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Page 29
28th. Brother Kmoch landed with Jonathan, and spent some hours in
examining the banks of the river. On ascending the first eminence, the
view of the interior is in general flat, with a few low hills, and ponds
in some places, full of wild geese. The timber in the woods hereabouts
is not large: we found none fit for masts. The largest trees were not
more than eight inches in diameter, and fifteen or twenty feet high.
They are chiefly larch and pines. In some places we found them burnt or
withered, and were informed by the Esquimaux, that it was the effect of
the Indian's fires. Indeed we saw several places where the Indians had
put up huts, and left sufficient vestiges of their abode. Berries grow
everywhere, and between the river and the wood, the plain is chiefly
covered with willows, high grass growing between them, but these and the
various shrubs are so low, that a man can easily look over them. In all
directions we saw the tracks of reindeer, and there is every appearance
of its being a place much frequented by these animals. Deeper in the
wood, we found great quantities of sorrel and other European plants. The
woods appeared very thick, and extended as far as the eye could reach,
often coming down to the edge of the river. The Esquimaux say, that
higher up, large timber is found. On our return to the skin-boat we
found ourselves pretty much fatigued, and ready to partake of a supper,
cooked by the Esquimaux, consisting of ship's biscuit, dried fish, and
raw whitefish blubber. The Esquimaux prevailed upon Brother Kmoch to
taste the latter, and he reported, that having once overcome his
aversion to it, its taste was sweet, like the kernel of a nut, but
heated his stomach like a hot posset.
29th. Changeable and rainy weather prevented us from going out much.
30th. Our people, and with them the strange Esquimaux, met for public
worship. Brother Kohlmeister once more explained to them our intention
in coming thus far to visit them. He addressed them to the following
effect: "That already, many years ago, many excellent people in the
country beyond the great ocean, had thought of them with much love, and
felt desirous that the inhabitants of the Ungava country also might hear
the comfortable word of God, and be instructed in it: for they had heard
that the Esquimaux here were heathen, who, through ignorance, served the
Torngak, or evil spirit, and were led by him into the commission of all
manner of sin, that they might hereafter be lost, and go to the place of
eternal darkness and misery. Out of love, therefore," continued the
missionary, "they have sent us to you, and out of love we have come to
you, to tell you how you may be saved, and become happy, peaceful
children of God, being delivered from the fear of death, which is now
upon you all, and have the prospect of everlasting joy and peace
hereafter, even by receiving the gospel, and turning to Jesus, who is
the only Creator and Saviour of all men. He died for _your_ sins, for
_our_ sins, and for the sins of all mankind, as our surety, suffering
the punishment we deserved, that _you_, by receiving Him, and believing
on Him, might be saved, and not go to the place of eternal darkness and
pain, but to the place of bliss and eternal rest. You cannot yet
understand these comfortable words of the gospel, but if it is your
sincere wish to know the truth of them, Jesus will open your ears and
hearts, to hear and understand them. These my companions were as
ignorant as you, but they now thank God, that they know Jesus as their
Saviour, and are assured that through His death they shall inherit
everlasting life."
During this address all were silent and very attentive. Some exclaimed:
"O we desire to hear more about it!" Old Netsiak, from Eivektok, said:
"I am indeed old, but if you come to live here, I will certainly remove
hither also; and live with you and be converted."
When we put the question to them, whether they were willing, that we
should come and dwell with them, and instruct them, they all answered
with a loud and cheerful voice. "_Kaititse tok, Kaititse tok!_ O do come
soon, and live with us, we will all gladly be converted, and live with
you." Jonathan and Jonas also bore ample testimony to the truth of what
we had spoken, and their words seemed to make a deep impression on all
their countrymen. Uttakiyok was above others eager to express his wish
that we might soon make a settlement in the Ungava country. Five of the
fourteen families who mean to reside here next winter, are from
Eivektok.
Farther inland, the river Koksoak widens considerably, but consequently
grows more shallow. The country is pleasant, with wood, grassy plains,
and gentle hills.
31st. Having finished all our observations here, we dropped down the
stream to the place, where we had discovered the first tents.
In descending, as well as ascending the river, we saw a great number of
whitefish, and many seals. Reindeer are numerous on both shores, both in
summer and winter. All the Esquimaux declared, that this was the best
provision-place in the whole country, and they consequently flock to it
from all parts every summer, frequently protracting their stay during
the winter. The greater number of those we found here, purposed spending
next winter in this neighbourhood. The Esquimaux are prevented from
making this place their constant residence by their fear of the
land-Indians, which cause them to quit it sooner than they otherwise
would wish to do.
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