Their progress was slow and tedious.

Mr.
Hunt was not accustomed to the management of "voyageurs," and he had a crew admirably disposed to play the old soldier, and balk their work; and ever ready to come to a halt, land, make a fire, put on the great pot, and smoke, and gossip, and sing by the hour.
It was not until the 22d of July that they arrived at Mackinaw, situated on the island of the same name, at the confluence of--lakes Huron and Michigan.

This famous old French trading post continued to be a rallying point for a multifarious and motley population.

The inhabitants were amphibious in their habits, most of them being, or having been voyageurs or canoe men.

It was the great place of arrival and departure of the southwest fur trade.