Such men I am informed principally resort to Slave Lake – and it is from thence only that Guides, Hunters and Interpreters can be procured to accompany and conduct the Party[.]

The route which I should prefer taking would be nearly North from Great Slave Lake and from the information Beaulieu has given, I am inclined to hope a passage may be made up a River which falls into the Slave Lake near Mountain Island, from thence by crossing Lakes and portages into the Copper mine River which communicates directly with the Sea, but you will be able to obtain from other men of equal, if not greater experience positive assurance as to the possibility and practicability of proceeding this way with moderately Loaded Canoes[.]

The Principal reasons for my writing at present are to request you will have the goodness to communicate to the Indians generally the arrival and nature of the Expedition[.] To solicit your aid in collecting all the Information possible from the different Persons who frequent your Fort, and your endeavours to procure Guides, Hunters and Interpreters to accompany the Expedition[.]

Your local Knowledge and experience will enable you to judge better than myself what number of these may be required for the guidance and support of the party[.] The number of men we shall take has not yet been determined upon[.] I do not imagine the Party including officers will amount to more than two & twenty Persons a force amply sufficient I apprehend to ensure Safety and Protection[.] [N]or can it be determined untill the Gentlemen arrive here in Spring what number of Canoes we may have, but there are arrangements quite independent of the Indians who will proceed I am informed in their own Canoes[.] Sir Alex^r M^cKenzie strongly recommends that the Indians should be accompanied by their Wives as a measure of security, and that t[he] selection should be made of men who had small Families[.] Women too would be extremely useful in preparing Skins, making Shoes, Clothes &^c during the next Winter which we shall certainly have to pass in some convenient & favourable situation near the Coast[.] I should wish therefore that some might be engaged to accompany their Husbands for those purposes, and receive a proportionate compensation[.]

As Soon as the water opens and the necessary arrangements have been completed here, respecting men, Provisions &^c I shall proceed to the Great Slave Lake with my present Companion M^r Back (and there await the arrival of the rest of my Party from Cumberland House) with a view of having communication with you, and seeing the Indians whom I expect hope to meet there; in the mean time I shall be happy should the opportunity offer of these

men

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