INTRODUCTION. xvii 



In describing the Esquimaux inhabiting the sequestered and hitherto 

 unknown corner of the American Continent, which we have recently 

 visited, I have aimed rather at faithfulness of dchneation than at 

 height of colouring, studiously avoiding the mention of any fact of 

 whose accuracy the slightest doubt remained upon my mind. Of the 

 latter class are numerous pieces of information obtained in a cursory 

 way from the Esquimaux, which, however, our imperfect knowledge 

 of their language did not enable us thoroughly to understand, and 

 which almost daily experience of our former misapprehensions subse- 

 quently taught us to receive with greater caution and distrust. In 

 attempting a description of the manners, disposition, and general cha- 

 racter of these people, it has been my anxious desire " nothing to 

 extenuate, nor set down avight in malice," but to present, as far as it 

 goes, a faithful and impartial sketch ; divested on the one hand of the 

 too flattering impression at first received from the extreme quietness 

 of their demeanour, and on the other, of the feelings of annoyance 

 occasioned by our subsecpient acquaintance with the less favourable 

 features in their character. In the more important, though less diffi- 

 cult task of relating the proceedings of the Expedition, with reference 

 to its primary objects, my endeavours have been exclusively directed to 

 the attainment of accuracy and plainness, omitting nothing, however, 

 which appeared to me Ukely to afford interest or information, and 

 avoiding every minute detail but what seemed absolutely necessary for 

 explaining my views, or otherwise elucidating the subjects under con- 

 sideration. 



That our efforts have not hitherto been crowned with greater suc- 

 cess, cannot fail to be a matter of extreme disappointment, as well as 

 of sincere though unavailing regret ; but I feel it a duty to state, that 



c 



