MS ATTACK OF ESQUIMAUX. 



when we saw two oomiaks, containing between forty 

 and fifty men, pulling in to the beach. These landed 

 as we pushed off, and ran along the strand towards 

 our resting-place, preparing their bows as they came, 

 and discharging their arrows mth great rapidity at 

 the sternmost boat : only one arrow fell ahead of the 

 boat, the rest dropped short, but were beautifully 

 aimed. We fired the fowling-pieces with ball, fu-st 

 over, and then at them, for the annoyance had now 

 been so long continued, that we were vexed: but 

 I do not think any one was hit. They cut some 

 ludicrous capers on the occasion, dancing and jump- 

 ing about, to divert om' aim, and dropping, like dead 

 men, the instant they observed the flash. Having 

 got beyond the range of their arrows, sail was made 

 upon the boats, and we had a fine run until past mid- 

 night, passing Points Chandos and Anxiety, and 

 landing to encamp about two miles to the eastward of 

 Foggy Island, seeing no ice throughout. 



We were not again molested by the Esquimaux ; 

 and I think it but right to conclude my relation of 

 their hostile proceedings with two or three remarks 

 on conduct in communication with uncivilised people. 

 The reasons for desuing to avoid collision, and the 

 great forbearance displayed on our part dming the 

 late attacks, particularly deserve notice. Setting 



