124 



ARCTIC RESEARCH EXPEDITION. 



Dreary was the scene around that solitary grave, the last rest- 

 ing-place of one who was taken away in the prime of life, far 

 from home and all who were dear to him. At the end of each 

 line was rudely engraved a willow branch, a substitute for the 

 cypress, which, in all ages, and in all parts of the civilized world, 

 serves as a memorial of the dead. 



Strangely enough, after an hour's walk I came across another 

 grave, but this time that of an Esquimaux. The grave was sim- 

 ply a steep ledge of rocks on one side, and on the other long 

 stones set up on end. Within this were the bones and skull of 

 the deceased man. At the head was a pile of rude stone cover- 

 ing the utensils that belonged to him when living. Through the 

 openings I saw a powder-flask, a little tin tea-kettle suspended 

 over a blubber lamp, the knives which he was wont to use, and 

 other trifles, all placed in perfect order. Beside this pile were 

 his seal, walrus, and whaliDg instruments. The grave was with- 

 out cover, that he might freely roam over the mountains and 

 freely traverse the seas to that world whither he had gone. The 

 grave was situated on an eminence or bluff overlooking the bay, 

 islands, and scenery far and near. As I stood by this grave the 

 setting sun was crimsoning the whole heavens, picturing to my 

 mind the glory that follows death to those who deserve it. 



After-inquiries that I made enabled me to ascertain the name 

 of the deceased, which I found to be one Al-lo-kee, a man cele- 

 brated in his day as a great hunter, persevering sealer, and daring 

 whaler. 



On Friday, August 24th, Koojesse made me an excellent chart 

 of Nu-gum-mi-uke, Northumberland Inlet, Bear Sound, and lands 

 adjacent — especially of the so-called Frobisher Strait. He signi- 

 fied his willingness to accompany me next season on my intend- 

 ed expedition, but declined to venture this year. 



Trade to-day commenced with the natives for whalebone and 

 walrus tusks. Several polar bear skins had already been bartered. 



On Saturday, 25th of August (1860), had a very interesting, 

 and, to me, important conversation with the intelligent Koojesse, 

 Ugarng, and his wife Kunniu. The three of them were great 

 travelers, both the former having been in the United States, and 

 the latter was born at the " King's Cape" of Luke Fox, discov- 

 ered by that navigator in 1631. She had been to the Meta Incog- 

 nita of Frobisher, and all along the north coast of that land, which, 

 by her account (as clearly explained to me), was connected with 



