As to my not leaving a letter at Fort Enterprise it was because by some mischance you had forgot to give me paper when we parted.*

(Footnote.  I certainly offered Mr. Wentzel some paper when he quitted us but he declined it, having then a notebook, and Mr. Back gave him a pencil.)

I however wrote this news on a plank in pencil and placed it in the top of your former bedstead where I left it.  Since it has not been found there some Indians must have gone to the house after my departure and destroyed it.  These details, Sir, I have been induced to enter into (rather unexpectedly) in justification of myself and hope it will be satisfactory.