210 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



Our stock of provision being now reduced 

 to eight days' consumption, it had become a 

 matter of the first importance to obtain a 

 supply, and as we had learned from Terre- 

 gannceuck that the Esquimaux frequent the 

 rivers at this season, I determined on seek- 

 ing a communication with them here, in the 

 hope of obtaining relief for our present 

 wants, or even shelter for the winter, if the 

 season should prevent us from returning 

 either to the Hook's party or Fort Enter- 

 prise ; and I was the more induced to take 

 this step at this time, as several deer had 

 been seen to-day, and the river appealed 

 good for fishing : which led me to hope we 

 might support the party during our stay, if 

 not add to our stock by our own exertions 

 in hunting and fishing. Augustus, Junius, 

 and Hepburn, were therefore furnished with 

 the necessary presents, and desired to go 

 along the bank of the river as far as they 

 could, on the following day, in search of the 

 natives, to obtain provision and leather, as 

 well as information respecting the coast. 



They started at four A.M., and at the 



