Page 327

327

[*omit*]
The Esquimaux do not visit us. I fear
that the spoliation of the Hut at Jessiusak
makes them unwilling to appear before
us. Amaladoe's brother who was
the main agent in the treacherous abandonment
of the provisions resides at Leiper
Bay and he would be our nearest
neighbour. Most probably he is afraid to
venture to our brig.
[end omit]

Note,
10. P.M.
Copied Apr. 12.

I received to day a confidential
communication from Morton and Stephensen
strengthening my previous suspicions that certain
parties on board were meditating some
combined scheme for the purpose of abandoning
the brig and taking with them the sledge dogs
and other necessary property. I am obliged
to be very circumspect and guarded as I can
take no action until some other proof is developed
distinctly involving the parties concerned. I
have, however, so managed matters as to overhear,
through one of my informants, every word
interchanged at night by the suspected persons
and I have taken measures to prevent concert
during the day. I keep constantly armed and
sleep only during certain hours impracticable to an
attempt. With proper caution and a daily and
unsuspected knowledge of their intentions I have
no fears of being able to put them down as well
as to [of mal making?] I make them fearful examples. The nearly
entire party of the Brig are down with disease, labour
falls heavily on the few well, and these few are
strange to say - and -, as well as others
not unimpeachable in moral force. A life with
the Esquimaux would relieve them from much
discomfort and be temptation enough to make
them sacrifice their sick comrades.

K.

The above note was copied from original now
in my possession. Apr 12. For evident reasons
I could not insert it at its proper date. K.