120 . A JOURNEY TO THE 
1771, Our company, were perfonally acquainted with 
aor moft of the Copper Indians whom we found — 
Me there. The latter feemed highly pleafed at the 
interview with our party, and endeavoured, by 
every means in their power, to convince our com- 
pany of their readinefs to ferve us to the utmoft; 
fo that by the time we had got our tents pitched, 
the ftrangers had provided a large quantity of 
dried meat and fat, by way ofa feaft, to which - 
they invited moft of the principal Indians who ac- 
companied me, as well as Matonabbee and myfelf, 
who were prefented with fome of the very beft. 
It it natural to fuppofe, that immediately after 
our arrival the Copper Indians would be made 
acquainted with the nature and intention of our 
journey. This was no fooner done than they 
exprefied their entire approbation, and many of 
them feemed willing and defirous of giving every 
afiftance; particularly by lending us feveral ca- 
noes, which they affured us would be very ufe- 
ful in the remaining part of our journey, and 
contribute both to our eafe and difpatch. It mutt 
be obferved, that thefe canoes were not entirely 
entrufted tomy crew, but carried by the owners 
themfelves who accompanied us; as it would 
have been very uncertain where to have found 
them at our return from the Copper River. 
Agrecably to my inftrudctions, I {moked my 
calumet of peace with the principal of the Copper 
Indians, who feemed highly pleafed on the occa- 
fion; and, from a converfation held on the fub- 
ject 
