KENZIE
>) come in thi appearances ere to advant
n away from a rendez-vous be carried 01
arcity of pro cted at Lac li
The following from Mr. Small, dated Lle à la Crosse 24th Feby 1788, is addressed to Mr. McTavish.
“ Dear Sir,
“have written to the New Company concerning all the
transactions of this place, and I have likewise written the Old
Company a statement of our summer affairs to accompany Mr. Pond's letters and papers relative to the Slave Lake, to which I beg leave to refer you”. ..............ssssssrsssenresssssssossessee . “ Mr Pond's letter of the 5th Dec. was some time before Mr. Mr. Pond. MacKenzie left Athabasca. He left it suddenly which was the cause Mr. Pond did not write me by him.
“I am quite surprised at the wild ideas Mr. Pond has of
Bmatters, which Mr. MacKenzie told me were incomprehensibly
extravagant. Î wrote him, in answer to his of the 3rd Dec. as satisfactorily as I could. I observed to him he could have no reason to think that any thing was even thought of contrary to the mutual interest of all concerned. I put it in his option to go with or after the packs, but represented to him that he required to be expeditious, if he intented returning after seeing the Grand Portage. He is preparing a fine map to lay before the Empréss Of USB. essissetanes id tie the nn ac nsotas
“ ['am, dear Sir, most sincerely yours,
tt Par. SMALL ”.
‘ ATHABASKA, 15 May, 1788.
“ Dear Roderic,
| (T did not expect to write you any more letters from this ountry, as I supposed you would go out with the first canoes, but I find by Mr. Small's letter that this is not the case.
“ Your letter of the 31st March I received the 11th instant, an will only trouhle you at present with an answer to part of it, You say you w ‘e informed I was displeased with you” Re sons essences Y OUT refusing what] offered by no means displeased me. Circumstanced as I was, might have offered you less, but I believe I never advised you to accept less or worse terms than the best clerk the Company had.
‘ As for your notions of ‘ slavery”, I cannot approve of it, I! shows you were never acquainted with this abject condition. If you had, for five or six years, been subjected to the capricecf a tyrant or tyranny of a mistress, and, that, for no pecuniary con. sideration, your ideas of it would be quite different.
‘ Mr. Pond is just setting off, therefore I must conclude ; with the same esteem as usual, dear Roderic.
‘“ Your sincere friend,
I won't forget your books ”.
Mr. Pond who was the bearer of the above letter, was the fini
merchant from Canada who ventured s0 far as Athabasca ani established a trading post there in 1778, just ten years before
Being accused, at different times, of having been instrument
towards the death of two gentlemen who were in opposition t his interest, he was now on his way out of the country on hi defence.
About this time, Mr. MacKenzie became extremely anxious ani uncertain whether he would leave or remain in the count. However the latter prevailed, and, before the end of July, was back to Lac La Pluie for the arrangement of the Athabask
affairs the tothe inre I declined.
He then on underta waler com Northern charge of intentions.
importance yielded to 1 him into A On our a for the sev despatched.
in the neigh MacKenzie three men a Lake, where on our own On my ar spot for a ne After makin of precautio about a leag
shape of ar
orming as if On this po
Chipewean (
» (1) At about t} H:(2) Fort Chipe Salled because it
as, later, found
hore of tho Lake.
nstant, ani part of it OÙ” sus sing what!
as I was!
dvised you
affairs there, and insisted upon my accompanying him once more to the inretior, which, notwithstanding my high regard for him, 1 declined.
He then informed me, in confidence, that he had determined Mr. A.
Maoon undertaking a voyage of discovery the ensuing Spring by the Konsio's Artio voy-
e Company
ove of it, I t condition.
1e caprice cf ‘uniary Con
clude ; with
| was the first habasca an vears befor.
nstrumentil
' pposition to ntry on hi
anxious an the counir.
à of July, à e Athabaski
water communications reported to lead from Slave Lake to the Northern Ocean, adding, that if I could not return and take charge of his department in his absence, he must abandon his intentions. Considering his regret at my refusal, and the great importance of the object he had in view, I, without hesitation, yielded to his wishes, immediately set to work and accompanied him into Athabasca ........... nes
On our arrival at Mr. Pond's old establishment (1), the outfits for the several posts of the Department, were made up and despatched. I was appointed for Athabaska Lake, which was in the neighbourhood, say about one or two day’s distance. Mr. MacKenzie himself remained to pass the winter with two or three men at the Old Post, the other men accompanied me to the Lake, where we were to make a new establishment and depend on our owa industry in fishing for a living.
On my arrival at our destination, I looked out for a suitable Fort Chispot for a new establishment to replace the old one of Mr. Pond. "°°"
Aîter making every possible enquiry and taking every measure of precaution, I pitched on a conspicuous projection that advances about a league into the Lake, the base of which appeared in the shape of a person sitting with her arms extended, the palms orming as if it were a point.
On this point we settled and built a fort which we called Fort hipewean (2. Itis altogether a beautiful, healthy situation, in
(1) At about thirty miles from Lake Athabasca, on Elk River, Rivière à la Biche.
D :(2) Fort Chipewean, for several years the most important in the North, was s0
alled because it was intended more particularly for the trade with that nation. It
as, later, found more advantageous to abandon it and to build another on the north hore of the Luke.
the center of many excellent and never failing fisheries, provide About C they are duly attended to at the proper season. tended to t
his letter ti “ Athabaska, Friday, 21st Nov., 1788. he says :
‘‘ Dear Rory, “Thad à
“This is to acknowledge your sundry favors of the 15th an prince le
16th instant per Laverdure and Cantara. They arrived yester. day, about 10 o’clock A.M., and go off to-day at noon. I find, their account of time, which they say is yours, that we do no agree, this being Saturday. Inclosed you will receive your pe petual almanack, which will put you to right, as I imagine w bave lost no time!
‘ [am glad to hear you are having such good fishing, and Ian told you share in the trouble that attends it. I suppose itis ow of your maxims to get acquainted with every thing that is tolk done in the country. Fishing at this season is a very cold hand ed business; I send you a pair of mittens to keep your fingen warm though I understand you have not yet used any.
‘“ I remain, dear Roderic, “The mer
“«Your’s L xample and
‘ ALEX. MAcKENzE”.
In his lett Three men and myself, I recollect, visited six nets three tin thabaska 2 a day from under the ice during that Fall fishery, but no mittexh® ‘ The bear can be used during that serious operation. The fingers ani new route wrists, while occupied in managing the nets and disentangliSMcable, the 1 the fish from the meshes, must be kept constantly immerged la Loche disc prevent their freezing. ured it last ] I had a number of voyageurs in charge; they were dividelRke à passag into crews independent of each other and in different housse papers re each house to provide itself at the fisheries. tion you ma
ies, providel
Nov., 1788
the 15th an rived yesler n. Ifind,h at we do ni eive your per I imagine
aing, and Ian ppose it is On g thatistol sry Cold hand ) your fingen L any.
ACKENZIE”.
ets three time but no mitten e fingers ail
disentanglins
immerged li
were dividel ferent housi
About Christmas, Mr. MacKenzie paid us a visit which he extended to the departure of the winter Express in February. In his letter to the Partners at Grand Portage, dated 14th February, he says:
“I had a very favorable voyage into the country until a short
distance from {le à la Crosse when one of the canoes got injured
and sunk. By this unfortunate accident I lost two men and eleven pieces of goods. After repairing the damages as well as
we could, we continued our voyage and arrived at this depart-
ment on the 29th September, which was our fifty-second day
from Lac La Pluie and the shortest voyage, I believe, that has been performed to this quarter with loaded canoes.
“ À great number of Chipeweans who went to Hudson’s Bay last summer came this winter to our new establishment at the Lake. They traded largely at the Bay, and were highly satisfied With their reception. They say they had taken seven months
o perform their journey ; yet they seemed inclined to return. We gave them large credits which they promised to pay in due ime,
“The men who have remained with the Indians last summer
were, and still are, of great injury to the concern by their vicious xample and influence.”
In his letter to the Agents of the North-West Company, dated 1789.
Athabaska 22nd May, 1789, Mr. A MacKenzie says :
| ‘The bearer, Mr. Roderic MacKenzie, goes in a light canoe by Portage La ‘ ‘ . Lo new route that avoids Portage La Loche, and, if he finds it prac- Route.
icable, the loaded canoes will pass that way in future. Portage a Loche discourages the men, it being 114 miles long. We meaured it last Fall. ['expect he will overtake Mr. McGillivray and ke a passage with him to the Portage. He will deliver you all de papers regarding this post ; and give you any other informlion you may wish respecting the trade.
‘“ You will observe by the papers that there are remaining % hand goods more than sufficient for next year. Therefore, it wil be needless to send in more canoes than will be required to car out the returns. Eight, with three of the five that remain inlani, will carry more than the country will produce.
“The greatest dependence of this place at present is on th Peace River, The Chippeweans are in the habit of trading i Hudson's Bay.
‘“ Mr. Boyer goes out: I could not prevail on him to remain, but he is Lo return if ñe can settle his accounts to his satisfactin at Grand Portage. He is a very fit person for the Peace River: Mr. Vandreil is to pass the summer there.
“ Mr. Leroux returned on the 22nd March from the north side of Slave Lake where he met with a great number of Red Kniva and Slaves who traded with him and to whom he promised : rendez-vous in the summer there.
“ Mr. Leroux arrived on the 22nd March from the other side (! Slave Lake where he had seen a great number of Red Kniva and Slave Indians. They traded with him and promisedt meet him this summer on the west side of the Lake. IT inten to pass that way on my voyage for a supply of provisions ”.…
I examined two routes this season in hopes of getting rid di Portage La Loche. In going out, I went by Little Fish River belo Portage La Loche and found this route would not answer. Hor: ever it answered the purpose of a trading establishment.
Going in, I went from Jsle à la Crosse by Lac Clair to the he of the Athabasca River, which I found to be one continued chai of falls and rapids roaring among rocks and precipices entireh unfit for the purpose of navigation, so that we had the great difficulty with our canoe to find our way through to the landix place of Portage La Loche.
When I le enzie was return, in the pf the Athab which was, having heard He perforn without exper dred days. A ort Chippew ne with him.
Letter from ‘“ My de
“On the 7tt Drignal and wc ve leagues, it lhere are thirt een a possibil ave preferred “ Ibrought t ast of the lake pr my house, b dere was no cl
“There was ore favorable
(1) The Zac d'Or rce of the Fraser ] Fr. Cauchon.
aaining 0 pre, it will ed Lo carry ain inlani,
bis on the trading à
to remain, satisfaction eace River:
e north side Red Kniva promised :
When I left Fort Chipewean for irand Portage, Mr. Mac- Kenzie was preparing for his first voyage of discovery ; on my return, in the beginning of September, I found him at the Forks nf the Athabasca River, ‘vhere he had endeavoured to meet me, which was, as Mr. Small observes, a very joyful meeting, not
aving heard of him since our separation in the Spring.
He performed his perilous undertaking to the Artic Ocean without experiencing any mate: al accident, in about one hundred days. After his return from his discovery, he remained at
ort Ghippewean where he passed the ensuing winter and kept me with him...........…. ce inner susét
Letter from Mr. Shaw, dated Lac d'Orignal (1), 16th Dec., 1789.
“ My dear Rory,
“ On the 7th of October, I arrived at the entrance of Rivière Mr, She À x t Drignal and would you believe it, that although it was only Lao d'Ori-
other side (| Red Kniva
promised li e. Jinten sions
tting rid €!
River belor swer. Ho ent.
to the hed inued chaïl ces entirell the greatel ) the landin
Fr. Cauchon.
ve leagues, it took me nine days to transport the goods in it, ?"% Fort.
ere are thirty-six rapids in it with very little water. Had there sen a possibility of carrying bv land the whole length, I would ave preferred it, but both sides of the river wereentire swamps,
“ I brought the goods, however, to a large point on the southst of the lake and wrought two or three days at felling trees pr my house, but, to my great mortificaiion, we then discovered bere was no clay to be found within five leagues of us.
“There was no alternative short of a removal to another and ore favorable situation at the entrance of a small river on the
1) The Lac d’Orignal Fort is about 200 miles to the west of Edmonton, at the uree of the Fraser River. See official map of 1857 prepared by order of the Hon.
west side of the lake, where TI immediately commenced building and had all finished by the 1st November; afterwards got plenty of fish secured to the month of March. |
‘I discovered four Hudson’s Bay men with a band Assiniboines; I prevailed on the Indians to send them bat home. Simon Réaume lost his way going with letters to Fr des Prairies. He returned yesterday from there and broughtme
letters from Montreal, from Grand Portage and from Fort de Prairies. D ‘You wil
beavers, mai caught sevet traps.
“The Plai des Prairies
“ As forany newsI can give you, more likely you know then send my tir already. However, I must inform you, beaver has raised co MRsun and, afte siderably in value ; Bon! Lesieur and Simon Fraser have taklreturn to the the post of Rivière des Trembles and Portage de l'Ile. They are alk or wor partnership. I wish them much joy of their bargain. B... hMRagain eat {ol} lost one vear’s wages for grogdrinking. J. Bte. R......and B... in reading 0: are both gone to Montreal in irons for theft. course, alten
“ David Grant would not accept of £100, for which reason on “ Indeed, r friend Cuthbert was sent in his place. Peter Grant and Desm: may affect m rais have been sent with a couple of canoes to Lac Rouyworked at be Thornburn was left by Mr. Montour at Finlay’s old fort RivirWbend snow-sh au Pas, with two canoes, and some Sauteux are with them. to handle the
“ My friend Thomason is gone to England, and Mr. Halket haïto my nets, fc taken his place at Pine Island. Alexander Fraser was sent tlone, seventywinter at Côte des Serpents and Tourangeau wintlers at Lac VerMnot be recalle Belleau is engaged for three years, and is now with his frieni “ Please re Mr. Bergeron, with all his goods. Nothing but ups and down likewise to M
“ Both Mr. Montour and Mr. Bergeron inform me that they amay enquire : ill off for want of provisions ; for my part the fish does not agra with me; two and a half fresh beavers is all the fresh meit| have received since I came here, these I killed myself.
© Now, my
The eoun- ‘‘ Perhaps you would wish to know what kind of a countrh (© rai try. NE se à | | bewan, below For:
d this is I may say it is entirely composed of mountains, smil
| (2) A species of lakes and small rivers in which there is the greatest quantityt
ed building ls got plenty
a band d | them back etters to Fort 1 brought me rom Fort de
1 know them s raised Cot r have take
They areï ain. B...hà
ch reason on t and Desm to Lac Roux da fort Rivir th them.
fr. Halket hà r was sen li s at Lac Val ith his friend js and down e that they a does not agrt fresh meit| self.
of a count
antains, sm
est quantity 0
heavers, martens, &c. The martens are very fine. I have already caught several, but the rascally wolves play the devil with my traps.
“The Plains are about two days and a half march off and Fort des Prairies (1) is about eight days distance to the south-east. My house is small but very warm. I must put up with it...
POULE EERERELEEELEELELX) Sonore nee nettes ses eeueseece
“You will, in the next place, wish probably to know how IA vwinter-
spend my time; but stop till I smoke my pipe! I rise with the sun and, after debarbouilling mon visage, 1 take a walk to my traps, return to the house, eat Tollibees (2) about nine ; then take another walk or work all day at something or other. About 7 p.m., I again eat lollibee boiïled or roasted and pass the rest of the evening in reading or writing. When Indians are about the house I, of course, attend to the interests of my employers.
“ Indeed, my dear man, I find time very long, which I fear may affect my constitution; but there is no help to it. I have orked at beaver lodges, killed a few beavers. I make traines, bend snow-shoe frames, and, with perseverance, l’Il perhaps learn o handle the couteau croche. I was very unfortunate in respect lo my nets, four out of seven were entirely rotten. I have made
one, seventy-five fathoms long, but the season once passed could not be recalled.
“ Please remember me to all the gentlemen I have named, ikewise to Mr. Leroux and Mr. Vandreil and to any others who nay enquire if Shaw lives.
# Now, my dear Rory, everything has an end, so must this
() Edmonton. The French had a fort called Fort des Prairies, on the Saskathewan, below Fort Nipawi.
(2) A species of white fish of the salmon family.
er
s life.
letter, which I conclude by assuring you that I am with the greatest esteem, dear Rory,
‘“ Your affectionate friend, ‘ and very humble servant, ‘ ANGUS SHAW”,
In the Spring, Mr. MacKenzie set out for the Grand Portage. On his way he wrote me among other letters, the following:
‘ Pointe aux Tourtes, 1st July, 179,0.
‘“ Dear Roderic,
‘My last to you was from the Opas(l) which I'hope you har received ere now. As we expected, but few provisions here: only 72 bags for 27 canoes. I do not know what quantity the
Eaglish River canoes may take ; at any rate I think they mu have a sufficiency for your’s and Leroux’s. You will only em. bark the quantily necessary for your caroe to Lac La Pluie.
“ We found a very severe letter here from Mr. McTavish, re pecting the Athabasca packs of last year, which were receive
in bad order partly owing, he says, to St. Germain and partly hs
us having left them without a proper person to conduct them, and desires that precautions should be taken against recurrence
‘ News! the returns throughout are excellent. Mr. C. Gran made 120 packs and 8 kegs castoreum ; Messrs. Fraser and Le sieur 30 packs; Bissonette, 53 packs and 3 kegs castoreum; M: R. Grant, 308 packs, 8 kegs castoreum ; St. Germain, at Lac Li Pluie, 40 packs ;—he is very sick ;—Peter Grant, 26 packs:Li Tour, 8 packs.
() Near the mouth of Carrot River, on the Saskatchewan or Æivière du Pa.
“ Mr. | have not nipeg ; 1 pliments as usual,
“ We a:
letters for Robertson uncle
“Mr. M
“]I have man, I find do. Mye expected.
osse. W andreil a
& Mr. Montour is 8 days ahead of us, ten men in his canoe. I have not been able to get one good observation in all Lake Winnipeg ; I hope Mr. Vandreil will be more successful. My compliments to him, St. Germain and the men, and believe me to be
am with the
ant, as usual,
| “ Your most sincerely, US SHAW ” ‘ ALEX. MACKENZIE ”.
rand Portage.
following :
‘ Grand Portage, 16th July 1790.
e July, 1790 “ Dear Rory,
“ We arrived here on the 13th inst. all quite well; plenty of hope you hate Letters for others but none for me, except a few lines from Mr ovisions here: Robertson and one from Mr. McLeod, but not a word from my CRC) UC TO RE TE TN ink they mui will only em c La Pluie.
McTavish, res were receivel
“Mr. MeTavish is now at the other side sending off canoes … “TI have not as yet said any thing to Mr. Gregory. Mr. Pangman, I find, pays the two shares..…… I do not know what I may do. My expedition was hardly spoken of, but that is what I Mr Mnc-
expected. Shaw returns to his post independent of Jsle à la spots
Mr ignored.
n and partly gosse. We take in part of his goods. My compliment, to
conduct then SV anreil and Leroux. Nothing more but that { am
nst recurrentk Mr. C. Graït
Fraser and L
‘“ Yours sincely,
astoreum; M:
ain, at Lac Li 26 packs: Li
Fort Chipewean, 2 March 1791.
“ Dear Roderic,
“T was agreably surprised by the arrival of Martin on the 13th alt, but the perusal of your despatches cast a damp on my
juière du Pas.
River Disappointment,
spirits, but maturer consideration made me hope that thisim pending storm may, by some means, be warded off, though pe. haps not without great difficulties..…........................,.
‘ [i will be proper to appoint a chief among the Red Kniw I think the English Chief may answer, as none of their om principal men can have sufficient authority. Leaving the retur there, is a thing I cannot think of, the lake will not be clearg ice before the middle of June.
“The answer you are to give the Indians regarding the cw tinuance of this Fort (1) must depend on your present suce
It occurs to me now that we will have to establish a Post ol
this side of the Lake, at the entrance of the Slave River, as ne as possible to the fishery discovered last Spring. You will then fore examine the place en passant.
«The Red Knives can have no weighty objection to this; ik Slaves deai only in martens. Should they not like the distant they can make use of the Red Knives as Carriers.
“To accommodate the newly discovered, or Beaver Indian. would propose to send men on a large canoe on a trading vor age down the River Disappointment, (2) where they might gi a rendez-vous ; this you may propose to them.
nor nn teen eee eee nee eee meer ee eee essvesser
T find by your journal, that you have purchased some curi sities ; I wish you will miss nothing in that way, as you knn I am destitute of those articles. It would be unbecoming North-Wester to appear below so unprovided in that li Keep for me one of the small musk buffalo horns in its natu state. I think the skin of the buffalo will look curious. T$ and procure a fawn robe or two.
(1) Slave Lake Fort.
(2) The Grand River, or MacKenzie River.
jof the exped
from you fo
“TI hop country oi Slaves, ant is reportec westward informatio
CCCELLELEEEEEEEE
“I am so
Ritis mine tc
preferable t
“ Endeav arrival of t Fort. The in their pres
“ Dea
“I met Mi
P':pared for
(1) The Yucon
hat thisim though per Red Kaniv )f their om g the returx jt be cleari
ing the cor ‘sent SUCCei
sh a Post «ll
River, as ni ou will ther
n to this; , the distant
ver Indian!
trading v0 y might gi
bd some curk as you knn inbecoming
in that lis
in its nall curious. Ti
it is mine to go to Canada, as I think an hour’s conversation
REMIN::CENCES 37
«] hope you will make all possible enquiry regarding the country of the Beaver Indians as well as of the country of the Slaves, and more particularly regarding a great river (1) which is reported to run parallel with, and falls into the sea to the westward of the River in which I voyaged, and commit such information (0 DADOR nier instaurer rer
CELL OLLELER nn nos tenons neete nes reseeesnsseseeses .….
‘ Grande Pointe, 18 May 1791.
‘ Dear Roderic,
“I am sorry it happens to be your turn to remain in land when
preferable to ten letters, but those things cannot be helped.
“ Endeavour to see the house put in proper order before the Mr. Turarrival of the English, who, if there is room, will lodge at the = Te Fort. The men beg that you will allow their women to remain
in their present quarters within the fort...
# Your’s very sincerely,
‘ Entrance of Lac des Bœufs, 1st June 1791.
“ Dear Roderic,
“ I] met Mr. Turner here this morning. I find the intention jof the expedition is discoveries only. I also find the party ill pr:pared for the undertaking. Mr Ross wishes to obtain storage from you for some baggage, should the expedition proceed fur-
(1) The Yucon or Pelly River.
ther than your place, where, they say, they intend to pass the winter. They have several Indians with them who owe credit to Mr. Small. I enclose you Mr. Small's letter which contaix all the news I have from that quarter.
I am, dear Roderic, “ Your’s, most sincerely,
Lac La Pluie, ? Augt. 1791.
* Dear Roderic,
“I write you a hasty letter on business, but which, I hope
will be sufficient ” ‘ T shall now give you a short account of affairs as they stani at present in the country. You must know that the Concen
was continued last year for seven years after the expiration 0 this. “ We were all bound upon honor not to makeit public befor
a future period that might be agreed upon. I shall make n other apology for keeping it from you. The conditions are à follows : 20 shares, of which:
Messrs. McTavish, Frobisher & Co
Mr. Montour
Mr. Grant
Mr. Small
Mr. Gregory
Mu. Pangman
Mr. McGillivray (Mr. McGillivray paid Mr.
Pond £800 for his share.).................. 1 Mr. Sutherland
for one of over and ab are obliged The latter « three or fou gets his sha the latter’s he Concern he invoice ;
“This is £
DBrery Wing |
anoes may | hay be stopr he case witl
“Mr. re ould not mal
ut [write to br three yea lowance is as à very g f the Compa D‘ Messrs. Li ith the co avantage, th} Ompany eng ermain has
(1) Who, probab
{or one of which I pay to Mr. McBeath £350 Halifax currency, Value of
shares of over and above the stock on hand. Mr. Gregory and Mr. Pangman x, w. Co.
1 to pass the ) owe credit
ich contain
ACKENZIE ”.
Augt. 1791.
hich, I hope,
; as they stani t the Concen expiration 0
public befor all make n ditions are &
shares.
are obliged to purchase theirs from Mr. Holmes and Mr. McLeo
The latter disposed of his for £200 per annum for, I suppose,
three or four years ; the former is not settied with. Sutherland gets his share out of Messrs. MCTavish, Frobisher & Co through the latter’s interest. The goods, to be imported on account of he Concern, paying the house below 5 per Cent. at the foot of he invoice ; the rest of the expenses as usual, &c.”
“ Fort Vauligny, 10 Augt., 1791.
Dear Roderic,
“ This is going off very late for Ile à la Crosse ; indeed, I find Brery thing late for the season, and am very fearful many of the
anoes may not reach their winter quarters sans misère; several ay be stopped by the ice, which I sincerely wish may not be he case with Athabasca.
“ Mr. McLeod was so much hurt at his uncle’s conduct (1) that I Salaries.
ould not make him any proposal for continuing in the country, ut I write to him that if he finds it to his inierest to continue or three years more, he will be allowed £200 per annum. This lowance is confined to very few. and I think he will look upon as a very genteel salary I look upon it more for the benefit fthe Company that he shou!d remain in land.
D “ Messrs. Lesieur and Fraser have continued their agreement
jith the company for five years longer with this additional lvantage, that when the profits do not come up to £200, the ompany engage to supply the deficiency for them. Mr. St. ermain has taken Rivière à ia Biche on the same terms.
(1) Who, probably, did not secure him a share as partner in his place, on retiring.
Mr. A.
MacKenzie
| 7 re ne or
Soeln voyage.
‘“ Lesieur goes to Canada this year for the benefit of his health Frédéric, whom you saw at the Portage, goes in for him Lafrance retires with 12,000 fr. Mr. Leroux is hired for five year at £100 Mr. Thomson also, and I think Cuthbert Grant, is the condition I offered Mr. McLeod. Mr. Thorburn is for thre years; so you see the North is well fixed for some time to come.
‘“ Messrs. McTavish and Small left the other side some tim before my arrival from Lac La Pluie, for which I am very sorry, because I am afraid I shall not be uble to see the former à Canada. He left me a very kind note expressing a desire that] should make Mr. Frobisher’s my home while at Montreal.
[ have some idea of crossing the Ocean but this I canni determine at present. However it is my fixed determination, i I live and be in health, to meet you next Spring at Lac La Plui, Though my absence be thus short, I can assure you that I learn my friends in this country with much pain.
“ Give my compliments to Mr. Turner, the English astronome and tell him I am sorry I cannot have the pleasure of his com pany this winter
“ Forks Peace River, 10 January 179%.
‘# Dear Roderic,
‘I did not intend to write you before the return of tk express, which I am impatient to see arrive. 14
‘“ I forgot at the Lake the account Diken: of the cos lu Fall, also Atkinson’s epitome of Navigation with Chemistry, 2? vols. and send me the sextant (1) with all ik quick silver you have, as I have lost all mine.
‘ I have been so occupied with the company's affairs, thatl have not been able to do anything for myself. I worked ont
(1) Sir A. MacKenzie’s sextant and chronometer are still preserved in the fanil at Terrebonne.
the distanci which gave have not as satellistes ; “Thave:
far, respecti “ I was t} of great serv JT do not see Lac des Car onstitution.
“ Wishins J'remain,
This letter
‘ Dear
“ Thave be own to any ppointed me
re young n hem like it, ogo,butIw ny guide to
“The two 1 ban I do mys Dwing the ex:
n the promise
lle hopes of
his health, n for him
r five year
rant, is on is for thre me to come, » some lime | very SOIT, e former il
desire that!
ntreal.
this I canni rmination, Ï Lac La Pluit 1 that I leave
h astronome, » of his com
ary 1793.
the distance between the Sun and the Moon for the longitude which gave 1150 25". The situation is so inconvenient, that I have not as get been able to observe the eclipse of Jupiter’s satellistes ; the latitude is 56° 34° 30".
& I have not been able to obtain aay certain information, thus far, respecting the country behird this.
&« was thinking that if McKay could be spared, he would be of great service to me should I undertake my expedition, butthen, ] do not see any person to undertake the opening of a route by Lac des Carriboux ; I would take Finlay, but he is of a weak onstitution.
“ Wishing you health and happiness and tranquility of mind
‘ Dear Roderic, &c.,
‘ ALEx. MACKENZIE ”.
This letter is much abridged.
| “ Forks Peace River, 8th May, 1793.
“ Dear Rory,
“ Thave been so vexed and disturbed of late, that I cannot sit His ; k à .. troubl lown to any thing steadily. The Indians in general have dis- MATE S
eturn of tiBppointed me in their hunt, TI have had great trouble to pro- LA
he goods li
i at
with all
affairs, thatl worked ont
ed in the fai
re young men to accompany me in my expedition; none of hem like ït. I at last prevailed on three ; a fourth was desirous 0 go, but I would not take him, and, to be revenged, he induced by guide to run away, and both have disappeared last evening.
“The two remaining Indians know no more of the country han I do myself, and it may be that they are on the eve of folbwing the example of the others, for no dependence can be put
n'the promises of any of these people; without Indians I have itle hopes of success.
‘“ The guide who deserted was acquainted with another larg river to the westward of this, at the distance of two days’ marc), but the difficulty is to find that river out. At any rate we an too far advanced in the undertaking not to mako the attempt ‘“ In such a state of mind, you may judge if the few letters] have written can be very correct. I send them all open to you,
with my seal to close them after perusal. I have only taken cop of Mr. McGillivray’s for scarcity of paper. If you could, I wii you would take a copy of those to the agents, to Sutherland, Pangman, Small and Shaw ; Pangman’s in particular...
Disco RL sont ({l
“ Without commenting on what you say about Daniel, | shall only mention that I agree with you. I wish him undertake the discovery of the route by Lac des Carribourt Fort La Traite with such means as you can spare. It will k more advantageous than remaining at the Lake, where then will be very little to do, particularly if the Crees remain.
‘“ The orders necessary for the Slave country you will have give, as I shall say nothing to Mr. Livingston on business. | hope, if I live, to be at Athabaska before the second trip fron that country, should they make two trips.
‘ I never was so undecided in my intentions as this ye regarding my going to the Portage or remaining in land. | weighed everything in my mind over and over again, ail cannat find that my opponents there can do me any injur, without running the risk of impairing their dwn interest, ther fore 1 ought to fear nothing on that score. But 1 am greailyi doubt regarding my affairs with Pangman ; several points inou agreement may be defective which ought to be corrected, a which I authorise you Lo see done”...
(1) One or two pages explaining that it was no fault of his if Mr. Archibald Non McLeod did not succeed his uncle as partner at the arrangement of 1790.
L'write to, and
He joined Mr, J
“With!
the busines land had the ensuing
“ Should if not, I ca thinkitist this kind, d especially v society, wh
“IfI can this year. !
rotation. If will come McGillivray approbation “9th Ma may overta this in the a
‘“ [ made
using miles 560 9; I h:
but find by west. This being freque in the coursé
“ Rememt
the rest I t MacKay (1) 6
mm
(1) Mr. Alexa
the crew of the ‘‘
iother large lays’ march, rate we an e attempt.
ew letters!
)pen to you, y taken copr ould, I wii Sutherland,
ut Daniel, | vish him | Carriboux ti It will k where then main.
will havet business. | ad trip fron
as this ye g in land. | r again, dll
any injur, terest, ther am greatlyi points in ou!
orrected, ail
Archibald Norml
write to, and plead my excuse.
w With this weight on my mind, and my desire to mix in His distike : . ofth the business at Grand Portage, I would not have remained in
land had I any intention of continuing in the country beyond the ensuing winter.
& Should I be successful, I shall retire with great advantage ; if not, 1 cannot be worse off than I am at present. I begin to think it is the height of folly in a man to reside in a country of this kind, deprived ofevery comfort that can render life agreable, especially when he has à competency to enjoy life in a civilized society, which ought to be the case with me.
& If I can judge Mr. Grant by myself, he will certainly retire this year. Should he pass his turn, he must wait until the next rotation. If his share be given up, Mr. McLeod, with Mr. Fraser will come in. You will observe what I say to Shaw and McGillivray on this subject, which, I hope, will meet your approbation and that you will vote for us both accordingly
“Q9th May. All is ready now for Delorme’s departure ; he may overtake the other canoes on the way. Tintend to leave this in the afternoon ; to-morrow will be Friday.
“ [ made a mistake in calculating the latitude of this place by using miles in lieu of degrees for the refraction. The latitude is 560 9’; I have not corrected my observations for the long: but find by the eclipses of Jupiter’s satellites, that it is 1170 43 west. This place is very unfavorable for night observations being frequently cloudy, and unfortunately it happened to be so in the course of the last eclipse.
“Remember me kindly to those of our friends I do not I send you a couple of guineas, the rest I take with me to traffic with the Kussians. Alex. MacKay (1) deslres his compliments to you; I keep him so hard
(1) Mr. Alexander MacKay left the service of the North-West Company in 1810.
He joined Mr. Jacob Astor’s Company as partner, and was murdered with the rest of the crew of the ‘ Tonquin ?’ by the Indians of the Pacific Coast; see: Franchère.
His nal.
Jour-
at work that he has no time to write you. May all happiney attend you ! Adieu !
‘ Dear Roderic,
“ Yours unchangeably,
4 ALEx, MACKENZIE",
The following is an extract of a long letter dated Fort Chipe wen {3th January 1794
“ I wish we could contrive matters 80 that we could both » to the Portage. The Premier (1) having arrived from Englani we may expect him at the Grand Portage, where it will be righ that all the interested should meet him.
Lam fully bent upon going down, for I think it unpardon abl: for any body to remain in this country who can leave i What a pretty situation 1 am in this winter, starving and alone without the power of doing myself or any body else any good! The boy at Lac La Loche, or even my own servant, is equal tothe performance of my winter occupation, and the profits, I am afraid, will be so small during the war, that it will not be worth any man’s while to remain in it”.
“ Fort Chipewean, 5 March.
Dear Roderic,
“ It is now the season I promised to write to you, and woull wish I could fulfill another promise I made you last Fall an this winter. I need not iell you I mean ‘‘iny Journal” Buth assured it is as great a disappointment to me as to yourself, fr
() Mr. Simon MoTavish was very much disliked by the majority of the winteri partners who, on account of his haughty domeanor, called him ‘* The Premier ” ‘Th Marquis. ”?
Iwished { other pers and corret might exp “ Last F my time w of thinkin ward and could not t “Didls ought not !
pfwhatIh o the cella hing, that :
Der the me
dor could ] “ Though nnoyance.
nyself in co Imost conv It was | binking the de Case, and de copy for dat requires tthis mome
Mr. McKen
came one o pacity he rand Porta bring the su
1) The rest, re
1 happines
1bly,
CKENZ1E",
Fort Chip
uld both y ‘om Englani will be right
cit unpardonr can leave i ng and alone, lse any good!
is equal tothe profits, I am
not be wortb
n, » March.
u, and woull last Fall an But yourself, for
nal.”
L of the winteriy | Premier ” «Th
Der the men's accounts.
Jwished that you should peruse it at your leisure before any other person, as I expected you would examine the calculations and correct the diction with that freedom which one friend might expect from another.
“ Last Fall, [was to begin copying it, but the greatest part of my time was engaged in vain speculation. I took such a habit of thinking s0 long on a subject, that I sometimes walked backward and forward, musing for hours, at the end of which I could not tell what it was about.
“ Did [ sit down to write, I was sure that the very things I pught not Lo have been thinking of would occur to me instead pf what I had to do. This once calling me to the garret, another o the cellar, and others to the shop, kept me so busy doing nohing, that all I could do till the time I wrote you, was to look In short, my mind was never at ease, nor could I bend it to my wishes.
“ Though I am not superstitious, my dreams caused me much nnoyance. I could scarcely close my eyes without finding nyself in company with the dead. Thad visions of late which most convince me that [ have lost a near relation or a friend.
“It was the latter end of January when I began my work, binking then that I had sufficient time, though the reverse is he case, and I will be satisfied, and so must you, if I can finish be copy for your perusal in the Spring. Itis a work, I find, hat requires much more time than I was aware of, for it is not t this moment a quarter finished ”..................... oi énanates
Luiioseres Mini a edited dits late ne ns (l)°
Mr. MeKenzie did not, after this period, return to winter but ècame one of the agents or directors of the Company, in which pacity he attended yearly the business of the Concern at
rand Portage. He left that year for England and returned bring the summer of 1795.
1) The rest, relating to Mr. Finlay’s affairs.
The old Caministiquia route reopened.
On the 25th October, 1797, he wrote me to inform me of the formation of a concern against the North-West Co. by Mess Forsyth, Richardson & Co. and others...
After a long absence in the Indian territories, I paid this ver a visit to Canada. Returning the following Spring, on my fn trip from Grand Portage to Lac La Pluie, I met à family of h dians at the height of land from whom [ accidentally learne the existence of a water communication a little way behind ani parallel to this, extending from Lake Superior to Lake La Plui which is navigable for large canoes and, if adopted, would avi the Grand Portage.
This was excellent information; of course L immediately & gaged one of the Indians to meet me at a certain point in Lacl Croix, to show me this new route, but on my arrival, as appoint ed, the Indian was not there. However, being acquainted wi the entrance of the route, I proceeded without him and reach a post of the Company where I procured a guide who accomyx nied me to Caministiquia on Lake Superior, from whence Ion reached Grand Portage, being the first who reached there fron Lac La Pluie direct by water communication.
This apparently new route, being at the door of Grand Portag and formerly used by the French, it is most astonishing th the North-West Company were not acquainted with it sooner.
It may be right to observe here that, after the peace of l'À the Commissioners appointed by the British and American Gt ernments for settling the boundaries, decided that the Gra Portage was within the limits of American territories.
In 1784, at the establishment of the North-West Company, Directors, in consequence of the decision of the Commission despatched an‘expedition to survey a water communication il to exist between Pays Plat, in Lake Superior through Nipigi to Portage de l'Isle in River Winipic, which, after two months hard labour, was reported impracticable, so that the North-W
there is a tothe Fa
ompany
‘6 I “Thave
ast July much sati:
nd easy f
Or a gran bink no ti
“The th ttack to u
Darlics OPp Hi! hope tt
om the n de busines.
(1) The exp
rm me of tle
Co. by Mess
[ paid this yex
ng, on my fr a family of ln entally learne vay behind ai o Lake La Plui ed, would aroil
immediately er n point in Lacli rival, as appoit acquainted wi him and reach de who accomj m whence [soi ched there froi
of Grand Ports astonishing th with it sooner.
he peace of Li d American Go A that the Gra ritories.
est Company, e Commission® munication si through Nipigi ter two monthil ht the North-\a
Company were left awkwardly situated, without one opening for their trade, until the present discovery (1).
In the History of Canada, repeated mention is made of the establishment of Caministiquia, and il appears by vesiiges and report that the French establishments were destroyed by fire. In the river of Caministiquia, at a short distance above the fort, there is a fall which, in my opinion. is little inferior in splendor to the Falls of Niagara.
In consequence of this discovery, measures were adopted for the removal of the establishment of Grand Portage to Caminisiquia, and in 1801, the necessary preparations having been made,
aministiquia became the head quarters of the North-West
ompany for ever after. “ Montreal, 22nd June 1799.
‘ Dear Sir,
“ [I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 28th ast July and 7th August, in the perusal of which I found nuch satisfaction and information, and sincerely wish every one jf the Gentlemen who manage the Company’s concerns in the ountry would take the same pains.
“Your observations on the proposed road by Lake Du Chien con-
juce me, beyond a doubt, that it would be more advantageous
nd easy for us than the Grand Portage, and if our application or a grant to the Company succeeds, which [I hope it will, I bhink no time should be lost in moving our place of rendez-vous. “The threatened opposition have, this year, made a serious ttack to us, and I fear that a coalition of interests between the arties opposed to us may render them more formidable, but I ill hope the additional resources which the Company will draw om the new discoveries in your department, and by pushing de business by Fond du Lac, will compensate us for some years
(1) The exploration made by Mr. Umfreville. See: Esquisse historique, page 24.
Mr. Mac- Kenzie
leaves the N. W. Co.
to come for any thing the new adventurers to the North-Wy may clip from our wings. The sales are this year good, an] have great hopes they will continue to be so.
‘ From Hallowells report of the China trade, we know th there is a vent that way for a considerable quantity which taken out of the London market, will enhance the value of D remainder. Peace cannot be far distant; when it comes, our expenses will be considerably diminished, and if in a few yen the Houses in opposition to us get tired of their undertakiy the business may be as good as at any time heretofore. We har enclosed to the agents all the catalogues of sales and ever information we could collect for the satisfaction of the gentk men at the Portage, of which you will no doubt have full com munication made to you....................…. taste
‘“ I remain, with regard, ‘“ My dear sir, ‘“ Yours sincerely,
& Simon McTavisa”
This year, the engagement of Mr. MacKenzie with the Compar expired, and, by some misunderstanding existing between hir and his Montreal associates, it was not renewed. He announc at the first general meeting of Partneïs at the Grand Portag that, feeling himself uncomfortable, he could not think renewing his engagements and was determined to withdra from the Concern.
This brought on a serious discussion, and it was resolw unanimously by the wintering partners that Mr. MacKeni having their sole confidence, they could not dispense with
services, therefore that every means should be adopted to ici him, but, unfortunately, the best endeavours of his frienig were of no avail, for he retired in November and crosse lk Atlantic.
The vacancY entered
«Tw and thil under si
This l possible West Cd engage from all
Anoth under a the last
We m lished ir conferre in powe Kenzie à county
| renewed
(1) Then Desire on 1] affairs. In was marrie(
(2) After 1804,
he North-Wea ear good, ani!
The absence of Mr. MacKenzie from the Concern created a vacancy, and as he had gone to England and probably had entered into other engagements, application was made to me to we know tu supply his place which I accepted though with great reluctance. quantity which, D sos oisue voies ve 8 voile nie 816.610 010 806 ciao de 0 0010.56 0
the value of th en it COmES, on
‘“ London, 21 January 1800.
fin a few year
‘* Dear Roderic,
eir undertakin, ofore. We har sales and ever
“I wrote you by New York J2th and ?27th Dec. and 17th inst. and this is to go by the Packet carrying the January mails under sailing orders ior the ?25th ”.
n Of the gentk
jt have full con
This letter continues the same subject as the last. It was impossible for me to join in any hostile measure against the North- West Concern, happening to be a regular partner in them under engagements made by the writer himself, whereas he was free
erely, from all these engagements, having not subseribed to them...
Another letter, dated Montreal, 14th June, begins abruptly under an impression of heavy displeasure, and it appears to be the last to the period after our first separation.
on McTavisa”.
ith the Compan ing between hi He announct be Grand Porta ld not thinkd ned to withdra
We may here mention that, in 1801, Mr. A. MacKenzie published in England his discoveries dedicated to the King, who conferred the honor of knighthood upon him, and he appeared in powerful opposition to us under the firm of Alexander Mac- Kenzie & Co. He soon became a member of Parliament for the county of Huntingdon, and, during his attendance in Quebec, renewed his correspondence with me (2)
it was resolv t Mr. MacKenii!
dispense with li adopted to :ciil rs of his frienifé r and crossed l*
() Then follow several letters to Mr. R. MacKenzie, written : one on board the ship Desire on his way to England, the others from England, and relating to his personal Laffairs. In one of the latter, he speaks of a Miss McDonald, à charming woman who
was married to his friend, Mr. MecGillivray, and of a Mrs. McKenzie, of Three Rivers.
(2) After the death of Mr. Simon McTavish and the union of the two Companies in
‘ Quebec, 24 Jan., 1805.
& Dear Sir, Re you will :
pps ‘ Your favors of the 17th and 21st, I have to acknowledw folly of t Quebec. Owing to the stormy weather the Post did not come at han myself as Monday. The people here say they do not remember such: large field continuance of rough weather. em...
‘“ As I keep no copies, I forget how I expressed myself to have given you the idea that I had made a good exchange by coming here.
“ The society is certainly very agreable, and I feel mysel much obliged by the attentions I universally receive, and thi "NB the stronger asit is from strangers, persons with whom I am but look forw slightly acquainted. him, for e:
“ ['am heartily tired of legislation. Isincerely wish that thox Day is deve who thought themselves my friends in heing the means of get ting me so honorable a situation, had been otherwise employel. ‘“ Very little good is done as yet. They will allow us à ja at the expense of our district, by assessment upon property. No «Mn tax will go down with them except upon commerce, whictk they will have no objection to extend to any amount. For ex “Upon ample: it is proposed as a means of building jails to tax the much plea men of the North-West Company : say 1500 winterers at si ôth July u pounds, and summer men, same number, at three pounds ; : Bnteresting duty upon furs and peltries that would amount to £15,000. urns from : “ Yours, &c., pans year, and n » .
“To Roderic McKenzie, Esq. on n she Pallas, Frigate, 3 Nov., 1805. “When 1] “ My dear Sir, Bdition of nm “ Although I have not any thing worth troubling you with, IR"? the inte cannot let slip this last opportunity that offers of addressin orth-West ou mine, a
you on this side of the Atlantic... CITE TENTE TETE LESC L LIT IEEE EEE ES
Jan., 1805.
1cknowledge ome at han mber such à
1yself to have ge by coming
I feel mysel ive, and hi hom I am but
ish that thor means of get rise employel.
low us à jai property. M
merce, whici R
bunt. Forex ils to tax the nterers at sil ee pounds;1 ) £15,000.
cKENZIE ”.
Nov., 1805.
ng you vvith,l of addressinÿ
much pleasure as your kind favor from Caministiquia of the
orth-West, and now, instead of asking your assistance, I offer
« [ see you are anticipating that, let next winter be as it may, you will retire into the bosom of your family. Never mind the folly of the times; for my own part I am determined to make myself as comfortable as circumstances will allow. I have a large field before me. I do not leave Canada without regret...
‘“ Yours, &c.,
ALEx. MACKENZIE ”.
& N. B.—I feel quite comfortable with Lord Cockran, and I look forward to a pleasant passage. You would be well with him, for every moment he can spare from the business of the day is devoted to books, of which he has a choice collection”.
PP OO RER EEEEE EE EEEENEREE ER EEE EEE EEE EEE SIL RER EEE EEE EEEEELEELEEEENX)
“ London, 7th November, 1806.
“ My dear Sir,
“Upon my return from Scotland nothing afforded me so
26th July ult. which I found here. The subject of it is most interesting and satisfactory. I understand the result of the reurns from all quarters is estimated at from £130,000 to £140,000, which must leave a very handsome profit upon the outfit of the year, and no doubt the proposed extensions and exertions will
CRREREEERELELEEE IEEE ELIEEEE TX)
“ Wben I wrote you respecting the publication of the second Ne R.. 7e : . : cKenzie’s dition of my voyages, I had not the most distant idea that it History of
: à the Northwas the intention of the Company to give the History of the West Co.
you mine, as you are the person that seems to take the lead.
Lord Selkirk.
‘I must, however, take the liberty of reminding you, thx the difficulties you have already experienced are trivial in com. parison to those you have still to encounter before you gel through your undertaking. Your object must be to relate mat
ters as they occurred, which may make more enemies th B
friends. Besides you will have to advance at least two thousan pounds before you receive a shilling for the work (1).
I wish you would give instruction to collect from the En lish Chief and other Chipeweans the fullest account they possib can give of Hearne’s journey with them to the North Sea, when according to what I learn, he never went.”
‘ London, 13th April, 1812
In which after referring to the Earl of Selkirk’s conduct h himself, Sir Alexander MacKenzie says:
‘ I have finally settled with that Lord. After having prepard a bill to carry him before the Lord Chancellor, it was propose to my solicitor by the solicitor of His Lordship that one-third d
(1) The Hon. R. McKenzie was a man of considerable literary attainments a
very extensive reading. He appears to have at one time entertained the idead
publishing a History of the Aboriginal tribes of the North-West, ns well as a Histo
of the North-West Company. In order to procure the necessary materials for ts Kenzie. o ;
work, he sent printed cireulars to many of the wintering partners, and clerkit the North-West Company, requesting them to collect, and send to him in the formt letters or journals, such information as they could obtain relating to the countryi which they were respectively stationed ; the natives, their origin, religion, mork and customs ; their most eminent chiefs, their government ; the origin of thoir tni with the White, &c.
He received, in response, several reports, ‘accounts, ”” and journals from the Nort West,—somo of which are published in this collection—but he does not appear to sl carried out his original plan, but seems to have been content with collecting ar number of most interesting extracts from the books of different travellers and write and arranging them so as to prove, and establish a perfect anology of race betweent Aborigines, of the North-West and other nations, ancient and modern, throughout i world, by the similarity of thoir idens, customs and modes of living.
the stot Americ Lordshi of this ] make o:
in this & been en tenance( it prude
Then !
Mr. MG ed to th himself 1 have bee chased, a dearest h
“He x than you £20,000, stock of
à spent.”
Sir Ale
“Whe old—T am
(2) Illegib
REMINISCEINCES 58
the stock that was purchased on joint account before I went to America, amounting to £4%,700, and the balance of cash ir his
ding you, tha trivial in com. Jefore you ga e to relate mat enemies than È & two thousan
Lordship's hands, belonging to me, should be given up to me ; of this I accepted, though I might have obliged his Lordship to make over to me one-third of the whole purchase made by him in this stock, which, at one time, I was determined to do, having been encouraged thereto by the House of Suffolk Lane and coun-
from the Eng tenanced by that of Mark Lane (1). But these Houses thought ntthey possiblr it prudent to desist from any further purchases.”
rth Sea, whers
Then Sir Alexander states that by a verbal understanding with Mr. McGillivray, his purchase of the Huuson’s Bay stock belonged to the North-West Company, and that, if Mr. McGillivray himself had been there, a sum of thirty thousand pounds might have been invested in that stock ; ‘ all which Lord Selkirk pur-
PTE LELEEELELEEEUNT
h April, 1812
rk’s conduct h chased, and if he persists in his present scheme, it will be the dearest he yet made.
“He will put the North-West Company to a greater expense
aving prepard it was propose hat one-third
than you seem to apprehend, and, had the Company sacrificied
£20,000, which might have secured à preponderance in the stock of Hudson-Bay Co., it would have been money well L spent.”
ary attainments ail ertained the ider1l
as well as a Histo Sir Alexander then speaks of his marriage with Miss Macy materials for this
tners, and clerkst D Kenzie, of CO... (2) and his purchase of the estate of Avock. rtin n 8
to him in the formt g to the country i gin, religion, morik origin of thoir tnà
‘“Avock, 14th January, 1819.
‘ My dear Sir,
“When I look at the date of your letter—nearly two vears old—T am quite ashamed of myself...
rnals from the Nori oes not appear to hi ith collecting à 18 ravellers and writéf ry of race between odern, throughout
ring.
(1) The North-West Company’s Agents in London. (2) Illegible.
‘ Occurrences with Lord Selkirk and the Hudson's Bay Com. pany are so various and numerous that it would require; volume to detail and comment upon them ; most of the prominen events I learn from the public prints.
‘ Upon the whole they have not turned out so disastrous t the North-West Company as might naturally have been app hended. The losses sustained in the country, though severe an serious, have been, in a considerable degree, compensated h; the high prices obtained for the furs, the sales of which wer certainly managed with great judgment in London.
“The returns from all quarters, I should suppose, wouli have brought £50,000 more than they were estimated ; similr prices, I understand, were expected this year, and it is said {he returns are good. This, with the affairs of the interior reduce to their usual state, is a cheering prospect.
“The North-West agreement is now drawing to a close, | ‘should not be surprised to see a serious change take place in the direction of its affairs. To me this can be of no consequence, à I think it would be unjust, as well as impolitic, to continue me, or any other person, upon the establishment as Dormant Part ners. Ï shall be most happy however to see the business conti nued and carried on with vigour
“They will have a large amount to account to me; the present agents do not seem isposed to reduce it, as they har not paid me a shilling of principal or interest since I became: partner under the firm of ‘“ Sir Alexander MacKenzie & Co”
‘“ I hope that, before now, you have discovered the annul income of your estate to exceed your expectations. I should no be sorry to hear of your having disposed of it advantageously; perhaps you might think of investing it in your native lan Follow the example of our old friend M. McGillivray who, ! find, has bought an estate in Argylshire for £20,000.
“Itr ing in gout lad ollege.
well.
“ Wh:
he is fit ?
pod at F his day ( “ Our ecovered have, at ufferings “TI thir laint, bu bedience ave not
bonths, w
“The s host UnCO ill, bring ervades Lt
(1) Mrs. R.
d North-We eTavish and
(2) Miss M:
thonotary | Donne.
(3) Lt.-Col.
rrebonne wh nute in the uaves and re sent emplo ghter was :
Quebéo,
« [trust Mrs. McKenzie (1) and your young family are contin-
ing in their usual good health. Marguerite (2) must now be a tout lady, and my name-sake (3) about finishing his education for ollege. Had you sent him to this country it might have been as well.
« What do you think of sending Roderick-Charles here when is fit? We have two good academies in this county, at Thain and at Fortrose. I shall have a little fellow, if God spare him, his day eleven months old, that would accompany him.
son’s Bay Con.
uld require à f the prominen
o disastrous {y ve been appre ugh severe an -ompensated by
of which wen ù «Our little girl is very thriving. Her mother has not
ecovered her usual health since her last confinement, and I bave, at last, been overtaken with the consequences of my ufferings in the North West.
on.
suppose, Wwoull imated ; similar id itis said lhe
| ; « ink it is | 1a as Mr. illivray’s com- Sir A. Mac+ Hola tédotd [ think it is of the same nature as Mr. McGillivray’s com- Sir A. Mac
; : A à . Kenzie's laint, but it has not yet arrived at a severe crisis. I have, in iliness. bedience of orders, become a water drinker and milk sop. I ave not tasted wine, spirituous or malt liquor for several
gonths, which I think has been of service to me.
ng to a close, | take place in the consequence, & to continue me,
s Dormant Part business conti
“The symptoms of the disorder are very disagreeable and nost uncomfortable. The exercise of walking, particularly upill, brings on a headache, stupor or dead pain which at once ervades the whole frame, attended with listlessness, and apathy
int to me; the it, as they hat
nce Ï became onzie & Co (2) Miss Marguerite McKenzie was married to the late Mr. Robert Lester Morrough, | ° othonotary of the district of Montreal. One of his daughters is now living in Terred the annuil bonne. 18, Ish ould not (3) Lt.-Col. Alexander MacKenzie, who married a Miss Desrivières and resided in : rrebonne where he died in 1862. The eldest of his sons, Alexander, resides at St. dvantageously; nute in the county of the Two Mountains ; another son, James, joined the Papal ur native land aaves and received the Cross of Honor for his gallant conduct at Rome; heis at sent employed in the postal service at Montreal. Lit.-Col. McKenzie’s eldest
illivray who,l ).000.
(1) Mrs. R. McKenzie was the daughter of Mr. Charles-Jean-Baptiste Chaboillez, an d North-Wester who’ died at Terrebonne 1809, and the sister of Mrs. Simon eTavish and Mrs. Joseph Bouchette.
ghter was married to Mr. L. R. Masson ; another daughter to Mr. Cyrille Tessier, Quebeo,
which I cannot well describe. Exercise in a carriage, if no violent, has a beneficial effect, The great doctor Hamilton, ç Edinburgh, calls it a shake of the constitution.
‘ Althongh the usual tine of arrivals from Canada is past | have not yet lost the hope of hearing from your brothers Henry and James (2) They are, I fear, retaliating on my own neglu
for not being more punctual in my correspondence.
‘ By a letter from Angus Bethume, I heard of Donald | situation on the Columbia. It is one of considerable person risk but advantageous, had he been able lo reach the prop
hunting ground.
(1) Mr. Henry McKenzie was a man of considerable administrativo abilities, ay managed tho affairs of the North-Wost Company, as secretary, for à number of yen He was also entrusted with the management of the estates of Mr. Joseph Frobisherw of Mr. Simon MeTavish, and, in that latter capacity, held tho agency of the seignir of Terrebonne. He married, in 1815, Miss Bethune, daughter of Rev. Mr, Bethum and died in 1832, leaving several children, two of whom : Mr. Simon MeTavish My Kenzie, of Montreal, and Mrs. Stow, of Toronto, are still living.
(2) Mr. James MecKenzie entored the North-West Company's service in 14 Five years after, he had charge of Fort Chipewean with Mr. Wentzel. In 1802 how taken in as a partner and came down to Quebec, where he settled and had charge (l the old King’s Posts leased by the Company. He appears to have entertained ave deep dislike of the Indians of the North-West and of the voyageurs who scem to lim reciprocated his feelings. Mr. McKenzie died in Quebec in 1849 leaving fe children : two sons and two daughters. His only surviving son, Mr. Keith McKeni is now employed by the Hudson’s Bay Company in the Straits of Hudson Bay, ul one of his daughters was married to Mr. Patrick, formerly Clerk of the House of Con mons ; the other is the widow of Lieutenant-Colonel MceDougall, of Kingston.
(3) Mr. Donald McKenzie, brother of the Honorable R. McKenzie, left the Nort West Company about 1809 and joined Mr. Jacob Astor’s Company as a partu At the dissolution of the latter, he returned to his old friends and continued to er their confidence as he had retained that of Astor. His thorough knowledge of country south of the Rocky Mountains, his indomitable energy, inauced the Gover of the Hudson’s Bay Company to entrust to him, in 1822, the difficult task of establit ing a trading post on La Fourche des Gros Ventres (Chestorfield Honse), ai.ong ts Pawnees and Gros Ventres who had already plundered him a few years before and v threatened to do the same if he returned.
By his energy and skill Mr. McKenzie succeeded in a task which many consid hopeless, and was rewarded by receiving the Governorship of Assiniboia or Red Ri which he held during eight years to the satisfaction of all.
In 1833, he left the North-West and settled at Mayville in the State of Newla where he lived much respected, and died in 1851.
[ni It and il ignora Gallati part of who ar
La ing on regards
carriage, if n or Hamilton, ç!
Janada is pas, | rothers Henry | my own negle nee,
1 of Donald | derable person reach the prop
istrativo abilities, a for a number of yen r. Joseph Frobisherul agoncy of the seignior of Rev. Mr. Bethun . Simon MeTavish Mw
any's service in li4 Ventzel. In 1802 how ttled and had charge ( have entertained a ver geurs who seem to lun k in 1849 leaving fu 1, Mr. Keith MeKeniit| its of Hudson Bay, al rk of the House of Com 11, of Kingston.
Kenzie, left the Non Company as & park and continued to ef orough knowledge ofi , inauced the Govert Lifficult task of establit
feld Honse), a.ong tb
ew years before and à
which many consid Assiniboia or Red Bi
h the State of New li
w t is now believed there are plenty beaver, in that country and it will be very hard if it is wrested from us through the ignorance of our negotiators. That crafly, cunning statesman Gallatin,—Astor’s friend, —was the principal negotiator on the | part of the Americans. He would be too many for our people | who are governed more by theory than practice …..............…….
“ Lady MacKenzie is sitting by me and the children are play-
ing on the floor ; the former joins me most cordially in kind regards to you, Mrs. McKenzie and your young family.
“Yours very truly and sincerely,
‘“ Montreal, 12th May, 1820.
Dear Sir,
“IL is with the deepest regret I have to inform you of the His death. death of my uncle Sir Alexander MacKenzie.
L Accompanied by Lady MacKenzie and children, he was on
bis way from Edinburgh to Rosshire and was suddenly taken ill
it Mulnain, near Dunkeld, on the 11th March and expired the following morning.
T am, dear Sir,
‘“ Your obd. Servt.,
(The Hon. Rod. McKenzie, * KenneTu DOowiE ”.
“Terrebonne.
Lachine, 10th January, 1827 ‘“ My dear Sir, | à |
# Two days previous to receipt of your valued communicaion of the 6th instant, I was apprized by a very polite note from
Lord Dalhousie, of the trouble you have taken in regard to m “ Mrs. M magisterial preferment, for which I return you my best thanks, letter to me and I beg to repeat to you, what I have already assured Hj for when I Lordship, that my utmost ability shall be exercised to discharg mounting & the duties of the office about to devolve on me in such a mano sunk and p: as Will afford satisfaction to His Lordship, and do credit to yon Min a momen recommendation; moreover, that, in this Province, His Majesty “ Please « has not a more devoted and loyal subject, nor is there a mw est of your ardent and disinterested admirer of His Lordship's adminisie tion, of his public and private life than I have the honor(! being. ‘€ [am sorry to learn that my young friend Alexander is sil confined, but trust his complaint will not be of a long duration: éRoderick À for these last few days I have been a prisoner myself, owing \ a severe cold which will render it necessary for me to postpox a trip [ meant to have started on to-morrow for Upper Cana “ You must have heard that little or nothing was done at (k] last meeting of the creditors, the object of which was to kno “I met my the sentiments of those who object to sign the deed of asso nd was rej ment and to point out the consequences to themselves of persiBnd family w ing in a refusal. oung lolks :
‘ I shall not be able to get to Quebec before the 19th or 2048SMay last wh February, and my stay there cannot exceed 3 or 4 days. ImmeRed River, 1 diately on arrival, I shall find your note; my quarters will Mie settles the # Paynes Hotel” (1) so that we are likely to be near neighbowSn à mortar as I understand you usually put up there. d respected ARUPAYE “ Your brother and a few North-Westers have promisediiRout as he ; assist me to day in discussing ‘he merits of a roasted beaver | ould live for shell sound them about the plan of renewing the Beaver ClilS * I understa but fear the season is now too far advanced to do any thing ofRost happy to it this winter. Accept my best thanks for your attention il the course sending me the rules. nd until then REA yself the ples
“My
(1) Now, the Albion Hotel, in Palace street.
gard to m best thanks:
assured Hi to discharg ch a manne redit to your His Majet here a mon s administré the honor i!
ander is sil png duration:
elf, owing l 1e to postpo Jpper Canal as done at ll
“ Mrs. McKenzie expressed a wish to see Mrs. D. McKenzie’s letter to me ; the tattered state in which it is will be accounted for when I say that in the act of opening it on receipt we were mounting a strong rapid in River Winnipeg. The canoe filled, sunk and passengers, papers, crew and baggages were all afloat in a moment, and with much difficulty saved.
“ Please offer my kindest respects to Mrs. McKenzie and the est of your household and believe me to be, with much regard.
“ My dear Sir, *“ Yours very truly,
