262 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES
Churchill in commemoration of the months of their arrival there,
are Augustus and Junius. The former speaks English.
We now learned that Mr. Back proceeded wth Beauparlant to
Fort Chipewyan, on the 24th of December, to procure stores, having
previously discharged J. Belleau from our service at his own request,
and according to my directions. I was the more induced to comply
with this man’s desire of leaving us, as he proved to be too weak to
perform the duty of bowman which he had undertaken.
Four dogs were brought up by this party, and proved a great relief
to our wood-haulers during the remainder of the season.
By the arrival of Mr. Wentzel, who is an excellent musician, and
assisted us (con amove) in our attempts to amuse the men, we were
enabled to gratify the whole establishment with an occasional dance.
Of this amusement the voyagers were very fond, and not the less so,
as it was now and then accompanied by a dram as long as our rum
lasted.
On the 5th of February, two Canadians came from Akaitcho for
fresh supplies of ammunition. We were mortified to learn that he
had received some further unpleasant reports concerning us from
Fort Providence, and that his faith in our good intentions was
somewhat shaken. He expressed himself dissatisfied with the quantity
of ammunition we had sent him, accused us of an intention of
endeavouring to degrade him in the eyes of his tribe, and informed
us that Mr. Weeks had refused to pay some notes for trifling quantities
of goods and ammunition that had been given to the hunters
who accompanied our men to Slave Lake.
Some powder and shot, and a keg of diluted spirits were sent to
him with the strongest assurances of our regard.
On the 12th, another party of six. men was sent to Fort Providence,
to bring up the remaining stores. St. Germain went to
Akaitcho for the purpose of sending two of his hunters to join this
party on its route.