* 
In the Arctic Regions. 107 
been prepared for many days, I endeavored to explain 
the objects of our mission in a manner best calculated 
to ensure his exertions in our service, With this view, 
I told him that we were sent out by the greatest chief 
in the world, who was the sovereign also of the trad- 
ing companies in the country ; that he was the friend 
of peace, and had the interest of every nation at heart. 
Having learned that his children in the north, were 
much in want of articles of merchandize, in conse- 
quence of the extreme length and difficulty of the 
present route ; he had sent us to search for a passage 
by the sea, which, if found, would enable large vessels 
to transport great quantities of goods more easily to 
their lands. That we had not come for the purpose of 
traffic, but solely to make discoveries for their benefit, 
as well as that of every other people. That we had 
been directed to inquire into the nature of all the pro- 
ductions of the countries we might pass through, and 
particularly respecting their inhabitants. That we 
desired the assistance of the Indians in guiding us, 
and providing us with food; finally, that we were 
most positively enjoined by the great chief to recom- 
mend that hostilities should cease throughout this 
country ; and especially between the Indians and Es- 
quimaux, whom he considered his children, in com- 
mon with other natives; and by way of enforcing 
the latter point more strongly, I assured him that a, 
