OF THE POLAR SEA. 



53 



of such vital importance. It is probable, however, that an improve- 

 ment will soon take place among the latter class, as Governor Williams 

 proposes to make the children attend a Sunday school, and has already 

 begun to have divine service performed at his post. 



The conversations which I have had with the gentlemen in 

 charge of these posts, convinced me of the necessity of proceeding 

 during the winter into the Athabasca department, the residents of 

 which are best acquainted with the nature and resources of the 

 country lying to the north of the Great Slave Lake ; and from whence 

 only guides, hunters, and interpreters can be procured. I had pre- 

 viously written to the partners of the North West Company in that 

 quarter, requesting their assistance in forwarding the Expedition, 

 and stating what we should require of them ; but, on reviewing the 

 matter, and reflecting upon the accidents that might delay these 

 letters on the road, I determined on proceeding to the Athabasca as 

 soon as I possibly could, and communicated my intention to Gover- 

 nor Williams and Mr. Connolly, with a request that I might be fur- 

 nished, 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 December the weather became cold, the thermometer 

 constantly below zero. Christmas-day was particularly 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 sub- 

 stantial dinner and a dance in the evening. 



i82o. The new year was ushered in by repeated discharges of 



January 1. mus k etr y ; 



a ceremony which has been observed by the men 

 of both the trading Companies for many years. Our party dined 

 with Mr. Connolly, and were regaled with a beaver, which we found 



