76 EXPEDITION TO THE 



tion to general topics, avoiding all political subjects. This 

 man had a peculiar expression in his face, which induced 

 Mr. Seymour to take a likeness of him ; it is the left hand 

 figure of Plate 3. We have omitted to record his name ; 

 by the French traders he is called the " Blackman," 

 homme noir. 



The position of Fort Gerry was determined from a series 

 of observations to be in latitude 49° 53' 35" north, and 

 in longitude 97° 00' 50" west. 



On Sunday, the 17th of August, our preparations being 

 finished, we left this place, at which we had experienced 

 much kindness, not only on the part of Mr. Mackenzie, 

 but also of Mr. Kemp, the acting governor,* and of a num- 

 ber of the inhabitants. 



We embarked in our canoes at noon, and proceeded 

 down the river. Our party, which had been reduced at 

 Pembina by the departure of six of our fellow travellers, 

 was reinforced here by the addition of a Chippewa inter- 

 preter, a pilot, and nine canoe-men, of whom five were Ca- 

 nadians, and four Bois Brules. Our numbers therefore 

 amounted to twenty-nine. We were divided into three bark 

 canoes, known by the name of " canos du nord." Although 

 these are made nearly on the same model, yet there is 

 great difierence in their speed, burden, soundness, &c. ac- 

 cording to the skill manifested in their construction. A 

 canoe of this kind is generally constructed of ribs of cedar 

 bent so as to impart to it its proper form, the ends being 

 secured to a band that forms the superior edge of the ves- 

 sel, and acts as a gunwale ; over these ribs the birch bark is 



♦ Mr. Bulger, the late governor, left Fort Douglas a few days before 

 our arrival. A new governor was daily expected; in the interim the 

 colony was governed by Mr. Mackenzie, as chief factor, and Mr. Kemp 

 as acting governor. 



