246 DISCHARGE OF THREE MEN, 



that merciful Providence, which in the beautiful 

 language of Scripture hath said, " Mine own 

 will I bring again, as I did sometime from the 

 deeps of the sea." The thought of so wonderful 

 a preservation overpowered for a time the 

 common occurrences of life. We had but just 

 sat down to breakfast ; but our appetite was 

 gone, and the day was passed in a feverish state 

 of excitement. Seldom, indeed, did my friend 

 Mr. King or I indulge in a libation, but on this 

 joyful occasion economy was forgotten ; a treat 

 was given to the men, and for ourselves the 

 social sympathies were quickened by a generous 

 bowl of punch. 



May 5. — David Williamson of the Royal 

 Artillery and two other men were discharged 

 from the service ; the former on account of con- 

 tinued ill health, and the latter at their own 

 solicitation. By them were forwarded letters 

 for England. We had now a smart thaw; 

 and patches of green, as well as projecting 

 parts of rocks, were daily becoming visible. 

 Shortly afterwards a letter arrived from Mr. 

 M e Leod containing information, which I had 

 some time anticipated, of the total failure of 

 Akaitcho and his party to collect provision — as 

 well as a hint that the chief had been tampered 



* Psal. 66. 



