ert to the proceedings which had taken place at
the settlement during my absence. The increased confidence of the
natives, and even violent proceedings, subsequently to our purchase of
land and establishment of a market, have already been noticed: the
numbers, indeed, which crowded within our boundary line, were immense;
and their conduct in wandering about the settlement, with a view of
inducing our people to make purchases, contrary to regulation, together
with the irregularities arising from the temptation to sell their tools,
to procure the means of privately feasting and tippling among the
bushes, became so obnoxious, that Captain Owen determined to remove the
market beyond the boundary line. He, therefore, directed the stakes to
be removed, and took measures for preventing any number of natives from
entering, in future, within the works, giving them to understand that no
barter could be made, excepting at the place appointed for that purpose.
The spot selected for the new market, was a point to the eastward beyond
Hay River. Although much pains were taken to convince the chiefs of the
advantages of this arrangement, it did not appear to give them
satisfaction; as, for several days, few natives were to be seen on
shore, and no canoes came off to the ship. It is probable that the
chiefs were holding a conference respecting the affair, a mode of
proceeding which they appear to adopt when any thing of moment occurs.

Two days afterwards Capt. Owen, accompanied by Capt. Harrison and Mr.
Jeffery, went to examine the shore to the eastward of Hay River, and
observing two canoes making towards a small cove, followed them, until
they landed at a village near the beach, the inhabitants of which
received him with every demonstration of friendly feeling, pawing the
gentlemen of the party with their clayey hands, and pressing upon them
so close, that they were also rubbing their bodies against their
clothes. At the same time, that they thus expressed their welcome, they
did not forget to solicit for iron, knives, and other presents. The
chief occupation of the people of this village was fishing; and as,
contrary to all other assemblages of the natives we had yet witnessed,
the larger proportion present consisted of women, it is probable that
the men were, at the time, engaged in that employment. Captain Owen
purchased a few articles from them, and expressed his intention of
establishing a market at the place; after which, he ret