OF THE POLAR SEA. 



59 



to the gentlemen in charge of the Com- 

 pany's boats, that they should relieve us of 

 part of our cargo. This they declined 

 doing, under the plea of not having received 

 orders to that effect, notwithstanding that 

 the circular, with which I was furnished by 

 Governor Williams, strictly enjoined all the 

 Company's servants to afford us every as- 

 sistance. In consequence of this refusal 

 we dropt behind, and our steersman, who 

 was inexperienced, being thus deprived of 

 the advantage of observing the route fol- 

 lowed by the guide, who was in the fore- 

 most boat, frequently took a wrong channel. 

 The tow-line broke twice, and the boat was 

 only prevented from going broadside down 

 the stream, and breaking to pieces against 

 the stones, by the officers and men leaping 

 into the water, and holding her head to the 

 current until the line could be carried again 

 to the shore. It is but justice to say, that 

 in these trying situations we received much 

 assistance from Mr. Thomas Swaine, who 

 with great kindness waited for us with the 

 boat under his charge at such places as he 



