|
(p. 361)
"It will be perceived, that the position of the mouth of the river,
given by our observations, differs widely from that assigned to it by
Mr. Hearne; but the accuracy of his description, conjoined with
Indian information, assured us that we were at the very part he
visited. I have, therefore, named the most conspicuous cape we
then saw “Cape Hearne,” as a just tribute to the memory of that
persevering traveller. I have distinguished another cape by the
name of Mackenzie, in honour of Sir Alexander Mackenzie, the
only other European* who had before reached the Northern Ocean.
I have called the river which falls into the sea, to the westward of
the Copper-Mine, Richardson, as a testimony of sincere regard for
my friend and companion, Dr. Richardson; and have named the
islands, which are in view from our encampment, “Couper’s Isles,”
in honour of a friend of his. The sun set this night at thirty minutes
after eleven, apparent time ; and the annexed view, taken from
a drawing by Mr. Back, shews the appearance of the sky and the
prospect at midnight.
The travelling distance from Fort Enterprize to the north of the Copper-Mine River, is about three hundred and thirty-four miles. The canoes and baggage were dragged over snow and ice for one hundred and seventeen miles of this distance." |
(Return to the top ...) |