In the Arctic Regions. 401 
we concluded were done by the Esquimaux. Three 
men from Slave Lake, whom I had sent for to supply 
the place of our Chipewyan hunters, who were very 
inactive last winter, joined us at this place. They 
were to accompany Mr. Dease.and the Canadians to 
Fort Franklin ; and that they, as well as the Indians, 
might have every encouragement to exert themselves 
in procuring provision during the summer, I directed 
a supply of the goods they were likely to require, to 
be sent from Fort Simpson, as soon as possible. 
Wednesday § arly this morning the boats were laden 
and decorated with their ensigns and pendants, and 
“after breakfast we quitted the Fort, amidst the hearty 
cheers of our friends Mr. Dease, Mr. Brisbois, and the 
Canadians, and J am sure carried their best wishes for 
our success. We halted at noon to obtain the lati- 
tude, which placed the entrance of Bear Lake River 
in 64° 55' 37” N.; and Dr. Richardson took advan- 
tage of this delay to visit the mountain at that point, 
but his stay was short, in consequence of a favorable 
‘breeze springing up. We perceived that the four 
boats sailed at nearly an equal rate in light breezes, 
but that in strong winds the two larger ones had the 
advantage. When we landed to sup the musquitoes 
beset us so furiously that we hastily despatched the 
meal and re-embarked, to drive under easy sail before 
the current. They continued, however, to pursue us, 
