In the afternoon we landed.  The island Pitsiolak, which forms two at high water, is low and flat, overgrown with Empetrum and Rubus Chamoemorus, (Akpik-berries).  Quantities of driftwood float about the shores.  The jasper occurred here again.  This island may be about four or five miles long, and, at low water, is connected with other islands to the north.  By the help of our glasses we could perceive woods on the continent, and the Esquimaux thought they discovered the smoke of Indian fires.  They are much afraid of meeting these people.  Bloody encounters occasionally occur between them.  The Indians come from the interior, and from Hudson’s Bay, and are frequently seen near the two principal rivers, George river and South river, towards which we were going; but we met with none.  Brother Kohlmeister rather wished for it, as some of them are said to understand English, and he was desirous of endeavouring to bring them to a more peaceable disposition towards the Esquimaux, by friendly conversation.

22d.  We found the skin-boat a great hindrance to us.  Without being obliged to take that in tow, we might have kept at a greater distance from the shore, which would have enabled us to get on more rapidly, and with greater safety.  On shore we found a great quantity of cubical pyrites in a grey matrix.  The Esquimaux are attentive to this mineral, and have before now brought it to Okkak.

23d.  We proceeded at 6 A.M. and steered for the island of Saeglorsoak.  The islands called Nocharutsit lay on our left.  They are a group of numerous small islands, many of which are overflowed at high water, extending W. and E. towards the entrance of South river.  Between these islands and Akpatok, the sea is said to be clear of rocks, and the water of sufficient depth for any ship entering from Hudson’s Straits, and bound to the Koksoak, or South river; but no ship durst, in our opinion, venture to approach the coast of Ungava within twenty or thirty miles.

In the afternoon, the tide turning against us, and the wind unfavourable, we were obliged to come to an anchor among the islands.  We had left the skin-boat behind, with Thukkekina, Uttakiyok’s brother Annoray, and one of his wives, to whom he had given his baggage in charge.  The Esquimaux wives are very punctilious, the first always maintains the highest dignity, regulates the housekeeping, distributes the provisions, and directs everything, as mistress of the family.

Jonas went out in his kayak, and shot a seal.  We saw many, and fired at them, but got none.  Whitefish were likewise seen at a distance.  Uttakiyok and David were out in their kayaks, and joined us in the evening loaded with geese.

On the turn of the tide we proceeded, and at ten P.M. cast anchor among the Nocharutsits, under a pretty high island, about three or four miles in circumference.  All our people remained on board during the night, which was calm and pleasant.