To the eastward the lands descend to Hudson's Bay, and to the westward also, till the Athabasca River cuts through it, from whence it ascends to the Rocky Mountains.

Daring was the spirit of enterprise that first led Commerce with her cumbrous train from the waters of Hudson's Bay to those of the Arctic Sea, across an obstacle to navigation so stupendous as this; and persevering has been the industry which drew riches from a source so remote.
HIS JOURNEY TO CHIPEWYAN.
On the 8th two men arrived and informed us that they had brought us our ten bags of pemmican from Isle a la Crosse, but that they were found to be rotten.

Thus were we unexpectedly deprived of the most essential of our stores for we knew Fort Chipewyan to be destitute of provisions and that Mr.Franklin depended upon us for a supply, whereas enough did not remain for our own use.

On the 9th the canoes and cargoes reached the north side of the portage.

Our people had selected two bags of pemmican less mouldy than the rest which they left on the beach.