my wishes, as well as the utmost courtesy to the other passengers,
most of whom were of a rank not likely to find much consideration from
a Canadian boatman; they consisted of a young priest not yet ordained,
an apprentice clerk, three youths who had been at their education in
Lower Canada, and myself.

The brigade consisted of three Montreal canoes, laden with provisions
for the trip, and some tobacco for the southern department; and manned
by sixty Iroquois and Canadians, the latter engaged to winter, the
former for the trip.

The day was far spent when we left the portage of the Chats, and we
encamped in the evening near the head of the rapids. The mode of
travelling in canoes being now well known, I shall not detail the
occurrences of each day, but confine myself to the narration of such
incidents as may be most worthy of notice throughout the voyage. The
moment we landed the tent was pitched by men employed for the purpose;
the other men unloaded the canoes, and carried the goods beyond
high-water mark, where it was piled and covered with oil-cloths.

It is the particular duty of the bowsman to attend to the canoe, to
repair and pitch it when necessary, and to place it in security when
the cargo is discharged. In consideration of these services he is
exempt from the duty of loading or unloading, his wages are higher
than those of the steersman, and he ranks after the guide. The latter
generally messes with the gentlemen, his canoe always takes the lead
in the rapids, but in still water the post of honour is held by the
best going canoe. The guide rouses the men in the morning; the moment
the call is heard, "Lève, lève!" the passengers spring upon their
feet, tie up their beds, and if they are not smart about it, the tents