the wigwam; this some opposed, as being a luxury we should not every day obtain.  Supper being ready, we ate heartily, and having melted some snow for water, we made some hot toddy, that is, rum, butter, hot water and sugar; a song was proposed, and acceeded to:  and thus, in the midst of a dreary desert, far from the voice of our fellow men, we sat cheerful and contented, looking forward for the morrow, without dread, anxious to renew our toils and resume our labours.  Alter about an hour thus spent the watch was appointed, and each wrapped in his blanket.  We vied unconvincing each other, with the nasal organ, which was in the soundest sleep; mine was the last watch, about an hour before daybreak.  The Aurora Borealis rolled in awful splendour across the deep blue sky, but I will not tire my readers with a description.  When the first glimpse of morn showed itself in the light clouds floating in the eastern horison, I awoke my companions; and by the time it was sufficiently light we had breakfasted, and were ready to proceed.  Cutting off enough of the deer shot the night before, we proceeded on our journey, leaving the rest to the wolves.  Each day and each night was a repetition of the same; the country being in some places tolerably level, in general covered with wood, but occasionally barren tracts, where sometimes for miles not a tree was to be seen.

Mr. ——­ instructing the men in which way he wished them to act, informing them that his object was to open a friendly communication with the Indians, rather than act on the principle of intimidating them by revenge; that if they avoided him, he should endeavour to take one or more prisoners and bring them with him, in order that by the civilization of one or two, an intercourse might be established that would end in their permanent civilization.  He strictly exhorted them not to use undue violence:  every one was strictly enjoined not to fire on any account.  About three o’clock in the afternoon the two men who then led the party were about two hundred yards before the rest;—­three deer closely followed by a pack of wolves, issued from the wood on the left, and bounded across the lake, passing very near the men, whom they totally disregarded.  The men incautiously fired at them.  We were then about half a mile from the point of land that almost intersected the lake, and in a few minutes we saw it covered with Indians, who instantly retired.[B] The alarm was given; we soon reached the point; about five Hundred yards on the other side we saw the Indian houses, and the Indians, men, women, and children, rushing from them, across the lake, hereabout a mile broad.  Hurrying on we quickly came to the houses; when within a shirt distance from the last house, three men and a woman carrying a child, issued forth.  One of the men took the infant from her, and their speed soon convinced us of the futility of pursuit; the woman, however, did not run so fast.  Mr. ——­ loosened his provision bag from his back and let