1827, AUGUST. YORK FACTORY 293 



Entered Lower Jack River at sundown, where we camped ; this is a small 

 narrow stream with low banks. 



Saturday 25th. In the course of the morning the boat was considerably 

 injured descending this stream, the water being low. Passed through 

 Swampy lake, a pond a few miles long and then entered ' Hill River.' At 

 noon, while descending a rapid, the boat struck heavily on the rock and 

 shattered seven of the timbers and planking. Just had time to reach a 

 small island when she was filled. My hands tied up could not get off. 

 Dried papers ; planted in a small box Erythronium grandiflorum, Lilium 

 pudicum, 1 and Claytonia lanceolata,* which I am glad are all fresh. (Why 

 did you not bring Gaultheria alive across the continent 2900 miles ? 

 It could be done.) 



Sunday, 26th. Employed all day at the boat until three o'clock, when 

 we set out again, the boat making a great deal of water. Camped a few 

 miles below a low hill on the right. 



Monday and Tuesday, 27th, 28th. Detained longer than usual, the 

 morning being dull and unfavourable for passing the ' Rock Fall,' which we 

 passed in safety at seven. Entered ' Steel River,' a stream of some 

 magnitude but not so rapid as the last. Breakfasted at its junction with 

 York Kiver. Continued until dusk, when we put to shore, boiled the kettle, 

 and embarked under sail. Aurora borealis beautiful. The idea of 

 finishing my journey, and expectations of hearing from England made the 

 night pass swiftly. At sunrise on Tuesday I had the pleasing scene of 

 beholding York Factory two miles distant, the sun glittering on the roofs 

 of the house (being covered with tin) and in the bay riding at anchor the 

 company's ship from England. The hearty welcome I had to the shores of 

 the Atlantic from Mr. McTavish and all others was to me not a little 

 gratifying. In the most polite manner everything that could add to my 

 comfort was instantly handed ; and I adduce no further proof of this 

 gentleman's goodness than to state that he had, without my knowledge, 

 made for me a new suit of clothing, linen, &c., ready to put on. No letters 

 from England. Regret the death of my Calumet Eagle ; was strangled a 

 few days ago with the cord by which he was tied by the leg : fell over the 

 casing 3 of one of the houses and was found dead in the morning. What can 

 give one more pain ? This animal I carried 2000 miles and now lost him, 

 I might say, at home. Had a note from Governor Simpson. Met Captain 

 Back, Lieutenant Kendall, and Mr. Drummond, who arrived yesterday. 

 It now only remains to state that I have had great assistance, civility, 

 and friendly attentions from the various persons I have formed an 

 acquaintance with during my stay in North America. 



1 Fritillaria pudica, Baker, in Journ. Linn. Soc. xiv. p. 267. 



* Claytonia caroliniana v&T.sessilifolia,S.V?a.ts. Bibl.Ind. N. Am. Bot. p. 117. 



3 Word illegible, might possibly be ' eaving.' ED. 



