82 Thirty Years 



forted ourselves with the reflection that this was the 

 first time we had been stopped by the weather during 

 our long journey, which was so near at an end. The 

 gale afterwards increased, the squalls at night became 

 very violent, disburthened the trees of the snow, and 

 gave us the benefit of a continual fall of patches from 

 them, in addition to the constant shower. We there- 

 fore quickly despatched our suppers, and retired under 

 the shelter of our blankets. 



March 26. — The boisterous weather continued 

 through the night, and it was not before six this morn- 

 ing, that the wind became apparently moderate, and the 

 snow ceased. Two of the Canadians were immediately 

 sent off with letters to the gentlemen at Fort Chipew- 

 yan. After breakfast we also started, but our Indian 

 friend, having a great indisposition to move in such 

 weather, remained by the fire. We soon quitted the 

 river, and after crossing a portage, a small lake, and a 

 point of land, came to the borders of the Mam-ma- 

 wee Lake. We then found our error as to the strength 

 of the wind ; and that the gale still blew violently, 

 and there was so much drifting of the snow as to 

 cover the distant objects by which our course could be 

 directed. We fortunately got a glimpse through this 

 cloud of a cluster of islands in the direction of the 

 houses, and decided on walking towards them ; but in 

 doiiiL' this wo Buffered very much from the cold, and 



