Samuel Hearne
A Journey from Prince of Wales's Fort in Hudson's Bay to the Northern Ocean in the Years 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772
New Edition with Introduction, Notes, and Illustrations
"A Journey from Prince of Wales's Fort in Hudson's Bay to the Northern Ocean" by Samuel Hearne is a historical account written in the late 18th century. This expedition narrative details Hearne's journey undertaken under the auspices of the Hudson's Bay Company, primarily aimed at discovering copper mines and exploring the northern regions of Canada. The book offers insights into both the harsh conditions of the journey and interactions with Indigenous peoples, particularly the Chipewyan Indians. The opening of the work provides context to Hearne's expedition, detailing his initial attempts to navigate to the Arctic and uncover the rumored copper mines mentioned by Native guides. Hearne chronicles the challenges he faced during his treks, including severe weather, scarcity of food, and the shifting dynamics of his Indian allies. He describes his first two trips, which ultimately ended in failure due to various obstacles, and sets the stage for his eventual successful journey to the mouth of the Coppermine River, highlighting the significance of these explorations in understanding Northern Canada and its native inhabitants.