| Description | He hopes that Kater has not thought him unmindful of his kind attention, giving an account of the difficulties of writing to England. He presumes that Kater has learned from [John] Barrow the course of the expedition, which may be traced on Arrowsmith's map. They landed at York Factory and proceeded by boat with stores to Cumberland House. Franklin overwintered at Athabasca while waiting for canoes. In Spring they proceeded to north of the Great Slave Lake where they were joined by Copper Indians, serving as guides and hunters. They travelled due north but deferred pushing on to the sea coast owing to the weather. A few officers advanced to the Copper Mine River while winter quarters were being built. Franklin describes the 'barren ground' of the habitation and their surroundings. Winter passed quickly, and the cold was less severe than they had expected. They have made interesting observations of the aurora borealis and the magnetic needle, transmitted to the Admiralty yesterday. He expects that Barrow would have no objection to showing these to Kater. He notes other enclosures on temperature and weather. Franklin describes disturbances of the needle and compliments Kater on the performance of his compasses. Spring is now advancing and they expect the return of reindeer, which will allow the hunters to prepare supplies for their next journey, to the Copper Mine River, after which their proceedings cannot be foreseen. He wishes to gain an interview with the 'esquimeaux' [Inuit], and they have been joined by an interpreter. The tribe he expects to meet are averse to strangers and in continuous warfare with other tribes. He describes 'snow houses' [igloos], a model of which was constructed for their inspection. The indians in their party are Chipewayans, their guide the tribal leader Akaitcho. He sends regards to Mrs Kater and will bear in mind her mineralogical collection. He would be happy to hear from Kater and gives directions on where to send a letter. |