CHAPTER III
JULY, 1789.
_Wednesday, 1._–At half past four in the morning we continued our
voyage, and in a short time found the river narrowed to about half a
mile. Our course was Westerly among islands, with a strong current.
Though the land is high on both sides, the banks are not perpendicular.
This course was twenty-one miles; and on sounding we found nine fathoms
water. We then proceeded West-North-West nine miles, and passed a river
upon the South-East side; we sounded, and found twelve fathoms; and then
we went North-West by West three miles. Here I lost my lead, which had
fastened at the bottom, with part of the line, the current running so
strong that we could not clear it with eight paddles, and the strength
of the line, which was equal to four paddles. Continued North by West
five miles, and saw a high mountain, bearing South from us; we then
proceeded North-West by North four miles. We now passed a small river
on the North side, then doubled a point to West-South-West. At one
o’clock there came on lightning and thunder, with wind and rain, which
ceased in about half an hour, and left us almost deluged with wet, as we
did not land. There were great quantities of ice along the banks of the
river.
We landed upon a small island, where there were the poles of four lodges
standing, which we concluded to have belonged to the Knisteneaux, on
their war excursions, six or seven years ago. This course was fifteen
miles West, to where the river of the Mountain falls in from the
Southward. It appears to be a very large river, whose mouth is half a
mile broad. About six miles further a small river flows in the same
direction; and our whole course was twenty-four miles. We landed
opposite to an island, the mountains to the Southward being in sight.
As our canoe was deeply laden, and being also in daily expectation of
coming to the rapids or fall, which we had been taught to consider with
apprehension, we concealed two bags of pemmican in the opposite island,
in the hope that they would be of future service to us. The Indians
were of a different opinion, as they entertained no expectation of
returning that season, when the hidden provisions would be spoiled. Near
us were two Indian encampments of the last year. By the manner in which
these people cut their wood, it appears that they have no iron tools.
The current was very strong during the whole of this day’s voyage, and
in the article of provisions two swans were all that the hunters were
able to procure.
