In the Arctic Regions. 93 



of having to commence our journey from hence, almost 

 destitute of provision, and scantily supplied with 

 Btores, was distressing to us, and very discouraging to 

 the men. It was evident, however, thai anyunne 

 Miry delay here would have been very imprudent, as 

 Fort Chipewyan did hot, at the present time, furnish 

 the means of subsistence for so large a party, much 

 Less was there a prospecl of our receiving any supply 



carry with us. We, therefore, hastened to m 

 the accessary arrangements for our speedy departure. 

 All the Btores were demanded that could possibly be 

 spand from both the establishments ; and we rejoi 

 to find, that when this collection was added to the ar- 

 ticles that had hem brought up by the canoe-;, that 

 we had a sufficient quantity of clothing for the equip- 

 ment of the men who had been engaged here, as well 

 as to furnish a present to the Indians, besides some 

 i\w goods lor the winter's consumption ; but we could 

 not procure any ammunition, which was the most es- 

 sential article, or spirits, and but little tobacco. 



We then made a final arrangement respecting the 



voyagers, who were to accompany the party ; and for- 

 tunately, there was no difficulty in doing this, as Dr. 

 Richardson and Mr. Hood had taken the very judicious 

 precaution of bringing up ten men from Cumberland, 

 who were engaged to proceed forward if' their services 

 were required. The Canadians, whom they brought, 



