In the Arctie Regions., 4) 
afford. This, however, could hardly have been ex- 
pected from persons who have permitted their own off- 
spring, the half-casts, to remain in lamentable igno- 
rance on a subject of such vital importance. It is pro- 
bable, however, that an improvement will soon take 
place among the latter class, as Governor Williams 
proposes to make the children attend a Sunday school, - 
and has already begun to have divine service perform- 
ed at his post. 
The conversations which I have had with the gen- 
tlemen in charge of these posts, convinced me of the 
necessity of proceeding during the winter into the 
Athabasca department, the residents of which are best 
acquainted with the nature and resources of the coun- 
try lying to the north of the Great Slave Lake ; and 
from whence only guides, hunters, and interpretérs 
_can be procured. I had previously written to the 
partners of the North-West Company in that quarter, 
requesting their assistance in forwarding the Expedi- 
tion, and stating what we should require of them ; 
but, on reviewing the matter, and reflecting upon the 
accidents that might delay these letters on the road, - 
I determined on proceeding to the Athabasca ag soon 
as I possibly could, and communicated my intention 
to Governor Williams and Mr. Connolly, with a re- 
quest that I might be furnished, by the middle of Jan- 
uary, with the means of conveyanc? for three persons, 
