feet in a heap – up to their bellies in snow and trembling – with their bridles frozen in their Mouths[.] We loaded our horses and having inclosed ourselves in Robes – in hopes of setting the weather at defiance [.] We set out, but the drift and Snow were so heavy that we could not see to the distance of fifty Yards – with no marks to guide our steps – we kept on all day at Random – but by observing the direction of the wind we Endeavoured to keep the same track[.] Towards the Evening the drift passing in seperate columns as it were before the wind – gave us an opportunity of descrying at a distance the resemblance of trees – To which we immediately repaired – and came to a small Creek where we found plenty of wood and water[.] I cannot describe my feelings on this occasion[.] My heart leaped with joy – nothing upon the face of the earth could have given me more pleasure than I experienced that moment[.] We were provided to our Satisfaction – but our horses, the poor animals were almost Starved

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