On comparing the language of our two Esquimaux with a copy of
St. John’s Gospel, printed for the use of the Moravian Missionary
Settlements on the Labrador coast, it appeared that the Esquimaux
who resort to Churchill speak a language essentially the same with
those who frequent the Labrador coast. The Red Knives, too, recognise
the expression Teyma, used by the Esquimaux when they
accost strangers in a friendly manner, as similarly pronounced by
Augustus, and those of his race who frequent the mouth of the
Copper-Mine River.
The tribe to which Augustus belongs resides generally a little to
the northward of Churchill. In The spring, before the ice quits the
shores, they kill seal, but during winter they frequent the borders of
the large lakes near the coast, where they obtain fish, rein-deer, and
musk-oxen.
There are eighty-four grown men in the tribe, only seven of whom
are aged. Six Chiefs have each two wives ; the rest of the men have
only one, so that the number of married people may amount to one
hundred and seventy. He could give me no certain data whereby I
might estimate the number of children.
Two great Chiefs, or Ackhaiyoot, have complete authority in
directing the movements of the party, and in distributing provisions.
The Attoogawnwuck, or lesser Chiefs, are respected principally as
senior men. The tribe seldom suffers from want of food, if the Chief
moves to the different stations at the proper season. They seem to
follow the eastern custom respecting marriage. As soon as a girl is
born, the young lad who wishes, to have her for a wife goes to her
father’s tent, and proffers himself. If accepted, a promise is given
which is considered binding, and the girl is delivered to her betrothed
husband at the proper age.
They consider their progenitors to have come from the moon.
Augustus has no other idea of a Deity than some confused notions
which he has obtained at Churchill.