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[[margin]] 
1860
Wednesday 
August 2 [[strikethrough]] 8[ [/strikethrough]] [[insertion]] 9 [[/insertion]]
[[/margin]]
to wit: Would it not, on the whole, be well to make the trial of reaching, as near the field of my operations as possible, this Season?
These suggestions I would here present to you as weighing [[underlined]] momentously on my mind [[/underlined]]: The waters of the North are now unincumbered with ices - none so this [[/strikethrough]] season [[/strikerthrough]] year than they have been for years. If the trial be made, & I should find it highly injudicous to continue, as a last alternative, could I not have your vessel to fall back upon?
If I should reach Repulse Bay, are there not probabilities of my finding two American vessels there?
In case of failing to find game or natives, would not the provision which I have, make it quite reasonable for us to suppose that my party would live well through the winter?
I have 1100 lbs. Pemmican which is equivalent to two thousand seven hundred & fifty lbs weight of fresh Beef steak & have also about 239 lbs Borden's meat biscuit, one lbs of wh. contains nutriment of 5 lbs of good fresh Beef.  [[strikethrough]] condensed form food equivalent to [[/strikethrough]] Thus, I have in a condensed form, food equivalent to Three thousand nine hundred & ten lbs. good fresh beef.
Then, I have guns & ammunition, sufficient for a party of Six to last Three years, to wit: 
250 lbs excellent powder; 775 lbs shot & near 200 lbs. Balls, & 35.000 percussion [[insertion]] caps [[/insertion]] 
Beside, a reasonable apartment & quantity of goods for trade with the natives. In my mind, with your co-operation & considerate advice wh. I know to be founded in an experience of ten years here in the North, I would decide it best for me to make an attempt this Season.
I am aware of the lateness of the Season, yet, all in all, I cannot but think, with Heaven's kindly Aid, I would succeede. 
With profound regard,
C F Hall
[[wavy line under signature]]
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