BOURGEOIS - Toronto Public Library

JOURNAL 219
greatly in want. Having been in a state of starvation for some
time previous to our arrival, they deserve much credit for
having abstained from the cache. The things which got wet
were spread in the sun, but before they were thoroughly dry
we embarked and crossed to the opposite bank: here we
found a dipping net with which one of our young men tried his
skill in fishing, but without success.
We had to oppose a strong current which greatly faLigued the 28thiFr
men. Early in the afternoon, we arrived at the village of the day.
Old Chief j he got before us as usual by land. Here ends the
rocky country, all the portages and bad places being passed, we
had now but plain sailing for the rest of the voyage. The chief's
brother delivered to us four bales of fish which he had in charge
and, this being the last village of the Atnah nation, he did not
follow us any farther. Having experienced from him kind attention
and mllch service, I presented him with a gun, some ammunition
and some otlier necessary articles and gave his brother a
dagger.
This morning, after repairing the canoes, we took our leave of
the Indians at 6. The Atnahs are good people, they expressed
their regret at our departure, and begged that we would return
to their country as soon as possible in order to reside among
them as traders. This, I in a manner promised. We went on
tolerably well for some time notwithstanding the current we
had to oppose. We passed several hOllses and fisheries and, in
the afternoon, came to the place where we saw the first Indians
and where we lost our swivel on the 30th May. Here:we found
a band of Tahowtins who received us with kindness, they had
furs but were loathe to part with them. These Indians procure
their necessaries from the westward and seem to be well sup­
plied with iron utensils.
(1) Near Soda Creek.