After leaving this post we had a strong breeze of adverse wind for the remainder of the day, and encamped in consequence earlier than usual.  On the following morning we were very early roused from our slumbers by the call of “Canot a lege,” (light canoe).  Our beds were tied up, tents packed, canoes launched and loaded in an instant; and we set off in pursuit of the mail, which we overtook at breakfast time, and found Mr. G. K——­th in charge, who had just returned from England, and was now proceeding to assume the charge of Lake Superior district.  Mr. K——­th exchanged some of his men, who were found incapable of performing light canoe duty, for some of our best; an arrangement that did not appear to please our guide much.

The duty which the crew of a light canoe have to perform is laborious in the extreme, and requires men of the greatest strength and vigour to stand it.  They are never allowed to remain more than four hours ashore by night, often only two or three; during the day they are constantly urged on by the guide or person in command, and never cease paddling, unless during the few moments required to exchange seats, or while they take their hasty meals ashore.  They are liberally plied with grog, well paid, and well fed, and seldom quit the service until it is hinted to them that the duty is become too hard for them.  A light canoe-man considers it quite a degradation to be employed in loaded craft.

We arrived early on the 16th at the Company’s establishment at Sault Sainte Marie, where there is a large depot of provisions for the purpose of supplying the canoes passing to and from the interior and the surrounding districts.  The south side of the river is occupied by the Americans as a military post, and it was gratifying to see the friendly intercourse that subsisted between the American officers and the gentlemen in the Company’s service.  Would that the same good feeling were more universal between two nations of one blood and the same language!

The rapid which unites the waters of Lakes Huron and Superior is avoided by making a portage.  The carrying of the canoes and goods to the upper end of this portage occupied the men till about noon, when we embarked on the “Sea of Canada,” having Messrs. Bethune and McKenzie on board as passengers.  We proceeded about fifteen miles and encamped.  We were ready to embark at the usual hour next morning, but being prevented by the high wind, to make the best of the time we turned in again, and after a most refreshing nap got up to breakfast.

The weather moderating soon after, all hands were ordered to embark, but all hands were not there; four of them had deserted during the night, and were not missed until the crews mustered for embarkation.

While we were holding a consultation regarding this unpleasant matter, an Indian canoe luckily cast up, and it was determined to despatch a party of Iroquois, conducted by a passenger in disguise, in pursuit of the fugitives.  Another party was sent by land, and after an absence of about three hours returned with their prisoners.  No criminals ever appeared more dejected than they; so humble did they seem, that they got off with a slight reprimand.