“You are pleased to jest with the hardships I experienced while battling the watch with opposition in the Montreal department, and the privations I afterwards endured in New Caledonia.  Surely, Sir, you ought to have considered it sufficient to have made me your dupe, and not add insult to oppression.  While in the Montreal department I have your handwriting to show your approval of my ‘meritorious conduct,’ the course I was pursuing being ‘the direct road to preferment;’ and your intention, even then, ’to recommend me to the favourable notice of the Governor and Committee;’—­promises in which I placed implicit confidence at the time, being as yet a stranger to the ways of the world.—­The result of these promises, however, was that the moment opposition had ceased, I was ordered to resign my situation to another, and march to enjoy the ‘delectable scenery’ of New Caledonia; from thence you sent me to Ungava, where you say you are not aware I experienced any particular hardship or privation.

“You are aware of the circumstances in which I found myself when I arrived there:  that consideration was not allowed to interpose between me and my duty, however; and I accordingly traversed that desolate country in the depth of winter,—­a journey that nearly cost myself and my companions our lives.  I then continued to explore the country during the entire period of my command, and finally succeeded in discovering a practicable communication with Esquimaux Bay, and in determining the question so long involved in uncertainty as to the riches the interior possessed, and by so doing saved an enormous expense to the concern.  The Hon. Committee are aware of my exertions in that quarter, themselves, as I had the honour of being in direct communication with them while there.

  “I have the honour, &c. 
  (Signed) “JOHN MCLEAN.”

CHAPTER XVII.

    SITUATION OF FORT SIMPSON—­CLIMATE—­THE LIARD—­EFFECTS OF
    THE SPRING FLOODS—­TRIBES INHABITING MACKENZIE’S
    RIVER DISTRICT—­PECULIARITIES—­DISTRESS THROUGH
    FAMINE—­CANNIBALISM—­ANECDOTE—­FORT GOOD HOPE SAVED BY THE
    INTREPIDITY OF M. DECHAMBAULT—­DISCOVERIES OF MR. CAMPBELL.

Mr. Lewis embarked for York Factory on the 4th of August.  I set out on my return on the 6th, and arrived at Fort Simpson on the 22d.  Having prepared and sent off the outfit for the different posts with all possible expedition, I found myself afterwards at leisure to note down whatever I thought worthy of being recorded with reference to this section of the country.