uimaux, concealing their long knives
in a secret sheath in their left sleeve, would enter upon a bargain
for some more fins, and while adjusting it with the greatest show of
friendship, each would seize the trader with whom he was dealing, as
if he meant to embrace him, and on a given sign by their leader, would
plunge his knife into his heart. In this manner the whole were cut
off, and their property became the prey of the savages, who, when they
had fairly cleaned Chateau Bay, would set sail to renew their
depredations in other quarters, and if dark and misty weather
favoured, and their force was sufficient, they would even scour the
straits of Bellisle, or roam during the night in search of booty
through the neighbouring islands. Such was the character of the
savages the Moravians were desirous to civilize; how they succeeded,
the following pages will show.

THE MORAVIANS IN LABRADOR

CHAPTER I.

Hudson's Bay Company first settle among the Esquimaux.--J.C.
Erhardt suggests a mission--his letter to the Moravian
Bishop.--M. Stach consulted.--London merchants undertake the
scheme--engage Erhardt--its fatal conclusion.--Jans Haven
employed by the Brethren, encouraged by the British Government,
sets out on a voyage of discovery--his providential arrival at
Quirpont--first meeting with the Esquimaux--his interesting
intercourse--returns to England.--His second expedition,
accompanied by Drachart and other missionaries--their
proceedings.--Drachart's remarkable conversation with the
natives--influence of the missionaries in preserving
peace--their religious communications with the savages--the
curiosity of the latter--their thievish tricks--their kindness
to the missionaries--a dreadful storm.--Drachart and Haven
entertained by an Angekok--his incantations--their parting
addresses to each other--the missionaries return to London.

When the original Hudson's Bay Company was formed, 1688, for the
purpose of trading in furs with the natives, the instructions they
sent to their factors breathed the most liberal and benevolent
principles. They directed them to use every means in their power to
reclaim the heathen from a state of barbarism, and instil into their
minds the pure lessons of Christianity; and at the same time
admonished them to trade equitably, and take no advantage of their
untutored simplicity. It does not appear that much attention was paid
to either o