[ERMATINGER] YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL 107 
them gummed afresh. Passed Riviere a Baptiste! about 4 past 1 o’clock. 
Picard and Nipisingue? two of the Rocky Mountain freemen took leave 
of us this morning—the former to hunt his way down and the latter to 
proceed to Jasper’s. Altho’ these two men disembarked out of one 
canoe, we find that she goes better with the remaining six than she did 
before with eight. 
27th.—Fine day. One of our men (Lafrance) having been seized 
last night with a violent cholic we could not start as usual—however, 
about 8 o’clock we made an attempt to continue our voyage, but were 
soon obliged to put ashore again, the man’s illness having much 
increased. The Doctor gave him a triple dose which took no effect. 
About 2 p.m. we were enabled to pursue our voyage. During our stay 
here several packs which had got wet were opened and dried. Encamped 
a little after 6 p.m. having ascended several very strong rapids. Some 
of the canoes could not mount under the poles and the men had to drag 
them up. Lafrance still very unwell. Jollibois getting better. 
28th, Friday.—Fine weather. Started at 4 past 5a.m. At break- 
fast time two of our canoes required gumming. We afterwards ascended 
a chain of rapids to the head of Rapids des Morts* where, as our canoes 
require gumming again, we encamped at 5 p.m. At 8 of these rapids 
which are very strong three of the canoes were handed up—only one 
has been able to ascend under the poles which is owing to the dexterity 
of the Bouts. Lafrance and Jollibois are on the recovery. 
29th.—Fine day. Started at 4 past 5 a.m. and continued our 
voyage till past 5 when we camped, just below the Grand Basfound,* 
on account of bad weather, it having begun to rain. The river has been 
less difficult to-day than heretofore. We had our first view of the 
Rocky Mountains about noon and should have seen them sooner but 
for the cloudy weather. Our two men have both recovered and are on 
duty. 
30th.—Tolerable weather till evening when it began to rain and 
the McLeod. Named after Baptiste Berland, a fur trader; probably Berland lake 
and river (see page 85) named after him. A “ Berland”’ was, for a time, in charge 
of Jasper House. When Sir George Simpson was on his journey round the world 
in 1841-42, Berland met him with horses on the Columbia. 
2 See ante. 
3 Rapide des Morts or Dead Man rapid is about 15 miles below the Grand Bas- 
fond—a large alluvial flat—where the trail to Edmonton leaves the Athabaska. In 
May, 1814, the North West Company’s overland party lost two canoemen Lapen- 
sée and Bélanger—the second day after they left Jasper House. The name probably 
commemorates this accident. Practically all the Rap. des Morts or Death rapids 
received their names from some drowning accident. 
‘Grand Basfond; see note 3. 
