In (h< Antic Regions. 41 



afford. This, however, could hardly have been ex- 

 pected from persons who have permitted their own off- 

 spring, the half-casts, to remain in Lamentable igno- 

 rance on ;i subjecl of Buch vital importance. It is pro- 

 bable, however, that an improvement will soon take 

 place among the latter class, as Governor "Williams 

 proposes to make the children attend a Sunday school, 

 and has already begun to have divine service perform- 

 ed at his post. 



The conversations which I have had with the gen- 

 tlemen in charge of these posts, convinced me of the 

 necessity of proceeding during the winter into the 

 Athabasca department, the residents of which are 1 

 acquainted with the nature and resources of the coun- 

 try lying to the north of the Great Slave Lake ; and 

 from whence only guides, hunters, and interpreters 

 can be procured. I had previously written to the 

 partners of the North- Wesl Company in that quarter, 

 requesting their assistance in forwarding the Expedi- 

 tion, and stating what we should require of them : 

 but, On reviewing the matter, and reflecting Upon the 



accidents thai might delay these letters on the road, 

 I determined on proceeding to the Athab -oon 



as I possibly could, and communicated my intention 

 to Governor Williams and Mr. Connolly, with a re- 

 quest thai 1 might be furnished, by the middle of Jan- 

 uary, with the moans of conveyance for three persons, 



