136 



Journal of a Voyage through the 



alarm, as we imagined that we had heard two reports more 

 than they acknowledged ; and, in their turn, declared that 

 they had heard twice the number of those which we knew 

 had proceeded from us. The Indians were therefore cer- 

 tain, that the Knisteneaux must be in our vicinity, on a 

 war expedition, and consequently, if they were numerous, 

 we should have had no reason to expect the least mercy 

 from them in this distant country. Though I did not be- 

 lieve that circumstance, or that any of the natives could be 

 in possession pf fire-arms, I thought it right, at all events, 

 we should be prepared. Our fusees were, therefore, prim- 

 ed and loaded, and having extinguished our fire, each of us 

 took his station at the foot of a tree, where we passed an 1 

 uneasy and restless night. 



The succeeding morning being clear and pleasant, we 

 proceeded at an early hour against a rapid current, inter- 

 sected by islands. About eight we passed two large 

 trees, whose roots having been underminedby the current, 

 had recently fallen into the river ; and, in my opinion,, 

 the crash of their fall had occasioned the noise which 

 caused our late alarm. In this manner the water ravages 

 the islands in these riversj and by driving down great 

 quantities of wood, forms the foundations of others. The 

 men were so oppressed with fatigue, that it was necessary 

 they should encamp at six in the afternoon. We, there- 

 fore, landed on a sandy island, which is a very uncommon" 

 object, as the greater part of the islands consist of a bottom 

 of round stones and gravel, covered from three to ten feet 

 with mud and old drift-wood. Beaver-work was as fre- 

 quently seen as on the preceding day. 



On the 3d of June we renewed our voyage with the ris- 

 ing sun. At noon I obtained a meridian altitude, which 

 gave 55. 22. 3. North latitude. I also took time, and the 

 watch was slow 1. 30. 14. apparent time. According 

 to my calculation, this place is "about twenty-five miles 

 South-East of the fork.* 



* I shall now proceed with my usual regularity, which, as I have al- 

 ready mentioned, has been,. for some days, suspended, from the loss of 

 my book of observation. 



