the 20th.  Previous to my departure I packed up the journals of the officers, the charts, and some other documents, together with a letter addressed to the Under-Secretary of State detailing the occurrences of the Expedition up to this period, which package was given in charge to Peltier and Samandre with directions that it should be brought away by the Indians who might come to them.  I also instructed them to send succour immediately on its arrival to our companions in the rear, which they solemnly promised to do, and I left a letter for my friends, Richardson and Hood, to be sent at the same time.  I thought it necessary to admonish Peltier, Samandre, and Adam to eat two meals every day in order to keep up their strength, which they promised me they would do.  No language that I can use could adequately describe the parting scene.  I shall only say there was far more calmness and resignation to the Divine will evince by everyone than could have been expected.  We were all cheered by the hope that the Indians would be found by the one party and relief sent to the other.  Those who remained entreated us to make all the haste we could and expressed their hope of seeing the Indians in ten or twelve days.

At first starting we were so feeble as scarcely to be able to move forwards and the descent of the bank of the river through the deep snow was a severe labour.  When we came upon the ice where the snow was less deep we got on better, but after walking six hours we had only gained four miles and were then compelled by fatigue to encamp on the borders of Round-Rock Lake.  Augustus tried for fish here but without success so that our fare was skin and tea.  Composing ourselves to rest we lay close to each other for warmth.  We found the night bitterly cold and the wind pierced through our famished frames.

The next morning was mild and pleasant for travelling and we set out after breakfast.  We had not however gone many yards before I had the misfortune to break my snowshoes by falling between two rocks.  This accident prevented me from keeping pace with Benoit and Augustus and in the attempt I became quite exhausted.  Feeling convinced that their being delayed on my account might prove of fatal consequence to the rest I resolved on returning to the house and letting them proceed alone in search of the Indians.  I therefore halted them only whilst I wrote a note to Mr. Back, stating the reason of my return, and desiring he would send meat from Reindeer Lake by these men if St. Germain should kill any animals there.  If Benoit should miss Mr. Back I directed him to proceed to Fort Providence and furnished him with a letter to the gentleman in charge of it, requesting that immediate supplies might be sent to us.