Volume 1

236 CAMERON BURIED—ANOTHER JOURNEY.
awoke me.
The wind was very high, but we extinguished
the fire without much damage, i^th. The men arrived
with the corpse on a train, wrapped in a Russia sheeting and
two parchment skins. They had attempted to bring it in a
coffin, but it was too broad for a train. This was a melancholy
day for us all. Langlois had arrived from his place,
and was just sitting down to his dinner, when the corpse was
announced. What a sudden change ! Only a few days ago
he was merry and cheerful, as we were riding along cracking
jokes and running races, and little did he believe himself
so near his end. He was a good-natured, inoffensive,
zealous, and sober young man. i6th. Having got a coffin
made, we buried Mr. Cameron alongside his deceased wife,
attended by all the men, women, and children of the fort.
His easy, affable manners had won the esteem of all.
ijth. Mr. Langlois returned to his place. I prepared for
departure to my northern outposts.
Jan. igth. Before day I set off with two men, well provided
with sleighs and dogs. We camped at Riviere aux
Gratias. 20th. The most severe, cold morning I recollect
to have ever experienced ; we could not leave the fire to
tackle our dogs and prepare for our march. When the
weather was perfectly clear and calm we took to the ice,
came down, and camped at Rat river. Next day we got to
the Forks. Mr. Dorion was starving, and making no packs.
24.th. Set off for Riviere aux Morts, where we arrived at
four o'clock.
T. Veandier [Vaudry] making out extraordinarily
well. I wished a guide to take me across land to
Manitouaubanc [Lake Manitoba], but there were no Indians
at the house. 2^th. At noon I set off, and at ten p. m.
arrived at the Forks. 28th. I set off for Portage la Prairie.
2gth. On arrival I found all starving.
Feb. 1st. I set off with my two men and Mr. Harrison
for the lake ; a snowstorm obliged us to encamp at the N.
end of the portage. 2d. . Early off ; fell upon Lake Manitouaubanc
; fine smooth ice. We kept the E. shore, passing
from one bay to another across points ; camped at a little