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Samuel
Hearne
(1745- 1792):
Journey to Coppermine River
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Samuel Hearne
was born in England. He joined the navy when he was only 12. He
went to work for Hudson's Bay in 1766 as part of a ship's crew.
He spent the winters at the trading post Fort Prince of Wales on
Hudson Bay. There he received his training.
Hearne
was put in charge an expedition to Coppermine River in 1769.
During the journey his guides deserted him. He was left alone -
lost and hungry. Matonabbee, a leader of the Chipewyans,
saved him. After this, Matonabbee served as his guide and friend
for many years.
Hearne's
third trip was his longest and most famous. In 1771 he set off
to Coppermine river again with Matonabbee. They were searching for
copper and other minerals. Along the way, they met other Chipewyans.
The Chipewyans ambushed some sleeping Inuit
and massacred them at what would later be called Bloody Falls.
The expedition
lasted over a year and a half. During this trip, Hearne went further
north than any other European. He did not find any copper, though.
In
1774 he opened Cumberland House. This was Hudson's Bay Company's
first inland trading post, which meant it was not directly on the
shores of Hudson Bay. In 1787, he retired and returned to England.
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What
do you think Hearne's most important accomplishment was?
Bonus: Who deserves more credit
for the discoveries - Hearne or Matonabbee? Why?
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