1889-90.] DIARY OF GOVERNOR SIMCOE. 135 



into our different canoes, and pushed off. Ci'ossed two more carrying 

 places, upon the second of which we encamped about sunset, the one upon 

 which we slept the niglit of the 2nd. 



8th. — Some of the canoes being leaky were here gummed, after which we 

 got on board, paddled pretty hard, crossed the two remaining carrying 

 places, and half an hour before sunset got to the head of the lake, and 

 encamped on the spot we had occupied on the 1st. 



9th. — Embarked after breakfast, and having paddled against a head 

 wind and swell arrived at Francis' Island at twelve o'clock. His Excel- 

 lency did intend going from this island round the opposite side of the lake 

 to what we had come, but finding only four days' provisions remaining, 

 and not knowing what time it would take us by so doing, he judged it 

 more expedient to return by the way we had come ; therefore, after dinner 

 got on board, crossed to the main land and before sunset encamped where 

 we had slept on the 30th of September. 



10th. — Got into our canoes before sunrise, being fearful that we would 

 have the wind ahead and wishing to cross Kempenfelt Bay before it blew 

 too hard. Our apprehensions were confirmed. The wind began to rise, 

 but we luckily got over the bay before the lake was too rough. Put on 

 shore and breakfasted at Endeavour Point. Re-embarked and coasted along 

 shore. At one o'clock put in, and dined about two miles' distance from the 

 village. Having dined and got on board we paddled on and soon came 

 abreast of the village. The Indians fired a feti de joie, and we gave 

 three cheers. Got round the point, put on shore in a small bay, hauled our 

 canoes on shore and encamped in the rear of the village. While we were 

 making up the fires and preparing everything for the night, His Excellency 

 humanely went to pay a visit to Keenees, the chief, who, as I liave already 

 mentioned, was dangerously ill when we passed on our way to Matchetache 

 Bay, but on his getting to his wigwam he was informed that he 

 had been dead for some days. A man possessed of less sensi- 

 bility and feelings than the Governor would have been shocked on this 

 occasion, but his were plainly painted on his countenance upon his return 

 to camp. About six o'clock a number of squaws came to visit the Governor. 

 Two of them carried the images of their deceased husbands, dolls about two 

 feet long decorated with silver broaches, feathers, paint, &c., if a chief, as 

 was the case with one of these (Keenees), his medal is hung to his neck, 

 the face painted black. His Excellency gave them some knives and look- 

 ing-glasses, and shortly after they retired. At 8 o'clock the Indians came 

 in a body, and being seated around the fire each got a dram and a piece ot 

 tobacco, after which the chief got up, thanked their Great Father, and 

 presented him with the beaver blanket, which he spread under him. He 



