52 INTRODUCTION 



" ORDERS ««^INSTRUCTIONS/or Mr. Samuel Hearne, 



going on an Expedition by Land towards the Latitude ^0° 



Norths in order to gain a Knowledge of the JNorthern Indians 



Country, i^c. on Behalf of the Honourable Hudson s Bay 



Company, in the Tear 1769. 



" Mr. Samuel Hearne, 

 " Sir, 

 *' Whereas the Honourable Hudson's Bay Company have 

 been informed by the report from Indians, that there is a 

 great probability of considerable advantages to be expected 

 from a better knowledge of their country by us, than what 

 hitherto has been obtained ; and as it is the Company's earnest 

 desire to embrace every circumstance that may tend to the 

 benefit of the said Company, or the Nation at large, they have 

 requested you to conduct this Expedition ; and as you [xxxvi] 

 have readily consented to undertake the present Journey, you 

 are hereby desired to proceed as soon as possible, with William 

 Isbester sailor, and Thomas Merriman landsman, as com- 

 panions, they both being willing to accompany you ; also two 

 of the Home-guard Southern Indians, who are to attend and 

 assist you during the Journey ; and Captain Chawchinahaw, 

 his Lieutenant Nabyah, and six or eight of the best Northern 

 Indians we can procure, with a small part of their families, are 

 to conduct you, provide for you, and assist you and your 

 companions in every thing that lays in their power, having 

 particular orders so to do. 



" 2dly, Whereas you and your companions are well fitted- 

 out with every thing we think necessary, as also a sample of 

 light trading goods ; these you are to dispose of by way of 

 presents (and not by way of trade) to such far-off Indians as 

 you may meet with, and to smoke your Calimut "" of Peace 



* The Calimut is a long ornamented stem of a pipe, much in use among all 

 the tribes of Indians who know the use of tobacco. It is particularly used in 

 all cases of ceremony, either in making war or peace ; at all public entertain- 

 ments, orations, &c. 



