336 



A JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



to the Copper-Mine Kiver, from whence there is a communication 

 by a chain of lakes and portages. There the principal deposit of 

 provision was to be made; but during the summer the hunters 

 were to be employed in putting up supplies of dried meat at con- 

 venient distances, not only along the communication from this river, 

 but also upon its banks, as far down as the Copper Mountain. 

 They were also to place particular marks to guide our course to their 

 lodges. We contracted to repay them liberally, whether we re- 

 turned by this way or not ; if we did, they were to accompany us to 

 Fort Providence to receive the reward; and, at any rate, I pro- 

 mised to send the necessary documents by Mr. Wentzel, from the 

 sea-coast, to ensure their having an ample remuneration. With this 

 arrangement they were perfectly satisfied, and we could not be less 

 so, knowing they had every motive for fulfilling their promises, as 

 the place they had chosen to remain at is their usual hunting- 

 ground. The uncommon anxiety these chiefs expressed for our 

 safety, appeared to us as likely to prompt them to every care and 

 attention, and I record their expressions with gratitude. After re- 

 presenting the numerous hardships we should have to encounter in 

 the strongest manner, though in language similar to what we had 

 often heard from our friend Akaitcho, they earnestly entreated we 

 would be constantly on our guard against the treachery of the Esqui- 

 maux ; and no less forcibly desired we would not proceed far along 

 the coast, as they dreaded the consequences of our being exposed 

 to a tempestuous sea in canoes, and having to endure the cold of the 

 autumn on a shore destitute of fuel. The Hook, having been an in- 

 valid for several years, rejoiced at the opportunity of consulting 

 Dr. Bichardson, who immediately gave him advice, and supplied him 

 with medicine. 



The pounded meat and fat were converted into pemmican, pre- 

 paratory to our voyage. 



