Journals · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Journals by Alexander Mackenzie.
Chapter 1
Journals To the Frozen and Pacific Oceans in 1789 and 1793
This chapter details the exploratory journeys of Sir Alexander Mackenzie, chronicling his expeditions to the Arctic Ocean in 1789 and the Pacific Ocean in 1793. It covers encounters with various Indigenous groups, the harsh conditions of travel, and the strategic decisions made during these voyages.
Chapter 2
To the Frozen Ocean in 1789
The chapter recounts Alexander Mackenzie's first major expedition from Fort Chipewyan down the river that would later bear his name, culminating in his arrival at the Arctic Ocean. It details the challenges of navigating unknown waters, encounters with Indigenous peoples, and the harsh realities of Arctic exploration.
Chapter 3
I
The narrator departs from Fort Chipewyan and travels up the Peace River, describing the geography, the origin of the river's name from a peace settlement between the Knisteneaux and Beaver Indians, and the difficult journey through cold weather and ice. He establishes a winter residence, oversees the construction of a fort, and acts as physician to the local people and his own men, noting the harsh conditions and the surprising presence of birds in the cold season.
Chapter 4
Chapter II
The narrator describes life at the fort, including interactions with the Beaver and Rocky Mountain Indians, their customs, and a violent dispute settled by his intervention. He also recounts a surgical procedure on a young Indian's hand, the harsh conditions endured by his men, and the cultural practices of the indigenous people, such as childbirth and the treatment of women.
Chapter 5
Chapter III
The expedition continues upriver, facing treacherous rapids, rocky precipices, and the constant need to repair the canoe. The narrator encounters a Beaver Indian chief, manages the hunters' loyalty, and receives warnings from Rocky Mountain Indians about the impassable rapids ahead. Despite broken equipment and dangerous conditions, the party perseveres, repairing the canoe multiple times and navigating through narrow channels and strong currents.
Chapter 6
Chapter IV
The expedition continues upriver against strong currents and rapids, facing extreme cold, fatigue, and a false alarm of hostile natives. The narrator describes the landscape, beaver activity, and the construction of a new canoe. They encounter a dangerous rapid and portage, and the narrator dispatches a rum keg with a letter downstream.
Chapter 7
Chapter V
The narrator, frustrated by the natives' lack of knowledge about a river to the sea, considers overland travel but deems it impractical. After a sleepless night, he re-interviews the natives and learns of a great river flowing toward the midday sun, with a route involving three small lakes and carrying-places. He hires a guide and prepares to depart. The chapter describes the physical appearance of the natives and recounts a tense separation from the canoe, which is eventually reunited after signals. The narrator reflects on the hardships and the natives' fear of enemies, and he attempts to persuade them to guide him further.
Chapter 8
Chapter VI
The expedition faces extreme hardship as they repair their damaged canoe and struggle through a treacherous landscape of rapids, falls, and swamps. After their guide deserts, they finally reach a navigable river on the west side of the first great mountain range.
Chapter 9
Chapter VII
The expedition faces dangerous rapids and a leaky canoe, leading to a delay for repairs. They encounter hostile natives who threaten them with arrows, but through a daring solo approach and diplomatic gestures, the narrator successfully establishes peaceful relations. A new canoe is deemed necessary, and provisions are cached for the return journey.
Chapter 10
To the Pacific Ocean in 1793
This chapter details Sir Alexander Mackenzie's arduous expedition from Fort Chipewyan to the Pacific Ocean in 1793, including encounters with Indigenous peoples, the crossing of the Rocky Mountains, and the eventual arrival at the Pacific coast.
Chapter 11
I
The narrator departs from Fort Chipewyan and travels up the Peace River, describing the geography, the origin of the river's name from a peace settlement between the Knisteneaux and Beaver Indians, and the difficult journey through cold weather and ice. He establishes a winter residence, oversees the construction of a fort, and acts as physician to the local people and his own men, noting the harsh conditions and the surprising presence of birds in the cold season.
Chapter 12
Chapter II
The narrator describes life at the fort, including interactions with the Beaver and Rocky Mountain Indians, their customs, and a violent dispute settled by his intervention. He also recounts a surgical procedure on a young Indian's hand, the harsh conditions endured by his men, and the cultural practices of the indigenous people, such as childbirth and the treatment of women.
Chapter 13
Chapter III
The expedition continues upriver, facing treacherous rapids, rocky precipices, and the constant need to repair the canoe. The narrator encounters a Beaver Indian chief, manages the hunters' loyalty, and receives warnings from Rocky Mountain Indians about the impassable rapids ahead. Despite broken equipment and dangerous conditions, the party perseveres, repairing the canoe multiple times and navigating through narrow channels and strong currents.
Chapter 14
Chapter IV
The expedition continues upriver against strong currents and rapids, facing extreme cold, fatigue, and a false alarm of hostile natives. The narrator describes the landscape, beaver activity, and the construction of a new canoe. They encounter a dangerous rapid and portage, and the narrator dispatches a rum keg with a letter downstream.
Chapter 15
Chapter V
The narrator, frustrated by the natives' lack of knowledge about a river to the sea, considers overland travel but deems it impractical. After a sleepless night, he re-interviews the natives and learns of a great river flowing toward the midday sun, with a route involving three small lakes and carrying-places. He hires a guide and prepares to depart. The chapter describes the physical appearance of the natives and recounts a tense separation from the canoe, which is eventually reunited after signals. The narrator reflects on the hardships and the natives' fear of enemies, and he attempts to persuade them to guide him further.
Chapter 16
Chapter VI
The expedition faces extreme hardship as they repair their damaged canoe and struggle through a treacherous landscape of rapids, falls, and swamps. After their guide deserts, they finally reach a navigable river on the west side of the first great mountain range.
Chapter 17
Chapter VII
The expedition faces dangerous rapids and a leaky canoe, leading to a delay for repairs. They encounter hostile natives who threaten them with arrows, but through a daring solo approach and diplomatic gestures, the narrator successfully establishes peaceful relations. A new canoe is deemed necessary, and provisions are cached for the return journey.
Chapter 18
Chapter VIII: Encounters and Perils on the River
The expedition continues downriver with two Indian guides, one in a small Eskimo-style canoe. They encounter several groups of natives, some initially hostile but eventually pacified through gifts and demonstrations of firearms. A woman speaking Knisteneaux reveals she is a Rocky Mountain native taken prisoner. The chapter details growing tensions, thefts, a leaky canoe, and the narrator's forceful recruitment of an old blind guide, culminating in a damaged canoe and open discontent among the men.
Chapter 19
IX
The narrator and his party face uncertainty after their guide disappears, but he returns with six relatives. They hide supplies, leave their canoe, and begin an overland journey through rugged terrain, encountering various native groups and learning about the route to the sea coast.
Chapter 20
The Village of the Salmon People
The narrator and his party arrive at a native village where they are received with a mix of alarm and hospitality. After initial tension, the chief and his sons welcome them with ceremonial embraces and gifts, including a sea otter robe. The narrator observes the village's customs, diet, and trade goods, noting the abundance of copper, brass, and iron. He takes astronomical observations but is asked to stop lest the instruments frighten the salmon. The chief recounts a voyage ten winters ago when he encountered two large vessels full of white men, likely Captain Cook's ships. The narrator recovers a stolen axe through firm insistence, and the chapter ends with a detailed description of the village's houses, food preparation, and the people's aversion to iron near the river.
Chapter 21
Chapter XI
The narrator continues his journey down the river, encountering various native villages and experiencing both hospitality and suspicion. He observes local customs, including fishing techniques and weaving, and faces increasing tension with some natives who demand goods and hint at past violence. The chapter ends with the party on guard against potential hostility, having lost some supplies to theft.
Chapter 22
Chapter XII
The chapter describes the difficult journey back upriver, including a mutiny by the crew who refuse to continue by canoe, the loss of a guide and canoe, encounters with hostile and friendly natives, and a tense reunion with the chief whose son had previously guided them. The narrator must navigate physical hardship, cultural misunderstandings, and the threat of violence to ensure the party's safe return.
Chapter 23
Chapter XIII
The narrator concludes his voyages of discovery, describing the return journey to Fort Chipewyan after eleven months. He reflects on the toils and successes of the expedition, provides a geographical overview of British territories in North America, and recounts the final leg of the journey, including encounters with abundant wildlife and a warm welcome at the fort.
Chapter 24
Appendix
The appendix contains maps illustrating the journey north and the journey west.
Chapter 25
Endnotes
This chapter contains the endnotes for the book, providing explanatory notes, corrections, and additional context for various passages in the main text. Topics include the origin of the name 'Slave Indians,' the use of watape in canoe construction, a medical anecdote involving Turlington's balsam, the loss of a navigation book, and a critique of Mr. Meares' geographical claims, among others.
Chapter 26
List of Illustrations
A listing of the maps included in the book, specifically the Map of the Journey North and the Map of the Journey West.
