J$crth-We$t Continent of Amtrica. 159 



sony for our late misfortune, from the hope that it must 

 put a period to our voyage, particularly as we were with- 

 out a canoe, and all the bullets sunk in the river. It did 

 not, indeed, seem possible to them that we could proceed 

 under these circumstances. I listened, however, to the 

 observations that were made on the occasion without re- 

 plying to them, till their panic was dispelled, and they had 

 got themselves warm and comfortable, with an hearty 

 meal, and rum enough to raise their spirits. 



I then addressed them, by recommending them all to 

 t>e thankful for their late very narrow escape. I also stated, 

 that the navigation was not impracticable in itself, but from 

 our ignorance of its course : and that our late experience 

 would enable us to pursue our voyage with greater secu- 

 rity. I brought to their recollection, that I did not deceive 

 them, and that they were made acquainted with the diffi- 

 culties and dangers they must expect to encounter, before 

 they engaged to accompany me. I also urged the honour 

 of conquering disasters, and the disgrace that would at- 

 tend them on their return home, without having attained 

 the object of the expedition. Nor did I fail to mention the 

 courage and resolution which was the peculiar boast of the 

 North men ; and that I depended on them, at that moment, 

 for the maintenance of their character. I quieted their 

 apprehension as to the loss of the bullets, by bringing to 

 their recollection that we still had shot from which they 

 might be manufactured. I at the same time acknowledged 

 the difficulty of restoring the wreck of the canoe, but con- 

 fided in our skill and exertion to put it in such a state as 

 would carry us on to where we might procure bark, and 

 build a new one. In short, my harangue produced the 

 desired effect, and a very general assent appeared to go 

 wherever I should lead the way. 



Various opinions were offered in the present posture of 

 affairs, and it was rather a general wish that the^ wreck 

 should be abandoned, and all the lading carried to the 

 river, which our guide informed us was at no great dis- 

 tance, and in the vicinity of woods where he believed there 

 was plenty of bark. This project seemed not to promise 

 that certainty to which I looked in my present operations ; 

 besides, I had my doubts respecting the views of my guide, 

 and consequently could not confide in the representation he 

 made to me. I therefore dispatched two of the men at 

 sine in the morning, with one of the young Indians., for I 



