Nov. 23, 1857.] BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN EXPEDITION. 
39 
several of the subordinate officers of the Custom-house. I have 
entered into these minutiae, as I consider the kindness of these two 
gentlemen and their anxiety in the furtherance of international 
science deserving of the highest praise. 
I am much concerned at having to report about this date the 
bursting of one of our new barometers. I am fully convinced 
that this accident has not occurred from the relaxation of Dr. 
Hector’s vigilance over the barometers, which has been most unre- 
mitting. I therefore had the instrument examined by the first 
makers in New York, who agreed that it might have arisen from 
the tightness of the metal fittings enclosing the cistern, which pre- 
vented its due expansion with a great rise in temperature, such as 
we experienced on landing at New York. 
Mr. Pompelly, however, most kindly applied for us, and obtained 
one of the New York Observatory barometers, until such time as 
ours could be repaired and forwarded to Carlton House, or be other- 
wise reclaimed. 
On the morning of the 2nd of June we started for Detroit via 
Elmira and the Niagara Falls. At Detroit we were detained several 
days, as the steamer to the Sault Ste. Marie had not yet returned ; 
she, however, arrived on Saturday the 6th, reporting much ice still 
floating on Lake Superior, and also that Sir George Simpson was 
still detained at the Sault Ste. Marie by the ice. We have, there- 
fore, no longer any reason to regret the delay of our departure from 
England, as all progress, owing to the very unusual lateness of the 
season, would hitherto have been denied us. 
On my arrival this morning at the Sault Ste. Marie I found 
my two birch canoes and sixteen rowers awaiting me, and have 
made an arrangement with the captain of the steamer to take us up, 
with men, boats, luggage, and all, to Isle Roy ale, and, as the 
steamer is now starting, I conclude my Report, and remain, &c.* 
Fort Garry, Hudson Bay Co.’s Territories, 
16th July, 1857. 
Sir, — In continuation of my Report, dated Sault Ste. Marie, June 
10th, 1857, I have now the honour of acquainting you with our 
farther progress. 
Owing to the unusual lateness of the season, Lake Superior was 
crowded with floating ice, offering great difficulties even to a 
steamer; and, after consulting experienced persons, I determined 
to accept the further assistance of the steamer Illinois, whose cap- 
* The expedition had arrived at Pembina on the Red River in July, 1857. — Ed. 
