OF THE POLAR SEA. 



133 



been thought not unlikely. My alarm was 

 only momentary ; Dr. Richardson came in 

 to communicate the joyful intelligence that 

 relief had arrived. He and myself imme- 

 diately addressed thanksgivings to the 

 throne of mercy for this deliverance, but 

 poor Adam was in so low a state that he 

 could scarcely comprehend the information. 

 When the Indians entered, he attempted to 

 rise, but sank down again. But for this 

 seasonable interposition of Providence, his 

 existence must have terminated in a few 

 hours, and that of the rest probably in not 

 many days. 



The Indians had left Akaitcho's encamp- 

 ment on the 5th November, having been 

 sent by Mr. Back with all possible expedi- 

 tion, after he had arrived at their tents. 

 They brought but a small supply of pro- 

 vision that they might travel quickly. It 

 consisted of dried deer's meat, some fat, 

 and a few tongues. Dr. Richardson, Hep- 

 burn, and I, eagerly devoured the food, 

 which they imprudently presented to us in 

 too great abundance, and in consequence 



