OF THE POLAR SEA. 



191 



son. I had considered, that could we 

 ascertain what were the impediments to the 

 navigation of the Copper-Mine River, what 

 wood grew on its banks, if fit for boat 

 building, and whether drift timber existed 

 where the country was naked, our opera- 

 tions next season would be much facilitated ; 

 but we had also cherished the hope of 

 reaching the sea this year, for the Indians 

 in their conversations with us, had only 

 spoken of two great rapids as likely to ob- 

 struct us. This was a hope extremely 

 painful to give up ; for, in the event of suc- 

 cess, we should have ascertained whether 

 the sea was clear of ice, and navigable for 

 canoes ; have learned the disposition of the 

 Esquimaux ; and might have obtained other 

 information that would have had great in- 

 fluence on our future proceedings, 

 i I must confess, however, that my opinion 

 of the probability of our being able to attain 

 so great a desideratum this season had been 

 somewhat altered by the recent changes in 

 I the weather, although, had the chief been 

 (willing to accompany us with his party, I 



