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From the declivity behind, in many places the open sea can be seen, with the promontory of Saeglak, the distance to which is only about 5 or 6 hours, with a good sledge path; consequently, it appeared admirably adapted for a mission station.
They had, therefore, applied to the British Government for a further grant of land; and the report of Captain Martin having been so highly favourable, all obstructions were removed, and next year the order which had been granted by the Prince Regent in Council, 13th May 1818, securing to them the possession of the coast from Okkak to the 56th deg N.L., including the bays of Napartok, Kangertluksoak, and Saeglak, was transmitted to Nain through Governor Hamilton, accompanied by a letter written under his own hand, wishing them every success in their Christian undertaking.
Salmon and salmon-trout are caught in every creek and inlet; they remain in the rivers and fresh-water lakes during the winter, and return to the sea in spring. The Esquimaux about Okkak and Saeglak, catch them in winter under the ice by spearing. For this purpose they make two holes in the ice, about eight inches in diameter, and six feet asunder, in a direction from north to south.
On a voyage of observation, they landed at Nachrack, and they report, "We found," say they, "the people here, differing much in their manners from the people at Saeglak. Their behaviour was modest, and rather bashful, nor were we assailed by beggars and importunate intruders. We had no instance of stealing.
The Esquimaux on the east coast of Labrador, may be divided into two sections: those in the south, who seldom come farther than Kangertuksoak, about twenty miles north of Okkak, which lies 57°, 20 m. N.L.; and those of the north, who seldom come farther south than Nachrack 59° m. Saeglak lies between, and in winter is visited by both in their sledges.
Among them an Esquimaux woman came from Saeglak, and requested leave to reside at the station; the missionaries informed her that she was welcome to do so, but that she must give up all heathenish practices. She replied that for some time past, both her husband and herself had discontinued these things, and had been long thinking about their conversion, and therefore they had come to them.
Saeglak would afford excellent fishing ground for our people, should the heathen leave it, which must very soon happen, as within these last few years, the inhabitants of these parts have greatly diminished, many of them coming to reside among us.
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