We had now the indescribable gratification of changing our linen which had been worn ever since our departure from the sea-coast.
December 8.
After a long conference with Akaitcho we took leave of him and his kind companions and set out with two sledges, heavily laden with provision and bedding, drawn by the dogs, and conducted by Belanger and the Canadian sent by Mr.Weeks.Hepburn and Augustus jointly dragged a smaller sledge laden principally with their own bedding.

Adam and Benoit were left to follow with the Indians.

We encamped on the Grassy-Lake Portage, having walked about nine miles, principally on the Yellow Knife River.

It was open at the rapids and in these places we had to ascend its banks and walk through the woods for some distance, which was very fatiguing, especially to Dr.Richardson whose feet were severely galled in consequence of some defect in his snowshoes.
On the 11th however we arrived at the fort which was still under the charge of Mr.Weeks.He welcomed us in the most kind manner, immediately gave us changes of dress, and did everything in his power to make us comfortable.
Our sensations on being once more in a comfortable dwelling after the series of hardships and miseries we had experienced may be imagined.

Our first act was again to return our grateful praises to the Almighty for the manifold instances of His mercy towards us.