past I went to view the eagles, and found them lying on the grass fast
asleep, being intoxicated with the liquor they had drank. Indeed, I
found myself considerably elevated by it, and seeing everything quiet,
I began to search for some more, which I soon found; and having cut down
two large bladders, about a gallon each, I tied them together, and hung
them over the neck of the other eagle, and the two smaller ones I
tied with a cord round my own waist. Having secured a good stock of
provisions, and perceiving the eagles begin to recover, I again took my
seat. In half an hour they arose majestically from the place, without
taking the least notice of their incumbrance. Each reassumed its former
station; and directing their course to the northward, they crossed the
Gulf of Mexico, entered North America, and steered directly for the
Polar regions, which gave me the finest opportunity of viewing this vast
continent that can possibly be imagined.
Before we entered the frigid zone the cold began to affect me; but
piercing one of my bladders, I took a draught, and found that it could
make no impression on me afterwards. Passing over Hudson's Bay, I saw
several of the Company's ships lying at anchor, and many tribes of
Indians marching with their furs to market.
By this time I was so reconciled to my seat, and become such an expert
rider, that I could sit up and look around me; but in general I lay
along the eagle's neck, grasping it in my arms, with my hands immersed
in its feathers, in order to keep them warm.
In those cold climates I observed that the eagles flew with greater
rapidity, in order, I suppose, to keep their blood in circulation. In
passing Baffin's Bay I saw several large Greenlandmen to the eastward,
and many surprising mountains of ice in those seas.
While I was surveying these wonders of nature it occurred to me that
this was a good opportunity to discover the north-west passage, if
any such thing existed, and not only obtain the reward offered by
government, but the honour of a discovery pregnant with so many
advantages to every European nation. But while my thoughts were absorbed
in this pleasing reverie I was alarmed by the first eagle striking its
head against a solid transparent substance, and in a moment that which I
rode experienced the same fate, and both fell down seemingly dead.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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