412 
LAST VOYAGE OF CAPT. ROSS. 
received with all the courtesy, which is shown to the individual, 
who presents himself before a man in office, with a hamper 
containing a haunch of venison ; in comparison to the clodpole, 
who brings a rabbit dangling on a string, caught perhaps in 
the very preserve belonging to the man, to whom the present 
is offered. In general, the value of a seal was estimated at 
half a dozen nails, or two fish-hooks ; but in the present case, 
a file was given for it; and many there were, who attempted to 
catch a seal, with the expectation of receiving the same reward. 
Although some disappointment had occurred, in the case of 
Footwutyook and Alwak, in inducing them to become candidates 
for the representation of the Esquimaux people, in the country 
of the Kabloonas ; yet Commander Ross, not daunted by his 
previous failure, thought that he perceived, in a youth of the 
name of Takkeelikkeeta, certain rudiments and talents, which 
would just fit him for the situation of his guide, and attendant 
on his various excursions ; and Takkeelikkeeta appeared not to 
entertain any positive objection to be received into the service of 
Commander Ross, under one important stipulation, which was— 
that, on no occasion, he should be stinted for food, but that it 
should be at all times ready for him, whenever his appetite 
demanded it. x\lthough this stipulation might have been duly 
fulfilled, as long as Takkeelikkeeta was a resident on board the 
ship, yet, on an expedition, it might so happen, that no means 
were at hand, by which the stipulation could be fulfilled. On 
this circumstance being explained to Takkeelikkeeta, he agreed 
to accompany Commander Ross on an expedition, to a place 
called Shagerwak, where, from some vague information received 
by Capt. Ross, it was probable that some knowledge could be 
acquired, of the state of the country to the westward ; especially 
as it was reported to be visited by a tribe of Esquimaux, whose 
station, during the summer, was said to be established on the 
shores of an open sea, which was never known to be frozen 
during the depth of winter, and the extent of which had never 
been ascertained by any of the tribe. 
Accordingly, on the 20th, Commander James Ross, accom¬ 
panied by Blankey and Takkeelikkeeta, set out on their expedi- 
