June 27, 1793. An Absolute Wreck.

June 27, 1793.  (Day 50)

Excerpts from the Journal of Alexander MacKenzie, 227 years ago, today.

 

     “We embarked at half past four, with very favourable weather, and at eight we landed, where there was an appearance of our being able to procure bark; we, however, obtained but a small quantity. At twelve we went ashore again, and collected as much as was necessary for our purpose. It now remained for us to fix on the proper place for building another canoe, as it was impossible to proceed with the old one, which was become an absolute wreck.”

     The “old” birch bark canoe, with many many repairs, has lasted them for 50 days so far, and has carried them over one thousand river miles through uncharted wilderness.

     “At five in the afternoon we came to a spot well adapted to the business in which we were about to engage. It was on a small island not much encumbered with wood, though there was plenty of the spruce kind on the opposite land, which was divided from us by a small channel. We now landed, but before the canoe was unloaded and the tent pitched, a violent thunder-storm came on, accompanied with rain, which did not subside till the night had closed in upon us.” 

They will be spending a few days here on this island, while all hands engage in building a new vessel, except for the two hunters who will look for game and try to catch fish.

Picture 1. Building a Birch-Bark Canoe, Lake Of The Woods, 1901 (Photo by Minnesota Historical Society)

     “Two of our men who had been in the woods for axe-handles, saw a deer, and one of them shot at it, but unluckily missed his aim. A net was also prepared and set in the eddy at the end of the island.”