John Long's journal, 1768-1782

Chapter 4: TO SIR JOSEPH BANKS, BART. PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY,[10] &c. &c. &c.

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About This Book

An English-born trader and interpreter recounts years living among Indigenous communities, detailing language learning, adoption into a Chippewa band, and seasonal fur-trading expeditions into the lakes and riverine interior. The narrative blends practical accounts of travel, canoe routes, and trading posts with observations of customs, material culture, and vocabularies of several native languages. It also describes military service paired with Indigenous allies, hazardous winters, clashes and rescues, and commercial successes and setbacks in the fur economy. Appendices include word lists and phrases, while the text situates daily survival, negotiation, and cross-cultural exchange on the northern frontier.

TO SIR JOSEPH BANKS, BAR^T. PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY,^[10] &c. &c. &c.

Sir,

I feel the highest satisfaction in being permitted to dedicate this work to one whose pursuits have ever been more peculiarly directed to objects of originality, and whose scientific researches have contributed so largely to the information and benefit of society.

The public are too well acquainted with your general knowledge in every branch of literature, to suspect that I hold the language of adulation. Should I attempt to do justice to a character so eminently distinguished, my feeble efforts could only be regarded as the grateful effusions of a mind proud of a patronage that can ensure an especial share of public notice and protection.

I have the honour to be, very respectfully,

Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
J. LONG.

London,

February, 1791.