556 
VOYAGE TO THE 
CHAP, suddenly upon them, while in the pit, three of the party stood over the 
, 3 ^^ workmen with their drawn knives, while the others rifled the pockets 
Sept, of their jackets, which were lying at a little distance from the grave, 
and carried away the contents, together with an axe. The hostile dis- 
position of the natives on the hill, who were drawn up in a line in a 
menacing attitude, with their bows ready strung, and their knives in 
their left hands, obliged Mr. Smyth to arm his people, and, in com- 
pliance with his instructions, to proceed to drive them off* the island, 
lie accordingly advanced upon them, and each individual probably 
had singled out his victim, when an aged man of the Esquimaux party 
made offers of peace, and the arms of both parties were laid aside. 
The mediator signified that he wanted a tub, that had been left at the 
well, which was restored to him, and the axe that had been taken from 
the grave was returned to our party. The Esquimaux then embarked, 
and paddled towards Escholtz Eay. I have been thus particular in 
describing the conduct of these people, in consequence o fa more tra- 
gical affair which occurred a few days afterwards. 
Strong winds prevented the completion of our water for several 
days ; but on the 29th it was in progress, when the same party landed 
upon the island near our boat. The day being very fine, several of the 
officers had gone in pursuit of ptarmigan, which were about this time col- 
lecting in large flocks previous to their migration ; and 1 was completing 
a series of magnetical observations in another part of the island. The first 
lieutenant observing a baidar full of men approach the island, despatched 
Lieutenant Belcher to the place with orders to send them aw^ay, provided 
there were any of the party among them who had behaved in so disorderly 
a manner on the recent occasion. On landing, he immediately recognised 
one of the men, and ordered the whole of the party into the haidar. 
They complied very reluctantly ; and while our seamen were engaged 
pushing them off, they were occupied in preparations for hostility, by 
" putting on their eider-duck frocks over their usual dresses, and un- 
covering their bows and arrows. 'I’hey paddled a few yards from the 
beach, and then rested in doubt as to what they should do ; some me- 
nacing our party, and others displaying their weapons. Thus threatened, 
and the party making no attempt to depart, but rather propelling 
