CHAPTER IV.
Having, with Chief Factor Smith's kind and liberal assistance, satisfactorily completed every arrangement, the expedition took its departure, on the evening of Thursday the 1st of June, from Fort Chipewyan, under a salute, which we returned with three hearty cheers. As soon as the first shade of regret at parting from so sincere a friend had passed away, we warmly congratulated each other on being at length fairly embarked in the interesting service of discovery. Our hopes of achieving what far more distinguished names had left undone were high, and we may be pardoned if we exulted in the flattering prospect. Traversing the western extremity of the Athabasca Lake, we entered Rocky River, its principal outlet, and encamped. We formed a small but happy party; and as our white tents glittered in the rays of the sun, now declining to the horizon after his long
