For a time all went well. Through the Straits of Belle Isle and round the coast of Labrador the Eldorado steamed, and although she encountered much ice and fog her progress was not impeded. On passing through the Hudson's Straits the trouble began. Navigation became most difficult, the reefs and shoals appearing on all sides. Accidents were avoided, however, until Fort George was sighted when the Eldorado went on a reef. She was the first big boat to try her luck so near to land in those reef-bound bays and she went to her fate.
CONDITION OF THE SHIP
According to the men's story, they were obliged to leave the ship on account of the precarious position in which she was lying. The wind was blowing a gale, and the waves were thundering over the decks, tearing away the rails. The next day they returned and found the ship in an indescribable condition. She was battered and torn in the terrible gale. The winds had played havoc with her, and the seas had swept their way over her decks, carrying away everything. There were the much needed supplies floating around in the water. The holds were flooded. The Eldorado had made her last voyage.
After an arduous day's work the crew managed to save some of the provisions and the live stock. Mr Gillis, the representative of the Hudson's Bay Company, was by this time on the scene, and he arranged to assist the shipwrecked party if they would leave the neighbourhood immediately. Captain Berry was reluctant to leave his ship.
However, as it was a question of all going together or the party being left in the lurch on their own resources, hundreds of miles away from the nearest point from which they could proceed on their journey, the captain, seeing that there was little hope for the ship, consented, along with the rest, and orders were given to prepare to leave for Charlton with provisions for fifteen days. The party then started on the journey of 200 miles.
RIVER PASSAGE BLOCKED
After a journey, which seemed to those who made it, to be interminable, Charlton Island was reached, and a sub-party was sent to Moose Factory to secure provisions. These were secured at exorbitant prices, and having obtained canoes and Indian guides, the journey on Moose River was begun.
However, ill-luck still pursued the party and the difficulties of navigation were found to be so great that it was necessary to turn back and try the passage of the Abitibi River. Here they were more successful, but the hardships were great, the situation being made the more arduous by the frequent portages. The Indians instituted a mild strike and positively refused to work except when it suited them to do so. Provisions got spoiled and the canoes began to leak. The women bore up bravely under the terrible hardships and their courage in the face of so many difficulties encouraged the men. Frequently one of the boats would capsize in the boiling waters of the rapids and this would add to the hardships that were mounting up day by day. At last the weary travellers reached Douglas Farm and the end of their troubles was in sight. They are now in Montreal and are recuperating after the experiences through which they passed.