82 
FIRST VOYAGE OF CAPT. ROsS. 
returned with seven natives in their canoes, or kajaks bringing 
a small supply of birds. Their village, lying on the south side 
of the bay, appeared to consist of a few huts made of seal skins 
sufficient for the residence of about fifty persons. Being desirous 
of procuring a sledge and dog, Capt. Ross offered them a rifle 
musket for one completely fitted, which they promised to fetch : 
with much honesty of principle however, refusing to accept the 
rifle, till they had brought the sledge. They soon returned, bring¬ 
ing the sledge and dogs in a boat, managed by five women dres¬ 
sed in deer skins. The boat was called a Umiack, and was 
rowed by the women standing. Two of these women were 
daughters of a Danish President, by an Esquimaux woman. 
Capt. Ross soon became acquainted with his visitors, and 
invited them into the cabin, where they were treated with coffee 
and biscuit, and their portraits were also taken. After leaving the 
cabin, they danced Scotch reels on the deck with the sailors, 
during which the mirth and joy of Sacheuse knew no bounds. 
In his own estimation he w r as an individual of no little conse¬ 
quence, and certainly an Esquimaux master of ceremonies on 
the deck of one of his majesty’s ships, in the icy seas of Green¬ 
land, was an office somewhat new. A daughter of the Danish 
President, about eighteen years of age, and by far the best 
looking of the group, was the particular object of the atten¬ 
tions of Sacheuse, which being observed by one of the offi¬ 
cers, he gave him a lady’s shawl, ornamented with spangles, 
as an offering for her acceptance. He presented it in a most 
respectful, and not ungraceful manner to the damsel, who bash¬ 
fully took a pewter ring from her finger and gave it to him in re¬ 
turn, rewarding him at the same time with an eloquent smile, 
which could not leave any doubt in the mind of Sacheuse. that 
te had made an impression on her heart. 
After the ball, coffee was again served, and at eight o clock, 
the party left the ship, well pleased with their entertainment, 
and promising to come back with a skin-boat , which Capt. Ross 
conceived might be useful on the ice, Sacheuse was permitted 
to escort them, partly that he might hasten their movements, 
and partly to search for specimens of natural history. The fol 
