64 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



We left the encampment at nine, and a little 

 before noon came to a pretty extensive 

 thicket of small willows, near which there 

 appeared a supply of tripe de roche on the 

 face of the rocks. At this place Dr. 

 Richardson and Mr. Hood determined to 

 remain, with John Hepburn, who volun- 

 teered to stop with them. The tent was 

 securely pitched, a few willows collected, 

 and the ammunition and all other articles 

 were deposited, except each man's clothing, 

 one tent, a sufficiency of ammunition for 

 the journey, and the officers' journals. I 

 had only one blanket, which was carried for 

 me, and two pair of shoes. The offer was 

 now made for any of the men, who felt 

 themselves too weak to proceed, to remain 

 with the officers, but none of them accepted 

 it. Michel alone felt some inclination to do 

 so. After we had united in thanksgiving 

 and prayers to Almighty God, I separated 

 from my companions, deeply afflicted that a 

 train of melancholy circumstances should 

 have demanded of me the severe trial of 

 parting, in such a condition, from friends 



