Brother Kohlmeister being, after seventeen years residence in Labrador, complete master of the Esquimaux language, and deservedly beloved and respected both by Christians and heathens, and possessing an invincible zeal to promote their temporal and spiritual welfare, was a man eminently qualified to undertake the commission, and to conciliate the affections of unknown heathen.  He had also previously made himself acquainted with the use of the quadrant, and with other branches of science, useful on such an occasion.

Brother Kmoch, his companion, joined to other essential qualifications, great cheerfulness and intrepidity.

All the parties having met at Okkak, in the autumn of 1810, the winter was partly spent in preparations for the intended expedition, and Jonathan’s boat put into the best possible state of repair.

CHAPTER I.

  Outfit.  Opinions of the Esquimaux respecting the Voyage. 
  Description of the Company.  Departure from Okkak.  Arrival at
  Nungorome.

June 16, 1811.—­The ice began to loosen in the bay of Okkak, and to drive out to sea.  On the 17th, the bay was quite cleared of it; but on the 18th, it returned, and seemed to preclude all possibility of setting out so soon as we intended.  On the 19th, however, it left us entirely.

20th.  We were employed in hauling the boat to the edge of the water, and being floated by the tide, she came to anchor at six, P.M.  She had been purchased by Jonathan, at Chateau-bay, and was about 45 feet long, twelve broad, and five deep, with two masts.  We had furnished her with a complete deck, and divided her into three parts.  The centre was our own cabin, into which all our baggage was stowed:  the two other divisions were occupied by the Esquimaux.  A small boat, brought from Lewis, was taken in tow.

21st.  We began to ship our provision and baggage:  viz. six cwt. of ship’s biscuit, sixteen bushels of pease, one cwt. of salt pork and best beef, (of which but a small portion was consumed, as we were generally well supplied with fresh provisions, procured by shooting), a firkin of butter, half cwt. of captain’s biscuit, one cwt. of flour, two small barrels of gunpowder, one cwt. of large and small shot, half cwt. of tobacco, two eighteen-gallon barrels of ale, a few bottles of brandy, eighteen pounds of coffee, which was all consumed, coffee and biscuits being our usual repast; a case containing knives, wire, nails, &c. for barter, if necessary; kettles and other utensils.  Besides that every man had his fowling-piece, we had four muskets in reserve.  After bringing all on board, we had just room enough to sleep in our cabin.

22d, was spent in conferring with our brethren, on various subjects relating to the voyage.