In the An ' *' /.' g ' 297 



lutely necessary to be done, to relieve them as mnch 

 ible from their burdens, and the officers con- 

 sulted "ii the subject. Mr. Bood and Dr. Richard* 

 proposed to remain behind, with a single attendant, 

 at the first place where sufficient wood and tript de 



■ should be found for ten days' consumption ; and 

 that I should pri expeditiously ible with 



the men to the house, and thence send them imme- 

 diate relief. They Btrongly nrged thai this arran 

 inriit would contribute to the safety oi the rest of the 

 party, by relieving them from the burden of a tent, 

 and several other articles ; and that they might afford 

 aid I it, if he should unexpectedly come up. I 



d beyond description at the thought ol 

 Ii aving them in such a dangerous situation, and Pot a 

 long time combated their proposal ; but they strenu- 

 ously urged", that this step afforded the only chanci 

 Bafety for the party, and I reluctantly acceded to it. 

 The ammunition, of*which we had a small barrel, 



also to be left with them, and it was hoped that 

 this deposit would be a Btrong inducement for the 

 Indians to venture across the barren grounds to their 

 aid. We communicated this resolution to the men. 

 who were cheered at the slightest prospecl of allevia- 

 tion "i' their pr isent miserii s, and they promise d with 

 great appearance of earnestness to return to those offi- 

 cers, upon the firsi Bupply of f 



13"- 



