CAPTAIN M'CLURE S DESPATCHES. 9 



north than our position, they would see the pack soKd and impenetrable. 

 This, however, gives ample space for navigation, the soundings being so 

 exceedingly regular that, during the most foggy weather, we can stand 

 in shore with the most perfect confidence to 3^ fathoms. A whale was 

 seen to day, being only the third since rounding Point Barrow ; although 

 upon the day we were off that point seven were counted. 



Auo-ust 24. — Observed huts and natives off Point Warren. I 

 hastily close this communication in the hope of its reaching their Lord- 

 ships this year through Fort Good Hope, as I imagine these people 

 communicate with the Mackenzie. I have written to the Company's 

 officer at the above-mentioned post, to request his exertions in sending 

 it forward. 



In conclusion, it gives me much pleasure to state that the whole of the 

 crew are in excellent health and spirits. The season appears exceedingly 

 favourable, the temperature being mild and the water perfectly free 

 from ice along the shore as far as we can see. It was my intention to 

 touch at Cape Bathurst, with the chance of being able to forward this 

 despatch, which will now not be necessary, but I shall make the most of 

 the remainder of the season by getting to the northward in pursuance 

 of their Lordships' directions. 



I have the honour to be. Sir, 



Your most obedient, humble Servant, • 



ROBERT M'CLURE, Commander. 



Her Mtijr.sfi/'s D'iscoverij Ship Inrcsfirjofur, off Cape Bal/iursf, Polar Sea : 

 ' ia/. 70" 2P/ N., long. 127° 57' W. ^August 30, 1850. 



Sir, — Having closed my des})atch of the 21th, with an intimation 

 that it would be left near Point Warren with the natives observed from 

 the ship, in accordance with that intention I proceeded to the shore. 

 Why it was not so left I shall, in continuation of my narrative, relate. 

 From the contiauity of this tribe to the jNIackenzie, I was naturally led 

 to imagine that their trade was with the Hudson's Bay Company. 

 Great, therefore, was my surprise upon ap])roaching the beach to find, 

 instead of being greeted with the usual friendly signs, that two savages, 

 with gesticulations the most menacing, having bended bows with 

 arrows on their strings, and one with a large knife, which he brandished 

 most significantly, waved us off. Taking no heed of these hostile 

 demonsti-ations, we pulled in ; they retreated, yelling furiously ; u})on 

 our reaching the full of the beach we made the same signs of friend- 

 ship which we had made with the Esquimaux further west, but without 

 any effect until joined by the interpreter, who was in fall native cos- 

 tume. This gave them confidence, and, upon his explaining our friendh'' 

 intentions, they approached ; but wlien within about tliirty yards, 

 remarking some muskets which the boat's crew had, their fury revived ; 

 to pacify them they were laid upon the ground, where they became the 

 object of cautious e>^amination ; still unsatisfied, they beckoned to take 

 them to the boat ; seeing that nothing short of this would allow of any 

 communication, I sent them away, when they approached, and per- 

 mitted us to examine their bows and arrows. 



Mr, Miertsching informed me that we had been observed at five 



