In the Arctic Regions. 383 
relief with the others. There was another note for the 
gentleman in charge of Fort Providence, desiring hint 
to send meat, blankets, shoes, and tobacco. © Akaitcho 
wished me to join him on the ensuing day, at a place 
which the boy knew, where they were going to fish ; 
and I was the more anxious to do so, on account of 
my two companions: but particularly to hear a full 
relation of what had happened, and of the Command- 
er’s true situation, which I suspected to be much 
worse than he had described. j 
In the afternoon I joined the Indians, and repeated 
to Akaitcho what St. Germain had told him; he 
seemed much affected, and said, he would have sent 
relief directly, though I had not been there ; indeed, 
his conduct was generous and humane. The next 
morning, at an early hour, three Indians, with loaded 
sledges of meat, skins, shoes, and a blanket, set out 
for Fort Enterprize; one of them was to return. 
directly with an answer from Captain Franklin, to . 
whom I wrote ; but in the event of his death, he was 
to bring away all the papers he could find; and he 
promised to travel- with such haste, as to be able to 
return to us on the, fourth day. I was now somewhat 
more easy, having done all in my power to succor my 
unfortunate companions ; but was very anxious for 
the return of the messenger. The Indians brought 
me meat in small quantities, though sufficient for our 
