to propose to him next morning some modification of the plan, which
might meet his approbation. Soon after we were gone, however,
he informed Mr. Wentzel, with whom he was in the habit of speaking
confidentially, that as his advice was neglected, his presence was
useless, and he should, therefore, return to Fort Providence with
his hunters, after he had collected some winter provision for us.
Mr. Wentzel having reported this to me, the night was passed in
great anxiety, and after weighing all the arguments that presented
themselves to my mind, I came reluctantly to the determination of
relinquishing the intention of going any distance down the river
this season. I had considered, that could we ascertain what were
the impediments to the navigation of the Copper-Mine River, what
wood grew -on its banks, if fit for boat-building, and whether drift
timber existed where the country was naked, our operations next
season would be much facilitated ; but we had also cherished the
hope of reaching the sea this year, for the Indians in their conversations
with us, had only spoken of two great rapids as likely to obstruct
us. This was a hope extremely painful to give up ; for, in
the event of success, we should have ascertained whether the sea
was clear of ice, and navigable for canoes ; have learned the disposition
of the Esquimaux ; and might have obtained other informa^
tion that would have had great influence on our future proceedings.
I must confess, however, that my opinion of the probability of our
being able to attain so great a desideratum this season had been
somewhat altered by the recent changes in the weather, although,
had the chief been willing to accompany us with his party, I should
have made the attempt ; with the intention, however, of returning
immediately upon the first decided appearance of winter.
On the morning of August 27th, having communicated my sen
timents to the officers, on the subject of the conference last evening,
they all agreed that the descent to the sea this season could not be
attempted, without hazarding a complete rupture with the Indians;
but they thought that a party should be sent to ascertain the
distance and size of the Copper-Mine River. These opinions being
in conformity with my own, I determined on despatching Messrs.
Back and Hood on that service, in a light canoe, as soon as
possible.
We witnessed this morning an instance of the versatility of our
Indian companions, which gave us much uneasiness, as it regarded
the safety of our faithful attendant Hepburn. When they heard,
on their arrival last night, of his having been so long absent, they
expressed the greatest solicitude about him, and the whole party
immediately volunteered to go in search of him as soon as daylight
permitted. Their resolutions, however, seem to have been changed,
in consequence of the subsequent conversation we had with the
chief, and we found all of them indisposed to proceed on that
errand this morning; and it was only by much entreaty, that three
of the hunters and a boy were prevailed upon to go. They fortunately
succeeded in their search, and we were infinitely rejoiced to
see Hepburn return with them in the afternoon, though much jaded
by the fatigue he had undergone. He had got bewildered, as we
had conjectured, in the foggy weather on the 25th, and had been
wandering about ever since, except during half an hour that he slept
yesterday. H e had eaten only a partridge and some berries, for his
anxiety of mind had deprived him of appetite; and of a deer which
he had shot, he took only the tongue, and the skin to protect
himself from the wind and rain. This anxiety, we learned from
him, was occasioned by the fear that the party which was about to
descend the Copper-Mine River, might be detained until he was
found, or that it might have departed without him. He did not
entertain any dread of the white bears, of whose numbers and
ferocious attacks the Indians had been constantly speaking, since
we had entered the barren grounds. Our fears for his safety, hows
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