OF THE POLAR SEA. 



161 



assigned by Akaitcho for this conduct was, 

 that he wished for a reassurance of my pro- 

 mise to establish peace between his nation 

 and the Esquimaux. I took this occasion 

 of again enforcing the necessity of their 

 remaining behind, until we had obtained the 

 confidence and good-will of their enemies. 

 After supper Dr. Richardson ascended a 

 lofty hill about three miles from the en- 

 campment, and obtained the first view of 

 the sea ; it appeared to be covered with ice. 

 A large promontory, which I named Cape 

 Hearne, bore N.E., and its lofty mountains 

 proved to be the blue land we had seen in 

 the forenoon, and which had led us to 

 believe the sea was still far distant. He 

 saw the sun set a few minutes before mid- 

 night from the same elevated situation. It 

 did not rise during the half hour he remained 

 there, but before he reached the encamp- 

 ment its rays gilded the tops of the hills. 



The night was warm, and we were much 

 annoyed by the musquitoes. 



June 15. — We this morning experienced 

 as much difficulty as before in prevailing 



VOL. III. M 



