrace the opportunity of 

 aiding and furthering your views and objects. 

 In fine, I wish it to be perfectly understood 

 that all our resources are available to you ; that 

 our craft will be at your service, and our stores 



