28 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



possession. These things were sent away 

 immediately for Fort Enterprise, when an 

 interpreter arrived with letters from Lieu- 

 tenant Franklin, which referred to a series 

 of injurious reports said to have been pro- 

 pagated against us by some one at Fort 

 Providence. 



" Finding a sufficiency of goods could not 

 be provided at Moose-Deer Island, I deter- 

 mined to proceed to the Athabasca Lake, 

 and ascertain the inclinations of the gentle- 

 men there. With this view I communicated 

 my intentions to both parties; but could 

 only get dogs enough from the North- West 

 Company to carry the necessary provisions 

 for the journey. Indeed Mr. Smith in- 

 formed me plainly he was of opinion that 

 nothing could be spared at Fort Chipewyan ; 

 that goods had never been transported so 

 long a journey in the winter season, and 

 that the same dogs could not possibly go 

 and return ; besides it was very doubtful if 

 I could be provided with dogs there ; and 

 finally, that the distance was great, and 

 would take sixteen days to perform it. He 



