OF THE POLAR SEA. 81 



informed of the arrival of two Esquimaux inter- 

 preters at Slave Lake on their way to join the 

 party. The circumstance not only quieted their 

 fears of opposition from the Esquimaux on our 

 descent to the sea next season, but also afforded 

 a substantial proof of our influence in being able 

 to bring two people of that nation from such a 

 distance. 



Akaitcho, who is a man of great penetration 

 and shrewdness, duly appreciated these circum- 

 stances ; indeed he has often surprised us by his 

 correct judgment of the character of individuals 

 amongst the traders or of our own party, although 

 his knowledge of their opinions was, in most 

 instances, obtained through the imperfect medium 

 of interpretation. He was an attentive observer, 

 however, of every action, and steadily compared 

 their conduct with their pretensions. 



By the newspapers we learned the demise of 

 our revered and lamented sovereign George III., 

 and the proclamation of George IV. We con 

 cealed this intelligence from the Indians, lest the 

 death of their great Father might lead them to 

 suppose that we should be unable to fulfil our 

 promises to them. 



The Indians who had left Fort Providence with 

 Belanger arrived the day after him, and, amongst 

 other intelligence, informed Akaitcho of some 



