It will be perceived, that the position of the mouth of the river,
given by our observations, differs widely from that assigned to it by
Mr. Hearne; but the accuracy of his description, conjoined with Indian
information, assured us that we were at the very part he visited. I
have, therefore, named the most conspicuous cape we then saw Cape
Hearne, as a just tribute to the memory of that persevering traveller.
I have distinguished another cape by the name of Mackenzie, in honour
of Sir Alexander Mackenzie, the only other European who had before reached
the Northern Ocean. I have called the river which falls into the sea,
to the westward of the Copper-Mine, Richardson, as a testimony of sincere
regard for my friend and companion, Dr. Richardson; and have named the
islands, which are in view from our encampment, Couper's Isles,
in honour of a friend of his. The sun set this night at thirty minutes
after eleven, apparent time; and the annexed view, taken from a drawing
by Mr. Back, shews the appearance of the sky and the prospect at midnight.
The travelling distance from Fort Enterprize to the north of the Copper-Mine
River, is about three hundred and thirty-four miles. The canoes and
baggage were dragged over snow and ice for one hundred and seventeen
miles of this distance. [Franklin, p. 361.]