. 
In the Arctic Regions. 297 
lutely necessary to be done, to relieve them as much 
as possible from their burdens, and the officers con- 
sulted on the subject. Mr. Hood and Dr. Richardson 
proposed to remain behind, with a single attendant, 
at the first place where sufficient wood and tripe de 
roche should be found for ten days’ consumption ; and 
that I should proceed as expeditiously as possible with 
the men to the house, and thence send them imme- 
diate relief. They strongly urged that this arrange- 
ment would contribute to the safety of the rest of the 
party, by relieving them from the burden of a tent, 
and several other articles ; and that they might afford 
aid to Crédit, if he should unexpectedly come up. I 
was distressed beyond description at the thought of 
leaving them in such a dangerous situation, and for a 
long time combated their proposal ; but they strenu- 
ously urged, that this step afforded the only chance of 
safety for the party, and I reluctantly acceded to it. 
The ammunition, of which we had a small barrel, 
was also to be left with them, and it was hoped that 
this deposit would be a strong inducement for the 
‘Thdians to venture across the barren grounds to their 
aid. We communicated this resolution to the men, 
who were cheered at the slightest prospect of allevia- 
tion of their present miseries, and they promised with 
great appearance of earnestness to return to those offi- 
cers, upon the first ea a food. 
