86 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



been performed at the same season. I 

 found Messrs. G. Keith and S. M'Gillivray 

 in charge of the fort, who were not a little 

 surprised to see me. The commencement 

 of the new year is the rejoicing season of 

 the Canadians, when they are generally 

 intoxicated for some days. I postponed 

 making any demand till this time of festivity 

 should cease; but on the same day I went 

 over to the Hudson's Bay Fort, and deli- 

 vered Lieutenant Franklin's letters to Mr. 

 Simpson. If they were astonished on one 

 side to see me, the amazement was still 

 greater on the other ; for reports were so 

 far in advance, that we were said to have 

 already fallen by the spears of the Esqui- 

 maux. 



" January 3. — I made a demand from 

 both parties for supplies ; such as ammuni- 

 tion, gun-flints, axes, files, clothing, tobacco, 

 and spirits. I stated to them our extreme 

 necessity, and that without their assistance 

 the expedition must be arrested in its pro- 

 gress. The answer from the North- West 

 gentlemen was satisfactory enough ; but on 



