OF THE POLAR SEA. 



37 



ties together. I therefore caused a tent to 

 be pitched at a distance from both esta- 

 blishments, and solicited the gentlemen of 

 both Companies to meet Mr. Back and 

 myself there, for the purpose of affording 

 us their combined assistance. 



With this request they immediately com- 

 plied ; and on May 25th we were joined at 

 the tent by Mr. Stuart and Mr. Grant, of 

 the North-West Company, and Mr. Colin 

 Robertson, of the Hudson's Bay Company, 

 all of whom kindly gave very satisfactory 

 answers to a series of questions which we 

 had drawn up for the occasion, and promised 

 all the aid in their power. 



Furnished with the information thus ob- 

 tained, we proceeded to make some arrange- 

 ments respecting the obtaining of men, and 

 the stores we should require for their 

 equipment, as well as for presents to the 

 Indians ; and on the following day a requi- 

 sition was made on the Companies for eight 

 men each, and whatever useful stores they 

 could supply. We learned with regret, 

 that, in consequence of the recent lavish 



