104 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



questing their assistance in forwarding the 

 expedition, and stating what we should re- 

 quire. But, on reflecting upon the acci- 

 dents that might delay these letters on the 

 the road, I determined on proceeding to 

 Athabasca as soon as I possibly could, and 

 communicated my intention to Governor 

 Williams and Mr. Connolly, with a request 

 that I might be furnished, by the middle of 

 January, with the means of conveyance for 

 three persons, intending that Mr. Back and 

 Hepburn should accompany me, whilst Dr. 

 Richardson and Mr. Hood remained till the 

 spring at Cumberland House. 



After the 20th of December the weather 

 became cold, the thermometer constantly 

 below zero. Christmas-day was particu- 

 larly stormy; but the gale did not prevent 

 the full enjoyment of the festivities which 

 are annually given at Cumberland House 

 on this day. All the men, who had been 

 despatched to different parts in search of 

 provision or furs, returned to the fort on the 

 occasion, and were regaled with a substan- 

 tial dinner and a dance in the evening. 



