OF THE POLAR SEA. 



179 



terprise ; one of them was to return directly 

 with an answer from Captain Franklin, to 

 whom I wrote ; but in the event of his 

 death, he was to bring away all the papers 

 he could find ; and he promised to travel 

 with such haste, as to be able to return to 

 us on the fourth day. I was now somewhat 

 more at ease, having done all in my power 

 to succour my unfortunate companions ; but 

 was very anxious for the return of the mes- 

 senger. The Indians brought me meat in 

 small quantities, though sufficient for our 

 daily consumption ; and, as we had a little 

 ammunition, many were paid on the spot 

 for what they gave. 



On the 9 th I had the satisfaction of seeing 

 the Indian arrive from Fort Enterprise. 

 At first he said they were all dead, but 

 shortly after he gave me a note, which was 

 from the Commander, and then I learned 

 all the fatal particulars which had befallen 

 them. I now proposed that the chief should 

 immediately send three sledges, loaded with 

 meat, to Fort Enterprise, should make a 

 cache of provision at our present encamp- 

 n 2 



