20 
ATTEMPTS TO EEACII THE SEA 
pieces of the skin and other spoils of sea animals. Notwith- 
standing this occasional friendly intercourse, however, these 
two tribes more often enter each other's territories in a 
hostile manner ; and so many of the Eskimaux have been 
cut off, that that nation is justly very jealous of the visits 
of strangers. 
Two attempts have been made to reach the sea since the 
period of Sir Alexander Mackenzie's voyage. The firsts 
by Mr Livingston, in the year 1799; when that gentle- 
man, accompanied by James Sutherland, an interpreter, 
three Canadians, and three Indians, descended in a bark- 
canoe, a little below the Vermilion River above mentioned. 
Here they met with a single Eskimaux in his small seal- 
skin boat, whose hrst act, notwithstanding the disparity of 
force, was to discharge an arrow, which penetrated through 
the sides of the large canoe. They approached him, how- 
ever ; and adopting the mode in use among the Indian na- 
tions of discovering the intentions of strangers, presented 
him with a portion of meat, having first chewed a bit of it 
themselves. He threw it away with disdain, and refused 
to receive any of their presents ; but directed them to put 
ashore, and made signs that his countrymen were at no 
great distance. They complied with his request, whilst he 
proceeded down the stream ; and in a short time returned, 
accompanied with five of his companions, each in his small 
canoe, and armed with a bow and arrows. Mr Living- 
ston endeavoured to conciliate them by presents of beads, 
and other articles ; but instead of appearing pleased and 
grateful, they tied the strings to a pole, and cut them in 
pieces with their arrows. The Indians now warned Mr 
Livingston, that he would in vain attempt to establish a 
friendly communication with such people in their present 
state of mind, and were urgent for immediate embarkation, 
when it was discovered that the paddles of the canoe had 
