372 A JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



relative of the lamented Mr. Hood. As it was too late to return, we 

 encamped, and by walking across the country, discovered the river, 

 whose mouth being barred by low sandy islands and banks, was not 

 perceived when we passed it. Course and distance from Galena 

 Point to this encampment, were S.E.fS.— forty-one miles. 



From the accounts of Black-meat and Boileau at Fort Chipewyan, 

 we considered this river to be the Anatessy ; and Cape Barrow to be 

 the projection which they supposed to be the N.E. termination of 

 America. The outline of the coast, indeed, bears some resemblance 

 to the chart they sketched; and the distance of this river from the 

 Copper-Mine, nearly coincides with what we estimated the Anatessy 

 to be, from their statements, In our subsequent journey, however, 

 across the barren grounds, we ascertained that this conjecture was 

 wrong, and that the Anatessy, which is known to come from Bum 

 Lake, must fall into the sea to the eastward of this place. 



Our stock of provision being now reduced to eight days' con- 

 sumption, it had become a matter of the first importance to obtain 

 a supply; and as we had learned from Terregannceuck that the 

 Esquimaux frequent the rivers at this season, I determined on 

 seeking a communication with them here, with the view of obtaining 

 relief for our present wants, or even shelter for the winter, if the 

 season should prevent us from returning either to the Hook's party, 

 or Fort Enterprise ; and I was the more induced to take this step at this 

 time, as several deer had been seen to-day, and the river appeared 

 good for fishing : which led me to hope we might support the party 

 during our stay, if not add to our stock by our own exertions in 

 hunting and fishing. Augustus, Junius, and Hepburn, were there- 

 fore furnished with the necessary presents, and desired to go along 

 the bank of the river as far as they could, on the following day, in 

 search of the natives, to obtain provision and leather, as well as 

 information respecting the coast. 



