He Called Piteously For Relief
And St. Germain On His Return Endeavoured To Embark Him But In Vain.
The
canoe was hurried down the rapid and when he landed he was rendered by
the cold incapable of further exertion and Adam attempted to embark
Belanger but found it impossible.
An attempt was next made to carry out
to him a line made of the slings of the men's loads. This also failed,
the current acting so strongly upon it as to prevent the canoe from
steering and it was finally broken and carried down the stream. At length
when Belanger's strength seemed almost exhausted the canoe reached him
with a small cord belonging to one of the nets and he was dragged
perfectly senseless through the rapid. By the direction of Dr. Richardson
he was instantly stripped and, being rolled up in blankets, two men
undressed themselves and went to bed with him: but it was some hours
before he recovered his warmth and sensations. As soon as Belanger was
placed in his bed the officers sent over my blankets and a person to make
a fire. Augustus brought the canoe over and in returning he was obliged
to descend both the rapids before he could get across the stream, which
hazardous service he performed with the greatest coolness and judgment.
It is impossible to describe my sensations as I witnessed the various
unsuccessful attempts to relieve Belanger. The distance prevented my
seeing distinctly what was going on and I continued pacing up and down
upon the rock on which I landed, regardless of the coldness of my
drenched and stiffening garments.
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