OF THE POLAR SEA. 367 



learn the news, and to receive the articles brought 

 for them. Having got some spirits and tobacco, 

 they withdrew to the tent of the Chief, and 

 passed the greater part of the night in singing. 

 We had now the indescribable gratification of 

 changing our linen, which had been worn ever 

 since our departure from the sea-coast. 



December 8.— After a long conference with 

 Akaitcho, we took leave of him and his kind com- 

 panions, and set out with two sledges, heavily 

 laden with provision and bedding, drawn by the 

 dogs, and conducted by Belanger and the Cana- 

 dian sent by Mr. Weeks. Hepburn and Augustus 

 jointly dragged a smaller sledge, laden principally 

 with their own bedding. Adam and Benoit were 

 left to follow with the Indians. We encamped 

 on the Grassy-Lake Portage, having walked 

 about nine miles, principally on the Yellow- 

 Knife River. It was open at the rapids, and in 

 these places we had to ascend its banks, and 

 walk through the woods for some distance, which 

 was very fatiguing, especially to Dr. Richardson, 

 whose feet were severely galled in consequence 

 of some defect in his snow-shoes. 



On the 11th, however, we arrived at the Fort; 

 it was still under the charge of Mr. Weeks. He 

 welcomed us in the most kind manner, immedi- 



