248 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



ceeding any farther in the large canoes. I there- 

 fore determined on constructing out of their ma- 

 terials two smaller ones of sufficient size to con- 

 tain three persons, for the purpose of cross- 

 ing any river that might obstruct our progress. 

 This operation was accordingly commenced, 

 and by the 31st both the canoes being finished, 

 we prepared for our departure on the follow- 

 ing day. 



The leather which had been preserved for 

 making shoes was equally divided among the 

 men, two pairs of flanael socks were given to 

 each person, and such articles of warm clothing 

 as remained, were issued to those who most re- 

 quired them. They were also furnished with 

 one of the officers' tents. This being done, I 

 communicated to the men my intention of pro- 

 ceeding in as direct a course as possible to the 

 part of Point Lake, opposite to our spring en- 

 campment, which was only distant one hundred 

 and forty-nine miles in a straight line. They re- 

 ceived the communication cheerfully, considered 

 the journey to be short, and left me, in high 

 spirits, to arrange their own packages. The 

 stores, books, <3'c., which were not absolutely 

 necessary to be carried, were then put up in 

 boxes to be left en cache here, in order that the 

 men's burdens might be as light as possible. 



