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 1 2 3 
 
 1 
 
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 5 
 
 6 
 
CORRESPONDENCE AND PAPERS 
 
 CONNECTED WITH 
 
 RECENT OCCURRENCES 
 
 I'S THE 
 
 NORTH-WEST TERRITORIES. 
 
 PRINTED BY ORDER OF PARLIAMENT. , 
 
 X\AAy^r \ViO M'-- 
 
 V(xktv'j/vva><2. 
 
 OTTAWA: 
 Printed by i. b. .taylor, 29, 31 and 33, rideau street. 
 
 1870. 
 
33 N 
 C3CC 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 CJoirespondence and Papers connected with recent oceuiTences in the North- 
 
 A'^est Territories. 
 
 Date. 
 
 995 
 
 1869. 
 September 28 
 
 Bate of 
 Reception. 
 
 September28 
 
 September 28 
 
 September 28 
 
 September 29 
 
 October 11. 
 
 October 31 . . 
 
 Subject. 
 
 Ckvk of Privy Council to Hon. Stcretary of State for Provinces. 
 
 Copy of Rep<irt of Committee of Privy Council, recommending ap- 
 pointment of Him. William McDougall, C.B., as I iieut. -Governor 
 North-WeHt TenitoricH 
 
 Clerk of Privy Council to Hon. Stcretary of State for Provincci. 
 
 Co))y of Report of Committee of Privy Council, ap|)roved by HIb Ex 
 cellency the (xovemor Creneral, containing iuHtructionH to Hon, 
 William McDougall 
 
 Under Secretary of State for Provinces to Hon. }\'illiam McDongall, C. B. 
 
 Transmitting Copy of an Order of His Excellency the Governor Gene 
 ■ ral in Council 
 
 Under Secretary of State for Provinces to Hon. William McDoiujall, C.B. 
 Transmitting Letter of Instructions as Lieut. -Governor 
 
 1869. 
 Novemberl9 
 
 Commission appointing Hon. William McDougall, C.B. 
 
 After a certain day to be named Lieut. -Governor of the North- West 
 Territories 
 
 Under Scd'etary of Stite to Hon. William McDovgall. 
 
 Transmitting Three Commissions under the Great Se.il, and One Com- 
 mission under Hid Excellency's Privy Seal 
 
 Hon. William McDowjall to Hon. Secretary of State for Provinces. 
 Rejwrting his Arrival at H. B. Post, P'smbina, detailing reasons for 
 
 remaining there, and covering Copies ot 
 under : 
 
 Documents, marked as 
 
 Oct. 11 to 22 
 
 October 15 . 
 
 ■A." 
 
 'B. 
 
 'C. 
 
 J. S. Dennis. Memo, of facts and circumstances 
 connected with active opposition of French 
 Half-Breeds in Red River Settlement, to pro- 
 secution of Government Surveys 
 
 William Cowan to Colonel Dennis. Advising 
 failure of H. B. Authorities to get over the 
 op])08ition to Surveys 
 
 W. McTavish to Colonel Dennis. On the situa- 
 tion 
 
 9 
 9 
 
■■■*>•■ 
 
 IV 
 
 Table of Contents — Correspondence and Pnpora, &c. — Continued. 
 
 Dftte. 
 
 18(19. 
 
 November 4. 
 
 Novembers. 
 
 Date of 
 Reooption. 
 
 iKfiit. 
 
 Subject, 
 
 October 22. 
 
 Oct<>l»fr21. 
 
 October 27.. 
 
 October 27 . . 
 October 31 . . 
 
 "D. 
 
 E.' 
 
 DeiHwition of 
 
 reeitinjf the fivct of menj 
 
 F." 
 
 "FF. 
 
 being uiiiler arum to prevent the entrance of 
 (lovenior ^IeDo^l^,'all, und adviiiing prompt 
 
 I action on purt of AutboritioH 
 
 'Wiirnii)j,'t,OiVlr. McDoiimvll not to outer the North- 
 
 j Went TerritorieH. (Hifj^neil, by Order, John 
 
 1 Hui'CK, I'resident; liiii^iH lliKl-, Secretary.) . . 
 
 l)c.'<pat(h froni ('"lonel Dennix on State of Pub- 
 
 I lie Opinion 
 
 I Note from Colonel Dennis, enclosing above .... 
 
 Hon. William Me] )ouKall to Capt. Cameron,!'. A. 
 
 dixconntenancinh' ]i\n attempt to proceed to 
 
 Fort Cian-y 
 
 Hon. IVilliam McDoiuiall to Hon. Secretary of State for Provinces. 
 November20 Reporting bin ExpulHion from the North-Went Ten-itories 
 
 November 27 
 
 November 9. 
 
 October :tO. 
 
 Oct. 28 to :u 
 October 27.. 
 
 NovemVjerS. 
 November 2, 
 
 November 4 . 
 
 Novembers. 
 
 November 7 . 
 
 'A." 
 
 B" 
 
 'C" 
 
 'E. 
 'F. 
 
 Hon. William McDoiujnll to Hon. Secretary of State for Frorincef. 
 
 November 2*5 [Griving details of events vliieh prevented him remaininj,' in the North- 
 West 'I'erritoi ieH, and enclosing Copies of following Documents : — . . 
 
 Mr. McTavish to Hon. William McDougall. 
 Reviewing Hituation of aifaii-s at Fort Garnr, 
 and Hiiggeuting three wurses for meeting the 
 dillicidty 
 
 J. H. Dennis. Statement of facts and circum- 
 stances coimetrted with outbreak 
 
 Address to Colonel Dennis from British residents 
 in Winnipeg, offering to escort Gov. McDougall 
 into the Settlement 
 
 J. A. N. Provencher. Ileiiort of his mission to 
 Foi-t (rarry 
 
 Hon. William McDougall to (iov. McTavish. 
 Acknowledging receipt of letter of 30th ult., 
 and urging him to issue a Proclamation ex- 
 plaining Provisions of late Imperial Act re- 
 sjiecting the Territory, and the authority under 
 which the new Government will exercise its 
 power, and warning malcontents 
 
 Hon. William McDougall to Gov. McTavish. 
 Recounting events which led to his expxilsion 
 from Territory 
 
 Letter, supposed to be from Dr. Schultz, and 
 others, at Winnipeg, confirming story of sur- 
 r-ender of Fort Garry, and speaking of evident 
 comf)licity of H. B. Co.'s officials with rebels, 
 and urging that a Proclamation should be 
 issued 
 
 Hon. William McDougall to Gov. McTavish. 
 Informing him that he had been compelled to 
 leave the Territory, and referring to contents 
 of former letters 
 
 •G." 
 
 ■H." 
 
 I." 
 
 10 
 
 11 
 
 11 
 
 13 
 
 14 
 15 
 
 17 
 
 2.'{ 
 25 
 
 27 
 
 27 
 
 29 
 29 
 
 31 
 31 
 
 Hon. William McDour/all to Hon. Secretary of State for Provinces. 
 
 Reporting measures taken for Extension of Telegraph from Minne.iotai 
 to Fort Garry, and covering copies of Correspondence on the subject, 
 marked : — 
 
 :« 
 
ued. 
 
 it of men I 
 trimco ofl 
 [ prompt 
 
 lie North- i 
 ur, John 
 •etary.) . . 
 3 of Tub- 
 
 bove .... 
 !ron,l{.A 
 rocoed to 
 
 )rtncea. 
 
 onncet. 
 
 the North- 
 lunts : — . . 
 IcDougall. 
 ort Garry, 
 eeting the 
 
 1(1 circum- 
 
 resitk'nts 
 tfcDotiL'ftU 
 
 mission to 
 
 McTavish. 
 30th ult., 
 nation ex- 
 Act re 
 it)' under 
 xercine its 
 
 10 
 
 11 
 11 
 
 14 
 15 
 
 17 
 
 •25 
 
 27 
 27 
 
 McTaviph, 
 erimlsion 
 
 hultz, and 
 )ry of BUT' 
 of evident 
 ,th rebels, 
 should be 
 
 McTavish. 
 mpelled to 
 ,0 contents 
 
 29 
 
 29 
 
 31 
 
 31 
 
 omnces. 
 
 Miime-'iotai 
 be subject,! 
 
 Table of Contents. — Con-espomlence and Papers, &c. — Continued. 
 
 Date. 
 
 18()!». 
 
 103G 
 
 November 11 
 
 Nov. 13 & 14 
 
 Dkteof 
 Ilt'ception. 
 
 mvx 
 
 Sl'HJKCT. 
 
 October 1. , 
 
 October 11. 
 
 October 13, 
 
 Octobt!r27. 
 
 October 15. 
 
 "A." 
 
 "B." 
 
 "BB." 
 
 *' (' " 
 
 " K." 
 
 " F." 
 
 i 
 
 Z. (J. Hiiiinions, Pnm. N. W. Trlejjraph ()o., to 
 Hon. William McDoutfall. Prop<»Biti(m for 
 uonnuctinK Foitliarry, by Telegraph, with the: 
 lines of the North-Westem Telegraph Co. in| 
 Minntwota v . . . ] 35 
 
 Hon. William McDougall to Z. (>. Simmon*. j 
 Accu^jting his proposal, with mmlitications and 
 adtlitiourt 
 
 Hon. William MeDougall to Z. (i. Simmons. 
 Menu. en<lorHe<l on aiMive an to l)uty on Wire 
 
 Hon. William McDougall to Z. O. Simm(ms. 
 J")nclosing copy of alK)ve. and proposing rebate 
 of 2.') per cent, on orticial Telegi-aphf. to Hanua 
 or Detroit 
 
 Z. (}. Simmons to Hem. William McDougall. 
 Enclosing copy of Telegram (marked as in 
 margin 1*.), and agreeing to rebate of 25 per 
 per cent 
 
 Telegram. RefeiTed to above 
 
 Alevnndtr Begij to Him. MiimUr nf Cuntomt. 
 Announcing his arrival at Pembina, and asking for Remittances 
 
 Hon. WUHam McDmifialf to Hon. Sarttary of State/or Provinces. 
 
 December 4 . , Infonning His Excellency that ht- is still without any further commii- 
 I ideation from the Hudson IJaj- authorities at Fort Garry, and com- 
 menting upon their action, and enclooiag copies of Documents, 
 marked : — 
 
 November 18 
 
 November 20 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 Novembei'19 
 
 .33 
 
 December 6 
 
 Public Notice to the Inhabitants of Rupert's 
 Land, inviting them to send representatives 
 to Rebel Council, to be held at Fort Garry on 
 Itith November. —(Signed) Lot'ia Riel, Sec. . 
 
 Letter, sujmosed to be from Mr. Snow, advising 
 that a " Call " had been made by Riel 
 
 Letter from Mr. Mair, on state of utfaini at 
 Fort Gany 
 
 Letter from " Young Englishman " to Mr. Begg 
 on the same subject 
 
 Letter to Col. Dennis, from "Friends of Canada" 
 apprising hira of state of things in Rebel 
 ranks 
 
 W. E. Sandford to Hon. Mr. Howe. 
 
 Detailing events which occurred after Mr. Howe's leaving Fort 
 Garry, and explaining the telegraph report of Mr. McDougall'i 
 aiTivai there, and volunteering to come down to Ottawa 
 
 Hon. Mr. Howe's telegraph in reply 
 
 November W 
 
 "A" 
 
 November 9. 
 
 "B " 
 
 Novembers. 
 
 " C " 
 
 November 11 
 
 "D" 
 
 November 12 
 
 " E " 
 
 Hon. Joseph Howe, S.S. for Pro. to Hon. W. MeDougall. 
 
 Acknowledging receipt of despatch of Slat ult., and expressing 
 approval of Mr. McDougall's conduct, and instructiny him to 
 inform Governor McTavish that he is only proceeiling to Fort 
 Gairy on the assumed consent of the Company and its Officers 
 
 ;w 
 
 M 
 
 pw 
 
 37 
 37 
 
 32 
 
 37 
 
 .39 
 39 
 39 
 40 
 
 40 
 
 16 
 
 14 
 
v1 
 
 Tarlh of Contknts. — Corrospoiulcnrc and Pa) /crw, .to, — Cont^^iued. 
 
 Dftt( 
 
 NovcmlwrlO 
 
 Novemlijr20 
 
 November 24 
 
 Datfl of 
 IU)c<'|ition. 
 
 IHtll). 
 
 December 7 
 
 Hu RIKCT. 
 
 Iliiii. .FciHepli Howe to Mr. Wlu-eloek, iixkini; him in forward the 
 uliove by u Mufe hiuid 
 
 Teletirftm 
 
 Ifoq. JoHeph lioweto Mr. Wheelock, >St. Paul, Miiineaotu, aitviiiiu({ 
 him that letter hiiH lieen inailud to IiIh addrewt, and aikiui{ him to 
 tulu^raph authentic iiewa from Fniiitier 
 
 JIuii. William McDouynll to Hon, Sec. State for Pronneu. 
 
 On iiituation of afTaim at 
 followiii>,' docuiiiftitH : — 
 
 Red Uiver, aud encloHin^ uopieH of 
 
 October 12 
 
 November 20i. 
 
 Novcmbtr25 
 
 December Ifi 
 
 November U "A" Letter from Governor MoTaviHh r.cknowledifing 
 receipt of letterH dated 2nd and 4th inbUint, 
 reM|>ecti>i((non-iHBueof Proclamation, criticiMing 
 action of (Jana<Uan (Government in relation fet> 
 change of constitution'; of the capture of Fort 
 (iarry, and advising Mr. McDougall'M return 
 
 to C'anada 
 
 17 to 19| " B " CorreHpondence between " IjoyalintH " in townof 
 
 Winnipeg, and Col. Dennin 
 
 Copyof " Protest" or"Ai>i)eal" of these " Loyal- 
 iuta " to Governor McTaviHh, and of the Procla- 
 mation he was at lait thei-eby induced to 
 issue 
 
 D. A. Smith to Hon. Secretary State for Canada. 
 
 Enclosing extracts from a letter from (jiovemor McTavish, and 
 stating that the Hudson Bay Co. are anxious to induce the Red 
 River people to allow the surveys to be proceeded with, and 
 offering the a»Huranco that the Governor, Factors, and OflBcers 
 generally, will use their best eflforts to restore and maintain 
 order throughout the Territory 
 
 Extract from a le^ter from Governor McTavish to W. G. Smith, 
 reporting the disturba.ice between Mr. Snow and men employed 
 on the road to the Lake of the Woods, and that Mr. Dennis's 
 surveying party had been stopped 
 
 Under Secretary of State for Canada to Donald A. Smith, Etq. 
 
 Acknowledging receipt of above, and expressing acknowledgment 
 of the Dominion Government for the assurance therein contained . . 
 
 Hon. Williaih McDougall to Hon. See. State for Provinces. 
 
 [nforming him of the means taken to insure the safetjr of arms and 
 ammimition stored at Georgetown ; that he had received a private 
 note from Governor McTavish, saying, that, he had isime'i a 
 Proclamation ; also, covering copies of following documents : — 
 
 Nov. 4, to 22 Notes by Major Wallace of events which tran- 
 
 November 22 
 
 'A" 
 
 spired at Fort Garry and neighbourhood 
 
 between the.se dates 
 
 Hon. William McDougall to General Hart, or 
 OfKcer commanding at Fort Abercrombie, re- 
 (luesting that the arms and ammunition be- 
 longing to the Government of Canada at 
 Georgetown, may be allowed to be stored in 
 Fort Abercrombie 
 
 i 
 
 17 
 
 17 
 
 M 
 
 
 56 
 
 46 
 
 47 
 
 47 
 
 59 
 69 
 
 es 
 
▼11 
 
 d. 
 
 
 an 
 
 \ the 
 
 him to 
 
 10 
 17 
 
 17 
 
 u. 
 
 opieH 
 
 of 
 
 50 
 
 wledijing 
 iuiitant,| 
 iriticiHinu 
 elation ¥A 
 e of Fort 
 l'n return 
 
 in town of 
 
 e " Loyal- 
 .heProcla- 
 iduced to 
 
 52 
 54 
 
 56 
 
 i»h, and 
 the Red 
 ith, and 
 ii<l Officers 
 maintain 
 
 G 
 
 Smith, 
 employed 
 Dennia'B 
 
 40 
 
 47 
 
 ih, E$q. 
 
 jwledgment 
 ntained . . 
 
 f arms and 
 i a private 
 J iaime'i a 
 its : — 
 which tran 
 ifhbonrhood 
 
 rai iiart, orj 
 
 rcrombie, re-| 
 
 Dttunition be- 
 
 Canada atl 
 
 be stored inl 
 
 47 
 
 59 
 
 59 
 
 Tablk of (-0NTKNT8. — ConPHpondoiirp anrl Papors, kc. — Continued. 
 
 J 
 
 ■s 
 
 Date. 
 
 1H69. 
 1042 NovembtT26 
 
 Noveml)er 29 
 
 Date of 
 
 Reception. 
 
 18«9. 
 
 Bl'BJKT. 
 
 Extract from a lottfr (uKlnmHt'd to tho Sei". Hi*t«» for Province*, by 
 a ijuntluman ruHident at Mt. Paul, touching p<Miti'>n of ulfairH at 
 Re<l Uiver 
 
 December 10 
 
 Novembor 29 
 
 6S 
 
 December 1." 
 
 H'tn. Mr. timet, S. S. Jtrr Pro. to Hon. H'in. McDouyaU. 
 
 Acknnwleilj^iii},' receipt of detpatchert of 5th and 7th November, 
 and Htatmx that they had at once l)f(>n laid before (ioveraor 
 General in Council, that thn (rovunior General is ntill in tele- 
 OTa]>hic couimimication with the Secretary of State, and onlering 
 him to remain at I'umbina for the prenent 
 
 Hon, Wifliiita McDongaH to Him. Sec. Statt/or Provincti, 
 
 Re|)orting that he in Rtill nt Pembina, and the meaKures he ban 
 token to annoimre the trannfer of authority on iHt Decemlter. 
 and dutoilinK eveiitH that ha<l taken place in his vicinity, and 
 enolodinK copien of following documents 
 
 December 2. December 18 
 
 December 4 . 
 
 December 6 , 
 
 December 24 
 
 November 24 
 
 November 25 
 
 November24 
 
 A" 
 
 H" 
 
 'C" 
 
 D, A. Grant to Col. Dennis, relating occurrencen 
 relative to Government property Htored at Dr. 
 Hchtdtz's, and asking instructions from Gov- 
 ernor how to act 
 
 Col. Dennis to 1). A. Grant, Esq., reply to 
 alM)vc, and conveying Mr. McDoxigall's orders, 
 Nos. 1, 2, .1 and 4 
 
 Hon. V^m. McDougall to Governor McTt vlsh, 
 requesting him if the proposal to store (Jovem- 
 irunt proiierty in Stone Fort is feiwtible, to 
 give required authority 
 
 Hon. William McDoiu/all to Hon. Secretary State /or Produces. 
 
 Detailing events that have occurred 
 copies of documents as imder ; 
 
 since 29th ult. :— and enclosing 
 
 
 "A" 
 
 December 2. 
 
 "B" 
 
 November 21 
 
 
 From "Loyal subjects of the BritishCrown" asldng 
 for official information of the position of affairs, 
 and what the intentions of the Canadian Gov- 
 ernment are ? 
 
 Proclamation, by His Excellency Governor 
 McDougall, commanding public officers and 
 functionaries to continue in the execution of 
 their several ofKces 
 
 Extracts from St. Paul "Daily Press" referred to 
 in above letter 
 
 Hon. Secretary State for Provinces to the Vtnj Reverend Grand Vicar 
 
 Mr. Thibaull. 
 
 Conveying instructions for his giiidance, in representing to the ijeople 
 of the Hudson Bay Territory, the views and policy of the Canadian 
 Government 
 
 Hon. William McDouffoll to Hon, Secretary of State for Provinea. 
 
 Acknowledging receipt of despatch of 19th ult., stating his conviction 
 that the Rebel Government Would have been inaugiirated during 
 the interregnum which must have occurred ; and that we would 
 have had to fight, at n much later date, a very different enemy froia 
 
 I 
 
 41 
 
 64 
 
 Wi 
 67 
 
 68 
 
 69 
 
 71 
 
 71 
 72 
 
 45 
 
vUi 
 
 Tablf op CoMTKN'i's. — C<»rrt*|)<>n<l»'ncy and I'apors, iic. — (Continued. 
 
 \ 
 
 2 
 
 Date. 
 
 184(1). 
 
 DeceniJw 7 , 
 
 1611 December 7. 
 
 December 8 . 
 Deci-mbor 6. 
 
 December 8. 
 
 DaU of 
 Reception. 
 
 1W50. 
 
 December 25 
 
 RUBJBCT. 
 
 Decenilur 2 
 Dvcvmbvr 2. 
 
 November 21 
 
 that wliiuh now iiii>IU hwuv Ix-furo a " PrtH-laniatlon " ami a 
 " ('oaefrviitnr of tbti Pnatui, and t'liclnNin^ copiitu of following 
 
 ilooiiiiit'iiU : 
 
 (!ol. DimiiiN' Hmt rt>iH)rt, fmm Huad Cjunrtura at 
 
 Htoiu) Ki.rt 
 
 lit<tt«r, HiulnMiiitt copy of ruMolutionN pAiwed by 
 Kruiuih (li>lti((uti'H at Riel'H Council, oinlxxlying 
 
 rit(btM of inNurt{uiitN 
 
 Not N«nt down, IniinK of a private cliarat^ter. 
 PropoHition to Mr. MuDoukhU, from Ht. Paul 
 " Uuily rioneer " 
 
 2 A" 
 "2 11" 
 
 '2(!" 
 '2 D" 
 
 Hon, Sorrtart/ State for I'rorinren to Hon, WiUiam MfDoiiyaH, 
 
 AcknowU'dK'iiiK row-ipt of <UMi)ut(!h of l.'itli ult., with «>iicloHur«H, mid 
 (l(^vi»*in^,' him thut the Vury ll«v«rt!nfl Mr. Thiltanlt and Mr. 
 Chiu-luM Do Saittborry i>ro<;ff<l to Fort IJarry, to luutiHt in runtorin^ 
 ordur ; to Imi fullowud by Mr. I). A. Smith- uncloHinx an Order In 
 i'ouncil on thu Kubjt-ut of CiiHtom DutitiM [pa(;u 44 1, and runeatinK 
 in an authoritative form, thu iuHtructioiM given him before luavint; 
 Uttuwu 
 
 Hon. Secretary State fur Priwhwei to Hon, William AfeDoiit/all. 
 
 AcknowledijinK ruoeijit of dcnpatch of 20th November, with encloBureB 
 from HudHoii Bay ( 'ompany 
 
 Hon, Stcrttary State for Pravineet to Hon. Willitnn McDouffoll, 
 
 Encloninff orldnal Proclamation, iHSued by (Jovemor General, by direct 
 
 commami of Her MajeHty 
 
 Proclamation by Sir John Younjf, referred to above 
 
 Hon, William McDouyall to Hon, Scirctary Stale for Provineet, 
 
 Giving an ovcount of interview with ri'HiduntH of I'embina. U. S., at 
 Mr. Nelson's otfiee, on theHubject of em))loying IndiaiiH in (pielling 
 disturbances at Red River. Acknowledging receipt of note from 
 (teneral Hart, U. H. A., and enclosing cnpii>s of following 
 ilocuments : 
 
 December 8 . 
 
 December 10 
 
 December 10 
 
 December 8 , 
 
 '3 A" 
 
 '3B" 
 
 '3C" 
 
 Hon. William McDougaU to N. E. Nekon, Esq., 
 Deputy (.'ollectorof Customs, Pembina, putting 
 in writiiu the principal i>oints of the convera- 
 ti(m at the interview alluded to above 
 
 Translated Copy of a letter received by Mr. 
 Provencher, supjioBed to be from R. C. Priest, 
 at Scratching River 
 
 Letter to Col. Dennis forbidding the employment 
 of Indiiuis iu the suppression of outbreak. . 
 
 Hon. Secretary State for Provineet to Donald A. SmUh, Esq., Montreal, 
 
 Appointing him Government Commissioner to the North- West, and 
 instructing him in the premises 
 
 Hon. SecrOary State for Provineet to Hon. William McDougall. 
 Enclosing copy of letter uf iuatructious to Mr. Smith 
 
 7."5 
 77 
 
 7)» 
 
 HO 
 
 42 
 
 58 
 
 4.1 
 44 
 
 m 
 
 m 
 
 92 
 
 48 
 
 18 
 
Proiineu, 
 
 Tablk t»r CoNTKNTS. — Corrospomlonco nnd Papors, 4:t!. — Continued. 
 
 VtkU-. 
 
 Dovoiiihur 10 
 
 I)ocon»l'or 11 
 
 Date of 
 Kucvptioii. 
 
 lN(i!). 
 
 BUPJICT. 
 
 i 
 
 December 15 
 
 December 1(5 
 
 J/iin. Stcreliiri/ Staff for Provincfi to Him, WilUam .VcDoiii/nll. | 
 
 Culling attfiitlon to »x)ioiii-.l Hitiiutiini in whiolt thu Rruiif>irt(ovimiiivut| 
 Norvico ut H«(l Uivcr, havu buen |)Iim-(h1 | 
 
 //(*;). Kfrrdari/ Staft /itr Priimnrm (u J/'Hi, Willimn Mrl^>U(jall, ' 
 
 Authorl/.itik' him to tontnuUft ex|ir<'MMioiiM Muid to have ))t<eii itMHtl hyi 
 liiiii (il>i' Kt'( u-tiiry) ill I'onviTHution with inhnbitiintft of lludiion' 
 Jiny Tin itory | 
 
 //')»». fkrrttarfi Stnte /fW Prooiinr.i to Ifon, n'illiam AfrDoiigaU. 
 !Ackn(iwKMl(,'int{ recvijit of letter of '2'ti\\ ult., niid enuIoMurui) 
 
 ftS 
 
 M 
 
 IM 
 
 Hull. William Mi/hiiviall In lion. Snrefar/t State for ProrinrtB. 
 
 Deccmhor IJ December 'M liifon(iIii;{bimof thi- «ur|iriHeaiuloa|itiiroof r'unuilitins at I )r. Scluiltz'«, 
 
 of tlm probiilili' iirriviil of Kii-] ut H. 15. I'oHt, I'embinn, niu'' 
 
 iiicl(>«iiii< copich I if iloc.iiihiit-* III* iiiider : I 02 
 
 "4A"I\V. I(. Mci)i)iij,'aU'rt ivjiort of bin iiittrvitw witbi 
 
 I Mr. McKay i 1»4 
 
 "4 H" llfon. William MoDoiiKull to Loimh lUel,-pro-| 
 
 I iiotiufc' uii liitiTvicw I '05 
 
 Ducuiiiber 1;< 
 December 1 'A 
 
 1H70. 
 
 IT. P. ThiHftht lo Hon. Sir John A. Afaaiimnlil. Tthrivan, 
 
 Tnfonniiif,' bim that (Jovernnr ^re'l'iiviNb hnd bei'ii placed under aireHt.i 
 iiiid that ('ajitaiii Oanienm imd been expelled 
 
 Hon. Willmni McDougnll to Hon. Scnflnrii Stnte for Prn.-inren. 
 
 (December 9. 
 December 9 . 
 
 December 17|Deccmber 25 
 I 
 12—2 
 
 {)& 
 
 Docondtcr ICiJannary 1 . . ^\(kni)\vli'd;,dn^ receipt of deninitcb of 20tb iilt., and f,'ivinj{ acfnnni, of 
 
 j ev(mtH which justified him iiurtundng to St. rmd, and ciu'losint 
 
 I copii'H of dociimentH aH nndir : O."! 
 
 I Doceudier !). "5 A." Lettir from ( "ol. DenniH encloBing record of [>ro 
 
 ci!ediii!,'i under C'omminHion i '.Mi 
 
 (December '.). "5 B." Letter from (!ol. Duiiniw, Haying it M hopelo(*n to 
 
 tixpoct to do anvthinK until Hprinj? I !W> 
 
 I December 8. "5C." Lettir from " (iuido " (m state of public feeling;! 
 
 at Re<l llivor It? 
 
 iDecemberlG "6D." Hon. Wm. McDougall to Gov. McTavisl 
 I urmounciiij? hlH intention of returning to St 
 
 Paul 97 
 
 jDecemberR. "5E." Declaration of tl. i eople of Rupert's Land ai>d 
 
 the North-W'st -(Sicmed) .John limce, 
 
 Prenident, Louis i;'dl, Secretary 9!) 
 
 List of Righti< 100 
 
 ".'iF." 
 "oG." 
 
 "Call" on the "loyal iieoplo" of the North- 
 Weftt Territories to lay down their arms ; 
 J. S. Dennis 
 
 Hon. Seeretary of State for Provinces to Hon. William McDougall. 
 
 Acknowledging receipt of despatch of 29th ult., and advising him that 
 no notice oaA been received of the issue of the Queen's Proclamation, 
 
 101 
 
.1 
 
 : 
 
 Table of Contents. — Coneapondenee and Papers, ^c. — Continued, 
 
 Diitf. 
 
 1809. 
 
 Date of 
 Rucoiitiun. 
 
 SUDJECT. 
 
 1800. 
 
 December 1 1 
 
 December 17 
 
 December 17 ' 
 
 or of the pajnncnt rtf tho pnrchaae nioneyj and ordering 
 ab.-.tain from auv inovoniunt wliich niijiht relieve the Ciovtr 
 Ollieor.-i uf tliu Hudson i3.iy i erhtory of their re.^pon.^ibility. 
 
 jr);iiii *o 
 
 J. A. Wlicclock, to Hon. Joscjih Eoxce.— Telegram. 
 
 Koport, tliiit ('d!. l)i unis and Governor McDoujjall had orijanized forceH 
 of rfwam[) and Sioux IndiaiiH 
 
 Donald A. Hinith, to Sir John A. Manlonald.—TeJcijram. 
 A:jldug to be appointed to Council 
 
 Sir John A. Macdonald to M. W. Kittson, Esq., St. Paul.—Telcf/ram. 
 Ai>pointing Mr. Sniitli, as one of the Council of Tenitory 
 
 Telegrams from II. P. Dwight to Sir John A. Macdonald. 
 
 Deoenibor 18; •lleport tliat Governor MeDougall had raiseil Indians, and fearing tha 
 
 I I a collision had taken pliiec 
 
 Decehiber 20; I Announcing eajitnro of (Jroveriior McDougall'-s agents and emissaries j 
 
 I COO inaurgeiitH occupying l'\)rt Garry 
 
 December 20 Report of AIcDougall having raised Indians discredited ; insurgents not 
 
 I in right humor t' > listen to Governor McDougall ~ 
 
 December 21^ Forwarding letter from " W. M. D." dated Pembina, 'Jth December, 
 
 ! I 18Gi) 
 
 December 21 ' Heport, through insurgent sources, of the arrest of Schultz, Mair, Bown, 
 
 and Ross 
 December 23 
 
 Dc '.•mbor20 
 
 December 27 
 
 December 24 
 
 11370. 
 January 1. 
 
 Copy of letter publislied in " Uutfalo Express " touching movement of 
 
 S. Troops 
 
 Jamc3 Ermatinger to Sir John A. Macdonald. 
 
 Warning him of the consequences of McDougall entering N.-W. 
 Territories under Sioux auspices 
 
 Hon. Joseph Jlowe to James £rmatingcr, Ktq. 
 Disclaiming any intention of employing Sioux 
 
 Hon. Secretary of State for Provinces to Hon. William McDougall. 
 
 Acknowledging receipt of despatch of 2nd December, assuring him that 
 the grave occurrences h>" reports have occasioned great anxiety, 
 and commenting upon lus having used the Queen's name without 
 Her authority 
 
 Hon. William McDougall to Secretarg of Stale for Provinces. 
 
 Acknowledging recoil)!, while on way to St. Paul, of despatches Nos. 
 1,602, 1,611, 1,C08, l,«12, 1,618, 1,617, 1,620, 1,636 
 
 I 
 Ah 
 
 09 
 
 80 
 
 81 
 
 75 
 81 
 81 
 82 
 82 
 83 
 
 83 
 
 83 
 
 83 
 
 101 
 
tA 
 
 rrrs: 
 
 Table of Contexts. — Correspondence and Papers, kc. — Qnitljived. 
 
 '.—Tclc;iram. 
 
 lona/d. 
 i\ fearing that! 
 ud emissaries ; 
 insurgents not 
 )th December, 
 , Mair, Bown, 
 movement of 
 
 iring him that 
 jreat anxiety, 
 lame without 
 
 Provinces. 
 ipatches Noe. 
 
 Date. 
 
 1870. 
 January 14. 
 
 Date of 
 Reception. 
 
 January 20.(... 
 
 Subject. 
 
 H. F. Dwijht to Sir John A. Macdonnht. — Tckgram, 
 Announcing arrival of Dr. Tuppor and party at St. Cloud 
 
 Hon, William MeDnurjall to Hon, Secretary of State for Provinces. 
 
 iTr.insinittintr Rt^jjurtof Col. Dennis ("A. 8'') and DiicumciitH connected 
 tliertnvitli, .ind Colonul Dennis' tinal riport (H. S) 
 
 Dec. 1 to 10 "A. 8"<^ol. Dcnnifi' report of priici'diu'-r imdyr connuis- 
 nion, vitli conies of ducunient^ referred to 
 therein, us uniier :— - 
 
 Dec. 4.. 
 
 "B- 
 
 Dec. 4.. 
 
 "Al" 
 
 Dec. 4.. 
 
 •'A2" 
 
 Dec. 4. 
 
 Dec. 4. 
 
 Dec. 4. 
 
 Dec. 3. 
 
 Dec. 
 
 4., 
 
 Dec. 
 
 G.. 
 
 Dec. 
 
 6.. 
 
 Doc. 
 
 6.. 
 
 Dec. 
 
 C. 
 
 "A3" 
 
 "A4" 
 
 "E" 
 "F" 
 "G" 
 
 'G II" 
 "I" 
 
 "K" 
 'K. 1" 
 
 " K. 2 " 
 K. 4" 
 
 Letter fivim Gov. MoTavish, 
 enclosinff orders for delivery 
 of arms 
 
 Order to Knrolled Canadiiui'; 
 to withdraw fi oni Winnipoi,' 
 
 Order to put ('anadinns in 
 Scotch (Muirch, if Ilev. Mr. 
 ]>lack is willinpr, and in- 
 (luirin^f stiite of feeling in 
 Scotcli settlement 
 
 Letter to Dr. Schultz on sub 
 ject of fjovernment provision 
 and disj>osition of enrolkul 
 CJanadians 
 
 Memo, given to Mr. .Tamcf, 
 MeKay, of iiro])asition by 
 winch ditticuUies nught be 
 ."vrrani-'ed 
 
 Letter from Major iionlton. 
 roiiorting that he is i)repared 
 to resist a strong .attack . . 
 
 Letter from Dr. Sehultz, ac- 
 eoun' of interview with 
 Presioont Bruce 
 
 Letter from .Tames Carrie, 
 Incuni. Headingly P.arish, 
 enclosing copy of resolutions, 
 .and speaking of loyalty of 
 parish 
 
 Address from inhabitants of 
 Hidi Bluff to Hon. William 
 Mt'Dougall 
 
 Letter from Major Eoulton, 
 ficconntof meeting at Kildo- 
 nan School House, and of 
 enrolling vohmteers there . . 
 
 Ijetter from Major Boulton, 
 accoimt of movement of 
 rebels in touii of Winnipeg 
 
 "Call" from Col. Dennis 
 upon loyal iiien in N.W. 
 1 erritories, to assist him in 
 restoring pid)lic peace and 
 <irder 
 
 To enrolled Canadians .at 
 Winnipe;;, ordering them to 
 leave tlie town 
 
 Note from James lloss advis-l 
 ii)g no aggressive movement| 
 
 83 
 
 106 
 106 
 
 114 
 
 114 
 
 115 
 
 115 
 
 115 
 116 
 116 
 
 117 
 117 
 
 117 
 118 
 
 119 
 
 119 
 120 
 
xii 
 
 Tablk of Contents. — fWrcspondenco and Papers, &c. — Coi>finvi>fK 
 
 Date. 
 
 1870. 
 
 Date of 
 
 deception. 
 
 January 24 . 
 
 January 29 . 
 
 January 28, 
 
 February 8, 
 
 February 16 
 
 BuiiJKCT. 
 
 December 171 "B 8" 
 
 Dec. «. 
 
 Dec. 
 Dec. 
 
 Dec. 7. 
 
 Dec. 9. 
 
 Doc. 8. 
 
 K. .T 
 
 "N" 
 "O" 
 
 Ueply to aliovc, iioiio tt> be 
 made, while there {h a HatiH- 
 fivcti)ry retiHoii for delay . . 
 
 Mivjor Bo\dt()u'H reiMirt of 
 ofcurrenccH of piwt few dayH 
 
 lictterfrom Hinhopof HupertV 
 Lund, udviuing delay, and 
 contidence in the niunage- 
 nient of Canada 
 
 I.cttcrfroinUiHliopof lluiiertV 
 Land, advi«inK that no 
 action Hhould bo taken, an 
 the livi'H of prisonerH nii^ht 
 be Hncritieed. Memo, from 
 Arelidoaeon MeLean con- 
 i'urrin« in above 
 
 " Call " from Col. Dennis to 
 loyal party to lay down their 
 arms 
 
 Note to E. B. Bannatyne, 
 enclowing the above 
 
 Not in original (lapera 
 
 Letter from Joseph Marion 
 with message from DeaHo. . 
 
 Service KoU nigned by Kod 
 lliver force at Stone Fort, 
 11. K. Settlement, Ist De- 
 cember, l<S(>!t 
 
 Final Report of Colonel Dennis' proceedingH 
 
 " K 5 " 
 
 "R" 
 
 ' S" 
 
 Hon. Secrctar;/ of Statffor Provinces to Hon. William McDovftaU. 
 
 Asking for Copy of " Proclam.ation " and "Commission" to Colonel 
 Dennis, issued on Ist Deceml)er, 18(50 
 
 Hon. William McDovgall to Hon. Secretary of State for Provinces. 
 
 Enclosing copies of " Proclani.ation " (A 9 p. 10.'}) and Commission 
 
 (B. 9, p. 104) 
 
 December 1| " A " 9 IProcIamation sssned by Lt--Govr. McDougall. . 
 
 December 1| " B " 9 ICommission to Col. Dennis 
 
 Commission referred to above. 
 
 Hon, Secretary of State for Prorincci to Donald A. Smith, E»q., 
 Fort Garrii. 
 
 Enclosing Commission under Great Seal, appointing him Special Com- 
 missioner 
 
 Hon. Secretary of State for Provinces to Hon. William McDottgall. 
 Acknowledging receipt of letters under date, 14th, 20th, and 29th ult. . . 
 
 Hon. Secretary of State for Provinces to the Very Rev. the jJishop of 
 
 St. Boniface. 
 
 Tht.nking him, by command of His Excellency the Governor General, 
 
 placed his services at the dis- 
 
 for the promptitude ^vith which he 
 
 
 120 
 120 
 
 121 
 
 122 
 
 122 
 120 
 
 123 
 
 12.1 
 12:{ 
 
 102 
 
 102 
 
 loa 
 
 104 
 
 49 
 
 106 
 
 .'.^sfviiEt^^ki 
 
 mmmmam 
 
xiil 
 
 Tahlk op Oontenth. — Corrcspondonco and Paporw, &;c. — Continued. 
 
 
 Dato. 
 
 Do of 
 Reception. 
 
 BCBJICT. 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 1H70. 
 Febnmry 19 
 
 
 I>o8r1 of the O^ovuniiiieiit, to nid in the roprewiion of (liBturtiaaoes in 
 the North-WfHt, and encloHint; copitw of documuntH for hia in- 
 formation 
 
 128 
 
 
 J, S, Dtnnii, Esq., to Hon. Secretary of State for Provinctt. 
 
 EnoloainK him copy of letter addruHHud to the }Ion. MmiHter of Public 
 Workfl (p. 12(i), and rc<nuiHting that it nhould occomuany papers on 
 the Noiih-Weat, ihoiild they be Hunt down to the HouMe of Com- 
 mons 
 
 
 
 
 12n 
 
 
 Febniary 12| Lottur to Minister of I'ublic Work* 
 
 I'M 
 
 
 
 
 nor General, 
 at the dis- 
 
XIV 
 
 I 'I. 
 
 i!^ 
 
 TABLE OV CONTENTS OF ADDENDA. 
 
 1870. 
 January 8 . 
 
 Disturbances at Rrn Riveu. 
 
 Secretary of Slnte to (Governor OenevnK 
 
 Acknowledging: reccijjtof dospatclies referring to MiiiutLot Tris'^' C'onncil of Canada 
 {p. 20), and encloaing oopierf of corresiiondouce on tlio uubject 
 
 Sir Stafford Northcote to Sir F. Itm/ers. 
 1869. 
 DecemlHjr 28 Enclosing copies of communications for informatioTi of Lord Granville 
 'List of enclostn'es referred to above :-- 
 1869. 
 
 Extract of letter from (lovornor McTavi«li to W. (}. Smith, Secretary 
 
 Hudson'H Bay C'omijany 
 
 Lette*^ from Mr. Mel avish to Mr. Smith 
 
 Letter from Mr. McTavish to Mr. Smith 
 
 Minutes of Council of AM.nnniboine 
 
 Minutes of Council of Assinuiboine 
 
 Extract of a letter from Governor McTavish to W. G, Smith, Secretary 
 
 ; November 2. 
 
 'November 9. 
 ! November 23 
 October 2o . . 
 October ;iO.. 
 November Ki 
 
 1870. 
 January 8 , 
 
 1869. 
 
 Sir Frederic Rogers to Sir Stafford Northcote. 
 
 Advising him that Lord Granville had received a IMimite of the Privy Council of 
 Canada, and informing him of contents thereof ; also, of the ojnnion oi law officers 
 o'f the Crown in relation to the purchase-money deposited by Mr. Rose 
 
 214 
 
 December 16. Copy of Report of Committee of Privy Council referred to above, and in Secretary 
 of States letter'of 8th January, 1870 
 
 November 23 
 
 November 26 
 
 November 30 
 
 Sir John Yonwj to Lord OranHlk. 
 
 Tele>{ram informing him that Mr. McDougall had been stopped on the way to Fort 
 Garry by armed Half -breeds ; who had also apjjointed a Provisional Committee 
 of Government 
 
 Sir John Young to Lord GranviUe. 
 Telegram— on the subject of Transfer of North-West Ten-itories. 
 
 Lord Granville to Sir John Young, 
 Reviewing the state of the North-West question 
 
 May 14. 
 
 Purchase of North- Wkst Territories. — Nrgotiattonh and Correspondence 
 
 coxnkcted therewith. 
 
 Copy of Report of Com.mittee of Privy Council,— advising that the accompanying 
 Report of Delegates sent to England to negotiate for the acquisition, by C/anada, 
 of Rupert's Land and the North- West Territory, be api)roved and submitted 
 for the consideration and sanction of Parliament 
 
 130 
 
 131 
 
 133 
 134 
 135 
 136 
 137 
 138 
 
 131 
 141 
 
 138 
 
 139 
 
 139 
 
 144 
 
XV 
 
 Tajile of C0NTKNT8 OF Addknda. — Conthimd. 
 
 'ONDENCB 
 
 1869. 
 
 ■May 8.... 
 lAubiiftt 17 
 
 144 
 
 Report of DoIf(,'ate.< rcfinTccl to above 
 
 Copy of Kcpiirtof Committer cif Privy Counuil. -('oncmrini,' in the iinipoHal of the 
 I Minister of Finance, relatin^; to the jJroviHion of tJvj imrchime money— Jt;300,000 
 
 I — of tlie T( rritory 145 
 
 September 18|Copy_ of iii'ii'Tt of C'ui.iiiiiltiie of i'riiv t 'oiuicil.— ('cnLiDvintf in thi! ruconimeiidii-. 
 tioHH of the Minister of Finance, relative to the Iinperial Act for tfiiariuileeinb'i 
 
 1 loan, tJfOO.OOO ' lift 
 
 Septeml)erl8 Memo, of Finaiice Mini.-;ter rcfi rred to above \ 116 
 
 September20 (.'opy of J{ei>ort of (J.miiuittoe rif Privy ( 'ouniil.- ■ Aitjirovin'' of the (>r('pofal of tlie 
 j Finance MiniMter, to pay the tiliiU.OlW payalth; to the IIikImmiV Jiay C'om[)any,, 
 
 out of fu'ids now in the IkhhI, of ( 'jmudian ( lovernment 1 147 
 
 20 Memo, of Finance Miniter referred to above ; 147 
 
 September 
 October 2 
 
 Sept. ;J0 . . , 
 Nov. 1« . . . 
 
 jCopy of Hoiiort of Committee of Privy (Council,- .\piirovin;^ of th« recomniendation! 
 
 I of the Alinisler of Justice, that the Ifonorabh' John Ko.se bere(]ue8ted to act in; 
 T^onilon oa belialf of the Cauadiau lioveramant, ou tlie several matters refened 
 to in hifl memo 
 
 Memo, of Miniater of Justice referred to above 
 
 Copy of Report of Committee of I'rivy Council,- Advising Immediate payment of 
 the i)urcha8e money of North-We.it Ten-itorieB, and that it is inexpedient to 
 place a new loan on the Market at present 
 
 Nov. 22 
 
 215 Dec. 30. 
 
 Mr, Stannfeld to Under Secretary nf State. 
 
 Approval of LorUa Commissif>ners of He?- Majesty's Treasury, of the manner in 
 which it i.i proposed to raise the sum of t."iOO,000, and of the tt^raa of the Bond 
 or Debenture, - Tliat ilr. Roie had been informed that my lairds are prepared 
 to (guarantee interest at 4% ou such sum, on condition of proof being r'forded 
 that 8\ich Bum has been paid over to the Hudson's Bay Company 
 
 November 6 
 
 Secretary of Stale to Sir John Youiu'. 
 
 Enclosing Copies of correbpondencc with the Board of Treasury, relating to Loan 
 of £300,000 
 
 Sir F. Sandford to Suntarii of Trcanurii. 
 
 Enclosing several orders of the Privy Council of C'anada, on the subject of guarantee 
 of " Canadian (Rupert's Land) Loan Act of 1869" 
 
 ProPOSKD SySTKM for SuRVKY and SUB-UIVIKION op ToWNSHIPii IN NORTH- 
 
 I West Territory. 
 
 September2,J Copy of Report of (Jomnnttoe of I'rivy Council, - advisiny that the system iiroposed 
 
 I by Col. IJennis lie aj)proved and adopted 
 
 Septeniber22 Memorandum from Minister of Public Works,— giving details of the system referred 
 to above 
 
 September 28 
 
 Appointment of Mr. McDougall as Lieutknant Ctovernor. 
 
 Copy of Report of Committee of Privy Council,— advising that Hon. William 
 I McDougall, C.B., be appointed Lieutenant Governor of the North- West 
 I Territorie:-^ 
 
 September28'Copv of Report of Committee of Privy Council,— advising that the annexed draft of 
 
 letter to be addressed to the H'n. William McDougall, as his preliminaiy 
 
 I instruction on proueetiing to the U-Tth-West Territories, be approvea. 
 
 September 28|Letter of preliminary instnxctiona referred to above , 
 
 149 
 149 
 
 150 
 
 151 
 
 150 
 
 160 
 
 132 
 162 
 
 152 
 
 153 
 1&3 
 
r 
 
 XVI 
 
 Table op Contents of Addenda. — Continued. 
 
 Dftt«. 
 
 Sei)tember28 
 
 December 7. 
 
 Deooiuber 11 
 
 SuBJMT. 
 
 S 
 
 November 23 
 
 1870 
 January 18, 
 
 January 28, 
 
 CU8T0MH AND ExCtHB LAWH IN THK NORTH-WltaT TKRHITOKIEH. 
 
 Copy of Report of Committee of Privy C'otuicil, recommending that the Lieutenant 
 Governor be iniitructed to procuro the niutxiitg of Urdinance or Ordinances by 
 His Coimcil, making the CutitomH and ExciHu liawx of tliu Dominion operative 
 in the TenitorieH ; and that Mr. liegg be appointed 'ollccter of Cuatoms and 
 Initpector of Inland Uevenue under the Huid OrdinaneeH | 164 
 
 Copy of Report of (jonmiittee of Privy (council,- -aubmitting that it ia inexpedient 
 to make material changes in Cudtoma duties in Rupert 'a J^aud ; but that it may 
 be necessaiy to eatablisli dutiea on spirits and other articles now exempt l.^ 
 
 Cojw of Report of Committee of Privy Council,— recommending that Minute of 7th 
 instant be cancelled, and that the present Tariif should remain in force for two 
 years 155 
 
 Great Seal oi' the North-West Territuuie.s. 
 Order in Council on above subject 
 
 Communication Between Lake Superior and Red River. 
 
 Copy of Report of Committee of Privy Council, — recommending that $12,000.00 be 
 authorized to be expended in purchase of boats and means of conveying them to 
 where required 
 
 /■..I 
 
 Postal Servios to Fort William. 
 
 Copy of Report of Committee of Privy Council, — advising that the agreement 
 entered into between the Post Master General and the owners of the 
 Steamer " Chicora " be sanctioned 
 
 IM 
 
 156 
 
 167 
 
 1 
 
John Young. 
 
 The Governor General transmits^ for the iiilormution of Mie Iloiine of 
 Commons, the accompanying papers rehitive to the recent occur- 
 rences in the North-West Territories, referred to In the third 
 paragraph in the Speech from tlie Throne. 
 
 GOVEUNMENT HoUSE, 
 
 Ottawa, 24th Feb., 1870. 
 
 Coi'V of a Report of a Committea of the lIonorahlH the Priny Council, approved by Ilia 
 Excellency the Governor General in (Council on the !?Sth September, /Sfi'J. 
 
 To the Honorable the Secretary of State 
 for the Provinces, Ottawa. 
 
 On the roconitnondatiou of the Houorablu i\w Miui.sttir of JuHlict', tlio Coniniittoc 
 advise that the Honorable WiUiaui McDoiigall, 0.15., bo a[)i)ointoil Lio)itonant-(j()VOfnt)r 
 of the North- We!3t Territories, antl that a Conuuission \intlor the Great Seal do issno, to 
 take cft'ect from and after the tlay on wliich such Territories are transferred by Her 
 Majesty to the Dondnion of Canada. 
 
 And on the same recommendation they advLse that Mr. MoDouj^allVj salary as :;uch 
 Lieutenant-Governor, be fixed at Seven Thousand Dollars \rdv ainiuni. 
 
 Gortiiied. 
 
 VVm. H. Lek, 
 
 Clerk P.O. 
 
 Office op the Secretaiiy of .State for the Photixces, 
 
 Ottawa, 28th September, 1800. 
 To the Honorable W. McDoxigall, C.B. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor, by command of His Excellency the Governor General, to 
 transmit to you, herewith, a copy of an Order of His Excellency in Council, together 
 with the letter therein referred to, containing your preliminary instructions in ]noceeding 
 to the North-\Ve.st Territories. 
 
 I have, kc, 
 
 J*). A. Meredith, 
 
 Under Becretary. 
 
 To the Honorable the Secretary of State 
 foi' the Provinces, d'c, iLc, d'c. 
 
 Corv of a Report of a Committee of the Honorable the Privy Council, approved by H'^ 
 Excellency the Governor General in Council on the 28th September, 1800. 
 
 The Committee have had under consideration the annexed Draft of a letter proposed 
 to be addressed by the Secretary of State for the Provinces to the Hon. William 
 McDougall, as his preliminary instmctions on proceeding to the N'orth-We.st Territories, 
 and on the recommendation of the Hon. the Minister of Justice, advise that the same 
 be approved by your Excellency. 
 
 Coi'tified. Wii. H. Lee, 
 
 Clerk Privy Council. 
 
 12—1 
 
: 
 
 The Hon. Mr. 
 
 9 
 
 Okfice of tiik Sr.cnETAiiY OF State for the Provin(;e8, 
 
 Ottftwa, 28th Sept., 1869. 
 
 McDowjall, C.H., ^ 
 
 Ottawa. 
 
 Sin, — As you have been api»t>inted liioutcnaut-Clovernor of the North-Wost Terri' 
 toricfl, in anticipation of tho forniul tninafiu' of tlioso Torritories by Hor Majesty to the 
 Dominion of Canada, and as it in expected that such tranufer will be mtule within thu 
 courso of tlio next two or thrcB ntonths, I havo the honor, by command of His Excellency 
 tho Governor General, to inform yo» that it is desirable that no time should be lost in 
 making tho necessary prelinunai-y arninfjoments for tho organization of the Govenimont of 
 tho Territories, 
 
 2. With this view I am to instruct you to proceed with all convenient speed to Fort 
 Qtxvrj, in order that you may efl'octually superintend tho carrying out of tho preliminary 
 
 -arrangements indicated in tho preceding puragrapli, and bo ready to iui.sumo the Govern- 
 ment of tho Territories on their actual transfer to Canada. 
 
 3. On your airival at Fort Garry, you will place yourself at once in commun ;ation 
 Avith Mr, McTavish, tho Governor of the Ifudson Bay Comi)any, and notify him of your 
 appointment ; you will, at the sarao time, otFer seats in your Council to Mr. McTavish and 
 to Mr. Black, or other Cliiof Judical OiHccr of tlio Hudson Bay Company now in the 
 Territory. ■ Should either or both of those gentlemen decline to accept office, you will sub- 
 mit, for the consideration of His Excellency, tho names of ono or two other officers of the 
 Company, whom you consider eligible to act as members of your Council. You will, at 
 the same time, submit the names of several of the residents of ciiaracter and standing in 
 the Territory, unconnected with tho Company, qualified to act as Councillors, giving par- 
 ticulars respecting them, and stating their comparative merits. 
 
 4. You will have the goodne.<;3 to report with all convenient speed, for the infonnation 
 of His Excellency, on the state of tho Laws now existing in the Territories, transmitting 
 copies of any Laws, Ordinances or Regulations of the Company now in force there, together 
 with a full repoi-t as to the mode of administering Justice, the organization of the Courts, 
 the number and mode of appointment of Justices of the Peace, the Police arrangements, 
 and the means adopted for keeping the peace," &c, 
 
 5. In preparing your Report on tho matters referred to in the preceding paragraph, 
 it will be well that you should confer with the Chief Judical Officer of the Company in the 
 Territories. 
 
 6. You will have tho goodness to report also upon the system of Taxation (if any) 
 now in force in the Territories, the system of licensing Shops, Taverns, «J:c,, tho mode of 
 regulating or prohibiting tho Bale of Wines, Spirituous and Malt Liquors ; and furt.her, as 
 to the mode of keeping up the Roads, and generally on tho Municipal Organization (if 
 any) existing in the Territories. 
 
 7. You will also mako a full report upon the state of the Indian tribes now in the 
 Territories — their numbera, wants and claims ; the system heretobefore pursued by the 
 Hudson Bay Company in dealing with them — accompanied by any suggestions you may 
 desire to offer with reference to their protection, and to the improvement of their condition. 
 
 8. You will have tho goodness to report also on the nature and amount of currency 
 or circulating medium now employed in the Territories, and of tho probable requirements 
 of the Territories in that respect in the future, 
 
 9. You will also report on the system of education (if any) which now obtains in the 
 Tenitoi'ies. 
 
 10. You Avill also please to report as to such lands in the Territories as it may be 
 desirable to open up at once for settlement, ti'ansmitting a plan of such survey as may be 
 necessary, with an estimate of the cost of survey, a statement of the conditions of grants 
 of land and settlement. The plan should show the number of townships it is proposed to 
 lay out at once, the size and situation of tOAvnships, and the size of the lots, making the 
 necessary reservation for chiirches, schools, roads, and other public purposes. 
 
11. Yovi will aJHO report \\\)(n\ tlic rclatiom at prrsiMit oxiHtiiij^ Itotwecn tlm rriidHon 
 Hay (Company and tlio (lillcrcnt rclij^ious lioilios in tlio Ti'rritoricH. 
 
 12. You will also report a,s to the nmnl)or of oHicrrs now ("inployofl liy tho iludsuu 
 Bay Company ill the AdniiniKtration of tlio (lovornnu'iit of tho Territories, Htating tho 
 dutioH an(l salaries of Huoh otHcora, and spi eifyinjf tho.'io who Khould, in yoijr opinion, bo 
 rotaiciod ; you will alno report ns to tho nunilier of persons whom it will bo necessary 
 hereafter to employ in tho AflminiHtration of the (Jovernnient, and you will report j^eno- 
 rally on all Hubjeet« connected with the welf:iio of tho Territories upon which it may scora 
 to you doHimblo to communicato with tho (Jovernment of tho Dominion. 
 
 13. It is desirable that you should take immediate measures for tlio e.xtoiifiiou of tho 
 telegraph .system fi*om tho Territory to Pembina, and for its connoctiou at that placo with 
 tho system of tho American Telegraph Company or Companie.s, making any provisional 
 arrangomonts for that purpose that may be uccessary, and forwarding a copy of such 
 aiTangementq to this Department for confirmation by llis Exeelloncy. 
 
 I havo tho honor to !«% Sir, 
 
 E. A. Mr.HfiuiTn, 
 
 Under Secretary of State. 
 
 Office of the Seckktary of Statk fok the Provin'Ces, 
 
 llth October, 18C9. 
 To the lionorahle Mr. McDoiigall, C.JJ,, 
 
 Sir, — I have tho honor, by command of His Excellency the Governor General, to 
 transmit to you herewith three Commissions under the Great Seal, and ono under His 
 Excellency's Privy Seal, as follows : — 
 
 1. A Commission appointing yon Lieutenant Governor of tho North- West Territories. 
 
 2. A Commission (Dedimua Poteatatcm),. to William McTavish and the other 
 parties therein named to administer the Oaths of Allegiance and of Office to you as Lieu- 
 tenant Governor of the North- West Tomtories. 
 
 3. A Commission (Dedhtma FottstatemJ, to tho same parties as aro named in pre- 
 ceding Commission, to administer the Oaths of Office to all persons hereafter appointed to 
 office in the North- West Territories. 
 
 4. A Commission under His Excellency's Privy Seal appointing you Deputy Gover .or 
 for signing Marriage Licenses in tho North- West Territories. 
 
 All these Commissions are to take effect from and after tho day to bo named by Her 
 Majesty in pursuance of the "British North America Act, 1867," for the admission of 
 Rupert's Land and the North- Western Temtories into tho Dominion of Canada. 
 
 The proposed Great Seal of the North- West Territories has been handed to Mr. 
 Provencher, the bearer of this letter, to bo delivered to you on his arrival at Fort Garry. 
 
 The Seal will require to be sanctioned by His^'Excellency in Council, and will, at an 
 early day, be submitted to him for that purpose. 
 
 - 1 have jfcc, 
 
 obtains in the 
 
 E. A. Merbdith, 
 
 Under Secretary of State. 
 
HI 
 
 CommiiiMttnt itji/iointin^/ the llotwrable William McDouijall, i'. li., /,iciilfiuiitf, d'orernoi' of 
 
 the North- West Ten-iloi-irt. 
 
 li 
 
 ii i 
 
 I 
 
 CANADA. 
 
 .ToiIX Y<)t!NO. 
 
 VicTOiiiA, l»y tilt) Graco of 6W, of tlm Unitid King>l.<iii 
 Quecv, Dfronder of tho Faith, kc, &c., tkc. 
 
 (ii-ciit Di-itain ami Irolund, 
 
 To thn JIunundile Willinm Mr.Dougall, of the (Jiti/ of Otlaiva in tho I'ruviitcc of Ontario in 
 Our Dominion of Cnnmla, Member of Our J'rivi/ C'on>icil for C'anndfi, and Companion 
 of Our Mont /fonorable Order of tho Hath, 
 
 CJHKKTIN(*: 
 
 WITKKEAS \>y im Act of tho Parliainciit of Canada, tnudo nnd p.-iHi^ed in the St'SHiuii 
 hold in tho thi'ty-Hccond and thirty-third years of Our Ueigu, and intitidod, "An 
 Act for tho ti'inporary Govornnient of Ruijort's Land and tlio Nortli-Wcstorn Territory, 
 when united with Canada." After reciting that it is probahh* that Wo, pursuant to thn 
 British North Ainorica Act, 18(57, may be pleased to admit Jlupert'H LhxhI uiul tho North- 
 WoHteni Territory into tho Union or Dominion of (.^anada, heforo tho then noxt SesHion 
 of tho Caiindian rarliument, and further reciting that is expedient to prepare for the 
 transfer of tho said Torritorie.s from tho JiOcal Territories to tho Oovernment of Canada, 
 at tho time which may bo appointed by Uh for such admission, and to make sotne temporai-y 
 provision for tho Civil Government of such Territories until more periiianont arran^^enionts 
 can bo made by tho Government nnd Le<>,nslature of (Janada. It is liy the said Act now 
 in recital, in effect, enacted that it shall bo lawfid for Our Governor by any Order or 
 Orders to bo by him from time to time made with the advice of the Privy Council, and 
 subject to such coiuliLions and restrictions as to him shall seem meet, to authorizes nnd 
 empower such Officer as he may from time to time appoint as Lieutenant Governor of tlu* 
 Noi'th-West Territoriew to make provision for tho administration of Justice therein, and 
 {ijenorally to make, ordain, and establish, all such laws, institutions and ordinances, as may 
 1)0 necessary for tho peace, order, and good government of Our Subjects and others therein, 
 and it is also further enacted that tho Lieutenant Governor shall administer tho Govoni- 
 nvnt under instructions given him from time to time by Order in Council. 
 
 And Whereas for the purpose of pieparing for tho transfer of tho North-West Tei-ri- 
 toiien aforesaid to the (rovernmont of Canada, at tho timo which may be ajipointed by Cm 
 for sucli admission and for making some tom[)orary provision for the Civil (lovernment of 
 siich Teiritories, We are desirous of appointing you the said William McDoluall, to bo 
 Lieutenant Governor of the North-Weat Terntories. 
 
 Xow l-now ye that We reposing special tnist and confidence in th(! prudence, courage, 
 loyalty, and integrity of you, the said William McDouuall, of Our especial graco, certain 
 knowlodgo, and more motion have thought lit to constitute and appoint you, and We do 
 herebi/ constitute and appoint you on, from, and after tho day to be named by Vs for tho 
 admission of Rupert's Land and tho North-Western Territory into tho Union or Dominion 
 of Canada, to bo, during Our pleasure, the Lieutenant Governor of the Nortli- West Territories 
 aforesaid, and We do hereby aut}u)ri:.e, and empower, and require, and command you on, 
 from, and after the day to be so named by Ua, for tho admission of Rupert's Land and tho 
 North-Western Territory into the Union or Dominion of Canada, as aforesaid, in duo 
 manner to do and execute in all things that .shall belong to your said command and tho 
 trust We have reposed in you, according to the several provisions and instructions granted 
 or appointed you by this Our Commissign, and of the Act hereinbefore recited, according to 
 
E=jsas^ 
 
 !ovrrnor of 
 
 ml (rt<liin<l, 
 
 f Uutarlo in 
 
 I Compctuion 
 
 IKTINO : 
 
 the SesHidii 
 ituleil, ''An 
 
 II Territory, 
 •suant to tho 
 il tho Nortli- 
 ;ioxt SoHHioii 
 puro lor the 
 t of Cau;itln, 
 11(1 toiui)oriiry 
 irran^omcntrt 
 lid Act now 
 iiy Order <>!• 
 Couiicil, iind 
 uthorize and 
 vornor of tho 
 
 therein, and 
 uiccH, us may 
 thorH therein, 
 
 tho Govorn- 
 
 i-WeHt Toi-ri 
 lointed hy l.'x 
 overnmeut of 
 n:uALL, to bo 
 
 iK«, courage, 
 grace, certain 
 I, and We do 
 )y Va for tho 
 or Dominion 
 est Territories 
 maud you on. 
 Land and the 
 ■esiaid, in duo 
 nand and tho 
 itions granted 
 , according to 
 
 Burh inHtniotionH ft are herewitli j^iveii to you, or which may frrrn tiiiio to time lie )^i\en 
 to you in re.siK.'eL of the North Wi-.st 'I'erritctricM aforcNaid, and tlie ( !overiiinet»t thereof, Wy 
 order of our (lOVfTUor (Jeiieral in Coiniell under the Higii luatiual of Our Naiil (Jovi'rnor 
 (Jenenil, or l»y Uh throu;?li one of our Privy Oouneil <if ('miadu, and affording to luuih 
 hiWH as are or Hhall he euforc«'d within thf North Went 'I'erritorieH. 
 
 />i /(".liu^onv "'/Ktjve/" 11 V have ciniHed these our Lett ern to lie made I'atent a!id (l»i^ 
 (ireat Seal of Canada to ho her<'unli» ntllxed ; Witni'SH (h>r trusty and Wfll 
 heh)ved the Kij^ht llouornhh' Slii .loirs YoiNu, llaronet, one of Our .Most 
 Ifonoralihi Privy ( 'ouiicil, Knij^lit (Jrand O1W.M of Our IMowt HonoiniilB Ordei- 
 of tlie Hath, iCni^'hl (irauil ('n>s:< of <.)ur Mo.st I »iHtiu;j:uinli<'d Oj'dt'r of .Saint 
 Michael and Saint (hiorgo, dovmior (lenei-af of (\ttiiula. 
 
 At Our (lovornnient IIou;ie. in Our Citi/ of O/lunn, thin Tii'fn'ij niitth day of 
 Si'ptnnUr, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred und nhii/ ninr, 
 and the thirhj-third yonr of Ofr h'elju. 
 
 By eoinmnnd. 
 / 
 
 FrK'TOIl li. TiANOKVIN, 
 
 Hecrelarv of .State. 
 
 Tri'DMitN'ti Pay I'osr, 
 
 Pkmiiina, (»ctohpr ;»li,t, 18C'J. 
 The Honorable. 
 
 The Secretary of State for the Prorluei'n, 
 Otttiwn. 
 
 IvecoivcJ by SiR, — ■! have the honor lo rL|)oit luy arrival at, tiiis place last eveniuj;, 
 
 iute^'^'^^Oth whoro I have determined to remain for u short time, in eonse(iu<'nce of the 
 
 •f NoVcmbor events hereafter detailed. 
 
 '**^'J' Humours of hostile uu)V(!ment.s on the part of tho French half-hrced.s 
 
 against tlio authority of the (Janadian (iovenur ut, reached mo at several jioints lictween 
 
 Ht. Paul and Pembhia, hut tlioy were ko wild ai. ' contradictory that I gave little heed to 
 
 them. 
 
 I mot the Htmorable Joseph Howe on his return .""rom Fort (Jarry, about half-a-day's 
 jo\irney Routh of Georgetown, in the open Prairie. As *]ie weath<'r was f-tormy, wi; luwl 
 only a very short interview. lie stated that the peopi-i of the lied River Settlement 
 were well disponed towards the Oanadiau Government, \n\i from ,somo circiunstnnces, of 
 which ho would advise mo by letter from Fort Ab('rcrond>ie, ti.v- feelings of a certaiji sec- 
 tion of tho population had been excited, and that <lelicato handling woidd be necessary to 
 allay them. Ho did not state, and .apparently did not anticipate, that tliere was any 
 danger of an armed insurrection before my arrival at Fort Garry. 
 
 At a point, about thirty miles from this post, whore I camped for the iiiglit, 1 met 
 a Mr. Sandford, of Hamilton, (Ontario), who put into my hands despatches of which the 
 enclosed are copies (marked A. B. C. D.) He stated also, that he was stopped at Scratching 
 River, (about 15 miles from Fort Garry), by a body of armed men, who had thrown a 
 barricade across the road, and who expressed their determination to ))revent me from 
 passing that point. Ho had no doubt of their intention to carry out theii* threats, by 
 force, if necessary. 
 
 His report of tho state of feeling among tho French hall-breeds, and of tho movements 
 of the insurgents, confirmed generally tho statements in the enclosed pajiers. 
 
 On my arrival at the American Custom House, iit Pembina, a, half-breed, who had 
 been v.-aiting there for the last three or four days, put into my hands a letter, of which 
 the paper marked E is a copy, and immediately disappeared. I paid no attention to his 
 
T i 
 
 l«»tt<M', l)iit, AH toHtn u« ih ' |»ritpi»r <>iitripH hml lii-oti miulr liy tlif collwtor, procoedwl to the 
 lliiilm)ii Hiiv <'nin|>iiiiy'M I'ont, abiiut two inilo'* diNtniit, iukI within tho " Territory of the 
 Nt)rth Wi'.it." Hyro I foiuid iiriotlinr dfupat'di (iiiarkud I"'.) with n notn iViin Oolonol 
 hcnriiH (rnarkrd )*. 
 
 Thifi niurniii^ I doL<>nninor| toHond forward Mr. Prov anchor (wlio, with Mr. Riohardi 
 .and ( ';ipt;iiii (laincroii, acrotupiiiiiud t»« from Fort A'.K'ri'roinbio to thin plaor) to Fort 
 <^t»rry, if pcrmittnd to j^o ho far, with a vorlial incimfttco to (lovornor MuTavinh, announcing 
 my iirriv.il witliin hi.s jurisdiction, and ••luiminp lii.H protontion for niyHolf antl partjr. 
 Mr, I'rovonciirr Wivt in'ttructod to a«<;ertain from the inNurgontM, by a friondly ronferenca 
 ii' poi.iililo, their ol.jcnf, and thu rxtcnt of tii- foir.' at thoir command ; llo wan inntnir- 
 t><<l to a.HMiiro ihcm of tli*> dut'rmimition of tini (lovrrnaiunt to d<>al jiiHlly with all cliuinflH, 
 utid to rcHpoct Hxistiii;.? rightw, without rtdbrcnco to raco or religion. Uiit ho wan to ex- 
 phiin to th<m tliat mitil thn now ^;ovi«rnment was orpmizcd, and ho loni< as tlioy runiainod 
 with arm:i in their handx, no ollioial oommunication oonhl bo had witii thom by mu, or 
 any ouo on my behalf. Mr. Provonchor loft thin morning about eight o'chxjk, with a 
 reliable guidf, who iH well anpiaintod with tho country and the hulf-brocdo of tho nettle- 
 mcnt, 
 
 I Hhall rcmiiin In-n- with Mr. Kiidiardii and tho Italauco of my parly, \jntil 1 lu'.ir 
 from Mr. l'rov«'ncln'r, or loarn from otlu^ sources that thn inHnrgentH have dispornod. 
 
 I havo fuilher to report that Captain Cameron of tho Uoyal Artillery, who accom- 
 panied mo in his own conveyance for tho greater part of tho way from St. Cloiid, and who 
 e,\pei;tH tf) hold an appointment tin(h'r tho (Jovernmont, (hiU'rmimKl this morning to pro- 
 reed to Fort (larry on his own rcsponHibility. I ondeavourod to disstuulo him from making 
 tho attenipt until wo had sonu; as-nuranco that tho road woiUd not bo obstnictod, bnfc ho 
 porsistcd in makins; preparations for tho journey, whereupon I addroHsed him tho follow- 
 ing? note (marked (i). 
 
 After roadinj* my not*' ho said he would take all risks, and jiroceodcd on hJH journey, 
 ttikinf.'; with him his wife and two servants. 
 
 I havo just lieiird that I am to have a visit to-morrow from tho Chief of a band of 
 Chippawa Indians, who claim title to a largo tract of country extending from the boundary 
 line lit Pembina towards Fort (Jiirry. T havo agreed to talk with him, and will report 
 the result of nj y interview in due counve. 
 
 1 havo tho honor to bo, Sir, 
 
 W. MoDouoALU 
 
 PoHTiCRiPT, November 1st, 1869. 
 T/ie Hoiwrnhic 
 
 The Secretary (•/ State for the Provliices, liw.. 
 
 (!ol. Dennis and Mr. Wm. Ilallett havo just ai-rivod from Fort Garry, having niado 
 a detoni" over tho Prairio in order to avoid tho armed party at Scratching River : the situa- 
 tion is i)ut little changed, except that th > attempt of tho insurgents to rally the Indians 
 to their side has failed. Two cliiefs, who obeyed their summons, returned home refusing 
 to take part in tho movement, when they had ascertained its nature. 
 
 I havo just had a long talk with the chiefs of tho tribe who claim tho country in this 
 neighbourhood. They repudiate all sympathy with the half-breeds who are in arms. 
 
 In haste. 
 
 Very respectfully yours, 
 
 Wm. McDouoall. 
 
 Sk in 9r>sinftl.— See Lett»r marked F. F., pag? 13, 
 
[Al 
 
 FoHT nARnv, 11th Oili»l»iT, \H9. 
 
 Mkmoiianix'M <\f ftici» and eiivunmtancfi cimnfHfil with the aittii'f uppotition iy fff Freneh 
 hnl/hrtfdt in t/ti» tfltltment to the protfniflon of th« (iovernnwiit titrvtyt. 
 
 ThiH <l«y iihoiit 2 |i.in. ii iiu'H««'iin«'r uiTivciI, Mr. FiiriiuT, «'hiiiii iM'urorof Mr. Wt lilt'.4 
 |Hirty t)mi»l«)y«'<l in Murv«>yinK tlu' l>tw»' liiu'or panvlli-l of liititud)', hotwirii T<>\viiHlii|m () iiinl 7 
 ••uKt of th«« Miu'idiiiii, on which K«trvir« tiio party l«'ft iv wi'«'lc iij(o to-«liiy, ItrinKin)^ tho 
 unwttlconu) infornniti(»n from Mr. W«l)h, timt Iiih further pioj^ri'su with thi» miiv<«y Imd l»«'«'n 
 Htop|HMl hy rt iMvnd * of Hu!n() IH French hiilf Itrcvd.s, h<>ii<t<<d hy ii niiin mitntnl Louis Kiel. 
 
 Mr. VV%>I)I> had projtMitcd the lint* to uliuiit lh«> fourtii Mcction, in Towniihip 7, 
 Und nuigo runt, and iMtin^ witliin wvy 2.1 niih-M of tho Hod Hiv«r, wht-n thin o-'Mirr''nctf 
 tuuk pliu;o. 
 
 Ho wiut ordrrcd by tho hmdor of tho party at onco tu u^^iHt from furlhcr runniu^ 
 iho lino, and in fact notiHcd that lio nuii't h>avn tho country on the soiitli tiido of 
 the AiiiiinnilH)ino, wliicli country tlio party chiiinc«| hh tho property nf tho I'roiich 
 half-hreodH, and whii.'h thoy woidd not allow to ho N»iivoyc<l hy tlic Ciuuidiim 
 (Jovornnient. 
 
 No annH woro Hocn with tht> party, liut hy stjindinj^ on tho rlmin and ii.siii;,' liiroaLs 
 of violonco if tho Kurvoy wiih porHiHtod in, it hocanio evident liiat to ><o on with tho 
 Hurvoy would prohahly hav(( lod to a colliHJon, and Mr. Wohlt, in uccordanco with 
 with written iuHtructionH, whicli I had previously j^iven hin> to provido for any hucIi 
 contingency, diHContinuod IiIh work, and as the half-liroed.s would not allow him to 
 tcmain encamped wheru ho wan, moved IiIh camp out to tho main road nu tho Red 
 lUver, waiting for ordorn, having Hont oil* in tho moantimo. Mr. Farmer, at above 
 Htatod. 
 
 I at once waited on Dr. Cowan, tho chief nuigiHtrato in the tiotthnient, and laying 
 tho facta of tho case l)efore him, reqiumted that he would connult with tho Ciovernor, 
 or 8uch other magiutrute an lie might think dcHirahle to call in, and tak(« Much further 
 steps with regard to this outrage, as he and they might think called for under 
 the circumHtances. 
 
 I remarked to Dr. Cowan at tho same time that I question wlu^ther, owing to 
 the unsettled state of tho land tenure as regarded tho half-breeds and Indians, and 
 the peculiar irritation or sensitiveness that existed on the part of the I'^rench half-brcods 
 in view of the transfer of tho Ten'itory and the assumption of the (lovcrnmont by 
 Canada, it would be politic to take harsh measures towards the oflenders in this case, 
 but stated that as he and his brother magistrate knew the temper and feeling of the 
 l)eoplo in the settlement generally, that I left tho matter in their hands, .satisfied that 
 they would do what woidd seem most advisable under the circumstances. 
 
 Before I left Dr. Cowan it Wius settled that ho would call in another ma!,'i;<tiate, 
 Mr. Goulet, and consult with him as to what course to take. 
 
 TuESDAT, 12th October, 18G<.», 
 
 I waited on Dr. Cowan this moruing, about 1 1 o'clock, and waa informed that 
 ho and Mr. Goulet had thought it best to send for Kiel, tho leader, and ascertain 
 what the party means by this proceeding, and explain to him and them the Kcriou.s 
 character of the offence of which they have been guilty, and endeavour quietly to 
 obtain a promise that no further opposition sliould bo made to continuing the survey. 
 
 •NAMES OF RAND. 
 
 Louis liiel, Ltader. 
 
 De Sangr<5 and Sun, 
 
 Baptiste Taureau and Three Sum, 
 
 Fran9oi8 Gbareat, 
 
 Edward Morin, 
 
 Janvier Bitchot 
 
 Other names not legible. 
 
! 
 
 8 
 
 The magistrates had done so accordingly but liud failed either to extract from 
 bim any rational excuse for their proceeding (beyond the assertion that the Canadian 
 (Jovernnient had no right to make surveys in the Territory without tho express 
 permission of tht; people of the settlement), or any i)romiso that their opposition would 
 lie withdrawn. 
 
 Dr. Cowan stated further, that Eiel wan to ho back at 2 o'clock, when he, tho 
 Doctor, if Kiel refused to listen to reason, would bring in tho influence of Governor 
 McTavish, whoso health bring in a cntioal ])osition, he had desired shoidd not \ni 
 troubled if it could be avoided. 
 
 Wednksday, October 13th. 
 
 Dr. Cowan informed me this morning that the interview of himself anit Governor 
 Mc Taviah with Kiel, which had taken place yesterday, had been in no respect satis- 
 factory, that Kiel still i)ersisted that injustice was being done by the Canadian 
 Government, and utterly refused to wlthdraAV from the positipn ho and those under 
 him had taken. 
 
 Dr. Cowan said ho shoidd now apply to the Father Superior Lestanc, in charge 
 of the Diocese during the absence of Bishop Tache, and that he felt sanguine that 
 tho llev. Father, if so disposed coidd put a stop to trouble at once. 
 
 It being important that I should no longer delay visiting another of my parties 
 under ]\Ir. Hart, engaged in projecting the meridian up near Shoal Lake (on which 
 service, had this trouble not occurred, 1 would have left on the afternoon of the 11th 
 instant). I determined to leave to-day, desiring Dr. Cowan, after consulting with 
 Father Lestanc, to send a note to my oftice, stating the resxdt, and instructing Mr. 
 Webb ; n(;cor(lingly I stai-ted on the service above mentioned. 
 
 October 14th to 20th, both inclusive. 
 
 A bsent at Shoal Lako and examining country between that Lake and Lake Manitota. 
 
 OCTOBEK 21 St. 
 
 Having returned to the settlement late last night, found Dr. Cowan's efforts with 
 Father Lestanc had been without avail, the R«v. Father declining to attempt to use 
 any influence with the party of half-breeds in question. 
 
 Dr. Cowan informed mo that the Rev. Father, in explanation of his refusal, said 
 that any such attempt in conseqi ?nce of an idea that possessed the half-breeds that 
 the Company was in collusion with tho Canadian Government, would have a tendency 
 to impress them with the idea that tho Church also was in sympathy with the Govern- 
 ment, and so might lead to weakening their influence over the people in a religious 
 point of view. 
 
 Dr. Cowan had written a note, (see same dated 15th October,) announcing the entire 
 failure of his endeavours to get over the opposition of the French Settlers to the survey, 
 in consequence of which Mr. Webb, accoi'ding to my instructions in such event, had with- 
 drawn his party to tho north side of the Assinniboine, and was proceeding with the survey- 
 ing of the settlement north of Fort Garry, to which no opposition was oflfered. Such is the 
 present condition of affairs. 
 
 , Same day, 4 o'clock p.m. 
 
 The High Constable, Mulligan, has just come to infonn me, as a matter of duty, 
 that a meeting took place yesterday, at a house of a French half-breed, named Bruce, on 
 the other side of the river, by a number of the disalTected French i)arty, among whom the 
 man Riel was conspicuous. 
 
 That at such meeting it was resolved, to send an armed iJarty to meet the Governor, 
 whom they expected to come in to-morrow, and to prevent at all hazards, his entering the 
 settlement. 
 
 Under these circumstances, not wishing to identify myself with any one of the 
 three parties into which the people in the village are endently divided, and who have no 
 
tract from 
 e Canadian 
 ho express 
 ition woultl 
 
 lion lio, tho 
 )f Govcinor 
 Ilia not l><* 
 
 (bcr 13tli. 
 
 ntt Governor 
 espect satis 
 le Canadian 
 those undo;- 
 
 , in ehargo 
 
 mgumc 
 
 that 
 
 ,f my partios 
 :e (on which 
 a of the 11th 
 isulting with 
 tructing Mr. 
 
 ,h inclusive. 
 
 ,ake Manitota. 
 
 ;tobeb 21st. 
 
 l's efforts with 
 ttempt to use 
 
 [is refusal, said 
 df-breeds that 
 Lve a tendency 
 
 |th the Govern- 
 in a religious 
 
 ^cing the entire 
 [to the survey, 
 Ivent, had with- 
 Ivith the survey- 
 led. Such is the 
 
 I o'clock p.m. 
 
 jiatter of duty, 
 
 Jmed Bruce, on 
 
 aong whom the 
 
 the Governor, 
 lis entering the 
 
 [ny one of the 
 
 M who have no 
 
 sympathy with each other, either socially or politically. I called in the council of two 
 Canadian gentlemen, Messrs. Sanford and Turnor, of TlamiUon, who had accompanied 
 Mr. ITowo on his visit, and reuuiiain;; behind that gentK'unn were still in the settlement. 
 
 He conslilered thuc the circiuustunces called for irnmedi:ite and vigorous action on 
 t'le ]>ar • of the Authirilies, and it was jirranged that Mr. Turner and I should w n't upon 
 Jiidgn Black, and inform liuu of the intended outrage.. 
 
 We found Juds^e Blar'c at his re.sidence, some four (i) miles down the settlement, 
 and laid the matter before hiui, !\U(l it was arranged that he should wait upon the 
 Governor and Dr. Cowan, early tomorrow morning, to concert measures to ik-feat the 
 object of the i-efractory half-breeds. 
 
 On our return, there were reports c<infirmatory of the statements w« had hear>l. 
 
 Friday, October 22nd. 
 
 I niet Judge I-laek, Governor Mr. JMcTavish, and Dr. Cowan this morning at thfl 
 Fort by appointment, when the matter was fully <liscussed in all its bearings, and in i iew 
 of the serious aspect of afl'airs, the Governor thought it only proper that a meeting of the 
 Council of the Colony shoidd he convened witii the least possible delay, ami upon their 
 ndvice and action such furtlier sL('j)s should b(< promptly taken as should effectually 
 jirovent the perpetration of the gross outrage inteiuled. 
 
 In ovidenee of the object intended by this armed i)arty, reference is called to the 
 fiftidavit of * * * , n copy of whicli is hereto annexed, which wna made during 
 
 the afternoon, the original having been sworn to before Dr. Cowan, and remaining in hi.n 
 possession. , 
 
 This affidavit was further corroborated by a statement mad(5 about 4 p.m., by 
 Mr. * * , who, on his way from Pembi' \ to-day, foimd a body of armed men in 
 
 possession of the roadway ivi-r the crossing of the river Sale, across which they had 
 thrown a baiTicade. throngli which barricade Ihey w^re not allowed to pas3 without 
 explanation, and without giving satisfactory assiu-ances that a stranger who formed one of 
 the rarty was not connected with the Canadian Government. 
 
 The meeting of Council, Governor McTavish called for Monday, the 25th inst., it 
 being stated that some of the members resided at such a distance that it could not be 
 convened at an earlier date. 
 
 J. S. Dennis. 
 Red River Settlement, 
 
 October 2?rd, 1869. 
 
 [B] 
 
 Colonel Dennis. 
 
 Four Gakuy, October 15th, 1809. 
 
 Di \H .Mt; —I very much regret to say that we have failed entirely in our endeavour.'* 
 lo get r.vr tne o,. position of the French Settlei's to the survey. 
 
 Govei-nor IVicTavi.sh has done all in his power, in the present state of his health, and 
 t;very e'!' .i, h:u been made by Mr. Goulct and myself, to persuade these men, but to no 
 purpose. 
 
 I believe they are now of opinion that we ai-e influenced imduly in favor of the 
 Canadian Government, so that it is in vain for us to have any further correspondence 
 with them at present. 
 
 I remain, dear sir, yours faithfully, 
 
 William Cowaic. 
 
 [C] 
 
 Monday Afternoon. 
 
 My Dear Col. Dennis, — Your note has just b«©n handed to me, and of course, if 
 you wish it, I will be glad to see ■■ ou'after the meeting of Council, which will, pos#ibly, 
 It. — M 
 
I! 
 
 iM 
 
 »■ ( 
 j I' 
 
 not ho over beforo 2 o'cIdcIs, Imt I will send down mid Jet you know. Matters from 
 information tliat lias readied me, lool: Kerion.s ; ImiI it in very diflieult, jndginjjof iiffairs of 
 this kiml here ; iiiul soiiietiinea AvJien (lie case looks bad, the whohi tlau;^' suosidcr,. I 
 have Hoeii to many dillicultios here got o^er quietly to despair until the worst has taken 
 place ; but 1 must allow, there aie ineidentg in the present case that have not been in 
 former troubles. 
 
 ' Yours truly, 
 
 W. McTavisu. 
 
 [^] 
 
 Hku Riv«b Sbttlkment. 
 To Wit :— 
 
 "' •'' * ■'" maketh Oath and Saith :■ — - 
 
 During the afternoon of yesterdiiy, some twenty men or thercftbouts, fvdly ai'uied, 
 made their ai)pearance at the crossing of the River Sale, on the road between here and 
 Pembina; and other and smaller parties of men, also armed, kejit coming in during the 
 afternoon and evening, till as many a^; forty were in the party. 
 
 That the said party of forty men are now billeted (or were when the deponent h^ft 
 home this a.m., at which time they had sent off some men for more pi'ovisions) round 
 in the adjacent houses. 
 
 That the men compojing the Bai 1 i>arty, deponent believes, all belong to the parishes 
 of St. Norbert, above mentioned, and St. Vital, and that the avowed object of their 
 meeting in arms, and waiting at tlic? iv.nd Point, was to turn back the new Governor, 
 Mr. McDongall, and not allow him to enter further into the Colony. One of the men in 
 conver«ation with the deponent who was naturally anxious to lind out the meaning of 
 such an assemblage with arms in their hands, told the dejionent the above was their 
 object, and fui'ther said that if the (Jrovernor jjersisted in attempting to come further than 
 that point, i.e., tlie crossing of the Kiver Sale, they would shoot hin). 
 
 The deponent saith further, that lie was informed by this party, and ])eii«v(!S the 
 same (inasmuch a;^ he saw a number of horsemen passing 2>i'eviously), that another party 
 mountccl, supposeil to consist of twenty men or more, are now in advance, somewhere 
 about Scratching River, accompanied by a man named Riel, whose intention is to stop 
 the Governor^ and submit to him several questions, oi- rather demands, in the evcuit of 
 refusing which, he is to be warned not to proceed. 
 
 'J'here is a further and thir^l party between the two points mentioned, which this 
 deponent, from information received, believes to number forty men. 
 
 Should the Governor persist in coming forward, notwithstanding repeated warnings, 
 these parties will fall l)ack on the i'eiser\'e at the river Sale, and then iinal action will be 
 taken as above mentioned, nhould he still further endeavor to force his way on to the 
 settlement. 
 
 The deponent further saith that, among other houses in the vicinity where fortaiu of 
 the forty men at the river Sale are billeted, ten of the armed party find quarteis at the 
 house of the Cure, Rev. Pere Ritchot. 
 
 Finally, that the deponent seriously Vielieves that the said men are truly in earnest, 
 
 and that without prompt action be taken by the authorities to avert the same, a serious 
 
 calamity is about to ensue, in an outi-age which may be of a fatal charactei-, on the person 
 
 of the Honorable gentleman now about entex'ing the colony to assume the charge of 
 
 Governme»t. 
 
 * « * 
 
 Sworn before me at Fort Garry,^ 
 
 this 22nd day of October, 18G9. 
 
 William Cowan, J. P. 
 
11 
 
 [E] 
 
 A Monsieur VV. McDouoall. 
 
 MoxsiEi'R, — Lo Coiuite Nntional ihn aSIotis (k- la Rivicn-n Roii^je intimo h. Monsieur 
 
 W. McDougall I'ordre de no pas ontror sur le Territoivo iln Nord-OiK'st sans line per- 
 mission gp^cialo de ce Comit''. 
 
 Par ordro dii Prdsident, John Brite, 
 
 Louis Riei,, Secretaire. 
 
 Date it St. Norbcrt, Rivicio llonge. 
 
 Ce I'lo jour d'Octobrc, 18C9. 
 
 [F.] 
 
 Wedxksuay, 27th October, 1869. 
 Noon. 
 
 Have just returned from a risit to tlic lower part of the settlement on the west side 
 of Red River, having left yesterday afternoon. 
 
 Called upon Mr. * * and Mr. ■' '^ , and others. 
 
 From the convei'sations had with these different gentlemen, I am satisfied that the 
 general disposition is in favoT- of receiving the incoming Government with respect, but 
 there is no enthusiasm. 
 
 The attitude of the English-speaking portion of the colony, may, I think, be fairly 
 stated as follows : — 
 
 They say : We feel a disposition to extend a sincere welcome to the Honoi'able 
 Mr. McDougall, as the gentleman wlio has been selected for our future Governor. 
 
 We regret sincerely that the good name of the colony should be prejudiced by any 
 such action as tliat we are told is contemplated by a portion of the French half-breeds. 
 
 We consider it a most outrai^ious proceeding on their part, and one that we would 
 iie glad to see, if possible, put a stop to. At the same time, sliovtld an appeal to arms bo 
 necessr.ry, we could hardly justify ' trselvcs ir. (iigaging in a conllirt, Avhich would be, in 
 our opinion, ceiiaiu to resolve itseU into one of nationalities and ivligions, and of which 
 we could liiu'dly, at presL-nt, ..^ ; the termination. 
 
 \Vo fpol tliis way : We feel confidence in tlie future administration of the Govern- 
 ment of this couutiy under Canadian rule ; at the snme tiint;, we have not been consulted 
 in any way as a jjcople, in entering into the Dominion. 
 
 'Ilio clmi'acter of the nev/ (TOvernn\ent has been settled in Canada, without our being 
 con.sulted. We are ]>re[)ared to accept it respectfully, to obey the laws, and to become 
 good Bubjecis : but ^rhen j'on present to us the issue of a conflict with the French party, 
 with whom we have hitherto lived in friendship, backed up, as they Avould be, by the 
 RomaTi Catholic Church, which appears probable l)y the course at present being taken by 
 the priests, in which confiict it is almost certain the aid of the Indians would be invoked, 
 and perhaps obti)ined l)y that jtarty, we feel disinclined to enter upon it, and think that 
 the Dominion should assume tlic rc^sponsibility of establishing amongst us what it, and it 
 alo!ie, has decided upon. 
 
 At the same time, wo are ready — should tho Council make an appeal to the settlement, 
 to prevent the gross outrage eontem])latod — by a largo mounted deputation, unarmed, to 
 meet and escort the Honorable AVilliam McDougall to Winnipeg ; and thus show to the, 
 Frencli party, now in arms, that the English-sj)eaking portion of the colony is entirely 
 opposed to the prestnit threatening movernent by a jiortion of the French half-breeds, — we 
 will cheerfully an<l ]n'om[)tly respond to the c;dl. 
 
Sf 
 
 
 w 
 
 ^ » Hf 
 
 If 
 
 7 P.M. 
 
 Mr. # * ♦ iinn jiiHt. oonu^ in, ami loportH Uinl alMnit fiKl'^y '">f ''i'' I'^t'iuli 
 p»rty, who nro oppcisod to (ho viows of thi> inaurjjonlH, mot, l)y iiivUnlion n( tli« nitiip of 
 the (liHiilVivtiMl to'liiv; hut thol their KMiionMlnoifcM ami ap|M>alH to got them to iliHltaml, 
 wevt entirely without avail. 
 
 Sovci-nl priostH woro prcHout ; .•ii\ioi\g others. IV'ic l/CHtdtio, the Kit I her Superior, 
 
 IViv I.estiuu' took litlh> or no part in the proeeeiliiijjs one wmv or another' ; hoiiio of 
 th<> others worn less Herupu Ions, IVre Hitehot <l<'i'la\'in}5 in fiwoi' ol' (he Htiml (iiken, iiiul 
 Cftlltnl upon tho inH\irjjent.s to nuiintaiti thoir j^round. 
 
 The appe.ils ol'th's piies(,* and of (he lesulerM of (he inHui>;ent iiint\, linil (lie efTeot 
 of oviM» w i(.hilrawin;: (hen and there, Moirt' twenty or (liereahuuts )»!' Mr. I "eaHe'M party 
 over to their side. 
 
 Mr. Dease tliereupon witlidi-ew hisi p«nv from (lie ;^round. ton! thev iieeoidinj^ly 
 went into eanip a short »listanee ne.'irer to l'"or( (lan-y, wheiv (liny arc nt pr(>sen(. 
 
 Mr. I>ease, previous to eoniin,<j; to uie, H(a(en (ha( he htui an interview with (loveinoi' 
 MoTavish. in which he express<'d the detennii\!i(ion of IiIm par(y to renudn together, and 
 if possible, to overawe the odierN. with whieh view he r(<ques(t>(l n supply of iirniH and 
 »nimuniti(on. 
 
 Ifo propiwes, if these are grante<l to his |>ar(y, to o,seor(. (he (lovernor in. 
 
 His pi-oposition is. (or a nuinher of hi* nu>n (sny (ifteoii) to ride down lowardK 
 Pemhina, and meet Mr. MeDtaiLjidl. ami ewoort him K(raiuh( (o liia residenee on the 
 Assinniboine. jw.ssini^ tho "old orossinjj" over tlip rivor Sule, possi^ssion of which (a8 it in 
 understood (ha( (Ikm-p ar^ a few men of (h(> inRur<^ei\(H now at. (hut points, ahould 
 previously have been (aUen by nnother par(y of hi:-i men. 
 
 Ho does not fear that Mr. ISlol)o\igall will bo interfered with a( nny otht>r poin(. 
 
 He thinks, that. ono<* oti (he nortli si<Ie of the .Vssinniboine. tit his own house, or kI 
 the Fort, live miles lower down, Mr. Me|)ou;;.UI would not be suhjee(eil (o any indignity. 
 
 I accompanied Mr. Oea.se to the Fort, and had an ii\terviow with Uovornor MyTavish, 
 at whirli Dr. dnvan was ptvsent. when Mr. Diwse's proposition was discussi-d. 
 
 riic tJovernor. who was very iVeble. and is evidently feeliiii; the n>sponsiliility and 
 drtlic.icy of his ]H>sition. dotormined to oonhidor the matter to iii;.fht, and call in tho aid of 
 Konie Memboi's of tho Council to-morrow i\uinunjj. and doci<le what course w;is best to bo 
 puns\jod. 
 
 It is worthy of tvmark, that Mr. Dease ox)>resapd his conviction from what had fallen 
 from tho lijis of the insiiriicnt leaders, that it would not ba ii matter of much regret to 
 U.em. " im]>lyin<]; that they would teel it a relief rather than otherwise, owin^ to the 
 evident division amoii'.; the French elements," wero the Goveruor to (iud his way into th» 
 Mttloment by nuother inut(<. 
 
 Mr. F>easp remarked to mo vliat his party wore entirely without provision, and he 
 feared, if they wero obliged to iro honu-*, it n\ip;ht bo dilVicult to get (h(>m together again, 
 and so prejudice th(> position 'u\ favor of tho insurgents ; and I agreed to send him .a Nniall 
 supply t<j-morro\v morning, (or their sustenance, until tho t\)uncil shall have decided on 
 thecoui^so to bo tukca. 
 
 T ■ "'^ was no detonninatiou ?ometo by Gtivornor SfcTavi.sh as to furnishing his party 
 with anns.| 
 
 I understood that tnoro wore three or foiu- hnndrod stand of arms, tho old " Brown 
 Bess." with ammunition, at preseiit in the Fort. 
 
 I may say Airtlior that I sent * * * , a man of influence .among tho French Half- 
 Breeds, but favorable to our cause, up to the French Sottlomenk on tho " White Horse 
 Plains," on the Assinniboine, yostorday, to use his influence to prevent the people there 
 from coming down to lielp the insin*ge:its. Tie returned to-day, and the result of his 
 mission Ls given in the annexed paper. 
 
 J. S. Dennis. 
 
 * * . * another of the Dease i arty, testifies that, on this occaaion. tli« jiriott 
 
 raved and tor* his i,own, aditressing the .visemblage in •.ae most frantic and excited manner 
 
II 
 
 ,U*mo, 
 
 I'itU h the " H7u7« Uvnc I'luiui" 
 
 Ti KMliAV KvKMNd, OcUilior 'iCtli. IRnO, 
 
 Clime fiuiii till' I'liMil fruiii Mutism liUHton'H, (iml ^'i» lu liiin^' llio lioiufi IVnin lli« 
 chiin-li tollio wiiliT. Tlin nuns Hf>« liitii wiit<i IiIh liornn tlicy mii In Jiiin, ntid nwk liiiii, 
 " Did voii cof" rniMi S(. Viliil \ 'I'liov Miud to liiiii, " in jnin llic |i((p|i|(\ niid do iml. N-t. tin- 
 (lovonior i-roHH tlii' liiieH, or cumo iiiln llic ('(innlry ; li" will K|M'ii,k niid fiuy niiitiy fliifi)?-* 
 Ill ph'anc vmi ; fill lii« inoiilli willi niij.vii-, liul. Iin will do ymi iniicli liaini wlmn lin >/ti|H in." 
 
 Thrv lold Ihfl |HM>|il<' to i.;cl l.licir niinn, mid fnkn lii'-iii witli IIumii. i Hii|)|i!icd llicin 
 \ti(li |trovi,sioriH, Itfti^'H of |i('iiiicftn, Ac 'I'liwy j,'ot iiidi'i (Voiii ("owli-y. A l»(>ut liH or i'' 
 
 |M'M|l|('. 
 
 I'licsl ('(ililiKi^ M\u>kr aj;uiiiHt -»''** Ifltnr In llusioii. siiyiii>( ihni * * " * wniit^I to 
 
 liliiid llif |)no|i|('. 
 
 NiiTK KiniwH llpnrd tlio piioHt and iiuhh <l("claiT«, Imtli, lliaL llic l)iilio)> liad noui, lottery 
 
 alwuit. tluK to p (,'iiiiRdii, lliat llif* Oovcitior WftH not lo Ik- idlowcd to cotiif.' into tbf Tf»l- 
 
 iixk Intn. 
 
 ntorv. 
 
 Honorahlt Win, McDoujaU. 
 
 y. ]'■ My Dkar Mk. McDouuaj,!., — The ennjosfld will l)rin:\ matters ti|» to 
 
 ^ '''^'^'•''•' IiiHt ovoninj,'. TIuh niornin;^ Mr. Ooa-sfj lun boiMi witli inf) to siay that 
 
 (rovernor .McTavisfi has defiiih'd to niaknan ajipoal to thf poopic, to obtain a lur<,'f! unaitnod 
 [tarty to pi down and fisoort yon tlirou;^!i. In vrliich cnw.i it will no d')ui)t \>c roHpondcd 
 to ).;(<n;'r!iily, bnt this may take two or threo dayw, as som?) [>iirln of th" Stittleinont are ho 
 iliBtant. 
 
 Jn tlio meantime, till further fnlly ndvisod to tho contrary, yoii would only prpjiidicd 
 tli« cliauLT.s of a quiot sfittlcnujnt (;f afl'air.s by endftarorin;,' to forco your wiiy on. 
 
 1 will endeavor to keep you informed every day in s'lme way »»r otlifsr, and you need 
 only bo patient, if you can. 
 
 The bearer, who Is reliable, will give you an accurnt<> account of tli'^ state of thing* 
 on the road. 
 
 Most trulv voiirs, 
 
 J. S. Dennis, 
 
 If T find I can be of less ustj l.ere than with you, I wiy at once go do\m to 
 meet you. 
 
 October 27th, 11 a.m. 
 
 ^ s. D. 
 
 Sic. 
 
;!;; 
 
 'II ,r 
 
 t I 
 
 ammm 
 
 U 
 
 Captain D. R. Cameron, Rot/al Artillery. 
 
 Pem[iin\. Octohor .list, 1869. 
 
 Sib, — I Imvo tlio honor to inform you tliat informal ion Ims rof»ch(Ml nif\ of tho 
 tnitli of which 1 can havo no doubt, that tho roiid to Fort (jrariy is hnn-icaded, 
 and in possession of a )»arty of iusurgentu, \vh.) threaten to arrost and turn hacli thw 
 reproscntativcs and oUicials of th(! t^anndian OovorunKMit. I linvo detenninod to await 
 at this j/laco, conitnunications from tlio local authorities iil. Fori (Jarry, who adviso that 
 any attempt to force a jiassagi' under present circumHtMnrr-s wonhl oml>arrpsH tlieii' 
 j)roceo(lini.'H. 
 
 As you will ])r(i!)alily he re,'xaril<»d as an ofti(?ial of ilie CVinadian Government, T am 
 of opinion that yon will incur some personal risk, and may (^aiisc some embarrrasamenLs 
 to the loyal and pcaoealdy dis)U)sed in thtrir elfoits to ijuell th'' ouMironk, liy jirovokin^ a 
 collision at tlu! present moment. 
 
 r do not make any order in yoin* ease, as T have no authority to direct your move- 
 ments, but 1 wish to lelievo myself of all responsibility for th<» eonbo»]uenees of your 
 attempt to jjroc«ed immediately to Fort Garry. 
 
 T have the honor to be, 8ir, 
 
 Your most obedient nervant, 
 
 W. Mc'DouaALx... 
 
 Ottawa, 19th November, 1869. 
 The Honorahle W. MeDowjull, C.B., 
 FemMnu. 
 
 Received by Mr. '^^'"; — ^ liad the honor to receive this mornin;,' your Despatch of the 
 
 McJ)ou!,r:ill, Gth 31 st ult., covering Colonel Dennis' Jloiiort and other papers, relating to 
 December. ^j^^ obstructions opposed to your progress through tho country lying 
 
 between Pembina and Fort GatTj. 
 
 Those i)a])ers wore ])romptly submitted to the Privy Council, and I am instructed to 
 convey to you their entire appro\al of the judgment and prwdenee displayed by yo\i in 
 the trying circumstances in which you wei'e ])laced. 
 
 At this distance from the scone of disturbance, any instructions that could be sent to 
 you, would only embarrass joii, and restrain your freedom of actl. n. You will, therefore, 
 exercise your own judgnumt, and decide on the instant, as circumstances change, what is 
 best to be done. 
 
 The Government entertain the hope that the opposition presmted will be withdrawn 
 when the prejudices aroused have been allayed by frank explanations, and in the mean- 
 time they would deeply regret that l)lood should be sIumI, or that any hasty or intemperate 
 exercise.'even of lawful authority, sliould, in the transfer of the country, array the feelings 
 of any large portion of the ^leople against your admiuiatration. 
 
 As matters stand, you can claim or assert no authority in the Hudson's Bay Terri- 
 tory, until the Queen's Proclamation, aunexiiig tlie country to Canada, reaches you 
 through this office. It will probably be issued on the 2nd December, and will be for- 
 warded by a safe hand as sooit as received. You had better inform Governor McTavisli 
 that you ai-e only proceeding to Fort Garry on the assumed consent of the Company, and 
 its officers, and having stated the facts, await his answer. If he either declines to admit 
 you, or is powerless to give you safe conduct, stay where yon are till further advised. 
 
II 
 
 In (lup linio, no flmiltl, wliou nil piVioeriil vncanH liavo hcim cxliaustfil, sliould it 1)« 
 necesiarv, t'ln |i,)\vf>rfi of tlm t'rowii will bo oxorti'd, mid thoanlho/ity ol this Uovernment 
 inaintriiued. lii tlm uioantirno, Ift hip lif^nr fVom you by ovory mail, and inform mo Jiy 
 what safe means nvg can commiiuicatc with iho least possiljlc d -lay. 
 
 I have tlid honor lo bt; Hir, 
 
 Your nio«t obediont aoiviiiit, 
 
 .losKiMi Ilowr:. 
 
 Sooretary of State to thr Provinceii. 
 
 Tlir llvmnable the iSecrclnri/ of Slat', 
 for iltt J'rovinciui, OUmci. 
 
 Pemdina, ith Novend<er, 1869. 
 
 Iii'trnvod 1 V 
 'nSucretarvnt' 
 
 iNFy OjCAii Sill, - I.ravintjiKiPii on;_,'a;;;od dnnii;:; tlio dayiii arrangin;^foi- a 
 niSucretaryot toiiiporarv rfisidenco on tho AiruM'ican !^id» of tho line, and in writing to tho 
 c>V. ']8(;'.',*^ authorities 'at Port Garry, 1 iiml I have only a few moments loft to catch 
 lie mail of to-day. Important ovents Inive occarrod siiict! my leport of the 31st ult. On 
 tiio 2nd in^t., body of armed half-breeds gall<>))t'd up to Hudson's I'>ay Post, and demanded 
 i'.u audience M'iih me; two of the leadei's were admitted, and told mo they had been .sent to 
 order me out of the Nortli-Wost Territory, ^yhen 1 asked -svlio sent them, they re[)lied, 
 '•the government": to my question, what j,'ov(n-jniient'f they said, "the j^overrnent thoy 
 had made." 1'hey said 1 must leave by nine o'clock next morning, 1 explained my 
 position, but they wei-e evidently very ignoi'ant, and had come for ono object, viz : — to 
 eompel iii" to leave the Territoiy. In the morning they a]ipcared at the gate with arms 
 in theii" Lands, and loudly demanded that we .should leave, iVA after nine o'clock they 
 would not an.swer foi- our lives. We accordingh< put our horses to our wagons, and 
 drove aeross the line, a(Vomj)ained by a poi'tion o'. thr^ parly with arms in their hands. 
 
 VVt' .•'.re now eneaniped on American Territory waiting the issue of events. As soon 
 as I hear from the authorities at Fort Garry, what action they or the people have taken 
 on h(!ai'ijig of tliist)uti'age, I shall determine my course. Tiie weathc)* is still fair, I. 
 winter may set in at any moment. Mr. Piovwiioliei- and ('aptain Cameron were sent 
 back from the barricade under escort, ami arc! now here. 
 
 Thcie is a strong sym]jathy among the people here with the insurgents. We are not 
 free from peril, but will not run away so long as we see any pui-pose can be .served by 
 our prestnce here. 
 
 In haste, 
 
 Very respectfully yoni-s, 
 
 W. McDouoALL. 
 
 Hamilton, 18th, November, 1869. 
 
 Mv Dear Mb. Howe, — I am in receipt of your kind letter of the 16th, respecting 
 Ti .egram which was sent with the conviction that matters were in a more seiious state 
 tlian Mr. McDougall or you supposed. Immediately after your departure, the insurrection 
 began to develop itself. Armed men immediately took poisewion of the roads entering 
 
I 
 
 II 
 
 Kurt (Jivrn. A mooting of tlui Cimiiril wns nl oiiij* cnllfd, ;iuil tlin wililoHt. (txcit(«mAiit 
 f<»ll()\v('<l. Tlio IcuImi' «»f III" liisiirp'iiiB " \\'u>\" wiiH iK'I'oi'o the Oouii(;il fnim 10 a.m. 
 until 7 P.M., 1111(1 cDiicluiIcd l.y fniiviiicriii,'^ tln'iii Unit In.' y> m cm red. niid tli»'y wrnii;'. Wo 
 ))rop()s<!(l ImvIu'^ ill.' Fridiiy I'olluwiiiL; mil' dcpiiiLiuc. lull, wtii.' drlniiiud, liv older of 
 ({ovonior Mi'TiivIhIi, four diivH, to hiuir thu docisimi of tlic Cmiiwil, tliiit ho iiiiglit «ond liy 
 mo VvtIuiI advici' to ( Jovrnior M''F)i)iii,'iilt. The ('miiicil liiidini.; itself iiov.jtIom.s, liroko 
 lip, witlimit takiiiL,' any action, wliilc Llio liinnr;,'ciilH wmi-o ):,'iii.ln'rin;.' fro'di niatcriiil limirlv. 
 (tov«>rnor McTavisli was iinahlc to attend tlio (!oiincil, and is failin;,' rii[tidly. Shall not 
 be HtirpriHed to liear of lii.s death liv any in;iil. Wlu>n ienviii',' Stinkiri;,' I'iver, wc found 
 an encampment of the rolj(.'l.s, thirty stroii;;. They had ltar'ica<led tho roadH, and worn 
 patrolling on both Hides of the harrii'ailo, all armed with rities. 'I'liey Hciztid our liortoN 
 by the heiui.s, and we had to di.smiinnt. It v,:n very j^'enenilly known they hiid a forco 
 out to intorcopt the (rovornmeut supidies for Uonriis and Snow, al.so the rille.s lieinsi( 
 l>rou;;)it forward by Mol)oiii,'all. I, howovor, Hcnt iiio.s.sen;.;or,s to him, and loai ned when 
 I mot him, tho rifles had iieen e.tiefiilly Htnwpd lu'low, so they »re Miife 
 
 Mr. MoDouijall not haviii;,' been in the settlemcint, cun only have a !j;pnoial i«lra 
 of tho true poHition, and I folt fttlaii"! wero ausuminf^ so simmouh an aspect, +hat I 
 thon>»ht r would at once hurry down to ( )ttawa, and eiitur fully into dotail, buwifter- 
 wards thon;,dit it better t») telej^rapli, and if y<ni thmmht it lun-cssary, yo\i would 
 telegraph for more particulars. On my arrival in St. Paul, and whoa pasnin,'.^ t!iroup;h 
 St. Cloud, and oth«r of Ihoae viihs^cs, 1 found a j.,'r(':'t many roui^li men colieotiii)* 
 and prpparin<( for the Prairios, jn.st the class wlio would only bo too ready to iilibustor, 
 and knowing; that in a week \hry w;>uld bn out of tll(^ way, I put into tho paper 
 the account of Mr. MeDoui^all's Haft' arrival at Fort Garry you saw ti'lp'.fr:iphod from 
 St. Paul's, whicl), T have to confes.^, had not one word of truth in il. 'i'hings are not 
 honlthy, and I am afraid it will cost money and blood yc(. 
 
 If thoro is anything more you may wish to know, writo to rao, oi' if you think 
 it nccoHsary, 1 will run down. 
 
 1 am, Ac, 
 
 W. E. Sanford. 
 
 m 
 
 Ottawa, 19th November, 1869. 
 
 See Letter My Dear WiiRET-orK, — Rend this by a safe hand ns quickly as yon 
 
 McDolnjall *"*"' ^'^ ^^^^ '^ '""'^' "*'*' ^^^ stopped or tampoix'd ^vith h\ the way. 
 November VJ 
 
 18<59. , Youi-s truly, I 
 
 JosEfii Howe. 
 iSay nothing of thi.^, the cxpcnsa will bs paid. 
 
 Telegraph 
 
 Norember 20th, 1869. 
 Mr. W. E. San/ord, Hamilton. 
 
 Letter received. Thanks. Telegraph any new facts. Need not come here, 
 
 Joseph Howe. 
 
17 
 
 ;ritotn#>nt. 
 10 A.M. 
 UK- Wo 
 older of 
 it siiiul \>y 
 nn, hn>kt) 
 al l»oiirly. 
 Shiill net 
 wo iuunil 
 mid wfiv 
 
 iiul (V forco 
 H,.s licina 
 iii,«il wlu'ii 
 
 cnoral i'l*'" 
 ct, Mial I 
 , h\u iiftt'V- 
 
 VO'.l WOllltl 
 
 , rililnistcv, 
 1 tlic \n\pov 
 r.\\^\\e(\ from 
 inpi^ «re not 
 
 f you 
 
 \\x\n\i 
 
 ^xroRD. 
 
 ber, 1^6^- 
 
 ickly as yon 
 lie way. 
 
 I 
 
 Howe. 
 
 JOth, 1869. 
 
 \e here* 
 ki Howe. 
 
 (Ttktjraph.) 
 
 Ottawa, Novenihfi' 2nt]i. iMOn. 
 
 .loar.l'ii WilKKi.ocK, St. Paul, Mimie.si)t». l,«ltt'r for you inailrd t«ilay. SlicniliJ 
 CioviMMor Mol);jii;{all return to St. I'uul, rf(| loflt !iiiu to rrmniii Wvwii till \w Ih-ium from 
 ine. 'rolo;jrm»l» any authorilic news from frontier; thoy will cliurj,'o tull.-* to tliin ollii:«, 
 
 JoSEJ'U IIOWK. 
 
 .''H'lTi'tiiry iif 
 ^H;vtc fir tlio 
 I'rovince, 'JOth 
 Novtnibur. 
 
 Dacotah, TicRniToiiY, U.S., Pomldnn, Nov. filli, 18(19. 
 
 SiH,- T liavf llin honor to rffiiorl.for the information of l!i« I'lxn'I- 
 Inm-y the (iovornor (Jonoral iji CoimilmI, tho jucnts that haTo nc<!Uiifil in 
 thiM vicinity Hincn my oommunicatiim of tho .Tlst (Kto'.nr, \ exfuictotl to 
 liavff bet'ii alilo to .11 ml tills n-port by tho mail wliii 'i h'ft I'oi.ibina this 
 morninj;, itut in conHiKiuoncu of tiio uncxp'-ctoj dosini^ of tin- mail last »n-fMiing at aix 
 o'clock, wliicli tho Vostmastor said wan "c<>iitrr.ct tirno," \ was able to write only a rhort 
 not', which, for prudontial reasons, f nddr».s.siMl nnoiiicially to Mr. ^rort'ditli. I nosv 
 proo 'od to givo yon the dotails of tliu impoil.uit ovcnLs which provented mo from romaining 
 in tho Nortli-Wcst Territory. 
 
 On tiie 1st day of November, al)ont cloven o'clock, n.m., while 1 wat talkiiiL^ with a 
 Chinpi'.wa Chief, and some of Ium liaud who had nrjt mo by appointment, Colonul f^onni.s 
 aiid an Eti;j;lish half-broijd, Air. JIullott, arr:*t.d from Fort (Jarry, having left tho J''ort early 
 in tho movninfj; of tho ]>i'evionn day. 'J'iiny rode over t)i(V praiiio f;«*mo miles to tluj Wcat 
 of U('<1 Kivor, and won; not obso.-ved by tho I'fcliel S(.ouc«. Ooloncl J)('inds brou/jht a 
 d>':tpa,t('h Irom (lovornor Mc'l'avi.sh, of which t!ie papur markod A. is a coj)y, lie also 
 handed mo tho papers markod IJ. and C, bri:i;;in>,' down hi.s own narrative* to the day 
 pr(!vIou.s to his dt'inirturo. As tho Oovernor and his Council concurred with Coloiifd 
 JJeiinis in tho opinion that it w<Mild b'< imprudent for nir; to proceed to Fort (Jarry under 
 pi-oscnt circumstances; and .ih no Htoj)S lial boon taken towards or;^anizin<^ a forco to 
 Bupport tho authorities, 1 had noaltornativo but to remain at tho llud.son Bay (Jompany'ti 
 Pose. The furniture, ilrc., for tho riovcrnmr -it liouso liaving arrived at Pendnna fjom St. 
 Cloud, the person who iiad undertaken to deliver it at Fort Carry called upon mo to IvUoav 
 if ho wa.s to proceed with hi« freif'ht, su;:t,f:;estini^ that it might bo stopped on tho way, and 
 perhaps dcsiroyed. I tohl Ium that as he had l>ar[;ained to deliver it at Fort Carry ho 
 must comphHo his contract. I had reason to beliovo that lie was uware of tho designs and 
 movements of tho insur<:;entR, and was in theij- coufidenco, if not in their plot. I took 
 ji.iinii to impn^ss him with tho belief that it was no child's ])lBy his friends lmdbcp;uii, aiul 
 thai: all the consequences of rebellion against Imperial authority must follow in this case 
 as in others. T told him I had l.io:)n sent us a civil governor, and was jtrepared to treat 
 all classes and parties in tho most friendly and impartial manner; but if they prefened a 
 military regime and martial law they were taking the proper course to secure it. I knew 
 thr.t he would report my remarks as he passed through the rebel camp, and I thouglit it 
 would be politic, sinco they had gone so far, that they should understand the view I took 
 of their proceedings. I knew that Mr. Provencher's mission must end either favourably 
 or otherwise before rny interlocutor could see his friends. He told me that a party of 
 twenty mounted men would pay me a visit in a day or two. As evidence of tha earnest- 
 ness and patriotic Bpirit of the insurgents he sliowed me a song in French, copied jiartly 
 from the MavseillaiBc, and which was being circulated among the half-breeds of the neighbor- 
 hood. He proposed to buy some of the property in his charge, the s to a'cs especially, in 
 order to save it from destruction. I declined Ids proposal with the remark, that the 
 rebels might as well destroy the stoves as anything else, but I would hold him responsible, in 
 the first place for their safe delivery at Fort Garry, and I thought the farms and cattle of 
 the half-breed settlers would ultimately be found sufficient to pay any damage they might 
 12a— 3 
 
f ^-^TTT 
 
 18 
 
 i\ 
 
 Mi 
 
 inflict on pul)lir or privRto property. [ told liim Im might do a« li« ploMscd witli Mm 
 frcjiglit, im I had no dinictionH to ;i;iv« him until hn iurive<i at l''i)it <»iirry. Upon 
 t!ds 111) li'ft tho Po<t, convincod at all civ-nt'i, that iiu \\hO not Hiiccecdcd in fii'^'htenin;; ino 
 intoiihdo of tlio (»i)V<!niiiK«nt prop(;rly at his own pritv*. Jlis carta, in ft fuw niinutea, 
 wore on thuir way to tho Huttlc'niimt. f have not, up to thin inoruMit, ( 1 o'ch)clc, p.nj.,) hccn 
 a'do to nswrtain whctluT tlicy liavo passi'd tli« ImiTicadc unmoh'^tod or not. 
 
 Tlin interview witli tiio Chippavn Chief. Ken-olaosli and li" . band, which T Htated in 
 my pit.'vious ii^port, wa^ fixed fur this <hiy, was interesting^ to uh mid nj)i)annlly Kati.sfac- 
 tory to liini. Jli.s [lipo-hiiantr, after liiling liiM pi|)o with toliacco mixed with dried willuw 
 bark, and placing a live coal upon it, roiu witli tho jiipe in lii.s hand and \saited for an 
 observation from tlin Chief. Ho, wi;!i the dignity of Jii.s rtico nnd cla.sH, rose Hlowly from 
 lus Heat, and pointing to a hirgo silscr nudal on hi.s broast, whieli hud boon given to his 
 graudfathor in tho time of Ccorgo i 11., said he was glad to see ine as tho iOnglish (Jovcrnor. 
 Pointing to the funie.s of his i>ip«, ho sai<l there was no harm in that .snioke — it meant 
 poaee and frieailship between u.t lie then sut down and tho pipe-boaror presented me 
 the pijje, which I smoked for a little and thoo returned to him. It was then handed to 
 Mr. llichard.s and tho oLiior incml)orH of my party, each in turn. It was next nnioked 
 by th(' Indiau.s, and last of all by tho Chief. This corcniony being over, the Chief drew 
 himself up for his npecch. He is a pure Indian, about fifty years of age, with a stately 
 figure and an agreeable anil intelligent countenance, iio rojicated hi.s iViendly greeting, 
 and aaid he had waited some time to sec mo. Ho was sorry to hear of the proceeding.s 
 of tho half-breeds in the .settlement and wished me not to go there. He had not much 
 to say, but would a.sk mt a question. J lad I bought their (his) land from the Hudson's 
 Bay Conipauy] Ho then jiroceedod to lay claim to the country from Pembina to 
 the Ahsinniboine, and from the high hiu('S on tho AVcst to tho Luke of tho Wood.s. He 
 said I is ancestors hail neve; wold their title to any part of it, they liatl only lent as much 
 as a man could see under a horse's belly on both sides iA' tho river to tho Company ; and 
 he now wanted to know what I was going to do with his land. IFo repeated his desire 
 to be on good terms with me, and said that neither ho nor his band had anything to do 
 with tho movements or designs of the French half-breeds. 
 
 I replied to his speech through an ininr])retor, a French Canadian settler, who speaks 
 a little Ohippawa and about as much J']iiglish. I reciprocated his friendly greeting and 
 expressed my regi'et, that from the length of the journey I liad travelled, and the time 
 required for preparation for it, I had not reached Pembina as soon as was expected. I 
 "Was glad to see him and his band, and hoped that we would bo able to make a satisfactory 
 agreement about any land of his we might requii-e. I explaineil the nature of the an-ange- 
 ment with the Hudson's Bay Company, which I assured liim left his rights, whatever 
 they might be, just as the stood before. With resjject to his remark, that I ought not to 
 go to Fort Garry, if he meant it as a friendly warning, I thanked him for it, but I told 
 him I must obey, not tho wishes of other.s, but the requirements of duty. I was sent to 
 govern the country in the Queen's name, and would do it unless prevented by force. 1 
 then produced a map of the territory, and asked him to point out tlie bounds of the lands 
 to which he and his band laid claim. This proposal was evidently something he did not 
 expect, and a good deal of consultation took place between him and his conn)anion8. I 
 told them I merely wished to find out the extent of the country they claimed ; that I was 
 not prepared either to admit their claim or deny it, liut before we could negotiate, I must 
 know what it was they i)retended to own ; that there were other Indian bands, especially 
 toward sthe Lake of the AVoods, who would probably claim some part of tho territory he had 
 described as belonging to his band. It then came out that their Chiefs — "Peguwis," near 
 Lake Winnipeg, "Fox," of Prairie Portage, and "Grosse Oreille," of Oak Point, towards 
 Lake of the Woods, and himself, agreed last winter upon a division of the country between 
 them, and that his claim was to be limited to the country bounded by Scratching lliver and 
 the Government Road on the north, Pembina Mountain on tho west. White Mouth River 
 on the east, and the American boundaxy on tho south. I questioned him as to the bargain 
 with Lord Selkirck, whereupon he appealed to an old man, who said ho was present on 
 
If 
 
 ihn oorniion iiml r«»tnotnlif»r»>(l "My T<oril," ns Jif« WRi rnllofl, only f>orrnw^'/ ihrt ]nrv\ nlonjj 
 tlin Ili'l Uiver, as far in lii> I'tml'l k"(» unilor ii lionn, I unkwil liiin liow \<<u<; it wun iimlor- 
 HtooJ thft lonii hIioiiM rniitiiiuel Ar .tlu'i' cojisuUion to«)k pla<o amonj^ tho liuliuns, imd 
 tliov luiswcrod, twoiitv or twi-iity-fivo yrars. 'I'o my (piOHtioii, whi'llicr niiy writd'n roconl 
 • ifthn n'fr("«men^ win |ir«pnrr(l, tlicy Htiiri tlcy liiid novt'r Hreii iiny. Ilo miiM his b:iiid 
 niiniljowl about six hiiinln*<| hihiIh, iiikI tlint lio rould not niiiko any rcHsion of tlioir rij^lita 
 witlinut consultation uitli tijo otlior Cliicf-i. Ifn mentioned tlif" iiutnih of Mny ii'* tlie 
 most oonvoiiifMit tlino to nu'ot thorn at K»>rt (Jarry, for a oonftMcniM! witli n»<\ An T 
 U>nrn'>'l tint his liaml, oxi'luilitiij half-lirto.h, did not oxcrcd half (ho number ho had Htutod, 
 [ told hitn it wouM l>o nccnsary wh'«i> Im rain<' to Fort fhu-i-y, to liriii'.^ a list of tlio 
 niunhov of fiiniliis and lln'ir niimri. aiid |>lai'WH of i'of;id«'nco, who ackno\vl(!il;^('d him an 
 tlieii- (Miicf, oxcKidiu',' American liidianHiind halfhrooN. TImh ho agriod to. I directed 
 tlio Ifudson's IJay (^lInllany'H a'jiMit to jrtvt^ thcui soinn (oliacco, (lour, and tea, according to 
 custom on such occasionH. Wo all Nhook IivikIm and tho confci-cnfo was at an ond. 
 
 \ th"n hiid a privato intorvinw with CoIomcI DcnniH and Mr. llallott, who hail takoii 
 Homo ra',t in tho meant imo, and endeavoured to ascertain tho prcciMo oliject of the insur- 
 reolionarv niovenient, iind tli(( jn'olialiilily of lis present suceesH. T confess that tho verbal 
 account of tiio comlitioii of tiiin<.;.s at Fort Oarry, the indecision and iidirmity of the 
 Governor, tho hesitation and indillerenee of (he mereliants and Fhi^lish half-broods, moro 
 than cotdirmed tho impriission I had derived from tlio eonvspomlence, that there would bo 
 no meaaures taken to arrest tin* [)ro;;ress of the n^bellion or resist any Covernnient the 
 Froneh half-breeds mi'/ht sot up. Colonel Dennis oxprcssod the opinion ''-at tho " Ca- 
 nadians" in theeoun(ry ooidd bo relied u|)on, that they were frettinsf undei' .•> inactivity 
 ef the authorilies, and would at once rally under any vi<,'orous lofider, who a])pealod to 
 them in the name of law and order, and tho authority of tho Crown. But unl'oi-tunntely 
 their number was snudl, as couiparc<l with tho insui'-^entH, and they were much scattered 
 over tho countrv. Tho local (Jov(!rninent had not oven published a warnin-.^ to tho nml- 
 content portion or" tho popvdation, of tho consoquencps which would be likely to follow 
 this threatened re.MorL to ai'ins. No ollicial statement of tho natur(! of tho arran<,'ements 
 with the IfudRon's Bay Company, and of (ho authoiity under which it wan made, had 
 l)con ])ubli3lied to remove tho misapprehensions created in (ho minds of the half-breeds 
 by da';ignin^' men in the settlement. It was well known at Fort Garry, that Amoricau 
 citizens had eonu^ into tho country, ostensibly for purposes of trade, but in I'oalitv to create 
 disafl'ection, and if pn'^«ible. a nu)voment for annexation to tho United States. These men 
 and their sympathizei-s, had been actively enj,'a<,'r>(l in circidatiiiw stories, ab.3urd as they 
 were nnfoundeil, to alarm the fears of tlio halt-breeds, and oxcito their hoslility against 
 tho Canadian Government. It: was known that these stories had produced tho desired 
 "iroct, yet nothing appears to have Ijeen done by the Government to counteract them, 
 bevond explanation and remonstrances verlmllv, and to a few individuals, some of whom 
 it was believed, had entii'oly niisrej)re.«iented to the ignorant half-breeils, tho j)urport of 
 their conversation with tho Council. Neither Colonel Dennis nor Mr. llallott could suggest 
 anything better tlian a policy of inaction on my part unil I heard tho result of Mr. 
 Provoncher's mission. 
 
 The next day (Tuesday), about fivo o'clock in the afternoon, fourteen liorsemen were 
 seen ajiproaching as from the direction of Fort Garry. It was kodu evident that they 
 v.'oro armed, and moving rapidly forward. As they approached, they slackened their 
 ])aco, and dismounted at tho gate of tho stoekado which surrounds the post, with their 
 gims cocked, and in military order. In a fov.- minutes, two of their number demanded 
 an interview with me. They lefc tlioir arms with their comrades at the gate, ajid were 
 at once admitted. I invited thorn to a seat, and asked them what they wished to say to 
 me. They rejdicd, that they had been sent to tell mo that I must leave tlio North- West 
 Territory — I must go back before nine o'clock to-morrow morning. I asked them who 
 had sent them withthis mes3age 1 They said, " Tho Committee — the Government." I asked, 
 what Government 1 They said "Tho Govrrnment we have made." I asked, what they 
 were instructed to do, if I declined to go back 1 They said, " they did not know — they 
 
 it 
 
 m 
 

 W f 
 
 ■~— ' ' I ■ - ■ I. ■ I. t. 
 
 had no onl«r." I thon UM th"m f wi\» mtnt to anisumo th« ffov«mm*>nt of tho oi»»».iLrv 
 iiikIit t'»" <^>u<"«'ii of i;i»p;liiinl, iiikI ly h<r iiulli'ii ity, An<l I r<>ii|i| not oliuy lli»' oriU'i'i of 
 ill! ir (.'i)iiiiiiitii<<t. I, lit tlin miiiin titiio, piolucuil my i-oininirttioii inidor lliA <<i'i>at Hcul, 
 Mid liiiiiil«ti| it, lit llii< niptitiii for IiIh poniMal. Km «tvi(l<>iitlj r >til I nof ivti<l it, Imt tlio 
 
 |)ari'liiiu-iil mill iUv mill HCt'iiiiKl |o coiiviiicij liiiii liml it wks wind I <! -^i 'i^ml it to iif>. 11^ 
 iaii<l(Ml it bncic, Hiiyint;, tlmt if liiii IcuilorH liii'l hvvh that, lin tl ..< y would not havi> 
 
 np|i<i.Hfr| mo tlicy ilid not winli t(» tako iipaiiiitt ii^iiinNt tho(^ui'«n. Jlo iiddc I tliat I 
 oiii^'iit to 1,AV(> oom« on im far an tii» ) ' ri-ii-ad<-, wliicli 1 mifflit liavi* (lon'< willioiit moloKin 
 tion. I told liim, in reply, tliat I wa.s (join;; on uh fant m I conld, when ( wuh Mtoppnd Ity 
 M, writton onlor iVom jiix (!i»miiutt(>i«, wliicli f lumdi'd liini lo umi', I!o irml it, and n>- 
 inarkcd tlmt he was not ptcwnt whr>n it wiu written, Imt adniitlod tliat it nimu fi'on> tli« 
 National ConnnitttH', wlioHP ordppM ho olicynd. 1 1 Ih companion huvint; lol't tho UMun, he 
 ^'l'(!nl^d iniimtii'nt to ond tlic coir orMalion, lonl rosi> io rctirt'. I iind a^I.cd tlitii- naniiM, 
 wliicli tliiy pave, without linHitation, nn [A'pinc n-nl Lcvallt'-o. Tln«y wtiro vi»ry roiiprctrii! 
 in tlicir l)('arinj», and Becincil aihauiod of tiio IniHinnHS th»)y Irid in liiinil. f M««nt ont to r.nk 
 tlifin if they would ('!vt, whl'h they Haid tlu>y svoidd 1)»! glad to do, and 1, ii'jcordingiy, 
 onlcro I Honi't pork and Urfad an<l tea to ho giv(«n to Ihcin. Iloarin.,' of ti'oir rcniarkft to 
 ono another, tiiat it' titcy had known ! wan coinin;? to icprcHtJiit t!in t^uoen lui well iis the 
 (htvernmont of ('Miiula, and thtt I wnn not sent to inlerl'cre with lln-ir religions or privat<« 
 rij^htx, they would not iiav.i joined the iosurcjent ]t;u'ty ; and havinjj ohMerved tlie flfect of 
 the (Jroat .Siuil npoii tlie captain of th'« itiind, I leHolved to Heiid fur tiie whole party, and 
 explain my position tunl auLliority to thfm in tho Kaino manner aa [ had done to th« two 
 leiulei-H. They replied to my invitittion, that tlifty were tire<l,an<l that Noim^ of tli'Mrpivrly 
 had gone to the villa):;e, iiml could not nee nu' until the nuirninji(. ^Miont «ix o'eloik i!io 
 Hame rveninj,', Mr. Provcncher mid Cajitain ('amcron made thoir appe.u'Riiott at tho porit, 
 fHcorted by six horsemen, who had eonduetod lii^in nn priHoners all tie! M'ay from IJiver Sale. 
 Tltftse gentleiinn had m L l)een gllowed to go heyond the barricide, or to hold any fonimu- 
 nicatioii with tlio authoriticH at Fort (Jarry. Mr. I'lovencher's ipp(>rt of iiiH misHion ami 
 Jtan'Kiilt, ill eneloKcd herewilh, narked M. 
 
 About eight o'clock in tho morning of "Wedneaday, tlie ord iiiHtaiit, loud talking wan 
 he.ird at the gateway, and on goinof ont 1 found the rebel party, with their anna w their 
 h.ridfi, drawn up in a hall'-elrcle, geHtiiuhiting (leroely, and tiireatonin;^ tliat, if wo were not 
 ofi' by nin.^ o'clock, Ihey would not answer for our lives. I. found tiiat they had made a 
 jirisoncr of I\lr. llullett, who went <»iit to repeat ray bivitation of the evening bcfori-, anil 
 tint he w«s then tied toaoirt, and not allowed to speak to any of my party. Si eing 
 th; r tempor, and thinking it would not be prudent to give tlisin an excuse for any hw- 
 th'"!i outrage, I ordered tho hov-sea to bo liarueMHod, and wis di'ovo away from tho jrudson's 
 Bay Company's pout towards Pombinn, eaeorted by a portion of the party on foot. When 
 I ivacJied the post wliich hnd been sot up to mark tho 4'Jlli parallel, tlio captain of tho 
 baud stopped, and addrc^.sing ino in French, said, " You must not return l)eyond thin 
 line," juiuting to the boundary monument, lie further remarked, that lio did not know 
 mo lU! CJovornor, but only as Mr. McDougall. As three or four persons had joined us on 
 tJi(5 way, b,it had no otlier connection with us, I asked if Miey :dsu were interdicted from 
 going on. lie shrugged his r.lioulders, and said he diiln't know ; he would not prevent 
 ilicm, ])ut perhaps they would 1)0 sto]iped at tho lliver Sale. I iheu drovo on, and my 
 ( scort returned to tlie iludson'.s ]?ay Company's j)ost. 
 
 V/e encamped on tho farm of Mr. Peter Haydon, an old Irish settler, who had been 
 forty years in i)ie t^irit()r\ , and had married the sister of the Tndian Chief, Kewetaosh. 
 JIo was very friendly to u«, and strongly British in his feeling, though living on the 
 American side of tho boundary lino, llerc we have remained until to-day. The weather 
 lining cold and stormy, 1 have directed Colonel Dennis to hire a house for our jirotection, 
 and stables for our jiorsea, if they can be found in the neighborhood, of which I have 
 hmio doubt, Tho village of Pembina consists of tho house of the Postmaster, and 
 .inother in which tho Collector of (histoms has iiis office. All the others, four or five in 
 number, arc mere huts, and offered very poo ■ accommodation for their present occupants. 
 
SI 
 
 ]\n piiu.iLrv 
 
 (•< DnU'i't of 
 ({n>iit Weill, 
 it, liiit tlm 
 I tt> in*. H« 
 ilil not liuvi« 
 
 \,\v\ tllllt I 
 
 nut jiioli's'*- 
 ■i BtoinK^il l»y 
 
 it, ami II'- 
 1110 from tli« 
 \\i) foom, lio 
 lliiii- luinipn, 
 •y rouprctriil 
 nt out to r.!iU 
 
 iiccurtliugly, 
 • rt»ni»rks to 
 1 woll lis ih*i 
 lUH or jtrivato 
 I llio fH'.'ct of 
 li! piivty, uutl 
 »o to tli« two 
 of tli"'wi"i!ly 
 
 ?n at tho pofit, 
 na UivtH- Hall'. 
 
 I talking' w»\H 
 anus ir tlifii' 
 .' \vi^ were not 
 ■y ]\iv.\ ina<ln ;i 
 n<; hofo'.-/. and 
 aity. Srinii;; 
 • for any fuv- 
 tlio HudKou's 
 I foot. Vv'hoii 
 captain of tlio 
 1 boyond thin 
 > di<l not know- 
 id joined lis on 
 itcrdictod froiu 
 Id not -(n-evont 
 on, and my 
 
 who had bt'.'n 
 
 ■f. Kewetaosli. 
 
 livin;.? on tho 
 
 The weather 
 
 our j)rotectiou, 
 
 ■ which I have 
 
 ofttmastcr, and 
 
 , four or five in 
 
 isent occ\ipant3. 
 
 Our poiition In iw»*i«»t with ilif!l<MilHrt«i, Wo •'annot jjo fnrwar<l without nn armod force, 
 
 whion Ih not nt our coniinand. Wo cunnot iniUK'diHtoly rclurn for our horMr<t rcipiirn rmt 
 ftnd j<rftin lirforo wn can undrrtaico no Imi^j a journey. 'I'hn suow may ovort;ilco ud on the 
 way, nntl rotidmd furtlior pro; irw \v\0\ wsij'onH iiripoHnil Ir. Tlicrr an« no houwf i or Hupplim 
 
 between this filnoo und ( !rorf,'oto\vn, a dist.m f ITiO inil* 'i, Willi tho <'anndi,iiiH "'!,«> 
 
 joined ino on tho way, ami who nrc now afraid to p;o forward, my party nuuiliorn twenty 
 Bouh. Colniipl T>oniiiM i« alno with ni<', arid will 'irohnhlv fullow my fortiinoH, ni hr wni 
 ordcrci! o'll of tho tduritry at tho Htmo tiino, and hy tho jcjuo nulhorily. Af'-r Hnrvoyini' 
 th'^ Hituation, nii(i rh'oiditi,':; in my ovn nnnd uj-on tlio ooiirno whioli it wtH ni,\ duty U> 
 adopf. r liohl a oonnoil with jMosstn. Fiii-har«!i and Proviiiohtr and Colonol Ponnirt. 
 C';ipt:iin (.'iunrmn luiu',' at Homo dititanon from ii.i at th«t nionn-nt, ami jjaviii;^ ao'i' I upi>ii 
 hin own judgment vn nioro than ono occnnion a'.'ain^l my ad\ici>, muoh to hi« own 
 dimidvant:\i,e aw Wfdl i\n ourn, I did not xsM.it ti) dtni.ult him. I luid pi-ovi(!iiily Bent 
 Coh)Mo! i'oiniin to asoritnin v hat MipplioH could ho ao(pdrod in tho n'-iKhliivhood for our 
 horsf'M and ^nvty. Ilo reported that tho Huppjy of t'.i, HU|i;ar, Hour, nalt iind l,oof (frosJ»), 
 whifli oonhl I •' ohtninodat tho Hudmrn's Uny ( 'ompany'H T'o-it waH Kuiliciout for our want ■, 
 if llio irliflx r I iidt M(!i/.o thorn, or provcnt ii;i fioin >.'o!tin',' jxmMOMsion of thorn. Only u 
 fow l>ii.';hol I r!" oats (aliout twenty) could ho procured on oitho:' Hide of the line, i ut ho 
 h "ir 1 that, h.irh'y wpm moro plentiful, nIt,houi;h ovon thiit i;rftin mif.;ht ho dilhcidt to procure, 
 if tho fiiinors on the American Hi<lo of the lino proVcd t> ho, an wo moro than Kuspectoil 
 thoy W')\i!d, frii'tidly to (l.c inNurj.'oi>t < and inimical to iii. 
 
 ITndor this Ht»to of faciN we deci<lod :--lst, to^ct, if poMihlo, tho twenty hu.'diols of 
 oats already liar/,'ai;H'd for, as our liorHos were nni'h in need of thorn. 2nd, to seonro 
 all tlio hni l.'^y that we would hoar of for future u^.o. iird, to Houd down to tho Hudson 
 Hay Compmiy'H »^»ont for all the ^roocrirs, (h)»tr, ami hoof wo wou!d roqulro for throe or 
 fouv wc»kfj ah least. 'Ilh, havin;; socurrd a HufVieiiint HUpply o'' provisi.-iM to ontddo n.s 
 to r.'.ieh St. Cloud, if wo fouml it not-oaMary to roLuvn to tlmtpfdnt, \v^^ would thoro mako 
 oumolvea ai comforlahlo «,h poHniblo midor tontH, or in Iiouhoh, if t loy rouh! ho had, until 
 wo could hoar fi'oin Fort (.Ja'-ry, and learn tho elTocfc of onr ox[)ulsion upon tI,o loyal 
 portio'i of tho pooplo. Wo all aj^rcod that it wouhl Ijo di'ti'-oura^'inc^ to «Mir frijnds, an<l a 
 groat Iriumjih for the r»ihols, if thoir first domonstrati(m resulted in my return to Canada 
 hoforo r h.i'l assumed tho roiuH of <lovernn\ont, Wo thorttforo resolved to r^^mairi at 
 Pemliina for a vc^'Ic or two lon','er, if w»' ooidd 'jjet aupphev. I may ronia<'k that T was 
 showii to-day vritton evidence that roBwlents of tho Amoricm vilhiTo of I'ornhina aro i ' 
 con'^Lant cnniirnnication with the loador.s of wnat they c dl t!io " patriot army," at I'iver 
 »Sido, A Mr. iituttsman, nn ex-olllcial of tite 'J'roasury l)cj>artmont, who ha.'i roHidod here 
 for some time, now doinj^ I>u;dncsH as usort of villnpodawyei-, and vopnted to he a n^nn of 
 coKsiderahio inlluenoo, met tho insur;,'cnts a.s thoy rode up to tlio Hudson's I5;i.y Company's 
 J'oKt o:i 'J'ncsduy, and held a sliort parley with thorn, ^\'o aHCortainod also that tlio leaders 
 of the party wont down and consulteil with him ami othcis at the villasje, as 80(>n as they 
 had delivered thc'r mossa<,'(5 to me. This pci'son now ;,;ranta passes, iMldressed to tlio 
 Coiiiui.andin!^ OlHccr of the Patriot Army, vouehin;;»for the ,c^ood faith of h's friends, end 
 expic;!siii;;j iii^ conviction that thoy aro hostile to "Mi. Wni. Mc!.)oui;!dl." I have 
 ontrustrd toonoof my party, (who j^ot into the confidence (if Sfcnttsman, both Ijoinpmembcrs 
 of tho Maine snci'ot sot'iety, and obtahiod a jiass from hiin.) two communicaiions addressed 
 to Govenior M.cTavish, cojiies of which I onoloso horowitli, mar'rod F and (1. A sli'^ht 
 disa'.^reem 'nt with this person on tho journey, which eansed some talk in our party, 
 hid roachcd Stutt:^man's ear, »nd mado him tho moro ready to takothis man into his 
 conrulenoo. .1 have, on tho other hand, no doubt of his loyalty to me, and that if Col. 
 Stuttsman's jiass i3 recognized by the rcliels, my letters will reach their destination. 
 
 If 
 
 
 If 
 
 [ 
 m 
 
\ 
 
 :--*' 
 
 I 
 
 »1 ( 
 
 m 
 
 Labohk's I-'aum. I ]MiIo Houtli or PomMna lHvor, 
 
 Novombor, 7 Mi, 1HG9. 
 
 Wowerc Huooor<sr(jl in Dbljiiiiiii;^' o\ir mipiilion, otiouf,;!! .'oriwo or llireo wonkH, from 
 tlio lludsotvs Miiv <'oin|tauy'H I'ost. Wo i^nl. tlicmovor llio liiu's in iho ni^Iit. with llio aid 
 of om* Ti'ish friend, wlio soiit iui ox r.vrt ("or IIhmii. TIio otioinyV Ncoutf, wlio worn itifUiii«^ 
 r1h)u( to Wiitcli our niovomcnls. \\rvc> .apparontly tlocoivinl Ity tliis iuov»\ and allowrvl tlio 
 carL to ));>s.'< williont. <'xanun!\lioi>. As soon »■« this point \\\n piim'il, I oiderod iho lontn 
 to bo Htruok, .ind the party removed to a position about, n niil(> to tbo Soutli of PiMnbina 
 Kivor, on ilio farm of ono lijiroso, a (!;in:vdinn. from S.iult St». ^T:lri'^ lln is onf> ipiarter 
 Indian, but intc'lli!:;ont and fri<'ndly. Ilo has oonnonlod to i^ivci uh tbo uro of bi^J bousn, a 
 n«\v one, and \\ ill bnibl a Hb:int<y forbim^olf and fau\ily. Ho ban nlno n f^tabln for our 
 horses, wliieb. \vl!!i .•; lilllo imiuovemont. can b(> mad(> toan-uver our piirpose. Thn lioviso 
 roi^uin^s son>e aUerations to aceomniodate th(5 femabw and i^-bibii'en of our parly, o von for 
 a short tim», wbieh wo Iiave bar^^ainod to have mado. Mosirs. Iliobards. Provonober ami 
 nosriT, hvvo I'ound temporary lndnin>jH in the villa-jio. and (^aplain ( 'amoron and \m party 
 tiro still under the sb(>Uor of tlie Iri.sluuan's oabiu, wbiob they .share with a numorouH 
 family of half brood obildi-en. 
 
 I bavo bad a further ootumuniealion fi-om Fort (^arry, of a later dato than tliose 
 brought by (Vilonol DiMinisand Mr. H.allett. Tho lUiiil.s havo bo«n stopped and opened by 
 tlip reb"l force, and I havo no doul>t that all lottenj to mo or to any of my pjirty havo bo«n 
 oponod anil dfftainotb 1 an\ now hourly oxpoetinic a messenijer from b'ort (.Jarry, wiio will 
 either pass I ho b.M'ricadi^ as a friend of the rebels, or po round tbom us (lolontd Dennis 
 did. Kn'n(M-s of all kitiJs roaeh us as may bo suppo.sod. Tho last is, that Poit (larry ban 
 be;'n td;oii by the rebels, iind (Jovornor iMcTavi.sh oompellod to leav(» hii house and tbo 
 fort ; that scntrios are jiostcd \hrougb the sottlomont, ami at the house rented for mo on the 
 Assinniboine. and that there is no attempt at resistance from any (luartor. 
 
 St'NDAY, G o'cloclc, r. M. 
 
 A messenger liJi-s just arrived from a point, about forty milea down tho river. JTe 
 brin^:rs a letter without sis^natuiv, but undor.stood to come from Dr. Solmlt7, and other 
 Canadians I (see p.aper marked H). This ]iaper oonfirms tho stoi-y of the B\irrendoi- of 
 Fort C^aiTV, and the continued inaetion and helplessness of the authorities. 
 
 I replied in s\. short note, without bijjjnature, by the same mns.senj^er, appri-sinsr tho 
 writer of the letter, that it w.vs my intention to remain here for the present, that I could 
 not assume or believe that the lludson'.s Hay (Company's agents desired the sueeess of tho 
 i-ebels, or gave them any .assistance, except under compulsion ; that T had o{)ened comnui- 
 iiioations wiih the autlun'ities, and had suggested a Proclamation by them, exi)laining the 
 change of Governnieul. and the character in which I w^as sent, and warning the mal- 
 contents of the C(Uisequenee3 of their acts — that at tke proper time, I would i.ssue a 
 Manifesto or Proclamation mvself, await the etVcct, .and bo sniided bv circumstancos. I 
 requested the same parties to communicate with me as often as tliey foun<l opportunity, 
 VMiltoact ratherthan recriminate. I atthesametime addressed a short note to the Governor, 
 McTavish, fearing that my previous letters might have failed to reacli him. (See ])aper 
 marked I.) I arranged with the messenger, wlio is an intelligent and loyal German 
 half-breeJ, to keep open a private channel of communication, if possible, with tho settlement 
 during my stay here. 
 
 From tiie foregoing narrative, and the })apoi*s enclosed, His Excellency will bo able to 
 appreciate the difficulties by which I am surrounded, and the grave questions which may 
 soon present theuisclvcs for his considoi-ation. While I hope to receive a mossago that 
 the '' emeiitc" is at an end, and that the authority of the Crown will be recognized in my 
 person by those who are now in arms. I confess there are facts in the case which point 
 strongly to a different result. 
 
 I may observe in conclusion, that appreliending the possibility of some such inter- 
 
arrr 
 
 niption ns I havn onconnUM-pd. I anim^rd at Ht. Cloud for flic traiiRpoH t)f ilir; atniNniul 
 aiiiiinmilion to (Icorm'lown, tlini-o to await my (irdcrM. Tlwy air now in poHHrHNion of tlio 
 lltidHoii I'nv Coinpiniy'it Aj^riitni (liut|ioii, and not likely to full into (lif liandH of th« 
 rclM'JM. If I In-ar of iniy attonipt. on tlii>ii' part to ^rt piwHWHicai of tlicni, I hIiuH tako 
 Hti'pH to n>movo tlirm if poHHiMn to Kort AlK>r<'ronihif<. 
 
 I liavo tli<< honor lo lio, Sir, 
 
 ^'our oIk diont Horiant, 
 
 Wm. McDoiuAM,, 
 To tho Honorable tho Pocrplnry of Htulo for Hi<> PrnvinfcH. 
 
 Ottawa, Canada. 
 
 tn© such inter- 
 
 (A.) 
 
 FoHT Oaruv, F!i:j) Hivkr, 
 
 llOth O(itol»p]', I SCO. 
 The Uommihlr. Willhim I4,'l)iw<inll, (III 
 
 My iM-.Mi Kill,- It in with ninch conifrn I have to my tlint. amon^' a certain jiortion 
 of th(< half lM•r>(^d popnliilion here, tlicro prnvaihi a {h^ny^^'i of rxritenient at the jiroapf^ct of 
 your arrival in tin; ooiui Ivy, whii'li H(H'tn« to make it ntM;er,.sary that in coniinf,' into tho 
 Hottlimiont, yo\i MJioidd use j:,'ri'at <!ircunisprotion ; and it iw for tin- purpoHi^ of |M»iiiting 
 attention to that appari'nl necrNsity that 1 send you thin roniirninieation. 
 
 For some wo(-lcs past, runiorH have lieeii re:ieliin}r nui thrf)nj;li more or \vm reliable 
 ehannei.s, of di,4sati.sfnctioii iiniong the I'VeJich ha.lf-l»n«dH with tlm recent nrran/^ement« ; 
 but b(>li()vin/(. as 1 then did, that these feolinj^s had no very deep root, I ivdulged tho hope 
 th.'it they niight piis.s away. Itiit in thiw reMpect, 1 am (h^eply piiined t«) Kiiy, I hav<! been 
 (lisappointed, suid that, within the lant few diiyH, tl- ft^'lin;,' of diH(M)ntent ha.s manifestefi 
 itself in Kucb a manner as to create seriouH appi ibensionH for tho rcHuit. After inter- 
 fering with tht^ survnyin/.,' opfratiouH of Col. DeliniH, these pcojiln, in conHidernble luimlierH, 
 have conil)iued for ilri avowiMl pur])Ose of Hto]»))in^ your cntranoo into the Kcttleirent, 
 and with that view tliey Jiave actually taken up pernmnont poHitions on the road by which, 
 in the usual courKo of travel, you would advance. 
 
 Kvor since niattcni lM';;an to aKsume a seriouH aspect, tlic conduct of tii' !e ]>foplo had 
 been, I may say, constantly cn/^'aging tho earnoHt doliboration«of tho local autlioriticH, but 
 alt]iou;:h «vcry eflbrt has been made which tho (Jouncil deemed pnulent or practirablo 
 for bringing; these misguided people to reason, and for procuring their peaceable disjiorsicm, 
 yet 1 am sorry to say that, hitherto, all has been without eil'ect, and that tho dilUculty, the 
 serious and now somewlmt alanning dilTicrdty, still reuuiins unsolved, a.s to how you aro 
 to be eflbctually protected from niolestation in n[)proacliing tlie Kettlemont. 
 
 Frc:,i Col. Donnin ! learn that, by dillereiit handH ho has lately been sending yoii 
 reports upon the state of matters liero, and that in his hist communication ho luis advised 
 you to remain in Pcml)ina, until you should ascertain through reliable intelligence from 
 thi.s, X'Y .some means or other, tho course }ia.s been cleared so as to make it pioi'lent foryou 
 to como on. It appears to mo that vinder the circumstances, tho advice so tendered by 
 Col. Denni.5 wa^' sound and judicious, and it relieved my miufl from much anxiety to liear 
 that officer e.xpro.s.s so contiih^it a lielicf that you v.'ould be inclined to act uj)on it ; although 
 I cannot but add that I fully siiaro in his feeling of mortification at being so circumstanced 
 as to be constrained to counsel such a com se. 
 
 I have not myself seen Col. Dennis's communications to you on tho sulject of these 
 unfortunate occurronces, but ho has been kind enough to read them to some members of 
 tho council, for the purpose of enabling them to judge of the acctiracy and completeness of 
 his information; and upon their assurance, I have no hesitation in saying that the contents 
 of the Colonel's communication to you may be relied upon as conveying in the main a 
 correct narrative of the occun-ences to which they refer, and a fair representation of the 
 popular sentiment throughout the settlement. 
 
 The question which now presses itself upon every mind is, what is to be done to 
 
 ii\ 
 
2( 
 
 ■i.:-: . r ' 
 
 HtHMUV v<mrpoivi'f>altlo ontnimM! into thn ■ot.lioinonb I Ho far, nil omp rxpcilipntH have fiiilorl ; 
 ami utilosH tlio rli'orlM of jv tomitorizin,!^ oIiiiv;i<'(,t wIuoIi ium .mi\ In'iiiy oanicstly uhpiI for 
 tlnMlis|if»rHioM of (!u' inivloonlt'iils hiuv . il, il ia io I'o f<\i,vil lli;il your ri.iuin;^' into llio 
 Holtlom.Mil, ivl iho pros'Mil inomciil, would nol li(> froo from ('(Misidciivt^lo ilau'^cr. 
 
 l"'»\)Jii <V»l. Doniiin's ilo-tpalolicw and tliin Icltor you will tlcrivo a« full and ai'iMU'ato 
 kMowlod;j;(^ of tlH> |)(tsitii)n of l.li(M>tliiir.s iicrc ms I li(>li(>\o <';iM vi'i-y well It? ;.'ivrn in wrilinj^; 
 and liiwiii;.; sati.iliod inynolf that you arc aiM|uiiiut«<il with all ilm niulviial oirouni.Uan««>H 
 of tl>« oftMO, I iliiuk ihat you ai''i now in punscsNion of tlio itriuoipal data for enabling yuu 
 to dotorn\ino llio iniporiimt (luostion of your niovcniontH ; and I nocd not say that I Hliall 
 mo'*. anxiovisly awaif. your dtviHJon. 
 
 Hut without, of courHo, in any way meaning to proscril o tlu> lim? to Im< p\n'Huo<l, \ 
 way '**' p!»nnitt(>d to ad 1 (hat to tlio,f> who with myni'lf imvo boon ilrliluM-atiiiv; upon tlio 
 most advlHahlc 8t<'|)s to 1k> (uU<'u in circunislMiH'os of • j (MMi»arra,'miii<,' ami ho rrilical a 
 nat iro, tlitM-o ha,vo hoou .sufjjtcvUwd thr('i> ooui'scm for nr-'/tinj^ tiio diflliMilly as it now KtiUidH. 
 
 'I'ho tirst i.H, that, there happily licin;.; ainou'^ oviMi tlii> I'Voiicli half linnnln a conniilor- 
 al'lo I'lrmont of woll disponod pcrnouM. thcK! should Itf' iMrcfully lu-lcvlcd from (hat fi'dion 
 a body of front twoniy to thiny men, who, mouulod and armnd, should prooc.iit to I'cmliiniv 
 aiul escort you to your rt>sidono(< in thoai'tllumcnt by a roundabout I'oail, whiidi would Icooj» 
 you ontitvly oloai- tViMu tlu> roads on which (he nmloontonts arc known to havft tnUcn up 
 their )H).sitivnis. 
 
 The Hivoml ia, that of nvikinj; a. puidio call upon t.Iie wiiolc loyal poriion of tho Ht'ttlc- 
 mout ((> i.urn o\it in (he o;iusc of ord-v, ami (<) tlm n\nnbcrof. nay .'W)0 unarmed ablo-bodied 
 men, if suoi> a t'orco eovdd b;> muitcre I, proocvid to I'emltina and escort you into tho 
 Boi-Lh^uiont by the tisual routo, whether the miloontonts I'oniain uptTn i( or nut. 
 
 And the third is, tliat you slu>uhl i\ .aain at l\Mnl)ina and Mw.iit tiie iiiun.'! of concilia- 
 tory negotiations, with the view of jtroouiui; a peaceable dispersion of (in; nialciUilenls. 
 
 Now, with respect to tlio lirst of these ooursi>a, it ia in my opinion, (jpen lu tho '^rav*- 
 o\)joctio;i. that even if it were (o issue in your ^afe arriv.U anion ijHt us, it would o.»viou(;ly 
 involve a \irtual .aekuowIed;iniont of the aaeemiency of the.se lawless pcniple, and wiadd 
 have a direct tendency to inspire them with fresh courage in the prosecution of (heir 
 ilesijins : and besides. I am stron::;ly of opinion that, under pre.sMit cinMuuslanccs, your 
 jicrsvmal safety coidd not Iv? .snilioiontly proviiied ("or by the attendance of so small a body 
 of men a.s that proposed — a body larj^e emmgli to provoke a collision, hue jn'obabiy far 
 from strong enough to meet it. 
 
 The second is one which all along the local a\iihorities have "neen jtondciing, but one 
 which, jvs in somewhat .similar emergencies on former occasions, they havchitlurlo .sliruidc 
 from adoi)tiug, jwvvtly from a misgiving as to tho extent and tho spirit of tho rospouso to 
 such a call as that pro}iosed, and partly also, bat princi()Rlly, from an api>rehension of 
 pi'ecipitathig a collision bclwivn dilleront .sections of iho [leople, which might plunge not 
 only the settlement, but the whole Territory, into all tho disasters of a war of racea and 
 ix^llgions — a war, in which the legitimate object for which it had been be-:iin would probably 
 soon be lost sight of,aud ));v.>siou and projudice alone animate tho mindsof those (Uigaged in it. 
 
 To the Council and myself it appears that, under present circumstances, tlio third 
 pinjposal is the only one that can be i*egarded as prudent or practicable ; and it is tlicn'Toro 
 our opinion that you should remain at Pembina and await the issue of conciliatory 
 negotiations, in the hope lU' procuring a [)eaccable tlis))ersion of the malcontents 
 
 I have only to add thai, although this letterproceeds ostensibly from myself, it embodies 
 the views of the Council of Assinniboine, and that, at a meeting of tho Council to-day, hold 
 for the express purpose, it was unanimously adopted as tho comm\inication which I should 
 immetliattdy m.ake j'ou. 
 
 Earnestly hoping that ere long some peaceable solution of all ihese dillicultics may ho 
 arrived at. J 
 
 I remain, luy dear Sir, yours faithfuUv, 
 
 W. McTavish. 
 
 
 -, .fc. 
 
2D 
 
 as 
 
 iivvo fnilffl ; 
 llv uh(hI lor 
 
 r. 
 
 ,1x1 uiH'\im<i«' 
 , ill wriUug ; 
 iv\n\\;tliviiO('H 
 >iu\l)lii»i;,vo\« 
 (liivt I hIiwI' 
 
 iiiif ny\n\ tli'< 
 I HO iTili'-vl R 
 bnow sImuiIm. 
 \.i a coniti'l'"''" 
 I that n.M'ti()i> 
 1 to I'lMn'oiniV 
 U woulill oo\» 
 luvo taUi'ii lip 
 
 , ,.t" iho rt-Ulc- 
 oil aMo-l)oili<Ml 
 t yo\i into tlio 
 
 UU5 of cunoilia- 
 
 ,ni to t!u!t;ravc 
 uuUlo'.iviovisly 
 mlt', ami avouM 
 cvilion of llu'ir 
 vnHlanC(>s, youi" 
 so small ai'tnly 
 lit ])robaV>iy far 
 
 UMiu}^, but ouo 
 itUcrtosliniuk 
 ,1(1 reHpousi) to^ 
 HU-elicnHioii of 
 lit pluugo not 
 ir of viico.'i ami 
 woulil probably 
 ■)HcougagoiUiiit. 
 iivoes, tho tliinl 
 (lit istl'.erofoi-o 
 of ooiiciliatory 
 
 >l\tl>ut3 
 
 ,'self,itcuibociie« 
 ncil to-day, held 
 I which I shouUl 
 
 iViculties may bo 
 
 McTavish. 
 
 MM 
 
 'I'lIlillHDAY, L'HMi (icl<.l...r. 
 
 'I'lic Milualioii it'iiiiiiiiM imi'hanj'wi. I Hcut, dnwn, nbniit, ^ o'clock, provi«ioiiH for 
 Mr. Dciihc'm pai'lv. con isliii^j of one lii^' of llonr. ii i|tiiiil( r ol' liccf, luid n ninnll i|iiiiMtit,y 
 of I'M ii'iil MU%'nf. Ciillcil upon hi', ('ownii iiltont II o'clock, and fonnd will* Jiini .)n(l^;o 
 IJIink. Wiis infonn(>d that tlm (lovcrnor liavinjc written a note* for I'crn l!lt(diot to 
 cone down and h#>c liiin, Ihiit prhiHt Wii«* there with him. Mr. Mcl'elli, n nieinlier of (ho 
 ( 'nuncil, calleil mI^ Dr. ( 'owiid'h while I wiutlliere, nnd the conversiilion turned upon tho 
 ncccKiilv it iidviHinjj Mr. Mc| »on;,'all, from IIm^ CoimkmI, or k(»iim> other olliciiil Hource.iiH t-o 
 (he niluilinn f»f idliiirM here, no (hid. (Iiai pcnllemmi would receive it before lie cnrne to 
 I'eiidiiiiM. I Hiatecl (Imt I liiid prcpiired, from diij (<» day, a Blnlemeiit of fiirlH iind 
 cir.'umsliinccH cnnnecled with (he on(,iireid<, which I hiid (akeii the op|)or(.i;iii(y to Hvt](\ 
 Ibrward ho as In meet .Mr. Mcl)oiif.;)dl, I thoii^^dii, in j^tMid time, and (Jiat in order to let 
 llic ( 'onncil Hce lo wind extent I hud pu(. Mr. Mchoiijitill in poHses.uon of the factn; I 
 had nil oltjection, idllioiif^di ! had no intenlion when writin/jj of tmil:in;.; it public, to kIiow 
 them tho HtateiiKMit referred to. They exprcHHcd a desiire t.o that eU'ent, ami I ac(!ordiiixly 
 Kent for the HtiiteiiHMit. and read il. I Wiin (;liid lo Iind Ihiit the feeliii;,' waH iinanimouH 
 that the Htatemeiit of fact h and views which I had Hiuit forward wiim, without e.xception, 
 approved iiH truthful and reliable. .Iud;^<' I'.lnck rcniarkiiif.; that the Council could add 
 notiiin;,' Id the Htatement calpiilidcil (r) j^ive Mr. Mchmi^iill A iiku'c lU-ciirate dcKcription of 
 the stiitc of alVair.s. 5 p.m., Judge lilack ban just cidled to Hay thid. (he (Jovernor failed, 
 after Home (hretf hours' iii1.orvi(5W with Toro ItKx^hot, to bring him and Win party to roHHon. 
 Jlc says al.so, (Jiat Mr. l>P!i.se has informed him tlia(, tin' iiiHurgPiit |)(ir(.y have made nii 
 over(nre lo the (>ll'ect that if they, the ])eac» party, will join theiri in turning Mr. 
 ArcDitugidl out of the Tcfrritory at a Hub?!e(pieiit timr, hIiouIiI he rofiLso to (Wicedt* to thoir 
 ])rc,seiit deinands, (hey will allow him t> enter in the mciintime. 'I'hi.s, liowever, Mr. 
 lilack mentioned that he had advi.seil Mr. [)(-ase could not be consented to, as it might 
 involve ])recisely the saimi outrage as that at ]»reH(!iit oout(!m|>Iated. It was undeiHtood 
 that Mr. I >ease would se(> the rcfractoiy party again this (svfdiing, and endeavour to got 
 tlieiii to consent to make tliisir proposition Ich.-) ol)jectional)le. 
 
 I''riday, HDtli Octolxir. TIk! negotiations spoken of la.st ev<!Tdng (Mided in nothing. 
 Mr. Deaso reports that, based upon the stii,t(!ments whi(di ho had reason to Ixdievo 
 emanated from Pen* liitchot last ovening, tho as.S(;rtioii is made by that [)art,y that 
 Governor Mc'L'avisli is fivourable to tlic^ir deKigns. I am not sun; from Mr. I>(!aHe'» 
 maimer that 1 siicceinhvl i.i convincing him of wliat f am convinced my.self, that nothing 
 is furthor from the fact. If Mr. Kitchot made any siKih assertion, he has statffd it for 
 th(! piii[)oso of intentionally misleading his [)arty and maintaining his control ov<!r them. 
 
 Sent another day's supply of jirovisions down for Mr. Dciwci's Jiarty. Wa,s invited 
 to iiK^et, at tho Fort at D o'clock this morning, some mondjci'S of tho (Jouncil ; thfisc; were 
 Mr. Sutherland, Mr. Fra.sor, J)r. Oowan, Mr. J^oaso. and Judge Black. After somo 
 Icouversation, it was aiTanged that Mes«rs. Fraser and Sutherland should visit tho camp 
 |6f tlie disatrected, and ond'.savoiir to impress them with tho fact that tho Knglisli s{)oaking 
 ielcui lit in thf3 H(^ttlement was entirely opposed to their Tiews and their procfjediiigs, aad 
 Meo what they could do to bring them to reanon. I liave provided Mr. Wm. llallett and 
 fth; (Jreo chief, Fox, with (ionveyaiKie, and they have also gone up to have an interview 
 twith the insurgents for a like purpose. 3 I'.M. Charles Donald, an Englis/i half-ljreed, 
 resident in Mapleton Parish, down below Lower Fort, who had been instructed by Mr. 
 |De;«S(! to notify all of tho wr!ll-dis[)OHed half-breeds in his j)art of the settlement to be in 
 |readiness to turn out if called u])on to join his party, has just arrived from l)elow on his 
 'ay np to tho insurgents to deliver them a letter, of which that on i»age 458 in a copy.* 
 iConiplaining tliat his hor.se, having l-'jon carrying him for the last two days and one night, 
 iras exhausted, he left his horse, and I lent him another. 'J P..M. Messrs. Fra.scr and 
 *MSutheiland have called, bringing the accompanying note from Dr. Cowan.t These gentle- 
 
 12a— 4 
 
 * Sic in original. 
 
 tNot received. 
 
rf?p" 
 
 p- 
 
 mi\ 
 
 I 
 
 III 
 
 26 
 
 mm sttilc lli!if, oil (licir visi'linj^ tlii^ iimui;,'oiii cuiiij), (Iii'V wii'o met. hy Pirc* f'ilcliot., who 
 t'lok Uit'iii iiil.i !i |iii\nl(' I'dom in liin own lioiisi", in p.irt of wliich wiistlir clinitcl, iiml 
 floclinini,' for H loni; tiuu! (o liiiiij^ tluuii luce to facu with tho h-ailcTH in this iiiovciiii'iil ; 
 ust'<l vvi'vy clloil. to |t;<rsuiiilc Ihi'uj tli;it il^ wnuM lio inipoxsihld to <.^'t tlu'in tn wiihili'iiw 
 iVom tlio .stand tlu-y hiul taken. Tht« ;^imiI Imu'U insistfil, howovcr, and at icn^itli wjin 
 shown by tL(; {tilcht u|i.st,iiir,, in the sumo laiihlin^, intq what lie torniod thii conimittoo 
 room ; hero wcim sittin;jf, in a very formal way, ^hc (•()nnnitt(!0 consist in;j; oi' irn mt'inl'crs. 
 The f,'oiitl(;incn announci'd the pui'iioso oi" their visit, hut wire told that m) l/usiurss could 
 bo dono in tlu! absoiico of tho chairman, who camo in shortly after and ])rovod to bo the 
 man foi-morly mentioned, named .loliu Ihiieo. Messrs. i''raser an 1 Sutherland tinn 
 proceeded to put .sevend (juestiuns as to tlio object and purposes of the party. Not a 
 single reply could bo obtained to any of thcso, and at length it became dillicidt for them 
 to get a hearing at all. It seemed as if the leaders, JJruco and Kiel, the lattei- al.so Ix'ing 
 in tho room, were airaid to allow tliese gentlemen to speak for fear their arguuHMits might 
 lead to a defection in thei.' camp. Mr. VVm. Hallett was also ])r«H(^nt, and commeuccMl 
 addressing the comnuttei;, most of tho member.s being well known to him, in tho Jndian 
 language, but they refused to allow him to go on. Tho voice of the priest being heard 
 from th(! loom below, where he had bci'u evitlently listening to tla? proceedings, calling 
 out, " wliy do yon not speak in Firnch J" After S|)ending tto whole ilay there to no 
 purpose, Messrs. Fraser and Hutherhind returned. They report tho strength of tho party, 
 every mendior of which, so far as thoy saw, was completely armed, at about one hundi-etl 
 and (ifty men. Mr. Hallett and the chief have also retui'ued, and corroborato in every 
 way the stateioents made by Messr.s. Fraser and Sutherland. Mr. Hallett tells me that 
 the chief, Fox, s[>oke eli'ectively iri his native language to the insurg(Mits outside ; they did 
 not leave the camp until some time after the geiftlemen named. Mr. Hallett tells me that 
 he .saw signs of wavering among some of thi; subordinate leaders of the nifractoiy party, 
 and thinks there is good reason to believe that the feeling will increase, with all the 
 influences that are being brouglit to bear in its favor by the other half-breeda, and that it 
 will lead to the enterprise being abandoned. Mr. Hallrtt informs mo also that tho 
 insurgent party had sent out to got in the chief, " Grosse Oreille," ami his [n'ople to join 
 their side, and the chief with ten of his men came in accordingly. On learning, however, 
 the character of the proceedings, the chief declined to identify himself with it at all, and 
 he and his men Avithdrew from that paity and were at a house near tliere, whei'o he 
 (Hallett) and the chief, " Fox," had an interview with him last night. These men sent 
 a written paper to me by Hallett, conveying sentiments with regard to this movemeni 
 (see memorandum attached in French). '''^ I have every reason to believe that all the 
 Indians cognizant of the designs of the insxu-gents, are entirely oi)posed to them. Whether 
 in tJie future, shoidd the aifair take a m'^re serious turn, the priests will be able to take 
 them over remains to be seen. Hallett says, and his statement is corroboi-ated by Messrs. 
 Fraser and Sutherland, that the Pries'u llitchot remarked that Mr. McDougall migJ'.t 
 jierhaps come in by some other route, and ^^dicated by his language that in such case 
 they would not follow him as to theu- present intentions. 
 
 Saturday, 30th October, at Fort at 'J a.m., met Dr. Cowan and the Recorder. The 
 Pere Lestauc, the Red River being difficult to cross on account of the ice forming, had 
 remained all night with the Governor, and had just left with the promise to the latter 
 that all the eflbrts and influence that his position could bring to bear, would be applied to 
 putting a stoj} to the disturbance. — I was informed that all the members of the Council 
 that could be got together by 1 1 o'clock, were being sent for to attend a special meeting 
 called for that hour. — The chiefs, " Grobse Oreille " and.the " Fox " being both in Town, 
 I made a point of s«eing them and presenting them each with a new blanket, some 
 provisions, and some other trifling articles. 
 
 5 P.M., saw Dr. Cowan and the Recorder at the Fort. The result of the meeting of 
 Council was the drawing up of a lettei" to Mr. McDougall, which was read to me, in 
 
 * Not furuiah^d. 
 
2T 
 
 Uitrliot., who 
 
 \h inovonit'iit ; 
 to willi'lniw 
 
 Ut l(Ml^,'lll Wil.S 
 
 Llu) commilttio 
 
 (.(•11 uvoml'i'i-.s. 
 liUsiurKH coukl 
 iv.-d to b(5 the 
 llicrlaud tlicu 
 |.nrty. Ni't » 
 icvilt for thi'iu 
 ittor alsol>«'in« 
 miiiK'uts iuiji;lit 
 11(1 cuinincncHHl 
 , in tho JiuUiiu 
 st lu-ing heanl 
 'odinj^H, calling 
 lay there to no 
 ;h of tho party, 
 Lit ouo huii(h-(Hl 
 jorato in every 
 bt tells uie that 
 itside ; they did 
 lett tellH iiie that 
 .•(ifnietoiy parly, 
 se, with all the 
 3eda, and that it 
 ,0 also that the 
 is p'.'ople to join 
 iruiiig, however, 
 
 th it at all, and 
 
 there, where he 
 
 rheso men sent 
 
 this movement 
 
 (3V0 that all the 
 them. Whether 
 be able to take 
 
 rated by Messrs. 
 
 [cDougall might 
 
 lat in such case 
 
 Recorder. The 
 ice forming, had 
 liso to the latter 
 luld be applied to 
 _s of the Gouncil 
 X special meeting 
 ag both in Town, 
 w blanket, some 
 
 ■ji the meeting of 
 read to me, in 
 
 which lie was iiiformofl of tlie position nf ufthirs and difFeront ooih-roh of action BURgostcd 
 
 f.)v liii (Miisi 1 •rail"!!. Tlijl IrtC-T ;;i)t':H f'^rwaid to iii;,dit, kihI, fur frar df miscarrin.'^'c, a 
 duplieato will follow by l.li<» mail on Momlav. l*6re Lnatano, in arcordaiuv) witli tlio 
 promisv) which iio h:il ui id i tliin in n'tiitij, ca,ni() over to Hie l''ort I'lis cN'Miiii!,' Id (ho 
 (Jovcrnor, jukI found it. nocc-.-iiiy Lo ex])rcH.s liis njO'cts, na I niiderstaud, that all cllbrts 
 lio had been ablo to hi-ing to bear had be(Mi of no avail. 
 
 Tlic party nml'-r V('\v Kilchot as yet sli"w not the sli'.,'htcat inclination to giv(> way, 
 but on the contmry, by their laii!;;ua;,'() and the fact of tlieir having,' stopped some of (ho 
 carts witli goods and dotaiiied th(>in uiineccHsarily are creating aniioyaiic(* in the niindsof 
 tlioso who have Im.mmi ilispoaed to stand alouf, whieli annoyanco may yet takc! shape and 
 tend to increase the dillicnlties. 
 
 J. S. Dennis. 
 
 fC] . 
 
 AiMr.Hs to Cel. Four (rAnnY, Octobor 27th, 1809. 
 
 ,v'l'l''nt'M'" iu'''t'hl' ^'•' <^'<>f<>"''f Drnnis. 
 
 TowiV'of Wiimi' Wf, tlu) undciaigiiod British Subjocts, members of a meeting hold at 
 
 IH'^'.oHeriii^'t.hoir the Crarret IFonse, Town nf \Viiinip";.', tliis evening, in accordamie will) a 
 
 .vlsVt'criVinlmri I'i'soltition i)aHsed to that eli'-ct,, lieg to inform yon that w« are ready at your 
 
 and (Mcort int) call (o i)ro(:;M!d to Pembina to escort Governor McUongull into this 
 
 thu U...1 liivor Settlement 
 
 Hfttlfiuciit Luut 
 
 (Jov. McDoii-mII. 
 
 j;ci;.-27tli(Jct.VJ. 
 
 22 Signatures. 
 
 [R-] 
 
 PiiMniNA, November 3rd, 1869. 
 The Hon. Wm. .^fcDowjaU, G.B., (Cc, Pemhlna. 
 
 Siu, — I have tho lienor to report, that according to your instructions of the 30th 
 nit., I left the Fort of lY'inbina, with the intention of going as far as possible in the 
 direction of Fort Clarry, and there to nu^et tho leaih'rs of the so-calleil half-breed party. 
 After I had procec>led a few miles from P<'mbina, I noticed that all my movements 
 WKr;! closely watched by scouts, constantly connnnnicating from one point to another. 
 These scouts w(!ro on hor.seback. At about 5 o'clock p.m., one of those mounted 
 scouts began to follow my wagon. He refused to give his name, but said it was his 
 int(mtioji to accompany me as far as Sale River, where the barriciule was established. Not 
 being able to go as far as that ))oint that evening, I ])ut up during the night at a houso 
 near the road. Jwery pi-ecaution was taken by the ])roprietor of tho house, who appeared 
 to be connected with the insui-gent movement, to prevent my escape during tho night.. 
 They were especially afrai<l of my going to Fort Garry, as one of their lirst objects was to 
 prov(!nt every coiainunicatiou between the authorities there and yourself. 
 
 In the morning I went to the place called Sale River, wliere I found a fence acrosa 
 the road, and a guard of al)out thirty or forty footnien. T immediately got out of my 
 Y,-agon, and asked for iho chief oillcer in command. Tho answer was, that I would be 
 conducted to him at tho houso lie occupied. It was .about four or five minutes walk 
 beyond tho fence alludiKl to. I told my di-iver to wait for m(>, but they told liira to 
 ifoUov/ with the w,-.;,on. I .vas nccompaaiied l)y a guard of ten or tiftoeu men, all 
 nr • j<l with guns, rides and pistols of various kinds. I was asked to assist at tho 
 church service just beginning to Avhich I assented. I talked Avith several men who 
 I hud reason to believe were lea.ders of tho insurgents f)r in some way coiniected with 
 itliem. I was surprised tliat they did not know what had been done, either in the 
 Canadian or Ini^ierial Parliaments, relating to the North West-Territory. They only 
 
 >'■§ 
 
 i 
 
 * No D. received. 
 
' If 
 
 BBI 
 
 •It 
 ill 
 
 98 
 
 know tlmt Oanatlri lia<l paid to tlio HiidHon'H Tiny rom))Miiy £300,000, for tlifi?- ri":1ilM in 
 that foiuitry. 
 
 I oxplaiiiod to ilmm that tlie InnxM'ial Parliament Iim'I aiitlmrizod tlio tmnsfm* of 
 the Nortli-W«\st Tt'iTitoricH to Canndn, Mini tluit tlie ( 'iii'uli.in I'lTJiiinuMit niid lii(« 
 HiidsoirH Hay Company had n;;r«M'd upon tlu" t('rm."j of tninsftT. i insiHtiMl (hat flm 
 Crovonimcnt, wlion ('stal)liHli('d liy Ihc issuiM!; of thti pvochun.i'!' ; i > that off<'(;t, would 
 ri'pivsinit th(> Crown of l"'nt;land ami th(> (lOVi-nimiMit of Camula, Imt tliat Canada only 
 bcinjj; Hii!)stitnlcd to tho rij,dits of tho Crown and tlm ('oinpany, conld not ami Would 
 not intorfcrc with tho r(di;^iouM or private* rij,'hts of ritizcun. I adilcd also that nmny 
 mcMnlicrs of tho Now Coiincil would 1><> (akcii from amoii','Ht tho ]>opidation of thin 
 country, ho as to ropi-OHcnt as faithfully as possihlo all tho various interests of tho 
 pt'oplo, and that the policy of tho ('au.idian (lovernment could ho ascertained l)y their 
 general dcalinijs with other Provinces, and hy the speeehos of ministers on this very 
 ipiestion. Tho people of (!ana(hi would oidy he too }:;lad to he relieved of a poi'tiun of 
 their responsibility, by p-antin^ to those people free political institutions and self 
 govennnent oh soon as practicable. 
 
 They immediately seemed to s(>c tho matter in quite anothoi' lii:;hl. hut they uniformly 
 anHWcrod that it was too late, and that the insurri'otiouary niovem<'nt, h.ul taken stu h 
 proportions as to prevent any peaceful Hottloment at present. I was told in tlu! nu>aiitinio 
 that a new Government was already ori^'anize<l, that a now coustilutinn lind becMi drafted, 
 that elections had tak(>u i»hice, and that they were in nej^oliation with the Knj^lish and 
 Protestant half-breeds, to arrange all matters rflatins; to languages, natiouiility or religion. 
 Tho same committee, F Avas told, had also to decide what they would do in relation to 
 my mission. 
 
 The general complaint of those men, as far as [ could ascortuin, was, that they liad 
 mt been consulted on the new ]>olitical changes about to tak(> jdacc. Th(\v said tliey 
 tolerated tho Government of the Company from iho. niero fact of its existenco, am' 
 because in reality tho charges were so light that they had no reason to ask for a chanp", 
 ■".hough for many years they had agitated the rpu^stion o( electing their representative:-! in 
 the Council of Assinniboine, and now they were resolved to take advantage of the recent 
 rhangt>s to realize that desire. They said, moreover, that they had been greatly al)usrd 
 by a few j)eople, looked upon as representing the views of the (■anadian (rovernment, 
 and that they had Ix^en led to fear that great danger would ariso to tluMU fj'om tJie 
 establi-sluuent of the new contemplated Government. Under thos^> circumstancis they 
 decided to prevent at once any possibility of estaldishing that new form of GovernnuMit, 
 by not allowing the newly appointed Governor to come into the country. 
 
 About i'o^'r (4) o'clock p.m., I was introduced to tlie I resident of the so-oalled 
 special committee of the half-breeds, who began by asking me in Avhat capacity I wa-i 
 there. I exj)lained what was your mission and my own. Wliou he told lae that as 
 the newly ap))ointed chief of the half-breeds ho could not :)ckno\rledgo the validity of any 
 proceedings of the Canadian Government towards them, nor our ajjpointment. Novei-- 
 theless, if the Canadian Government was willing to do it, they were ready to ojx-n 
 negotiations with them, or with any pei-son vested with full i)owerH, "n view of settling 
 tlie terms of their coming into the Dominion of Canada. 
 
 I was told, moi'eov(»r, that they would only receive such persons as representatives of 
 the Canailian Government as they apjiroved of for the purpose of negotiation, and that 
 certain poi-sons would be peremptorily objected to. Immediately after that interview, 
 w^hich lasted obout twenty minutes, I was told I must leave at once for the Foi-t at 
 Pembina. I heard afterwards that the ci'owd had been calling for me for two hours, 
 and that they were very anxions to see me away. I left with a guard of thirteen armed 
 men on hox-seback. Seven of them left next morning, jind six came along with me as far 
 as Fort Pembina, where I arrived the second day of November, at six o'clock p.m. 
 
 T have the honor to be, Sir, 
 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 J. A. N. Provencher. 
 
29 
 
 \f<ir r\y}\^^ i'l 
 
 n tniMsfiT of 
 iMil mill I1h> 
 UmI tlmt tlic 
 
 olVcot, wonUl 
 ('iui!\(iii only 
 ,b ivud woul.l 
 w tliiit many 
 liitioii of iliin 
 i«rcsl>t of tlio 
 nii\('il l)y tlii'iv 
 
 on thin vory 
 )f n. portion of 
 ions mill Hclf 
 
 llioy iinifonnly 
 ;.il taken siuli 
 V tlio im>iuitini(( 
 l)(>(Mi ilraftf'd, 
 o Hnj^liHli n:i4 
 lity orreU<^ion. 
 ) in relation to 
 
 1, that tlioy had 
 riicy said ilicy 
 exuitfnro, anil 
 ik for a ohanp', 
 tri'scntativrs in 
 cjo of llu^ rtcfut 
 
 ■ Croally alniscd 
 u (lovi.>iMum>Mt, 
 
 tluMU fi'oni tlu«, 
 :ninstancos tlicy 
 i)f Goveniniout. 
 
 11 f tlio so-oallod 
 capacity I WiVH 
 told nie that as 
 e validity of any 
 itnient. Ncvor- 
 voady to open 
 view of .settliuj? 
 
 opresentatives of 
 iation, and that 
 
 tha.t iutovTiew, 
 for the Poi't at 
 
 for two hours, 
 
 ■ thirteen armed 
 ig with me as far 
 X o'clock p.m. 
 
 nt, 
 'rovencher. 
 
 [R] • 
 
 Prmiuna, 2nil Nuvombor, iHfil). 
 
 (,'orenior McT<tviih,,(i'.., Fort (!<trri/. . 
 
 My Dcvti Hiu, - r hfvvo tlr) honor t) ai'!{no\vlop;i> thi rooiMpI, by tlm Iiand?i of CjI. 
 Donnis, of youi' h-.t^or of tlu^ ."lOLh ()cti>lti)r, aniKairicin;,' tho ais .'nilila;^^* of a liudy of annoJ 
 men npun tiio pnMio riad no.ii- Tort tUrry, fur thu avowed pmpo.jo of |)nn'ontin;-t niy 
 cutr»(neo into tho Bftthiment. Col. Dennis had already apprised mt! of tfcn movementa 
 and desiii^n 1 of Lho-ii' peopJH, and, as yon statu that his p.)inniiitiie:ition:< to me had heoii 
 sh'i^Tn to, and ai)pr>)ve I as to tlin st.itunient^ conlained, l»y tiio ni'Mnl)ers of your conneii, 
 I have no donhi thrtt I nin now in poHS'vssioii of sullu-ient information to nnahlo r.i) to 
 understand the orirjin rt'id nature of tho outliroak which y'""' (Jovernmint Imi heeu 
 
 10 
 
 uua'>le to provcuit, and >vhich obstructs, for the presiint, my AirLhor pni;;rns3 into tl 
 country. 
 
 I liavo actod upon tho ;!nf;;^ostlou of (!(d. Dennis (rejientod linl confirin.'vl l>y you), 
 that I. should (U)lay a few days at Peinhina, in tlie hi)i»e lliattiio measures you have t.vlcen 
 may result in the withdrawal of th') armed parties from their prtjsoiit position. As you 
 are aware, the transfer of the Territoiy and the powers of i,'overi\inetit entrusteil to you 
 is to take oil'ert on a day to Ijp named in J ler Majesty's lloyal Protdaniation, until that 
 day arrives (which I am informtul will he about tho 1st day of T)ecend)er next), you ar« 
 the jeifiil rnler of the country, and responsible for the ))i'eservatiou of the public ])eace. 
 A[v eDnunissiim autlioriz-js and commands mo t;) assum i and exercise tho powers of 
 >j;ovonuneiit from and after that day. I am instructed to proc(!od in tho meantime to the 
 Territ )ry and laport on certain subjocts, and make pre})arations for the now^stato of 
 things, 
 
 in these circumstances you will sco that tho Ic^rd authority to resist any lawless 
 exhibition of force which may occur prerions to tho actual trau.sfor of tlio jiowctrs of 
 j;oveniment, is in oilier hands than mine. Yon have not, it iiii[)ears, felt Justified in 
 calling' upon the loyal and well-disposod inhabitants of tho country to aid you in tho 
 suppression of tho outbreak of which you have notified mn. I must, tliorefore, conclude 
 tliat your better knowled;^e of the disposition of the p.'oph) and of tlie m'<ans at your 
 disposal to enforce your authority, convinces you that sncli a call would prove inefroctual; 
 but J cannot help thinkin;; that a proclamation from your (Jovernnuuit, ex[daining the 
 provisions of tho late Imjierial Act respecting tho Territoi-y, and the authority under whicli 
 the iu;w Government will e: 'rcise its powers, at the same time warning the malcontents 
 of the srtrious nature of the crime they meditated, and tho grave consequences to all 
 concerned, that must result from its commission, would have been well-timed, and perhaps 
 sullicient t(, prevent the designhig men at tho head of this movenuMit fr.)ni accomplishing 
 their purposes. I understand from Col. Dennis that no proclamation or warning has 
 as yet been published at Foi't Garry, mider oflicial sanction. 
 
 I am unwillirig, at this ilistance from the scene of action, and in the circumskancea 
 by which I am surrounded, to make any other suggestion. Perhaps the measures you 
 have taken may ]irove successful, 
 
 I sincerely Lope they may, and remain. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Very faithfully, itr;., etc., etc., 
 
 Wm. INfcDoUOALL, 
 
 [G.] 
 
 Prmbina, 4th November, 1809. 
 Gover'nor McTavlsh, dr., Fort Garry. 
 
 My Dear 8ir, — Since my letter of the 2nd instant was written, and before I 
 found an opportunity to send it forward, events have occurred which alter somewhat the 
 situation of afTairs. In the afternoon of that day, a body of horsemen (armed), to the 
 number of fourteen, galloped up to the Ifudion'.s Bay Company's post at which I was 
 
 n 
 
30 
 
 quftrtnrod, and (Inmaiidrd nn intorvlnw with mo. Two of thoir numbor, jipparontly 
 r«'oopiiizt>d iiit leaders, wlio j^'iivo their imiiien, at my rof|UPst, n« J-epiiio niid liavallio, 
 slated tlint they iiiid l)eeu .s(<iit to tell iiio to ^'o hack — that 1 iiiiisL not remain in Lho poat 
 later than niiiu o'clock tho next day. I adcod tluMM who s 'ut thorn, uiid hy wiiat 
 aiitlioritv. TIiov said llieir h^adora sent tliem, and thuir iiiithoritv was tho (I'dmrniinuil. 
 I asked, what (Jo\erument 1 'J'hey rejilied, •' Tho (hn'ornnunil, wo havo made." I told 
 thiuT) I cwiild not oitny tho f)rder.s of thoir (lovirnnient, ns [ was nrnt hy tho authority of 
 tho Queen, tv) adininistrr the (ioveruniont in hor namo, at the suriff time oxhihin;.^ my 
 commisaiou under tho Groat Soil, and oxplaiaing its turuii, Thu ca[)t.iin of the hand 
 lookifd at tho seal and parchment, and mad) an od'orfc to r.^a 1 tho dooum'mt, but Hooa 
 handol it back with tho rouiark, that if 1 had como on and nhowii tho l^ueon'g 
 Commission to his loaders, ho thought thoy would not haro opposed mo — that tlioy did 
 not wish to oppose the (Juc'f«u's Mutliority. Tfo jidded, tliat T coulil havo done flo without 
 any risk. T adihjil, that I was j^oin;^ on as fast a^ I coiild, when I wan notilied by his 
 so-called leador.s not to proceed further, she^\ing him at the fian'o time a letter from the 
 " Naliotial Coinmittoe," by (trdei* of John j'.'uco, Pi'csidont, and Louis Kiel, S(>oretary, 
 whioli wR.s ]»ut in my hands at IVuibina, immodiatoly on my arrival. IIo .sjtjmod a littlo 
 nonplussied by this, but merely said he was not prnsont whoJi thu letter was written. I 
 asked him whiit ho was ordered to do in tho event of my refusal to fpiit tho Territory. 
 !!(! tiuid lio liad no oriU!r.n, and his companion having left tho room a fow minutes boforo, 
 took his leave Komewhnt abruptly. 
 
 Noticin;; i\w effect of the exhibition t)f my Commission, and tho remark that his 
 party did not wisli to oppose the authority of tlio Crown, I dotorminod to invi*^o tho 
 whole ])arly (by this time increaseil to twenty by tho arrival of those who escorted 
 Mr. Provoncher and Captain Cameron) to a friendly conference, in order to make known 
 to them tho truth as to my position and their own. But they excuied themselves to tho 
 niesHenger, by saying that tho party was scattereil and tired, and would seo me in tha 
 Tuorning. As it drew near eight o'clock in the morning, they, seeing no prep;ii*ations for 
 our dejiarture, sui'rounded tho gateway, and vociferously demanded thiit wo should leave 
 bofore nine o'clock. The leaticr star ed that his orders were jioBitive, and he would not be 
 aii?.v/erablo for our live.s, if wo remained. They had, in the meantime, made a prisoner 
 of Ml', llallett, wlio went out to spoak to thom preparatory to the proposed conference, 
 and H(!eiiig tliiit they were not disposed to hold any parley, and might possibly commit 
 Komo furtlier outrage;, I ordered ray horses to bo got ready, and without waiting for 
 breakfast, ]»roceeded across tho lino towarda Pembina, escorted by a portion of the party, 
 witli arms in their hands. On reaching the post which marks the international boundary, 
 tliey stopped, and warned me not to return beyond tliat point, remarking tliat they did 
 not know me as Governor, but oidy ns Mr. McDougall. 
 
 Col. Dennis was told that ho must accompany me, which ho accordingly did, and 
 remains with mo. Mr. Ilallett, who for some time had been tied to a cart, and was 
 forbidtlen to speak with any of my people, was sent off towards Fort Garry, under 
 armed escort. 
 
 I am now encami)ed a slioit distance from the boundary line, on the farm of Mr. 
 Hayde!!, and intend to remain in the neighbourhood till I learn what action your 
 Government and the loyal people of the Toiritory may have taken on receiving intelligejice 
 of these events. I need only say that if the people uoav in tlie Territory tamely submit 
 t'.e Govei-nmont these half-breeds have, or ])retend they have established, I have no 
 •orce, at my command, and at present no authority, to resist it or them. The operations, 
 atary or otherwise, which nuist ensue, you can guess without any suggestions from me. 
 I have reported the facts as they have roaclijd me to the proper authorities. 
 
 I may add, for your informabiuii, that I have good reason to believe that there 
 aro persons on the American sido of tho line actively engaged in fomenting these 
 disturbances, and that therr are, also, persons of some influence in the settlement in 
 cori'espndence with them, 'xjieir avowed object is to bring about annexation of the 
 Territory, or some part of it to the United yiates. I cannot learn that the French half- 
 
81 
 
 bn'«(ls hiivo c()iitom|»liito«l this iv.i tlio result of tlioir muvoinoiit, hut it is woll to know all 
 tho iiilliK'HcoH and motives at work, 
 
 I trust that you will t.iko msasureri to koap mi udvlsoil of whit i< fjoiuL,' on lioyond 
 tlio liarricrulo, iiinl whcthor, in your oiiinion, any useful purjuwu will bo hervod by uiy 
 rcniaiuinj^ horo for any li'ni,'lh of timo. 
 
 I liavci uiiiny dotails for vuil)al coniuiuniiMl ion, which you will, no doubt, rocoive from 
 roliablo quaxtors, not beiui; >uro that that this will reach you unread by others. 
 
 I havu thw honor to bo 
 
 Very re»j)octfully yours, »kc., 
 
 Wm. McDouualu 
 
 [11.] 
 
 Tg (he. Honorable William AfcDougall, C./J., remhina. 
 
 We, as friends, would adviHO you by the boaror, who is a rolial)lo lan, as to the 
 position of affairs hero. Tho insurgents have taken possession of Fort Uarry, and 
 established scntri(!S at its gates. No opposition oflered by tho ollicers of the Company, 
 although informed that sueh events would take place twelvo hoars before. The town x* 
 al.so occupied by tho rebels ; no far no (listuri)anc« has occurred. Considerable wavering 
 among the half-bruoils of Kiel's party, on account of Mr. Provencher not being allowed 
 to address them in public, and many would be gl .d to go quietly to their homes. The 
 rebels call a genc^ral meeting about Monday next, and will then denumd an expresBion of 
 tho whole settlement, which avo will take care to have present, and have no doubt that a 
 largo majority will bo in your favor, and advise you strongly to await the result at 
 Pembina. 
 
 Tho Hudson's Bay Company are evidently with the rebels, and their present rvlc is to 
 prevent your having any oflicial ijitercourse with them. It is said that tho rebels will 
 support tho (.Toveninient of tho Hudson's Bay Company as it now exists. All the 
 Bubordinatos "'n the party say that, if you have a Commission fi-om Her Majesty to enter 
 here as Govornor, they will lay down their arms. Biel and the other leadeis allow tlnun 
 to know notliing. If the Proclamation can be issued here, and the Hudson's Bay Company 
 Government oOictally called onto act, they (tho Hudson's Bay Company) would bo forced 
 to suppress the insurrection, and thoy can easily do it. 
 
 Tho actual number of the disaffected do not exceed 250 men, all told, and the 
 slightest opposition would reduce that nund)er to tho original 40, including tho priests 
 and their head. 
 
 The supporters of the rebeld in town begin to manifest considerable anxiety. Our 
 opinion is that the Proclamation should bo forwarded by tho bearer, and we will see it 
 placarded here. Send duplicate copies to Portage la Prairie by a tiaisty man to *** 
 
 On no account leave Ptmbina till you have established official communication with 
 the Hudson's Bay Company. Any such sent by the bearer will be duly handed to them. 
 
 We are friends of the Canadian Government. 
 
 5th November, Winnipeg. , 
 
 n 
 
 ■r (J 
 ; f 1 
 
 Pembina, November 7th, 18C9. 
 Governor McTavish, dec. 
 
 My Dear Sir, — I avail myself of this opportunity to inform you that I have been 
 compelled, by im armed party of 20 men, to leave tlie Hudson's Bay "^Company's Post here, 
 and recross the line. I am now in American teiritory, and shall remain here for the 
 present. I wrote you two letters, both in one envelope, detailing the proceedings and 
 
 iS\ 
 
 ■■W 
 
Ill 
 
 't'i 
 
 tt 
 
 jxtsitidii of thirins liorc, iiti<l Hii;<.;('Htinx a Proclamation from your (Jovcrnmoiit, ('X|>Iuiiiin)j; 
 till' iiJitiirt' of the cliiiii;^"' in the (lovi^niiiifMil, niiil w.irtiiii:,' tlio niiilfoiitriits of tlin ••oiiso- 
 (inf'iiCL'.s of tlit'ir iicIm. [ wan (liHii|j|)oiiitt'<l to lii'iir from tlioso who mcL me tluil tln'y liiui 
 not licoii iiifnnu<'(l by any oii'i in iiiilhority that tlio flii\ti;?o of (Sovorninunt wiim an 
 Ini|M"riiil act, ami lunl the Haiictioji of tlin t^mn'n. I also itiiiiii'lcil you ami your ('oitticil, 
 tliat until the u<"tual Traiisfi-r and i'roclamulioa, yuu aro tliu li';^ul ilulcrs, ainl ruspoiiHililo 
 for tlin |»r('siirvation of tlio ]iul)U<' iicacc I am Hiirprimfd to learn, fiom a eommunii'ation 
 V)rou;,'lit l»y tluj Ix-an'r of this, tlinL a few rcliels liavo liceii allowi'd to tilc« your !''ort, 
 uuo|i|i(W(l, <>vt'n liy jiulilic jtroti-nt. Of course, I am not in tlie Ix'st |ioMltiou to ju<I,i,'>' or 
 ndviMc in hucIi a crisiw ; hut in the hopi^ tliat, liy Moni'i tnoaus, the paoplo will fliul out w Iiat 
 it is they are doini^, ami will shrink fi'om the oonsi'([uences of war ami liloodihed, and 
 confiscation, which are sure to follow. 1 shall romain here until 1 hoar ollicially of tlio 
 trauMlcr of authority, and shall then bo guided by circumstant'oa as to what I HJiall say 
 and do. 
 
 llopinj^ to hoar full details of what haa occurred, ami wliat you advise to bo dono 
 theru an woll an liuro. 
 
 I remain. 
 Very reapoctfuUy yours, 
 
 Wm. Mc'Douoall. 
 
 Temuina V^illaok, U.S., 
 
 11th NoTember, 18Ci). 
 The Ifonorah!« the Minister o/ Customs, Ottawa. 
 
 Win, — I have the honor to re|)ort tluit I reached Pembina on the OOtii ult., en route 
 for Fort Garry, in company with (lovernor McDougall and party. 
 
 You are, doubtless, aware of the circumstanccB whicli jirevontCHl us from proceeding 
 onward; aiul how wo were driven from tho Hudson's Bay (Jom[tany's Post, back a;.j.un 
 across the boundary line into tho United States, by au armed party of twenty half- 
 breeds. 
 
 The Governor will remain here for Rome time yet, to await rosulfedr Of course, T have 
 no alternative but remain with him, and will bo guided by his movomenta and advice. 
 
 Expenses have boon bo far very heavy. Everything at war prices. By the time I 
 can hear from your Department in answer to this, my funds will be exluiusted. Please 
 Bend remittances to be accounted for. 
 
 I have the honor to be, Sir, 
 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 Alexanuku Bego, 
 
 Collector. 
 
 Office ok the Secretary of State for the Provinces, 
 
 Ottawa, November 29th, 18()!) 
 The Hon. William McDougall, C.B., Pembina. 
 
 Eeceived byMr. giR^ — J had the honor to receive on Piiday, your dcspatclies of the 
 De'^mk.T. '-^^ ^^^^ ^^'^ November, the former dated from Pembina, and the latter 
 
 from Lai'ose's Farm. Eiglit enclosures, including; your correspondence 
 with Governor McTavish, and the reports made to you by Colonel Dennis and Mr. Pro- 
 vencher, also came safe to liand. 
 
 Tliese inipers were at once laid before His Excellency the Governor General and 
 Council, and were anxiously considered by the Privy Council. The crisis was grave as it 
 ■was unexpected, and might, if dealt with rashly and unwisely, lead to a civil if not a 
 national war, the end of which no man could foresee. 
 
83 
 
 O to 1)0 (loiio 
 
 OUOALL. 
 
 iiH., r.n rdute 
 
 It WM tho first duty of tho Oovorniiumt to acquaint Her Majoiity'a Miniiit<)rs with 
 the facts roiMirtod, iiiid a ciihlo ini>HHiigo wuh M<Mit ivt orico liy thn Oovi'inor (}(>ni3ml to tho 
 HocroUry of Htiito for tho (!olouivN, uml copioH of all thu papors have be«n furwurdoU by 
 thu iniitl ftn- Kiigland, which loft Ottawa tluH morning. 
 
 Tho iiiHurreution you doHcribu in not niuruly an exproN-tioii of dJHliko to thn Govern- 
 ment of tho Dominion, but an opun violation of Impurial LogiHiution and doHunco to the 
 authority of t)ie Crown. All thu nngotiations for tho transfur of this country hiul pro- 
 oeedod with tho sanction of Hur Majoxty's Oovurnmont, and thu purchaNu monoy iiad 
 been raiitod under an Im|>orial Guarautoo. [t was awtumud,on both sidun,that the Cjui^n's 
 right of Sovereignty was indixpu table, and that Hur power to protect Her subjects, oven 
 in that distant part of Her Dominions, would bo ossurtod with llrmness and ducision. It 
 tboreforo apjiearod to tho Privy Council unwisu to complicatu matters by any hasty action, 
 until tho |K)Iiuy of thu Queen's Government was known. 
 
 Tlie Governor General is still in tulugraphic communication with tho Secretary of 
 State, and I may bo able, before closing this donpatch, to convoy to you, with some 
 degree of clearness and accuracy, tho views of Hur Majesty's Government. 
 
 In the meantime I have it in command to express to you the anxious desire of tho 
 Goremor General in Council, that all collision with tho insurgents may be avoided, and 
 that no violation of the neutrality laws of thu United Status shall give a pretext for the 
 interference of thoir Government. 
 
 This will be handed to you by a special messenger, who, as ho speaks French fluently 
 and is a gentleman of some exporiencu, nuiy bo of some service. 
 
 You will for tho present remain at Pombina, cheered by tho conviction which 
 animates ua here, that Ilcr MajcHty's Government will duly uatimato the gravity of the 
 facts reported, and take such steps as will, while carefully providing for tho good govern- 
 ment of the North- West, maintain the authority and vindicate the honor of the Crown. 
 
 I have the honor to be, Sir, 
 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 Joseph Howe. 
 
 ''I 
 
 f'VI 
 
 P.S. — The Messenger cannot leave for a day or two. The Duplicate will bo sent 
 by him. 
 
 Labobe's Farm, Pembina, 9th November, 1869. 
 
 The Honorable the Secretary of State for the Provinces, 
 
 Ottawa, Canada. 
 
 S'B, — I have the honor to report that, m accordance with the 1 3th paragraph of my 
 instructions, I have taken measures for the extension of the Telegraph system " from the 
 Territory to Pembina, and for its connection at that place with the system of the 
 American Telegraph Company or Companies" by making "a provisional an-angement for 
 that purpose with the North-Westem Telegraph Company," whose lines now extend aa 
 fur West as St. Cloud in Minnesota. 
 
 Some time before leaving Ottawa, I had an interview with Mr. Wood, one of the 
 Directors of the North- Western Telegraph Company, and enquired of him as to the position 
 of his Company, and the probability of its lines being soon extended to Red River. He 
 promised to confer with his co-directors and let me know the intentions of the Company, 
 and the conditions, if any, under which they would extend their system to Pembina or 
 Fort Garry. I mentioned to Mr. Wood that the Government, under their agreement 
 with the Hudson's Bay Comp.any, would acquire a large quantity of Telegraph wire and 
 insulators, which I waa informed had been sent to and was then at Fort Garry. The 
 12o— 5 
 
 
nr 
 
 — 1 
 
 
 i; I. 
 
 34 
 
 encloHcd letter innrkcd "A" in tlio nmult of that couvtrnntitm, ivn<l hnvitig b««on forwarded 
 to iiM) from till) I)*'|iju-kriit!itt of I'lililir Workn, iiftor my a|)|K)iiitinont to my pri'wiit olllce, 
 was iiiadc tlii< \mHiH of trin arratii/i'mciit wliicii F coiirliidiMl with thx ('oiii|iaiiy whilfl 
 en roiitf titthin phwi'. I coMiiiiimifiitiMl at ('hi('a;,'o with Iht* I'runiih'iit nt'thc N<»rth-VV«!Mt»'rn 
 IV^f^^rapli (!i>iii|>aiiy, and alter di iiii «uti>; the Nul»ji<<'t with him, iiiiditr tliflort'iit aHpcntN, I 
 lliialiy wrot<' tho h'ttrr marki'd " H," ucccptiiiK Homo of thn coiidilioiiN of tho |iro|H)Hal 
 iiiudu \>y tho ('Om|Miiiy, and d<>tiiati<liiijL( a modiM(;atioii of othorN. I nnid tiin draft of thiH 
 lottur to t\w IVt'Hidoiit, hh \ waH ahoiitto l<>av-o (Ihica^o, and to inct^tHomtt of his olijootionii, 
 addt>d tho inomorAixhim marked '*])lt.," as ho waH not ready to (doNo tiiially tho arrun^o- 
 mont without further eonNidtatioii with his (loUuaf^iiun; and an 1 wisliod to maku Homo 
 further onfiuirioM, I agrottd to writo him froru Ht. Paul, and doM«) the matter one way or 
 tho oth(»r. Tho lottor "H," with tho memorandum "lUt." wan oncUmed to Mr. HiminonH, 
 (ProHt. N. W. I. ().) accompanied \>y tho privato note, nuir'{od "('," from Ht. Paul, an<l itii 
 rocoipt waH acknowh'djjjod, and tho a;i,'reement cloHod by tho telegram *' F," which I rocoivod 
 at 8t. Cloud. Tho letter •' K," from Mr. SimmonH, overtook mo at Pend)ina, whoro I 
 have l)Ocn (hdayiMl by circumstances which have boctn explained in my previous roportH. 
 
 It will bo observed that under the a>,'reemont which I havo concluihid, nubjoct to tho 
 approval of His Kxcidlency in Council, no money is stipulated to bo i)aid by tho Canadian 
 (joveinment to the Company for th(^ construction of tho lino. It will bo observed, also, 
 that for a distance of nearly 300 miles, to wit, from llrockeidtridge to Fort (Jarry, thoro 
 are no towtiH or villaj^en on American Territory, and no businesH prospocts, therefore, to 
 induce tho Company to extend its lines beyond Flrockenridgo, where tho Wigtom Railway 
 ■ystem will, for tho present, terminate. Tho prolits on tho businosH, which under the 
 most favounblo view is likely to be Hujjplied by tho PritiHh Hottleniont on Hod River, 
 would not warrant any Company in constructing and maintaining 300 nuJ*n of telegraph 
 line. The bivsis on which the President of the Company wished to '■.<'rielu(lc the agree- 
 ment was tho contribution of one-half tho CQst of a lino from St. Ciond to I it Garry by 
 each of tho parties. His proposition (por letter A,) would, according to tlio Company's 
 estimate of cost, have divided it about in that proportion. But I represented to him that 
 the Company wo»dd in all pvobility extend their lino to Breckonbridge at their own cost, 
 very soon after tho completion of tlio railway, and that the problem to be solved by us was 
 tho completion of the line between Breckenbridge and Fort Garry. To meet the diflSculty 
 which seemed to bo insuperable, without the organization of anew Company and the raising 
 of a capital of at least |!50,000, 1 proiMjsed to find the wire for the whole line, bnt for tho 
 portion south of Brtjckenbridge to charge the Company for it, tho cost price to us, and take 
 our j)ay in telegraphing. As wo have a larger quantity of wire at Fort Garry, according 
 to information which has reached me, than will be i-equired for the fulfilment of tho bargain, 
 I thought it good policy to soil 200 miles of it in the way proposed. It turns into money, 
 or money's worth, what would otherwise remain useless on our hands, and subject to 
 deterioration. Attention is directed to the important stipulation for a rebate of 75 per 
 cent, on public documents and despatches exceeding CO words. It occurred to me that 
 occasionally it may happen that great public advantage will result from the immediate 
 transmission of an ordinance in hcnc verba, for confirmation by His Excellency. In the 
 event of military operations, or other proceedings which demand promptitude, a formal 
 and full communciation by telegraph may be of great importance. In such cases the 
 expense will bo small compared with the benefit. 
 
 Upon the whole, I am strongly of opinion that the arrangement is a most favorable 
 one for the Government of Canada, and that the Company will execute their part of it 
 energetically and fairly. I hope, therefore, the agreement may be confirmed ^ithout 
 delay. 
 
 I have the honor, ke., 
 
 Wm. McDouoall. 
 
NoRTII-WlWTKKN TKLKOIIAI'II ('«)MI'ANr, 
 
 Kknohiia, CK'tolitT Ut, 18C9. 
 Uonorahh Wm. AfcDougall, Commitnlontr qf PuhUo Wi>rkn, 
 
 OttilWH. 
 
 Deah Hir, — Tlifoiigli r»iir Mr. Wood, I am infoniuNl timt you winli our Coiii|uiny to 
 mako yoti a |>ro|Kmitioii to Iniilil a \\\w of t«<l)>Kraph from Fort (Sarry or l'i<mliiria, to 
 conmM't with our liiicN in Miiiiu'sota. ^ltlll>rHtan(lill^ that you Iiav<« a |jirf(<' i|UHhtily of 
 telegraph material, at ui- near Fort Garry, wu maku uur |>ro^>oHitiuu in view uf tliut 
 fact 
 
 Wo will Ituiltl a yi,oo{\, nulmtaiitial, one-win^ lino, <'onn»»ctinj? Fort Oarry with mxv 
 liii(*s, (luriti^ th(> nciihou of 1H70. When liuilt we will maiutiiiii Haiti lino for onn ytar 
 (and th(M'(>aft(t<' if it Hliall pay) at our own (•xpunHe. [f wo aro unal)lit to mako tho said 
 liiu) pay th«> oxpfuiNo of operating and niainttuianco, wn roHorvo tho ri^ht to alwindon Utn 
 Ham(>, or make nucIi diNptmition of it, as to us may Ho«un iMmt, giving you tlin option of 
 purchaHing tlio Hanut at coHt, Wo will also agreo to givo to tho (iovornmcnt of (Janatia, 
 on itH otKoial liUHincHH, a lilteral niltato, of at loaHt twonty-livo per cout, from rogular ttiritf 
 ratcH, ovor all our lincH. 
 
 On 3'our part you are to Hooure to uh the right of propcM'ty, and tho right to do Imsi- 
 noHH over that portion of tho lino hotwoou Pomltina and Fort liarry, frro and without tax. 
 
 lind. You are to dolivor to »ih, fro« of coHt, at points on tho ItankN of tho Kod Hivi<r 
 on tho North, Itotwoon Fort Garry a»ul a point called Urtjckonhridgo, in tho Stato of 
 Minnesota, during tho early part of tho Heason of navigaticm of 1870, tivo hundred milos 
 of galvanized telegraph wiro, with iiiHulators and piuH HulHci«>nt to ])ut up tho samo. 
 
 If our proposition ho accepted wo Hhall need an early answer in order that wo may 
 got out cedar polen, which wo tiiink can l>o dono on tho MiHsisnippi Iliver, and (h'livered 
 at St. Paul's, thence by rail to tho Red River, and there put into rafts and distrihutotl a« 
 required. This |)ropoHition would have boon mad(t at an earlier day, had our Gompany 
 been in condition to do ho. We know nothing ot tho country, or the supply of material 
 for poles, and to get the information has taken time. And wo aro now ontimly in tho 
 dark as to tho probabilities of busineus support, but on this point we have detomiiiied to 
 take the risk. 
 
 Hoping to receive an early reply, 
 
 I p,m very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient Servant, 
 
 Z. G. SlMMOKS, 
 
 President North- Western Telegraph Company. 
 
 CDOUOALL. 
 
 (A) 
 
 Chicaoo, October 11th, 186?. 
 Z, (7 Simmons, Esq., President of N. W. Teletjraph Co., 
 
 Keuoslia, III. 
 
 Dear Sir, — Your lettter of tho 1st instant, making a proposal to build a line of 
 telegrai.li from Fort Garry on Red River, to a point in Minnesota, which will conneci 
 with your present linos, and addrosstid to me as Minister of Public Works for the 
 Dominion of Canada has been forwarded to oie fiinco I loft Ottawa. 
 
 Having been authorized by tho Can- dian Government to conclude a provisional 
 agi'odment with your Company, I have now tho honor to submit for your acceptance the 
 following modifications of, and additions to, your proposal. 
 
 1st. Your projjosition tliat we should supply you with five hundred miles of wire is 
 inadmissible. But I undertake to .supply you with a sufficient length of wire and 
 insulators to make the line from Fort Garry to Breckenbridge on Red River, and deliver 
 
i; '■ 
 
 \l 
 
 36 
 
 it at three points, — 1st. Fort Garry j 2nd. Pembina; 3rd. Georgetown, in such quantities 
 reopectively as you shall designate. 
 
 2nd. The additional wire up to a length of 500 miles, which may be necessary to 
 complete the connection with existing lines will be supplied you upon condition that you 
 purchase the same at cost price, and pay for it in telegraphing for the Government of the 
 Dominion and North-West Territories. One-half of all Bills rendered for such service 
 by y6ur Company, to be payable by way of credit on the above purchase, until the wire 
 8o purchased is paid for. 
 
 3rd. By "regular tariff rates" I understand rates which at the time are not 
 proportionately higher tlian those in force on your lines in Minnesota for messagea 
 received and sent in the ordinary course from points in that State. 
 
 4th. In addition to a rebate or reduction of twenty-five per cent, on Government or 
 official messages, of say less than fifty words, you will be expected to allow a rebate of 
 seventy-five per cent, on official reports and documents exceeding fifty words, which may 
 be telegraphed at night like newspaper reports or despatches. 
 
 6th. It is understood that this rebate in both cases is to apply to all connecting lines 
 between yours and the points in Canada to and from which messages may be sent, and 
 that your Company is to make the necessary arrangement for the purpose. 
 
 With these modifications I accept your proposal, and will immediately report the 
 agreement to the Government of the Dominion for its confirmation. 
 
 I have, &c,, 
 
 Wm. McDouoall, 
 Lieutenant-Governor North- West Territories. 
 
 " BB." [Memo.] 
 
 It is understood that if the American Government exacts Customs duty upon the 
 wire extending from the boundary of 49 to Breckenbridge (to be supplied under the 
 agreement) the amount of such duty will be credited on the purchase of wire for the line 
 south of Breckenbridge, but the duty (if any) on the last mentioned wire will be payable 
 by the Company. 
 
 Wm. McDougall. 
 
 St. Paul, Minnesota, October 13th, 1869. 
 Z. G. Simmona, President N.-W. T. Co. 
 
 My Dear Sir, — I enclose a copy of the letter I read to you at Chicago, which I 
 have made the original, and have endorsed upon it a memo about duty. I hope we shall 
 nol have any to pay, but if the authorities u\- Washington insist upon it, I propose to 
 credit it to you on the purchased wire. This will probably meet your views. 
 
 As a considerable time will elap:. a before the line is in operation, and as I may wish 
 to send official telegrams forward from St. Cloud, I should be glad if you would allow a 
 rebate upon all such of 26 per cent., as far as Samia or Detroit, This would induce 
 business and I think promote your intere&tt- We have an arrangement of this kind with 
 the Montreal Company, and it is therefore unnecessary to stipulate with them, but merely 
 to notify them of the agreement with you, if you assent to it. 
 
 Please let me hear from you at Fort GJarry by return of post. I will speak to your 
 operator or agent at St. Cloud, and arrange with him conditional on your assent. 
 
 I have enquired of one of my agents from Fort Garry, whom I met here, as to the 
 probability of finding timber for poles near Red River. He says there is abundance of 
 tamarack, but feara the cedar is too large. I will write from Fort Garry on this poiijt. 
 
 Hoping to hear that you have given orders for getting out the poles at this end of 
 the line, 
 
 I am, (fee, 
 
 Wm. McDougall. 
 
 ._J .,!_,, 
 
37 
 
 North-Western Telegraph Company, 
 
 Kenosha, October 27th, 1869. 
 Hon. Wm. McDougall, Governor N'orth-West Territoriei. 
 
 Dear Sir, — Your communication under date of October 11th, reached me ol the 
 15th instant, and was immediately replied to by a telegram to St. Cloud, Minnesota, 
 as follows, viz ; — 
 
 " Hon. "Wm. McDouoall, St. Cloud, Minnesota. 
 
 " Letter received. Wire to Breckenbridge must be delivered free of charge at 
 " points named. The balance, if we purchase, to be at cost, duty added. Your 
 " modification of our rebate proj;^oRltion is accepted as to our Company, and we will 
 « make it apply to all connecting linws, if possible. The tw«nty-five per oeut. rebate 
 « may commence at once. , 
 
 " Z. G. Simmons, 
 " President North- West Telegraph Company." 
 
 Not knowing positively that the telegram was received by you, I have sent you 
 a copy of it has above. I have assumed that it would be satisfactory, and immediately 
 ordered the purchase of poles, and have now to report the contracting of all that may 
 be necessary to eomplete the line to Pembina. For the balance of the distance we 
 will depend on getting the timber nearer. I trust we shall reach you at Fort Garry by 
 telegraph in the fall of 1870, and, if the Bailroad should be completed as early as 
 contemplated, it will be early in the fall. 
 
 On all communications you wish to transmit over our wires we will rebate 
 twenty-five per cent., commencing from the first of this tnonth. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, &o., 
 
 Z. G. Simmons, 
 President North- West Telegraph Company. 
 
 (1036.) 
 
 Larose's FarHi Pembina, Nov. 13th, 1869. 
 
 The ffonorahle the Secretary of State /or the Provinces, 
 Ottawa, Canada. 
 
 Received by SiR, — I have the honor to state for the information, of His Excellency, 
 
 State °toT the *^"'* •'• *™ "^^^^ without any further communication from the Hudson's Bay 
 Provinces, 4th Company Authorities at Fort Garry. I have received through private 
 Dec. 1869. channels notice that my letters of the 2nd and 4th inst., to Governor 
 McTavish were placed in his hands on Monday morning last, and that a meeting of 
 Council was called for that day. But though a week (nearly) has elapsed and private 
 persons have found means to send letters to me and to the other members of my party, 
 written at Fort Garry as late as Thursday (the Uth) the Government have either had 
 nothing to communicate, or found themselves unequal to the t.ask of reaching me. I learn 
 also that they have issued no Proclamation or warning to the rebels, and those who be- 
 lievingthe stories nowcurrent that the Hudson's BayCompany is opposed to the Government 
 of Canada, may be inclined to join their ranks. I cannot account for this extraordinary 
 reticence and hasty surrender of authority by the legal rulers of the country upon any 
 theory but that of the weakness and imbecility "of the Governor, and the complicity of 
 some members of his council with the insurrection. I have »3vidence that one of hia 
 cbUncUlora, at whose house some of the first meeting! of the maloontents wore held, id iik 
 
 5' I 
 
 ■'••!" I 
 
 
'-i-> 
 
 , f< 
 
 If 
 
 81 
 
 correspondonco with the American plotters at Pembina, and trying to find out through 
 ih&m what my intentions and movements are. This treason within tlio Council will also 
 account for the stopping of supplies which were ordered by the Hudson Bay Company's 
 agent here, for our use as well as his own, and which the rebels could have known nothing 
 about unless some of the Hiidson's Bay Company's employ6s hatl disclosed their destination. 
 The rebels had not previously interfered with the Company's carts or trade operations. 
 
 I enclose a printed paper ("A") issued by the rebels at Fort Garry on the 6th infitant. 
 It was printed p.t the olfice of the " Nor' Wester" by the rebels, who seized the office for 
 the purpose, the proprietor and his employes refusing to have anything to do with it. 
 The typo wius set by a Yankee in their ranks, and the proof corrected, as I am informed, 
 by Mr. iloss, late of the "Globe" office, Toronto. This " call" waa enclosed in a letter 
 under cover to the Post Master at Pembina, which he deliverod after some hesitation, and 
 stating that he •would not in future deliver letters to mo which might come addressed under 
 cover to him. The Post Office here is very loosely conducted, and is entirely at the 
 service of the Insurgents and their sympathizers. Many' letters appear to have been 
 opened, and the general opinion is that this accident occurs at Pembina. It might not be 
 amiss if Mr. Thornton requested the U.S. Post Master General to instruct his subordinate 
 here to show more care and coui'tesy in the conduct of his office than he has hitherto done. 
 
 My information from the settlement, verbal and written, leads me to believe that this 
 " call " of tho French half-breeds will not be responded to by the English-speaking part of 
 the population, ?-x3pt a few traitors who have been in the plot from the beginning and 
 who may tak' th''.< opportunity to declare themselves. 
 
 Sunday 14th. 
 
 The letter (" B "), which reached me to-day, is without signature, but from the hand- 
 writing, I know it to be from Mr. Snow, superintendent of the Government Road. It merely 
 confirms information which has reached me by various means for the last two or three 
 days. The recommendation that I should issue a Proclamation at once, is not made for 
 the first time, but I have xmiformly replied that until the transfer of the Territory has 
 taken place, and I am notified of the fact I shall not assume any of the responsibilities of 
 Government. Messrs. Richards and Provencher concur with me in this policy. 
 
 Papers ("C") and ("D") are extracts from letters received during the week. The one 
 marked ("C") is from Mr. Mair, who waa at St. Paul when the outbreak occurred, but 
 was allowed to pass the barricade, after some delay, on his return to Fort Garry ; and 
 extract ("D") is from a letter written by a young Englishman who was on his way to 
 Fort Garry to see the country with a view to settlement — ^h© travelled a part of the way 
 with Mr. Begg, and was allowed to pass the barricade in charge of one of the Hudson 
 Bay Company's wagons. 
 
 I enclose also a communication ("E") just received from the ** Friends of Canada," 
 through the same channel as the one marked (" H ") in my report of the 5th instant. 
 It apprises me, as will be seen, of a state of things in the rebel ranks, which, if true, 
 gives hope of a more easy solution than a few days ago seemed possible. 
 
 I directed Colonel Dennis to answer this letter by the same messengdr, to the effect 
 that I was still here, and intended to remain — advising that any action by the loyal 
 inhabitants should be taken with deliberation and as much unanimity as possible, and 
 promising that they should hear from me officially very shortly. They were asked to 
 report promptly the result of the "Call" on the 16th instant. A notice posted at the 
 foot of one of the printed " Calls,'' fixing a place of me^^ting in the parish of Kildonan 
 is in tlie handwriting of one of Governor McTavish's ■ nuncillors. This paper is now 
 in my possession. 
 
 The last mail from Canada brought me no official lettei-s. I expected to hear, by this 
 time, that the "tninsfer" had been agreed to, and the Imperial Order in Council passed. 
 If I do not receive notice of this " Order " in a few days, I shall be much embarrassed 
 in my plans, and the leaders of the insurrection will be emboldened and strengthened. 
 
89 
 
 They understand perfectly that I have no legal authority to act, or to command obediencOi 
 till the Queen's Proclamation is isnued. 
 
 The weather is still mild for this latitude. The earth is not frozen on the prairie to 
 a greater depth than 4 iiiciies. Tho anow barely covers the ground, and yesterday it 
 rained for two or taree hours. 
 
 I have, (Sec, 
 
 Wm. McDoloall. 
 
 ("^•") 
 
 " Public Notice to the Inhabitants op Rupert's Land. 
 
 " Tlie President and Representatives of the Fronch-spaaking population of Rupert's 
 Land in Council (the invaders of our rights being now expellpd), already aware of your 
 sympathy, do extend the hand of friendship to you our friendly inhabitants, and in doing 
 so, invite you to send twelve representatives fi-om the following places, viz : — 
 
 " St. John's. 1 ; St. Margaret's, 1 ; Headingly, 1 ; St. James, 1 ; St. Mary's, 1 ; 
 Kildonan, 1 ; St. Paul's, 1 ; St. Andrew's, 1 ; St Clement's, 1 ; St. Peter's, 1 ; town 
 of Winnipeg, 2 ; — in order to form one body with the above Council, consisting of 
 twelve members, to consider the present political state of this country, and to adopt 
 such measures as may ba deemed best for the future welfare of tho same. 
 
 " A meeting of the above Council will be held in the Court ITouse at Fort Garry, 
 on Tuesday, the 16th day of November, at which the invited lepresentatives will 
 attend. • 
 
 " Winnipeg, November 6th, 1869. 
 
 " By order of the President, 
 
 " Louis Riel, Secretary." 
 
 ("JS.") 
 
 Fort Gabby, November 9th. 
 
 " Council in deliberation to-day on yours. Received all right. Decision not known. 
 " Saddle will fall on right horse. " Call " made on th«» 'afferent parishes by manifesto of 
 " Riel, who seized "Nor' Wester" Office, and by force used the press. English and Scotch 
 " parishes will not respond. 
 
 " Issue Proclamation, and then you may come fearlessly down. Hudson's Bay 
 Company evidently shaking. 
 
 " By no means leave Pembina." 
 
 " Winnipeg, November 8th, 1869. 
 
 * * * " The company, beyond all question, are deeply concerned in the matter, 
 " Half-breeds themselves declare that they have received assistance. Insurgents in quasi 
 *' possession of Fort Garry, receive their supplies there. Yours received all right. Council 
 " in deliberation to-day. On no account leave. The English have not risen, because 
 " they have not been called upon by the authorities, otherwise they would have risen. 
 " Issue your Proclamation and it will be responded to by 500 men. 
 
 " Mr. Snow was told by Mr. Riel, to-day, that the road would be stopped. Last 
 " night they took possession of " Nor' Wester " office, and printed off a " Call," of which 
 " a copy is enclosed. The types were sec up by a Yankee, whom they brought with 
 " them, and the proof was revised by Mr. Ross. All the Yankees h ;re are openly con- 
 " C6med in it, including certain merchants. Will write at length to-day. 
 
40 
 
 " Monday Evening, 
 
 " There is a rumour that Fenian aid lias been invoked, through the agency of 
 Donaldson probably. The company are at a non plus regarding your determination to 
 remain at Pembina. A meeting of Council held this afternoon, which the Archdeacon 
 informed us this evening, resulted, he understood, in nothing. 
 
 " The Pointe au Ch6ne half-breeds are opposed to the stoppage of the road, which is 
 a great benefit to them, but have made their boast that they will only allow it to be 
 built, so long as matters go on to suit them. Mr. Snow thinks it would have a good 
 effect, to stop the works for a time, to bring want as a pressure upon them. They are 
 all off the works, you may say, and it would be folly to hire one half of them to feed the 
 other half. 
 
 " If the company shut down upon the insurgents, which they can do at any moment, 
 they cannot subsist for any length of time upon their own means. I think with many 
 others that your best course is to remain at Pembina until further developments." 
 
 ("i>.") 
 
 Fort Garry, November 11th. 
 My Dear Begg, — I write you these few lines, hearing that you are still on the 
 borders of this pleasant land. I got in all right, thanks to * ''^ and am rather pleased 
 with the place. The Government now established is a Republic, with, of course, French 
 half-breeds for its officers. The English half-breeds are perfectly loyal, and will continue 
 so if there is any chance of the Government coming in. I believe that as soon as the 
 Proclamation is received, that they yrill rise and " lick " the French. Of course we shall 
 all " go in," that is tha Canadians and English now in the settlement. The French have 
 the Fort guarded by 140 men, and have taken possession of the artillery and other arms 
 atored there. They are making the Hudson Bay Company Ji/tid them without pay, 
 which serves them right, as when they had cash they did not mind letting them into the 
 fort, which, with the help of the loyal, they might easily have held ; but it is evident that 
 between you and me that they at first were well pleased at the way things were working ; 
 and even since I was here, when the half-breeds heard that Mr. McDougall left for 
 Of sra, they gave up the Fort, but returned next day and got it again. My firm opinion 
 is, that the affair wiU not be settled until forces are brought from Canada. No blood has 
 yet been shed, but it is impossible to say the day that it may be. All property is 
 respected at present but the Hudson's Bay Company's, which is used pro bono publico. 
 Of course we are all doing nothing. Send me a line of what you are doing, and 
 what is being done to bring this miserable affair to a conclusion. 
 
 Believe me, &o. 
 
 ■ V 
 
 Town of Winnipeg, Friday, 12th November, 1869. 
 Colonel Dennis, 
 
 Dear Sir, — ^The communication to " friends of the Canadian Government, Town 
 of Winnipeg," and to Governor McTavish, under cover to Mr. jGrant, arrived this 
 morning, and were at once delivered by Mr. Grant. The mail of Tuesday contained 
 letters for His Excellency, and for yourself, under cover to Charles Caviller and ;i 
 Colonel Stutzman respectively, but we believe they have been taken out, as the mail 
 bag was brought back to the pop*^^ office and there examined. In future all mail 
 matter is to be examined both ways. River Sale is now guarded by half a dozen, 
 Fort Garry being head quarter, and particular pains are taken to see that no communi- 
 cation reaches the Governor, who is still said (I) to be very sick. Reports of yesterday 
 fpeak of a split between Riel and Bruce, and a determination on the part of the 
 former to oust the latter. Apart from the mission influence^ Bruce has the largest 
 personal following, and the result will of course be good. 
 
41 
 
 In(Ucatiou3 sliow things t(j be shaky in thoir canip, more especially since they 
 have licard that the JCugli.sh halM rct'ls have taken all the ainuamition from the 
 mugazint's at Lower Fort and Kecreted it. This information led to a demand, day 
 licforo yesterday, frum Ilu-l for tli(i keys of thu l>;istions ut Fort Garry, where the 
 >;una are, and thoy have since been guarded ut night. Tho shot and shell, however, 
 iK'longing to Qn'\n were at the Lower Furt. 
 
 Indiuiis to rhe ininiber of fifty, had a griind meeting in this neighliorhood day befoi-o 
 ye.sterday. "Pegwi.s," (P;-ince) presiding- -highly indignant with the half-breeds — r«sult, 
 a letter from them to the (rovernor, entrusttnl to Mr. Grant, to forward their interests in 
 this matter, lieing so directly untagcmi.stio to the claims of the half-I)reeds, that, coupled 
 with the fact that Indians as a ndo are on tlie side of the provisions and pay, there is not 
 the slightest ciuise to api)rp]jend danger fruui them, but rather |)owerfui siip|)ort at any 
 moment, having tlie sanction of Government and the English half-breed heading. 
 
 Wo will have o strong j)rotest in to the authorities here at once against theii" inaction 
 and embodying the suggestions made in the letter. We believe that time — a short time — 
 >)ackcd by anything official from Govei-nor McDougiiU, will bring about a solution of the 
 dithculty, and iC something comes in the way, foiesliadowed in the letter, we will guarantee 
 the result. 
 
 In most of the parishes no answer will l)e made to Kiel's Proclamation, or if acted on 
 at all, will bo simply to send \ letter protesting against thoir past and j)resent action. 
 They are trying to get an election of li. and IMcJC, from thc^ town, but will, I think, 
 be able to frnsti-ate that if the Americans do not turn out too strong. 
 
 This method of communication may bo trusted, and is being paid for in full here. 
 Mr. S. is at Oak Point, and stops all contracts to Pointe au Cheno half breeds. The 
 effect will be to turn their iiiflxieuco against those who have rendered it necessary for 
 the Government to withhold its hitherto liberally spent money. 
 
 We want guidfince at once ; force if necessary is available, but we believe that 
 patience and })roper authority will force present Government to action. Town people 
 are beginning to tire of feeding and encouraging their guard, and tho guard in turn resent 
 the falling olf of attrmtion. One of the captains told us he was foi-ced into the affair, and 
 wished our good otHces to clear him when the time of examination into the affair came. 
 
 Tho cause is quietly and surely advancing with the English elemeni., and gaining 
 ground eve)i with the French ; and we feel suie that all ^vill be well. 
 
 
 
 [No. 1042.] 
 
 « M 
 
 [ovember, 1869. 
 
 Extracts of a letter addressed to the Secretary q/ State for the Province$, hy a Gentleman 
 resident at St. Paul, Minnesota, dated November 26th, 1869. 
 
 I sent your letter by mail to Mr. McDougall, under cover to a trusty friend at 
 PemV)ina, with uistructions to deliver it in person to that weather-bound gentleman. 
 
 I am in frequent receipt of letters by mail or private hands, three or four times a • 
 week from Pembina. Mails to that point are safe. Beyond it all mails both ways are 
 lansacked and the contents examined, and nothing is allowed to pass without the counter- 
 sign of some insurgent inspector. The events occurring at Red River naturally excite a 
 good deal of interest here, and though there is of course a general desire that the affair 
 may result in the annexation of the country to the United States, the main anxiety here 
 is that bloodshed may be averted, or anything like war, for our people are vary appre- 
 hensive that such a conflict would draw the Indians of both sides into it, and involve our 
 own border in the horrors of an Indian war. I have not of course the slightest idea 
 what your Government are going to do aljout it, but to us here it seems the height of 
 imprudence to attempt coercion. 
 12a— 6 
 
 t^l 
 

 43 
 
 I'l'om what I civii Ic.ini tlifiv is at {•rfscnh very littli>, it any, aniioxatioii seutimont 
 in tli(» rountrr, Imt coi'irjon wuulil ho likt'ly to forco tliat alternative. There ia a little 
 daflli of tlip lA-nidn in tlio k'a(U'r,sliii». A yonnj,' Irisli ]>i'i(;st, nanuvl D'DonohuP, attached 
 to Bisliop Tache's oslaUislnncnt, V.-ing Bui<l to supply tiio Iirnins of thu moveinont. 
 
 DKl'ARTMli.NT 01-' ►SkcIICTAIIY OK StATU KOR THK PllOVINX'ES. 
 
 Ottawa, Dccoinlicr 7th, 18G9. 
 To fhe lluvorahle Wm. McDovgall, C.Ji. 
 
 Sir, — I harl tho honor to address to you DoHpatchoH on tho IDth and 29th 
 Novenibor, ■svliich, in view of tlio insi'oui-ity of tho mails, wore (uicloscl to a friend at 
 St. Paul, to l)t sent forward, if possible, by privat<! hand. For fear that lliey may 
 have nii.scarj'ied, duplicates aro annoxod to this. 
 
 Your l)e.s[)atc'h of the 13Ui ult.,Avith it;s onulo.sures, froiri ("A") to ("E,") reached uia on 
 the Srd inst., and was imniediatoly laid before the Council. Copies will be sent to the 
 Colonial Secretary this wei^k. 
 
 I have now the honor to inform you that the Vei-y Kcv. Mr. Tllibauit, acconi- 
 pajiied by Charles de Salaberry, Esq., jjvocceda to-morrow, vid St. Paul and Pembina 
 to Fort Gany, for tho purpose of assisting; in putting down tho unlawful a.ssemblago of 
 people on the lied lliver, and obtaining access for tlie Canadian Authorities into the 
 North-West. 
 
 Mr. Tllibauit has had great exporicnco in that country, having been for 37 years a 
 priest there, and having only left it last year. 
 
 Mr. de Salaberry has also had considerable experience in dealing with the French 
 Ijalf-brecds. 
 
 After consulting with you, they will take such action with these} jjeople as they 
 think most calculated to carry out our objects, and it may, perhaps, be politic that they 
 should have as little open communication with you as possible. 
 
 It is, of course, advisable not to aruuse the susj)icionH of the Insurgents, who 
 •would 1)0 very likely to view with disfavor any persons coming directly as agents from 
 you, and acting inidtit your instructions ; you will, however, l)e good enough to 
 strengthen their hands as much as pos.sible. 
 
 With them we send you a Proclamation issued by the (rovernor Genei'al by tho 
 direct command of Her Majesty. This should be widely disseminated, in such a manner 
 and at such a time as you think most expedient. It has also been thought well to print 
 copies of your Letter of Instructions, which will, of itself, show how unfounded is the 
 charge that the North-West is to be governed without the inteiposition or aid of the 
 residents, but by Canadians solely. 
 
 Messrs. Thibault and de Salaberry will be followed by Donald A. Smith, Esq., the 
 Hudson's Bay Agent at Montreal, who now occupies the position fonnerly held by Mr. 
 Hopkins. In his capacity as an officer of the Hudson's Bay Company, he will obtain ready 
 access to the country and to Governor McTavish ; and it is hojjcd that ho will be 
 able to strengthen that gentleman in his attempts to restore law and order at Fort Garry. 
 
 In order to give his representations due weight and importance, Mr. Smith has been 
 asked to act as a Commissioner holding confidential relations with tJie Canadian Govern- 
 ment. In that capacity, having once reached Fort Garry, he will be able to speak 
 authoritatively as to the beneficent intentions of the Government. 
 
 We hope that calmer counsels will soon prevail, and that these misguided people will 
 disperse. So soon a*) they do so, you will, I presume, proceed to Fort Gany and carry 
 out your instructions. 
 
 It will be well for you to arrange for sending messages to St. Cloud, so that we may 
 know by telegrajjh that order has been re.itored. On receiving this intimation, Hia 
 Excellency will communicate the fact, by cable message, to the Colonial Office, and the 
 Proclamation will bg at once issued. It has }>con hitherto delayed, bo that the authority 
 
^s 
 
 37 vears a 
 
 of tho TTmlHon'H Tii\y Homjiany tiil;»lif runtiimn unimpm'rorl, until it was replacod Ity the 
 Caniulinii ({ovt-riiiiKMit, as i-i'iucscMtcd liy ynii. 
 
 T have tlio honor uIho to mpikI yon an Onlfi- in f'otincil, iinsi-ieil this day, on tho 
 Huhject of Customs dutios. 
 
 You will now be in a pOHitinn, in ymn' coinnmnu'ations with the rcsHidentu of the 
 North-Went, to ;issun thcin : — 
 
 1. That all their nil mid rtdi^.rions liln'itics and privileijcH will U Haci-ediy rMpeeted. 
 
 1*. That all their proiicrties, ri;,dits, -.aHl eipiities of eveiy kind, as enjoyeil under tlio 
 Crovenunent of the IhnlHon'n Hay (Jonipany, will be continued theni. 
 
 3. That in ;^nvuting titles to l.in<l, now oecujiie'l by the settlers, the most liberal 
 policy will be pursued, 
 
 4. That the presimt liirill" of Customs duties will l;o continued for two yoai-a, from 
 the 1st January next, except in the e:ise of spirituous lifjuors, as spoeified in the Order 
 in Council above alluded to. 
 
 T). That in formin<^ your Cotnieil, the (lovernor (Jeroral will see that not only the 
 Hudson's Bay Comi)any, bu.t tho other elassen of the residents, are fully and fairly 
 represented. 
 
 0. That your Council will have the power of estublishin'; municipal self-government 
 at once and in such manner as they think most beneficial to the (Country. 
 
 7. That the Country will be ^;overni*d, as in tho past, liy British law, and according 
 to thft spirit of British -justice. 
 
 8. That tho ])i'eseut (lovernment is to bo considered as merely provisional and 
 temporary, and thut the Governuiont of Canada will be prepared to submit a measure 
 to Parliament, granting a liliei-al constitution so soon as you, as Governor, and your 
 Council have had an opportunity of reporting fully oa tho wants and requLrements of 
 the Territory. 
 
 You had, of course, instructions <.n nil the above-mentioned points, excepting as 
 regards the tariff, before you left Ottawa, but it has been thought well that I should 
 repeat them to you in *'.iis authoritative form. 
 
 Trusting that ero long you may be in :i position to cany tlieso liberal propositions 
 I)ractically into the administration of the aflUiis of tho North-West, 
 
 I have, itc, 
 . Joseph Howe. 
 
 
 DEr.\r.TMENT OF Sr;au;TAuv of^ State for the Pi{ovin€i:.s. 
 
 Ottawa, Dec. 8th, 1800. 
 To the Honorable Wm. McDowjall, C.B. 
 
 Sib, — Enclosed you will find the origiiud Proclamation referre<l to in my letter of 
 yesterday's date, in English and French. 
 
 It may be as well that you should have the original Proclamation in your hands. 
 ' I have, iVrc, 
 
 Joseph Howe. 
 
 PROCLAMATION. 
 
 "^^ 
 
 R. 
 
 By His Excellency the Right Honorable Sir J ohx Young, Baronet, a Member of Her 
 Majesty's Most Honorable Privy Council, Knight Grand Cross of the Most 
 Honorable Order of the Bath, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order 
 of St, Michael and St. George, Go-vernor General of Canada. 
 
1 
 
 I 
 
 ill 
 
 44 
 
 To all and every tlio Loyal SubjectD of Hor Majosty tho Queon, aad to uU to vs'hom thoso 
 Freaents shall conio, 
 
 Grebtino: 
 
 The Queen has charged mo, as Her roprosontiitivo, to inform you that certain misgnitled 
 pCJ-HOUB in Tlor Settlemonts on tho Uod llivor, havi^ l>ini(l<Ml tli.inHolvoH together to 
 op^xjao by force the enti y into Her >« urth-WeMtcrn TeniloiicH of tho otiicer Hohcted 
 to adminiHter, in Her Niimo, the (»overiimciit, when tho Territories iire nnitt-d to 
 the Dominion of (^ivnfida, under the authority of tho late Aetof the PuIinMient of the 
 United Kingdom ; :iud that those pnrticH hiive also foiriMy, and witli viole.ice, 
 prevented othoi-s of Her h)yal sulijectH from ingress into tho country. 
 Her Majesty feels assuied that she may rely upon tlie loyalty of her Huhjects in 
 the North-West, and believes thoso men, wlio havo thus ilU'g.ilIy joined together, havw 
 done BO from somo misrepresent^ition. 
 
 Tlie Queen is convinced that in sanotioning the Union of the North-West Temtories 
 with Canada, she is promoting the liest intei-est of the resiilents, ami nt the same time 
 ■trengthening and consolidating her North American jiossessions as part of tho British 
 Empire. Yo\i may judge then of tin* sorrow and displeasure with wlacli tlie Queen viewH 
 the unreasonable and lawless proceedings which havo occuri-ed. 
 
 Her Majesty conmiands me to state to you, thilt she will always be loady through 
 me as her representative, to redress all well founded grievances, and tliatshe lia;i instructed 
 me to hear and consider any com])laints that may 1)0 made, or desires that may bo expressed 
 to me as Governor General. At the sanies time sJie has chai-ged uw to exeroiso all tho 
 powers and authority with which she has entrusted me in the HU])porL of order, and tho 
 suppression of unlawfid disturbances. 
 
 By Her Majesty's authority I do therefore assure you, tliat on this union with Canada 
 all your civil and i-eligious riglits and privileges will bo res[>ected, your properties 
 secured to you, and that your Country will bo governod, as in tho ])tist, under Hritish 
 laws, and in the spirit of British justice. * 
 
 I do, further, under her authority, entreat and conniuuid those of yon who are still 
 assembled and banded together in defiance of lav^, peaceably to dispni'se and retiirn to 
 your homes, under the penalties of the law in case of disobedience. 
 
 And I do lastly inform you, that in case of your immediate and peaceable oltedienco 
 and dispersion, I shall order that no legal pi-oceeding ba taken agaiyst any parties 
 implicated in these unfortunate breaches of the law. 
 
 Given under my Hand and Seal at Arms at Ottawa, this Sixth day of December, in 
 the year of our Lord, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty -nine, and in tlio Thirty- 
 thii'd ydar of Her Majesty's Keign. 
 
 [SEAL.] 
 
 By Command. 
 
 JoHK YouNO. 
 ff. L. Langevin, 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 Copy of the Report of a Committee of the Honorable the Pnvy Council, approved by His 
 Excellencyjhe Governor General in Council on the 7th December, 1S69. 
 
 The Honorable t/te Secretary of State for the Provinces, dr. 
 
 On a memorandum dated 3rd December, 1869, from the Honorable the Minister of 
 Finance, submitting that it is expedient to come to aii immediate decision as to the final 
 policy to be adopt'^d on Rupert's Land, in the event of that Territory being added to the 
 Dominion of Canada. 
 
45 
 
 Jbeetinu: 
 
 Tlmt it would, 111 liiH opinion, 1m> iufxpodiciit to malto iiuy iimt^riivl rlian^es in th« 
 CuHtoni8 (luticH in lliipcrt's I-auil, until llii- tni.'iins of ucf-usi to tln> T<'iritorji' ,slmll Imvo 
 hoon greatly iui|iiovp(l. 
 
 ifc tlu'rcfoic Hu<,'i^('sls tli.'vt tlio pnwnt turill' sliould rctnnin iu forcf for at IciiHt two 
 Vfiii-M from tiiti Ist .lanuiiry noxt. 
 
 'I'liiit it iiiii>, liowovor, 1)0 iHvi'MHary to cstaMiHli duties on spiritM. and possildy sonio 
 (flli«'r iirtiflt'H wliidi arc at prcscnl exempt. 
 
 'I'liat, if ;ln' aliovi! tsn^r^^t'stion lie eoncurred in, lie would fiiillier reecuniii'Mid that an 
 nimoiiiic;'m"'.t of the intention of tlie (jovcninient Uv matlu to the poople p'. ident in thii 
 Territory, who may jiossilily feel some alarm on the suhjeet of ii\ereased duties. 
 
 The ComniiLteo coueur in the report of the !''inanee .Minister, and .sulimit the sum* 
 for vour FiXcelleucy's approval. 
 
 (VrtKied. 
 
 \V.M, If. I,i:k, 
 
 (Jlcrk P.C. 
 
 H 
 
 ^' 
 
 ()fku;r of thk Skcrktarv of Statk for IiIE Piiovinces, 
 
 •December tth, I8r»9. 
 77>« Veri/ Rev. Graw/ Vicar, ^».' •. Thihavlt, 
 Ottawa. 
 
 Sir, — Ileferrinf^ to tho converaation held with a Comuiittce of the Privy Council 
 ycHterday, and to your kind con.senfc to urnhn-tako the delicatt* tank of represduting, lu 
 C'onjunetion with (Vdonel de Hali;hoiry, tho views and policy of this (jovernment to tho 
 peojile of tho Kuilson's Bay Territory, I am commanded hy J I Is Excellency tho Governor 
 (lenoral to convoy to yon, in the form of instructions for your guidance, tiio grounds of 
 ho})e entertained hero that your mission of peace and conciliation will lie entirely 
 successful. 
 
 You will not fail to direct tha attention of the mixed society inhal)iting the cidtivated 
 iKU'ders of tho Red lUver and Assinnihoine to tho fact, which comes within your daily 
 knowledge and observation and is [latent to all the world, that in the four Provinces of 
 this Dominion, men of all oiigi'.is, creeds and comjilexions, stand u])on ono broad footing 
 of jierfect equality in the eye of the Government and the law, and that no administratiou 
 could confront tho enlightened public sentiment of this country which attempted to act 
 in tho North-Went upon principles more restricted and h>ss liberal than those which are 
 lirmly established here. 
 
 So far as you may have intercourse with the Indian chiefs and peojile, yen will be 
 good enough to remind them that while bloody and costly'lndiaji wars huve raged, often 
 for long periods, in different sections of the United States, there lias lieen no war Avith 
 the Indians in any of the Provinces of British America since the conquest. For moro 
 than a century the Micmacs of Nova Scotia have lived in jieace, while tho lights of the 
 Milicetes of New Brunswick liave been respected. Everywheio within the Canadas, tho 
 progress of settlement, while it furnished new employments to the Indians, was rendered 
 practicable by treaties and axrangements nuitually satisfactory, that have formed the 
 secure basis of the sympathy and co-ojieration which have distinguished the Canadians 
 and Indians, not only since the Treaty of Paris, but from the earliest exploration of the 
 country. 
 
 It may fairly be assumed that the just and judicious treatment of the Indian Tribes 
 forms the brightest pa;;e in the history of British Ameiica. Canadians cannot afford to 
 sully it by any ungenerous treatment of the Indians in the North-West. 
 
 That the disturbances which have taken place, at and around Winnijjeg and Fort 
 Garry, have grown out of vague apprehensions of danger, incident to the transition state 
 of things which the action of the Imperial Govei-nment and Parliament rendered 
 
 n 
 
 %\ 
 
1 
 
 w 
 
 i% 
 
 fnovtt ibln, tliovo i'h no ronsnn to rloiilit ; Init it fi quitp anppvo'it *'iiit, unfloi'lyii.;^ what in 
 iiatiiml unit [Minloimlilo in tliih iiinv«'iiiiMit, tlii>ri> Iidm- Ijccu iij^dumoh ut wdvU which loyal 
 HuhjectH cnnuot roinitiMiiuirc, iiinl thiit iiitfiil iittcinptH hiivo Uw\ iiiimIh ti» niiHlmwl the 
 |KM)plo li) the nuwt llaj^iiuit ami alisiiril misii'pn si'iiliitioiiM. Ifail tht) (^iujou'h (jovorn- 
 Mi'Tit, or tlio ( toviM'iiiiii'iit of till' hoiiiiiiioii, iiiiitati'd tin* lu di ami nrklcss cui)Jii('> of 
 Homo «»f thow who liavf taken jtart in this diMlnrlianci', thoru would, t'l'e this, liRvo heoii 
 liloodsliud and <'ivil \,nv in H\ip<'i-('i< Land, with tin* pr(iM[i('i-l of the llanio spi-mdin^ alv)lit{ 
 th»' froiilicr, as Uic lir;' Hpi( ads omt tli<" pniirii'. l''oi(un.iltly, calinrr coiiiiciL have 
 jH'ovailod hoth in Kufdund and at Ottawa. Thw Pr(>clainati"n of tho <2"*'*'"'" K«'pi«Hi>n- 
 tativf, with copies of which yon will he fnrnishcd in !•' ench and Kn;,diHh, will convey to 
 her people tho Holonni words of their Soven i;;n, who, poHficssed of ani|d<! power to enforce 
 hor authority, yet confldodi in their loyalty and idleetiouate attachniont to her throne. 
 
 The instrnetiotiH issued to IMr. McDoujjall on the twenty ei;4hth of Hf^ptomher, long 
 before tlieui was any reason to appreheml serious opposition on the Red lUver, will show 
 how utterly jjroundless were the suspicions niwl iip|)rehensions of unfair treatment which 
 have been widely cinndated in the Noil h- West, and to which, unfortunately, some of tljo 
 C-anadian newspapers, Tor paity puip(tses, at times jtfaxe the nnschievous color of their 
 authority. 
 
 You will perceive that at no time was the absurd idea enlcitaiiaid of i),'noiing tho 
 niuniei])al and polititsil riudits of the people of the North West. That tho only two 
 jMMSons that Mr. J\Icl)ou;,'ull was formally instructcil to call to his aid were (fovernor 
 McTavish and Judi^o IMack, who were known to bo universally respected, and that any 
 Hubs(Hjiu.'nfc selections were to be first roported here, witli the jjrounds of his Ixdief that 
 they stood etpially hly;h in the coididenco ami alfecLions of (ho peo[>le. 
 
 All tho Pi- )vinoeH of the British Kmpiro which now enjoy Representative Institutions 
 and "Resjionsilile (invernnicnt have jiassed thi'oii<;h a prtibationary period, till tho growth 
 of [lopulaiion, and some political trainin;^', jieparcjd them for s(^lf-;,'overnment. 
 
 la tho United States, tho Territories are ruled fi'om Wnshinjiton till the time arrives 
 when they can prove their litness to be incbided in tho family of States, and, in the Hulls 
 (f Coni^ress, challenge the full meaaure of jiowor and free development which American 
 CitiiienHldp includes. 
 
 Tt is fair to assume that some fuch traiidiij^ as himi.an society retpiii'ea in all free 
 countries nuiy be usefid, if not indispensable, at Red River; but of this you may be 
 assured, tliat the 01ov»i-noi' General and his Coun^-il will gladly wfdcomo the period when 
 the Queen can confer, with their entiie ai>pvobatioii, tho largest measure of self-govern- 
 mont on hrr subjects in that region, comjiutiblo with tho pieservation of British interests 
 on this Continent, and tho integrity of tho Kmpire. 
 
 I think it unnecessary to niake moie Ihan a passing reference to the acts of folly and 
 indiscretion, attributed to ]k rsons who have a.ssumed to rejiresent the Dominion, and to 
 speak in its natne, but wln> have acted on their own responsibility, and without tho 
 knowledge or the tianction of tins Oovernnuiut. 
 
 [n uiidei*i;aking, at this inclement season of the year, so long a journey in tho public 
 •service, you dispiay, venerable sir, a spirit of j)atrioti8m, which I am commanded to 
 assure you is fully appreciated by the Quecji's Representative and by tho Privy Council. 
 
 I have tho honor to bo. 
 
 Your most obedient Servunt, 
 
 Joseph Howe, 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 Hudson's Bay Company Office, 
 
 Mo?JTREAL, 24th November, 1869. 
 The Honorable the Secretari/ of State for Caurtrfa, 
 
 Ottaicn. 
 
 Sib, — I have to-day received fi*om tho Hudson's Bay House, London, an extract A a, 
 
47 
 
 rember, 1869. 
 
 an extract >f a 
 
 Iftttor froi.' (Ji)voriior AIuTuvi^Ii, iliitf«»J b'ort (Jiii-y, 1-tli (Ktnln'r, lunl Imvo now tlif« honor 
 of tranMiiiittiii^ it to yoii. In (inin^ ;(<), 1 tun diroctft by tlit> (tovrniot' nnd ('oiiiiiiitt«M« to 
 Hhitf lli.it till' ('i>'ti|>itiiy Hi'<' iitixiouK t'l jitronl nil llit> iisHiHtiiixc in tlicii' jxiwitr in iiiilucin^ 
 the Ivoil l{i\(>r |) -opln to allow tho hiu'Vcvm to lit* |iro(!iiHli'(l with, utid lu iih<> thi>ir ir.lluoiu'o 
 ilk Any othor tniiiui»T with tiio viow ot' ansiNtitif^ ihu aiithoritit'H at Kcil lliv«>r to nmko 
 tlifir anaimonn'iits for llif xovt'ninimt of tin- (.'oniitrv. 
 
 And, in ♦iow of ilir nion< wrions uspcrt wlii»li allaiiH at llctl KivtT huvr nr««ntly 
 ftfisumcd, r \ic}i fiirthtM", on hohalf'of the (Joinpany, to oH'rr tho nsinnrunco that thiir 
 (lovfcTiior, KiutorH, innl tXhn is ^mmi'tiiHv will use (hi'ii iiiMiicin-i' nnd lit-st i-lVorts to roHtoio 
 Hnd niaint.ii'i oidor tliroii/liuut the Territory. 
 
 J have, iic, 
 
 DoNAt.ii A. Smith. 
 
 K.\TnA('T r</ n frffrr/rohi (ionrnoi' .\f<:7\iiHi/i to IT. (!. Smith, h'nf/., Senrfori/, dntoil 
 
 IWl <imr;i, Ui:il Uin.,; I.Uh OctoUr, IStiU. 
 
 1 am Korry to Hay that Mr. Snow, tlm Snitorinti'ndcnt on tlio Canadian road to tlio 
 fiako of tho Woods, hna had a scrioiiH distiirlmnto with (he |if'i(|(It' (in|iloycd on tin' n)ad, 
 tlin most of whom arc, however, Hlnin'^ers in the Settlenn'iii. The men comjthiin hittorly 
 of their treatment, hnt are, no donlit, in tint wron^', an tlwy used eonsideralilo violenee in 
 (Uaj,';,dng Mr. Siiow lo a creek, into whieli thoy tlireiit(Mn'd to thiow hini if he did not 
 pay them some few days* vaj;eH whieli they ehiimed, Imt whieh Mr. Snow eonnidert'd not 
 to he due them. The Hnm in (jnehtion ho evcnlmilly |>:iid them >nider proteHt. Mr. Snow 
 laid a char;^o of rohhery a,%'ainst tho men, hot the ma!i:fiHtriiicH did not consider that tho 
 facts justified such a elinrge, and committed tlu' men for trial at the November (^rnirtcrly 
 Ooiirt for a.s.saulL 
 
 1 am also sorry to inform you tlnit some of tho pt'Ofile hern hav(t sto])ped «me of 
 Colonel Dennis's survey in;5 p.irties and as usual, ofeour.se, tla* Colonel came tons for 
 redrenH. The men, who have thus inttu-fered, say they know the survey coidd proeeed 
 without any injury to anyone : lait stopping; it is always a befjinnin^, and they aro 
 desirous to ht the Cnnadi.in (loveniment know thnt it is not wanted l>y tla ni ; (hat they 
 c(msidor if (ho Canadians wish to come here, tlu! terms on whieh they were, to enter 
 should have been arran;?ed with the local G«)vem»ment here, as it is acknowlodfjed by th«5 
 j»eoj)le •" I the country. l>r. Cowan is at piesent doing his utmost to ptusuade the mal- 
 contents to withdraw their resistance lo the hurvoy as the easiest mode of getting over 
 the difticidly. I regret to say that I hive been so ill for some time as to l)c tinable to 
 go about, and am cpiite iincijtial to the .slightest exertion. 
 
 The Honorable Joseph How(t is at present here on a visit, but inctans to leave again 
 in a few days. The Honorable Mr. McDougall, it is sai<l, will be here sometime during 
 the current' month. 
 
 Office of Skcrktary of Statk fou Canada, 
 
 Ottawa, 2Gth November, 1809. 
 Doiifihl A. Smith, E»q., 
 
 A(/H)U J/iufaoiiH JJa>/ Couipfui,)/, .^nnitreaf. 
 
 SiH, — I have the Inmor to acknowledge your letter of the 24th instant and enclosure, 
 and I am directed at the same time to ox])re,ss the aeknowledgnu'iit of the Dominion 
 Government, for the assurance therein contained, that the Covernor, Factoi-s and Officers 
 generally of the Hudson's Bay Comjjany, will use their influence and best efforts to restore 
 and maintain order throughout the Noi-thAVest Territory. 
 
 I have, die, 
 
 E. Pakent, 
 » Under Secretary. 
 
 I 
 
 
 •n 
 
4A 
 
 Ori'H'K or THE HKltttTAKV OK HTATC KoR TIIi; I'ltoVINCKM. 
 
 On-AWA, l)<MM'iiiJ..T \Oth, IH60. 
 .Donn/il A. Smith, /.'Mf/,, 
 
 MdhIi'vuI, 
 
 BiH, — I haw tttu lioiiof to iiit'oriii yuii tliiit IliM K\<'i>IU<noy tlii) (lovfiiioi* (lotifi-ul 
 litis liiTii pliMNi'il to iiji|iuiMl you S|>iMiit| ( (iiiiiiiisMiiiiit r, to ciiiiiiiiK into nihl ii'iiort U|>oii 
 till! I'lium'H mill cxU'iit 1)1' lliii uriiK'il itliMtiucliiiii ollori'U iit tin* Kml Kt\«<i-, in tliu Noi'tii 
 W't'hl Tnritni'ii'H, tn till* |iruei>i'ii! iii^rchH of tin* llmi. Win. Mc|)i)iiji;all, tlio ^oiitli'iiinii 
 nrlccti'il to lilt till' i.iciili'ii.iiit (iovi'i'iioi- of til, it Coiiiili V, oil its union with <':iiiiiilii. 
 
 Also, to ciiiinii'i' into uiiij ri'|>oi't n|»in tlni ciuihimi of tin' ilisronti'iit iiinl ilissutisfiu'lioii 
 at tht' iii'o|iosril rliiiii^'K tliat now i xiMls tlinn. 
 
 AiHo, to i-x[iliiiii to iIm' inliiiliitiints tin* |ii'itiri|ili>t on which tho (Hivirnniont of 
 Cnnudii intriulN to ){ov«>'-n tlm roiinli y, iiml to i-mnovi- uny iiiis!i|i;ir<'lii>nsii)ns thiit iiiiiy 
 exist on tlir snlijcct. 
 
 Ami iilso to tiiki> Hiu'li sti'im, in concort with Mr. .Mchon^'ull mnl (ioviTnor MfTiiviHli, 
 aH iniiy Hi'i'in uuist |iio|ii'r for ('l!rctin;^ tho |i;Mri'alili> tninsfiT of tin* I'omitry iiml tliii 
 guvnnnu'iit fi'oni the lliulson's jtay iiiilhoritii s to the < ioM'i'niiiciit of tin- Dominion. 
 You will cuiisiiliT this coniinuninition as yoiii- Iriin- of ii|i|iointiiiiMit us (>ovt>niiiii>nt 
 ComniisHionir. 
 
 AVith this httt-r yon will nri-ivu;-- 
 
 A copy of tli« h'ttir of inntriictioiis j,'iMii to Mr, ^rcl)ouj,'all mi h'a\in^ Ottawa. 
 uaUul 'J8lh ScjitcinlMT last ; 
 
 Copy of a fiirtlici' letter of insUiicLions to Mr. .MclJou^ull, thitoil 7lh instant ; 
 
 Copy of the Proclamation is,<mi<il hy His Kxocllcncy tlu) (Jovenior (h'lU'ral, aihlroKscil 
 to the inlialiilaiils of the North Weil 'reriitorics li\ the express ile.sire of jjer Maji'sty. 
 
 'I'licHe will enalih' yon to speak anthorilatively on the siiliject of your nii.ssion. 
 
 \o\\ will jiroceed with all »leH|iatcli to Pemhiua, iiiiil arriin;;e with Mr McDoii'^'all as 
 to yonr future course of action ; ami then jjo on to Fort Carry ami take such steps as 
 after such consultation may seem most exiuili'.nl. ^ on will, of coiii.sc, consult (ioveriior 
 Alc'ravish, ami • mleaviair to airan;,'e one system of conciu'teil action in the pacilication of 
 th« country, with Mr. Mel)ou;,'all, the liiiilson's I'.ny aiithoritics and yourself. 
 
 As the informalion received liy the (,!overiimenl here is neccKsaiily imperfect, and 
 U8 tile circu instances at tlu' lied Kiver are continually clian;.iiii);, it is not considcMwl 
 ex|MMlient to haiupei' you with more specillc instructums. You will, therefore, act 
 according to the hest of your judj(meiit in concert with Mr. McDougall, and you will 
 keep mo fully informed hy every mail of th(* progress of »!veiits. 
 
 In addition to thi' more imniediate ol)ject of your iiiiHsion, you aio renuehted to 
 rejioi-t ou the hest mode of dealing with the Indian Trihes in the country, and generally 
 to make such snggeistioiis as may occur to you as to the reipiirenuuits of the fcouutry for 
 the future. 
 
 I have, ttc. 
 
 JOSKI'H lloWK, 
 
 8i!cretary. 
 
 Oprif'K OK TiiK Skc'uetakv or Stati: vow. thk Piiovincks, 
 
 10th Decemher. iStiO. 
 TliC IJoaomble W. McDowjall, (J. 11., 
 
 J^mbliut, Uiiited tSfides. 
 
 Sib, — Tills will lie liamh'd to you by Donald A. Smith, Esq., who goe.s to Pcnibinfti 
 on liis way to Fort Garry, at the special request of this CTOVcrnmeiit. 
 
 I have the hone" to enclose a copy of a letter of insliuctioiis which hius Leon 
 acldre86ed to ^Vr. Si i/ . and have it in coinniand to dohire that vou will consult and 
 
41 
 
 r»» ()|H'mt4i with that f(ftnt)nnmii, in onlor, thiit, If p whIIiIp, hoiiik itoim^AiI solution may \w 
 rtiiiiiil «»f tin' fliJllciillioH which oliiHtnict your «<uljniirc in llic iww T»'rritury. 
 
 I hiivr, skv., 
 
 •luHKIMI IfowK, 
 
 S<>(irf»Uirv. 
 
 O.S.M.r., l»/»tii Juiimuy, l«7(i. 
 Du.uild A. Sinlllt, E«q., Fori (larrfj. 
 
 Siit,--Uef«irring to my lottftr of llio lOtli tiiliiiio, iiifoiiiiiiig you thai \\\h l!,;"«n«nfy 
 the (iovrniur (ituioral had Im^hd [ilcantMl to u]>|)oii)t you n S|><>cii<l Coi iiniHaion r forco-iuiu 
 liurpow^w uonntH^ted witli the North-Wont TwritorioH, I Jmvo now the honor, in uo(H)rdanc«t 
 with tho v»-rhid coinnniiiiaition made to yoti at Ottawa, to oiicUwn a ('oniniiMition und«»r 
 tlio (iivat Hoal, bearing dato thu 17th ultimo, appointing you a Hpnciul ronnniaaionci' 
 for tho purpoii«»s ntatod in my lottor al)ove ri-forrrd to, and ujore fully not forth in 
 the ('omniifision itrolf. 
 
 I have, im., 
 
 JosF-rn llowr, 
 
 H^iTPtarj. 
 
 ^'h^ 
 
 '\\\)l < Utawa, 
 
 CANADA. 
 
 ViCTOUIA, IIY THK (IrACK (»K OoJ), iiv. 
 
 To Donald A, Smitli^of the City of jyfontrml, in the Provinrn of Quebec, nml Dominion 
 of Cannila, Kn(]uire, and to »ll ofhrrn to vdiom the name mm/ in nvy %ihhh concern, 
 
 to rcuibinn, 
 
 WIIEUEAB, by an Act of tho railiumont of (Jaiuuhi, pasaod in ti.:« thirty-scjond 
 and thirty-third yer.rs cf Our Reign, intituled, " An Act for tho tompomry 
 dovonimentof Ruport'H Land . ■■ i the North-WeHt Territory, when united to Caimda," 
 it is recited that it is prohoble that we may be pleased to admit Rin>ort'8 Land and tho 
 North-West Territory into tho Union of tlie Dominion of Canada, before tlm then next 
 Session of tho Canadian Parliament, and that it is expedient to prepare for tho transfer 
 of the said Territories from the Local Authorities to the Covcniment of Canada, at tho 
 time appointed by us for the Civil Government of such Tei'ritories, until more pornianonl 
 arrangements can Ix) made by tho Government and Legislature of Canada, and it is by 
 tho said Act in effect enacted that our Govornor may authorize and empowoi* such ofliooi- 
 us ho may appoint as Lieutenant Governor of tho North-West Territories, and who shall 
 administer the Government as by the said Act contemplatetl. 
 
 And, whereas, in the preparation for the transfer of tho said Territories, Our Govornor 
 • if Canada was pleased to send the Honorable Wm. McDougall, the gentleman selected 
 to bo tlie Lieutenant Governor as aforesaid, on its union with Canada, in advance and in 
 anticipation of the union, and his entry into the said Territories was obstructed and 
 prevented by certain armed parties who have declared their discontent and dissatisfaction 
 at tho proposed union, and their intention to resist the lame by force. 
 
 And, whereas, it is expedient that inquiry should be had into ilic cau.se.H and extent 
 of such obstruction, opposition, and discontent, as aforesaid. 
 
 Now know ye, that having confidence in yoiu- honesty, fidelity, and integrity, we ' >, 
 by these presents, nominate, constitute, and appoint you, the said Donald A. Smith, to b<« 
 our Special Commissioner, to enqiiiro into the causes, nature, and extent of tlio ol'strii 
 12n— 7 
 
iP^ 
 
 no 
 
 tion offered at the Red Ilivor, in tho North-West Torritorios, to the peaceable ingress of 
 the Honorable William McDongall, and other parties, authorized by our Governor 
 General of Canada to procoud into tho same ; and also to enquire into the causes and 
 discontent and dissatisfaction alle;j;ed to exist in respect to the proposed union of the said 
 North- Wes* lerritoriea with tho Dominion of Canada ; and further to explain to tlu^ 
 inhabitants of tho said Country, the [triuciplos on which the (Jovernrnont of Canada intends 
 to administer the Govornmont of tho Cojintry, according to such instructions as may U 
 given to you by Jur Governor in Council in this behalf ; and to take steps to remove any 
 iniatipprehensions which may exist in respect to tho mode of (Government of the same, and 
 to report to Our Governor General the result of such enquiries; and on the best mode of 
 ciuieting p"d removing such discontent and dissatisfaction ; and also to report on tho 
 most pmpor and fitting mode for oflocting the speedy transfer of the Country and Govern- 
 ment from the authority of the Hudson's Bay Company to the Government of Canada, 
 with the general assent of the inhabitants. 
 
 And further, to consider and report on the most advisable mode of dealing with ti»e 
 fndian Tribes in the North- West Territories, 
 
 To have and to hold the said oflice of Commisaionor, for tho purposes aforesaid unto 
 you tho said Donald A. Smith, during pleasure. 
 
 In toslimonv whereof, drc. 
 
 (Groat Seal.) 
 
 The Honorable Joseph Howe, 
 
 Secretary of State, <i'c., 
 
 Oitatoa, Canada. 
 
 L.\kose'8 Faum, Pembina, U. S. 
 
 20th Nov., 1869. 
 
 R e c J i V e d bjr Sir^ — I have the honor to enclose, for the information of His Excellency, the 
 State for the 
 
 ecretaryoi j-eply of Governor McTavish to my communications of the 2nd and 4th 
 
 Provinces, 7th instant, which only reached me last night. (Copy " A.") 
 Deo., 1869. Also, copy of correspondence which has passed betv/een certain 
 
 " Loyalists " in the town of Winnipeg and Col. Dennis, who is still Avith ray, and writes 
 under my direction. (Copy " B.") 
 
 Also a printed copy of " a protest " or " appeal " of these Loyali'its to Governor 
 McTavish, and of tho "Proclamation" which at last he was induced to issue. (Paper " C") 
 
 I have not yet made any reply to the lengthy and somewhat extraordinary communi- 
 cation which the representative of the Hudson's Bay Company at Fort Garry have thought 
 themselves called upen to address to me, nor have I made any arrangement with a view 
 to the " movement " which they have recommended in its concluding paragraph. As the 
 main object of my correspondence with them has been accomplished, to wit, the issue of a 
 Proclamation against the insurgents, I shall await, for a few days, the effect of this 
 proceeding before determining upon the ooui-se of action which I ought to adopt myself or 
 recommend to others. I am sure His Excellency will acquit me of indifference to the just 
 claims of Canada, and the reputation of its Government, or to the duties of the ^'"osition 1 
 have the honor to hold as its representative, if I abstain, in tho presence of the grave 
 events now transpiring from all controversy with Governor McTavish, or any other emplovec 
 of the Hudson's Bay Company, as to the propriety of the political arrangoments with respect 
 to the North- West Territory, which the Imperial Government has authorized and | 
 .sanctioned, and the Government of Canada imdertaken to carry out. With respect to ; 
 Governor McTavish, I may observe tha^ the report is current that he is still seriously ill, j 
 and that Mr. Black is the -writer of the communications which have reached me over tlie 
 signature of the Governor. How far the personal views and private feelings of Mr 
 Black — who lately informed Col. Dennis that ho was about to quit the territory — may ■ 
 
 . JX^aauusmvmiMhn, 
 
 j pwh f i U' Jii^ fi ^ w ■— a. 
 
 i i iii fi i > > .ir ifi jl fi»>Wii1iiH 
 
51 
 
 )th Nov., 1869. 
 
 liavo iuflnoiiccil tho policy of the local nuthoritiua, and found oxprcssion in thoir official 
 corroBpondenco, may horuafUr u|)pear ; but I nhall not asHuine tliat either tlio policy adopted 
 by theae gentlemen, or the opinions ontertainod by thorn of tlu) acts of Jlcr Mnjesty'b 
 Government in England as well as in Canada, has; rocoivod, or is likely to rooeivo the 
 sanction of the Hudson's Bay Company. 
 
 Except the supply of a few articlcis of food and clothing, for which the prices charged 
 are on the average higher than those of the American traderu in the neighbourhood, and 
 the two letters from Governor McTavish, of which cojues havo been forwarded, I have 
 received no assistivncc, or suggestion, or communication of any kind from the Company's 
 Agents in the Territory since my anival at this place. I have been obliged to organize 
 an independent private moans of communication with the Sottlenient in order to ascertain 
 the movements of tlio rebels, as well as of the loyalists, and I raay add, of the Government 
 itself Even the protest or Proclamation issued by the Gove -nor, has not yet been for- 
 warde4l to me by him, or any of his agents, Although for the List five days it has been in 
 the hands of the public at Fort Gan-) . But for the private channel of communication 
 referred to, of the existence of wliich the Company's OtKcers have not been made aware, T 
 would not have been able to forward this document by the present mail. 
 
 I have felt it my duty to mention these circumstances, to enable His Excellency to 
 luidorstand the difficulty that meets me in attempting to organize, in connection with the 
 authorities, any i-esistanco to the conspiracy which has already made such head in the 
 Hottlement. The confirmed belief of every perso-n I liavo seen, or whoso testimony has 
 reached mo (whether in the confidence of the rebels, or friendly to Canada), i»r that 
 the Hudson's Bay Company's employees, with scarcely an exception, are either actively or 
 tacitly encouraging the insuirection, It was the prevalence of this belief that determined 
 Tuo to force the authorities into a public declaration of some kind that would dispel this 
 illusion — if such it should prove to be — or compel them to show their hand as abettors 
 of the insurrection. The "appeal" of the loyal inhabitants (.see paper "0"), who had 
 previously opened correspondence with me, was the last screw applied, and seems to have 
 accomplished the purpose, notwithstanding the "peculiar circumstances," so strongly 
 insisted upon in the enclosed letter, to show that the issue of ouch a Proclamation 
 " might affect injuriously the future as well as the present Government." 
 
 I feel also bound to state, with reference to the "serious occurrence" detailed in the 
 10th and 11th paragraphs of Governor McTavish's letter, that I have the positive assurance 
 of Major Wallace, who has just returned from Fort Garry, as well as the statements of the 
 "Friends of Canada," that the Company's Officers in charge of Fort Garry, were told of the 
 intention of the Rebels to take the Fort, the day before it occurred, and that the Chief 
 Constable, Mulligan, who is an old soldier, offered to raise a force, partly composed of 
 "pensioners," with which he declared he could hold the Fort n gainst all the Rebels who 
 would be likely to attack it ; but he was told by Dr. Cowan, the officer in chai'ge, that his 
 sei-vices were not wanted. 
 
 The communication from Winnipeg, of the 17th inst., (marked B.), is from a well 
 informed correspondent, who has access to the Council Room of the malcontents, and is 
 in confidential relations with certain members of the Convention opposed to the aims of 
 the French half-breeds. I thought it prudent to sti'engthen the hands of the loyal portion 
 of the community by enabling them to deny, on the authority of Col. Dennis, known to 
 be with me and in my confidence, the story about my Council, which is still industriously 
 circulated in the Settlement. Canadian newspapers are quoted to prove that all the 
 members of the new Government have been chosen from Canada, and Mr. Howe's 
 remarks, while at Fort GaiTy, are repeated from mouth to mouth, amd construed into an 
 approval of their present attitude of "resistance to tyranny," and "defence of their rights." 
 The best way, as it appeared to me, to contradict these false and pernicious reports, was 
 to authorize the statement contained in the "reply" of Col. Dennis. I have thus far 
 avoided direct communication with unofiicial persons, but the extraordinary policy adopted 
 by the local authorities, and the difficulty and delay which I have experienced in my 
 attempts to communicate mth them, compel me to seek the aid of loyal men wherever I 
 
 Iv. 
 
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 il 
 
 
 il 
 
 
 V 
 :( ■ 
 
 
 l> 
 
 
 
 
 <ll| 
 
 1! 
 
 1 
 
 Ih ^ 
 
 1 
 
 V) 
 
 
 1 
 
 ■1 " 
 
 |l 
 
 1 ' 
 
 1, 
 
 6$ 
 
 can find thoin. It will not surprise the Government to hear that I have had to incur 
 considerable expense that was unforeseen when I left Ottawa, and that ])rivate persona 
 will not risk their lives and property in the service of a Governnieiit unable to a.ssort its 
 existence, eitlier de jure or de facto, without immediate and adequate remuneration, and 
 a very unequivocal promise of indemnity. I^have, hitherto, exercised great caution on this 
 point ; but I can foresee that affaii*8 may soon take such a tuni, as to render a bolder an<l 
 more costly policy'indisjjensable for the protection of life and property, as well as for i}w. 
 establishment and maintenance of authority. 
 
 Messrs. Richards a;. 1 Provencher are still in the neighbourhood, and see mo daily. 
 As soon as the result of the meeting of so-called "Representatives" is known, we shall 
 take counsel togctlier and determine upon the courae which prudence and duty iimy then 
 point out. 
 
 I have, ito., 
 
 \Vm. Mc'DoicALr , 
 
 (A.) 
 
 Fort Garry, 
 
 lUU) lllVER, 
 
 November 9tli, 
 
 1801). 
 
 The Honorable W. McDougall, C. B., 
 Fembina. 
 
 My Dear Sir, — i'esterday, about ten a.ji., I had the honor to rccoivc your two letters, 
 dated respectively the 2nd and 4th instant ; aud deeming it advisable that, in answering these 
 important communications, I should be advised by the Council of Assiuniboine, I at ouce 
 called a meeting of that body for to-day, and, with their concurrence, have now to forward 
 you this reply. 
 
 lu the tiret of your lettens you mention that, in conformity with the suggestion of Col. 
 Dennis, and the opinion of the Council, you have decided ui?..n remaining a few days at 
 Pembina, in hope of the withdrawal of the disaffected parties from their positions ; and we 
 cannot but think that, in the circumstances, your decision in that respect must be considered 
 wise. But it has not been without feelings to which we should find it difficult to give 
 adequate expression, that we have heard of your having been disturbed at the CompanyH 
 Post, while you were there waiting the couro of events, and of your having been compelled to 
 retire beyond the International line. 
 
 It appears you are under the belie F t'lat a Proclamation from this Govenimeut, explainiii;:- 
 the late Imperial Act regarding the Territoiy, and warning the people of the consecjuenccs (if 
 steps tending to impede any action that might be taken under it provisions, would have a 
 salutary effect in cheeking the present unlawful movement on the part of the French population. 
 It is difficult, if not impossible, to say, with any degree of certainty, how far that measure 
 might have produced such a i-esult ; but, if due consideration be given to the peculiar 
 circumstances in which the local authorities here stood, there will perhaps appear to be but 
 little ground for surprise at a measure of that kind not having been adopted. 
 
 The Act in question referred to the prospective transfer of the TemLory ; but up to thi.s 
 moment we have no official intimation from England, or the Dominion of Canada, of the 
 fact of the transfer, or of its conditions, or of the date at which they were to take practical 
 effect upon the Govcrunicnt of this Coiuitry. In such a state of mutter.'?, we think it is 
 evident that any such act on the part of the Red River authorities as that to which you point, 
 would necessarily hf!\-e bc^cu mnrkcd by a great degree of vagueness and uncertainty ; it win-- 
 felt that it might affect injuriously the future, as well as the present Government ; and we 
 therefore deemed it advisable to await the receipt of official intelligence of the actual transfei- 
 of the Country, and of all the details which it concerned us to know 
 
 But having every reason to believe, from semi-official sources of information, that the 
 transfer of the TeiTitory wouid soon take place, I have not failed to take every proper 
 opportunity of putting the matter before the public in that light ; and, although we have not 
 seen the expediency of issuing any such Proclamation as that suggested, yet we have been 
 incessant in our efforts to impress upon the leaders of these disaffected people a just sense of 
 
63 
 
 ) had to incur 
 
 C'DoucALt . 
 
 the illcpfnlity and danj^cr of the course upon which they had entered, nnd to disHuade thcni 
 from the fiuther prosecution of their unlawful purposes. jMcaaurcs, it i»true, of a positively 
 coercive nature have not been resorted to, for the simple reason that we have liad no reliable force to 
 insure their safety and success ; and wo arc strongly impressed with the belief that there in 
 f^-eat, if not overwhelming weight in the reasons given in my fonuer letter for the authorities 
 hesitating to adopt the perilous step of deliberately callinir iijion one |)ortion of ho |)oculiiir a 
 connnunity as this to confront the other In an attitude of detenninod hostility. 
 
 With regard to that part of your letter in which you make such exprci^s reforonee to my 
 position as the present legal ruler of the Country, and to my responsibility for the preservation 
 of the public peace, permit me to say it is because I so deeply feel that resjxjnsibility, that I 
 have hithei'to been restrained from sanctioning a coui"se so likely, I may almost say, so certain, 
 to engender a strife which, for years to come, might prove fatal to the peace and prosperty of 
 the whole country, and make all government impossible. It is un(|ue8tionablc that the 
 preservation of the public peace is tlie paramount duty of every ( Jovcrnment ; but while in 
 ordinaiy circumstances it might be reasonable enough to cast upon us the exclusive rcsixinsibility 
 of preserving the public peace, it may, perhaps, at the same time, admit of doubt whether 
 some degree of responsibility did not also rest upon others in a ca.se of so exceptional a 
 character as this, — a case in which not merely a whole country in transferred, but al.so, in a 
 certain sense, a whole people, or, where at least the political condition of the people undergoes 
 such a great change ; and it may moreover bo a question whether, on the part of the Dominion, 
 the preliminary arrangements for introducing that change have proceeded upon such a just and 
 accurate appreciation of the condition of the country, and the peculiar feelings and habits of 
 its people, as, on such an occasion, was desirable, if not absolutely egsential ; and whether the 
 complication by which we are now surrounded, may not, to a great extent, be owing to that 
 circumstance. But, at a time like this, when it is felt tliat all our energies ought to bo 
 directed to the possible removal of the obstacles that oppose the peaceable inauguration of your 
 Government, it would be out of place here to go into the discussion of such points as relate to 
 the responsibility of those concerned in the introduction of the new order (,f things; and I 
 .^hall therefore proceed to deal with mattera of a more practical as well as more pressing nature. 
 
 What the ultimate object of the malcontents may be, it is difficult to astei-tain, but if 
 they are aiming at establishing a Government of their own, as the leaders whom you met on 
 the 2nd inst, rather prematurely said they had already done, I doubt very nmch whether the 
 rest of the Settlement are at all likely to submit to such a destination ; but whether they may 
 tliiuk it best tactily to ignore such a usurpation of power, while it consisted merely in a name, 
 f»r actively resist it, or take part in the movement in the hope of moderating and directing it, 
 will, I apprehend, greatly depend upon circumstances. 
 
 It seems by no means improbable that on both sides of the line there may be personswho 
 are looking with a degree of sympa thy upon this movement of the French population ; their 
 motives, it is not difficult to imagine, but it seems to be nothing more but infatuation for the 
 leaders of those disturbances to encourage the idea of annexation to the States, for it is highly 
 improbable that, whatever might be the influence of such a change upon the community, its 
 effect upon the French population generally, could hardly fail to prove unfavorable to them. 
 
 Excepting in one respect — but that I am sorry to say, a serious if not in a formidable senst; 
 — little change, so far as we can learn, has, since my la.st, come over the arrangements or the spirit 
 of these people. The prevention of your entrance into the Settlement was the object they first 
 proposed to themselves, and upon that object they appear to be as fully bent as ever, being still, 
 ;is I am informed, collected at several points, in numerous armed bands, in readiness, as we may 
 l)resume, to obstruct your approach to the Settlement, should that be attempted; and they arc, 
 of course, aware that so long as you remain in the neighbourhood, such an attempt is always 
 [wssible. 
 
 The occurrence to which I have :illudcd in the preceding paragraph as being serious, is 
 this, that on the afternoon of Tuesday, the 2nd inst., a number of these daring people, 
 suddenly, and without the least intimation of their intention to make such a move, took 
 possession of the Gates of Fort Garry, where they placed themselves inside and outside the 
 Gates, to the number in all of about one hundred and twenty, and where, night and day, 
 they have constantly kept a pretty strong armed guard. On being asked what they meant by 
 
illi 
 
 64 
 
 Huoh a movement upon tlio Fort, tluiy mu\ their object wu« to protect it. Protect it from 
 what? they were unked. Tlicir aiiHwcr wiib — from danger. Aguinst what danger, they wore 
 asked ? To this (jiicntion, they replied that they could i.ot now H|K'cify the danger, but that 
 (hey wouUl do m hereafter, and obHtinatcly took up the positions they have wnco kept in Hpite 
 all om- protoHt.s and n'mouHtrnneos, at such u l)ol<l nnd hi^h-handed proceeding. 
 
 On eoniing into the Fort, they (inrnestly diHcluimed all intention of injuring either 
 person or property within it, and it must bo allowed that in that respect they have kept their 
 word ; but it is an inconvenience and a danger next to intolerable, to have a body of armed 
 men, even with profosttions of peace towards ourselves, I'oreibly billeted upon an establishment 
 Hueh as this. Their intentions in ccmiing to the Fort they have never definitely expressed, nc 
 have they yet specified the danger from which their presence was meant to protect the place. 
 \Ve aiv, tiierefore, loft in some measure to conjectures, and by these we are strongly led to 
 iH'lievc that you were! expected to come to the Fort, and that by thus hiiving pnn'ious possessiop 
 of the gates, they felt that they wtmld be sure of keeping you o»it. 
 
 It is nec'dlcss to ask why their presence was submitted to, for I presume you already know 
 enough of the circumstances fully to understiuid thi.t it was only borne a« being apparently, 
 with nwpeet to innnediate results, the less formidablo of two very serious evils. 
 
 Towards the end of your last letter, you desire my opinion as to whether any useful 
 jiurpo3t5 is likely to be served by your remaining for any length of time at Pembina, and feeling 
 the iuiportancT that may bo attached to any expression from me on that point, I have taken 
 care to test my own ideas very closely by the opinions of the Council. 
 
 In compliance with your wishes, let me say, as the substance of our opinion on this point, 
 that wo jjcreeive there is as 'ittle chance as ever of these people rcceding from opposition to 
 your coming into the Hottlement ; that the attempt might bo productive of the most disastrous 
 conse(]uences, and that while you remain at Pentbina, the effect, so far as tlie Settlement is 
 concerned, is likely to bo the perpetuation, and possibly even the aggravation of this state of 
 disturbance and danger. You can, therefo.'c, yourself judge whether any good purpose would bo 
 likely to be answered by your remaining at Pembina, and perhaps your owt view of the matter 
 will be such as to prepare you for my adding, as I assure, I do with a feermg of inexpressible 
 regret, that to the (^ouneil and myself it appeaif that your early return to Canada is not only 
 essential for the jioaco of the country, but also advisable in the interest ot the cstablisliment in 
 tlio future of the Canadian Government. 
 
 It is no doubt possible that u little more time may change the minds of tho men, and 
 public meetings are notified which may v«*niewhat alter the j)re8ent state of affairs. Your 
 immediate departure ought not therefore, perhaps, to bo at once determined upon. It might be 
 advisible, a few days longer, to wait the coui-so of events, or at any rate until I can again 
 communicate with you ; but at present, I confess, I sec but little reason to expect the 
 occurrence of anything that is likely materially to change the opinion I have expressed with 
 regard to your movements. 
 
 I remain, &c., 
 
 W. BIcTavisii. 
 
 (B.J 
 
 WiNSiPEO, Wednesday Evenmg, 
 
 11 P.M., 17th J^ov., 1869. 
 
 ('ouncil met at 12 yesterday. English delegates all staunch except the two from the 
 town of ^\ .nnincg. The English parishes considering such a meeting, as proposed by the 
 French , illegal, sent represent:' Hvcs with written instructions, and these were to explain first, that 
 they disapproved of all the acts committed, and, secondly, that they would not join in forming 
 an independent Government. The French delegation consisted of the council of 12 before 
 t'orniod, 'aid their president and .'Kcrotary. Kiel caused a salute of a number of field pieces to 
 be fired, and the mooting took place in the Court House, which was at the time and since, 
 guarded. Yesterday was consumed in the expression of the views of the English del^ates, and 
 it was expected that to-day the French were to jhow their hand. Late in the afternoon of 
 
65 
 
 ycfltcrday, the MSS ot'Oovomor MoTaviHli'n Pmclaiimtioii wuh hiindod into the nHScnibly, and 
 much discufieion ns to the propriety of doin/; ho preceded itH reading. The English delegation, 
 with the exception of the two from the town, worked well together, and wished to make Hpceial 
 uflo of this document, but its want of gmieral publication and trimslation into French prevented. 
 An interview with three of the principal Knglish delegates just before this writing, infonnn us 
 that they, this morning, demanded of the French delegates their policy^ but they refused to 
 give it. Kiel argued that the Hudson's Buy Company's (Joveniment was a very weak one, and 
 that a better one was neceKsary. Tins was met by the counter argiinu'ut of the consequent 
 necessity of a strong (3 ovenuuent, and shown by rercrcneo to tlu; different publislKul papers that 
 the Canadian one was the only one possiblo, Kiel evidently pointed to a Republic, but would 
 not say so directly. Priest O'Donohue at one time became v y much excited, mid (piot^^d the 
 wrongs of Ireland, and stated that the Dritisli tiovernment was now shaking to its foundation, 
 &c. They affect to despise the Proclamation of CJovenior IMcTavi.^li, herewith enclosed. We 
 have no faith in the sincerity of that Proclamation, but believe that the prc.s,sure brought to 
 bear upon them here by the loyal party, was such that they could no longer resist, and their 
 own conviction of the utter helplessness and impossibility of further resistance, compelled them 
 to issue it as nmch for their o.,n safety as for the continuance of their authority, if any portion 
 remains. Delegates thanked Governor in writing for the Proclamation. General Court of 
 Assinniboino is to bo held to-morrow as usual, and, in consequence, the meeting of delegates and 
 French put off till Monday, when English insist on knowing the French policy. English 
 delegates, except those from town, very determined, and will have meetings of their people in 
 the interim. A report reached hero yesterday of 2,000 troops being on the way, and i.s 
 believed by the French, hence the quietude of to-day in comparison with yesterday. Kiel 
 alluded indirectly to it, and said all routes were alike impossible. The three principal delegates 
 we have just conversed with, say '' that they think that as it is believed that the Governor has 
 it in his power to increase the number of Councillors to liy, and that only six are said yet to be 
 appointed, the concession of the remainder to the people will bo what the claims may b i whittled 
 down to." Result of Monday's meeting of Council will be duly reported. We thmk that the 
 insurgents will back down. Probably, a cleputation to you will be decided upon at next meeting ; 
 any concession made will do good. Can we inspire delegates in regard to what is possible ( 
 Reply by bearer. 
 
 P 
 
 
 To whtiii, the foUovniuj reply was sint. 
 
 Pemblna, 19th Nov., IHG'J. 
 
 '• The information given in yours of Wednesday is very satisfactory. Monday's proceedings 
 will bo looked for with much anxiety. The efferts of the Loyalists to maintain order and the 
 authority of the Crown, in a difficult crisis, will not bo forgotten or go unrewarded. The 
 Proclamation of Governor McTavish seems judicious, and ought to impress all but the leaders 
 of the conspiracy, who must know the nature of the crime they have committed, and cannot be 
 expected to listen to his admonitions. Labor to detach the ignorant, and so far, the innocent 
 dupes of these men from their treasonable a&sociation. It is thought here that if the majority, 
 now deliberating, decides for a Republic or other illegal form of Government, the loyal 
 inhabitants should withdraw from all association and discussion with the in.surgents, and bt; 
 prepared to rc.lly in support of law and order, and the rights of the British Crown in this part 
 of the Dominion, the moment a call is made by competent authority. 
 
 Most of the stories told to deceive and excite the half-breeds and others against the 
 Government which the highest .luthority in the Empire has ordered to be established, and will 
 support with all its force, are known to be false by many persons now in the Territory, 
 especially by those wli^ are still its legal rulers. One statement that seems to be believed by 
 many, and may have tended to abate the loyal zeal of some otherwise well disposed persons, is, 
 ih&f all the members of the New Couiicil are to be sent from Canada." This may be 
 contradicted at once. Tuo only persons mentioned in the Governor's instructions, to whom 
 he is f^''rected to offer f-cits in his Council, arc residents, and have long been residents within 
 the Territory. 
 
 ill 
 
 •<! 
 
 \m 
 
i5G 
 
 Three gcntlen.on only, havo come from Canada with tlio expectation of nppointmcnt in 
 or imdcr the Governnont, but the (lov<'mor'.s handu are m far untied, except as above stated, 
 in the matter of hie Council. 
 
 This is not an officiil announcement, or for use in any public way, but to enable you to 
 correct the false statemciitH which are current, and to assure the loyal and well disjMjscd. 
 The riovcmor romnms hero for the present. 
 
 .T. S. D. 
 
 Thk Cuisls. — Loyalty Tna-,Mrn.\NT. — The OovEiiNon'a ^'uoclamatiox. 
 
 On tho 12th iustaiit tho following address was presoutod to Governor McTaviah, 
 signed by a largo number of our most reapostable inhabitantfl, and, on the 17th, a reply 
 was issued, which w'll be found below. 
 
 Town op Winnipeg, 
 
 NoTeml)er 12th, 180U 
 To William McTavish, Esq., 
 
 Governor Iludaon^a Jlay 'Company, Fort Garry. 
 
 We, the undesigned residents of the Town of Winnipeg, and loyal subjects of Her 
 !Majesty tho Queen of Grflat Britain and Ireland, 
 
 Beholding, with great alarm, the unsettled state of feeling existing in this Teiritory, 
 and the threatening position assumed by a poition of its French speaking population 
 towards the Ci'own, in the person of Her Majesty's representative, the future Governor of 
 this Territory ; and, believing, as we do, that this disaffection or dissatisfaction is tho result 
 of various slanderous interpretations lir.vi":ig been (rom time to time dissominattd among 
 tho people by parsons unknown : 
 
 We do, Llierefore, now demand that you, as the representative of Her Majesty in 
 this Territory, do proclaim among tlie people, either by convening a public meeting for 
 that purpose, or posting in conspicuous places throughout the Country, o, full and correct 
 exposition of tho nature of the transfer of this Territory to the Dominion of Canada. 
 
 We also request that you will explain, so far as lies in your power, the policy likely 
 to be adopted by the Canadian authorities relative to the governing of the Territory. 
 
 Also, that you deny the numerous libellous slanders which aj:£ in circulation regarding 
 the purposes for which the Territory was acquiied. That you warn them of the danger 
 they are incurring to themselves by persistence in their present violent course, thereby 
 impei'illing the future welfare of the Country ; and that you do entreat them to lay down 
 their <^ -.xS, and return peaceably to their homes. 
 
 Here is the Proclamation drawn from Governor McTavish on the present state of 
 affairs : — 
 
 Wlicreas, I, William McTavish, Governor of Assinniboine, have been informed that a 
 meeting is to be held to-day of persons from the different districts of the Settlement, for 
 th« ostensible purpose of taking injbo consideration the present political condition of the 
 Colony, and for suggesting such measures as may appear to be best adapted for meeting 
 the difficulties and dangers connected with the existing state of public affairs. 
 
 And, whereas, I deem it advisable, at this juncture, to place before that meeting, as 
 well as before the whole body of the people, what it appears to be necessary foi me to 
 declare in the interest of public order, and of tho safety and welfare of the Settlement. 
 
 Therefore, I notify all Avhom it concerns that, during the last few weeks, large bodies 
 of armed men have taken positions on the public high-i-oad to Pembina, and, contrary to 
 the remonstrances and protests of the public authorities, have committed the foUovTing 
 unlawful acts : — 
 
 First. — They havo forcibly obslnicted the movements of various persons travelling 
 
 r-i^iiSaMt 
 
67 
 
 ns travelling 
 
 on tho public higliway in jteuceablo ])rosecution of thoir lawful business, and have thus 
 violated that peracnal liborty which in tho undoubted ri^ht of all Hor Majesty'^ subjects. 
 
 Secondhj. — Taoy havo uula\<ffully Koizod and dotainnl, on tlio r<jad at La Rivi6re 
 Sale, in tho parish of St. Norburt, goods and morchandize, of vanous descriptions, and of 
 very cousidcrabh* value, bolonging as well to pcwons coining into tho Colony as to pcjrsons 
 already settled hv^ro and carrying on thoir business in the Settlement, thereby causing 
 great loss and inccnvonienco not only to tlio owners of these goods, but, as has fonnally 
 been complained of, also to the carriers of tlio same, and possibly involving tho whole 
 Colony in a ruinous responsibility. 
 
 Thirdli/. — They have unlawfully iitterferetl with tho public mails, both outgoing and 
 incoming, and by that tami)oring with the established means of communication between 
 the Settlement and tiio out&ide world, have shaken public confidence in tho secvirity of 
 tho mails, and given a shock to the trado and commerce of the Colony, of which tho 
 mischievous effects cannot now be fully estimated. 
 
 Fourthly. — Not only without permis.sion, but in tho face of repeated remonstrances 
 on the part of the Hudson Bay's Company's officer in immediate charge of Fort Garry, 
 they have, in uumbtu'S varying from a\)out sixty to one hundred and twenty, billeti^d 
 themselves on that establishment, \inder tho plea of protecting it from a danger which 
 they alleged was known by themselves to bo imminent, but of which they havo no-^'er yet 
 disclosed the jmrticular nature. They have placed armed guards at tho givtes of an 
 establishment, which every stick and stone of it is private property ; in spite of tho most 
 distinct pi-otestations against such a disregai-d of the rights of pro])orty, tliey have taken 
 possession of rooms within the Fort ; and, although they have there as yet committed no 
 direct act of violence to pei-son or pi-operty l)eyond what has been enumerated, yet, by 
 their presence in such numbers, with arms for no legitimate purpose thnt can be assigned, 
 they havo created a state of excitement and alarm within and around the Fort which 
 seriously interferes with the regular business of tho establishment. 
 
 Fifthly. — A body of armed men have entered t) Hudson Bay's Compa. r's Post at 
 Pembina, where certain gentlemen from Canada, \, ii.ii their families, were peaceably 
 living ; and, under threats of violence, have compelled them to quit the establishment at 
 a season of the year when the rigors of wititor were at hand, and forced them to retire 
 within American Territory. 
 
 And, in the last place, they have avowed it as their intention, in all those unlawful 
 proceedings, to resist arrangements for tho transfer of the government of this Country, 
 which have been made under the sanction of the Imperial Pyrliament, and of virtually 
 setting at defiance t)\e royal authoiity, instead of adopting those lawful and con.,titutional 
 means which, under the enlightened rule of Her Most Gracious Majesty our Queen, are 
 sufficient for the ultimate attainment of every object that rests upon reason and justice ; 
 the pei-sons who have been engaged in committing those unlawful deeds, have resorted to 
 acts which dii*ectly tend to involve themselves in consequences of the gi'avest natui-e, 
 and to bring upon the Colony and the Country at large, the evils of anarchy and the 
 horroi's of war. 
 
 Therefore, in the interests of law and order, in behalf of all the securities you have 
 for life and property, and, in a word, for the sake of the present and future welfare of th« 
 Settlement and its Inhabitants, I again earnestly and emphatically protest against each 
 and all of these unlawful acts. 
 
 I charge those engaged in them, before they are irretrievably and hopelessly involved 
 immediately to disperse themselves and peaceably to depart to their habitations, 
 or to their lawful business, under the pains and penalties of law ; and whatever in other 
 respects may be the conclusions of those who meet to deliberate upon the present critical 
 and distracted state of public aflairs, I adjure you as citizens, having the interests of your 
 country and your kindred at heart, to ratify and proclaim, with all the miglit of your 
 united voices, this public notice and protest, and so avert from the Country a succession 
 of evils, of which those who sees the beginning may never see the end. 
 
 You are dealing with a crisis out of which may come incalculable good or 
 12a— 8 
 
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 In 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 nuiieasurablo evil, and with all tlio weifjht of my oflicial authority, and all the influenc* 
 of my indiviihuil poHition, let mo finally charge you to adopt only such means as are 
 lawful and constitutional, rational and safe. 
 
 Given under myjiand and seal, at Fort Garry, this 16th day of November, 18G9. 
 
 W. McTavwh, 
 
 Governor of Aasinniboine. 
 
 Ottawa, December 7th, 1869. 
 1611. 
 The Hon. W. McDougall, C.B.} 
 
 Pembina. 
 
 Sill. — I had the honor to rcceivo thi.s morning, your Despatch of the 20th November, 
 coverinjj; enclosures from the Hudson 'h Bay Company. These papers have betn laid before 
 the Privy Council, and will be i'orwardod,by His Excellency the Governor General, to England. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 Joseph Howe, 
 
 Secretary of State for the Proviiioefl. 
 
 \> ' 
 
 Office of Secretary of State for the Provinces, 
 
 Ottawa, 10th December, 1869^ 
 The Honorable Wm. McDougall, C.B., 
 
 Pembina, 
 
 Sir, — I am commanded to call your attention to the exposed situation in which the arms, 
 purchased for Government service at the Red River, have been placed. Georgetown, where 
 it is understood here they are stored, could so easily be surrounded and forced by any roving 
 band of half-breeds or Ir ^ians, or by persons quite as unscrupulous coming in from the United 
 States, that they can hardly be considered secure. 
 
 If matters are to remain for any length of time on their present footing, they would 
 perhaps be safer at St. Cloud or St. Paul. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 Joseph Howe, 
 
 Secretary of State for the Provinces. 
 
 Ottawa, 11th December, 1869. 
 The Honorable W. McDougall, G.B., 
 
 Pembina. 
 
 Sir, — I notice in the reports of several persons, made to you and forwarded to this oflSee, 
 references to expressions said to have been used by me in conversations with inhabitants of the 
 Hudson's Bay Territory, and I think it proper that you should be authorized to contradict 
 all such statements, so far as the inference can be drawn from them, that any thing said by 
 me at Winnipeg, or anywhere else, gave countenance or sanction, to breaches of the law and 
 order or to resistance to the peaceable establishment of the authority of the Dominion in the 
 Territory, under the sanction of Imperial Legislation. 
 
 During my visit to the Red River I never saw Riel, Bruce, Father Ritehot, or any persons 
 said to be the leaders of the insurrectionary movement, but I conversed freely with all classes 
 and orders of people, from Governor McTavish downwards, and to them all held the same 
 language — That the same constitution as the other Provinces possessed would ultimately be 
 conferred upon the country ; that in the provisional arrangements to be made, the feeling and 
 interests of the resident population would be considered — that leading men enjoying their 
 confidence, would be at onoe taken into the Government, and that the young men, without 
 
 (.4ii*ai 
 
ting, they would 
 
 M 
 
 distinction of blood, would bo drawn into thn public norvioo an thoy wero fitted by education 
 to fill places of trust and emolument 
 
 I have, &o., 
 
 Joseph Howt:, 
 
 Secretary of State for the Provinoca. 
 
 Pembina, U.S., 25th November, 18G9. 
 Hon. Joseph Howe, Secretary oj 'vrte 
 
 /or the Pn. \ceg, d;e. 
 
 Received by SiR, — T have the honor to forward a confidential Report by Miijor J« 
 
 tha8ecr«taryof ^aHjigo of Wliiiby, Ontario, who was sent from tliis plaei? on tlio 4th Novoml)er, 
 rmvinces, lltli on a special niisHion to Fort Garry, and who returned on tho 22nd instant. IIo 
 ,T)oc., 1809. iH the person mentioned in my report of the 5th instant, as beinjj; in the confi- 
 dence of some of the Conspirators hero, so fir as to obtain a '• I'ass " from them. Major 
 Wallace was employed by Colonel Dennis in his surveyinn; operations last summer. Flu is u 
 shrewd Scotchman, has boon many years a resident of Canada, and though a little hot-temjwred, 
 may bo regarded as a trustwortliy reporter of what ho saw and heard. 
 
 I received throtigh an employee of tho Hudson's Bay Company, sent by Q^overnor McTavish, 
 inform > ' ♦hat the rebels had resolved to send an expedition (of horsemen) to Goor^citown 
 to hvT': tl' ludson's Bay Storehou-sc there, in order to destroy the arms and amnmnition 
 hi ored at that place. This was to bo done at once, if tho results of the " Con- 
 ' iviir in favour of tho insurrection. As there was no time to loose, I took immediate 
 \vrc them removed to Fort Abercrombio, some 40 miles distant. I wrote to General 
 .'ofi/ A), requesting him to allow them to bo stored in tho Fort, which I have no 
 dr ibt he will readily comply with. I caused it to bo announced, or rather stated as a fact 
 I !'• ^ arty, in their conversation with tho conspirators at Pembina, that the arms, Ac, had 
 bev..i removed to Fort Abercrombie. This will bo reported at hcad-riuartcrs, und will prob.ibly 
 put a stop to tho " raid." But in any event, the arms, &c., will bo at Fort Abercrombie 
 before the raiders can overtake them. 
 
 I have received a private note from Governor McTavish, informing mo of his having 
 issued a Proclamation, more, he observes, in deference to my opinion, than from any expecta- 
 tion of a favourable result, and at the same time he expresses his .«atisfaction that I have 
 remained here. He enclosed to me letters he had received for me from Sir Curtis Lampson 
 and the Secretary of tiie liuJ.son's Bay Company, and expressed his desire to bo of service. 
 I infer that he had received instructions from the Company, and notice of the date of transfer. 
 I am still without any oflaeial notice of the Imperial Order in Council, and must act, if at all, 
 upon the information contained in the private letters from Sir Curtis Lauipson, which an- 
 nounces the date of transfer agreed to by the Imperial Government to be 1st IJecember next. 
 
 There is a rumor among the rebel sympatliizers here this afternoon, that the French 
 half-breeds have demanded the " Public Money " from the Treasurer at Fort Garry, and that 
 he had refused, and was thereupon made prisoner. — That English and Scotch half-breeds 
 and the Canadians were arming, and that a roio was expected. Tho " Convention," the game 
 rumor informs us, has been adjourned for some duy;*, I expected a private message from 
 the settlement, of the result of Monday's and Tuesday's deliberations, in time for this post, 
 but it has not yet reached me. 
 
 I have the honor to be, Sir, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Wai. MoDouqall. 
 
 whii; 
 yen' ' 
 Ht . 
 Hunt 
 
 it 
 
 Notes hy J. W. between ith and 22nd Novemhsr, 1869. 
 
 To the Honorable Wm. McDougall, G.B., 
 
 Pembina. 
 I left FortPembina. for Fort Garry on Ith November, 1869, with a despatch for 
 
eo 
 
 <«ovi<rnor MfTiiviMli. I wnn fiiiiuiiliMi willi n li'Hor of " Wifi' conduct " from nn Anim-iriui 
 ){(<i)tli<tniiii of tliin |>litco. Ani\ill^ nt (Im« liiirritiidc, Kivor Hnlc, I wim (■Dtiiliiriitd \>y 
 nriDOii iDoii to (ho Calliolio Clinrrli, widcli I iiiidt^islood to lio lii<Mdi|iiiii'l<'iM uf tlio 
 iiiMuijji'iitM, li\ nil ii|i|it'r room I found I'lcsidoiit Unii-o, Sccit^liirv Loiiin |{i««l, M 
 O'lioiiii, Mr. Mi'Kinnoy, Jr., niid livo liulf ItroiMU wlioiii I ilid not know. Hn |ii'i<Hrniing 
 my " piinn " to Ivitd, lio i-cud il in IVtMicli to l''iillH'r l!il<'liol nnd Miid, " ll is nil ii);lil, Imt 
 altlioii^li norrv lo troiilijo mo, niiisl lotjiioMl mo to mIiow iiiiy dociiinontM I niif^lit liiivn in 
 my jxiHfloMHion." Nono wimo in viow. Sovrral i|iioNtionH woio tlirn nH^od Mid |)rom|»tly 
 an«>v^i(«d iiM to tlio poNition nnd dosiirn of tiovcnior McDon^all niiil liis jmrfy. I then 
 |)nHN<<d to l''ort (iiu'iy, \> horo I found mi'iiiiH to hav(« the di>s|ial<<li |»lan'd in tho liniidH of 
 Oovonior llcTiiviRh. On tho NtioiiKtii of it,th«i ('ouiicil uf AsNitinilioinn wnn ndlod for 
 TiU'Hihiy tho Sill. Mr. ItMiiiiiilyno is ii nionilior of that Council, tiiid wiih present at that 
 moctin^f. lie told mo thai wlu'ii Mr. McDon^all'M Ultcr wiih rend, Mc'l'iivi'di {iiIlhon;^h 
 nick) ra^'cd fiirionnly, and nuked what rJcl>oiigull meant that u|i to thai nionicnt ni| 
 oHicial int'ormiition had rcmhiMJ IIkmii of nny change haviiif; liecn niiide in the owiiei-Hliip 
 of liiiperlH l.nnd, nnd that he would let Mr. McDoii^all know llial no hucIi dii'tution an 
 that indicHted liy the letter would for a moment he toleraled. 
 
 Mr. Mulligan, a |ienNioni>r, and a |iolice «ion!stahh> in Winiii|iei,r, told ine Ihnt he htul 
 warned the HndHon's Hay Company, on aevernl occa.'^ionN, tlinl (he hall" ItoimIh were to rise. 
 Tliia lie di«l through •lndg<< lUack iiiul Dr. Cowan, and Hiiggeslcd thni the peiiNionerN bu 
 oalh^l out to guiinl (lie fort, bu( thn( (ht>y declined doing nnydiing in the mattur. 
 Mulligan iUro informed me, that on tho Sih insi,, af(«<r tlu; fort had hecii in poNHCNsion of 
 the ii\snrgentn for wncial day«, (hal he licmd frtnu one of (he reiieh whom he (totild 
 rely upon, that the arsenal w-a.s to ho hi'okon open and the iirnis taken poKscMHion of in u 
 dny or two. and informed Dr. (\iwnii, who ri>plied. "What can wo do I" Mulligan 
 answertvl, " Call ttui the pensioners, and others willing to join them, antl let (hem tuko 
 possession of the fort." The .liidge who was pivsont said, "A Council will be ciillmi, 
 and nn answer given to you at '.\ o'clock (o morrow." Noxt ihiy Arulligan waH told that 
 hit nervices woiv not rcipiired, and that »>vening (he arniH were taken posHcssiou of. 
 
 1 linti soveral converaaations with Mr. M<'Kinney, Honr. At lirHt he wan somowhat 
 ahy — at«ted that as yet he had nothing to do with the insurgents, liul tliathe might have ; 
 - that tho United States was the natural outlet for the Settlement, and tho people wanted 
 nothing else «*» ho believed ; and that they would never submit to tho injiiHticu about to 
 Ix* forced tipon them by (he Canadian (!overnmi>nt in appointing a. Council Ironi (y'lvnada, 
 Ac, -viiiually ignoring tho people of l\etl Hiver- that if tJovernor McDougall had come 
 alone he woiild have got in anfl would liavti been hoard, an.i if his vi(>WH did not suit they 
 would hare told him to go. Again, on another occasion, he corroborated what Hannntyno 
 ■aid about the want of othcinl notice, <fee.. that the people would not submit to taxes — 
 that they wnntod control of their own atlairs, and that ho apjiroved of tho course tho lialf- 
 broeds had taken in keeping the (Jovonior out — and that tliov had about 700 nicti under 
 arnia. — Our other convei-sntions wei*o something similar until T went in on the Saturday 
 morning befon^ T loft, and liad about an hour with him. He was reading the lm{)orial 
 Act ceding the North- West Territory. Ho o]»ened out frankly, nnd stated that a blank 
 ho saw in the Act meant neither inoro nor lesg than that aft(>r a certain time, CRiiadians 
 could fill it up as tliey wished — that ho was a tlelogate of Fort (Jarry, but that very little 
 would be done bv the Convention, \inless to draw the two p.arties closer together — that he 
 would like to see the country at poaco, so that trade might go on as usual, but that he 
 had no hoi>es as long as the OovtM-uor and suite remained at Pembina. What tho jieoplo 
 ntnv wanted, he said, was coin]ilete control over their own aftairs, and that as soon as the 
 Delegates had closed tlieir work, he "nclieved that orders would be given to have the census 
 of the people taken. — Elections to be held and a Parliament establislied, that the Canadian 
 Government must respect. Why? he asked, should we be any worse dealt with than British 
 Columbia. Newfoundlaml, or Prince Edwaixl Island ] Mr. Howe, lie said, told us plainly 
 that we wei-e entitleii to the same rights, r.nd that by iierscvcrance wo would get them. 
 He fmther remarked that, '*ifwe fail in o-ir etibrts to arrange with Canada, another 
 
 B Wiuai^.g f jutiwM.h'g 
 
n 
 
 nn Arn«H''Mi 
 
 •IiMiinnt wmiM 1)^ ('ntti><t in, anil llin iniii) hI. Ilin li(«A«l of lliU iitovftmnnt. Jiiat knnw how to 
 g(<t lliiMii, Hiiil llial In lliit KiMiiiiiiH." 
 
 I ooiivoi-mmI with llii^li hotmlilMoii, nf ii'ort. (inriy, wIki wiin vory vinliiiit, ami xUtiMl 
 willi uii (iiitli, lliiil a < 'iiimdiiin Oinnrnur nIkmiIiI iii-vrr riilo (In' Si-llli iiinnl,, and tliiow out 
 liinU what ihvy could do in H\u'm^',. Mr. 0'|,oan, Mr. (Jror^f livrlyn, ltulnlkr()|ii'r, »ud 
 Hnvrrnl otlini'M «x|>rcHH<d vii'WM Hiniilnr to Mr, M«-Kitiimy. I (wlki-d with manv olhni« 
 oil that Midi) (I iiM'iwi ih(« P'rcnch half hii'fKh), and th'ty iiuarly all Hpoko to tint 'haiiia 
 |aii'|)ort. A xnat [lait of tJin lorr^oiiiK waH drawn out l>y i|ur'ilioiiM cari'fully put by 
 inyH(>lf. 
 
 Mr. * ♦ • KaVH, that tic |<)n^|iNh and Hcotfh half hrrtih an' with th«» Caiiiuliitn 
 Oovi'rniiionI, hut docH not think thai tln-y would takit up ariiiN, until th'^y havn nii 
 ariMV to i'nll hark u|ion, ami Hoinu HiuMirity from iho i^ivcrninnit that th«ty would ho paid 
 for tlif di'Ht ruction of ili»it pnipKrly hy liri^ or oIlHiwim', that Im ha« tin- proniido of 
 :i(lt) Siiai.x IndiaiiH at iiny tiiiio th(<y aro ri<i|uir*'d, hut I hit p'topic ^i-nurally do not think 
 well of httliiij^ tli(t IndiiinH looao until other iiH-atr't aro cxhauHtt'd. 
 
 Mr. 'rayior, a wndthy inriohant, 1 1! inih-s up AHHinnihoini' Ilivi-r, piT'iontcd inn with 
 th«' <i'/i>l/f nt'Wivpapcr, ami naid that piipor 7-ond)tiiinH what you Kay. I inunt <M>nfoHN that 
 pupor liaH done inlinito harm to Canadian intorestH in the HettliMneiit. 
 
 Colonel lioliiiiHon In in favor of Oovernnient ((/'ana<lian) hut morn ho, 1 thirk in 
 fnvur of the UniU^d Mtati's. II** In an Aiiieriean. 
 
 * * * * wlioHe hrothor * # # j^op^ fully with li\nur'^imi», \h ((rnatly 
 atUudiod to (Canadian (lovnrnment, and han very unmi inlluenco amon^Ht indiann would 
 !»(• u inoHl UHofnl man in any treaty with thein lie has put # * * fr<im the Iioumi 
 hn livtxl in. Ilennid he wan a halfhreed, and ^doried in the luuno and raeu, And Would 
 nevor |<ivn up tlu< ri;»htH ho had in tho landH. lie wanted to hoo the (Jovornor and how 
 what he h*< I to Hay. lie waa Kure tho (Canadian (iovernnaont would nevrr tako tlioir 
 rights away. 
 
 Mr. William Tait waa thouj^ht to ho favorahlo to Catia«lu, lait from what ho anid in 
 IfudHon'H Hay Coinpaiiy'H Oillee to mysflf nnd Mr. (Jraiit, we were ofopinioti that liA waH 
 rhan^in!^, as a ;;reat many aro in danj^er of doin^, who visit tlie Company'H < )fri(e, and 
 hoar the HontimentH of John McTavirtli ami Mr. Ilarj^rave. Mr. Tait Haid, " you may talk, 
 hut in that cuuvsntion we sit oppohitd to thoHO who have ijer;n horn and hivai^ht u|> 
 among um, ato with us, Hh>pt with uh, hunted with u.s, traded with uh, and aro of our own 
 IIohIi and blood- -gentlemen, Haid ho, I for uno uaimut fight thom. J will not imhuo my 
 hand.H in their Mood." 
 
 ilamos KoHM, anothor delogato, ohai'god mo with Hpeaking againat tho (iovernor. Ho 
 is believed by most j)eople to be Htauiudi in favor of Canadians. He thinks Homo arrango 
 inoiit may yet bo como to by Convention, by wliich the Governor can Hafely bo brought in. 
 lli.s viowH do not ooinoido with a groat majority of Conn(;il. 
 
 Mr. Lorrman, another delegate, thinks tho present Convention will appea.so tho 
 French half breeds soni(!w}iat. We have met them, ho says, treatcid them kindly, and by 
 continuing to do ho, may win them ovisr, but it will take* time. 
 
 Mr. *** thinks no good will come out of tho <,'oiivention — that nothing but troops, 
 and that immediately, will bo of any use, and that if tho Canadian Covernmciiit will send 
 trooi)3 by middle of January, tho English and Scotch will no doubt organize. If troojiH 
 are not sent, I, for one, ho said, will at any time hign a UK^morial to tho United Htatija 
 Uovornment, asking their pormissioii to aiuuix oursfjlves to them. Mr. *** is of opinion 
 that the Indians (Chippawa) will act with tho (Janadiiuis, but that .some steps should be 
 taken at once to have a treaty with them. Trade, he says, is gone, and everytiiing 
 unsatisfactoiy inider th(( present state of things. 
 
 Mr. *** a wealthy half-breed, and strongly oj)0.sed to tho Priests, says, that aoldiera 
 should be sent in immediately to save the Country — that the Kngliah and Scotcii half- 
 breeds cannot stand this reign of terror much longer, but from want of a leader they are 
 very unwilling to take any ste}! igaui.st their opponents the French half-breedn, and that 
 500 or 1,000 meu now would bring the Governor in, and when once into the Settlement, 
 

 > 
 
 I 
 
 62 
 
 our p«»npl^, ho najt, woulfl rally round him, but until i\\f> Pmrlumation wiw Umi«H thrrn 
 
 wniiiil In* iinliiiii^ <l<iii^. Ilo liiiil no iMilli iit llin working of ( '<iiiv«>niii>nH m ion^ mi 
 McKiimry, (>'|,onii, Hinl, rvtiil Mi^ PrifsHlH ItiN'Imt kihI O'Dniioliuii wm< iitnorij^ thoin, ami 
 Ro loiiK nn Hftimutyiw nn\n tliein I'tirnuni^'cincnt, an li« now iIdon. TIio luttor Iiuh inctra 
 intliKMiro amiingHt (ho KroncU liiilf lirccils tliiiu any ono, or ixrhapN »uytlozi>n mun in Fort 
 (Jnrry. 
 
 I>r. HchiiHz HavH ho iloon not approvo of Ni>OAkinc( anything of tronp« roming In, until 
 all tlio (^madiaiiH have tintico, no tliiif tlioy nm htavo tlin Hcttli'inonl. Ilo tliitiliH iilfo that 
 tho ("onvtMJtiou may n^tult in •oniliM^ili<l(>^nt«>N to «oo tlioOovonior at I*cinliiiia ; in rloarly 
 of opinion tliiit, had proper inoasuron lioon tiikoii hy Iho Ifufhon'M Hay ( 'oripiiriy on tliotlrHt 
 nign of tlio onthroiik, of which tlu>y had dno nntioo, no inHnrnM-tion.irj' niovrnuMit would 
 havo t«kon plictv Ho naya thn ( 'hippawn and 8ioux IndianN are witii tho (^ovurnniont, 
 willing; to dXHisI in MnppiTMMin)» (lie lovolt at any tiino tliiit if thn p(« )p!o then' know thoy 
 woro to 1)0 protected Ity tho Cnniidian ({ovorninont, tlwro would Ito no want of loadom 
 amon^^Ht tho Kn^liNh and S<-ot<>h half lirci'dH, that ho thinka on tho lirHt Hi^n of troopa 
 oomiiii; ii\, th<< ('anadiaiiH will ho niurdcrod. 
 
 IMr. Hnow ciiinoidcH in every part icidar witli Dr. S<'linltz was v«(ry active and willing 
 to assiHt nio in carry inji out tho few litth* inatterH I had to atteuil to nt IA>rt Oarry, could 
 not hnvo )»ot on well without him. 
 
 * * * HavN, if (lovernnr would ^ivo him authority, ho woidd or^anizo tho Kup^linh 
 and Heotch lialfhreedH at onro — that th(>y could take Kort any day, and ko>pittoo -is 
 not afraid of tho report of troops heing Kont would rather like to hear of it -is very 
 nuich afraid of delay, as ho in HatinfuMl a numher of TonianH aro hoin-.^ raised to conio into 
 tho Rcttlemont in tho spring-could not give ni« any roliahlo authority, hut iuHisttMl it 
 was a fact. 
 
 IMr. # # # wanted to BOO troops in at once, and tho whole thing wouhl 
 Iw crushed — Tho French were a noisy, hrawling crowd, and wouM not staml lire — that 
 1,000 men would bo n sutHciont numher to settle tho dis[)ute, and in aftortimoa push 
 hack hostile Indians, if any should turn up -that too nnich (h'lay would or mi;!;ht cause 
 a deal of hloodsheil. and prohahly the loss of the whole comity. 
 
 Mr. Mannatyne is a gentleman with whom, with tho exceptioti of Mr. Mi'lvinnoy, I 
 have had more conversation than any other in the settlement. Ho is clearly in favor of 
 tho measures t.\ken hy French luilf-hreeds, although he told mo one »lay " that ho wouhl 
 rather have jmid .£50 than have had that rising take phico ! * ( )n every occiuiion he had some 
 excuse for the half hreeth, and a word of sympathy at liines for Governor McDougall and 
 his family, hut that the sooner \w left Pemhina the bettor if wouhl be for himself and the 
 settlement, and he hoped 1 would advise Oolonel ^)onnis to leave, which I ]»romised to 
 do, I insisted on him goiiig down with me to .see the Governor, nnd tuke Jliel, or 
 McKinney, or O'Loan with him, but he wouh! n'.)t consent. By-the-bye, McKinney told 
 me that no delegates would bo sent from the Co ivention to tho (rovornor, for a jwrticular 
 reason that he wr.s not at liberty to tell mo at present. T could give nany other conversa- 
 tions with otiitn- j>arties, but they v/ere all of the same substance, and Tiow, as you desire, 
 I will give you my o))inion of the whole as concisely as possible. 
 
 The movement from the first has be;>n of a llepubli'-xn-Fcnian kind. I am fully 
 convinced that no offer that could bo made by the Can,, lian (jrovornmont would be 
 accepted by the French half-breeds and their fricnd.s the Amer 'cans, and that unless they 
 are forced into it by this Convention and the threatenings of the English half-breeds and 
 whites, or perhapsj troops, they will not accept a Governor from the Dominion on any 
 terms. 
 
 Further, I believe tho English and Scotch will take no steps to bring the Governor 
 into the settlement, but that if once thei'e they will protect him. This has been expressed 
 to me by many of them. I endeavorfnl on every occasion to impress on parties, where I could 
 do 80 with safety, that the present Government or Council was only a provisional one — that 
 as soon as a fianchiso was decided upon a re^^ponsible Government would be formed as 
 understood in Canada, that I understood the (lovemor had it in his power to appoint 6 of 
 
•I 
 
 tliA roiiiifll nl II«m1 Uivrr, Hftunfttyno »ml otlmm ompilrod, " how iIiih wnn not known 
 iMifon*! 'I'lin rnrnicr miid, " I woiilii givit an^tiiiiig ratliur thun^thiH line iHtiinlry ahouM 
 fall into t'tn hamin of AniuriciiMH." 
 
 I furtlnT think, fiDiii conviTHinj? with llio friontlH and Tooh «»r tlm ffoiliton'M Buy 
 (jonipiinv, tlifit tlicy ooiiM, in tin* tmm*. luisy niunnitr, luivtt hI<i|i|m'iI tlit* wluilc ull'iiir Sy 
 iMMning tlifiir IVorlantutiun- -calling npon alt to oUty tin* lawH ; that any riNinx of (ho kind 
 Mpokrn of w iiild ht viHitod l>y tint N(<viM-*>Ht [KWialty tlii> law rnuld inllii;t, and that tlin 
 wholo avaihihle civil fnrcn wnuhl Imi calh'd out to Hiintain law and ordiT. Thoy did not 
 do thin, not- inHnif any Fru<!lannition, until in a manner forcfid into it iiy tint nioniorial of 
 tho inhal)itantH of Kurt (larry who woru loyal. On thin C'unipuny'H huad liuH a full 
 UiCiiMuru of lilanin. 
 
 Tlifl IndiatiN, from what I can lourn from # # # # ^,,,1 „therM, aro 
 
 with tliH ( -anadian ()ov<>rnini>nt, lait tlinrtt is no truNtin^ them witluiut a treaty. At 
 lU^Hont I think Honm of thorn ant ond«Mivorin^' to ^<>t NuhNidiuH from both partioM. "Chief, 
 ilonry I'rinoo," I know, Iuih Itcon takinf( from hoth. 
 
 In conclusion, I would nay, if thiH (!')nv<«ntion dors not do Homcthin^ towurdn a 
 HettlpuKMit in a f*>w dayii, tho chcapcHl and HafcsL courmt, and tho ono lik<dy to prtucnt tho 
 doHtruction 4)f liftiand pro|H*rty, iH for tho Catiadian Oovornmcnt to m'lid a HutHcii)nt force 
 to takn tho (iovornor in — by '* at onco" I moan, to havo thum at I'ondMna by tho niiddio 
 or ond of January, for thuro is groat dangor of i*'unian hordi^H early in thu Hprin^;. 
 
 NuVEMUKK 22nd, 1869. 
 
 PiMBiwA, U. S., Nov. 22nd, 18C9. 
 To General Hunt, or the ()J/icer commanding 
 at Fort Abcrcrombie. 
 
 HiR, I havo tho honor to inform you that certain French half-broedH of thn Red 
 Rivor Sottlomont havo nssumhhtd with arms and in HuMi<'iont form to ovctrawo for thotiuio, 
 tho authorities at Fort (J.irry. Thoy havo aho (tntctod a harricado to provont mo from 
 proceeding to that place to auHumo the (U)V(;rnment on tho trauHfei' of authority from tho 
 Hudson's liny Ccmipany to tho Dominion of Canada. A small band of men met mo at 
 tho Hudson's Hay Company's post near Pembina, and onlorrd mo to niturn beyond the 
 l)ounilary lino. As I had no force to resist them I was obliged to obey the (U'der and ain 
 now at Pembina in American Territory. 
 
 I have just had infoi-mntion from Fort Garry that the.se outlaws hav? decided to send 
 a party of men to Georgetown in Minnesota, for the purpose of burning the Hudson's 
 Bay (/ompany's Storehouse at that place. Tho avowed objcsot of this " raid " is to destroy 
 certain projierty of the Government of Canada now stored there, consisting of arms and 
 ammunition, and also clothing and goods belonging to me an<l members of my party. 
 
 I havo the honor to request that you will take sui-h means as may bo in your power 
 to prevent this iinlawful destruction of pr(jj)Prty. 1 have dircted the removal of the 
 anna and other proj)erty to Fort Abercrombie in tho hope that you will allow storage in 
 tho Fort until this emeute is supi)res8ed, 
 
 Any expense which may be incurred in tho removal, protection, or storage of this 
 property I shall be ready to make good as soon as I am advised of the amount. 
 
 I have tho honor to bo, 
 
 Sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 Wm. McDouqall. 
 
 
 «n 
 
 
 Depautmknt of the Seciietary of State for the Provinces, 
 
 Ottawa, December 15tL, 1869. 
 To the lion. )Vm. McDotujali, C.B., Pembina. 
 
 ^o-lW4. 2r.t;i SiR^ — I V.a-o the honor to acknowledge the receipt, on tho 11th inst. 
 
 22nd of K.V. ^^ 1^^^ letter of the 25th ultimo, covering a confidential Report made to 
 vember you by Major J. Wallace, of the result of the special misbion to Fort Garry, 
 
Hiii 
 
 (4 
 
 on which you liad employed him, together -with a copy of your letter, addressed to General 
 Hunt, the United States ofEcer commanding at Fort Ahercrombie, with reference to the 
 removal to that pl.vco of the arms and ammunition which yon had stored at Georgetown. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 ' Joseph Howe, 
 
 Secretary of State for the Provinces. 
 
 Larosk's Farm, Pkmbina, U.S,, 29th November, 1869. 
 
 The Honorable Joueph Howe, /Secretary of State, &c., 
 
 Ottawa. 
 
 Received by SlR, — I have the honor to report, that I am still at Pembina in the 
 
 St*te'^ fo/^ the Territory of the United States (Messrs. Richards, Provencher, and Begg 
 Provinces, 15th being with me), antl unable, in consequence of the continued occupation 
 December, 1869. of the road by armed men, to proceed to Fort Garry. 
 
 I have further to report that I have not received any instructions for my guidance 
 on and after the day of the transfer of the Territory to Canada, nor any notice of the Order 
 in Council, which has no doubt been passed to eflfect it. 
 
 In these circumstances, I am compelled to act u\)q\\ the general powers and 
 directions of my Commission, and of the Acts of Parliament, Canadian and Imperial, 
 which seem to bear upon the case. 
 
 I have accordingly prepared a Proclamation to be issued on the firat day of 
 December, reciting so much of the several Acts of Parliament as seemed necessary 
 to disclose the requisite authority, and stating by way of recital the fact of surrender 
 by the Hudson's Bay Comj)any, acceptance by Her Majesty, and Transfer to Canada, 
 from and after the 1st December, A.D., 1869. These facts I gather from the newspapers, 
 from a private lett9r to me of the Deputy Governor of the Company, and my own 
 knowledge before I left Ottawa, that the 1st of December had been agi'eed upon as the 
 date of the transfers. 
 
 In the present state of affairs in the settlement it is of the utmost importance 
 to announce the transfer of authority in the most authentic and solemn manner 
 possible, in order to give confidence and the protection of legality to the acts of the 
 loyal and well disposed, and to put the mal-contents and their American advisers 
 and sympathizeiTS publicly and technically in the wi-ong. Several messages have been 
 sent, urging me to assume authority and to authorize actifm ut once against the 
 E'rench half-breeds, but as my pi-evious reports will show, I decided to keep strictly 
 within my commission, and referred those persons to the local authority for advice 
 and direction. On the 24th inst., however, Kiel and his party took possession, with- 
 out resistance, of the public offices in the Fort, seized the public rscords and papera, 
 and made prisoners of the Treasurer and Officers in charge of the public funds. I 
 have not heard whether they have removed Governor McTavish from his official 
 residence, but he is evidently hnrs Je combat personally and officially. I have had 
 no communication from him since the 19tli inst., directly or indirectly, although in 
 his last note he promised to communicate further immediately. As I have found no 
 serious difficulty in sending and receiving from the settlement communications of a 
 private character, I infer that the rebels have imprisoned the Governor so closely that 
 nothing is allowed to reach him or proceed from him of which they disapprove. 
 
 On the evening of the same day, Riel made a demonstration upon the Government 
 provisions under the charge of Mr. Snow, pretending that he only wanted to make an 
 inventory of them. Some Canadians employed on the survey, being in the neighbourhood 
 and indignant at this move of the rebels, as well as apprehensive that the possession of these 
 provisions by them would greatly strengthen their position, determined to remove them 
 by force, if necessary, to the Lower Fort of the Hudson's Bay Company ; but, on con- 
 
Gf) 
 
 embiua in the 
 her, and Begg 
 led occupation 
 
 r my guidance 
 ce of the Order 
 
 ,1 powers and 
 and Imperial, 
 
 e first day of 
 smed necessary 
 it of surrender 
 fer to Canada, 
 he newspapers, 
 , and my own 
 d upon as the 
 
 ost importance 
 
 olemn manner' 
 
 10 acts of the 
 
 erican advisers 
 
 Lges have been 
 
 oe against the 
 
 keep strictly 
 
 rity for advice 
 
 issession, with- 
 
 s and papers, 
 
 Aic funds. I 
 
 his official 
 
 I have had 
 
 although in 
 
 lave found no 
 
 nications of a 
 
 3o closely that 
 
 ove. 
 
 e Government 
 id to make an 
 neighbourhood 
 session of these 
 remove them 
 but, on con- 
 
 in 
 
 sideration, they felt that to bring on a collision at that moment, and on such a question, 
 micht be impolitic, and as the local authorities coidd not or would not act, they desp-^t^hod 
 Mr. Newcombo, a young Canadian, to me the same night, with the letter marked A. lie 
 got safely through, having run alwut half the way on foot, making the whole distance of 
 G7 miles in 20 hours. He was ready to return on foot or ori horseback after an hour's rest, 
 if I had deemed it necessary. His energy, courage, and zeal, and his account of the feelings 
 of the loyal portion of the inliabitants, inspired us all with the hope that a reaction had set in, 
 and that as soon as the incubus of a moribund and inactive Government was removed, a call 
 might safely be made upon the loyal and well-disposed to rally in defence of law and order. 
 But in view of the peculiar relations existing between the Frer^ch half-breeds and the rest 
 of the native population, I thought it vei'y undesirable to allow a " fight " to take place 
 about Government property, until some collision had occuiTed which would excite the 
 feelings of the English and Scotch half-breeds and exasperate them against the insurgents. 
 The interruption to business, reducing thereby the price of grain and enliancing the price; 
 of merchandize ; the arrest of men like Hallett, of local influence and extensive family 
 connection ; the taking of provisions witi »ut pay from the settlers, and occupying their 
 houses without their consent; and a <\ ance of a ymy springing out of some of these 
 circumstances seems to justify delay in organizing opposition to Kiel's designs upon the 
 Government pork and flour, which, if seized by him, would not strike the half-breed 
 settlers as a very heinous ofi'ence, or one which they ought to l-isk their lives to 
 prevent or punish. Moreover, the Hudson's Bay Company officers were still the 
 nominal nilei-s of the settlement, and as their Sheriff" (McKenny) was notoriously in 
 the interests of the rebels, advising, aiding, and abetting them, it api)eared to me 
 better that none of my agents or avowed suppoi-ters should provoke or be parties to 
 a collision before the 1st of December, and run the risk of finding the Sheriff" and 
 other authorities on the side of the rebels, or^ what would amount to the same thing, 
 issuing warrants against Canadians, 
 
 Accordingly I detained Mr. Nowcombc for future service, and despatched by a loyal 
 French half-breed the answer B, and by the sr.me hand the letter C, to Governor 
 McTavish. My plan was to hold the authorities to their duties and i-esponsibilities as 
 long as possible, and to delay, without wholly ^prohibiting the resistance of the employees 
 and frie:.ds of the new Government. How far this plan has succeeded I am not yet aware, 
 but I suspect that Kiel will have seized the provisions before my directions reached Fort 
 GaiTy, or, at all events, before the action recommended by mo has been taken. I <lo not 
 regard tLe possession of these Government Stores by Riol and his party as of very much 
 consequence. They cannot eat them up at once, and if the measures I have taken to 
 organize an armed force to seize Riel and his colleagues, and disperse the rank and file of 
 his followers, should prove successful, the provisions will soon be again in our i)ossession. 
 
 The last two mails brought me only newsjiapers and two or three small private loiters. 
 I am much afraid that official lettei-s are detained at some point between St. Paul and 
 this place purposely, and perhaps read «nd destroyed. J- 4 the , postmaster hero openly 
 avows his sympathy with th*^ half-breeds and permits one Stuttsman, referred to in a 
 former Report, to distribute and handle the postal ii.attcr in his office. T have no great faith 
 that my letters to Ottawa have been forwarded, if at all, without being first i-ead. I shall 
 therefore abstain from all details as to the operations contemplated after the lat December. 
 Their discovery and publication hero would be sure ; > defeat them. 
 
 I have ruceived a friendly letter from the Indian chief, " Pegwis," who lives at 
 Winnipeg, in wliich he strongly condemns the conduct of the Fre oh half-breeds. He 
 reminds me that they come from my own country, a:ul are " very bad men." He wishes 
 to see me, to shake hands and bargain about his land. He lias offered lus services to 
 the Canadians in the Settlement to put down Kiel and his party, evidently foreseeing 
 that if they got the mast«ry, the Indian title to the land in Assinniboino will not bo 
 treated with much respect or realize much profit. 
 
 I have returned a verbal answer to his letter, expressing the mobL friendly feelings 
 towards him and his people, and mv desiro to see them at Fort Garry as soon as iwssibh^ 
 12o— 9 
 
 m 
 
li; 
 
 
 't- 
 
 cc 
 
 T thought it better to put nothing in writing, anil indeijd to say nothing that coukl bo 
 construed into an invitation to the Indians to arn\ or atvack any class of the inhabitants, 
 not even those now under avni.s and in a state of insurrection. It is very satisfactory to 
 find that the Indians in all directions, and under different chiefs, are well disposed, and 
 unwilling to give any aid to the French half-breeds. I have taken pains, through the 
 agency of loyal persons having influence with them, to arouse the apprehensions of the 
 Indians in reference to the ainiexation features of th<* half-broed movement, and its effect 
 upon them and their land clainm. They have been quick to perceive that the outbreak 
 bodes no good to them, and they cannot therefore be seduced into any kind of sympathy 
 with it. Thin /a<'t is already producing a marked effect upon the plans and operations of 
 the Insurgents. 
 
 A lettc appeared in a newspaper published in Yankton, Dakotah, purporting to 
 have been written and delivered to me by two Indian chiefs, making peremptory demands 
 for a settlement with them before entering the Territory. This letter was concocted by 
 American schemers at Pembina, and read to the Indians who were waiting to see me. At 
 first they consented to it, l)Ut the next day went to the village, asked to see it, and tore 
 it up, The veracious correspondent of the Yankton newspaper, allowed it nevertheless 
 to apjjear as a bond fide conim\inication to me. 
 
 In the same newspaper, a communication tuider date 23rd September, detailing the 
 plans, grievances and demands of the half-breeds, with such particularity as to show that 
 the plot has its chief counsellor, if not its originator, in this Village. One of these 
 conspirators the man Stuttsman, lately visited Fort Garry, and is known to bo consulting 
 and aiding the Insurgents at that place. 
 
 As far as I can learn, the priests have withdrawn latterly from active co-operation 
 and begin to shake tlieir heads, and sjieak doubtfully of the consequences likely to result 
 from the outbreak. 
 
 Until I have received more specific instructions for my guidance aft'^r assuming the 
 Government, and leami the view Avhich His Excellency and Council are likely to take of 
 the events detailed in my Ixeports, I do not feel myself in a position to make any special 
 recommendation as to the measures which oi'ght to be adopted by the Government of 
 Canada. I have taken, and must continue to take, a lai-ge discretion and rasponsibility in 
 regard to measures which must be initiated and executed within the Territory. I have 
 hesitated to call for tx'oops or volunteers from Canada in mid-wii.l;er. The difficidties in 
 the way are enormous, and the chance of disaster with the pi'esent means of transportation 
 is almost reduced to a certainty. But ]>reparations should \;ndoubtedly be made for a 
 large emigration in the eai'ly spring, of such settlers as were offered last fall by Colonel 
 Barivis, of the Township of Halifax, and bj o,if .ther gentleman in the County of Bnice. 
 Settlers of this class will be a valuable, almost o necessary addition to the population of 
 the Territory, and any expense which their tiansportatiou hither may involve ought to be 
 readily furnished. 
 
 I have, &c.. 
 
 \Vm. McDoucall. 
 
 (A.) 
 
 Winnipeg, "Wednesday, 24th November, 18G9. 
 
 Dear Colonel, — ^We require definite instructions Ifow to act under the following 
 circumstances : — To-day, about 4 p.m., we got information that the Government store.=!, in 
 Dr. Schultz's, were being seized. Captain Boulton, Mr. Codd, and self, proceeded immediately 
 to ascertain the truth of the matter. We found Riel and an armed guard coming out of 
 the back store with Dr. Schultz. I went up and asked what particiilar business was 
 going on. The Doctor said, " Mr. lUel is taking an inventory of tlio stores." I replied, 
 looking at Riel, " They are the Queen's property." He turned about and stamped, 
 exclaiming angrily, " The devil's property" moving away i!.t tht same time. On enquiring 
 about the matter, the Doctor told us that his cai'ts had been stopped at tlio Fort, and 
 
 h 
 I 
 
 t( 
 
 P 
 h 
 
 I 
 
 0] 
 

 lat could be 
 inhabitants, 
 itisfactory to 
 :lispo8e(l, and 
 through tho 
 isions of tho 
 lud its offeot 
 ;lie outbreak 
 of sympathj 
 opovationa of 
 
 Hirportiug to 
 
 ;oiy demands 
 
 concocted by 
 
 see me. At 
 
 it, and tore 
 
 nevertheless 
 
 detailing tlie 
 
 to show that 
 
 One of these 
 
 be consulting 
 
 co-operation 
 cely to result 
 
 assuming 
 
 the 
 
 sly to take of 
 ce any special 
 overnment of 
 ponsibility in 
 ory. I have 
 difficulties in 
 ranspoi'tation 
 3 made for a 
 by Colonel 
 nty of Bi-uce. 
 lopulation of 
 e ought to be 
 
 67 
 
 he went down to sec about tluun. Haw lliol, who said tliat it was " merely a matter of 
 form," but he wished to know " if the duties had been paid," and " there wort; no arms in 
 the cases." The Doctor answered, " No, there were no arms." Kiel, hi)W(!v<!r, accompanied 
 the Doctor to his store, for tho purpose of examining them. Ou entering the store, Kiel 
 said, " Are the.se all your goods <" Doctor replied, " No, Government property," Hie! 
 then said, " By-the-bye, that roniinds mo I may as well take an inventory of them in 
 case any parties should remove any portion, and it would be laid to us." In tho mean- 
 time, an armed guard of four men had come up (as Dr. S. says, "a sly mode of getting 
 access to the store.") Riel put two of them in charge, and went off intending to return. 
 While he was away, the Doctor /aVerf the guard, for sixpence apitce, to assist in carrying 
 the cases into tho house. They left their arms in the store, and accordingly went to 
 work for the Doctor. Whilo they were so deployed, the Doctor sent Smith, who removed 
 the arms and locked up the store, lliel returned some couple of hours afterwards, and 
 found his guard " shouldering cases." He demanded entrance to the store, after soundly 
 rating his men. The Doctor refused, and told them he would have to use force : — this he 
 repeated. Finally, tho key was obtained by them from Smith. Tho Doctor then p\it his 
 back to tlie door, and refused entrance unless Riel px-omised, upon his honor, not to I'emovo 
 anything, — wliich Riel did. The Doctor further says that, at this moment (that is after 
 they had entered the store), Jfdllpit .showed his nose round the corner, when Riel, all at 
 once, came to the conclusion that it was rather late to take the inventory, and left an 
 armed guard on tho door. It was at this time, whilo they were coming out of the 
 Doctor's store, that we arrived on Mie scene. 
 
 Now, there are Canadians here willing to ]M'otect the properly of Canada, and remove 
 the stores to the Stone Fort for safe keeping. Wo propose the following plan : — We (tho 
 Canadians) to proceed in a i)arty of twenty or thirty with hired sleighs, to be i)iocured 
 in the Scotch Settlement, and go to Schultz's .store about noon and remove them (the 
 stores) down to tho Stone Fort, and leave (armed of course), in cliarge. If wo 
 
 moot opposition, we will defend tho stores and remove them against all comenj. This 
 will have tho effect, perhaps, of precipitating matters. On tho other hand, if thaj remove 
 theso provisions, which no c^oubt is their intention, you will at once see that they have 
 gained i very ini])ortant advantage over the loyal inhabitants by the possession of these 
 stores. Hallett says, that he, imlividuaUi/, will^stand by us and assist. We await the 
 advice and instructions of the Governor to act. This will also give us an excuse to occupy 
 tlie Stone Fort, where a large amount of ammunition is stored. 
 
 Your most obedient Servant, 
 
 D. A Gramt. 
 
 P.S. — It is understood that, if we act in this matter, wo act upon our own respon- 
 sibility. Not wishing to compromise authority, we only desire to have advice, 
 
 >oueALL. 
 
 iber, 18G9. 
 
 the following 
 ent stores, in 
 I immediately 
 )ming out of 
 business was 
 " I replied, 
 ,nd stamped. 
 On enquiring 
 ho Fort, and 
 
 (B.) 
 
 Pembina, 25th November, 18G9. 
 JJ. A. Grant, Esq., Fort Garry. 
 
 My Dear Sir, — I trust this will reach you safely and in good time. Tho Governor 
 lias determined to retain the bearer of your letter for reasons which will be apparent soon. 
 I should have been with you again long before now, but that the Governor required mo 
 to remain here for a purpose of which you will soon also be aware. With regard to the 
 provisions and public property which you say are in danger of being seized by a band of 
 lawless men, and removed from the custody of those who have been intrusted with them, 
 I am instructed to convey Mr. McDougall's orders, as follows : — 
 
 Ist. Apply to the local authorities for a sufficient jiolice or other force to prevent it. 
 
 2nd. If this is refused, or if no such force can be had, apply to Governor McTavish, 
 or the officer in charge of .^ixe Stone Fort, for permission to store the property there for 
 
m 
 
 i ii ■■ 
 
 iv 
 
 I' 
 
 i| ! 
 
 08 
 
 Hiifti kpfping, and iisk liiiii to givo you aiithority to guunl and dofoud it liy the voluntary 
 aid of tho law-abiding inliabitivntH. 
 
 3rd. If this ])('rnn8Hion to Htoi'o in tlin Fort Ih granted, romove tho pi-oviHions, «fec., 
 there, and hire a HulUi'icnit nuniltor of i<erHon8 to remove and defend it againut all illegal 
 attcin]»t.s at appropriation, 
 
 4th. IJiit in the event of a Hoizure, or attempt at seizure, by a conKiderablo force of 
 armed men, eitlier before or during the removal above suggesthd and authoriHod, you aro 
 advised not to risk a collision which nuvy 4;au80 bloo(lBhed, unless tho local authoritioH 
 shall have sanctionotl iho organization of an armed force for tho purpose of protecting tho 
 proj)orty. 
 
 Mr. McDougnll has written to Governor McTavish on tlio subject, and asked his 
 intorfcrcnco on your written demand. 
 
 Believe mo, dear Mr. Grant, truly yoiirs, 
 
 J. S. Dennis. 
 
 (G.) 
 
 Pembina, November 24th, 18G9. 
 Win. McTavish, Esq., 
 
 (r'aoernor, <C'f., Uiulsons Hay Company. 
 
 Mv Pkar Sir, — The agents of tho Dominion Government, in charge of the pro- 
 visions and other public property of tho Government, now at Winnipeg, have represented 
 to aie that an armed pa. t\ . f lawless jiersons have attempted to seize and appropriate! it. 
 They hnve asked fe>r inst .li'^fions from me, and have suggested that this property be 
 r(>moved, uinier eacuiC if i;( :" isary, to the Stone Fort for safe keeping. 
 
 I have instituted Co? jn. 1 Dennis to communicate the foUowi'ig as my directions (see 
 letter to Blr. C'ran*. U;, 2nd, 3rd, and 4tli). 
 
 May I recjucsl tb;'' you will give Mr. Grant and Mr. Snow, and any other persons 
 who \\\iO 3i;ive in lavtir custody any of this proi)erty, such assistance aa you can command 
 to protect it fron\ iU'le.«.a'iou by tho lawless persons referreii- to. If in your judgment 
 the jMOj)osal to ■ emove .t .o tho Stone Fort, and to protect it there in the way proposed 
 by tho pei.soiiP .vlio will apply to you, is feasible and under tho cix'cumstances advisabh^ I 
 should feel obliged if yon would give them the desired authority. 
 
 I leave the matter for the piesent entirely in your hands. 
 
 I have the honor, «tc., 
 
 Wm. McDougall. 
 
 {Telegram.) 
 
 Toronto, 15th December, 1869. 
 Hon. Sir J. A. Mncdonald. 
 
 St^Paul, Minn. ir)th.— Private letterjust received from Pembina, gives the following 
 information : — 
 
 The Rebels have placed Governor McTavish under close guard, on account of his 
 recent Proclamation, advising them to lay down their arms and submit to the Government. 
 In meantime they continue to issue rations with a regularity -wiiich is making serious 
 inroofls upon the Hud.son Bay goods at Fort Garry and outposts. 
 
 Captain Cameron, of Governor McDougallls party, attemp^d to go into Fort Garry, 
 but was confronted at the gate by a sentinel, who, with the assistance of a sergeant, forced 
 him baek \ipon American soil, and upoji pain of being shot, was forbidden to re-enter the 
 lines. 
 
 H. P. DWIGHT. 
 
0!) 
 
 id asked his 
 
 Dki'Artmknt ok Bkcukt .uy ok State fou tiii: riioviNCFJ. 
 
 Ottawa, 17th December, 1809. 
 The Ilonorahlo Wiyi. McOoiigaU, CJi, Pembliia. 
 
 Siu, — Your doHpatdi of tlio 29th November leeched tluH oflico on the 
 tlHi^Hoiim-Hhlu I'^fc'' i"Htant, find created some a)>j»relieiision, that you were al)out to ismio 
 Win. Mcl)iiu- a Proehvniation, announcing tlio formal tranHfer of the Territory, wliich lias 
 fjdll, 2r)th De- j^yj. yjjj. taken place, and to orga'iize or countenance uiovenumts, which, 
 however well intended, would have been, without the Hanction of law. 
 The receipt of the papers, A. B. (.'., which did not come to hand till i.ho following day, 
 relieved this anxiety, and I liavo now toconvey to you the satisfact'jn with which the 
 numbered paragraphs in the paper marked " B " were read by the Governor Gciieral 
 and Council. 
 
 The despatches sent to you en the 19th and 29th November, and 7th, 8th, 10th, and 
 11th of Bocomber, will, before this roaches you, have explained the views taken by this 
 Government of the situation of affairs in the North-West, and the natui-o of the 
 correspondence with the Imperial Government which has not y«t closed. No notice has 
 yet been i-eceived hero of the issue of the Queen's Proclamation annexing tluj country to 
 Canada, or of the payment of the pur"haso money. By this day's mail an olaborat(j 
 Minute of Council goes to England. 
 
 You will, until further advised, al^itain from all movements in excess of your 
 au-'iority, and do nothing by which the 'Jovernor and ofHcers of the Hudson's Bay Company 
 may be relieved of the roHponsibility which now rests upon them. 
 
 Should any tclegrrphic notico of ihe issue of the Queen's Proclamation reacJi you, I 
 am commanded to desire that you will refrain fr^m any action thereuj)on un ' il you receive 
 .1 copy of tlie Proclamation throu<'h this office. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 Jush?n 'lov,!:, 
 
 Secretary of StHc i r the Province.*. 
 
 Larose's Faiim, Peml'na, U S. 
 
 December ^nd, 18(19. 
 77jc Ilcnorable Jo.}eph '/nw;, Hcc'dury of State, d-c, Ottawa. 
 
 SlK, By the last mail, under date 29tli November, I reported that I 
 
 was bt.'ll at > uis placo, and that I had neither received official instruction for 
 
 my guidaiKO aftc assuming the Government of the North-West Ter'itories 
 
 nor any notice <y ! lie passing of the Order of Her ?'^J08ty in Council for 
 
 the transfer of the North-West Territory to the j>ominion. I a'so (ir tailed at 
 
 tenj^h the eventa which I' i<l occiirred during my previous rejiort, and indicated some 
 
 1 measures I haJ prepared and proposed to adopt, on and after tlie 1st Do;- inber. I 
 
 enclosed, in a separate letter, copies of correspondence respecting tlivj iUn'emment 
 
 Recoived by 
 the Sifretary 
 of Stat <T the 
 Prov ■ , 18th 
 Deer -69, 
 
 son 
 
 of 
 
 als 
 
 •es at Fort Garry, and the steps I recommended to be taken fo'- 
 
 tJi^-r m'ote'ction. I 
 .'ed to detail. 
 
 ipe thede letters have reached Ottawa safely, and assuming they hav 
 \iriefly what has since occurred. 
 
 Fearing, from information I received, that my messenger wuli copies of the 
 Proclamation announcing the first of December, as tlie date of transfer of authority fro? a 
 the Hudson's Bay Company to the Domiiiioi! had been intercepted, I entrust.Hl additional 
 copies in English and French to Colonel Dennis, who, with a trusty g^iide, started on the 
 night of the 5;9th ultimo (the coldest niglit we liavc yet experienced), f< r Fort Gany. I 
 also commissioned him to aet as my " Lieutenant,"' and as a ' (^/onservator of the Peace," in 
 arraxxng the loyal inhabitants in defence of law r'ld order. I gave him large powers and 
 as he is fully aware of my -views and plans, and the nature of the authority under which 
 
 *n 
 
70 
 
 I 
 
 
 ho is to ivct, and is, morever, acquainted with tho loading men of tho Settlement, — ntatidH 
 •well in thoir estimation, and knows tho country. I have every confidonce that ho will 
 execute his orders with promptitude, discretion, and succosh. I do not deem it prudent 
 to forward by this mail a copy of my Commission to him, as there is some danger that it 
 might go in a wrong direction. 
 
 It will bo soon from tho paper "A" herewith, tliat the English and Scotch settlers 
 and half-breeds, have at last discovered that thoy must choose between Riel and his 
 American allies and advhsers, and tho authority L)f Her Majesty and the Canadian 
 Government. Meetings liave been hold, with more or less secrecy in all the parishes, 
 except thoao exclusively French, and a " Committee of Publin Safety " organized. Tho 
 movement has been much aided by the Canadians connected wi^h the road and survey, 
 the only persons of intelligence and apparent auUiority to whom tho poor b\it well 
 disposed settlers could look for advice. Mr Jan os Ross, a Scotch half-breod, recently 
 from Canada, and mentioned im a previous report, as apparently in tho confidence of tho 
 m&lcontents, has boon exceedingly active in refuting tho false .stoj-ies that certain 
 influential traders and other traitors have boon busy in circulating. Captain Boulton, who 
 was present at the meeting of tho representatives of three parishes when tho enclosed 
 letter to me was agreed upon, has also shown zeal and discretion, as well as covu'ago in his 
 efforts to arouse the loyal peujilo of tho Settlement. Colonel Dennis wa.s charged with 
 my answer to those people, in the shape of a Commissionj which on and after the first 
 December, he could make known to them. The Proclamation itself, so anxiously looked 
 for by tho friends of Canada, will, I trust, settle all doubts in tho minds of tho well- 
 disposed, and dispel tho false, preposterous, but nevertheless dangerous nimours, sont out 
 from day to day by the conspirators. One point of considerable importance in the minds 
 of tho English and Scotch settlers — hintrd at in the enclosed paper, but more explicitly 
 stated in other messages which have reached me — is the view which will be taken by 
 Govvnment of tho claims of Loyalists serving against the Rebels for aiiy losses to person 
 and property which may result. I have not ventured to make a specific answer to this 
 question, as any rule on tho subject would be liable to abuse, but I have told Colonel 
 Dennis to assure those who agree to serve under his order, that the Government will 
 treat thorn in tho same way, and with the same liberality as in Canada, or iu^^ other pai"ts 
 of the empire, I have, morever, authorized him to allow the same rates of paj', «fec., as 
 are allowed under the Canf,da Militia Act, to Volunteers called out in aid of tlie civil 
 power. 
 
 Yesterday evening, after finding that tho road was clear, I took with me Messrs. 
 Richards and Provencher and four others of my party, and proceeded to the Hudson's Bay 
 Company's Post near Pembina, and in order to execute on British soil, and so far in a 
 public manner, the Proclamation an<t other documents which are to take effect within the 
 Territory. I have resolved to do no official act on American soil, and have made arrange- 
 ments to occupy the Hudson Bay Company's Post, and if necessary repel by force the attack 
 of any such party as the one that drove us from it on the 3rd of November. It is surround- 
 ed by a high fence, and witW a little improvement may be defended against a considerable 
 force, by a few resolute men with breech-loading rifles. Foi-tunately wo have with us a 
 few such rifles and a small supply of ammunition. We number about a dozen, and are 
 all good shots. I shall not openly take this position and attitude unless I hear from 
 Colonel Dennis that he has a force in the field and is thus given Riel and his party some- 
 thing to do at Fort Garry. In the meantime we go to and from the '• Post" well armed 
 and prepared againt surprise. The American ofi^cials and ex-oflicials hero are a little less 
 jubilant and swaggering in their tone since they have found that the English, Scotch, and 
 Indians have refused to join Riel, and that resistance is being organized. I enclose a 
 slip, cut from a St. Paul's newspaper, which shews the feelings and designs of these people. 
 They anHume in their coiTespi^udence the air of lookers-on merely, but they are in truth 
 the chief counsellors and directors of the movement, Stuttsman is still at Fort Garry, 
 but v/ill probably move south very speedily when the loyal settlers with Colonel Dennis 
 at their head come upon the scene. 
 
71 
 
 I have heard from Fort Garry, of the safo arrival of tho lotterH conveying my 
 instructions in regard to tho Government provisions. Riol Imd made two or threci 
 attempts to remove therti, and had pointed two of tho guns of tho Fort on Dr. Schultz's 
 warehouse, in which a portion of them are stored, in anticipation of resistance, but the 
 firm attitude of the Canadians and othei-s in tho vicinity seems to have induced Kiel 
 to j)osti)ono his threatened seizure. I hope no collision 1ms taken place over these 
 stores, as such an event might prejudice the movement progressing so favorably in tho 
 English and Scotch Parishes. 
 
 I enclose (paper "B") copy of a second Proclamation whicli T deemed it my 
 duty to is.sue. 1 hope [ am right in using the name of Her Majesty as prominently 
 as I have done. The leaders of this movement have studiously represented that they 
 w(>re only resisting the aggressions of Canada and not the authority of tho Crown. 
 It is necessary to meet thom on this point e.xplicity and jjromptly. 
 
 Anxiously awaiting some official directions and information from you, 
 
 I have the honor to bo. Sir, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Wm. Mc'DoiroALL. 
 
 ("A.") 
 
 2'o the Honorable Mr. McDougall. 
 
 Sir, — "We, influential members of tho English speaking pop ;li5'i< and loyal siibjocta 
 of the British Crown, have heard that you are appointed Governor of this Territory, but 
 we have had no certain or official information that such is the case, in fact wo don't know 
 officially that any change has taken place in tho constitution of this country. Und<»i 
 these circumstaiices, there is no certainty of movement or any chance of co-operiition. 
 "^"6 will be glad to be informed, officially, what is the position of aft'aii-s ; what are the 
 j'U-cntions of the Canadian Government, and what support will be given by GoveruMent. 
 
 Circumstances are such that names cannot be given; at least it is not advisabh?, but 
 ■* * * * will testify to the genuineness of this communic/ition. 
 
 
 ISTov. 27tli. 
 To the JIoKorable Mr. McBougall. 
 
 Sir, — I am requested to certify and sign this to the effect that it is a communication 
 from tho representatives of three parishes in this settlement. 
 
 ("B.") 
 
 [L.S.] 
 
 The Noutii-Wkst Tkbritories. 
 
 By His Excellency, the Honorable William McBowjaU, a Member of Her Majesty s Privy 
 Council for Canada, and Companion of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath, 
 Lieuteiuxnt Governor of the North-West Tta-riivrits, kc, d'c, d'c. 
 
 To all tohom these Presents hImII .wMf— Greeting / — 
 
 A Proclamation ! ! ! 
 
 Whkreas, Her Majesty The Queen, by Letters I^itent, under the Great Seal of the 
 t)o7mnion of Canada, bearing date the twenty-ninth day yi September, in the year of Our 
 Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, in the thirty- third year of Her Majesty's 
 Reign, has been graciously pleased to constitute and appoint me, on, from and after the 
 day to be named by Her Majesty, for tho admi.ssion of Rupert's Land and the North- 
 western Territory into the Union or Dominion of Canada, tA> he TiiEi:TEirANT Governor 
 in and over The North-West Territories, during Her Majesty s pleasure, and did thereby 
 authorize and empower and require and command me, on, from and afU^'r the day afoi-es id, 
 
i < 
 
 
 b.- 
 
 
 |S 1 4 f'i 
 
 72 
 
 to do nnd execute all thing* in duo manner that shall belong to my said command and the 
 trust roi)OHO(l in me, according to tlie wovoral powers and inHtructiona granted or appointed 
 me by that, llcr Majesty's CoiumissioM, and of tho Act of Parliament passed in the 
 tliirty-socond year of llor Majosty's lleign, inlitulod, "An Act for th« Temporary Oovern- 
 ini-nt of Itnjiert's Land and the Noi-th-Wostorn Territory wlien united with Canada," und 
 the instructions given mo with siicli Commission, or by such further instructions as may 
 hcMoaftcr bo givon uid in respect of the North-West Territories and the Government 
 thereof, by Her Mnjeatyg Cuvenior O'eneral in Council, under liis sign manual, or through 
 on(! of I/er Majcatys I'rivy Council of Canada, and according to such laws as are now, and 
 shall hereafter Ik* in force in the said Norih-We$t Territoriea. 
 
 And Whereas, Her Majeaty lias declared and named iXio first day of December instant, 
 ar» the (lay for the admission of Rupert's Land and the North-Western Territory into the 
 Union and Dominion of Canada; And Whereas, by virtue and in pursuance of "Tiit^ 
 British North America Act, 18G7"; "The Rupert's Land Act, 1868," tho said "Act Un- 
 the Temporary (lovernmeut of Rupert's Land and tho North-Western Territory, when 
 united witli Canada," and tho said Declaration and Order of Her Majesty, Rupert's Land 
 and tho North-Westorn Territory ha^•o been admitted into Union with, and have become 
 and ai'o now part of tho Dominion of Canada, and are henceforth to be styled and known 
 as ''The North-West Terrilwies." 
 
 Now Know Y«, that I have thought fit to issue this Proclamation, to make known 
 Her Majesty's said appointment to all ollicers, magistrates, subjects of Her Majesty, and 
 others within tho said "2V/e North-West Territories"; — and I do hereby requir6 and 
 command that all and singular, tho public otticers and functionaries, holding office in 
 "Rupert's Land, and tho North-Western Territory, at the time of their admission into tho 
 Union as aforenaid, excej)ting the public officer or functionary at the head of tho Admin- 
 istration of affiiirs, do continue in the execution of their several and respective offices, 
 duties, places and employments, until otherwise ordered by vie, under the authorit}' of tho 
 said last mentioned Act ; and I do hereby further require and command that all Her 
 Majesty's loving subjects, and all others whom it may concern, do take notice and govern 
 themselves accordingly. 
 
 Given binder my hand and tSeal-at-arms, at Red River, in the said Territories, thin 
 Second day of December, in tho year of Our Lord, Ono thousand eight hundred 
 and sixty-nine, and in tho Thirty-third year of Her Majesty's Reign. 
 
 Wm. McDouaALL. 
 JJy Command. 
 
 J. A. N. Provexcher, 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 (I have asked Mr. Provcncher to sign as Secretary, his formal appointment depend 
 ing upon the course of events, and tho requirements of tho Act.) 
 
 Wm. McDouoall. 
 
 '¥ 
 
 Extracts from St. Paid '^ Daily Press," November 21st, referred to in Mr. McDougaU's 
 
 letter of 2iul December. 
 
 (1) 
 
 (Letter from Fort Garry). 
 
 WiNNi.'EG, November 6th, 1869. 
 
 Stirring events are in })rogres here. This settlement is resolved to be independent of 
 the Canadian Dominion, and the Revolution has begun. The French settlors took the 
 initiative ; but are in full accord, in this respect, with tlie rest of the settlers. On October 
 20th and 21st, about two hundred armed men were sworn in to liberate, as their expres 
 sion is, the coiintry. At present tlu'ro are six hundred men in arms and sworn in, whicli 
 number Avill not be increased till next spring, when they will muster in about throp 
 
 S35BP 
 
78 
 
 .and and tho 
 ar appointod 
 issed in tho 
 rary Govern - 
 ^Janada," and 
 ions as may 
 Oovernnicnt 
 I, or throuj;li 
 arc now, and 
 
 mber inHtant, 
 tory into the 
 mco of "Thr 
 aid "Act for 
 rritory, when 
 Lupert's Lam I 
 have beconu- 
 )d and known 
 
 make known 
 Majesty, ami 
 
 requird and 
 iing office in 
 iasion into the 
 of the Admin 
 )ective offices, 
 ithority of tho 
 
 that all Her 
 ce and govern 
 
 Writories, thiti 
 jight hundred 
 jn. 
 IcDOUOALL. 
 
 itment depend- 
 
 DOUQALL. 
 
 c. ifcDougaU's 
 
 ir 6th, 1869. 
 
 independent of 
 sttlors took the 
 On October 
 IS their expres 
 worn in, whicli 
 in about tliree 
 
 thoujial ti'oj;)!. Oa No*'0 Jibor 2iid a doLmhni'-v.it ooc\ipijj Fo. t Oarry, which ihoy now 
 hold. Ta/.r disjiihiiij is o^tanpUry, na I in iiot .Hiiri),ii3) I or 04U1II0.I by any troopa T over 
 saw. To jud(;;o from present appouranccs, tlie whole fSettlomcnt will soon wheel into lino 
 to koop tho Canadians out. I think thoy muy Lo Huccesssful The country is very easily 
 defended, except acjaimst troops coming through Minnebota and Dukutn. But it is not 
 believed possible that our Government will iillow Canadian troopa to pass over that rcute. 
 The consaquoTicos would bo foirfiil. The Froncli half-baeods, seven tJ'ousand in number, 
 that is, ono half of tho p.ipulation of tho Heltl<>iuont, would desart their home-steads, join 
 tho Indians on tho plains, and carry on a war that wouhl annihilate this setthnHnt. Any 
 attempt ot CDorcion would occasion a wiihi-spro.ul destruction of life and property; and 
 such aa act^f hojtili'y to tho hilf-nomiuUc p();»ulation of this region on tho part of our 
 Govornmont as would be iin[)lie(l in passiu!,' a Canadian army 0Vi>r American soil to make 
 war on this poopln, would draw tlown their vengeance, and all tho horrors of an Indian and 
 a half-breed war upon tin frontier sottlomunis of Minnesota and Dakota. It is, therefore, 
 of grave consequence to tho safety of tho American border, that our Government shoi^ld not 
 league itself with tho Canadian Government in tlio attempt to sulijugato thi« people. Lei; 
 no such concession lio mado to Canada, and all will be riyht. At iho next Srssion of tho 
 Canadian Parliament, tho oppoution is likely to be in tho nmjoi-ity, and will probably 
 repeal tho act purchasing this Territory^ At any rate, thoy Will vote neither men nor 
 money to cavry on a war or conquest a'^aiust its inhxbitauts. Events of vast impor- 
 tance dcp^n I 0:1 tho policy of tho United States G jvornmont in this matter. These 
 oven's will disclosj thomsclves in tho near future. It is not ray business to predict, but 
 to record, and I leave them to your best conjectures. 
 
 Femuica. 
 
 (2) 
 
 ('Letter from rcmhina.J 
 
 Pembin'a, November 8th, 18G9. 
 
 On Tuesday, tho 2nd instant, tho Red River troops took qnito possession of Fort 
 Garry and tho Government House. "Winnipeg is under martial hiw. No soldijr is per- 
 mitted to tUce a drop 0/ spirits. The most st;ini;enL di'sciplinc u (d)sc-.'ved. If a citizen 
 or outsider is found drunk or disorderly he is pi-ompjy aivcitod and confined until sober 
 and quiet. 
 
 Never before has th^ro boan such coraploto ord^r, and ncvor beforo has tliero been 
 such parfect S3cui-ity to person and prop.-^rty in tho llud llivor sjttlem Mits, as at tlio pre33nt 
 time. Tho oxpdled Cmxilian o.1ic' ils ar.? still encamped n3av P.Mibini. Ta.iy are 
 building, an I scjui detoi-minjl to go into winter quT,rt3r.i ho.-e. Tiio Hoa. J. A. N. Pro- 
 vencher, Mjmbsr of thj Council, aa.l Territorial Saor.^tar/, is disp^sjd to gq, homo in 
 disgust ; but His E.xao!loa3y Govjrnoi- j\IcDo.igall will not coanat thoreto. Tho 
 Governor has calle 1 upjn t!io Cmadiaa Govornannt for troo,)3, .kc, aal, iiiiniudi as it is 
 impossible to import t'nm i>»t any otlior route, pjrmisjion to pass tacai throu^di Unitod 
 States territory will be requos':ed. 
 
 But it is to b3 hopo'd tha'; oar goverarnoat will not dls^rac: itself, anJ bring civil 
 war upon tho RjJ R'.vor pjopio by gi-.i itia j sac'i aa uaro.uoia ile roquo^.t. 
 
 Th3 p30p'.o WA\y uaitjl, no civil wir ova oiij; u itil coorjioa 1)0 a:';onp!;el ; aal, if 
 our Govoranioat vory wiijly do-Unas said roquoit, cooroioa is oui of too qaosliio.i, and, so 
 long as civil war dojs not o.cist, tao ri.^hts of porsoa aa.l proper:/ will bo rospactod. 
 
 The Amoricvn residents remain noa-comaiittal ; buu, saould it unfortaaatoly com3to 
 blows, thay, to a m in, will bo foua I ia tho fro it raa'cs of t'a? citizia tDops. 
 
 Cai)bain Cimjroa, oao of tho Govorao.-'s law-makors, a half-wit':ed uiforfcunata, pro- 
 pos3s to Itmd 400 C.iaadiaas (wacn t'aoy arrivo) aad ponotrato t'ao tarriboiTas far as Lake 
 Winnipog 1 Saouli tioio 400 soldiara bo aa braialasi as tao propoaoi **he.id," the De«<- 
 (ration would not be great 
 
i 
 
 I 
 
 ■it 
 
 I ' 
 
 '\ , 
 
 74 
 
 The following ftrfl tho namoH and < (liriiil charftctor of tlio oxpoUotl oflicial« : 
 Ilia KxcoUency Win. McDongall, (Jov«rnor. 
 A. N. Uichanla, Attornoy-donHml ami Moml>nr of tb« OouuoiJ. 
 Cttpt. Carnoron, MoniUir of Council and Pemtrator. 
 Alexandor Bogg, Collector of (Jimtonis. 
 Col. DenniH, Hurvoyor Uencml. 
 Dr. JackcH, Councilman and Pill Driver. 
 
 Frank McDougall, John Connor, J. V, Hnow, and others, subordinaton. 
 I am sorry to inform you tliat (Jovornor McTavish i« very ill, and not expootod to 
 recover. 
 
 SrOCTATQB. 
 
 (3) ( Further from Pembina. J 
 
 Pembina, Nov. 6th, 1869. 
 
 As your readers may not get iirod of heanng news about the insurrection of the Rod 
 River Sottlcmont, B. N. A., I will inform thom that it is now in full vigor. Wo received 
 information this morning, by the mail-carrior, tkut tho InBurnictionary forces took pos- 
 session of Fort Garry, without any resistance, last Tuesday, the 2nd inst., and are now 
 completing tho organization of their provisional Governiaont, to supercede the Government 
 d« facto of the Hudson's Bay Company. 
 
 I stated, in my last correspondence, that Mr. McDougall and suite wero to leave 
 Pembina on that day, for tho Dominion of Canada, but T would inform you now that his 
 horses, needing rest, ho concluded to take his quarters in our peaceable locality, until the 
 troubles at Garry have subsided, or his quadrupeds get able to carry his future Excellency 
 further on. The prevailing opinion, however, is that he will have to winter, not in tho 
 land of pommican, but breathe tho air of freedom, liberty and independence, our good 
 country has been endowed with, till next spring. 
 
 The other day His Excellency, to be, was at Frank Rose's, one mile above this point, 
 examining claims lying on the west side of tho Red River of the Noi'th, making, in th« 
 meantime, many inquiries about our Government surveys, leaving our citizens to infer 
 that he is going to take a homestead in our blessed territory of liberty. 
 
 It might be well to observe also that, so far, the Insurrectionists have behaved in an 
 exemplary manner. Life, property, decorum, moral discipline, sobriety, and eveiything 
 desirable, have been strictly observed. When Mr. McDougall and suite wore driven out 
 of their country, boys attached to his party, exchanged words rather harsh, but the guard 
 took them oonlly, and replied very politely. The Insurrectionary forces number now 
 between five and six hundred. 
 
 > PlMBINA. 
 
 C Telegram. J I 
 
 St. Paul, Minnesota, 
 
 17th December, 1869. 
 Ifon. Joseph Howe. 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 I have just received news that Colonel Dennis, Surveyor General, has succeeded in 
 raising and arming some two hundred (200) Swampy Indians, and a number of their 
 English half-breed relations — that they have garrisoned the Stone Foi"t — that McDougall 
 has organized another force of tho hostile Sioux of Portage la Prairie, nnder the lead of 
 Canadians, and that as soon as these forces form a junction, ;hey will march on the In- 
 surgent's force at and near Fort Gaa-ry. General Riel han called in liis reserve of French 
 
ixpootod to 
 
 TATOB. 
 
 th, 1869. 
 
 , of tho Hod 
 ^0 received 
 m took po8- 
 id are now 
 Government 
 
 jro to leave 
 ow that his 
 ,y, until the 
 5 Excellency 
 ', Tiot in the 
 9, our good 
 
 5 this point, 
 cing, in the 
 3n3 to infer 
 
 lavcd in an 
 
 evoiything 
 
 driven out 
 
 it the guard 
 
 lumber now 
 
 EMBIlfA. 
 
 7ft 
 
 half l»rof>< In, who wore toniponvrily absent. Ovor throo lmndre<l (300) nion report wd ni 
 I \id-quurturM witliitt k fow huurx fiuui isiuing tho uiill, uud acoUiliou was huurly uxpocled 
 k» the d«te of my advice. 
 
 J. A. WaiLOCK. 
 
 (TtUgram. ) 
 
 Toronto, 18th Doccmbor, 18(59. 
 To Sir John Macdonald, 
 
 Letter dutod Pombins, Deceml)Or Cth. says : Tho Rnd Hivor mail, just in, brings the 
 most exciting news, Oovornor McDaugall lias]succeiM|od in raining a body of IndiHiin who 
 are marching to tiie Stono Fort under Colbnol Dennis, and it's feared (I) colliHion has al- 
 ready taken place. The ^ ritor Hays, mail in just closing, and no tinio to write further 
 partirulai-H. A litter, hhiiio dato, fronj Governor McDoiigall, says, on l)e« ember tlio first 
 the Government of the Qucpu was annoiincod through its ('uuadian reprosoutatives. Oq 
 same day a force of loyal men occupied Htoue Fort, and the loyal white and half breeds 
 began rapidly to rally and organize. The iuHiirgontH were l)egiuning to disperse, and had 
 withdrawn their forces from the printing ollico and other places in tho Wiimipeg. Riel, 
 tho chief of insurgents, still remained in possession of Fort Garry with four h\m<lred of 
 his folio weiu Another letter says : mail just in from Garry, brings news that Colonel 
 Dennis has a force of .300 men, consisting of Swampy Tmlians and their half-ltreeds rela- 
 tions, that they have garrisonetl the Stono Fort, and are expected to form junction with 
 Canadians and Sioux of Portage la Pi-airie, and march against insui-gents at Fort Garry. 
 Riel had called in his reserves who were temporarily absent, and three humlrod (.'JOG) men 
 reported at his heail-quarters in few hourfi after issuing the call. A collision was soon 
 looked for. The reports current that McTavish had been taken by insurgents from hi.H 
 sick bed, and togetlier with hi.-i subordinates, conlinod in pri.son, and that Insurgents had 
 helped themselves to property of Hudson's Bay Company, was not generally believed. The 
 St. Paul's Press of this morning, editorial, on Rod River trouble, says : " Governor Mc- 
 Dougall has assumed a fearful responsibility in thus subjecting tho Settlement to tho 
 terrible risk involved in Indian war. It is but just to say that, as our correspondents at 
 Pembiaa evinces a natural sympathy for the Insurgents, and obtains their infi»rmation 
 doubtless from Insurgent'H side, it is possible they may bo to some extent misled. Wo 
 publish, of course, only such information as we gist, and must necessarily base our remarks 
 on the state of affairs as presented to us. There are gi-oun<ls for belief that McDougall is 
 entering into Indian trouble without consultation with Canadian Government, as it is 
 stated in Ottawa despatch of yesterday, that Dominion Governmwi.t may not complete 
 purchase of North- West till Spring." 
 
 H. P. DwioiiT. 
 
 i 
 
 » y 
 
 )er, 1869. 
 
 lucceeded in 
 
 ber of their 
 
 McDougall 
 
 the lead of 
 
 on the In- 
 
 of French 
 
 PEMBiyA, 6th December, 18f . 
 The Honorable Joseph Hovse, Secretary of State, d-a., 
 
 Ottawa., 
 
 Sir, — I have tho honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of 
 tlie 19th November, transmitted under cover from St. Paul to tho Deputy 
 Collector of this Port. 
 
 It is very satisfactory to rae to find that tho Privy Council entirely 
 approves of my conduct under the trying circumstances in which I was 
 placed, on my entrance into the North-West Territories. The events and the difficulties 
 with which I have had to deal since the date of the letter to which your despatch is a 
 reply, have been very fully detailed iu the reports I have had tho honor to forward to 
 you, and I hope my conduct may, in all these difficult circumstances, bo found to have 
 
 l| 
 
 I'cceived by 
 the Secretary 
 i)f Statu for the 
 l'rovince8,24th 
 December. 
 

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 WEBSTER, N.Y. 145M 
 
 (716)t72-4S03 
 
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 ii!l. 
 
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 (jqually d3SorvG;l the apjiroba^ion of Ili.s Excellency in Coun'iil. Tin large disjrotion and 
 '* freedom of action," which almost of iie'^oasity have bo3n allowed to ma, I h*vo ondea- 
 voureJ to oxsrcLi.^ tJ th3 hoi': of m/ n'uli'; in tho iat?i'o^t3 of the Cmadian Government, 
 and for tho miintenamfe of th3 authority of the Crown in this i>'ivt of the Dominion. 
 
 lb is not oaiy, amid tho confusion and discomforts of ca'.up life, and the building of 
 winter quarters on the Prairie in November, to make a clear and al equate statement of 
 all the facts and circumstances which have, from day to day, formed tho basis of judgment, 
 or supplied the motives for action. I trust, however, that the papers, letters and reports 
 I have forwawbd. with ra/ own ob33rvationa, havct ona')l3d tho Pi'ivy Council to 
 understand the diflijultiea of tho situation, if not in every case to pronounce as to the best 
 means available for overcoming them. 
 
 I enclose herewith (mxvke 1 " 2 A,") Colonel Dennis's first report, from his Head 
 Quarters, at tho Stone Fort, 15 miles bo'.ow Fort Garry. A reference to one of Mr. 
 Dawson's map3 will show his position, and its relation to the other places mentioned in his 
 report. In my deipatch of the 2nd inst., I stated the purpose for which he was sent, and 
 in general termi, tho p-)Wii's I had given him. It appoars he found tliat tho English and 
 Scotch half-breeds, and tho Indians of the mission, as well as a considerable number of 
 the French half-breeds were ripe for a movement in support of order and authority. 
 From a confidential report, by a person who had access to Kiel's Ci^uncil, I learn that the 
 news of this movo.uont at tho Sjono FjL't, and the i-ea ling of my Proclamition (.trhich 
 was opportunely produced and read in thoir meeting on Wednesday) had a most tran- 
 quillizing effect. Pioil said "this puts a dilFercntfaco on tha aiatter," and, as my informant 
 Bays, "expressed much Joyalty." He appealed to the English delegates (some of whom 
 still remained in his convention to Avatch its proceedings) to "help them peaceably to get 
 their rights." The English domanded a statement in writin; of "what theso rights were." 
 The French said they must have an hour to consijler. At the expiration of the hour they , 
 presented a papor, of which a copy is enclosed, marked "2 B." The English I'efused to 
 •be parties to this demand, alleging that the Proclamation showed they had no right to 
 make it — that they must accept the now Government, and trust that all they could justly 
 ask would be granted. Iliel was indignant at their refusal to join in a deputation to mo, 
 with his ultimatum, and declared he would bear it himself. Nothing, however, was 
 decided up to Thursday at noon. Riel's armed guards were withdraw from the town after 
 the pasting of tlxe Proclamation, and also from the store house containing the Government 
 provisions. Fort Gairy was still held by a force of 30 or 40 men. 
 
 I enclose (papor "2 C") a letter of a private character, from Mr. Mair, which men- 
 tions some furt!ier particulars ; it also confirms som.. of tho statements I have dctaibd on 
 the authority of their correspondents. 
 
 I feel very confident that this prompt display of vigour, and the determination to 
 assist, an 1 maintain by for^e, if need be, the authority ot tho now Gjvernmont, from the 
 day and hour of its expected birth, will inspire all the inhabitants of the Territory with 
 respect for your representative, and compel the traitors and conspirators to cry " God save 
 the Queen," or beat a hasty retreat. The " Prime Conspirator" Stuttsman, as I anticipated 
 in my last despatch, did not wait for Col. Dennis to get his hands upon him, but n^ide his 
 appearanco here the day af or the Proclamation was issued, very subdued and crestfallen, 
 
 I notice the remark in your despatch that I can "claim or assert no authority in the 
 Hudson's Bay Territory, until the Queen's Proclamation reaohes me through this (your) 
 office." If I had so read my Commission and the Acts of Parliament, the liebel Govern- 
 ment would have lieen formally inaugurated during the interregnum which must have 
 occurred betwoen tha 1st Docembor (which tho Rebels as well as tho Hudson's Bay 
 Ogtmpa.iy's agents know and believe! to be tho date of the transfer), and the tims when 
 your messenger could x'oach me. He, probably, would have met me at St. Cloud or St. 
 Paul, if I had live.l to get so far, with no disposition or power to return without an ariny 
 at m/ back. You can julgo from the tone of tho Amorican new3paj)3rs, and tho aotipn 
 of t^o Legislature of Minnesota at its last Sessipn, (extract "2 D") to say nothing of the 
 Femaiis^ who kave their dnilssaries here aiid at Fort Garry^ what facilities would bi j^iven 
 
77 
 
 for the ti ansportation of a Canadian fofce in such an evont as that stated. My conviction 
 is, that wd would have had to fight at a much later data, and at a gi'eat disadvantage, a 
 very different enemy from that which now melts away Leforo a Prockniation, and a 
 "Conservator of the Peace," 
 
 I shall await the arrival of your messenger, before taking the oaths of office, or 
 performing any but necessary acts for the protection of life and property. I must trust 
 that tha same necessity will be my justification, if I have committed an error, in assuming 
 that the transfer of the Tenitory to the Dominion, did autnally take place on the 1st 
 December, and that my Commission, came into forc3 at the same time. 
 
 I have, iic, 
 
 V Wu. McDouoALL. 
 
 ("2 A.") 
 
 Stoxe Fort, Loweii Settlement, 
 
 December 2nd, 5 p.m. 
 Honorable William McDougall, C. B., Lieut-Governor, Pembina. 
 
 My Dear Mr. McDougall, — I arrived at William Halleti's on the Assinniboine at 
 6 a.m. yastarJay morning, aftar a more than usually disagreaable trip. I immediately 
 sent up for * » « ^mj # * # ^ ^y^^ came down shortly afl«i'. T 
 gathered, from their conversation, that there was little doubt that public sentiment would 
 nov/ sustain a movement to put pown by force of arm? the refractory French. At the 
 same time, it was clear that, personally, they deprecated a movement in that direction, 
 fearing that people like themselves, of large property, would sufTjr much 'injiiry, should 
 hostilities ensue. * # I found, of opinion, that th3 public would now raspond to a call. 
 
 I road my Coaimisrioa, as also the Proclamation, ono of th'j English copies of which 
 I gave to Mr. * * to ba produced at the meating with the Insurgents, and then came 
 to the village. 
 
 On my way up, I should have mentioned, I spent a couple of hours with Mr, * * , 
 and was pleased to find that his views of the situation, as regards the feelings of his people, 
 had undergone considerable changes, so much so that he had been busying himself, for the 
 last few days, in visiting among his | eople, and making a list of those who were willing 
 to take up arms against Kiel's party. These, he told me, amounted to ninety-six. I 
 arranged with him that, should I fincl the same feeling to exist among the Scotch and 
 English, I would let him know when he was to organiza his men, and hold himself in 
 readiness for orders. 
 
 I found an uneasy and eitcited state of feeling in the village. Dr. Schultz felt that 
 himself, and family, and property, so he told me, were in imminent danger, and advised 
 me not to be seen about the vilK.ge, and to get out of it as soon as possible, or I would 
 assuredly be made a prisoner. Al\(?r seeing Mr. * * and other Canadians, and showing 
 them my Commission, I left for the purpose of satisfying myself further as to public opinion 
 in the Settlement. 
 
 By this time it was 6 o'clock p.m., and I came on, introduced myself to Mr. Flett, 
 the master of th?s Fort, showed him my Commission, and took possession. He was very 
 kind, and show* id every desii'e to further the object in view; placed one large building 
 entirely at my disposal, and undertook at once to see to the lighting and heating of it. 
 
 By eight o'clock there were some 70 young men assembled in a lai*ge room in an 
 uj)p6r part of this building, and one of the gentlemen gave them an hour's o-ill. 
 
 I read the Queen's Proclamation to them, which was enthusiastically received. A 
 guard for the Fort volunteered for the night from those present, which, was increased by 
 a reinforcament from Chief Prince's band of some 70 men to 1 20 men. I have sent the 
 Indians ho ne, all but 50, who, with the chief, I have retained for the present, to serve as 
 a permaheht ^u&rd to the Fort I proposed to avail myself of their services in that way, 
 
 m 
 
V V 
 
 '•': 
 
 f :7*-^ 
 
 .; .Situ 
 
 78 
 
 I'ather thiin by allowing Uio Indian olcmout to be mixod ii[) in uny actual fighting juit kt 
 present. 
 
 There was an oxccllont fooling exhibited by thoso poor mon. Thoy cheered, and lirod 
 off their guns enthusiastically, on i)oing called upon to choor the Queen, and a distribution 
 of provisions and tobticco sent them away happy. 
 
 The chief j-elioves his guard without the imposing ceremony observable among roguUr 
 ■oU'.ioi's; but I doubt not, novorthelc.is, it will take a very active enemy to got into the Fort, 
 without the knowledge of the red-skinned sentries. 
 
 This place is capable of easy defence Against anything but artillery, and it must hare 
 been nothing but fear of arousing the English half-breeds that prevented its being Hoizod 
 and occupied by the Insurgents. 
 
 I have taken pains to make known to-day, through the Settlement, my pi-osenco hero ; 
 and that my intontion is to raise a foi-ce from among the jwoplo with which to enforce a 
 restoration of public order, and 1 expect a resjwnso of from one to two uundred people 
 this evening, when I sh^ll commence to enrol and organize. 
 
 I find Major Boulton ot great service, and have called in Mr. Hai-t's party, 
 with a view to using himself and other members of his party, who are all cadets, in drilling 
 and otherwise assisting. 
 
 I have oi-dered 20 fat cattle, which will be ready for use by Monday next, and will 
 littve no diflicidty in pi-ocuriug other necessary supplies. 
 
 I have sent Mr. Webb, who is stirveying up the Asainniboine, who is a volunteer 
 officer of very considerable experience, full instructions to proceed to the Portage without 
 delay, and there to organize four companies of 50 men each, equip and provision them, and 
 then reiKnii to me, drilling them, in the meantime, industriously. The other gentlemen 
 in his party, including Mr. Newcomb, are all cadets of the Military Schools, and I have, 
 therefoi*e, dii-ected him to take them up to assist him in di'illing and organizing the 
 companies. I shall, foi-tunately, have a Military School man to command each of the 
 comimnies in the whole force. The other and subordinate officers, I will let the men 
 select from among themselves. 
 
 The companies will be thrown into one battalion, of which I shall take the immediate 
 command, with Major Boulton as second. 
 
 I hope, and l^elieve, your delivery from the humiliating situation you are now in, 
 is a mere matter of a very short time. You had, therefore, better get things in 
 readiness to move in whei-e you may be advised. 
 
 T sent Judge Black a request last evening that he would call upon me, and h« 
 has accordingly been hei*e a good part of the day. I wished to consult him as to the 
 expeiliency of my proclaiming Martial Law in the Temtory, so as to enable me to 
 seize upqu Stuttsman, who still i*emains at Winnipeg, no doubt aiding and abetting the 
 Rioters. The idea of such a thing seemed to frighten him, and he begged of me to 
 delay it for a day or two, as he thought there was a strong hope of the Council, still, 
 I suppose, in S(^ion (as we have not heard the result) taking steps to dissolve the whole 
 thing. I agreed to the suggestion ; but so soon as I may have a force to back me up, 
 without I am satisfieil on consulting Mr. Boss that it would be undesirable, I shall take 
 that course. 
 
 Should we succeed in getting hold of the prime conspirator named, I shall put him 
 in a strong room in this place, under the charge of my friend Pima, the Indian Chief, and 
 his warriors, until he may be delivered by some due, but we shall hope, tedious course of 
 Law. , 
 
 I should like to have ascertained the result of the Council referred to, befoi-e closing 
 this letter, but it is now six p.m. of the 2nd, and I am loth to detain the messenger 
 longer, as I know your anxiety to hear from me. 
 
 B«IieTe me, dear Sir, 
 
 Sincerely yours, 
 
 J. S, Dennis, 
 
r» 
 
 P.S. — I have written Mr. **** by this mossonger, to notify his men, and then 
 come to mo for orders; havo also roi)orto(l my arrival and intentions to Governor MoTavish, 
 and sent him a copy of roy Commission. 
 
 J. S. D. 
 
 (2"B.") 
 
 WiNKiPEO, December i, 1869. 
 The Hon. Mr. ifeDougall, 
 
 Sib, — Having recoivod a letter from Colonel Dennis, from the Stone Fort, where 
 ho arrived last night, instructing mo to forward a report of the proceedings of Riei'a 
 Council, I enclose the Rosolutions passed by the French delegates, without any con- 
 currence from the English-speaking |)ortion of the Council. 
 
 #### came up this afternoon for voluntoors, and colloctod all the Canadians, to the 
 number of about 22. Riel got wind of the movement, and has guards on the road 
 to Pembina, believing it to be an arrangement to bring yourself in. I am in hopes 
 tliey will reach the Stone Fort in safety. 
 
 Mr. Caldwell states that lliol's Council were deserting him, and that Twenty-four 
 hours would settle the thing, if no blood was spilled to-night. 
 
 The Rebels seized both of the printing offices, and the Proclamation had to 1)6 
 written. 
 
 I havo the honor to be, in great haste, 
 
 Your obedient Servant, 
 
 D. S. MuSKixs. 
 
 he immediate 
 
 u are now in, 
 3t things in 
 
 (2 " C.")— Wanting. 
 
 Copy of Resolutions referred to in the preceding. 
 
 1. The right to elect our own Legislature. 
 
 2. The Legislature to have the power to pass all laws local to the Territory over the 
 veto of the Executive, by a two-third vote. 
 
 3. No act of the Dominion Parliament (local to the Ten*itory) to be binding upon 
 the people, until sanctioned by their representatives. 
 
 4. All sheriffs, magistrates, and school trustees, to be elected by the i)eople. 
 o. A free homestead, and freehold law. 
 
 6. A portion of the public lands to be appropriated to the benefit of schools, the 
 building of roads, and parish buildings. 
 
 7. A guarantee to connect Winnipeg by Rail with the nearest line of Railroad ; the 
 land grant for such road or roads to be subject to the Legislature of the Territory. 
 
 8. For a given number of years, all public expenses of the Tenritory, Civil, Military 
 and Municipal, to be paid out of the Dominion Treasury. 
 
 9. The Military to be composed of the people now existing in the Territory. 
 
 10. That the French and English languages be common in the Legislature and Courts, 
 and all public documents, and Acts of Legislature, be printed in both languages. 
 
 11. That the Judge of the Supreme Court speak French and English. 
 
 12.' ^|5%aties to be concluded and ratified between the Government and the several 
 Tribes of Indians of the Territory, calculated to ensure peace on the Frontier. 
 
 11. That these rights be granted to us by Mr. McDougall before he be admitted into 
 the Country. If he have not the power himself to grant them, he must get an Act of 
 Parliament passed, expressly securing us those rights, and until such Act be obtained, stajr 
 outside the boundary line of the Territory. 
 
 M 
 
 f 
 
Iki 
 
 «? 
 
 ^.' 
 
 11 
 
 A PROPOSITION TO MR. McDOUGALL. 
 
 ■Y. PAUL "DAILY PIONEEB/' KOV. 2l8T. 
 
 [2. D.] 
 
 The disting^iishod Canadian gentleman, now sojourning at Pembina, xviU probablj 
 have leisure in his winter quarters to consider thd best means of establishing bis authority 
 at Selkirk, upon sure foundations. And it must now be apparent to a prtUticictn of hlb 
 a3tut3ne93, thut it would hiive bean wisor, simultaneously with the negotiation between 
 the Hudson's Bay Comjiany and tho Eai*l of Granville, to have consulted in some form the 
 wislies and fe^lingi of the party most intoraated — namaly, the people Avho have occupied 
 the Red River country for the last fifty years. Such a plebiaoUe would have had only one 
 result : the declaration woitld hove bean almost unanimous for the Canadian connection ; 
 and, in that case, Mu. McDouoall would have gone forward with all the sanction and 
 prestigo of the popular voioe. 
 
 The Lagi^latura of JMinnosota wero not wanting with a word of excellent advice on 
 this point. We find, by referance to the General Laws of the Tenth Session, under date 
 cf Match 8, 186S, that the following Rasolutions wore adopted and communicated to the 
 Government at Washington : 
 
 Iteaolved, By the Legislature of the State of Minnesota, # # # ThsX 
 
 we regret tj be informed of a purpoia to transfer tho Territories between Minnesota and 
 Alaska to the Do ninion of Canada, by an order in Council at London, without a vote of 
 the people of Salkirk and the settlers upan the sources of the Saskatchawan River, who 
 largely consist of emigrants from the United States, and we would respastfuliy urge that 
 the President and Consjress of the United States shall represent to the Government of 
 Great Britain that such action shall be an unwarrantable interferenca with the principle 
 of self government, and cannot be regarded with indifierence by the pq^ple of the United 
 States. 
 
 " That the Legislature of Minnesota would rejoice to ba assured that the cession of 
 North- We.st British America to the United States, accompanied by the construction of a 
 Northern Pticific Railroad, are regardad by Great Britain and Canada as satisfactory 
 pi'ovisions of a treaty, which shall remove all grounds of conti'oversy between tha respective 
 countries." 
 
 These friendly suggastions failed to change the Anglo-Canadian policy, and it now 
 remains for the Ottawa Ministry to datarmine whethar it is not still expedient to authorize 
 soma foi'mal exprassion by tha inhabitants of Selkirk. Perhaps, also, the Canalians 
 might find in tha proposition of a cession of the North-Wesb Territory to the United States, 
 a potent agency to sacurc! access to Amarican Markets, on tarms even more satisfactory 
 than by the abrogated traabv of June, I85t. At presant, even if Mr. McDouoall makes 
 his way to Fort G.vrry, this North- West acqusition, with its half-bread and Indian 
 incumbrances, will be a burden and a snare lo Canada j but if its transfer to the United 
 States, will assist to a commercial union with the United SLates, will it not be better, not 
 only for Canada, but even for the Honorable William McDouoall himsalf, whom we 
 hereby nominate as the first United States Sanator from Salkirk. 
 
 t 
 
 {Telegram.) 
 
 St. Paul, Mxkkesota, December Ttb, 18 39. 
 
 To Sir John A. Macdotiald. 
 
 Report credited here. Governor MoTavish under arrest ; situation grave, if not 
 critical ; sympathy here wholly with insurgents not at all probable. Can take in my 
 trritten documents from Ottawa; to meat this would strengthen my hands considerabl/i 
 tad not clash with McDougall's Conunission; if appointed to Privy Councili s&y eight 
 
iU probably 
 his authority 
 ticidn of hli 
 ion between 
 oma form the 
 ave occupied 
 had only one 
 , connection ; 
 sanction (ind 
 
 jnt advice on 
 I, under date 
 icated to the 
 
 # That 
 linncjota and 
 lOut a vote of 
 a River, who 
 'uUy xirge that 
 fovernment of 
 the principle 
 of the United 
 
 tb.9 cession of 
 
 astruction of a 
 
 us satisfactory 
 
 th3 respective 
 
 and it now 
 nt to authorize 
 lie Canalians 
 United States, 
 ire satisfactory 
 >ouoALL makes 
 an A Indian 
 to the United 
 be better, not 
 jslf, whom we 
 
 II 
 
 (8) days honco. Tliin I svC.i not on porsoniil cjronn'lH, bu'r, nsf^ivin'jf juiHuranco to malcontents 
 that pfomiHjy male on the pivt of Gjvji-inmii wouM U» p,'i-fo:Mu; 1 iu ^oo I I'uith. B» 
 assured will not comproniiHH Govornniont ; will be in aJvunci^ of Thibault and De 
 Salaberry ; answer imme liately telegram to Kittson ; assjnt or dissant. Operator, 
 mark on the envelope. Private and confidential. 
 
 ^ Donald A. Smitb. 
 
 Ottawa, December 17th, lB69. 
 
 TRIVATE. 
 
 To y. W. Kittson, St. Paul, Minnesota. 
 
 Smith can state his appointment as one of the Council of Territory, and infbrtti 
 McDougall to that effect. 
 
 JonN A. Macdonald. 
 
 (Telegram.) 
 
 Toronto, 20th December, 1869. 
 
 To Sir John A. MacdonalJ. 
 
 I have just raceived the following mo^sa-^o frou St. Paul, just as rrc?lved, and am 
 informed, at same time, that the nc^va is from Insurgent source.^, wliicli it is quite evideut 
 is the case. 
 
 H. P. DWIOHT. 
 
 St. Pa'jl, Minnesota, 20th December. 
 
 " News just received that a coTipany of monntel Insur^jati avrivoj at the Hudson's 
 Bay Company's Fort, near Pembina on tha night of the 9ih instant, and took 
 po3S3ssion on the 10th. The grea'^or part of MjDoagtU's a^jnts ani emissaries, 
 including Schultz, Bowan, ani Hallet, havo b3:^a capture I. Cjljnel Donnis is 
 skulking about until he can reach Am'jrioan Torritor/, McDougall is absolutely 
 without even a faotioii save so-no fifty Swauip la'Uans, tli3 Balanso having desartai 
 Another correspondent says : ElTorts of Colonel D^nals to orgauis ) a countsr revolution 
 have failed. The whole population is a unit. Schultz, Bowen, Ma-oi* Wallace, and fifty 
 others, are prisoners ; no bloo 1 she J. Tho Frenoh unlar Riel arc iu u'ldisp.iteJ possssnian 
 of the whole country. There are sixty Swamp Indians yet in tho Lower Fort who are 
 not intrefered with because considered harmless. It in said McDougall is preparing to 
 come back. Another says^ James McKay and family have flj.l to St. Joseph, on the 
 seventh (7th) instant, when the pvisonsrs wore takin, more than 600 insurgents were 
 occupying Fort Garry. The prisoners were all tak3n at Dt:. Sjhultz's and armed for ft 
 fight. Colonel Dennis has fled. 
 
 
 •l.tb,l859. 
 
 grave, if no* 
 an take in my 
 Is eonsideirablyi 
 Hncil, B&y eight 
 
 (Telegraph.) 
 
 Toronto, Dccombsr 20th, 1869. 
 
 To Sir John A. Mazionald. 
 
 I havo just rccived the followin:: from St. Piul. Rod River mnh arrive at Pembina tcom 
 Fort Garry by Bri1i^Il m il C rrier from Pembint to Ab:rcrombb, twice a wmI- by masaen^er, 
 »nd from Absrcrombi^ to St. Cloud, twisj a wyek by st };c, and thenci by r.ilroid, arriving 
 Lore every Wednjsd y and S iturd y. R Jturnin:;, it soai3timM h ippias m ih f il to connout 
 at Pembinj, throwing them over three days. Moil leaves St. Paul for Abercrombie vrwj 
 120—11 
 
1 1 
 
 M 
 
 8S 
 
 Moudiy und Wodnj cliy and Frid ly moniiii,:,^ llioiic.' N«)rt!i. I liivn h:id nn intcrvl'jw with 
 * " '* ' *' '' '* cimojmiii,' tlio troubh. Hj his no f.dth mi 
 
 reports thit McDju.!;i11 U r li-^iii.: ::ii Iiidi in fuix';, or t!i it lie i.i nltcniptiii}:; to cntortlio country 
 by force' Iliisiyj tlio miss of t!io iatclli.;ont 11 ;d llivor inhibit mts loci that Cinudiin 
 G3vornni.)nt his i,u;norcd thorn to pro:t extent, and th it the rccjnt nctiuns of tlioso reproscnting 
 Cmadi horo, t'.mdjd to Htroii!;thcn tlic f.jciiiijr, and thit tliis u tho roifon there is so little 
 cnthusi;isra or fitronu,th in inilostod by pirty who fivor jMcDdiig.iil. Ho thinks reisonablo 
 concessions on the j)irt of Cinidi Oovornm 'ut would quiot tho llubvl', and, ho believes if 
 Governor McDou^^iU w«ro given Jin opportunity to cxphiu hii misbion and stito his cise, the 
 opposition to him would co:iwo and bloodshed bj prevented; but at present tho insurgents, 
 who arc chiefly biifTalo hunters in tho tsuinnvr, and out of employment durin*:; greater pirt of 
 winter, are not in ri,;,'ht mood to listen to (jDvornor McDoug ill or hold interview with him. 
 Ho believes gro it m iHs of Ijttors publi-ihed hero are from friends of insurrection, and duo 
 allowrtnco should bo therefore ni ido. General Hincock, I understand, will send no troops to 
 Pembin I unless he recL'ives positive inform ition th.it hojtilitios h ive broken out, and that tho 
 Am3ric m settlors on frontier are in dinger of b;iu? troubled bylndiins. It is generally 
 belioved hcrj tint tho mills at Pomblni are timporod with, und suspicion that tho Postmaster 
 at that place sympatliizes with, and favors the insurgents. 
 
 H. P DwiQHTj 
 
 (Telegraph.) 
 
 To Sir John A. Macdonald. 
 
 Toronto, 21et December, 1869. 
 
 When news of difficulty first reached us, I sent a telegram to Governor McDougall, 
 Pembina, via St. Paul, suggesting that he should miil to St. Paul or St. Cloud, to bo 
 telegraphed me, any inform ition which might bo of public interest. I have just received tho 
 
 following ; 
 
 sig-ned, W. M. D. 
 
 Pembina, December 9th, vi& St. Cloud, Minn. 
 
 The Governor and party are still here ; Colonel Dennis is at Stone Fort, below Fort 
 Garry, it is siid ho has seven hundred (700) men and fifty (50) Indians. Kiel said to have 
 two or three hundred (200 or 80')) m^n, Frencli, in Fort Girry; no actual ccllision yet. 
 Governor does not bolieve will be any fighting. E-iglish and Scotch Canadians and Indians 
 are all loyal, and will fight if necessary to put down Riel. Americins here frightened at 
 prospects of Indi in war. Story that Sioui. are on tho war pith. The same persons who 
 advised half-breeds to keep out Governor, now urge him to stop Indian war, and threaten him 
 if he don't. Ho has had interview with those persons, and told them he had not authorised 
 Indians, but those who kindled the fire must help to put it out. Charged them with inter- 
 cepting Lis messages and thus preventing people knowing his wishes. Weather, fine, snow 
 fafling to day about eight inches deep. 
 
 H. P. DWIGHT. 
 
 (Telegraph.) 
 
 Toronto, December 21st, 1869. 
 
 To Sir John A. Macdonald. 
 
 Further reports through .insurgent sources f ora Pembina say, that P^hultz, Bown, Mair, 
 and Ross were arrested, that Dennis was getting out of the way witi .is force, and that 
 insurgents were to watch McDougull's movements from the Fort, opposite Pembina. 
 
 " H. P. DwiGHT. 
 
•8 
 
 Toronto, PocrmbiT 23rtl, 18C9. 
 To Sir John A. Mncilon:il(f. 
 
 There is a letter published this monii;i'; in tlio BujVilo Kxpyat', Hi;j;iicil John B innistor, 
 U.S.A., Fort Abarcrombie, D.cenib"^r Ihurtjcnth, in wliicli the writer snya : " I uui expecting 
 orders every d.iy to proceed lo Pombln i, with a dot clniii-nt of hoMi'Ts to protect (J oven acnt 
 property at that phico, and to look iil'tcr Oovonior MeDougall. It liuviiij,' been reported hero 
 that be has boon enlisting troops on Americm ^^oil I'or the purpose of Ibrcing \m way to Fort 
 Garry, which ia to ba the head quarters of lii.s Government. If he can get tlicre." 
 
 H. P. Dwiaax. 
 
 (Telegraph.) 
 
 SiMCoi:, December 20th, 1869. 
 To Sir John A. Macdonald. 
 
 Beware, Sioux hereditary enemy of the Chippewas, Crccs, Red River scttlern, and tho 
 Assinniboine. McDjUj;iil entcringthat country under Sioux auspices, pi ices tho Government 
 against those tliey would coiicili.tc. Complicition arising of a disistrous nature, and fiuch as 
 I WIS afr lid would occur, bvying unauthorised w;ir ou;^lit to bs put a stop to at once, if 
 success atteud.s Mr. McDoug.ill, in tho firdt instance, the hostile feeling will ren) lin. 
 
 James Ermatinqer. 
 
 Ottawa, Dccembor 27th, 1869. 
 James Ermatinjer, Esq., Simcoe. 
 
 My Dear Sir, — Nobody horo has any idea of employing" tho Sioux in tho Red River 
 country. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 jr^cTjpn Howe. 
 
 ( Telegraph.) 
 
 Toronto, January 14th, 1870, 
 
 To Sir John A. Maedon:il(f. 
 
 Georgetown, Minnesota, 7th, St. Cloud, 13th, Dr. Tupp3r, Ciptain Oamoron and Mrs. 
 Ciraoron roturnod hero 1 ist p.m. Father Thib luU and Dj S il ibjrry wore to have an audience 
 with the Counoi' to oxpl lin m ittors. Dr. Tupp^T was two (2) d lys in Fort Garry. 800 
 hulf-brceds had joined Riel's St ind ird. Rumored thit lirgo number Sioux on way to Fort 
 Garry. All Canadian pa'.tics still imprisoned, and no iiji of their being released. 
 
 H. P. DWIOHT. 
 
 Department o? Secretary of State for the Provinc-s, 
 
 Ottawa, 24th Docembor, 1869. 
 To the lion. Wm. McDoujall, C.B., 
 
 Femohia. 
 
 Sir, — Your dagpatch, date! Pambina, 2n'l DasDoibsr, and il;3 enolosuraa A and B, 
 reached this oliico on tho ISth instant, and wore promptly laid before the Governor 
 General in Council. 
 
 As it would appoar from theso documcint'? that you have usi^d- tho Queen's name 
 without her authority — attributed to Her Majesty acts which she has not yet performed — 
 

 ?^.f 
 
 hV .;! 
 
 f M 
 
 •nd ovganijod an armil forPT within Uio Territory of tlir TT.kIbmi's Tlav Company, 
 without warmnr or i;ntiU';ti"iH, f :iin conuimiidoil to uhsuio you that tlu^ grave occuru'nces 
 wlucb you roport htvvo o:;ca'iij!i«'U licio grcU aaxicty. 
 
 Th* exa.'tioi of ra liMry for jo a;a"n' t'ao raUjuilHl pj^ph no^ ii Br;m, oven if 
 undtr the lanction of li».w, w n mt t j be h vstily rivoJ, ooaHitloring the fturfiil coinoquenoM 
 whioh might ensuo, wore tho Indiana, nmny of tliom lut rori-iitiy in contact with tho 
 Wiiita inhibit.n's of th< m! jh'»a iriii,' Stv^•l, diMw.i intJ tin cji'lioi. Bii ai tin 
 organizxtion and \n:< of «ii"li a Cn•c^ by you wjlh, un lar tho ciroutnitivnoos, entirely 
 illegal, the Governor G.inoral ami Council cannot di<;^ui.»j fro.n you tho woijhb of 
 reeponsibility yon have inourrod. 
 
 Acting on tho belief that tho country would bo quietly transferred, with the gonoral 
 assent of tho inhabitants, all tho preparatory arran'^emants were made, M you were aware, 
 in anticipation that, on or about tho Ist D^Jcombor, tho Territory would bo surrendered by 
 the Company to tho Quean, and that thorou[)oti, Hor Majesty would issue Her Proclamation, 
 fixinj a day for lh« Union of tin country with Canadi. 
 
 Tho Proclamation, when ofll •uvlly oommu'iicatol to you, would enable you, under tho 
 OommiMion an I authority givon in auti?ip;vtion of that event, to enter legally, upon the 
 aj^ointeJ da//, on tho discharge of your oflioial duties as Governor of the North West. 
 
 In tho Cjmnis'.io'.i isHurl on tln-'S'Ji S 'plonbj!', you w.?ro enpDWorjJ toenb3rupon 
 the dutioii of Government, only •' on, from, and aftor tho diiy to bo named " in the Queen's 
 Proclamation ; and in tho instructions hund'Hl to you with tlio Commission, you are 
 directed to procjo.l to Fort Giri-y, an.l " bj ready to asiuan tha Gjverninout of tho 
 Territories on their actual transfer to C inada." 
 
 That you clearly undcritood this limitation of authority was hoped from your letter 
 from Pembina, of tho 7th November, aldr.'ssyd to Go vornorMcTavish, and communicated 
 to this Department, in which you say " I shall remain here until I hear officially of tho 
 transfer of authority, and shall then bo guided by circumstances as to what I shall say and 
 do," and because, in your letter of tho 1 tth Novemb:;r, addrossod to this Department, you 
 thus refer to some injudicious proposal made by your friends : "tho recommendation that 
 I should issue a Proclamation, is not made for the first time, but I have uniformly replied 
 that until the transfer of tho Territory h:v3 taken place, and I am notified of the fact, I 
 shall not assume any of the respousil.ilitios of Government." 
 
 The peaceful surrender of tlie country was assumed throughout the negotiations, and 
 this Government never cluimo 1 or protended to oxerciseany authority within North West, 
 u\>til invested with the Savorsignty by tho terms of tho Queen's Proclamation. 
 
 The transfer of lln Ten-it jri-33 would, no doubt, have b3en proclaimed on or about 
 the 1st Decemlor, l;al not your rejwrt of the 31st October, and the documents which 
 accompanied it, changed tho whole posntion of affairs, and thrown upon this Government 
 grave responsibilities of a very novel character. In thosj papors you represented that 
 seiious obstruction had been o\ posed to your entrance into the country, that a large mumber 
 of persons wex'o opposod to the estallishmont of tho authority of tho Dominion, that 
 a Provisional Government had bce-ifoniied, and the roads barricaded and guarded. That 
 some of the Catholic Clergy were openly abetting these movements, and that the officers 
 of the Hudson's Bay Company, if not aiding tho revolutionists, were unable to control 
 them. 
 
 Your despal^h was received here on the 19th November, and on the 26th those of the 
 6t^ and 17th camo to hand, from which it appeared that tho insurn^ct: jnary movement 
 hid still continuad without check, and that the Hudson's Bay Officers were powerless, and 
 that you had been driven out of the country. 
 
 Tho facts disclosad in the^s djapatches entirely changed tho basis upon which tho 
 aegotiations, in p3rfect good faith on the part of the Dominion, had, up to that time, 
 been conducted with Iho Hudson's Fay Coropan>, and with the Imperial Government. 
 
 If, with the facts before tl em, the Canadian Government acc3pted tho responsibility 
 of governing, or I'ather, assuniin'? the Govornmont of a countiy that could only be 
 recovered by conquest, at a vast distance from the base of operations, and whioh, for many 
 
ve occun t'nccs 
 
 monti.s, couM oiilyl)0 ftpproachofl tlirouijh thi^ TTnitol Statoi, t!ny conld Inrdiy Jtintlfy nn 
 rw;t of sin;h |)n'<*i|»itii!ioy to PniMiimcut itinl (li.i coiiutiy ; wliil i it is •.'iim.'lv olo.ir that If 
 you woi'o iiivoalocl wiih tho 1 j;^;il titio to govern without bi.'iiig ublu to gf<t into Huj)'>rt'« Land, 
 or exorciso aiy autliority, tho j-jvohiiionnry Oovoruinont would ho stroug hmod by your 
 xreaknes^, and wouhl, in fact, (tho Proclamntion having snporsftdnd Governor MoTavith) 
 bo tho only (loveriuupnt in tho Ttirritory until put d(-wn by force of nrniH. 
 
 It was a luittt'r of uxossity t'lon, ru'-hur tluu oh jic j, to d ilay th^ ism 3 of th^ Qaoon'i 
 Procliitnation, and it wiih asHinnod horu that; tho nocoHjity would be as apparent to you as 
 it wan to the Privy Council. 
 
 To postpone tho lur-oudor by tho Company until it wai ablo to transfer, not only its 
 own riglitH, but the Territory itsolf, to Ifor Majoity ; to Htay the issuo of tho Queen's 
 Proclamation, and to leave with tho Hudson's Bay Company and the Imporial Uovornmont 
 the obligation of enforcing order, and assorting tho rights of the Sovereign, was tha 
 first duty of this Oovornmont ; and the Governor Gononvl and Council had ho{)od that this 
 would 1)0 as obvious to you as to them. 
 
 They had another duty, and to that they addressed themsolvfts without delay. It 
 was to disabuse tho minds of tho |)eoplo of Rupert's Land of tho erroneus imjjres^ions 
 under which, there was too much reason to fear, that they had acted, and to restore tran- 
 quillity by |>eaceful moans. The measures taken with this view wero nxplained to yoti in 
 my dispatches of the lOth and 29th Novemiior, and of the 7th, Sth, 10th, llth, and 17th 
 December. In none of these despatches will thei-e bo found any warrant or aatho.iity for 
 the prooeeJings reported in your despatch of tho 2nd Docemhor. It is to be ragratted 
 that they had not re»ohed you sooner ; but the sanguine hope is entertained here that, if 
 no collisions have takv>n [)laoe, or blood boen shed til' yon have read those despatches, and 
 conferred with tho gontlennn who have been sent to Rod Uiver, matter;- may yet wear a 
 more cheerful aspect, and the Government of the Territory be assumed with some guarantee 
 for order, and with all the formalities of law. Whether this hopo is realised or not, your 
 duty is plain ; and I am commanded by his Excellency to instruct you to remain at 
 Pembina until you can get peaceable access to Fort Garry, with tho assent, and under the 
 protaslion of tho Hudaon's Bay Company authori -ies ; that you are to take every means 
 of removing the misapprehensions that exist in tho minds of the residents, by explanations 
 and otherwise ; and that you are to exercise no acts of authority on behalf, or in the 
 name, of the Government of Canada, until otRcially informed thai the Queen's Proclama- 
 tion has issued, and until you shall have assumed tho Government, and taken the oaths 
 of office, on or after the day fixed in it for tho union of the countries. 
 
 As t!io coursa of action proposed by yon in your despetch of the 2nd December was 
 to be cairied out before an answer could possibly i-each you. I have delayed replying for 
 8om3 days, in ord?r to learn, if possible, the result of your policy ; but the receipt of your 
 despatch of the 6th instant, which reached ms on the 23rd with its enclosures, 2a, 2b, and 
 2c ; an 1 t!ie couraa taken by Col. Dennis, as described in those papers, make it necessary, 
 without further delay, to send this despatch by a special messenger. 
 
 I wish I could inform you, that this report hid entirely relieved the Governor Goneral and 
 Council from the anxiety alre:idy expressed. It is true that no blood had baen shed up to 
 the 6th, and you had not cirried out your intention of occupying the Stocktde near Pembina 
 with an armod p.irty, but the proceedings of Colonel Dennis, as reported by himself, are so 
 rockhss and extraordin iry, that there cm ba no relief from sclicitude hero while an officer so 
 imprudent is ncling under your authority. 
 
 Hid the inhabitants of Rupert's Land, on the brenking out of the disturbances, risen and 
 put an end to them, or hid Governor McTavish orgmized a f<^rce to occupy his Forts, and 
 miiint i'l hio authority, nil would have been well, and Ri'^1 and his people would have b3en 
 responsible for any bloodshed or property destroyed. But Colonel Dennis, with no legsl 
 authority, proceeds to seiza the Fort, then in poascfsion, not of the insurgents, but of the 
 Hudson's B;y Compmy, and to girrison it with a niixod forca of Whites snd Indims, and 
 proposes to give b Atle to the insurgents, should a junction be formed with some forces which 
 he has ordered to be drilled on the Assiiuiboine. He appears never to have thought that 
 
:;fi 
 
 v<; 
 
 (he iiinniput w.'ir coniini'iicd, nil the white in'i 'l»!t »ii(« wmiM h> nf fhn ni iroy of tlui Ttidiin^, 
 by wliom tlioy niv I irj^'i'ly ouftiuiub Ti'il, iiiiil, divulul iih they woull b', lui^lit bio.iftily ovor- 
 powered . 
 
 It in itiipo«Kilil ' to rcid tho QoVmA'n rcomint of bi* (ittiiiipt to p t-iu ido Jud^'o Bl ck to 
 Aid bini in procl iniin'i iinriiil I i\v, wifliout ftnni:,' f(H>lin;,M of ri'i^n-t, that you Hliould havo 
 boon rcprcrt«'ntod, in tho sotll 'tni'titN, by ;\ jKivoij with ^o litll.) di-crolii>n. It i^ no wondor 
 thnt Jud^ Blu'k wru '• fri.rhfonod " at thf propM I, «« lio muHt Invo known tiiiit Colomd 
 DonniN would Invo to nnswcr, iit tho bir of juttio\ for ovory lifo lost by Huch «n nNcuuintiun 
 of outhority, und th.-it tho ilL>;,'d f«oizuro of mii Auicrioin citizen, would iit unco provoke intor- 
 forcDCO in tho qu;irrel, uud lo.id to very NoriouM couipllcilionn. 
 
 I have, Sic, 
 
 Josxpu HoWB, 
 
 Reco|vc(t by 
 th« Hi'cri'tnrv 
 of St^to forfli' 
 ProvinoiMi, 20tli 
 Dfcoinlier. 
 
 PlMniNA, Docombor 8th, 1869. 
 Ths lion. Joneph Howe, Sttcretitrif n/Statfi, 
 
 Ottawa. 
 
 Sill, — I hnvo tho honor to inform you thfit no uiosHiji;o or niu»»HOiip;cr from 
 Fort (f.irry or from (!!(donol Ibnnis, Iihh roichcd mo sincr' my doHpitch on tho 
 ()th inst. A rnnior '\» ourront horo, bisod on ii stutomont ot tho miil oirrior 
 who only trivoN hnlf tho diHtiinoo to Fort (inrry), thit thoro wore (500 mon 
 uador Colonol D.Mini-* nt tho Sfrn i Fort, nnd 11(10 vindcr Hiol at Fort Garry. Ah Homo of 
 U8 rccoivcd lottors by tho lint nnil from tho north, I infer that tho rojd, or Bonio pirt of it, 
 was, up to Sundiy at loaHt, under the c(mtrol of lliol. I did not expect that Colonel Donnin 
 would move from the Lower Fort, until tho jK'oplo at tho "Portage" had joined him, which 
 could not well have b^cn aooomplishod before Mondny or f uonday. I am not thoroforo but- 
 prised to find the road still ob'^truetod between this pi loo nnd Fort Garry. 
 
 On Mondiy list, Mr. Uichard.'*, who lod;?ed with a Mr. llolotte, Deputy U.S. Marshal, 
 nt Pembina, rej>ortcd to me that tho officials nnd residents of tho vill.igo wcrj very much 
 excited, in ccmsequenco of a rumour that tho Indi;ui8 were biinp armed by tho Loy;distP, and 
 that tho aid of the Sioux had boon tcujjht by Komo of the C n idians at Fort G irry. Knowing 
 that the Indians had refused to joined Hitl's party, nnd that the Sioux would like an excuse 
 for att:;ckinp them, and knowin;; al.-'o that we were aware of the complicity of some of them 
 in the outbreak, it was ntitur.il that they should b) alirmcd by such a rumour. I had pre- 
 viously hoard of their attempts to organize n force for tho purpose of ntticking us in our 
 "winter quirters," ostensibly for the purpose of "driving us out of the country," but roiilly, 
 I have no doubt, with a nmrdcrous intent. T had private inform ition of the designs of two 
 or three desperadoes and outlaws, who Invo found it convenient to rosido in the neighbour- 
 hood, nnd who are concerned in the i)resent movement. They had bccom'3 aware of Colonel 
 Dennis's oceupition of the Stone Fort, .• nd of tlio detenninition of the English and Scotch 
 halPbreods to resist Kiel's p'rty, and they feared for their owu sifcty. They pretended to 
 believe that I had given orders to employ the Indims, und they threatened immcdiito re- 
 prisals unless I revoked tlic supposed order. I^Ir. Richards was much alarmed by these threats, 
 and suggested the immediate return to Fort Abercrombie, of tho fern des and children. While 
 this was humane, I felt it was not politic, and nt tho moment not n practicd euggcstion. 
 We had not yot constructed a RifRcient number of sleighs for the journey, although they were 
 in process of corstruclion. I therefore determined to go down to tlie village, and havo a con- 
 ference with the offiei Is, who, I knew^, would soon m:ke known the result to thoso more 
 deeply implicated in the contjiir. cy. I took Messrs. Richards, Provencher and my son with 
 me, nnd drove to the Custom House. Mik Nelson, the Deputy Collector,, is a very intelligent 
 and reppcct;'ble pcrfon, nnd, I have reiton to believe, hrs kept himself aloof from Stutttman 
 and lis CD-con?pir:;tors. I found Eorae of these in his office eviden'ly much alirmcd, and by 
 no me.ns in a friendly mood tow.irds me. I Nt once cxpl inod the object of my vi^it, nnd 
 requested thit tho Postmister nnd other offiei il persons in tho ncighbouihood should be 
 aescmbled. This was eoou done, and I frankly explained their eituation and my own as I 
 
87 
 
 • of till' Ttiiliinn, 
 it b I t!.if*ily oviir- 
 
 iiti(lir'<too(I it. Tlift ('ncloctl Itf.T (":i A"), w'ii'!i I idl-rvvirth ad I.mhjiI to Mr. NuNon, 
 ff.'i'ntly «l«'tiiN wir t (imk 1 1 u"' at tli-t iiif' rvi -w. 
 
 i fdiiiul on <'iMjiiiry, lln' mxt il ,y, tint Mr. Njl-*o:i (tnd (n;) or two of lii lul, 'lib turn 
 wore ruH-iurjil by tin Mt item 'nts iin 1 ocpl m \^hm I h id Kivon tlirm, nnd cxproascd thrninolvon 
 pl(':i«cd with my cmdour and (irinnt'HM, MMiltMiim and Ililottc, liowovcr, vuro f\\\\ t dkin^ 
 of t.ikin;? v('n;.'o.mcn. MofMrt". Ilicliird', IVovnchcr r.nd Uy^n hiivinj^ nniovcd to my boiiM«>, 
 wt! oHt.iblif'lu'd ft milit iry n'/i""*. "nd pr'priid to r.wist an utt icit tV.)m any r|ii trior. Wo 
 kept w.itcb by d ly and by ni;j;bt, and li ul nil our iirms rn.idy lor action. Not li:ivinj» Iio.ird 
 from (/oloncl O'lniis t-imw tlio ditc of bis report, I'orwardcd with my lint di'vpitcli, I dofurrcd 
 my projw.'KMl romovd IVom AmiMiciii Territory, but kept up duly couimunioilioti with Iho 
 IludMin IJiy Comp.iny'ft I'oht. 
 
 I (<nolo<'o (pipiT "U D ") n trausl:iti'd copy of ii letter rtcoivod two «>r tlirco d'iy» Hinno 
 by Mr I'rovcncilicr, (Vom, hm hv. hup|)om','<, tlio llonnn C'ltbolic piit-ht aw S<!iMtcliin'^ Itivcr. It 
 is witboiit .'i^nitnrc, and i^ cvid uily intcndiMJ to fri;.'litt!n us aw 'y. I'i»t wo frol th.it our 
 di'pirturo for ('.in id i at llio prr^cMit juncliin', murlt to b) a|)piov(;d on pcjvonal ^roundn, would 
 b) f,it;;l to tlu' rotiMition of fho Nortu ^Vt•^t an a pirt of tlu^ Dominion, and with that viow of 
 tlio ciHo, wo liMvo dflcrmincd at nil biz irdn, to rem lia a litllo lonj^cr, in tlio Iioiki of ii pciooful 
 Holution of tlu! pntM'ut difliculty. 
 
 Tlio friendly disposition of tho IndiiuH of this Torritory to us, i nd their antip-itby to the 
 AmcricauH, is tb« groit anchor by wliicli wo nhall hi enabl -d to hold it. Wbilo they urc with 
 \i<*, and propjily handlud, no enemy from tho fouth c.^n ever vonturo into theKc ^rcat pl.iinH. 
 Thin fact is fully comprehended by Iho military authoritiuH at Wa«hin;?ton, uh well uh hy tho 
 Fonims in Niw York. Grjit eff)rt.s worj mid; by tho l-idjr.s of tho prjsent conspir.cy to 
 Hccuro an allianoo with tho ludiann, eHpcclilty with tho b indH in the nei^hbuurhoud of Ued 
 llivor, b'jforo tukin;^ tho fiold. Their fiiHt step was to p'M>uido them to miko dum inds upon 
 mo of Huch a character that compliance would hi; iiu|)o.sisiblo, and fJnia crc.ito a ccuua belli 
 botween tho Now Government Jind tho Iudi;inH at tho very ou'H-t. Wilh thin viow thoy kept 
 Chief Kc-wi-tu-o8h, and u part of bis bind in and about lV>mbin:i for Homo week.s — much 
 longer than they had birgained for — to meet mo at tho bound.iry lino, and to present thcHO 
 dommds. I htvo already in my ro[K)rt of tho 21)th November referred to tho publicition of 
 tho Yankton D.koiiin of tho letter prepircd for the IndiinH by Ameriom plotters hero, but 
 ropudiutcd by tho Indi ms as soon as they uudorstood its purport. 1 ob«;rvc th.it ilii.s letter 
 his uppsared in several Canadian Ncwnp ipcru, and no doubt baa attracted tho attention of tho 
 Privy Council. 
 
 Tho next stop wua a sunmionsj to tho chiufs of tho lavgo bands to moot Rioi and his 
 confederates at lliviire Sale for conaultution and treaty, with a view to unarmed alliance 
 against U.S. Tho chiafs, "Fox" anil "Oro.s Okuille" o')oyeJ tho Hummona, but though 
 temptad by vory largo promises, tlioy wisely ami p)'oini)tly rol'u.sad to join or aid the 
 half-broad nmovement, but intimated to our fricnda that thoy would be ready to obey a 
 Hunmions from tho authorities. 
 
 In these circumstances it was felt to bo a wiso, as well as a loyal and humana policy 
 to threaten tho insurgents and their annoxation leaders with an Indian as well as a civil 
 war, if they pei-sisted ' • their I'obellious designs. The alarm, real or protended, of the 
 neutral and respectable people — few though tlioy ai-e — in this settlement, as well as the 
 exasperations and murdorous threats of the conspirators thomsalvoa, show tho power of 
 the engine that they believe has been worked. I boliovo they havo called for troops 
 from the nearest American Post (Fort Abercrombio) to protect them from tho dreaded 
 Sioux. I may had that small bands of the Sioux havo lately been seen, only three or 
 four days' journey from hei-e. Two Chipp-'wa Indiana, anl a half-bred boy, who had 
 gone towards Pemhina Mountain, on a hunting expedition, ware mat by six Sioux, who, 
 pretending friendship, suddenly rushed upon the carts of tho Ciiippewas, siiz^d their 
 arms, and fired upon them. One of tho Indians fell dead, t'.ie boy ran, apparently 
 wounded, while tho othar eieapo I unhurt, and running for his lile towarJiv this place, 
 came to the Hudson Bay Company's Post nearly exhausted with hunger and coH 
 Xhey belonged to tho Kewitaosh's band,^and, I hear, that according to Indian custom, a 
 
8$ 
 
 war party hai started out to i-ecovor the carts nnd tlio wounded boy, nnd to avenge the 
 death of one of their warriors. Those attacks and riipriaals by huntinjj; parties of tlie 
 two tribes are not uncomuion ; Vmt the present case sliows a degree of boldness on the 
 paiii of the Sioux, and a propensity to travel north instead of west, which are not 
 pleasant to the imagination of our ftontier neighbours. I could not refrain from telling 
 them at our meeting, on Monday evening, when the desperate character of the Sioux 
 was portrayed to me, and I was urged to give immediate orders to the loyal settlers 
 not to accept the help of Indians— that tho possible consequancss of nn Indian war 
 ought to have been thought of l>y some people in the neighbourhood of Pembina a few 
 weeks ago. The remark was delivered in a serious tone, and with the proper emphasis, 
 and was I'eceived in solemn silence. The shot took effect, and seeing they could not 
 frighten me into issuing orders dictated by them, they expressed themselves satisfied with 
 my declaration, as repoi-ted in my letter to Mr. Nelson. 
 
 1 waited for two days and nights after this interview, anxiously expecting a second 
 report from Colonel Dennis, which I hoped would inform me of the disparsionof Kiel and 
 his i>arty, or of a joint deputation to me, and ar armistice in th-i mean time. But as none 
 eame, and as the story of the employment of the Indians might, though untrue, 
 except as to Prince's band, grow into truth, by its own circulaSon, I thought it well to 
 address a letter ("3 C") to Colonel Dennis on the subject, and entrusted it to the mail, 
 imder cover of Mr. Nelson's envelope. I instructed the messenger to allow Mr. Nelson 
 to read it before he s°>aled the letter, in order to convince him of my desii'e to avoid, as 
 long as possible, an appeal to the Indians. 
 
 I received a nofe from General Hunt, who commands at Fort Abercrombie, 
 informing me that he cculd not find storage for my goods in the foil), bub he was 
 informed that Mr. McCauley, a merchant there, would store then and apply to him for 
 protection, if (which he did not think likely), any one attempted to molest them. I have 
 also heard from the person sent to remove the arms, &c., from Georgetown, of their safe 
 arrival at Fort Abercrombie. 
 
 Thuesday, 9th. 
 
 I have just heard as 1 was closing this dispatch, that two messengers from the 
 Settlement have been intercepted near this, and their pa^iers taken from them, by 
 Stuttsman and Company, or half-breeds employed by them ; I am taking measures to 
 make this operation unavailing for the future. 
 
 I jiave, &c., 
 
 "Wm. McDouoalb. 
 
 (3 A.) 
 
 Hudson Bat Company's Post, Pembina, 
 
 8th December, 1869. 
 If. E. Nelson, Esq., Deputy Collector of Customs, 
 
 Pembina, 
 
 Dear Sir, — I think it my duty to you as well as to myself, to put in writing, though 
 nirt formally or ofilcially, the principal point of our conversation on Monday evening last. 
 Serious events and com])lications may possibly acise out of the disturbances wMch 
 unfortunately still prevail at the Red River Settlement. 
 
 Exaggerated, and I fear, in some cases, wilfully false statements as to the extent^ 
 origin, aim and tendency of these disturbances, have been spread fai and wide through 
 the American Press, on the alleged authority of persons living in this vicinity. I have 
 some apprehension that the interview of last Monday evening, and the statements made 
 and views expressed on both sides may be misrepresented through the same channels, and 
 therefore, I take the precaution, while the matter is fresh in our minds, tj set down the 
 material points of our conversation. 
 
 Mr. Richards having i-eported to me that you had expressed groat apprehensidafl 
 
81 
 
 that an ludiam wax* and consequent danger to the Uvea and property of American citizens 
 in this Territory would grow out of the efforts of the Magistrates and loyiil people of Red 
 Biver Settlement to disperse the armed half-breeds under Kiel, and that you seem to 
 think I might by some exercise of authority prevent or kssen the dangui- of these conse- 
 quences, I thought it only due to you as the principal officer of the American Government 
 at this Post, to confer immediately with you. Living for the moment under the protection 
 of American law, I could not be indiifei'ont to the wishes of one of its most efficient, 
 honorable, and obliging administrators. 
 
 I proceeded to your office about 5 o'clock p.m. (of the Gth inst.), and sxplaining why 
 I had come, requested the presence of the other officials of the place. Mr. Cavelier, the 
 Postmaster, J. Rolette, one of your officers ; J. Rolette, his fither, who I underatand is 
 or acts as Deputy Marshall ; Mr. Harrison, Justice of the Peace ; Mr. Lemay, Ex-Collector, 
 and tlu'eo or four other residents of the village were present. Mr. Richards, Mr. 
 Provencher and my son were present with me. 
 
 After you had finished writing a letter, on which you wore engaged when I entered 
 your office, I directed my remarks to you, and stated that Mr. Richards having reported 
 to mo your apprehensions, as already mentioned, I wished to explain the legal position of 
 affaii-s in the North- West Territoties. I stated that on tho 1st December, the powers of 
 Goverament passedfrom the Hudson's Bay Company and its officers, tu the representative 
 of Her Majesty the Queen, appointed by the Governor General of the Dominion. That 
 Avas the result of various Acts of Parliament and the proceedings lawfully had under 
 them, — that I had been commissioned and empowered to represent the Crown as Lieutenant 
 Governor, but while on my way to Fort Garry, bafore the transfer had taken place, I was 
 met and ordered away from the Territoiy by a body of armed men, acting without, and 
 as I subsequently leanied, in defiance of authority ; that I had remained on American 
 soil, under protection of American law up to the present time ; that the Proclamations 
 announcing the change in tho Government and notifying public officers, &o., of the fact 
 were executed at the Hudson's Bay Post, on British soil, and that I had not done and did 
 not intend to do any official Act except when in my own jurisdiction. That tho movements 
 of the loyal people of the Territory against the rioters under Riel were in a great degree 
 spontaneous and under the direction of local authorities " Conservatora of the Peace " 
 exercising only civil power. I stated that, in every civilized community the Magistrate 
 imd Peace Officer, has power to raise the posse comitatua or whatever force he needs, to 
 put down mobs and riots, acting in breach of the public peitce, and that so far as I knew, 
 or had sanctioned, this was the only " war " now going on. That I had not authorized the 
 employment of Indians, and except in the last resort, did not intend to do so ; that I had 
 received messages from several chiefs, expressing disapproval of the conduct of the French 
 half-breeds under Riel, and offering their services in the cause of law and order ; that I 
 had sent verbal and brief replies, thanking them for their good will, evading the offer of 
 service, and putting off the questions they wished to consult me about until my arrival 
 at Foit Garry ; and that to be frank and explicit, having seen what I had in the press, and 
 having heard of various expressions and actions by persons who I knew were listening to 
 me, I must give it as my deliberate judgment, that those white persons on both sides of 
 the line, who had advised, countenanced, and aided the lawless outbreaks of the French 
 half-breeds and had rejoiced at their success in keeping out of the Territory, the represen- 
 tative of authority and law and the only power which the Indians would be likely to 
 obey or respect, will be held responsible before God and man for any destruction of life or 
 property that may result. 
 
 You stated that you had given no countenance to the half-breed movement — had 
 expressed no opinion one way or the other, but had performed the duties of your office 
 with strict impartiality — that you deprecated the putting of arms in the hands of Indians 
 or raising them in any civil contest, and were much concerned when you heard that they 
 were being employed by the authorities in the settlement, and you questioned whether, 
 if I had authorised it, I had not violated the laws of neutrality. That you were glad to 
 hear me say I had not done so, and hoped I would exert my authority to prevent it. 
 12a— 12 
 
 i 
 
«0 
 
 I ut onoo ncknowloilged your fair and honorable conduct, and my belief that you had 
 iioithor saiil nor dono anything to provoke or encourage tho lawlesa proceedings of the 
 half-broeds, but I said, I feared there woro othorH, on the An "rican Hide of the line, of 
 whom tho 8anu) thing couUl nut be Haid. That as to using my authority to reatore order 
 and restrain tho dangerous elements of the country, tlui<^ was the very thing I was trying 
 fo do, but OS 1 had no sufKcicnt force at my commoiui to overcome the armed men who 
 bad barricatled tho road, I was unable to use my authority in the most effective way, and 
 tho local magistrates and oDicers were therefore left to then- own judgment as to the use of 
 iiieaus, and it would be very unreasonable to hold mo respon^iible for their acts until I 
 had an opportunity of conti-oUing or preventing them. 
 
 Mr. Cavelicr, Postmaster, asked mo if I did not know tliat Dr. Schultz had sent one 
 " Hherman " with goods of a certain Uind,-to the Sioux in the vicinity of Turtle Mountain, 
 jind that tho purpose wiu; to use them against Kiel's party. 1 said I had not heard of 
 any such thing ; and, mortover, did not believe it. I thought Dr. Bchultz too sensible a 
 man — believed he hud too nuioh at stake to incur any risk so dangerous. Mr. Cavelier 
 isaid, he kntw the statement was true, and in reference to my remark as to Dr. Bchultz's 
 ))osition, said he was a reckless and selfish man, whose doctrine was that " yoU couldtrust 
 no one 08 a friend, except so far as interest moved him,"»S:c„ itc, — that ■* Sherman was an 
 outlaw, dai'oJ not come into American Territory, and would bo hanged if he did. That the 
 Sioux i-eferred to were not yet reconciled to tho Government, and would not hesitate to 
 mm*der American citizens, if they were encouraged by such a man as Sherman to do 
 so," itc, A'c. 
 
 Mr. Lemay i-emarkcd with much emphasis, that if the Indians took part in the wai-, 
 as he called it, my life would not be safe for five minutes. Mr. Harrison added, t'oat in 
 such an event, I and my party would find ourselves in the holiest place we had ever been 
 in, «kc. Mr. Lemay wanted an explicit answer to his question, whether in any case I 
 would countenance or authorize tho use of Indians. I declined to make any statement of 
 what I would or would not do, when I assumed the functions of my oflSce, but that I had 
 ■not authorized and did not wish to employ even half breeds in warlike operations. That 
 1 was a good deal startled by the statement of Mr. Cavelisr, in ^egard to the Sioux at 
 Turtle Mountain, and I enquired whether they lived in American or British Territory. 
 Mr. Cavelier said, tliey were sometimes on one side and sometimes on the other side, but 
 were known to be hostile to Americans. After some further general remarks I concluded 
 my interview by observing that in view of the dangerous position we were all in, I thought 
 the best thing we could do was to i-estoi-e order and authority at Red River Settlement as 
 soon a3 ix>ssible, and I believed the persons were then in tlie room or immediate neighbor- 
 hood who could do it, and that at all events, that was my duty and mission, and to the 
 best"of my i)ower'and ability I intended to execute. To Mr. Lemay's and Mr. Harris- 
 on's remarks, — some will call it a threat — that if Indians, whom I have never seen, and 
 am in no way responsible for, should go to war, my life would not last five minutes, I 
 replied that such an observation or possibility would not affect my action or course in tho 
 least. I had accepted an important office, knowing well its perils, but I meant to do 
 my duty regardless of all personal considerations. I was but one man, and after me would 
 come another, and perhaps one better skilled in tho operations of war. I had com* to 
 cultivate the arts of peace, to establish telegraph lines, build roads and encourage 
 emigration, and organize a civilized community. But those who thought it would serve 
 their purpose better to itir up disorder and riot among the French half-breeds, next to the 
 Indian the most dangerous element in the country, must not imagine that they can transfer 
 to me the responsibility of a conflagration which tliey have fanned if they have not 
 kindled. 
 
 The above is the substance of what was said in your office in the presence of the 
 principal inhabitants of the village, and wliich I desire to remain of record in your 
 hands. 
 
 Since my conversation with you, I have heard some statements, which I deem it 
 proper to mention in connection with the foregoing, I am told that a person to Y^hoQi I 
 
 St: 
 
01 
 
 cntni^ited copies of a Proclnmation, continuing and eonfirming the authority of all Peaco 
 and other offioers, was arr«'Nted on UijUhIi Temtory by two American citizens living in 
 this vicinity, and that tlieso papers were takfm from him witho»it hiw or authority, nnd 
 in violation of their duty as persons undei a temporary n !ogianco to tho Hovereign of tlio 
 country in which they were travelling. If this outrage 1. s been committed, as reported 
 to me, by those in whose behalf I inn asked to exercise my authority over tho Indians, 
 I ask you, sir, how am I to get my orders obeyed if they are not allowetl to reach those to 
 whom they are addressed.1 I can asmiro you that the persons who have sotight to confer 
 with me from the settlement, oifioial as well as unofficial, have expenenced little difficulty 
 and felt no serious apprehension of obstruction or danger till they approaclied the 
 American border, and their fears were, not that tliey would be interrupted on their 
 (leaceful and lawifid visits by Indians or half-breods, but by white men, one of whom 
 at least, is an official under your direction. 
 
 It is in evidence b«'foro me, that the person alluded to has been endeavouring to 
 incite the half-breeds and others hereabouts, " to drive me and my party out of the 
 country." I can hardly suppose that these are done, and threats made, by the son of a 
 Deputy Marshall, and an employd of the Customs Department of tho United Htates, 
 without the knowledge and approval of some one higher in authority, I)o not suppose 
 for a moment that I imagine i/ou have countenanced or will countenance the acts or 
 threats of your subordinate, but it is well you should ask now what has been communi- 
 cated to me respecting him. 
 
 I send you the enclosed letter addressed to Colonel Dennis in tjic hope that you may 
 find some means of forwarding it safely. Perhaps you can address it under cover to sorno 
 one at Fort Garry who will be able to place it in his hands. You will see by the contents, 
 which I have left for your (private) perusal, that my wishes and ordei-s art? tigaiuft tho 
 employment of Indians in the present crisis. I shall send a duplicate of tlie order by the 
 first opportunity, but as my letters have been so often tampered with, I mnot trust tho 
 regular post. A letter [addressed by you, and to an unsuspected correspondent might 
 reacli its destination more speedily and safely. 
 
 In conclusion, let me add that in the event of a " raid " upon this settlement by the 
 Sioux Indians, you and any other American citizens placing yourselvt.^ under my protec- 
 tion may rely upon it, that all the influence and ewithority of my oflice, and all the means 
 of defence at my command, will be put forth in your behalf If that office and authority 
 are as potent with the Indians on the British side of the line as some of the gentlemen 
 present at our interview admitted them to be, the threatened danger will be averted. 
 
 Believe me, ttc, 
 
 Wm. McDouoall. 
 
 (3 B) 
 
 "When Mr. McDougall arrived here a month ago there were some five hundred men 
 under arms ; if he had then left, the difficulties could have been settled quite easily ; now 
 the whole population is on a war footing and a serious character of opjwsition is getting 
 deeper and deeper in the minds, as long as Mr. McDougall is giving the Insurgents moro 
 trouble. Every attempt at coercion made by Canada, or even by England, will result in tho 
 loss of all advantages that you could draw from this country. The half-breeds will take 
 again the road of the prairie, and from there they will prevent any improvement than can 
 be attempted or tried — telegraphs, railroads, settlements — war can be made against them, 
 but the armies will never meet them. There will be thousands who will be elsewhere and 
 nowhere. If the people were left quiet they would soon be ready to listen to propositions 
 that could be made to them by the Canadian Government. But ihe longer Mr. McDougall 
 will attempt to come in by meas\ires of violence the more difficult in will be. For himself, 
 if he comes into the Territory, he will te shot immediately. His principal friends and 
 supporters here are on the eve of being nuusacred. 
 
92 
 
 (3C.) 
 
 Near Pembina, December 8th, 1869. 
 
 To Lieut-Col. J. S. Dennis, Red River Settlement. 
 
 My Deaii Colonel, — I commit to the post, under cover to a third party, this letter, 
 which I trust you will receive and act upon without delay. It has been represented to me 
 that the authorities who are endeavouring to quell the outbreak of the French half-breeda 
 have contemplated the employment of Indians for that purpose, and that a band of Sioux 
 on the Assinniboine are drilling with a view to military or warlike service of some kind. 
 I desire and direct you to prevent, so far as you can, any project of this kind. If Indians 
 are sent upon tho war path by any person acting with authority, it may be found very 
 di£Scult for the stuae, or even a higher authority, to recall them or to restrain them within 
 the limits allowed to forces acting in aid of the civil power. It is said also that gccds 
 " of a certain kind," by which 1 understivnd ammunition and arms have been sent from the 
 settlement to the Sioux near Turtle Mountain, with an invitation to them to aid in the 
 suppression of the half-breed disturbance. I can hardly believe this story, but I hope you 
 will enquire into it and take immediate 8te])s to counteract any movement of the kind. 
 The American residents hero ai'e very much disgusted at the prospect of a visit from the 
 Sioux, and it would indeed be deplorable if they should be drawn into a contest that 
 mifht give them a pretext to re-enact the scenes of 1862. 
 
 With regard to the Indians of the Mission, under the chief, " Prince," a few of whom 
 I understand, ai-e employ* 1 to guard the Stone Fort, I will be glad to hear that theii- 
 services in that capacity are dispensed with. They may be intelligent and subject to 
 control, but the fact of their employment will soon reach the ears and possibly excite the 
 war-spirit of more distant bands, who may not be so easily restrained. 
 
 Extreme necessity in a time of riot and anarchy, will justify extreme measures ; but 
 I hope the loyal inhabitants who have risen in defence of law and order, will be able to 
 accomplish their object without the active aid of their Indian allien, 
 
 I trust to your discretion in the meantime ; but hope soon to be nearer tho scene of 
 action, and in a position to judge and command. 
 
 I am, kc. 
 
 AVm. McDougall. 
 
 Pembina, Monday, 13th December, 1869. 
 
 To the Hon. Joseph Howe, Secretary of State, d'C, 
 
 Ottawa, Canada. 
 
 Received by the SiR, — I have the honor to acquaint you that I have received no com- 
 
 ?o1<''the*?rovinc'^'' munication from you since your despatch of the 1 P^b ultimo. Two letters, 
 JOtli December. ' marked " private," from Sir John A. Macdonald, rrcVr date of the 23rd 
 November, came to hand safely on the evening of xLc 1 1 th inst. I have 
 received newspapers from Ottawa and Montreal, of 27th and 29th respectively ; and 
 from more western cities of a date one or two days later. If the mails are not delayed on 
 the way, they will arrive here from Ottawa in about fourteen days. 
 
 I regret to state that the insurgents under Riel have developed more strength and 
 determination of pui-pose in their rebellious movement than the reports from Fort Garry 
 of every kind had led tae to believe they possessed. They have been able with the help 
 of their allies on the American side of the line, to intercept and prevent all communi- 
 cations from Col. Dennis to me since his report of the 2nd inst. I have, therefore, 
 had to trust to the statement of the enemy; and such flying rumours as we 
 could gather from friendly half-breeds for the occurrences and movements at Fort 
 Garry and the Stone Fort since the 2nd inai. From these various sources of information 
 
93 
 
 rer tho scene of 
 
 [oDoUGALIi. 
 
 cember, 1869. 
 
 I learn that on the 5th or 6th instant, a number of persons (the report says 40 or 60) 
 were assembled in the houtie of Dr. Schultz as a guard, or as a portion of the poiae 
 comitatus, about to join the force under Colonel Dennis, when^ they wei'e s\iddenly 
 surprised by a party of Kiel's men, and made prisoners, It does not appear that any 
 resistance wals made by the Schultz party, whether from the suddenness of the attack, or 
 their unwillingness to be first to shed blood, I cannot learn. It is said they were armed, 
 nnd had in the house 400 rounds of ammunition. The prisoners were marched to the 
 Fort, and detained there, but have been allowed to supply themselves with provisions from 
 the village. Tho number of the insurgents now under Kiel's orders is said to be 400 or 
 500 — as large a body as his friends have at any time claimed for him. If this story 
 should be confirmed, it would indicate great confidence in Kiel and his plans, by the 
 bulk of the French, and the continued support of the chrgy, and the Amciican and 
 other traders in the settlement who are known to have advised and assisted him in 
 the earlier stages of the movement. The same report tell us that this sudden display 
 of force by Kiel has discouraged the Canadians and their friends, and that the English 
 and Scotch half-breeds have refused, in any number, to join the party of " law and 
 order." This representation of the state of afiairs receives some confirmation from the 
 fact that Kiel was able to send a force of 20 men to the Hudson's Bay Post] here, who, since 
 Friday last, have held it, and prevented any of our party from going there. The 
 Americans in our vicinity, concerned in the movement, are less excited since the 
 arrival of this force, and talk of our being obliged to remove, in a few days, towards 
 Canada. Hearing that Mr. James McKay, a wealthy and influential resident on the 
 Assinniboine, and one of those whom Colonel Dennis was to consult before taking 
 any decisive measures, had reached the house of Mr. Deaso, about 20 miles up the 
 Pembina River, on the American sidofof the line, I sent my sen, on the lllh instant, 
 with a verbal message to him, and in the hope that he would be a'ule to give me 
 reliable information of the operations of Colonel Dennis, since I have heard frcm him, 
 and also whether the story of the ai'rest at the house of Dr. Schultz was true. The 
 road to the place where Mr. McKay was staying, luns, in some places on British Terri- 
 tory, and the^people here (except Mr. Nelson), being all openly leagued with the 
 insurgents, and keeping guard at night at the bridge over the Pembina Biver, to 
 prevent any messenger from reaching me, I was apprehensive that my son would be 
 intercepted, and, therefore, directed him to bring no letters or written ccramunicaticn, 
 unless Mr. McKay absented. He succeeded in finding Mr. McKay, and getting his 
 version of afifairs in the settlement down to the 5th instant. I enclose his report to 
 me ("4 A."). 
 
 On reference to Colonel Dennis's report, forwarded with my despatch of the 6th 
 instant (" 2 A ") it will be seen that he saw Mr. McKay before taking possession of 
 the Stone Fort, and found him of opinion that the time had come for some kind of 
 opposition to the French, but afraid that people " of large property," like himself, would 
 suffer injury. I am disposed to think he ran away as much on account of the danger to 
 his person as to his property. But his case illustrates the position and feeling of many 
 others who have no sympathy with the French half-breeds, and no objection to the new 
 Government. They will aceept the latter if some one else will do the fighting, and pay 
 all the money necessary to establish it. 
 
 Major Wallace, who is staying with Peter Hayden, not far from the Hudson Bay 
 Post, reported to me, last night, that Kiel was expected to arrive there during the night. 
 I thought, in view of all ths facts as they now present themselves, and especially the 
 fact that the communication has been effectually cut off with Colonel Dennis, that I would 
 be justified in opening communication with Biel, if he appeared in this neighbourhood. 
 I accordingly wrote the letter enclosed (4 B), and sent it to the captain of the party in 
 possession of the Hudson Bay Post. It reached him this morning; but, up to the 
 present time (6 p.m.), I have not heard of Eiel's arrival, nor whether they have sent 
 the lettw forward to him. 
 
 Dr. Jackes, who belongs to our party, was sent for, in great haste, this morning by 
 
t v^mmmm 
 
 il 
 
 94 
 
 Mr. Rolette, Deputy U. S. Harshall, and one of our most bitter opponents here, for his 
 professional aid. Rolette's wife was dying (in child-birth). Tne Indian midwife had 
 given her up, and her relatives, some of whom had been threatning our lives, were now 
 applying to us to save the life of Mrs. Rolette. The Doctor hurried to her bedside, and 
 by the exercise of his skill, overcame the difficulty, and probably has saved her life. They 
 all professed to be full of gratitude, and when the dasger was over, showed him a pro- 
 clamation, issued by Riel since the 1st December, in which he announces that the French 
 have establiseed a government of their own, and intend to resist, by force, if necessary, the 
 attempt of any other powers to impose one upon them. It denies the right of the Hudson 
 Bay Company to transfer them to Canada, <Scc., &c. The Doctor could not obtain a copy, 
 as Rolette had only one, and would not part with it. 
 
 I beg again to express my opinion that the suggestion I had the honor to make in 
 my despatch of 29th November, and more fully in pi'^vious letters to Bir John A. 
 Macdonald, is the only practicable plan for establishing the aulhorily of the Dcminicn 
 Government in this territory. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 Wm. McDouoall. 
 
 ,»:!'. 
 
 m- 
 
 (4. A.) 
 
 Pembina, December 13th, 1869. 
 
 Memo. — Left Pembina on the morning of 1 1th December for St. Joe, 26 miles distant 
 for .he residence of * * a half-breed, born in Oregon, and a man of considerable 
 wealth and influence amongst the half-breeds at St. Joe. He informed me that Mr. 
 Gingras, of St. Joe, had on the evening of the 10th inst, tried to get the half-breeds there 
 to join the Red River insurgent party. He (Gingras) had agreed to raise a party of 130 
 half-breeds and with a portion of them to drive Governor McDougall away from his house 
 at Pembina. * * ♦ treated the proposal with contempt, and tried to persuade 
 Gingras not to attempt such a movement. These half-breeds at St. Joe are principally con- 
 nected with those at Red River Settlement, and many of them were inclined to fall in 
 with Mr. Gingras's plan. Mr. Dease believed that if there was any bloodshed at 'Red 
 River Settlement, the Governor and his whole party would be in inmiinent danger and run 
 the risk of losing their lives, Mr. Dease sympathized much with the Governor and his 
 party and declared his willingness to assist us in any way in his power, I ascertained from 
 him that Mr. M(Tay from Red River Settlement was at a Mr. Charles Grant's, about 7 
 miles distant from Mr. Dease's, I drove there to see him, and found he had brought Iiis 
 family and had left the settlement with the intention of remaining amongst his relatives 
 at St. Joe, during the present troubles. He informed me that fifty Canadians who wt>re 
 guarding Government provisions at the residence of Dr. Schultz, at Fort Garry, were 
 taken prisoners, that Dr. Schultz and wife. Dr. Brown, Mr. Mair and Mr. Hallet, were 
 amongst them. Mr. Hallet was taken prisoner while cndevouring to procure seme 
 medicine foi his wife. Mr. McKay also informed me that Colonel Dennis, on his arrival 
 from Pembina, first called en him, and that he (McKay) advised him strongly not to 
 incite the one portion of the population to take up arms against the other, and that one 
 hundred of the principal French half-breeds had signed a document agreeing to allow the 
 Governor to come in. He al^o stated that if hostilities were commenced and blood 
 spilt, the lives of the Governor nnd his party would almost certainly be 
 sacrificed. He said that other men of property and wealth in the Settlement, held the 
 same views, and expressed the same opinions similar to his own. Mr. McKay intended to 
 have called on the Governor at Pembina, but was overtaken on his way by a party of 
 insurgents going to take possession of the Hudson's Bay CompanyJB Post at Pembina, and 
 was forced to change his course and cross the prairie, to St. Joe. He was under the 
 
95 
 
 mpression that Col. Dennis had gone to Portage La Prairie, and that Stone Fort waa still 
 held bj the Indiana and others under Colonel Dennis. 
 
 Wm. B. McDouoall.' 
 
 er 13th, 1869. 
 
 (Private) 
 («' 4 B," 
 
 Pembina, December 13th, 1869. 
 Louis Biel, Esq. 
 
 Sir, — I heai' from the Hudaon Bay Post that you are expected to arrive there from 
 Fort Garry to-night. I send this note to inform you that I am anxious to have a conver- 
 Hation with you, before answering despatches which I have recently received from the 
 Dominion Government. 
 
 I have not yet had any communication from you or from any one else, on behalf of 
 the French half-breeds who have prevented me from Proceeding to Fort Garry, stating 
 their complaints or wishes in reference to the New Government. As the representative of 
 the^Sovereign to whom you and they owe, and as I am told, do not wish to deny allegiance, 
 it is proper that some such communication should reach me. It will be a great misfortune 
 to us all, I tbink, if I am obliged to return to Canada, and hand over the powers of 
 Government here to a military ruler. 
 
 This will be the inevitable result unless we find some solution of the present difficulty 
 very soon. 
 
 I have full powers from the Government, as well as the strongest desire personally to 
 meet all just claims of every class and section of the people. Why should you not come to 
 me and discuss the matter t * 
 
 I beg you to believe that what occurred will not affect my mind against you or those 
 for whom you may be authorised to speak. 
 
 The interview proposed must be without the knowlenge or privity of certain American 
 citizens here who pretend to be en rapport with you. 
 
 I trust to your honour on this point. 
 
 Very faithfully yours, 
 
 William McDouoall. 
 
 Pkmbika, 16th December, 1869. 
 To the ffonorable Joseph Howe, Secretary of State, d'c, 
 
 Ottawa. ■ 
 
 Received by SiR, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch 
 
 of St^efor tSe ^^ *^*' ^^^^ November. Events have occurred since that despatch was 
 Province, Ist written, which when the account of them reaches you, will justify I think, 
 January, 1870, t^e decision I have arrived at, to return as far as St. Paul and communicate 
 with you from that point. 
 
 The state of affairs at, and near Fort Garry, which was described in my last despatch 
 (13 December,) on the information of persons not much to be depended upon, is now 
 substantially confirmed by the arrival, last night, and report of Colonel Dennis. He left 
 the Stone Fort on Saturday morning at 2 o'clock having ordered the payment and discharge 
 at noon, of that day, of the persons who had volunteered to hold and defend it. 
 
 I enclose two short reports (" 5 A," and " 6 B,") which were, with other papers, safely 
 brought to me by two of chief " Prince's" messengers £wo nights ago. I was on the look 
 out for the Colonel himself, sooner than he promised, because I was satisfied his attempt 
 to arrange a deputation to me from the leaders of the Biel party woxild fail. I detained 
 the Indians as recommended, secreting them from observation as much as possible, and 
 have found them of very great service. As I intend to start on my retxim journey 
 to-morrow, 1 shall defer until I arrive at Fort Abercrombie, the communication of further 
 details, vrhich might if known here, interfere with our future operations. 
 
 1 
 
 'i'l 
 
 *''\ 
 
9« 
 
 ^as 
 
 .} 
 
 ti 
 
 I enclose a letter (" I C,") from one who knowi well the character and habits of the 
 half-breeds of both origins. He has acted as guide to sereral expeditions into the interior, 
 and was mj guide from St. Cloud to this place. 
 
 As soon aa I had decided to quit this neigborhood, I thought it prudent, in view of 
 future possible questions and responsibilities, to write the enclosed letter to Mr. McTavish 
 (" 5 D ), which I have committed to tlio custody of my faithful Indians, who will find tho 
 means to put it in proper hands. 
 
 We are still closely watched, and prevented from obtaining supplies from the Hudson 
 Bay Company's Post. I have heard nothing in answer to my private letter to Mr. Kiel, 
 and have no reason to believe that he will soon come near me. 
 
 I enclose (" 6 E"), a copy of the Declaration oi Independence, which was adopted 
 on the 24th November, and printed on the 8th instant. Also, a " List of Rights," (" 5 F"), 
 which was distributed two or three days before the " Declaration," and produced a cooling 
 pfTect upon many of those who had professed, a day or two before, a willingness to put 
 do^vn the Kiel party by force of arms. As soon as it had brned Hh [iurpcne, thn 
 " Declaration" was issued, and the English found themselves caught in a trap. lu Uio 
 meantime, parties had been sent to all the important points, and the arms of the English- 
 speaking settlers were taken from them. 
 
 None of the messengers mentioned in your dispatch have yet arrived. 
 
 I have, &e., 
 
 Wm. McDouoall. 
 
 Fort 
 
 P.S. Please find eaclosed (6 G) copy of notice issued by Colonel Dennis, at Store 
 
 Wm. M. D. 
 
 [5 A.] 
 
 Stomi Fort, Bed Biver Sbttlememt, 
 
 N. W. T., December 9th, 1869. 
 
 y/ic Honorable Wm. iicDcmgall, C.B., Lieutenant Governor, etc., <kc., dec. 
 
 Sir, — I beg to report my proceedings, under the commission which I had the honor 
 to receive from you on the 1st instant, and would refer you to the accompanying record 
 thereof, in which full details are given. 
 
 It is a matter of sincere regret to me, to be obliged to express the opinion deliberately 
 given, that as a body, the English-speaking portion of the Bed Biver Settlement propei-, 
 in their present frame of mind, cannot be counted on in any measures of on aggressive 
 character which may be necessary to put down tlie French party, now in arms against the 
 Government. 
 
 I shall remain here a few days longer to be at hand, should there be any prospect of 
 arranging with the French to send a delegation to you, of which, however, I have little 
 expectation, and on finding that no further object is to be gained by my remaining, will 
 return to Pembina. 
 
 • I have, &c., 
 
 J. S. Dennis. 
 
 9th December, 1869. 
 
 ffonorable Wm. McDougall, C.B., Lieutenant Governor. 
 
 My dear Mr. McDougall, — I expect to learn this evening, yet finally, whether 
 there is any chance of the rebel party showing nny disposition to send you a delegation. , 
 
 If satisfied that there is none — that they hav& gone in fully for tJ^eir new 
 Government as an idependent people — then I shall at once discharge the guard from 
 this Fort and leave for Pembina. This will bo taken by chief '* Prince's " meeseoger, 
 
97 
 
 }. Dekmis. 
 
 jember, 1869. 
 
 and ho hod bottor romaiii with his fl•inIl(l:^ tlio Ituliann Ijolow Fort Pomhina for a fow dayg 
 till I get down, ho that any lottoiH or iuMtruotioiiH may bo carrio^l back Lore, for the 
 guidanee of tho Canadians in tho Hottloiuont. 
 
 I nhuU bo with you in a wiiok, ov»m HUfiponin<{ I dolny to have un intorviow wi*;h tho 
 Rebel Council, as I should loavo iuinKuliatoly after. Lot this niossonj^or wait, theroforo, 
 for a weak at Pembina. Vou may roly ui)on it, thoso pooplo aro fully in pOHSo.ssion for tho 
 winter, and say thomjelves, that with tho promisos th(*y iiavo of Keniau a«d fHibustor's 
 support, they will bo ablo to hold t)w country. 
 
 I should not bo Burprisod, but thoy may get many poo] '• horo to join thorn too. I 
 think thoj woulil do anything, many of thoia, ratluM' than lilii.'iid tho Frotich now (us thoy 
 ■ay) they soo " list of rights" that tho French ask nothing v<<ry unreasouablv. 
 
 There in nothing for it but to submit on our jtart till the spring. 
 
 JBolievo mo, «tc., 
 
 J. S. Dennis. 
 
 (" 6 C") 
 
 Rri) Rivku, December 8th, 1869. 
 
 Ilia Bxcelleiic//, llonorabU Win. McDoujull, Pembina. 
 
 Your Excellonoy will no doubt loarn from othor sources the state and feelings of tho 
 English-speaking population of this settlomont just now. 1 sliouhl have written before 
 this time, but I postpoiuid tho raattov, as I at ono timo was aioilo to boliovo that I 
 should see you personally, but as matters stand at present I am extremely sorry to 
 infonn your Excellency that I foar my prospects are hopeless. Hince the ])ast two days 
 tho {)eople, I fear, have mado a dead stop in taking any steps whatever. What their 
 objects are I can't say at ])reBent. I tiied my best to got a force formidable enough to 
 assist in carrying out Colonel Dennis's orders, but I fear the whole scheme will \\e a failure. 
 Even among our English-speaking population wo havo to contend •with worse characters 
 than the French half-breeds, which I am sorry to inform you, but nevertheless too true. 
 The Scotch settlement won't join ub or any other parish of the Protestant population, so 
 that it would be the height of folly for us to take any aggressive steps, for we would be 
 overpowered by numbers. We have in these two parishes all the disadvantages both in 
 numbers and arms. I think it is on no other foundation the j)eople stand for standing 
 back, is want of arms — aa a matter of course the half-breeds have taken possession of 
 all our arms. However, if the people were willing they could muster arms enough lo 
 put down the hp.lf-breeds, but they won't do it. The fact of the matter is they are cowards 
 one and all of them. Although they are my countrymen, I must speak the truth about 
 them. 
 
 Colonel Dennis is writing you, and Your Excellency will learn from him tho present 
 political state of aiTaira. ■ I was sorry to hear of the accident to your son, but I hope he is 
 better, and not suffering now. 
 
 Will your Excellency allow me to remain, yours, 
 
 [6 D.] 
 
 Pembina, 16th December, 1869. 
 WiUiam McTavixh, Esq., Fort Garry. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I conseqiionce of the continued occupation of Fort Garry by the insur- 
 gents, under Mr. Louis Kiel, and the submission of the local authorities to his orders, and 
 having no forpe at my command to re-establish the supremacy of the law in that neighbor- 
 hood, I have determined to return as far as St. Paul, and await there the order of Her 
 Majesty's Imperial and Canadian Governments. 
 
 1 have not had the honor to receiye from you any message or communication since 
 your private note of the 19th of November. The roads at this print have been so 
 effectually watched, and guarded by tho infurgents, that I have not ventured to send to 
 12flh— 13 
 
 ♦f 
 

 1 
 
 1 
 
 99 
 
 you hny oflllcial or otlicr communication, that could, if it fell into their handn, betray the 
 Hituation or givo information or cncouragmcnt to them. I lend tliis bj the Indians whom 
 T have found loyal and faithful, whore bo many othera have proved the reverse ; I have 
 little doubt it will roach you safely. 
 
 I am odviHod by the Hecretary of State for the Provinces, that His Excellency the 
 (rovcrnor General has couimunicnted to Lord Granville my Despatches up to the 9th 
 November, and has also telegraphed the more recent events, including, I presume, the 
 rtccupation of Fort Garry by tlie half breodH under Riel. I observe, by a paragraph in the 
 Movirml CiuxeUe, that the Duniinion Government have telegraphed their agent in Ix>ndnn, 
 to withhold jMvyment to the Hudson's Hay Company of the purchase money agreed to J)e 
 ]iaid to them for the tranufer of their rightH in Kupert's Land. 1 have no official confirma^ 
 tion of thia statement, but will not be RurpriHotl if it whould prove true. 
 
 Und Jj these circumstanccH, it becomes important to consider carefully the legal 
 poKition of all partien in the present crisis. I voiituro to submit my view of the case as it 
 ittantls in the North-West Teiritories. 
 
 If, in consequence of the action of tho Dominion Government, the surrender and 
 transfer of tho Country did not take place on tho first day of December, as jjreviously 
 agreed upon, then you are tho Chief Executive Ofticor as before, and roR|x>n8iblo for tho 
 preservation of tho Peace and the enforcement of the Law. 
 
 If, on the other hand, tho Transfer did take ploce on the first day of December, then 
 I take it, my Commission came into force, and the notice, in the form of a Proclamation, 
 issued by my authority on that day, coiTcctly recited the facts, and disclosed the legal 
 i^tatus of tho roHj)ective parties. I leani, from Col. Dennis, that a notice or Proclamation, 
 issued by me on the second day of December, confirming and continuing all public 
 officeiu ill their duties and functions, excepting (in tho words of the Canadian Act) 
 " the Public Officer or Fuctionary at the Head of the Administration of Affairs " was 
 duly printed and published in the Settlement, although it was reported here that the 
 messenger who carried it forward was arrested, and his papers taken from him, by Kiel's 
 })arty. You will olmenro, by reference to the 5th Section of the Rupert's Land Act, that 
 until otherwise enacted by the Parliament of Canada. " all the Powers, Authorities, and 
 Jurisdiction of the several Courts of Justice, now established in Rupert's Land, and 
 the several Officers thereof, and of all Magistrates and Jujtices," are continued in full 
 force, and by the 6th Section of " the Canadian Act, for the Temporary Government of 
 Rupert's Land," «fec., "all Public Officers and Functionaries holding office in Rupert's 
 ijand and the North-West Territory," (with the exception already mentioned) " shall 
 continue to be Public Officers and Functionaries of the North- West Territories, %oith the 
 same duties and powers as before," until otherwise ordered by the Lieutenant Governor. 
 
 My Proclamation of the 2nd instant, intended to notify all these officers that I had 
 not " otherwise ordered, and that, by force of both Acts, they still held, and were bound 
 to exercise their " powers, jurisdiction," and " duties," as before. Whether the transfer 
 has been delayed or not, I think it is clear that the present " magistrates " and authorities 
 nro still legally in office, and bound, as far as they can, to perform the duties of their 
 respective offices, as before. In your case, the continuance of your powers and jurisdiction 
 as governor, depends upon the transfer. If, as I am inclined to think has happened, the 
 Company surrendered, and Her Majesty transferred on the 1st day of December, notwith- 
 Htanding the events occurring on this side of the Atlantic, the gentleman who acted as 
 Deputy Governor, or would have assumed that office, under the laws of Assinniboine, 
 prior to December 1st, will, in my absence, and without special deputation by me, be and 
 become the chief executive officer of the Territories. 
 
 I have thought it my duty to explain to you, as I understand it, the legal position 
 of affairs within the Territory at the present time. I do not know whether Judge Black 
 will concur with me, but I trust you will show him this letter, and be guided, as I have 
 no doubt you will, very much by his view. 
 
 I notice that Riel, in his printed papers, speaks for a very large part of the earth's 
 surface, as well as for all the people who now inhabit it. You will, no doubt, agree with 
 
00 
 
 rene : I have 
 
 Affairs " wbh 
 
 ries, loith the 
 
 me, th»t he nilM only the '• territory " within the range of hiii gann, and nwch «' people " 
 M tftke MfTice in hia ninkN, or willingly Ruliinit to his orderH. 
 
 I am, iL'c, 
 
 William McDouoall. 
 
 (5E.) 
 
 DECLAnXTIOK OF THE PeOPLF OF RuPERT'S LaND AND TUB NoilTII-WlST. 
 
 Whereafl, it in admitted by all men, iis a fiindamentnl principle, that tin publie 
 authority commands the ol)«dipnce and roHpcct of itti BubjectH. It iH also admitted, that a 
 I)eoplo, when it has no Oovenimeiit, is Ireo to adopt ono form i)f Oovommoiit, in 
 preference to another, to give or to refuse allegiance to that which in proiiosod. In 
 accordance with thn above Hint iirinciplo, the peopio of this country had obeyed and 
 respected the authority to which tlie circumstances surrounded its infancy compelled it tr 
 be subject. 
 
 A company of adventurers known an the " Hudson Bay Company," and investetl 
 with certain powers, granted by His Majesty (Charles II), cstabliHlu'd itself in Rupert's 
 Tittud, and in tlie North- West Territory, for trading puq)0He8 only. This company, 
 consisting of many persons, required a certain constitution. Rut as there was a tiuestion 
 of commerce only, their constitution waa framed in reference thereto. Yet, since there woh 
 at that time no Government to see to the interests bf a people already existing in the couiitiy, 
 it became necessary for judicial affairs to have recourse to the olHeerH of tlm HudHon 
 Ray Company. Tliis inaugurated that Hj)ecies of government which, Hiiylitly niodiflfd by 
 subsequent circumstances, rided this country up to a recent date. 
 
 Whereas, that Government, thus accepted, was far from auHwering to the wunl.s of the 
 j)eople, and became more and more so, as the poi)ulation increaHcd in numberH, and an thn 
 country waa developed, and commerce extended, until the prcwent day, v.hcn it comnianilK 
 a place amongst the colonies ; and this people, ever actuated by tho above-mentioned 
 principles, had generously supported the aforesaid CJovernnumt, and gave to it a faithful 
 allegiance, when, contrary to the law of nations, in March, 18G9, that .said Covcninient 
 surrendered and transferred to Canada all the rights which it had, or pretended to lu ", 
 in this Territory, by transactions with which the people were coneidered unworthy to to 
 made acquainted. 
 
 Aad, whereas, it is also generally admitted that a people is at liberty to establish 
 any form of government it may consider suited to its wants, as soon as tho power to 
 which it waa subject abandons it, or attempts to subjugate it, without its consent to a foreign 
 jwwer ; and maintain, that no right can be transferred to such foreign power. Now, 
 therefore, first, we, the representatives of the people, in Council assembled in Ujjper Foit 
 Garry, on the 24th day of November, 18G9, after having invoked the God of Nations, 
 relying on these fundamental moral principles, solemnly declare, in the name of our 
 constituents, and in our own names, before God and man, that, from the day on which 
 the Government we had always respected abandoned us, by transferring to a strange power 
 the sacred authority confided to it, the people of Rupert's Land and the North- West 
 became free and exempt from all allegiance to the said Government. Second. That we 
 refuse to recognize the authority of Canada, which pretends to have a right to coerce us, 
 and impose upon us a despotic form of government still moro contrary to our rights ard 
 interests as British siibjects, than was that Government to which we had subjected our- 
 selves, through necessity, up to a recent date. Thirdly. That, V)y sending an expedition 
 on the Ist of November, ult., charged to drive back Mr. William McDougall and his 
 companions, coming in the name of Canada, to rule us Avith the rod of despotism, without 
 previous notification to that effect, we have acted conformably to that sacred right which 
 commands every citizen to offer energetic opposition to prevent this country from being 
 enslaved. Fourth. That we continue, and shall continue, to oppose, with all our strength, 
 the establishing of the Canadian authority in our country, under the announced form ; 
 and, in case of persistence on the part of the Canadian Govemmont to enforce iti obnoxious 
 
j ; m 
 
 100 
 
 {K>lioy upon UH by furcn of ariiiN, wu prutoRi lioforohaml a^uiuNt hiicIi bu unjuit uinl 
 unlawful cotirNo ; p>ul wo ilcclaro (L)^ iai«l <'untHlian (]ovMnimftnt riTjiouHiblo, boi'ure OihI 
 and nu'ii. for ih' iunumi'mlilu eviln wljicL i..-'.y bo niuHml by «<> unwarrantable a uoumo. 
 Ik) it ki< .VII, llioi' 10, tu tho world In git nil, niul to tlii> ' 'anadian (jtovornmimt in 
 |mrticulir, th'it, i have ivlw ayn lierHtofurn ;4iiC(!o««fully <l»'fonded our country in fre<|uont 
 
 waiH with tho t. i-hli(»urin^{ tribcM of IndinitH, who aiu now «)n frioittlly rclationn with uk, 
 wo art! lirnily n'Nolvpd in future, n«)t U-hh thiin in tho piiHt, to rejwl all invaitioiiH from what- 
 •oover (juartcr thty limy coiiu' ; and, fiirlhermoro, \\o do doclaro niid proclaim, in tho 
 namo of tho itoopla of Kuport'u Jianil and thu Morth-WoHt, that we havo, on the iuid 
 24th «liiy of Novembor, 18G9, abovo montiono<], CHtabliahud a Provisional Govornment, 
 uiul hold it to bo tho only and lawful autliority now in cxiHtoncs in Kupcrt'H Land and 
 tho North-WoHt which claimH tho obcdionco and respect of tho people ; tlint, moonwhilu, 
 we hold ourholvoH in roadinoKfi to cuter in Nuch nogociationH with tho ('anadian (Jlovern- 
 meut aH niuy bo fuvourablo for the good govornmont and proHpvrity of thiH people. In 
 Hupport of this declaration, rdyinj.^ on tho protection of Diviiio I'rovidonce, wo mutually 
 pledge ourHolves, on oath, our livcH, «nir fortunco, and our uucred honor, to each other. 
 
 IsKued at Foi t Carry, thin Eightli day of December, in tho yeai' of our Lord One 
 thouatuid eight hundred and Hixty nine. < 
 
 John Bruce, Prea. 
 
 Louis ItiM., Sec. 
 
 (6 F.) 
 
 List of Hiuiits. 
 
 1. That tho people havo tho right to elect their own Loginlaturo. 
 
 2. That the Legislature havo the power to pass nil laws local to the Territory over 
 the veto of tho Executive by a two-thirds vote. 
 
 3. That no A c of the Dominion Parliament (local to tho Territory) bo binding en 
 the people until Kanctionod hy tho Ivegialaturc of tho Territory. 
 
 4. That all SheriflH, Magistrates, Constables, Bchool Commissioners, «fec., be elected 
 by tho peojile. 
 
 5. A free homestead ajid pre-emption land law. 
 
 6. That a portion of tho public laiids lo appropriated to the benefit of Bchools, tho 
 building of bndges, loads, and public buildingB. 
 
 7. That it bo guaranteed to connect Winnipeg by lail with the nearest lin^ of rail- 
 road, within a term of live years ; tho land grant to bo subject to tho Local Legislature. 
 
 8. That, foi* the term of four years, all military, civil, and municipal expenses bo 
 paid out of the Dominion. funds. 
 
 9. That tho military be composed of tho inhabitants now existing in the Territory. 
 
 10. That tho English and French languages be common in tho Logislatu"0 and 
 Courts, and tliat all public documents and Acts of the Legislaluvo bo published in both 
 languages. 
 
 n. That tho Judge of tho Supremo Court spoak the English and French languages. 
 
 12. That treaties be concluded and ratified between the Dominion Government and 
 the several tribes of Indians in the Territory, to ensure peace on tho frontier. 
 
 13. That we have a fair and full representation in tlie Canadian Parliament. 
 
 14. That all privileges, customs, and usages existing at tho time of tho transfer, be 
 respected. 
 
 All the abovo articles Lave been severally discussed and adopted by the French and 
 English Representatives without a dissenting voice, as the conditions upon which the 
 people of Rupert's Land enter into confederation. 
 
 Tho French Representatives then proposed, in order to secure the abovo rights, that 
 a Delegation be appointed and sent to Pembina to see Mr. McDoiignll, and ask him if he 
 could gusirantee these rights by virtue of hia commission ; and, il he could do so, that 
 
toi 
 
 tbon tha Frenoh \mn)U^ woulil juin U> a mun Ut oacort^Mr. McDougalt into hb (}ov«rii- 
 ment Mat. Lul, on thu uuntmry, if Mr. McDougall could not guanintiM luoh righta, 
 thnt th« DolngateN r(>aueat liim to remain whoro hu in, or ruturn, till tb« right* l)« 
 guamiitvoil l>y Act of tuo Canadian Parliamont. 
 
 Tho Knglinh Hnpreanntatives ntfuNsd to an|ioint (hli^gntci to go to Pombina to coniiult 
 with Mr. MoDougall, stnting thcjr had no autliority to do so from thvir cunntituantA, upon 
 which tho Council won diHaolvcd. 
 
 Tho meeting at which the al>OTo roaolutioni wuro adopted, wai hold ut Fort Garry, 
 on WwlnuHday, Doconilio: lut, 18C0, 
 WiMNirMU, December 0th, IBGD. 
 
 )f Bchcols, the 
 
 Lower Fobt Garry, Red River Skttlemrnt, 
 
 December Otli, 1809. 
 
 TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. 
 
 " By certain printed papers, of lato date, put in circulation by the French pai-ty, 
 communication with the Lieutenant Governor is indicated with a view to laying Ijefore 
 him their alleged rights on the part of those now in annH. 1 think that course very 
 desirable, and that it would lead to good rPHults. Under tho beliof tJiat tho party in 
 arma are sincere in their doaire for peace, and feeling that to iibandrn, for the present, tlie 
 call on the loyal to arms, would, in view of such communication, relieve ih(i Hituatiou of 
 much embaranHmont, and so contribute to bring about peace, and Have tho country from 
 what will otherwise end in ruin and desolation ; I now call on an<l order the loyal party 
 in the North-West Teri'itories to cease further action under the ai)penl to arma made by 
 mo, and I call on the French party to satisfy the people of their sincerity in wishing for a 
 peaceful ending of all these troubles, by sending a deputation to the Liout.-Governor, at 
 Pembina, without unnecessary delay. Given under my Iiand, ut the Lower Fort Gany, 
 this 0th day of Deeembor 1869. " 
 
 J. S. Dennis, , 
 
 » ] iieutenant and Conservator of the Peace, 
 
 In and for the North West Territories. 
 
 St. Paul, January Ist, 1870. 
 The Hon. Joteph Howe, Secretary of State, die, Ottawa. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, while on my way to tliis place, 
 from Pembina, of your despatches 'of the following dates and numbers respectively : — 
 
 Ist. (No. 1602), of December 2hd, enclosing a copy of memorandum of the Auditor- 
 General, approred by the Treasury Board, on the subject of Financial arrangements 
 respecting the North- West Territorieg. 
 
 2nd. (No. 1611), of the 7th December, acknowledging receipt of mine of the 20th 
 November. 
 
 3rd. (No. 1608), of the 7th December, enclosing duplicates of your des])atches of the 
 19th and 20th November, announcing the mission of Father Thibault and Colonel de 
 
101 
 
 Salaberry, and that they wei*e beavers of a Proclamation by His Excellency Sir John 
 Young ; enclosing Orders in Council on the subject of Customs' Duties, and authorising 
 me to make certain assurances to the people of the North-West. 
 
 4th. (No. 1612), of the 8th December, enclosing the original Proclamation referred to 
 in Despatch of 7th December. 
 
 6th, (No. 1618), of the 10th December, calling my attention to the exposed position 
 of Government arms, and supposed, by you, to be stored at Georgetown. 
 
 6th. (No. 1617), of the 10th December, announcing the appointment of Donald A. 
 Smith, Esq., as Government Commissioner, and enclosing a copy of his instructions. 
 
 7th. (No. 1620), of the 11th December, authorising mo to contradict certain state- 
 ments alleged to have been mode by you while at Fort Garry. 
 
 8th. (No. 1635), of 15th December, acknowledging mine . of the 25th November, 
 covering a confidential report to me by Major J. Wallace, and a copy of my letter to 
 General Hunt, with respect to the removal, to Fort Abercrombio, of the arms, <fec., stored 
 at Georgetown. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 W. McDquoALL. 
 
 Depautment of the Sechetary of State foe the Provinces. 
 
 24th January, 1870. 
 The Hon. William McDougall, C. B. 
 
 Sir, — In your Official Report from Pembina, under date tlio 29th November last 
 (No. 1089), you mention your having " prepared a Proclamation, to be issued on the first 
 day of December, " in reference to the transfer of the Nortli-West Territories to Canada. 
 In a subsequent letter (No. 1108), dated the 2nd December last, you report having given 
 copies of this Proclamation in English and French to Colonel Dennis, to take with him to 
 Fort Garry. It is also stated in the last mentioned letter, that you had commissioned 
 Colonel Dennis to act as your " lieutenant, " and as a " Conservator of the Public Peace," 
 but that you deemed it prudent not to forward, at that moment, a Copy of the 
 Commission. 
 
 As, up to the present moment, I have not received a copy of cither the Proclamation 
 or the Commission above referred to, may I request that you will have the goodness to 
 furnish me with copies of both of those documents, with a view to their bc/ng added to 
 your other communications in relation to the North- West Territories. 
 
 I have, (fcc, &o., 
 
 Joseph Howe. 
 
 Ottawa, 29th January, 1870. 
 lion. J. Howe, Secretary of State for the Provinces, dx. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, while at Toronto, of yoxir letter of 
 the 2 1th instant, irforming me that you had not, up to that date, i-eceived copies of two 
 documents — a Prov,. iiation and a Commission — referred to in my Official Reports from 
 Pembina, of the 29th November, and of the 2nd December last, and requesting me to 
 furnish you with copi«s of these documents. 
 
 Until I received your letter, I was under the impression that you had received 
 piinted copies of both the papers referred to, and, as they had appeared in Canadian as 
 well as American newspapers, before I left Pembina, it clid not occur to me that written 
 copies would be deemed necessary. 
 
 I have now the honour, in acoordance with your request, to enclose a copy of the 
 Proclamation (A 9), and also a copy of the Commission to Colonel Dennis (B 9). 
 
 I have the honour to be. Sir, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Wm. McDougall. 
 
103 
 
 ion referred to 
 posed position 
 
 )tJOALL. 
 
 [A. 9] 
 
 Victoria, by the Grace of God, of tho United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, 
 Queen, Defender of tho Faith, Ac, «kc., &o. 
 
 William McDouoall. 
 
 To all whom it may concern, — Greeting : 
 
 [L. S.] 
 
 PROCLAMATION. 
 
 Wlicreae, hy " Tho British Noiali America Act. 18G7, " it was (amongst other 
 things) enacted, that it should bo lawful for Her Majesty, by and with the advice af Her 
 I^ffTJcsty's Most Honorable Privy Council, on Adth-ess from the Houses of the Parliament 
 of Canada, to admit Ilui)ert*3 Land and the North- Western Territory, or either of them, 
 into the Union or Dominion of Canada, on such terms and conditions as are in the Address 
 expressed, and as Her Majesty thinks fit to approve. 
 
 And, whereas, {or the purpose of carrying into effect, the said provisions of " The 
 British North America Act, 1807," "The Rupert's Land Act, 1868, " enacted and 
 declared, that it should be competent for " tho Governor and Company of Adventurers of 
 England trading into Hudson's Bay, " to surrender to Her Majesty, and for Her Majesty, 
 by any instrument under Her sign manual, and signet, to accept a surrender of all, or 
 any of the lands, territories, powers, and authorities, whatsoever, gianted, or purported to 
 be granted, by certain Letters Patent of His Late Majesty A'?«(7 C/<flr/e« the Second to 
 the said Governor and Company within ltvj)ert's Land, upon sucli teims and conditions 
 as should be 'agreed upon, by and between Her Majesty, and the said Governor and Company. 
 
 And, Whereas, by "The Rupert's Land Act 1868, it is further enacted, that from the 
 date of the admission of Rupert's I^and into the Dominion of Canada, as aforesaid, it 
 shall be lawful for the Parliament of Canada to make, ordain, and establish, within the 
 said land and territory so admitted, as aforesaid, all such laws, institutions and ordinances, 
 and to constitute such courte and officers as may be necessary for the peace, order, and good 
 government of Hor Majesty's subjects, and others therein ; 
 
 And, xdierea; it is further provided by the said Act, that until oiherwise enacted by 
 the said Parliament of Canada, all the powers, authorities, and jurisdiction, of the several 
 courts of justice, now established in Rupert's Land, and of the i-everal officers thereof, and 
 of all magistrates and justices, now acting within the said limits, shall continue in full 
 forc« and effect tlierein ; 
 
 And, whereas, the said Governor and Comp'iry have suiTendered to Her Majesty, and 
 Her Majesty has accepted a surrender of alJ i ro iijnds, territories, rights, privileges, 
 liberties, franchises, powei-s and authorities g;-; nte<!, c • purpoi"ted to be granted, by the 
 sfiu Letters Patent, \ipon certain terms and coi. ,'itions; igreed upon by and between Her 
 Majesty, and the said Governor and Company 
 
 And, whereas. Her Majesty, by and v,'ith the advice of Her Majesty's most 
 Honorable Privy Council, and on an Address from both the Houses of the Parliament 
 of Canada, in pursuance of the one hundred and forty-sixth section of " Tfce British 
 North America Act, 1809, " hath declared that Rupert's Land and the North- Western 
 Territory, shall, from tho ^rs< c/«y of December, in the year of Our Lord one thousand 
 eight hundred and sixty-nine, be admitted into, and become part of the Dominion ^ of 
 Canada, upon the terms and conditions exprepsed in the said Address, of which Her 
 Majesty has approved, and Jiupert's Land, and the said I/^orth-Westem Territory, are 
 admitted into the Union, and have become part of the Dominion of Canada accordingly ; 
 
 And, whereas, tho Parliament of Canada, by an Act intituled ; " An Act lor the 
 Temporary Government of Rupert's Land and the North- Western Territory, when 
 united with Canada, " enacted that it should be lawful for the Govemc , by any order, or 
 orderS) to be by him, from time to time, made with the advice of the Privy Council (and 
 
 '1 
 
 
 »> 
 
ii-r 
 
 iii,'!- 
 
 104 
 
 subject to such conditions and restrictions as to him should seem meet), to authorize and 
 empower such officer as he may, from time to time, appoint, as Lieutenant-Qovemor of the 
 North- West Territories, to make provision for the administration of justice therein, and 
 generally to make, ordain, and establish all such laws, and institutions and ordinances as 
 may be necessary for the peace, order and good government of Her Majesty's subjects, 
 and others therein. 
 
 Now know Ye, that we have seen fit, by Our Boyal Letters Patent, bearing date the 
 twenty-nine day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 
 sixty-nine, to] appoint the Honorable William McDougall, of the City of Ottawa, in the 
 Province of Ontario, in Our Dominion of Canada, and Member of Privy Council for 
 Canada, and Companion of Our Most Honorable Order of the Bath, on, from, and after 
 the day to be named by Ua, for the admission of Rupert's Land and the North Western 
 Territory, aforesaid, into the Union or Dominion of Camada, to wit ; or from and after 
 the first day of December, in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 
 sixty-nine, to be, during our pleasiire, the Lieutenant Governor of the North-West Ter- 
 ritories ; 
 
 And we did thereby authorize, and empower, and require and command him, in due 
 manner, to Do and Execute, in all things that shall belong to his said command, and the 
 Trust we have reposed in him, according to the several provisions and instructions granted, 
 or appointed him, by virtue of our said Commission, and the Act of the Parliament of 
 Canada herein before recited, and according to such instructions as have been, or may, 
 from time to time, be given to him, and to such La^ s as are or shall be enforced within 
 the North-West Territories. 
 
 Of all which ou" Loving Subjects of Our Territories, and all others, whom these 
 Presents may concern, are hereby required to take notice, and govern themselves accor- 
 dingly. 
 
 In Testimony Whereof, we have caused these, Our Letters, to be made Patent, and 
 the Great Seal of Our North-West Territories to be hereunto aflixed : Witn(}ss 
 ' Our Trusty and Well Beloved, The Honorable William McDougall, Member 
 
 of Our Privy Council for Canada, and Companion of Our Most Honorable 
 Order of the Bath, Lieutenant Governor of Our North-West Territories, &c., 
 he, kc, At the Red River, in our aforesaid North-West Territories, this firat 
 day of December, in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 
 sixty-nine, and in the thirty-third year of Her Reign. 
 
 By command. 
 
 J. A. N. Pbovencheb, 
 
 Secretaiy. 
 
 [" B 9. "] 
 
 The North-West Territorit^s. 
 [L. S.] 
 
 By His Excellency the Honorable William McDougall, a Member ©f Her Majesty's 
 Privy Council for Canada, and Companion of the Most Honorable Order of the 
 Bath, Lieutenant-Governor of the North-West Territories. 
 
 - « 
 
 To John Stoughton Dennis, Esq., Lieutenant-Colonel Military Staff, Canada, 
 
 Greettino : 
 
 ■i:* 
 
 Whereas, large bodies of armed men have unlawfully assembled on tho high road, 
 between Fort Garry and Pembina, in the Colony or District of Assinniboine, and have, 
 with force and aims, arrested, and held as prisoners, numerous private and official persons, 
 and preventing them from proceeding on their lawful journey and business, and have 
 
106 
 
 oommitted other acts of lawless violence, in contempt and defiance of the magistrates 
 and local authorities ; 
 
 And whereas, William McTavish, Esq.jGoveraorof Assinniboine, did on the sixteenth 
 day of November la-Jt, publish and make known to these aimed men, and allotleiF, whom 
 it might concern, that the lawless acts aforesaid, and which were particularly sot forth in 
 his Proclamation, were, " contrary to the romontrances and protests of the public autho- 
 rities, " and did therein himself protest against each and ull, of the said unlawful nets and 
 intents, and charged and commanded the said armed persons to immodiately disperse 
 themselves, and peaceably to depart to their habitations or lawful business under the 
 pains and penalties of the law ; 
 
 And, whereas, since the issue of the said protest or Proclaraaticn, certain of the 
 armed men aforesaid, have taken possession of the public records and papeis at Fcrt 
 Garry, and have seized and held as prisoners, the public officers or pei-sons having charge 
 of the same, and, as I am creditably informed, atil' keep unlawful possession of the said 
 records and public property, and with force au' • arms continue to obstruct public ofHters, 
 and others, in the performance of their lawful duty and business, to the great terroi-, loss, 
 and injury of Her Majesty's peaceful subject.s, luul in contempt of Her Royal authority ; 
 And, whereas, Her Majesty, by liCtters Patent, under the Great Seal of the Dominion 
 of Canada, bearing date the twenty-ninth day of Septenibor, in the year of our Lord one 
 thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, has been gi-aciousely pleased to appoint me to be, 
 from and after the first day of December instant. Lieutenant Governor of the North-West 
 Territories, and did authorize and command mo to do and execute all things in due maiuier 
 that should belong to my said command. 
 
 Know You, that reposing trust and confidence in your courage, loyalty, fidelity, 
 discretion, and ability, and under, and in virtue of the authority iu me vested, I have 
 nominated and appointed, and, by tl ese presents, do nominate and appoint you, the said 
 John Stoughton Dennis, to be my Lieutenant and a Conservator of the Peace in and 
 for the North- West Territories, and do hereby authorize and erajiow^r you as such to 
 raise, organize, arm, equip and provision, a suffir-ient force within the said Territories, and 
 with the said force, to attack, arrest, disn: in, or disperse the said armed men so unlawfully 
 assembled and disturbing the public poace ; and for that purpose, and w' h the force 
 aforesaid, to assault, fire upon, pull down, or break into any fort, house, stronghold, or 
 other place in which the said armed men may be found ; and I hereby authorize you, as 
 such Lieutenant and Conservator of the Peace, to hire, puichase, impress, and take all 
 necessary clothing, arms, ammunition, and supplies, and all cattle, hoises, wagons, sleighs, 
 or other vehicles, which may be required for the use of the force to be raised as aforesaid ; 
 and I further authorize you to appoint as many otHcers and deputies under you, and to 
 give them such orders and insti-uctions, from time to time, as may be found necessary for 
 the due performance of the services herein required of you, reporting to me the said 
 appointments, ami orders as you shall find opportunity, for confirmation or otherwise ; 
 and I hereby give you full power aad atithority to call upon all magistrates and peace- 
 officers to aid and assist you, and to order all or any of the inhabitants of the North- 
 West Territories, in the nanr\e of Her Majesty the Queen, to support and assist you in 
 protecting the lives and properties of Her Mn,jesty's loyal subjects, and in preserving the 
 public peace, and for that purpose, to seize, disperse, or overcome by force, the said armed 
 men, and all others, who may be found aiding or abetting them in their unlawful acts. 
 
 And the said persons so called upon in Her Majesty's name, are hereby ordei'ed and 
 enjoined, at theii- peril, to obey your orders and directions in that behalf ; and this shall 
 be sufficient warrant for what you or they do in the premises, so long as this Commission 
 remains in force. 
 
 Given under my hand and seal at arms, at Red River, in the said Territories, this the first 
 day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, 
 and in the thirty-third year of Her Reign. 
 By Command. William McDouoiXL. 
 
 J. A. N. Froveitcheb, Secretary. 
 
 ^'i 
 
 
u 
 
 I i. 
 
 N 
 
 V 
 
 106 
 
 DaPABTlIENT OF SECRBTAnV OP SXATE FOR THE PBOVIIiCES 
 
 Ottawa, February 8th, 1870. 
 
 T/ie Uonorabh Wvi. McDougall, Hag., C.B, 
 
 Ottawa. 
 
 Sir, — T hava t!i9 hoaor to acknowlodge the raceipt of your letters, under date Hth, 
 20bh, aiiJ 2Duli ult., tlis lirab coveriri'j a copy of a letter addressed by you to Mr. Joseph 
 Monkniau, rjlatlva to the Indian Bands in the vicinity of the Lake of the Woods ; the 
 seooad cjvorln; report from Colonel Dannia and other papers ; and the third covering 
 copies of the Proclamation and Commission referred to in my letter of the 24th ult. 
 
 I have, iic, 
 
 Joseph Howe. 
 
 Ottawa, January 20th, 1870. 
 The Honorable the. Secretary of State for the Provinces, «&c., Jcc, <6c. 
 
 Sir, — I h we the honor to transmit, lierewith, the report of Colonel Dennis (A. 8), 
 detailing his pvuceedinga in tha Red River Settlement, from the lat to the 10tJ> 
 D>3C3m'jer, uii.lor iaTtriifition** from ma, which I supposed I had authority, under my com- 
 mission, to issue. Thb copies of the papers referred to in this report did not reach mo 
 until ye^tarday, in co;i^eq[U3noe of the illness of Colonel Dennis, from an injury ho received 
 on his journey from Pembina. 
 
 I have also raseived, and harewith enclose (B. 8), Colonel Dennis's final report, 
 detailing the arrangements he made for the storing and disposing of the supplies, «fec., 
 coUectad at Sfcona Fort, and his visit to the Sioux, who wore said to be making prepara- 
 tions for war on their own account, 
 
 I have the honor to be, Sii, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 "Wm. McDouaALt. 
 
 [A. 8.] 
 
 Record of Proceedinja under CommUaion from Lieutenant-Governor' McDougall, dated 
 lat December, 1869. 
 
 Wednesday, December 1st. 
 
 Arrived at Mr. William Hallett's on the Assinniboine, at 5 o'clock a.m. Sent 
 messengera for Mr. James McKay, and Mr. Robert Tait, with whom and Mr. Hallett, 
 discussed the pi-esant situation of affairs in the Settlement. Read them the Proclamation 
 of 1st December, and my Commission, explained to them that my orders from Mr. 
 McDougall were to ascertain the state of feeling, at the present time, among the loyal 
 people, and should it be found such as to warrant the belief, that an appeal, with the view 
 of organising a foi'ce to put down the malcont -^s, wou'd be responded to in such a manner 
 as to leave little or no doubt of a favorable issue. I was to make such an appeal, 
 organise a force and put down the outbreak ; on the other hand, should there be any 
 doubt in mind as to the result, I was not to make any call, but return to Pembina, and 
 report accordingly. 
 
 Laarned that the English-apaaking delegates, were to attend a meeting of the French 
 Council, called for to-day. to make known the result of a i*eference to the several parishes 
 of the French proposition to form a Provincial Government. It was said this result 
 would show a majority of some hundreds over the party. Mr. Tait said he intended 
 being present at the meeting, and I gave him a copy of the Proclamation, with the under- 
 standing that he would have it read on the occasion. 
 
 Mr. Hallett was decided in his opinion, that tha English speaking people would now 
 •agerly turn out to put down the emeuU. The other two gentlemen »greed with hin, 
 
107 
 
 lEPH HOWB. 
 
 cDougaU, dated 
 
 that tht p3iple wera mt dUpiia I to tolonti any lon-jfsr ths rule of that party, but feared 
 tho ron.ilb of aa/ appiU to ariin waul I b) cjrtain ruin to man of projot'ty, whoso crops, 
 sfcoj'.c, tliJ., th3 bVaish wjiiUl b) surj to 'lantroy. Thay almitfei at tho samo time, that 
 th3ro wjuld b3 no othor coursa opjn if thrt Fronsh insiatud upon establishing their 
 Provisional Government. 
 
 Th3 int3rview at Mr. Halletfc'a over, Mr. Tait drove mo down to tho town of 
 Winnipeg. 
 
 I fj.ialDr. Sjh'iltj, ail tli3 rait of tho loyal party in tho villaT[e, in a condition of 
 much anxioty in ragirJ to the immaliata future. Tha French party had a day or two 
 p'.'3vio'.nIy points I two si.K-poanhr g;in< on Dr. Sjh'.-itz's house, and the men stood with 
 part-.'iroi lib, rjvdy to firo inVo hii proininos, in consoquenca of tho Dootor'a refusal to 
 hanlovarto Ri-srs porioiiion tho provi?ion=? in his charge, belonging to the C.inadian 
 Government. Kiel, howavar, thougiit bettor of it, and finding the Doctor was not to be 
 intimidated, withdrew the guns. 
 
 Pa'olio fjtjling wai iu a vary oxcltod stat3. .Both the printing olHses had been seized 
 and ware in pjiioi^ion cf Rid's porty. Mr. Grant, howaver, of my olfico, aided by a 
 number of oth^r Citialian gantlamjo, made a lob of mvnusaript copies, (of what) which 
 ware distribute I during th) aftir.xoon an I evening, soma being de3i)atched to Prairie 
 Portaga, a'ld others posted up in tho town of Winnipeg. 
 
 Called oa tlia Bishop, Arch loaoon McLoan, Mr. Jamss Ross, Rov. Mr. Black, 
 Judge Black, and others in tho liowjr Sottlemont. Mr. Rose, and tho Rov. Mr. Black, 
 of Killdonan, ware not in when I called, nor did I see Judge Black, "'i ■ was up at 
 Fort Garry. Ilearnad that Major Boulton of Mr. Hart's surveying staff, -...s been in com- 
 munication with thes3 gentle/uen ; that man had been enrolled and had commenced to 
 drill at several places in the settlement. 
 
 Both these gantlomant had previously given proof of a strong desire to assist in 
 bringing in and and establishing the Government, their opinion agreeing with those pre- 
 viously expressed, and furthermore, having had the assurance from Mr. William Dease, who 
 reprasentad tho loyal Fren:3h, ab whose house I spent a couple of hours last evening, on 
 my way to Fort Garry, that over ninety men of that pai-ty could be relied on to fight 
 alongside of the loyal English an J Saotoh for tho establishment of order. I coticlued it 
 to ba aduby ui l3r mycom'nisiionto make the call, satisfied that tharo was every prospect 
 t!iat it would ba goaarally raspjndod to. I may say here that in answer to my question, 
 M. Djis3 informed mi that ha did not think the reliable man in Riel'a party would 
 exceed three hundred in number. 
 
 Undar the convictio i that the Insurgents would seize upon the Stone Fort, so soon 
 a3 my arrival in tha settlement and the nature of my orders became known, I proceeded 
 on to that point, arriving about six o'clock p. m. A guard was raised for the night through 
 the exertion of the clergyman last namad, together with a few other loyal people, who sent 
 moHsangsrs through this part of the sebtlemojit. The locality, considering the short notice, 
 turned out very well, the parish of St. Peter's particularly, in which the people consist for 
 the most part of .civilized and Christianized Indians, under the Revs. Archdeacon Cowley, 
 and Mr. Ooahrane, and who acknowledge Henry Prince as their Chief, were prompt 
 in responding. By the mornmg there were about 120 men in the Fort, a majority of 
 whom came from below. A number of young men, some forty in all, had been in the 
 habit for several days back of ass ambling for drill, in one of the Cjmpi^ny's Stores here, 
 the drill instructor being Mr. Wm. Durie, a military school cadet, also of Mr. Hart's 
 surveying party, who had been working in this part of the settlement. These men also 
 had remiinetl in tha Fort for the night. I read tlie Proclamation, having assembled those 
 in tha Fort for tha purposa, wliich was well received, and also explained the object of tho 
 present call upon tham, and desirad that they should make the same know as widely as 
 possible. 
 
 Thursday, 2nd December. 
 I find that many of the men are deficient of arms, and those who have arms have 
 
 
1^ 
 
 
 m 
 
 lot 
 
 only tho trading gun. ITave Ront requisitions to whatever points I have reason to 
 believe arms nro to be obtained, 1 ut nnticipatcU tlint beforo suiHcient can bo hod, will have 
 to send from house to house through the settlement. 
 
 Despatched a messenger to Mr. Hart and party to ceaso surveying operations, and 
 join mo to assist in organizing. Kfported my arrival and occupation of the Stone Fort 
 to Governor McTavish, mentioning the object of such occupation, nrd enclosing him also 
 a copy of my commission. Communication with tho officer named is witli much difficulty 
 eflccted, as nolettcvs are permitted, if known, to pass in or out of Fort Garry. 
 
 Sent for Major Boulton, who luw been very active lately, assisting the people to 
 orgar.ize, and gave him definite instruction as to enrolment. With his aid, together 
 with that of M. Inkstor for St. John's, Mr. Gardiner for St. Andrew, Mr. Bunn for 
 Mui)loton and St. Peter, divided the pari-shes into company distiicts, fixing the central 
 points in each for meeting to drill. 
 
 Some twenty-one Canadians reported themselves in a body from the town of 
 Winnipeg this evening, and enrolled their names. They tell me the Canadians in the 
 town niunl;er about tliirty, and are all anxious to serve. I have, therefore, iubtructed 
 Dr. Lynch, a military school cadet, to enrol a comjjany in Winnipeg, to be made up of 
 Canadians and other men in the vicinity. As tho Canadians are all, more or less, 
 acquainted with diill, I directed Dr. Lynch simply to organize, and then let the men 
 remain quietly in their usual lodgings until further orders. Their presence there in that 
 way, having fully instructod them to avoid being any cause of oJence to the Fr9nch, it 
 seamed to m3 could bo no cause of irritation, and the knowledge that they were there, 
 might tend to prevent any outrage on person or property of loyal jieople in the town. 
 Tho enrolment hero I placed under Mr. William Dwiro, and charged Mr. A. N. Muckle, 
 military school cad?t, with that duty in the upper part of St. Andrews, and the north end 
 of St. Paul's. Kildonan and the south end of St. Paul's 1 entrusted to Mr. Cowland, 
 an English volunteer officer. 
 
 Judge Black wis with me for several hours during the day. 
 
 Sent Captain Webb, a Canadian volunteer officer and M. S. C, who was surveying 
 up tho Asiinniboine, full instruction to cease surveying, and with the staff of his party, 
 who are all ca lets, proc33d to Prairie Portage, and organize a force of four companies 
 there. When organized, equipped, and provisioned, to advise mt, express, and await 
 orders, drilling industriously in the meantime. 
 
 Assembled Chief " Prince's " men in the Fort to-day. The Proclamation was 
 read and explained to tho men in Indian ; it was also read in the English, many of 
 the men having a fair understanding of that language, after which I explained, as 
 interpreted by '•' * * , the manner in which the country had become connected with 
 Canada, and the object of the incoming government. They all seemed loyally disposed, 
 cheering heartily for the Queen, and those of them who had guns, firing them off with 
 evident enthusiasm. 
 
 Knowing the views of the Lieutenant Governor to be opposed to the emplojnment, 
 at tho present time, of the Indians in putting down the insurgents, and such being my 
 own fselings also, while at the same time it would not be politic to dampen, the 
 dawning loyalty of thess men by refusing their services entirely, I made the Chief select 
 fifty of his best men to come into the Fort as a guard. I have explained to him that 
 neither ho nor his men will be called upon to fight, excepting in case the Fort is 
 attacked, and as he is an intelligent man, I made him acquainted with the reasons. 
 He expressad himself as psrfectly satisfied, and left me with his pride evidently 
 gratified by being entrusted with the service. The rest of his men I paid and sent 
 home, having thanked them in the name of the Government for their promptness in 
 turning out. 
 
 Wrot3 to the Lieutenant Governor, (see letter to him of this date.) Mr. Dease and 
 Dr. Schults were with me during the evening. Mr. Dease still sanguine as to the stand 
 which will be taken by the loyal French. 
 
 The printing presses in the Town remaining in the armed custody of the French, sent 
 
lOf 
 
 Mr. Laurie, a praotioal-prlntar, up to Winnipog for a rnnaU hand preas and type lent hj 
 Dr. Schultz. 
 
 n'ess, and await 
 
 Fbidat, December 3rd. 
 
 Mads in^p?3tton of tho Fort, invastl^atiag contonts of magazine, ibs., orderad romoval 
 of aom3 large Hu hon B.iy boats which had boan Uid up for wintar, clo33 to the outiido of 
 the Fort walls. Directad bastions to be clearad out, made working dr.iwinga of (T sled for 
 mounting a brass six pounder gun, found in a corner of one of the stores. Gave orders for 
 this sled to be built by Mr. Avel, the Company's engineer at Lower Fort. 
 
 The return of men enrolled in the 83vei-al PaiUhe.s, giving a satisfactory assurance 
 that the requisite force would be raisad. I gave orders for the delivery of beef and other 
 supplies to be stored in the Fort. 
 
 Mr. Hart, P. L. S.,an excellent man of business, was appointed quartermaster and 
 entered at once upon his duties, The hand printing nress having arrived this morning, 
 Mr. Laurie set up and printed the Proclamation, a number of which were at once distiibuted 
 through the Settlemnt. 
 
 There would appear to have been a good deal of excitement in the Town of Winnipeg 
 last night, judging from a note received from Dr. Shultz, in which he states that his 
 premises were entered about midnight by Kiel with twenty -four men, but having delayed 
 a few hours at Mr. John Tait's on his way up, he thus escaped being made prisoner. He 
 Ktates also that search was made throughout the Town for Dr. Bown, but Bown had 
 escaped, and was in hiding, where, no one apj)eared to know. 
 
 About the middle of the day Dr. Bown arrived in company with Mr. Stuart Mulkins, 
 of my office, in a room over which he (Bown) had been concealed during la«t night, and 
 had escaped detection, although the premises had beeu searched by Riel and his party. 
 
 Wrote Dr. Schultz, that the Canadians in Winnipeg w«re to keep perfectly quiet, 
 and remain in their .lodgings, and not to invite, either by word or by deed, any attack from 
 the Franch, to b3arev8n insult without resenting it — not to fire upon any of the Insurgents 
 without baing first firel upon. I raprisented to him that a collision, at present, would, in 
 coasaquea.'d of our not bain^ fully prepared, possibly result diaadvantageously. 
 
 Wrote Governor McTavish, asking orders to receive such arms as were at tho 
 following Posts of the Company, viz : — 1st. Port Alexander ; 2nd. White Horse Plains ; 
 3rd. Prairie Portage ; 4th. Oak Point, Manitoubah. In the evening received his reply, 
 marked "B." 
 
 Resaived the numerous calls from people in the settlement, expressing a strong desire 
 to co-opsrata im putting down the French now in Fort Garry. 
 
 Learning that Mr. Bjyd, of Bo/d and Inkster, had a large supply of powder, a lot of 
 arms, stock of blankets, and a considerable quantity of beef, sent an order for them, and 
 they arrived during the day. The guns were at once disiributed among the men who 
 were defioient in arms. I also made it known that where ever there were any spare arms, 
 I wished them sant to the Fort for the use of the Government. 
 
 Ill 
 
 i^ 
 
 •"I 
 
 Satubday, December 4tb. 
 
 i"?i 
 
 he French, sent 
 
 Received a note from Dr. Schultz this morning, in which he states that a number of 
 the enrolled Canadians and others collected at his house, Hst evening ; it is presumed, on 
 his request, anticipiting a possible attack on his property, and the Government provisions 
 in his charge; that, in the course of the night, bodies of men of the French party 
 repeatedly made their appearance around the outside of his house and premises, evidently 
 inviting attack from the party inside. That they repeatedly adjourned for liquor to 
 O'Lone's Saloon ; that they were there harangued by Riel, — finally that the came to tho 
 front of his house, went through various manoeuvres, detaching parties to the rear, &c., and 
 then went off to the Fort, leaving the Dr. and his party, between one and two o'clock a. m., 
 unmolested. 
 
 in 
 
I ii 
 
 lit 
 
 From the ooourreucen of last ni^^ht it in evident to me, that a very oritimi oandition 
 of aflfuirs exitttfl at \Vinnii>eg. A single shot which may bo fired by either party would 
 precipitate possible deploral/le rssults. As yet, the forco I am organizing is not nor will 
 it be probably in a condition to justify a colUiiion for ten or twelvu days. I shall, therefore, 
 give orders to the Canadians to withdmw from Winnipeg, and with that view huvo written 
 to order — a copy of which is marked "A 1." Wrote also instructions to Major Boulton 
 on this subject, marked " A 2." Wrote also Dr. Schultz to same effoct (sea copy marked 
 " A 3," 
 
 Towards evening, Mr. Jnnies MoKny, and Mr. Nolin, a P"ench half-breed, arrived, 
 bringing a copy of tho French List of Rights — the first I had sjen — and stating that 
 their object was, as individuUs, anxious to S39 pjaco restored, to ascertain how far I could 
 put them in a position to as.suro the French party that these rights would bo granted by 
 Mr. McDougnll. 
 
 I explained to them that I coul I give no assurance whatever, — that I could only say 
 thit soiu) of thoi3 "Right?," as th3y wore cdlel, I had re.ism ti boli»«v3 it was the 
 Gjvernar's intanbion tJ h.wa omboJiaJ in his p)lio/, but that othara of tham could not, in 
 my opinion, be allowed. 
 
 Mr. McKay begged thai the ord3r to arm, on tho part of th3 rest of the Sattlement, 
 should l>e delayed further, as his belief still was that matters could be settled amicably, 
 and represented, in strong language, the outragas that would ensue, owing to the savage 
 and revengeful instincts of these men, in casa of hostilities. He ex)ir<3ssed the opinion 
 that if blood ware shed ii th? Sattlemant, Mr. McDougall, aud hi? faniily, at Pembina, 
 would ba murdarad, and, further, that even, at the present time, my own life was in danger 
 from assassination, and cautioned me from what hod come to his knowledge, to be very 
 careful in my movements outside the Fort. 
 
 With regard to the prospect of a peaceful settlement, he said he was convinced that 
 even now, if the French party could be satisfied that Mr. McDougall actually held a 
 parchment commission under the Great Seal, and that he had been duly sworn into office 
 as Lieutenant Governor, they would no longer oppose his entrance. 
 
 I then gave Mr. McKay the memoi'andum marked " A 4," and ho and Mr. Nolin left 
 the Fort, sanguine that my proposition might lead to the disbanding of the French. 
 
 Mr. Alexander McKenzie, ox Maplaton Parish, a Scotch half-breeJ, who had fomerly 
 l>een for some years the mister of a Post in the Hudson Bay sarvico, was introduced to 
 me to-day, and expressed his willingness to enrol a company in the parish, and I gave him 
 the requisite authority. 
 
 Received note from Major Boulton, marked " E ; " also another from Dr. Schultz, 
 marked "F." 
 
 Sunday, December 5th. 
 
 Sent up orders for enrolment of a company in St James, also one in Headingly, 
 that for the latter being enclosed to Rev. J. Carrie (see Mr. Carrie's note previously 
 received, mai-ked ** G. " Enclosed, with Mr. Carrie's letter to me, was an address of 
 welcom3 frjm inhabitants of Hig'i Bluff, Assinniboine, to Lieutenant Governor, marked 
 «' G H.") 
 
 Mr. Joseph Marion, French half-breed, of the loyal party, and who had been sent to 
 Prairie Portage with Mr. Farm3r, to post tho Proclam ition, on th? first, arrived during 
 the day. Sent him up to Mr. Dsase's, directing the latter to have his men aim id, and 
 await ordera. 
 
 Reoeivdd a sesond letter from Major Boulton, marked " I." This oSRcer, and Mr. 
 Snow, called in the evening. Mr. Snow very desirous to have Canadians allowed to 
 remain in Winnipeg, tj guard Government Px'ovisions, «tc. Told him whoever stayed there 
 after the orders Ihad given, assums J the responsibility, thot as representing the Government, 
 I did not desira a guard on the provisions at the risk of its causing a collision at the 
 present tiiLe. 
 
Ill 
 
 i9r, and Mr. 
 
 Monday, December Cth. 
 
 It having bsan roprMontod that Un respon^o would bo mora complete if I would 
 mako a call, and accompany it with oviibncs, that all could s.^o hh to nty authority, I put 
 the sami in typs yasterJay, on tho C. M. B. praii coming to hand, and to-day it wai 
 printed and distributed (soo copy ranlco 1 " K 1.") 
 
 Received letter from Major Uouiton, u8 toHtate of affairs in Winnipeg, marked " K." 
 At onoe wrote and sjnt o'F peremptory order;*, roitaratin^ thosn of the 4th inst., for the 
 Canadians to leave the town (hoo copy marked " K 2.") 
 
 Wrote Mr. Jamja Rosh, in raply to his note (cjpy markad "K 1.") lleply marked 
 "K 3." 
 
 Understanding that Mr. Grant, of Sturgeon Creek, had a small howitzer, wrote him, 
 sending a messenger for it. 
 
 Judge Black was with mo for an hoiir or two to-day. Mr. Sutherland, a Member of 
 the Council of the colony, and an Officer of the Kildoiian Compaiiy, with Mr. MoBeth, 
 called also. Mr. Sutherland Heemed strongly of oi>inion that, if 1 would meet the French 
 Council, il; miglit result in their sotiding a delegation to the Tjieutenani (Governor. I 
 *:wpro8»cd my willingness to do ho. and ho left witli tho undpr«taniling ihtit he wna to sc«* 
 tho French Leadow to-morrow morning, aad, if po«!iibli% ariaugn for a inuotiiiv'. 
 
 ToESDAY, December 7 th. 
 
 Last evening, a>)0ut eight o'clock, a Mr. Alexander Black and his wife called upon me. 
 
 Mrs. Black had been up to town to consult Dr. Schultz professionally, and hod had 
 much difficulty, so she informed me, in getting into the village, and still more in gettiZt<( 
 access to the Doctor, in consequence of close investment of the pla^e, and particularly of 
 the house of tho ^atter, by the French party. 
 
 She brought a verbal message from Dr. Schultz to me, as he told her he was afraid to 
 tnist a letter, to the effect that some forty Canadians were in a state of siege in his house. 
 That they could not go out either to get food, wood or water, and begged for help. This, 
 it is clear, would not have occurred had, my previous orders, repeatedly given, for the 
 Canadians to leave the town, been obeyed. My force in the Settlement Avas not as yet 
 organized ; and not having heard, so far, from Capt. Webb, I felt that the uriuiu was one 
 involving very grave consequences. 
 
 Thinking, however, on the moral effect of the object I had in view, should the 
 Canadians be captured, it seemed a duty to relieve them, if possible ; and believing, as 
 Mrs. Black said, the French in the town were not more than fifty in number ; that on the 
 appearance of a considerable body of men, coming up from the direction of the Lower 
 Fort, the French guard would fall back on Fort Garry, and so leave time for the besieged 
 party to come out and return with us ; and that the relief could be effected in this way, 
 without necessarily having a collision, I determined on thoifc course. 
 
 About forty men of the company, the head-quarters of which are at Stone Fort, 
 were dialling at the time, and expi^essed their readiness to go, and I then got a sleigh and 
 drove up the Settlement, to gather, if possible, sixty additional volunteers from among the 
 enrolled men, believmg that I should have little or no difficulty in getting that number 
 in St. Andrews. I found, however, that the requisite force would not be forthcoming. 
 Indeed, there appeared to me to be an entire absence of the ardour which existed 
 previously. Soma of the leaduig men in St. Andrews, who are filling the position of 
 officers in the two companies in this parish, viz : — Mr. D. Gunn, Mr. Joseph Macdonald, 
 Mr. Thomas Sinclair, — met me at the Rev. Mr. Gardener's, and it became evident that 
 the project for the relief of the Canadians must fall to the ground. 
 
 I expressed a conviction that soma agency^ was at work wliich had produced a change 
 in the feelings ot the people, and the gentlemen present, agreeing with me, remarked that 
 it might probably be accounted for by the distribution through the parishes, during yester- 
 day, of the French " List of Rights." It w.is stated, that, up to the time of dissemination 
 of this document, no one but themselves knew what tiie demands of tho malcontents were j 
 
 I 
 
 \i'i 
 
 .1 
 
tl) 
 
 ir;i 
 
 and now that they ha.l b3en published, som') of thorn proving run^onablo in their character, 
 and the whole aioompanio J by exproaiions of n willingnoM to send a deputation to Pembina, 
 to treat with the Lioutaiiant (iovornor, it might e isily be conooived that thn efTeot on the 
 rest of the poople would be to make them less joalou.s of French domination, and more 
 hopeful of seeing peace brought about by other laeanH that by u resort to arms. 
 
 Returned to the Fort at 2 a.m., finding a nmsHenger had arrived during my absorce, 
 bringing from the Lioutenunt Governor a Proclamation directing the former ofHcials of the 
 Oolony to continue to dischargfi their sovorul diition as previous to the fu-Ht instant. As 
 the messenger returned at once, I wrote to the LioutenHnt Ouvernor hurriedly in return, 
 giving an account of the changed situation, and the evident effect of the French '* List of 
 Rights," a copy of which, as also a copy of note received from Mr. Jnmos Ross, I enclosed 
 with letter. 
 
 Sent off with at 3 a.m., a verbal message, to be conveyed, if possible, Co the boseiged 
 party, telling them of my inability to relieve them, and that if obliged to surrender, they 
 must ,only get the best terms they could. 
 
 Desiring to investigate further the evident change in the feeling of the people in 
 regard to aggressive mejisures, I drove up to the Rev. Mr. Black's and convened a meeting 
 there of leading men in the Scotch Settlement. There were pre.sent. Judge Black, Rev. 
 Mr. Black, Mr. James Ross, Mr. Bernard Roas, (/hief Factor Hudson's Bay Company, Mr. 
 Sutherland, MemV>er of Council, Messrs. John and William Fraser, also members of 
 Council, and Mr. Poison. 
 
 I speedily J)ecame satisfied that the only condition on which the Scotch people would 
 now arm and drill, would be to act strictly on the defensive ; indeed, I was informed that 
 a public meeting, held in the vicinity, had just broken up, at which delegates were appointed 
 to visit me at the Stone Fort, without delay, to request that agf,ressive measures might 
 for the present be abandoned. This attitude on their part, just at the present time, 
 strengthened the conclusion I had come to, as to the change in sentiment of the people of 
 the Lower Parishes. 
 
 A strong desire was expressed by those present, that I should agree, if the rebels 
 were willing, to meet their council, aud see if communication could be opened up with 
 the Lieutenant Governor, in hopes that it might bring about peace. I explained that 
 Mr. Sutherland was authorized by me last evening to see the leaders of the French 
 party, and arrange for such meeting this morning. Mr. Sutherland said there was so much 
 excitement among them, all in reference to the seizing of Dr. Schultz's house, that he 
 had foxmd it impossible to get an interview with Riel. It was settled then that Mr. 
 Sutherland should arrange Bu(*h a meeting, if possible, to-morrow morning, and, in any 
 case let me know what has oeen done in tliat direction. 
 
 Taken altogether, it appears to me probable that the resoi-t to arms to put down the 
 French party, at the present time must be given up. I shall not, however, discontinue 
 the drill going on in the several parishes, believing that such will not be without good 
 moral effect on probable negotiations. 
 
 While at the meeting at Mr. Black's, the town was represented as being in a state of 
 great excitement, and before I left, news came that the Canadian party had been obliged 
 to surrender, and were taken to Fort Garry as prisoners. 
 
 As regards this unfortunate affair, there was no force with which the party could 
 have been relieved, and the French party being in overpowering numbers, there vraa no 
 alternative brt to surrender : indeed, it was an act of folly there remaining there to be 
 made prisoners of, as I havo reason to believe they could have made their escape a few 
 hours previously, without danger or diflSculty (see Major Boulton's repoi-t on this subject, 
 marked "L"). 
 
 My constant aaxioty, since issuing the first orders on Saturday last, for them to 
 leave the town, has been to get them away quietly, feeling that at any hour, through their 
 indiscretion, the entire object of the Government might have been frustrated. 
 
 A young gentleman, Mr. Mulkins, belonging to one of the surveying parties, and 
 whom I sent up to Fort Garry, during the forenoon, to convey a message in connection 
 
113 
 
 with the bMieged Canadiaiu, I loamcd alio hnd bonn taken prisoner, and confined with 
 Dr. Sohults's party. 
 
 While at Mr. Black's, Mr. Caldwell arrived from the town, bringing a copjr in French 
 of what may be styled a " Declaration of Independence/' and bearing, unmistakably, 
 the mark of American manufacture. Mr. Caldwell said he had been forced to print it, 
 that the French were not satisfied to keep his press from him, but in addition, forced him 
 to work for them, by threats from armod men, who were placed in possession. 
 
 WiDifUDAY, December 8th. 
 
 Beceived a letter from Bishop MoCrae this morning (see Copy marked « N ". Tlds 
 letter evidently corroborated the fact of the change of sentiment among the people. 
 This is (\irther strengthened by the remarks of people who called upon me : these, 
 however, I observe, are few in number compared with those of last week. Tn the course 
 of the day received another letter from the Bishop marked " 0," in which his Lordsliip in 
 joined by Archdeacon McLean, in begging that no aggressive measures may be taken. 
 
 It is unnecessary to say that measures of this character are out of tlie question, as 
 people evidently will not sustain them at present. 
 
 Printed and distributed the Lieutenant Oovernnor's Proclamation, confirming the 
 former officials in office. 
 
 Have heard nothing as yet from Mr. Sutherland, regarding prospect of a meeting 
 with the French Council. 
 
 Thursdat, December 9th. 
 
 Having become convinced that it Is useless longer to entertain any expectation 
 of being enabled to get a reliable forco with which to put down the party in arms, 
 decided to abandon the call upon the English speaking people, and take advantage of 
 the disposition of the French, as expressed by them, to send delegates to Lieutenant 
 Governor, and so withdraw from a situation which the change in sentiment during the last 
 few days has rendered a false one. I, therefore, this morning issued a notification marked 
 " P," sending a manuscript copy, early in the day, to Mr. Bannatyne, at Winnnipeg, with 
 a note (see copy marked " K 6,") asking him to lay it before the French Council. 
 
 Shall retain chief " Prince" and his fifty men to guard the Fort for a few days, until 
 CTcnts further develope themselves. 
 
 In course of day received copy of French Declaration of Independence, marked " R."* 
 Received this evening Joseph Marion's letter containing message from Mr. Dease, marked " S," 
 by it, the French party, it will be seen, have also determined to act only on the defensive. 
 
 Gave orders to cease drill and stop the receipt of any further supplies. 
 
 Gave Major Boulton orders to go to Prairie Portage and stop the drilling there; ilso to 
 convene a council of the Indians in that neighborhood, particularly the Sioux, who, I have 
 been informed, are disposed to anticipate a call from the Government by making war on the 
 French party, and tell them to be quiet. 
 
 No communication has, as yet, reached me firom Captain Webb, and the only conclusion 
 I can arrive at is, that his message has been intercepted. 
 
 Fbiday, December 10th. 
 
 Two of the chief warriors of Henry " Prince's" Band, were introduced by him to-day. 
 There were the usual protestations of loyalty to the Queen, and readiness to fight her enemies. 
 These men live up on the Red River, in the disaffected districts, and say that their families are 
 in fear of the French half-breeds. 
 
 To do the Indians justice, they will, I believe, be found loyal to the Govemmenf, 
 throughout the territory. 
 
 Messrs. Arkland and Elwood arrived from Winnipeg to-day. They report the French 
 continuing to arrest Canadians wherever they find them, and that even they, themselves, 
 althoughhaving taken no part, feel that they may be arrested any moment. They bring no 
 
 120—15 
 
 * Not in the original. 
 
hfipr 
 
 
 114 
 
 Mwi ragardioff the impriaonod CaoftdiMui, but roport that tho Franoh havo oonin«no«d tho 
 MMToh tor and taking noMNoaiiion of anna in private houacn, a«orting their intention to go 
 through the aettloment for that purpoee. 
 
 neported to the Lieutenant Qovomor, tending thia lleoord up to the preeont time, 
 •nd stating my intention to Join him, at Pembina at an early day, and truated tho papera to 
 two of Henry Prinoo'a Indiana, aeleoted by him for that purpoao. 
 
 J. 8. DlNNU, 
 
 Lieutenant and Conaervator of tho Peace 
 in and for tho N.W. Territoriea. 
 
 CoPtifl <j/ Paperi rtfemd to in tht foregoing Record of Proeeedingt. 
 
 FoBT Oarrt, Dooombor 4th, 1869. 
 
 Coloiul Dennit, Ac, Ae., Lower Fort Oarry, 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge tho receipt of your letter of tho 3rd inst., 
 making enquiries as to tho number of guns which might bo had from the Hudson Bay 
 Company's Posts near tho Settlement. In reply, I beg to say that, at present, I cannot 
 siTe «ny very definite information, as the stook, at no timo very Urgo at any of thoso 
 Posts, will, at present, entirely depend on what tho wants of the Indians have boon in 
 the Autumn ; but there nmy bo still on hand at thoso Posts, as follows : — At Fort 
 Alexander, possibly 10 guns ; at White Horse Plains, from 10 to 15; at Point du Chdnu 
 from 4 to 6. AtrortMe la Prairie must bo very few. 
 
 From here I oonld supply a very large number, if I could get them out whioh for 
 more than a week past I nave been watching an opportunity to do. Had it not been 
 for the excitement about the pork there would have been in all probsbitity sixty guns in 
 one of the ont-hooses hero, which is without tho wall, besides a good supply sent to Oak 
 Pobt, but which, owing to the appearanoe of the people here, Dr. Cowan caused to be 
 countermanded when the sledges Mnre loading. I enclose four oilers for the delivery of all 
 arms to your messengers, having authority firom you to givo receipt for them. 
 
 I have the honor, &c., 
 
 Wm MoTavisu. 
 
 [Al.]| 
 
 Stonk Fobt, December 4th, 1869. 
 
 Mtmorcmdwn <(fOrdw%fvr th* Enrolled Canadiam in the Town qf Winnipeg. 
 
 These men are not in a position where they can be Bupp(nrted by any force, of which 
 I am at present aware, should they bo attacked by the Rioters wider iliel, wUoh seems 
 to me likely to occur. 
 
 I am convinced the object of the latter is now to provoke them beyond endurance, 
 and so precipitate a collision, in which he would try to show that tho Canadians were 
 the aggressors, with the hope, that, in such cose, he might obtain tho aid of the rest of 
 the French pajrty. 
 
 I have, thereforce, to request that the Canadians will withdraw from the Village, and 
 come down to the Scotch Settlement, where I will meet them, and establish ^em in 
 defensible quarters, in whioh they will serve as an outpost, and under circumstances where 
 they can be readily reinforced, if necessary. 
 
 They had better come down this evening, and report to me, or to Major Boulton, at 
 the Rev. Mr. Black's. 
 
 J. S. Dennis, 
 
 Lieut.-Colonel. 
 
no 
 
 [A 2.] 
 
 LoWKR Fort, 4th December, 1R6P. 
 Mtmomndum for Sf<yor Boulton. 
 
 J have iutruotod Ctoodiuu to witlidraw fVutn town, mmI propoM to put thonij mj, 
 in tho Scotch Church, if the llov. Mr. Bluok ui willinu. Thu^ will roinain there with M 
 many additional men aa you nmy think ncceiwary, obtained in the neighborhood. They 
 will aorve aa an outpoat and rcudesvoua for tlui loyal, 1.. ehw of any domoniitrition bein^ 
 made by Riol'a party on tho Lower Settlement. Thia pout will ho under your immodiato 
 command. I have aont forward a aupplv, coniiiaiinK of RO blnnkettf, 20 ^und, 2 uuartcn 
 boof, 4 baga flour, 1 cooking atovo, rumituro and pipeH, 10 Iba. tou, 1 bog DuUota, 
 2,000 caps. 
 
 Anything Airthor required vou can probably procure there. If not, let mo know. 
 Orp^niao tho men na you tliink beat. Report to me every day, if poHaible. Hhould Mr. 
 Block not bo willing, and you can find any other eaaily defenaiblo houao there, take it 
 inNtoad of tho Church. Lot your aontriea bo particular to noto movcmenta along the 
 highroada, and aond forward noticed of any auch at once. I have received, from partioa 
 now with me, who left Fort Qarry Into this uftemon, information that such a move in this 
 direction ia contemplated. 
 
 J. S. DXNNII. 
 
 P.8. — Writo mo fully and candidly the present feeling in the Scotch Settlement, 
 to-morrow. Hire any trannport neocstiary. 
 
 J. 8. D. 
 
 [A3.] 
 
 Stone Fort, 4 December, 1869. 
 Dr. Schultz, Winnipeg. 
 
 Mt DlAR Dr. Sohixtz, — From tho occurrences of last night, the anxiety of Kiel ia 
 evident to have tho Canadians draw tho first blood, which latter would bo anything but 
 disirable jost now. I have come to tho conclusion that they must bo withdrawn, and have 
 therefore ordered it by bearer. 
 
 I shall go up and meet them at the Scotch Church, and establish them there as an 
 outpost, under Major Boulton. I sec no other course for you to pursue, but to send Mrs. 
 Hohultz to a friend's house, aa you propose, shut up your promises, and let tho property 
 take its chance. As to tho Gk)vemment provisions, snovld the guard bo still over them, I 
 shall not, aa representing te Qovemmont, requiro them to remain there any longer. They 
 had bettor, therefore, look up the place and leave. I would be glad to have diem come 
 down with the others, and enrol in the force at tho outpoat,; but will leave that to 
 themselves. 
 
 Were my force organised I would not allow Canodiana to be used aa you have been 
 there; but ~ 
 hero. You 
 
 I am not at all in a poeition to aot, and regret to aay things move but alowlv 
 , speak of onthuaiaam— I have not seen it yet with anybody but "Prince's^' 
 
 men. 
 
 [A 4.] 
 
 In haste, truly yours, 
 
 J. S. DXNNIS. 
 
 Stone Fo^it, Lowbk Sbttlbment, 4th December, 1869. 
 
 Memorandum. — Mr. James McKay tells me the French party say they aro willing 
 to obey the Queen's commands, but assert that tho Hon. Wm. McDougall, ia not duly 
 appointed and awom into office as Her Majesty's Representative, and that he thinks, If 
 they could be satisfied of this, they would ofier no further opposition to that hon. 
 gentleman entering the settlement 
 
 If there is any doubt upon this point humiliating to the Queen's Representative 
 to be called on to show his commission, Mr. McDougall, I think, woiUd be dispoaed 
 
 ■m 
 41 
 
 1 
 
 <!1 
 
 '^1 
 
u< 
 
 IP 
 
 
 to consent to oven thin, rathor than bo the caubo of bloodskod among the people, J would 
 thorofore, make the following propoHition :— 
 
 I will go to Pembina, and obtain the Cominii»ion, and place tlio lame in the hand* 
 of Governor McTavinh, together with the certificate of the Crown Law Adviser, at 
 present with the Liovi tenant Governor, that the latter has been duly sworn into office. 
 Upon this the French party at once to disband, and offer no further opposition to 
 Mr. MoDougali entering the Settlement. 
 
 Uiwn the loaders of the French party signing an agreement to the above effect, 
 1 will give onlers to cease any further steps towtuxls armirg by the English speaking 
 jKJople in the Territory. 
 
 J. S. Dennis, 
 
 Lieutenant and Conservator of the Peace. 
 
 [E.] 
 
 TAeutcnant Cdond Dennis. 
 
 Winnipeg, 4th December, 1869. 
 
 Sir. — I have the honor to inform you that I have received your commmnication 
 containing numo to the Canadians. Dr. Lynch, Mr. Snow, Dr. Schultz, and myself, have 
 consulted together, and have come to the conclusion, that, under the circumstances (that 
 wo have 70 men (tnd 60 good arms on the premises), we have a strong position, andoould 
 resist successfully a strong attack. It is now nine o'clock, the men are all posted, and 
 the rebels know it. There are no men moving about, and no indications of any attack, 
 and a retreat would, or might, inspire the rebels wit,h more confidence than they appear 
 at present to possess. 
 
 Your memo to the Canadians sjiys : " they had better come down this evening," 
 which, apparently, leaves us the opportunity of using our own judgment under existing 
 circumstances. I wrote to you this aftemoon> Mr. Prud'homme's house is a large one, 
 and empty, and could be occupied and filled with provisions and stores. I will go down 
 to-morrow, and see you, and receive your further orders. I have written a letter to Mr 
 Pinkham at St. James's, to call a meeting, that I might enrol volunteers and drill them. 
 
 I have, &c., 
 
 C. W. BOULTON. 
 
 [F.] 
 
 Town of Winnipeg, Saturday night. 
 
 Dear Colonel Dennis, — Events have a good deal changed since the writing of this 
 morning. The firm stand seems to have had its effect, amd to day nothing of moment 
 occurred. This afternoon President Bruce visited me (no guard) at 4 p.m. Said he had 
 come to explain to me, and to ask explanation; reminded me of the " bon accord " in times 
 }>ast, and of the services I had rendered him in times of sickness, and he asked me where 
 was the sticking point in their resolutions 1 On my mentioning the insulting nature of 
 the last one, he said that they had not so meant it, and that I must have an incorrect copy 
 — spoke slightingly of Kiel — said they could not go to see the Governor at Pembina, but 
 would like to see you. I told him that I thought you would see him alone, as he proposed 
 wit'iout Riel, but thought that Riel would spoil everything — assented to this, and said 
 that after he returned from Stinking River to-morrow, he would see me, and arrange a 
 mee ing. I give this for what it is worth — other indications point to its probability. 
 
 With thanks for your kind wishes as to Mrs. Schultz. 
 
 I remain, &c., 
 
 John Schultz. 
 
 P.S. Captain Boulton writes the news of most of the Canadians here, and I thinly 
 the altered circumstances will probably induce you to cq\^lt)ermand or modif/ order. ' 
 
117 
 
 pooplo, I would 
 
 ember, 1869. 
 
 HiADiNOLY, December 3, 1869. 
 Colonel Dennit. 
 
 Dbar Sir, — Ai Mr. Fai-mer, who brought the Froclamntion here, intimate<I to me 
 that you wished mo to give nomo infomintion concerning the loyalty of thii pariah, I have 
 the honor to inform you, that nearly all the people are loyal to the Qtiwm, and wish to 
 become a part of the Dominion of Canada. I have spoken to a numlier of pemong lately 
 about the matter, and all have expreRsed their willingnem to eoliit as volunteers, to bring 
 in and eatabliih the Hon. Wm. McDougall as Governor in thene Territories, and also to 
 nsflist in preserving British Law and order amongst us. A paper to that effect is now 
 )>eing signed at Mr. John Taylor's house. I am sure if you were only to come among us, 
 or if any one were to come with proper authority to call out volunteera, I do not think 
 any one in the parish would refuse to go, except a few individuals who are of no account 
 anywhere, and who would do well to vanish into "thin air" as soon as possible. I 
 •snolose a copy of resolutions, passed at a publio meeting held at Mr. Tait's house, 
 November, 29, t.«., before the Froolamation was issued. You will see from them that 
 the parish proved loyal then ; it is much more so now, since the Proclamation hat bten 
 issued. 
 
 I may remark, that in reference to the first resolution, it is apparently defective. To 
 express the wish of the meeting, the latter part of it would read thus : " until the entry 
 of the Canadian Government, and then we will support and strengthen the said Canadian 
 Government." 
 
 With best wishes for the success of your undertaking, 
 
 I remain, yours, &c., 
 
 James Carrie, 
 
 Incumbent Hoodingly Parish. 
 
 "God Save the Queen." 
 
 ["G. H."] 
 
 To the Honorable Williatn McDovgall, C.B., Lieutenant Governor of the British Korth* 
 West Territory in America. 
 
 We, the tmdersigned inhabitants of High Bluff, desire to express to your Excellency, 
 as Her Majesty's Representative, our sentiments of loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen of 
 Great Britain and Ireland, and also our ardent desire that your Excellency may speedily 
 arrive safe among us ; — deeply regretting that untoward circumstances have so long 
 deprived us of Your Excellency's presence. 
 
 Signed by 61. 
 
 (I.) 
 
 To Colonel Dennis. 
 
 Winnipeg, December 4th, 1869. 
 
 BiR, — I have the honor to inform you I proceeded to Kildonan School House. Owing 
 to a break down on the road, I was detained an hour. I found the School House full, 
 and proceeded at once to explain the objxt of my coming. I read your Commission and 
 Service Roll Heading. After concluding the speaking, some of the older men questioned 
 me as to the legality of it. I argued the point, and failed quite to satisfy them, though 
 the majority were against the legal quibble, but I judged it beat to satisfy parties, and 
 agreed to postpone the meeting to 10 o'clock this morning, to allow said parties to get 
 Judge Black's opinion (I told them the only legal authorities, the Governor, Mr. Richard's 
 find Judge Blaqk irere satisfied of the legality.) 
 
mi 
 
 h i-i 
 
 m 
 
 ■i^r^ 
 
 
 i I •( 
 
 118 
 
 I met them again this morning rt 10 o'oloek, though not so numerous. Judge BUck 
 had given his opinion — these men werf. perfectly satisfied, and came forward and headed 
 the Boll. I to(» down sixty names then and there, formed a company, appoints officers 
 and i sergeants ; 1 officer and 2 sergeants to the Districts in which their squaJ or sub- 
 division reside. The people were numerous, and are to assemble on Monday at 1 o'clock, 
 when I expect over 100 men to be there, and I wiU have two company's officered and 
 formed, and ready to turn out at a call from their lieutenants and Ensigns. I have come 
 up here to assist Dr. Schultz and the party ; I shall put the men here in a thorough state 
 of organization, and find out the amount of ammunition and arms. We are going to 
 assemble here, and keep guarO all night, and resist attack ; but 1 shall not allow any one 
 to provoke it Will you send up ammunition, &o., as we caght to have it handy near 
 here. I think we ought to have provisions, ^, stored for neoessity, It will hold a great 
 number, and when the Portage people come down it will be required. 
 
 The people here are very anxious, and everywhere wish the organization to be 
 completed as socn as possible, for the French gain strength by time. Them was quite a 
 demonstn^tion last night Mr. * * * place was also placed at our disposal for stores or 
 men. 
 
 If you send me any orders to carry out, I will do so without delay. We shall have 
 about 70 to-night, to d^end this place, I think. Owing to my break down last night, and 
 hurry, I had net time to leave your letter for Judge Black, but sent it this morning. 
 Everything is cheering for number. Guns are wanted. If the spare arms from the Fort 
 were sent to Mr. Prud'homme's house, or elsewhere, th'jy would be handy, and many men 
 want them. I will take steps to have them securely stored when they arrive. 
 
 I have, &o., 
 
 C. W. BouLTON, Major. 
 
 (K.) 
 
 Lieut.-Col. Dennit. 
 
 December 6th, 1869, 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to inform you, I arrived here last night, about eleven o'clock, 
 and was met by a messenger, telling me to be careful how I went into town. I accordingly 
 left my horse and cutter at * * * and went on foot, got around by the river, and 
 entered Dr. Schultz's house about twelve o'clock. The town was full of Frenchmen, and 
 they kept parading about, and placed sentries all around the Doctor's, and kept us 
 on the alert all night There were about seventy or seventy-five in the Doctor's house. 
 The greatest number of French who left the Fort and entcn^d the town was ninet^Hsix. 
 They were countev. as they passed up. They kept coming and going all night I assembled 
 the officers of the company, with Dr. Schultz and Mr. Snow, and told tiiem your orders, 
 and pointed out the reasons why thsy shotild not remain on the premises any longer, so 
 they agreed to leave. I left directions as to there mode of procedure, and gave strict 
 orders not to be later than two or three o'clock at the outside, in leaving. I then left 
 with Hallett to go to St James Parish meeting at nine o'clock, and came across the 
 Praiiie to Kildonan and drilled about 100 men, and had th« provisions, blankets, &c., put 
 into * * * aa the most coi /enient place to put them in, to await your fui-ther orders. 
 I then went back to town about four o'clock, but could not enter to see what was delayiog 
 them, and heard that Dr. Sohultz's house was closely invested, at least that men were all 
 around it I met * * * going in, and asked him to let me know what was going on. I 
 I went over to his house, and he tells me he did not get in either ; at least-he thought it 
 imprudent to enter. I feel a little apprehensive about them. I do not know why they 
 have not come out. If they were to leave, I do not think the French would fire the first 
 shot, but they begin to look very iigly, and Bishop McCrea tells me there cannot be less 
 than 600 armed men in connection with the Fort It is thought that some attempt at a 
 peaceful solution should be made by a discussion of their rights as printed. Kiel has 
 showed such strength of force that, as an enemy, he ia not to be despised. I am ouly 
 
110 
 
 giring now to you opinions that I hear in conversation. The people about here 
 express their willingness to take a stand, but apparantlj a panic is easily created. 
 There will be two companies nearly in this ParisL St Paul's had forty-three names 
 subscribed, Hallett's Parish only gave sixteen names, all good ones. 
 
 The meeting was small, Mr. * * * says that the Parish is a good deal in the 
 hands of Bannatyne and Mr. MoKenny, wluuh accounts for it. I was intending to 
 go into town to-night to see if I could reach Dr. Schultz's house, or hear any^ing 
 of them, but as * * * has gone in, I have thought better to remain here, as I am an 
 object of sufipicioii, and would be detained as prisoner. 
 
 I have strictly enjoined, repeatedly, all tiie Canadians to suffer insult rather tiian 
 provoke attack, or fire a shot, and I think they all see the necessity of it, and wUl be 
 very careful. I heard they do not number over twenty-five or thirty to-night, as several 
 left. I suppose when it became kno^m, it was decided to evacuate, though I told Di*. 
 Lynch not to let it be known till the preparations were made. I enclose a letter from 
 the Bishop. The French apparently wish to avoid clashing with the English and Scotch, 
 and if a bold stand is made through the organization, it may bring about a peaceful 
 solution. They say the French cannot continue in force, as their families will be left, or 
 are left, in a very destitute state. I will be about in the morning to find out the state of 
 affairs. If the Canadians do leave, [the Town as well as the Fort will be entizely in 
 the hands of the French. I have given you an account of everything I think of worthy 
 of note. s 
 
 I have the honor, 
 
 C. W. BOULTON. 
 
 n 
 'vl 
 
 
 r 
 
 Kec 
 
 [Kl 
 
 ^cites commission from Lieutenant Governor McDougall to Colonel Dennis. "By 
 virtue of the above commission from the Lieutenant Governor, I now hereby o*U on, and 
 order, all loyal men of the North-West Territories, to assist me, by every means in their 
 power, to carry out the same, and thereby restore public peace and order, and uphold the 
 supremacy of the Queen in this part of Her Majesty' Dominions. 
 
 J. S. Dennis, 
 
 Lieutenant, &c. 
 
 Giv«n under my hand, at the Stone Fort, Lower Settlement, this oth day of December, 
 in the year of our Lord, 1869. 
 
 Stone Fort, 2-30 p.m., 6th December, 1869. 
 
 [K 2.] 
 
 Memo. 
 To the EmroUed Ccmadiant at Winnipeg. 
 
 I am told the Rebels are paraded in force in the town of Winnipeg, and are acting in a 
 manner calculated to provoke a collision with the loyal party. 
 
 I baniiot be a party to precipitating sucu an event just at the present time, and most, 
 therefore, reiterate my orders of uie 4th instant, to the enrolled Canadians, to leave the Town 
 and establish themselves at Kildonan School-House, where there is a supply of provisions, and 
 where they will have asastanQe at hand if attacked. 
 
 Major Boulton, or in his absence. Dr. Lynch, must see to this being done. Of course, 
 if the attempt to come down wou^ bring on a fight, they may remam where they are, but 
 not encoura^ng hosti^ties. Let them come down under cover of the evening. 
 
 J. S. Denins, 
 
 Lieutenant'Colonel 
 
120 
 
 5. . 
 
 [K 3.] 
 
 Stomk Fobt, 6th Deoember, 1869. 
 Jamat Roa$, Etq,, Wimmptg. 
 
 Mr DKAB Sib, — I have this moment roooived your note. I think it my duty, under my 
 Commission, not to relaas preparatiom to put down, by force of arms if neoessary, the present 
 outrageous condition of things in the Settlement. At the same time, I will be glad to sec 
 the gentlemen of whom yoU speak. I will not act on the aggressive so long as there is, to 
 my mind, a satisfactory reason for further delay. It wouloTbe the greatest possible relief 
 to me to see peace restored without resorting to force ; but there has been so much temporizing, 
 that it would almost seem to me, the insurgent party are now actually drawing moral strengtli 
 from that very source. 
 
 Believe me, &c., 
 
 J. S. Dennis. 
 
 6th December, 1869. 
 
 [K4.] 
 
 Colonel Dennis, dc, %^ . 
 
 Dbab Sm, — ^As t^ opportunity offers, I drop you this line to express my strong convic- 
 tion that you should not make any a^ressive movement at present. 
 
 Pray do nothing aggressively. I am still hopeful of peace. A civil war is altogether too 
 dear a price to pay for any thing wanted on either side. Many others think so too. 
 
 Yours truly, &o., 
 
 James Boss. 
 
 P.S. — ^You may have a deputation from the Englishnspeaking people to-day, or to-morrow, 
 urging that you should make no aggressive movements. I say you may; I cannot tell this 
 till afternoon. In haste. " "" 
 
 J.R. 
 
 [" K. 6."] 
 
 A. E. B. Bannaiyne, Eeq., Winnipeg. 
 
 Deib Mb. Bannattne, — I hope the enclosed will satisfy the French party of my 
 desire not to see the country made desolate upon a question which, I am ccmfident, 
 admits of a peaceful eolation. Be good enough to make it known to the parties in 
 arms, if I can contribute in way to bring about a settlement, I shall be glad to 
 do so. 
 
 The paper will be printed and distributed to-day. 
 
 Believe me, &c. 
 
 J. S. Dennis. 
 
 LowEB Fobt Gabbt, Deoember 9th, 1869. 
 
 Sm, — I have the honor to state for your information my knowledge of the occurrence^ 
 of the past few days. According to instructions, I proceeded on Friday, the 3rd, to the 
 Scotch Settlement, for the purpose of organizing Companies in the Parish. The following 
 day I received a letter, asking me to come up to Dr. Sohultz's, that a number of men had 
 assembled there the previous evening to defend the place, as an attack was feared from the 
 French. I arrived tiiere in the evening, after my other duties had been performed, and found 
 they had been reinforced, and numbered about sizi^ men, Canadians and others. The cause 
 assigned to me for the assembling, was, that the French had been drinking in the Saloons, 
 and in that state might make an attack. I took down the names of all the men, and divided 
 them into sub-divisions and sections. They choose their officers, and non-commissioned officers, 
 and I distributed them about the houses, so that they may be held in command. Between 
 
oy strong convic- 
 
 191 
 
 nine and ten, your orders came for the men to withdraw. As it w-s kto, nnd the town waa 
 quiet, and thcro where ft number of ludicH nnd women in the house, I thought better to remain 
 where we were. The memorandum wus not eommunicatcd to all the men, an they were dis- 
 tributed and Bleeping in throe houses. The town was quiet all night, and the ibUowing 
 morning I went down with Mr. Snow to see you, leaving every thing quiet. 
 
 Ah it was Sunday, I told those men who had no houses to go to, to remain quiet till I 
 returned. I did not return that night till twelve o'elock, owing to my horse breiiking down. 
 I got into Dr. Schultz'a and found that the French had increased in numben', and the position 
 was assuming an aspect of hostility, and one detrimental to the interests of the cause you were 
 cng igcd in ; and that night ninety-six French left the Fort and entered the town and paraded 
 about. I gave all the men orders on no account to provoke attack. The night past away 
 without any demonstration on the part, of the French. On the following morning I assembled 
 ♦he officors of the company, and some otherp, and communicated your orders, and pointed out 
 the futility of remaining there. That they wore r.cting on their own responsibility, and con- 
 trary to your orders. I took the opinion of each one and they all agreed to leave. I accor- 
 dingly requested Dr. Schultz to take immediate steps to remove liis family and the other 
 ladies, and told the oflScers to let the men either go singly with their arms throughout tho 
 day, or if not with their arms, to wait till all wm ready, and march out in a body, which I was 
 satisfied could bo done with ease, us* the Freiioli waiit(:d them to leave the premises and nothing 
 more. I told the officers not to give the orders to the men till all was ready, lest it might got 
 out, and a demonstration be made by the French, and as there were u number of females on 
 the premises, they had to be looked after first. I told him to leave as soon us possible, but on 
 no account to bo latter tlian three o'clock. I then loft him with 3Ir. Ilallett, to attend » 
 meeting at St. James Parinh, and afterwards to drill some companies at Kildonun Parish. I 
 took possession of Mr. Prud'hommc's house for the reception of the men, and made a few 
 •irrangcments. I then m:idc nn attempt to get into town acrain about four o'clock, but could not. 
 I then wrote a letter to you, iufovuiiog you of the state of offairs, and that I felt a little appre- 
 hensive about them, but not nmch, as I wus satisfied if they would retire, they might do so, 
 knowing the French would not fire the first shot. When the position wj;s first assumed it was 
 only to protect the piwUiisos and Government property from a comparatively few French, but 
 on Sunday night they appear to have increased greatly. Several m3n left* on Monday, but 
 were not allowed to return. Of subsequent events you are already in possession. I do not 
 know why they do not leave, after my orders of the morning. 
 
 I have, «fec., 
 
 C. W. BOULTON. 
 
 [«N."] 
 Colonel Dennis. 
 
 Bishop's Court, Decsmber 6th, 1869. 
 
 D£.\R CoiiONEL Dennis, — I grieve to say that the state of things is assuming daily a 
 graver asp3ct. I am greatly disappointed at the manifestations of loyalty, and a determination 
 to support the Governmont of Mr. McDougall, on the part of the English population. Instead 
 of a breaking down of the forcaof the insurgents, I feel C3rtain, from my observations at Fort 
 Girry-to duy, and from information from Mr. McTavish and others I can fully rely on, that 
 over 600 men are now in arms, and they are well armed. I see no reason to depend on want 
 of courage or determination on the part of these man. In addition to this strong exhibition of 
 tbrc3, there is a balief, app irently on good authority, of a determination to avenge loss of life, if 
 they are attacked by house to house massa< .ing, or at any rate by individual assassination. 
 
 I feel, therefore, that success in an attack with such forc3s as you can bring together, with 
 nothing of the common action the Insurgents have, is very problematical, and that the warfare 
 is likely to b3 such, that a victory will only be less fatal to the Settlement, and the interest of 
 tlie C madian Government than a defeat. 
 
 You must not suppose that this com3s from one who is timorous ; thougb I never said it 
 
 f 
 K 
 
 ■(1 
 
 , (3 
 
 I. 'I 
 
 12a~lfl 
 
 Soppoaed from Dr. Sohultz's hooM. 
 
k ! 
 
 r^ 
 
 ISfl 
 
 before, I went to the ii-st mcclirifr of llio Cour.cil of A^•^inniboino, prcpiircd to recommend a 
 forcible putting do\Mi ot the inburrcctiou, iuid when you c.mo in, I hoped that the cxhibiiioo 
 offeree would be eiffiQcient; but the force of the insurgents hiia only grown with oppoiilion, 
 und ia now, I bsliovo, quite ii «ua(ch for all that eun bo brought together ng^ioBt them. I 
 would earnestly advit<e, therefore, the giving up of any idea of uttuoking the French 
 position at Fort Garry at present, and also r.ny idea of tcizing by stealth on any rebel. Put 
 awuy such counsel for a time, at least. I feel that the result to bo (.nticipntcd would be very 
 disastrous. I see everything to be gained by delay, at i.uy rate there would be some oppor- 
 tunity, perhaps, of bringing about some direct couuuunicition between Governor McDougall 
 and the disaifccted people. I 'hink you should, on every account, I bring that about ; further, 
 it would bo well not to act, tid you «.-eertain clearly the mind of the CVmLdian Ministry und 
 people on ti;c way of settling this affair j und I think something is due to the people I'lcm 
 Governor McDougull. I, for one, am at this moment perfectly Ignorant of any detail of the 
 chari.ctcr or policy of his Government. Perton;.lly, I do not c.ire i'or this — I tin not only 
 fervently loyul to the Queen, but I have unquestioning confidence in the mnnugcment of 
 Caruid:!. I know all will be right, still there ib not lets a great want— a very conciliatory 
 attitude is what is wanted from Govei^nor McDougull, und a plain setting forth of how the 
 Govemmeni is to bo conducted, meeting, as far as possible, any of the wishes expressed by the 
 disaffected persons, and, perhaps, referring jthers to Cuuada, but promising a generous oon- 
 siderution of the whoio grievances. 
 
 This m.iy not bo altogether palattible, but the crisis is a grave one for C;.nnda, and much 
 wisdom is needed. I would not so write, did I not feel certain that if the present numbers of 
 insurgents keep up, an attack is not feasible, and did I not also feel that some attempt should 
 be made by those having uuthority und knowledge to enter into czpLoutioDS with them before 
 making any attack. 
 
 Ihc late Government of Assinniboine could not do this, for it had no information — all 
 that could be done, was to counsel loyal obedience ; but ut this time eomething moro is culled 
 for than that. 
 
 With kindest regards, 
 
 I cm, &e., 
 
 B. Rupekt's Land. 
 
 [" 0."] 
 
 Bishop's Court, December 7th, 1869. 
 
 Dear Colonei "^EXNIS, — There is a report that you think of coming up at once with 
 the force you have, i do not suppose that this is the case ; but I am sure any effort t.t present 
 is hopeless. They now hold about 60 prisoners, and they are more th:in 600 in number, and 
 elated. You must be quiet ; probably thd lives of the piiooners niny depend on this — the truth 
 i3, 1 am afraid nothing can be done by you — only evil is now to bo apprehended from action, 
 
 , I am, very eincerely, Ac, 
 
 R. Bxtfert's Land. 
 
 Dear Colonel Dennk,— I most fully concur in all the Bishop says. 
 
 J. McLean, Archde-'.coD. 
 
 [«P."] 
 
 Lower Fort Garry, R. R. Settlement. 
 December 9th, 1869. 
 To All Whom it may Concern. 
 
 By certain printed pipers of lite put in circuhtion by the French p^rty, communicitioD 
 with the Lieutenant Governor is indicated, with a view to Lying before him alleged rij;ht8 on 
 the part of tLooe now in arms. 
 
 I tliiuk that course very desirable, and that it would lead to good results. 
 
 '^,.. 
 
12S 
 
 no information — all 
 
 upeht's Land. 
 
 upert's Land. 
 
 lN, Archdeacon. 
 
 •rty, communication 
 
 Under the belief thnt the French pirtv nro Mnccre in their donro for po.ico, nnd feeling 
 thnt to abindon for the proHcnt tlic c .11 on tlie loy, 1 to jirni, would, in viow of j^uch ctmimu- 
 nicitionp, rcliovo the i-ituition from much onihirrinHmont, imd ho contribute to bring about 
 poice, and sivo the country whnt will otherwise end in univcrs.l ruin and dovistilion. I now 
 cjU on and order the loy.il pirty in the North-West Territory, to oonse from further ootion 
 under tho njppo-il to arms midc by mo ; and I c. 11 on the French puiv to sitisfy the people of 
 their sincerity in wishing for a peaceful ending of all these troubles, by sending a deputation 
 to tho Lieutenant Governor at Pembin i, without unnecessary dehy. 
 
 Given under my hand, at the Lower Fort Garry, this 9th day of December, 1869. 
 
 J. L. Dennis, 
 
 Lieutenant and Conservator cf the Peace 
 In and for tho North-West Territoriei. 
 
 ^"^■3c 
 
 Po Colonel Dennis, — I was at Dease's. I made my commission, and Mr. Dease 
 took the letter, and told mo ho could nob do it, because it was too late, that he could 
 not move without ^jome ono behind him to watch what ho was after. He would not 
 give any letter. He was afraid that I might be arrested. He told me to tell you 
 that he did not know what to do at this present time. The only thing they decided 
 in their meeting was, that they should keep themselves together, so that the French 
 shonld not be able to force them, unless by war with their party ; and more, that his 
 party did not like to go against the French to fight, but they would never fight 
 against the Government. That is all he told me. He said that he had no news at all. 
 St. Boniface, December 8tli, 1869. 
 
 Copy. 
 
 Service Roll signed by Red River force, at Stone Fort, Red River Settlement, 
 N. W. Territories, December 1st, 1869. 
 
 Whereas, largo bodies of armed men, unlawfully banded together, have, during th* 
 last few weeks, committed sundry acts of violence, against the public peace and th* 
 protest of the existing authorities. 
 
 Wo, whose names aro subscribe! hereto, have agreed, and do liereby agree, to 
 enroll oarsalvai, an I tj sarva unier tha orders of Lieutenant Colonel Dennis, and tho 
 officer or officers he may appoint, while employed in arresting, and putting down, by 
 force of arms, if necessary, tho arraad parties so unlawfully assembled, and acting as 
 aforesaid ; and we do agree to iurnish such arms and ammunition as we possess, to be 
 used in the said seavice. 
 
 
 NAME. 
 
 PARISH. 
 
 WITNESS TO SIGNATURE. 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 [" B. 8."] 
 
 Pemdina, December 17th, 1869. 
 
 Honorable William McDovgall, C.B., Lieutenant Oovemor, d'c, dec. 
 
 Sir,— I have the honor to report my airi/al at this place, oa the evening of the I5th 
 initant, having come from Prairie Portage, across the Plains, 
 
 i i 
 
 r 
 
 ■ m 
 
 l.'il 
 
I 
 
 W ■ ] 
 I)'' i 
 
 1^ 
 
 it 
 
 
 row-' Having rooeiv«d, on tho evening of the 10th instant, a morsngo from Mr. Sutherluutl, 
 to lay that there waa no proxpeot of getting tlio Fionch loadora to a^reo to a mooting, 1 
 decided to leave tho following day to report to you in pernon, in ai^cordance with my 
 inatructionR, and completed the necessary nrrnngements, engaging a gui<)M, kc, iic. 
 
 In informing Mr. Hart ns to my intentions, I diiectcd him to pay c it' Chief " Prince" 
 and hii band, tho day of my leaving, and vncuto the Fort. With n'^,aid to tho aupplioa 
 which had been obtained, the provisions, Mr, Hart was given to understand, would ho 
 taken and credited in account by the Hudson Bay Company. 
 
 All blankets issued were to be collected and stored. Tho arms and ammunition 
 which had been distriLutod, where tho puii.ics were I'eliable men, to be allowed to remain in 
 possesaion, individual receipts being given therefore, as being held subject to Government 
 order. The |)owdor and bullets which had been called in, I directed Mr. Hart to say to 
 the parties from whom obtained, that they were at their service again, not being required 
 by tne Government. That if thought safer at the Magazine at the Fort, they could remain 
 there till expedient to be removed. 
 
 I directed Mr. Hart to return to the survey upon which he had been previously 
 engaged, advising him not to go beyond tho limits of tho English portion of the 
 Settlement. At the same time, I fear he may have been interrupted and possibly 
 arrested by the French party. 
 
 During the night, a report reached me that a body of Sioux, said to be 500, 
 were on their way to tho Settlement, and had gone os far as Poplar Point, bent upon 
 commencing war " upon their own hook." 
 
 Believing that matters in tho Red River Settlement were sufficiently complicated, 
 without adding in a raid from the Sioux, and fearing that, should tho Report have 
 had good foundation, Major Boulton, who left at 4 a.m., en the 10th instant, might not 
 meet the •' War Porty," as he was to go straight through to tho Portage by the " Grosso 
 Isle," I decided to investigote the matter, and, if the Report proved true, to uao my best 
 endeavours to turn the Indians back, and thus prevent a calamity, in which, probably, 
 French and English might be involved. I, therefore, left the Fort at 2 a.m., changed 
 horses at the Town of Winnipeg, and drove through, without meeting interruption of any 
 kind, to Poplar Point, arriving at Mr. George Taylor's about 1 p..m. 
 
 At Mr. Taylor's, I met Capt. Webb and Mr. Newcombe, actively engaged in connec- 
 tion with the Company, which had its hcad-quariers at this point. 
 
 Captain Webb handed mo his Report (see copy herewith, dated 11th December), 
 which he had prepared, and was intended to send off to-day. 
 
 I found about 100 lodges of Sioux encamped here, and between here and Prairie 
 Portage. And at the time of my arrival. Major Boulton, who reached this point the 
 evening previous, and had at once acted upon the orders given him, was holding a council 
 with them, at which, " Little Fox," Head Chief of the Ci'ce Nation, was also prctoat. 
 
 The report which has reached the Settlement as to the Sioux was entirely without 
 fonndation. They asserted themselves as on the Government side, but said they had had 
 no intention of •• making war," without being first asked to do so by the Governor. 
 
 " Little Fox," who visited me at Mr. Taylor's, after the council, is a man of consider- 
 able mind, and may be iully relied on as loyal. He is much respected by both Whites 
 and Indians, and, independent of the control he has over his own jteople, has a great deal 
 of influence with the Sioux and other tribes of the plains. 
 
 Major Boulton, at my request, dii ributed some presents to the Chiefs, dividing 
 amongst them, also a small supply of pr^ isions. 
 
 Wishing to call on the leading peoj « High Bluff and the Portage, to explain tho 
 reason why the movement was to bj given up, I continued my journey, and called during 
 the afternoon on some of the principal men at the first-named place, who took part in the 
 address to the Liautenanfc-Governor, and who have latterly identified themselves \vith the 
 volunteer movement 
 
 Mr. Hamilton, M.S.C., under Captain Webb, waa zealously drilling the company 
 here, and reported very favourably of the mm. 
 
Itft 
 
 Arrivod at the Portage at 6 p.m. 
 
 In view of abandoning the call, it in uo fortunate that Captain Webb bad lo for 
 teoumulitoi no surplus supplies. Tlio buof ami flour, not more tlmn a barrel or two 
 which was presontcHJ to the "Fox" and "Sioux." I gave Captain Webb instructions, 
 similar to thoito :>f Mr. Hui-t, ns to blankuts, guns, nnd ammunition. 
 
 It was evident that the almndonmcnt of the movomontdid notmnot with much favor 
 in thai fcjjbtlemjnt ; tlio munbor of mon cnrolle I, howev.ir, waro only ninety-nine, and 
 alone would have boen insulKcient to effect anything of consequence. 
 
 The force, altogether organized, and more or less drilled, under my Commission, 
 stands very nearly us follows : — 
 
 
 No. Head Quarters. Officers. Men. 
 
 1 Stone Fort S 71 
 
 2 St. Audrews 3 60 
 
 3 St. Paul's 3 80 
 
 4 Kildonan 3 74 
 
 5 Winnipeg (supposed)... 3 40 
 
 6 Poplar Point 3 31 
 
 7 High Bluff 3 83 
 
 8 Portage La Prairie 3 86 
 
 " Chief Prino^ " and men 1 60 
 
 2S 410 
 
 Approximate Days' Drill 
 
 3 
 ' 1 
 
 No returns either ot strength or drill. 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 * 10 
 
 Average 4 days. 
 
 
 ngaged in connec- 
 11 tb December), 
 
 Gave Captain Webb instructions, similar to those of Mr. Hart, as to continuing the 
 survey through the present winter. His operations, however, will necessarily le limited 
 to that part of the Settlement from Poplar Point to Prniiie Portage. 
 
 Finding that a guide could be obtained to take nie direct from the Portage to 
 Pembina, I made the necessary antingements, and left the following morning at 7 a.m. 
 
 The trip across the plains occupied more time than ex])ected, the ponies being in 
 many places impeded by crust on tlie snow. The -aird day also was stormy, and it was 
 not till the evening of the fourth day that I arrived at my destination. 
 
 I have the honor to be, Sir, 
 
 Your most obedient servant, 
 
 J. S. Denkis, 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel, dec., &e. 
 
 Chiefs, dividing 
 
 Dg the company 
 
 Ottawa, 19th February, 1870. 
 The Honorable the Secretary of State/or the Provinces, Ottawa. 
 
 Sib, — I have the honor to transmit you herewith, the copy of a letter addressed to 
 the Honorable the Minister of Public Works, as to the occupation of a certain portion of 
 my time, while in tha North- West Territory, during the past season. 
 
 As my connection with 'ate events in that country has, I am led to believe, been 
 misunderstood by many psople, I would respectfully ask that the letter referred to may 
 accompany the other papers on this subject, should the latter be sent down to the House 
 of Commosa. 
 
 I have the honor to be. Sir, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 J. S. Dennis, P.L.S. 
 
 h 
 

 .l9S9n^^^^ 
 
 tie 
 
 If* . ^ 
 
 OrrAWA, 12th Frtbruary, 1870. 
 7'ha Ilono-^able tfu M'mi$lir of Public Worli$, Ottiw.i. 
 
 Sir, — I have tho honor to report to ycu, iib to llio occupation of my timo in tho Rod 
 IVivjr Territory, (luring tli.it p irtion of tli« pwt Haasoii whnii not porHonully prosont 
 •iiparintjii ling tho iurvoys in pro,'roa.'i undir my instructions of tha 10th July last. 
 
 With tin exooptijn of conforriuTf with Mr. Hurt and Mr. Wehb, tho uvu'veyora in 
 ch-xr^jj of pirtiot in t!»o fk'Ll, in tlio bvjginning of Djoom'.)or, whan nont in'^o tho Sottlo- 
 mont by Mr. M^Djugiill, iis to t!io progroa of tho work, iind giving thoiii instructions for 
 tho luturo, thi abovo parioJ embruoe? all tho timo subshT|uent to tlio 29th of Octobor. 
 
 During thiH tims, my ti8rvio(.^s havo boon, at his reqna.st, givon to the Hon. William 
 McDj'.igill, t.-) uid by ditfjrent m'lnn^, a% HU'^'^ostod by himself, to obtain his almiasion to 
 tha Torrito.y, of which ho wis aaat tJ alminister the govornniant. It may bo ankod : — 
 
 1. Why, w'.un I w^s sa.it to t'lo T>jrrit)ry, to talco charge of and superintend th* 
 surveys, I loft n./ work to go to me>t Mr. MoDougall at all 1 And, 
 
 2. Why I did not rjturn, havinj^ soan th.it gdutlem.xn, uud go on with my surveying 
 operations Y 
 
 I answer as follows : — 
 
 I actad ontiraly from a sensa of duty, as tho only ofHcor or representative in ony 
 way of tho C.inalian Governmant|ab the timo in th? Sottlumont, to prevent, if possible, 
 a thraatsnad outrage on t'lo pei'son of the gantleraan sent to tho Territory with a 
 Commission as Lioutonaut Qovornor, which sonso of duty was enhanced by tlie fact that, 
 as Ministor of Public Works, the sama gentleman hid, up to that timo, given ma all my 
 orders ; a!id from him also, as tuld ma by himself, I was to receive all future ordei'S in 
 t'lP event (which, whua I laft Canidj, in July, had bean spokan of) of his being appointed 
 Lieutenant Governor. 
 
 In order to shew tho ground for assuming that duty required mo to take tho above 
 cours?, I beg to submit the following : — 
 
 The out'jreak of a partion of the papulation in tho S3ttl3mf5nt, having for its 
 ostensible object, the preventing, at all haz.ird.s, -tho honorable gontlonmn namad from 
 entarin^ t!x3 Tjn'itary, O5ourral on tha 2l3t Oatobar, and was of a charaoter to call forth 
 tlia livjlio?'; approli anions as ta tha j)ar3anal safety of that gantlemaVi, should he continue 
 his journay north of the boundary line. 
 
 Tha Counail of Asunniboino, with mambers of which I was in daily conference, held 
 several maeting.s in tha eniargancy, an I advisad that Mr. MaDoug.ill should, if possible, 
 be communicated with, and requested to stop at Pembina, until informa 1 thit it would be 
 Bifa (>: hlna fca ooiVinixa hii jaurii)/ ta Fort G.irry; and, on tha maoting of Council, on 
 the 29th Octaber, it was roaolved to send Mr. McDougull a despatch to that effect. 
 
 I h;id mvsalf writban Mr. McDoujall, fully as to tha sl^ata of affaire, including the 
 affilavit of Mr. Waltar S. Hyman, shawmg that his (Mr. MoDougall's) life might be 
 endangered by his coming on, till advised that the opposition was withdrawn ; but, by 
 tbvs tlma, tho party in armi hid saizad the mails, and subjeated all travellers to such a 
 rigid examination that is was very uncertain whether my letters had reached their 
 destination. 
 
 It was a time of much excitement. It was evident to me that the Hudson's Bay 
 Company ware powerless to deal with the outbreak. 
 
 Tim a was pressing; as Mr. MaDougUl was expacted to reach Pembina at about that 
 date. I was a strangar than, and, under tha peauliar circumstances, knew not whom I 
 cojld safely tr-uat, aal I tharafora charge 1 raysolf with tha duty of delivering Governor 
 McTavish's despatch, and of advising Mr. MoDougall parsonally as to tha impanding 
 diuga.', ail fartha." ta iafo.'m hin as ta tha views and feelings (with which I had made 
 mysalf aaquainta 1), of tha En^lish-spaakin^ people in the Set:lement. 
 
 Ti?.a daapatch raferrad to was put into my hands at 10.30 p.m., on tha 29th October. 
 On the following morning, at 3 o'clock, I left Fort Garry, and passing the camp of the 
 
117 
 
 !D.)iJjall 
 
 at th« 
 
 Tn(ilcontont.*i by a detouv, rotio thrct»i',»h to Poinblin, \n lotiu-^ Mr. Mj 
 HuJiiJii'H Uay Ooin;)any'H Fort tliow. tlij m >r liii^ of t]i>i Int Novdin'a.T. 
 
 I delivojwl tlio despatch, ami itifonno I him fu ly of tlio situation of anfuirs, and 
 intended roturning again to my ollico. Tho horHim, my guido, Mr. Wii.iam llallett, and 
 mysoir, had ridden throiigli woro, howuvvir, no oxhauxtcd that it was noooHHary to allow 
 thorn two or throe days to rooriut, and whilo r.nnuiiiing at the IIiidHon's Buy Post at 
 Pombina, with tliat view, an armoil pvrty arrived on tJio 2nd Novoinbor, d^Hpitchyd from 
 the main l)ody at the River Sulo, antlord<;rod mo out of tlie Tonitory.with Mr. MoDougall 
 and i»arty. 
 
 My guide, Mr. Ilallott, wai soizod, bound to a cr.rt, and drivon off a diHtonco 
 toworda Fort Garry. 
 
 After a fuw days I o.xpressnd the desire to Mr. MoDougall t.) roturn to Winnipeg, 
 feeling confident I oould got in, in aomo way ; and tltat, only in my nlHce, an I not inter- 
 fering in any way with the refmctory party, I might, probably, ho allowed to go on with 
 my duties without being ratdcHted. 
 
 The honorable gentleman named, however, expressed the wish that I should remain 
 with him, stating that as I knew thu character and temi)er of politicul parties in the 
 Settlement, ho desired to mvko nso of n)0, and further that ho was advised his commission 
 would take cflect on the 1st of the ensuing month, and when that time came round, 
 should the malcontents Btill be in arm.s, ho might require me to aid him in some 
 measure by which his authority would Lo established. 
 
 Under the peculiar harassing circumstances in which Mr. McDougall was placed, 
 I felt it incumbent on mo, from every point of view, to comply with his request, and I 
 remained with him till the evening of the 29th November. 
 
 During this time I arranged, and kept up through loyal French half-breeds a regular 
 and fi-equent, though necessarily secret, communication with my office, by which Mr. 
 McDougall was kept advised of events as they transpired in the Settlement, and further, 
 was actively engaged the whole time in endeavouring to contribute to the comfort of that 
 gentleman, his family, and party. 
 
 As the month drew to a close, I was informed by him that he had determined to send 
 me through to the Settlement, with a Proclamation to be prcniulgntcd thfre en tie 1st 
 December, announcing the transfer of the Teiritory, and the taking effect of hia commis- 
 sion as Lieutenant-Governor ; and further, the advices from there at this time going to 
 show that tho English-speaking portion of the peojtlo had become so fearful as to the 
 ultimate designs of the French party, that they would readily o])ey any call made upon 
 them with authority to put down the outbreak ; he also expressed the intention of giving 
 me full magisterial powers to be used for that object, should I find the temper of the 
 p3ople as above indicated. Mr. McDougall statod his intention, as he said, to give legal 
 effect to the document, to go to the Hudson Bay Post, or some point in British Tenitory, 
 on the morning of the 1st December, and execute the originals in tho presence of Messrs. 
 Provencher and Richards. 
 
 Accordingly, in order to airive at Fort Garry on tho 1 st December, I left Pombina 
 at 10.30 p.m., on the 2Uth November ; travelled all that night, all tho next day, and all 
 the following night; the greater part of the time tl.roagh the fljldest storm experienced by 
 ma during tho wintor, and avrivd'J in tha Sabblemjnt at 5 a.m. on the day expected. 
 
 I made the Proslamation public, and after consulting a number of the jjrominent 
 residents, findiug the people in favor of forcible measures, I took action under the com- 
 mission issued to me by Mr. McDougall. 
 
 As my proceedings in this matter are fully detailed in the report thereon, now in the 
 hands of the Government, it is unnecessary for mo to repeat them here ; it is sufficient to 
 say thut, finding it inexpedient aftar all to attempt aggressive raoasures, I returned to 
 Pe:nbina, in accordance with Mr. McDougall's instructions to that effect, arriving thei*e 
 on th3 15th of the month. I would oaly say t!iab during these 15 days (and I may say 
 nights also), I was occupiad in a zaalous and faithful discharge of what I conceived to be 
 the highest duty I could render to the Government, — that of endeavouring from day to 
 
 ^1 
 
 • '^•••nxJftv 
 
vl'i 
 
 w i 
 
 ,3 ' 
 
 
 tH 
 
 day, by niidi iiioaii<i ah at tlia tim'! .lootnoJ tiio.it Ukaly to f flfoot it, to brinij; about pcnco 
 and onler in tha (!<ilony. 
 
 I liotml ill kodJ fuitli throiiglumt, not bi>iii(( awurc, till I mnt Colonrl De Halnbf^rrj 
 on th« 23rd Dccunilxtr, uii the plainii, while on my way to C'unsida, thnt the Proolumation 
 and Commianion liad boen ianuod by Mr. MoDougall, under n miNupprtthflnsion of th(* 
 facta (tho traiinfor of tho TiM-ritury not haviu}( tukon place on tho Ut Dnrctiiber, ae 
 iiipi>OH«Ml), and were worth no inure thiiu wimto paper. 
 
 I may bti permitted to Hay hum, that, although I had previuiiHly fell, mortitied and 
 diiiappointpd ut not hfivinx b)(>n iiblfl to Itring al)out jieaoe, by miMO^ of any kind, on 
 hearing the ntatunnnt of Culonul Do Siilaborry, that rooling changod at oncu to ono uf 
 heartfelt thankfulnnm that my prooeo lings hud not biton the oauHu (i>von to thu extent of 
 a dro])) of MoodHlutd among thu people. 
 
 Mr. M:;Djiigull decided to roturn to Ci\nada, and wished me to ixiturn with hini) an 
 be said, he thought tho information I had uoquiiTtl in the SottUmient might bo made 
 available by the Govornmoat h'*ro ; I c.imo away aUo without hnsitation. 
 
 We left Pembina on tho 18th Dccombcr. Having mot with an accident at Al»er- 
 rrombie, I waa dnUvincd a fow dayn on tho way, arriving finally at Toronto on tho 1 3th 
 instant. 
 
 Since my return I have bnon occupied (thnt is to say, when able to work, as I was 
 laid up for a fortnight at home from the aooidont) during the whole time, in preparing 
 the afloounts, reports, Jco., for tho Dp|)artmont. 
 
 Trusting that tho foregoing statement and explanation may be natisfaotory, 
 
 T jiavo the honor to be, Siv. 
 
 Y«ur obedient s-jrvant, 
 
 J. S. JJtxatUu 
 
 Depaktment of Secretary of State for the Provinces, 
 
 Ottawa, 16th February, 1870. 
 The Very Severend the BUhop of St. Soni/aee. 
 
 My Loud, — I am commanded by His ExovUoncy the Governor General, to aoknow- 
 ledge and thank you for tho promptitude witli which you placed your services at the 
 di8po.<<al of this Government, and undertook a winter voyage and journey, that you might, 
 by your presence and influence, aid in the repression of the unlooked for disturbancM 
 which had broken out in the North-West. 
 
 I have the honor to enclose for your information : — 
 
 1. A copy of the instructions given to the Honorable Wm. McDougall on the 28th 
 September last ; 
 
 2. A copy of a further lotter of instructions addressed to Mr. McDougall on the 7tli 
 November; 
 
 3. Copy of a letter of instructions to the "Very Reverend Vicar General Thibault on 
 the 4th December ; 
 
 4. Copy of a Proclamation issued by His Excellency the Governor General, 
 addressed to the inhabitants of tha Norbh-West Territories, by the express desire of the 
 Queen ; 
 
 6. Copy of a letter adlrassad to tha Secretary of State, by Donald A. SmitL, Esq., 
 of Montreal, on the 24th November ; 
 
 6. Copy of a letter of instructions addressed bj me to Mr. Smith, on lOtb December 
 last ; 
 
 7. A ssmi-otficial letter, addressed by the Minister of Justice, on the 3rd January, 
 1870, to Mr. Smith ; also, 
 
 8. Copy of the Commission issued to Mr. Smith, on the 17th of January, 1870. 
 
129 
 
 CnpiM •f the ProclamRlton {mii«<I hy Mr. MoDougftll, at or near Pflinbina, and of 
 th« Commiision iMued to (^uloiiol Dunriix, havir;; boiiig printml in th« Canadian pap«n, 
 iind widely ciroulatail at t)io Rod Kivrr, nr«, it ii aaaumed, quite within your reach, and 
 aro not furninhed ; but it ii importnnt t)mt you Hhould know that the proceeding* by which 
 tho livct and properties of the pouplu of Ku|)ert'ii Ijand were Jeopardized for a time, were 
 lit onco dieavowoil and condemned by tho Oovernment of this Dominion, aa you will 
 readily discover in tho DimiMitch iiddrowiod by nio to Mr. MoDougall, on tho 2ith of 
 Docoinbor, a copv of which is oncloecd. 
 
 Your liOixlship will ))orcoive, in tlmae piipers, the policy which it was and is the desire 
 of tho Canadian (lovernmnnt to establiHh in tho North-Wo^t. Tho pooplo of Canada hare 
 no interest in thu erection of inntitutions in Ilu|)ort'8 liand which public opinion condemns ; 
 nor would thoy wIhIi to Hfti a Kno raoo of people trained to diHcontont nnd insubordination, 
 l)y the prcHHuro of (in unwiite Hystoin of Government, to ^vhich British subjects are ttnao- 
 viiHtonuHl or avoruo. Thoy look hopefully forward to the period when institutions, moidded 
 ii|»on thoHO wltiuh the other Provinces enjoy, may bo oMtablishod, and, in the meantime, 
 would deeply rngrut if the civil and religious liberties of the whole population were not 
 iidoquately protected by such temporary arrangements as it may be prudent at present to 
 inuke. 
 
 A Convention han been called, and is now sitting at Fort Oarry, to collect the 
 views of the people, an to the powers which they may consider it wine for Parliament 
 tu confer, und the Ix>cal Legisluturo to assume. When the proceedings of that conference 
 Imvo boon received by tho Privy ( ouncil, you may expect to hear from me again ; and, 
 in the meantime, should they bo communicated to you on the way, Ilis Excellency will 
 bo glad to be favored with any observation that you may have leisure to make. 
 
 You aro awaro that tho Very Reverend tho Vicar-Ooueral Thibault and Messrs. 
 Donald A. Smith n I Charles do Salaborry are already in Rupert's Land, charged with 
 a Commission from Government. Enclosed are letters to those gentlemen, of which you 
 will oblige me by taking charge ; and I am commanded to express tho desire of Hii 
 Excellency that you will co-oporato with them in tholr well-directed eiforts to secure a 
 peaceful solution of the difficulties in the North-West Torritories which have caused 
 Ilia Excellency much auxioty, but which, by your Joint endeavours, it is hoped xoay be 
 speedily removed. 
 
 I hare, dec, 
 
 Joseph Howi. 
 
 I :l 
 
 i 
 
 120—17 
 
130 
 
 ADDENDA 
 
 TO THH 
 
 CORUESPONDEiVOE AND OTHER PAPERS 
 
 CONITBCTBD WITH RECENT OCCURIIBNCBS IN THB 
 
 NORTH WEST TERRITORIES. 
 
 Tha Secretary of State to the Governor GeneraL 
 
 (Copy. — Canada. — No. 7*.) 
 
 Downing Street, 8th January 1870. 
 
 No. 134, Nov. 25th, 1869. 
 „ 147, Doc. 9th, „ 
 „ 148, „ nth, „ 
 „ 156, „ 17th, „ 
 „ 164, „ 23rd, „ 
 
 Hudson Bar Company, 
 
 Deo. 23th, l669. 
 
 Colonial Office, Jan. 8th, 
 
 1870. 
 
 Sir, — I have tho honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 despatches noted in the margin, relating to the recent disturbances 
 in the Red River Settlement. In the despatch No. 156 you 
 enclose Copy of the Minute of the Privy Council of Canada, 
 conveying their views on the present po.sition of the Canadian 
 Government in regard to the transfer of tho Hudson Bay 
 Company's Territories to Canada. I transmit, for your information, 
 a copy of a letter on this subject, which has been received from the Hudson Bay Company, 
 together with a copy of the answer which I have caused to be returned to it. 
 
 I observe, with great satisfaction, the anxiety manifested by the Canadian Govern- 
 ment to avoid any collision with the In&ui'gents in the Red River Settlemei'X, a;id to 
 exhaust all means of explaration and reconciliation before having recourse to force. I 
 entirely agree with your Ministers that bloodshed might lead to the most deplorable 
 consequences, and should not be risked except under the pressure of the most urgent 
 necsssity. The iilnpss of Mr. McTavish is much to be lamented, but I have '(erfect 
 confidence in the Hudson Bay Company, and have no reason to doubt that their Jfficers 
 in the Territory are animated by an equally friendly spirit with the Company. A state- 
 ment has appeared in a newspaper report to the effect that Mr. McDougall was enlisting 
 Sioux Indians with the view of employing thpm against the Insurgents. I do not doubt 
 that this intention was erroneously imputed to Mr. McDougall. If any apprehension on 
 the subject had existed in my mind, it would have been removed by the Minute of the 
 Privy Council. 
 
 I have, dtc, 
 (Signed,) ^ Granyixxb. 
 
 Governor General, 
 
 The Rt. Hon. Sir John Young, Bart., G.C.B., G.C.M.G., <fcc., &c., Ac. 
 
131 
 
 X January 1870. 
 
 (Copy.) 
 
 Sir Stafford Northcote to Sir F. Roger* 
 
 Hudson's Bay House, 
 
 London, December 28, 1869. 
 
 Sir — I am desired by the Committee of the Hudson's Bay Company, to transmit to 
 you for the information of Earl Granville, copies of the several communications named 
 in the accompanying lists, some of which have been already privately forwarded to his 
 Lordship. 
 
 The Committee regret extremely the unfortunate occurrences described by Mr. Mc- 
 Tavish. They are most anxious to co-operate with Her Majesty's Government in any 
 measures which Earl Granville may think it expedient to adopt with a view to the restor- 
 ation of order, and the settlement of the Temtory. They sincerely trust that these objects 
 maybe attained without the employment of force, and above all without a collision between 
 the different sections of the population of the Red River Settlement, feeling assured that 
 the effects of any such collision would bef very disastrous to the prosperity of the Country. 
 At the same time they desire me to express to Earl Granville their conviction that it is 
 most undesirable to leave matters in their present undefined position. The Company's 
 authority which, (as Lord Granville is aware,) has long been exercised under a sense of 
 difficulty, has. been greatly weakened by the steps which have been taken for the transfer 
 of the Country to the Dominion of Canada. 
 
 A transfer which according to the arrangements publicly and officially announced, 
 ought to have been formerly completed on the 1st instant. On the other hand, the 
 authority of the Dominion has not yet boen established; and the announcement that tho 
 Dominion Government intend to withhold the purchase money, and therefore of course to 
 abstain from accepting the responsibility of Government until the present troubles are at 
 an end, must naturally deprive thei? action of any force. 
 
 The Committee cannot recognize in the circumstances which havo occurred any reason 
 for the Dominion Government delaying the performance of the engagements into which 
 they have entered, under the sanction of Her Majesty's Government with this Company, 
 and they trust that Earl Granville will take measures for giving immediate effect to that 
 engagement, formally placing the Settlement under the charge of the authority which 
 must be responsible for its good government, and at the same time causing the stipulated 
 price of the land to be handed over to the Company. 
 
 (Signed,) 
 
 I have, «tc., 
 
 Stafford H. Northcote, 
 
 Governor. 
 
 Sur F. Rogers, Bart., kc., tbc, <bc.. 
 
 Colonial Office. 
 
 (Copy.) 
 
 SW Frtdtrie Rogtrt to Sit Stafford Northeot*. 
 
 Downing Street, 
 
 8th January, 1870, 
 
 Sir, — I am directed by Earl Granville to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
 the 28th of December, relating to the disturbances which have occurred in the Red River 
 Settlement, and urging that the arrangements for the transfer of the Territories may 
 proceed, and the stipulated price b« paid over to the Hudson Bay Company without delay. 
 
 Lord Granville desires me to inform you, that he has lately received from tho 
 Oovemor Genend of Csnad*, » Miaut* of the Privy Council of the Dominion, conveying 
 
132 
 
 i^l 
 
 the expression of their views on the present position of the Canadian Government in 
 regard to this question. 
 
 In this Minute, the Canadian Government repeat the expression of their desire to 
 acquire the To;ritory, and of their readiness to i)erform all the obligations incurred by 
 Canada under the recent arrangements for the completion of Hie transfer. Thoy urge a 
 temporary delay in proceeding with the transfer, from a conviction of the gravity of the 
 present situation, and not from any desire to repudiate or postpone the performance of any 
 of their engagements. They submit that the Government of the Company, whi.h the 
 inhabitants have been accustomed to respect, should be continued while steps are being 
 taken to remove the misapprehensions which exist, and to reconcile the people to the 
 change. 
 
 They point out, that any hasty attempt by the Canadian Government to force their 
 rule on tlie Insurgents might lead tc bloodshed, and sow an ineradicable hatrod to the 
 union of the countries, and thus mar the further prosperity of British North America ; 
 and they represent that even were the pui-ohase-money paid over to the Company at once 
 it would not the less remain impolitic to put an end to the only existing authoxity in the 
 Country, and compel Canada to assert her title by force. They inform Lord Granville 
 that they are taking active measures to bring about a happier state of ailVtrs. They have 
 sent, on a mission of peace to the French half-breeds, now in arms, the Very Ilevd. Mr. 
 Thibault, Vicar-General (who h&o labored as a clergyman among them for 39 years), and 
 also Colonel de Salab&rry, a gentleman well acquainted W''h the country, and with the 
 manners and feelings of the inhabitants. 
 
 They havo also sent Mr. Donald A. Sipith, tJ;e Chief Agent of the Hudson Bay 
 Company, at Montreal, as a Special Commissioner. From his position as an officer of the 
 Compaiiy, the Committee anticipate that he will obtain reatly access to Fort Garry, and 
 that he will be able to strengthen th"» hands of Governor McTavish, and arrange with the 
 loyal and woll-aft*ected portion of the people fer a restoration of order. The Committee express 
 their confident hope that these measures will succeed ; but, in the event of failure, the 
 Canadian Government are making prepai'ations for sending a military force in the early 
 spiring. 
 
 Lord Granville desires me to add tliat the reasons given by the Canadian Government 
 for delaying the transfer, weighty in then^^elves, become pi-actically conclusive, when it is 
 considered that Her Majesty's Government, and tiie Hudson Bay Company, must alike 
 look to that Government for the practical accomplishment of the trjinsfer, and that they 
 appear, in fact, to be conducting it in the spirit which Her Majesty's Government approve, 
 and which is most calculated to avoid that injury to the trade of the Company, which Mr. 
 McTavish anticipated from any violent measures. 
 
 Lord Granville, moreover, learns from the law officers of the Crown, that, although 
 it would be competent to Her Majesty's Government to complete the transfer by accepting 
 the surrender of the Company, and issuing the reqpisite Order in Council ; yet this 
 acceptance would nob place the Company in a position to obtain, by any legal px'ocess, the 
 sum of £300,000 recently deposited by Mr. Rose for the nur» v,3 of being available for 
 their payment ; and considering that even after the surrender is o )n-ilo!;ed questions may 
 possibly arise, or further arrangements may have to be made, betweoa the Hudson Bay 
 Company and the Canadian Government, His Lordship believes that a short delay in the 
 completion of the Contract, however in itself inconvenient, may be more than compensated 
 by ensuring that the surrender is finally effected with the full consent and agreement of 
 both parties interested. 
 
 I am, <bc., 
 
 (Signed) 
 
 F. RoasBB. 
 
 The Bight Honorable Sir Stafford B. Northcote, Bart., <fec. 
 
tds 
 
 Government in 
 
 (Copy.) ,^ 
 
 List of enolosureB referred to in Sir Stafford Northcote's letter to Sir F. Rogers, 
 dated London, 28th December, 1869, and transmitted in Ear) Granville's despatch to Sir 
 John Young, No. 7, January 8, 1870. 
 
 Extract of a letter from Governor McTavish to the Secretary of the Hudson Bay 
 Company, dated Fort Garry, Red River, 2nd November, 1869. 
 
 Copy of a Icttei from Governor McTavish, dated 9th Novemhor, 1869. 
 
 Extract of a letter from Governor McTavish, dated 23rd November, 1869, with a 
 copy of his * Proclamation to the inhabitants of Red River Settl jment. 
 
 List of documents left at the Colonial Office by Sir Curtis Lampson. 
 
 Extract of a letter from Governor McTavish to the Secretary of the Hudson Bay 
 Company, dated Fort Garry, Red River, 16th November, 1869. 
 
 Copy of Minutes of Council of Assinniboine, held ISth October, 1869. 
 
 Minutes, ditto, 30th October, 1869. 
 
 (4overnment in Letter from Governor McTavish to the honorable \Vm. McDougall* 
 
 despatch No. 139, dated Fort Garry, 30th October, 1869. 
 
 Nov. 27, 1869. •" ' 
 
 Received in ditto. Letter from the Honorable Wm. McDougall to Mr. McTavish, dated 
 
 Pembina, the 2nd and -tth November, 1869. 
 
 Ciovernment in CJopy, Reply by the letter dated Fort Garry, 9th November, 
 
 No. 147, Doc. 9, 1869. 
 
 18C9. 
 
 Extract of letter from Governor McTavish to "W. G. Smith, Secretary of the Hudson 
 Bay Company, dated Fort Garry, Red River, 2nd November, 18G9. 
 
 There has been, duiing the Autumn, considerable agitation among the Canadian 
 half-breed population here regarding the Government to be established here. They seem 
 to have been fully, if not correctly, informed of how the Government was to ba Qor^.posod, 
 and they seemed to think that, from what was told, their interests would be overlooked, 
 and their religion interfered with ; but it appears as if the course they meant to take was 
 to wait the errival of the Honorable Wra. McDougall, who they understood was coming 
 here as Governor, and then endeavour to make such aiTangements with him as would 
 secure their rights and interests. But about twelve days ago a party of French half- 
 breeds took possession of the road to Pembina, erected barriers at intervals, the head- 
 quarters of the movement being at a spot named So. Norbert, about nine miles from Fort 
 Garry. Their declared object was to interrupt the march of Mr, McDougall, and, to use 
 their own expression, " to turn him back." 
 
 At a meeting of the Council of Assinniboine, held on the 26th ultimo, the question of 
 the best means to be used in the emergency was fully debated, Messrs. Bruce and Riel, 
 the heads of lihe French movement, were present, and the Council used all ihe arguments 
 in their power to induce them to forego their designs of opposing the entrance of Mr. 
 McDougall. They were, however, unavailing. 
 
 After proper consideration the Council agreed that, for various reasons, it would be 
 unwise either to enroll a force of special constables, or call out a counter demonstration of 
 the inhabitants favorable to Mr. McDougall. 
 
 I, however, commttnicated with the latter gentleman, acquainting nim with the state 
 of public feeling, and leaving it to his discretion to act as he might see fit. 
 
 Yesterday I was informed that Mr. Provencher, an official on the stalT of the :\ew 
 Government, had been stopped at Saint Norbert, and forced to return *'^ Pembina, 
 
 Proclamation received from Governor in despatch, No. 147, 9th Deoember, 1869. 
 
lk,r 
 
 It' 
 
 d 
 
 ^•*.' 
 *« 
 
 134 
 
 along with Captain Cameron, R. A., who had arrived at the barrier a few hours after the 
 former. 
 
 Governor McDougall, himself, had arrived at Pembina on the evening of the 30th 
 ultimo. A party consisting of less than fifty half-breeds, have come to meet liim there. 
 He ought, on the evening of the Slst, to have received a letter from mo, copy of which I 
 enclose, forwarded express per Colonel Dennis, who was to travel by an indirect route. 
 
 As I close this letter, a party of one hundred of the malcontents have arrived and 
 taken armed possession of Fort Gtrry, under pretext of defending it, as, from information 
 in his po3SL3sion, Mr. Kiel alleges it is in danger : guards are posted at each gate and 
 parade the platforms. They give assurances that nothing will bo touched, and ixothing 
 taken. For what provisions they require, they oflfer to pay in the name of the Council 
 of Republic of the half-breeds. 
 
 About four hundred men continue on guard at Saint Norbert. Outgoing and in- 
 coming mails are subjected to examination. 
 
 Ifr. MoTaviah to Mr. Smith.. 
 
 Fort Garry, Red River, 9th November, 1869. 
 
 ' Sir. — I have the honor to inform you, that I yesterday heard from the Honorable 
 Williat-i McDougall, in reply to my letter to him, copy of which was sent you with my 
 letter of 2nd instant. A copy of hia letters will be sent you hereafter, in the meantime, 
 I may say, that Mr. McDougall does not seem to think I have acted energetically in the 
 matter, and reminds me, very pointedly, that at present I am responsibla for the peace of 
 the country. 
 
 He mentions that on receiving at Pembina an intimation that he was not to proceed 
 to the Settlement, he had gone to the Company's establishment at Pembina, where he 
 remained till he was ordered to withdraw within American territory, by an armed band 
 of half-breed horsemen, and that, in consequence, he was, when he wi'ote me, camped on 
 American Territory, where he would remain till he heard from me the result of the eflforts 
 made here to open the road to the settlement, or till I informed him that I considered his 
 remaining longer at Pen:^ina useless, which is, in m^ opinion, a point on which 1 cannot 
 advise Mr. McDougall, though I feel convinced that at present his entry intx) this settle- 
 ment would lead to more serious dlfiiculties than those to which we are at present exposed. 
 Mr. McDougall refers to military and other arrangements, which arise out of the outrage 
 to which he has been subjected 
 
 Here matters remain much as they were. The Committee seem to be in constant 
 session, but nothing is heard of them till their Secretary, Louis Riel, issues his mani- 
 festoes, " by order." The idea of their organization seems to have been taken from the 
 place used to distribute the relief supplies last winter, each Canadian parish having sent a 
 delegate to form the Central Committee, and in an invitation issued this morning to the 
 Pr otestant part ot the community, delegates are requested to meet the twelve members of 
 theCommittee already formed from the Roman Catholic parishes in Council. Here the 
 same plan is adhered to, and the Protestant parishes are named ; the object of the proposed 
 meeting being, " since the invader is driven from our soil " to consult on the state of the 
 country and the government to be adopted. The position is undoubtedly serious, and the 
 case will require very careful handling, as any collision between parties will lead to the 
 plain Indians being brought down on the settlement next spring, as well as disturban .es 
 over all the plain districts, which will not be put down for years, -long before which the 
 whole business of the country will have been destroyed. 
 
 T have, ikc, 
 (Signed,) W. McTavwh. 
 
 WilUam Gregory Smith, Esq., 
 
 Secretary, Hudson Bay House, London. 
 
135 
 
 hours after the 
 
 ing of the 30th 
 neet Ijim there, 
 copj of which I 
 direct route, 
 ave arrived and 
 om information 
 t each gate and 
 d, and nothing 
 of the Council 
 
 tgoin 
 
 S and in- 
 
 Bmber, 1869. 
 
 the Honorable 
 
 b you with my 
 
 the meantime, 
 
 cfetically in the 
 
 3r the peace of 
 
 not to proceed 
 )ina, where he 
 ri armed band 
 ae, camped on 
 It of the efforts 
 
 considered his 
 v^hich 1 cannot 
 ito this settle* 
 ■esent exposed, 
 of the outrage 
 
 be in constant 
 sues his mani- 
 ten from the 
 having sent a 
 oming to the 
 » members of 
 il. Here the 
 ■ the proposed 
 i state of the 
 ious, and the 
 11 lead to the 
 disturban es 
 re which the 
 
 Tavmh. 
 
 Extract o/ letter from Governor McTaviah, to W. O. Smith, Esq., Secretary, dated 
 Fort Garry, Bed River, QSrd November, 1860. 
 
 Since I last wrote you the delegates from the parishes in the settlement have had 
 several meetings, and are again assembled to-day. Up to yesterday evening, the only 
 point made out was, that the French party declared that Mr. McDougall could only be 
 brought into the settlement over their dead bodies, and this was said in reply to a pro- 
 posal on the part of the English delegates, that Mr. McDougall should come in after 
 making some concessions as regarded the representation of the people in his Council. It 
 is expected that some conclusion will be arrived at to-day, but I rather think the French 
 party will only agree to the appointment of a provisional government. 
 
 ** Early this morning, Loiiis Kiel, th« leader of the French half-breeds, requested 
 Mr. John H. IVIcTavish, the accountant here, to come over to the office, and on Mr. 
 McTavish going there, Kiel, accompanied by a number of nrrncd men, called on him to 
 givo up the piiblio accounts. This he refused to do, on which Riel told him he would be 
 compelled by force to do so. It ended in Riel taking possession of the Land Register, 
 the book in which the account of the Governor and Council of Assinniboine with the fur 
 trade was kept, and the cash blotter, no doubt with a view to making cr;t the balance of 
 the colonial public funds with the fur trade, for the purpose of demanding it to be paid 
 over." 
 
 " Riel was careful to let Mr. McTavish understand that theie was not only no desire 
 to meddle with private funds, but every desire to respect them ; but how far this 
 resolution will be carried out, it is very difficult to say, though at the time it was made, 
 I have no doubt it was sincere." 
 
 " I have not, since writing you, heard directly from Mr. McDougall, but he is still 
 at Pembina. I enclose Copy of Proclamation issued by me to the people of Red River.-' 
 
 Copy. 
 
 Minutes of a meeting of the Governor and Council of Assinniboine, held in the 
 Court Room of Assinniboine, on Monday, the 25tli October. 1869, at which the following 
 members were present ; viz : — 
 
 John Black, Acting Governor, President. 
 
 Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Rupert's Land, Councillor. 
 
 Wm. Cowan, Esq., M.D., 
 
 Doctor Bird, 
 
 Thomas Brown Esq., 
 
 Wm. Fraser, Esq., 
 
 John Sutherland, Esq., 
 
 « 
 (I 
 
 Mr. Black stated, that in consequence as he very much regretted to say of Governor 
 McTavish's continued illness, he was again called upon to preside at the present meeting 
 of the Council. ♦ 
 
 The Minutes of the late meeting having been read and approved, Mr. Black proceeded 
 to say that at their last meeting, as the Council was aware, an address had been prepared 
 for the purpose of being presented to the Honorable Wm. McDougall, on his arrival in 
 the Settlement, an event which was expected to take place at some very early date ; that 
 the Council, while preparing that address, were impressed with the conviction that the 
 feelings of welcome and loyalty therein expressed, were yoncun-ed in by the Settlement 
 generally, or, at least, were so far shared by the great majority of the people as to preclude 
 all idea of open demonstration of dissent ;- but he was much concerned now to say that 
 unhappily, such was not the case, and that a large party among the French population 
 appeared to be animated by a very different spirit. It had become too evident that among 
 
 I 
 
136 
 
 
 I 
 
 p. ,1 
 
 them, sentiments of a directly opposite nature prevailed with regard to the impending 
 change in the Qovemment of the country, and irevailed so strongly that, according to 
 information lately received, and of the correctness of which there could bo no doubt, thoy 
 had organized themselves into armed bodies for the purpose of intercepting Mr. McDougall 
 on the road between this and Pembina, with the openly-avowed intention of preventing 
 his entrance into the Settlement. It was to consider that serious state of matters that 
 the council had been assembled, and to see whether any, and what measures could be 
 adopted to prevent the threatened outrage. 
 
 The Council unummojsly expressed their indignant rc^)robation of the outrageous 
 proceedings referred to by the President, but feeling strongly impressed with the idea that 
 the parties ooncemed in them must be acting in utter forgetfulness, or even, perhaps, 
 ignorance of the highly criminal character of their actions, and of the very serious 
 consequences they involved; it was thought that by calm reasoning and advice they might 
 be induced to abandon their dangerous schemes, before they had irretrievably committed 
 themselves. With this object in view, therefore, Mr. Riel and Mr. Bruce who am kiuiwn 
 to hold leading positions in the party opposed to Mr. McDougall, had betni invited to bo 
 present at this meeting of the Council, and on being questioned by the Council as to the 
 motives and intentions of the party they represented, Mr. Riel, who alone addres.sed the 
 Council on the occasion, substantially said, in the coiirso of a long and somewhat irregular 
 discus3ion,that his party were perfectly satisfied with the psesent Government, and wanted 
 no other ; that they objected to any Governor coming from Canada without their being 
 consulted in the matter ; that they would never admit any governor, no matter by whom 
 he might lie appointed, if not by the Hudson Bay Company, unless delegates were 
 previously sent, with whom they might negotiate as to the terms and conditions under 
 which they would acknowledge him; thauthey were uneducated and only half civilized, 
 And felt if a large immigration were to take place they would probably be crowded out of 
 a country which they claimed as their own ; that they knew that thoy wore, in a sense, 
 poor and insignificant, but that it was just because they were aware of their insignificance 
 that thoy had felt so much at being treated as if they were more insignificant than they 
 in reality were ; that their existence, or, at least, their wishes had been entirely ignored; 
 that if Mr. McDougaiU were once here, most probably the English speaking population 
 would allow him to be installed in office as Governor, and then he would be " our Master 
 or King, as he says," and that therefore they intended to send him back ; that they con- 
 sider that they are acting not only for their own good, but for ths good of the whole 
 Settlemen+. that they did not feel that they were breaking any law, but were simply acting 
 in defence of their own liberty, and that they were determined to prevent Mr. McDougall 
 from coming into the Settlement at all hazards. 
 
 The Council endeavoured to convince Mr. Riel of the erroneous nature of the views 
 held by himself and the party he represented, explained the highly criminal character of 
 their proceedings, and pointed out the very disastrous consequences which might accrue, 
 not only to themselves, but to the Settlement generally, if they persistel in their present 
 course. He was earnestly advised to exercise his influence with his party in dissuading 
 them from attempting to molest Mr. McDougall in any way, and inducing them to return 
 peaceably to their homes, assuiing him that, sooner or later, heavy retribution would fall 
 upon them, if they carried their plans into execjition. 
 
 Mr. Riel, however, refused to adopt the views of the Council, and obstinately per- 
 sisted in expressing his determination to oppose Mr. McDougall's entrance :nto the 
 Settlement, declining even to press the reasoning and advice of the Council upon hi;s 
 party, altho' he reluctantly promised to repeat to them what he had just heard, and inform 
 Governor McTavish of the result by Thursday at 1 1 o'clock. 
 
 Mr. Riel and Mr. Bruce having retired, the Council resumed the consideration of the 
 subject before them, and the expediency of calling out an armed force to meet and protect 
 Mr. McDougall was suggested, but as it was seen that it would be from the English 
 speaking part of the community that such a force, if forthcoming at all, would be chiefly 
 dirawn, the result vvould evidently be, to bring into armed collision, sections of the people^ 
 
187 
 
 impending 
 jcording to 
 loubt, thoy 
 McDougall 
 preventing 
 atters that 
 s could be 
 
 outrageous 
 le idea that 
 n, perhai)8, 
 ery serious 
 they might 
 committed 
 am known 
 k'ited to 1)0 
 il as to the 
 Iressod the 
 it irregular 
 Eind wanted 
 their being 
 r by whom 
 sgates were 
 ;ions under 
 If civilized, 
 ivded out of 
 in u sense, 
 significauce 
 fc than they 
 sly ignored; 
 population 
 )ur Master 
 they con- 
 the whole 
 nply acting 
 McDougall 
 
 the views 
 haracter of 
 ght accrue, 
 eir present 
 dissuading 
 1 to return 
 
 -would fall 
 
 i«.tely per- 
 ) :nto the 
 upon hi;s 
 jid inform 
 
 ion of the 
 nd protect 
 le English 
 be chiefly 
 he peoploj 
 
 who, although they have hitherto lived tot^ether in comparative harmony, yet differed 
 from eauh other so widely in point of race, of language anil religion, as well as general 
 habits, that the comraonoement of actual hostilities between them would probably iavolre 
 not only themselves, but the surrounding Indians, in a sanguinary and protracted atruggle ; 
 and the Couiicii therefore felt that without a regular military force to i >M back upon, thej 
 could hardly be held justified, under almost any circumstances, in resorting to an 
 experiment so full of ;')0S8ible mischief to the whole Country. 
 
 The Council at length, having heard that a number of the more intelligent And 
 influential among the French were not implicated in the hostile movement against Mr, 
 McDougall, adopted the following resolution, which was moved by Mr. Bannatyne and 
 seconded by Mr. McBeath : 
 
 " That Messrs. Deaso and Qoulet be appointed immediately to collect as many of tha 
 more respectable of the French community as they could, and with them proceed to tho 
 camp of the party who intend to intercept Qovernor McDougall, and endeavour, if 
 possible, to procure their peaceable dispersion, and that Mr. Dease report to Mr. 
 MoTavish, on or before Thursday next, aa to their success or otherwise." 
 
 The Council then acyourned. 
 
 (CJopy.) 
 MiKUTBS of a Meeting of the Governor and Council of Aannnihome, h4d on th»S(HK Oetobm', 
 1869, ut which the /allowing Members were ^eaent : — 
 
 John Black, Esq., Acting Governor, President. 
 The Rt. Rev'd. the Lord Bishop of Rupert Land, Councillor. 
 
 Dr. Cowan, do 
 
 A. G. B. Bannatyne, Esq., do 
 
 D". Bird, do 
 
 John Sutherland, Esq., do 
 
 "Wm. Fraser, Esq., ► do 
 
 The President referring to the decision they had come to at the last Council as to Mr. 
 Dease proceeding with a number of his countrymen to the locality where were assembled 
 the people who have been threatening to intercept the Honorable Mr. McDougall on bia 
 way to the Settlement, informed the Council that Mr.„Dease's mission had entirely failed 
 in producing the desired result, not only had that and every other effort of a conciliatory 
 character proved fruitless in procuring the peaceable dispersion of the assemblage of. 
 malcontents, but they appeared to be even more fully bent upon their purpose. la 
 these circumstances, and under the impression that Mr. McDougall had in all probabilitj 
 reached Pembina, the Governor believed that the time had fully come for entering into 
 communication with Mr. McDougall on the subject, and in order that no time might h» 
 lost, should the Council see fit to coincide in that view of the matter, the President. 
 submitted for consideration the draft of a letter from Governor McTavish in the name 
 of the Council. 
 
 After an earnest and careful consideration of the present position of affairs, the 
 Council, on the motion of the Bishop of Rupert's Land, seconded by Mr. Sutherland : 
 
 Resolved — ^Tbat in their opinion, a letter should immediately be sent to Mrl' 
 McDougall, in accordance with the draft that had been agreed upon. 
 
 'i'ihi 
 
 I; 
 
 r 
 
 12a~18 
 
188 
 
 f. 
 
 If; 
 
 (Copy.) 
 ExTiiACT of a Litter from Oovftrnor Mc. Taviah to W, 
 Fort Oarri/, Had River, IGth November, 1860. 
 
 0. Smith, Esq., Secretary, dated 
 
 " Since last writinj^ you on the 
 improvement in the state of matters 
 
 th inst., I regret to say that there has been no 
 in the state ot matters here. A body of armed Canadian half-breeds 
 under the orders of their leader, Louis Riol, still occupy thin establishment, and thcogh 
 the men generally are quiet and orderly, and evidently unwilling to give offence, It 
 appears to me that Kiel himself is not inclined to be so civil. A larger body of the 
 same people still guard the highway to Pembina, at La Rivi6re Sale, about ten miles 
 above the Forks on the Rod River, deterniiiidd that neither Mr. AIcDougall nor any 
 member of his staff will get into the Settlement. Mr. McDougall still remains on the 
 American side of the Frontier at Pembina, awaiting the course of events." 
 
 " Louis Riel yesterday sent me, on the part of the French speaking section of the 
 population, but signed only by himself, a protest against the Hudson Bay Company 
 maintaining near the boundary lino of the Tei/itory, the Honorable Wm. McDougull, and 
 informing me that the *' Company's properties in this country would be security for 
 any troubles arising from Mr. McDougall remaining there. This, with a demand forthc 
 keys of the two bastions, containing some muskets, which ho made to chief trader Cowan, 
 some nights previously, would «eem to show that he, at least, would proceed to consider- 
 able lengths ; and I have no doubt that, if any hostile collision takes place, the Company's 
 property elsewhere, as well as here, is in very great danger : until that takes place, or 
 that it is clearly seen that the disturbance in to be put down by force. I think hesitation 
 on tho part of the people will prevent anj very extreme proceedings, even if the leaders 
 wished for them, which, as there seems to be at least one Fenian in the movement, and 
 he is evidently in close intimacy with Riel, may very well be the case." 
 
 " The person in question is a Mr. O'Donoghue, who came here a two years ago as a 
 Bohoolmaster for the Roman Catholic Mission, and who for the last year has worn the 
 toutane, and given out that he was preparing for the priesthood, but who has, since the 
 outbreak, thrown off his dress and fairly joined the malcontents, and, as I am informed 
 made them believe he can procure for them Fenian assistance." 
 
 " The leaders of the French half-breeds had some time ago invited the Protestant 
 Parishes in the Settlement, to send Delegates to meet those from the Roman Catholic 
 Parishes, which was done, and the delegates have met to-day to consider the state of the 
 country Some are sanguine that this may end in some arrangement, by which Mr. 
 McDougall may be allowed to come in here in safety, but I fear this will not be agreed to 
 by the French half-breeds on any conditions." * 
 
 " However, I took the opportunity to send to the meeting an address to the people 
 . of Bed River, showing the state of matters, and protesting against the actions of the mal- 
 contents. This I did, more to satisfy Mr. McDougall, and most of the members of the 
 Council of Assinniboine, than from any hopt that any good can come of it, in so far as it 
 concerns those whose acts are objected to." 
 
 " I forward herewith, for the information of the Governor and Committee, copies of 
 various documents having reference to the troubles here, and to which I have referred 
 ftt various times in my correspondence, a list of which is enclosed." 
 
 Teleobam. 
 
 Sir John Young to Lord CfranvilU. 
 
 Ottawa, November 23rd, 1869. 
 
 Mr. McDougall, designated Lieutenant Governor of "^Torth-West Territory, after 
 transfer, is stopped on the way to Fort Garry by small armed force of insurgent hivlf- 
 
131 
 
 cretary, dated 
 
 I has been no 
 n half-breeds 
 t, and thcagh 
 ve offence, It 
 p body of the 
 lut ten miles 
 agall nor any 
 imains on the 
 
 section of the 
 Bay Company 
 [cDougall, and 
 le security for 
 demand forthc 
 trader Cowan, 
 d to consider- 
 the Company's 
 akes place, or 
 bink hesitation 
 if the leaders 
 aovement, and 
 
 years ago as a 
 has worn the 
 has, since the 
 
 '. am informed 
 
 bhe Protestant 
 Oman Catholic 
 le state of the 
 by which Mr. 
 ,ot be agreed to 
 
 3 to the people 
 ons of the mal- 
 lembers of the 
 i, in so far as it 
 
 littee, copies of 
 have referred 
 
 23rd, 1869. 
 
 Territory, after 
 insurgent hiUf- 
 
 breedn. The Hudson Bay Company authoritios, in whom Government still rests, are 
 seemingly powerless and inaotivp. Half-lirecds Iihv») appointed ProviHional Committee of 
 Oovernment. John Bruce, pretiideut. Oovernor MoTaviuh very ill, said to be dying. 
 
 Tblbobam. 
 
 TV) Lord OranvilU. 
 
 Ottawa, November 26th, 1869. 
 
 Your Telegram received and considered by Pi'ivy Council. 
 
 On surrender by Company to Queen, the Government of Company ceases. Tho 
 responsibility of administration of afTairs will then rest on Imperial Government. Canad* 
 cannot accept transfer unless quiet poHsession can l)e given. Anarchy will foUov. 
 Rebels have taken possession of Fort Garry, and it is said are using the stores of Company. 
 A change of feelinf? is hoped for, and till then the governing power should remain with 
 present authorities. My advisers think Proclamation should be postponed. Mr. McDougall 
 will remain near Frontier, waiting favorable opportunity for peaceable ingress. Parties 
 having influence with Indians and half-breeds are proceeding to join McDougall. 
 
 (Signed,) Jof*^ Youno. 
 
 (Copy.— Canada.--No. 2U.) 
 
 Downing Street, 
 
 30th November, 1869. 
 
 Sib, — I have received, with much regret, your telegraphs of the 23rd and 27th 
 instant, informing me that disturbances had occurred in the Red River Settlement, and 
 that Canada cannot accept the transfer of the Territories, hitherto occupied by Ihe Hudson 
 Bay Company, unless quiet possession oan be given. 
 
 It becomes necessary, under these circumstances, to recall to you the state of this 
 question. 
 
 Although Her Majesty's Government have long desired that the title of the Hudson 
 Bay Company to these Territories should be extinguished, yet this extinction has been 
 uniformly pressed forward by and in the interests of Canada. 
 
 On the 11th November, 1864, a Committee of the Executive Council of Canada, 
 expressed themselves " more than ever impressed with the importance of opening up to 
 settlement and cultivation the lands lying between Lake Superior and the Rocky 
 Mountains," and expressed the opinion that the first step towards settlement was the- 
 extinction of all claim by the Hudson Bay Company to proprietory rights in the soil or 
 exclusive right of trade. 
 
 By Mr. Cardwell's despatch of the 17th June, 1866, it appears that the Minister of 
 the then Province of Canada, desired that the North -West Territory should be made over 
 to that Province, afid undertook to negotiate with the Company for the termination of 
 their fights. 
 
 On the*22nd of June, 1866, the Executive Council of Canada, expressed the opinion 
 that the most inviting parts of the Territory would'shortly be peopled by peraons whom 
 the Company were unable to control, and who would establish a Government and 
 Tribunals of their own, and assert their political independence ; that such a community 
 would cut British North Aujeiuca in two, and retard or prevent their commimication by 
 Railway, and, therefore, that "the futui-e interests of Canada and all British North Americ* 
 "were vitally concerned in the immediate establishment of a strong Government there, 
 "and in its settlement as a part of the British Colonial System." 
 
 They express their conviction that the Confederate Government and Legislature will 
 
 :i} 
 
 li 
 
uo 
 
 I'l! 
 
 fce! it to be one of their first dntleH lo o)inn nw^otiutionH ^ 'itli tlio f'ompany for the traiinfer 
 of their ol&imn to tho Turritury, vvhi'^h, Itiit tbi- thu appmaoh of (/oiifodoration tboy would 
 thamMlvei have done. And nioantiniu they pray Ifor MujcHty'H Governiuont to diacoun- 
 tanauoo and prevent any sucli ^u'es of any por' iun of ^hu Territory as bud then been propoMd 
 to its existing proprietors. 
 
 By the Act of Parliament which efl'-cted Confederation, the Queen was authorized 
 on certain terms to annex tlie.io Territories to the Dominion. These poweis the Canadian 
 Parliament prayed Her to excreiye. Her Majesty's (Jovernment were unal)lb to concur 
 in tho terras on which the trauHfer waM {xopi.scd to lio ruide; but after prolonged nego- 
 tiations and tho pasning of a Ncco id Act of Parliainent, freuh terniH wore agreed upon 
 between the Hudson Bay Company and tlie jriprenetitativos of the Colony, and were 
 embodied in x second addreuH ironi tl>o Canadian Parliament, tho other reqnisite 
 Inbiruments have beon pr^parod, and tho C.'anadian Jovenunent itHelf haH named first, 
 the Ist October, 'and next, the Ist of Docnuber, for tho completion of tho transfer. 
 Meanwhile the Company havo Veen infornx-d by the Agents of the Canadian Govern- 
 ment, (Messm. liaring and Glyn,) that the indemnity of £.100,000 will be paid on due 
 p^'oof of the completion of their snrrondcr. 
 
 Throughout these negotiations it ha.s never been hinted that the Company Ih to be 
 bound to hand over its Territory in a state of tranquillity. Rather its inability to secure 
 thit trunquility, and the dangers t'eHiilting fiom that inability to tho neighbouring colony, 
 is takev i^'^r granted us u reason why its reHponsibilities should hp adopted by Canada. 
 
 This i>eiiig the state of the case, the (Canadian Covernment, in anticipation of the 
 transfer, now agreed on by all paili^s, undertook certain operations in respect of land, 
 subject ir the 4r3t inatan'^e to a faint protent from the Company, and directed the future 
 Tiieutenent-Oc vernor to enter the Territory. The i-enult, unfortunately. Las not met the 
 expectations of the Colonial Government. 
 
 Mr. McDougall wa'i met, it ..ppears, by armed resistance, and th6 disturbances caused 
 by his presence seem to have resulted in the plunder of the Comjjany's stores, and the 
 oooapation of Furt Garry by the insurgent portion of the population. 
 ' ' But the Cim.'xdian Government having, by this measure, given an occjision to an 
 outburst of violence in a Territory which they have engaged to take over, now appear to 
 olaic ^;ke nght of postponing indefinitely the completion of their engagements to the 
 Cdmpany, and of impeding on Her Majesty's Guvernment tlie responsibility of putting 
 ttowa the resistance which has thus arisen. 
 
 This, ft least, I understand from the passages " on surrender by the Company to the 
 Queen tf Great Britain, the (Jovernment of the Company ceases," and " Canada cannot 
 aocept the tri*,n8fer imless '^uiet possession can be given." 
 
 You will, however, perceive on referring to the Act of Parliament, 31 and 32 Vict., 
 cap 105, that if, on the one hano, the Parliament of Canada embodies in an address the 
 terms on which they are prepared to receive Rupert's Land into the Dominion ; and if, on 
 the other hand, the Company surrenders their Territory on terms agreed on with Her 
 Majesty, it merely remains for Her Majesty first, by aocej)tance of the suri'euder, and 
 next, by Ordei in Council, to give effect to the arrangement this agreed to by both 
 parties ; and it is provided that the surrender of tha Territoiy becomes null and void, 
 unless within a month of its acceptance by the Queen, Ilupei't's Land is, by such Order in 
 Council, admitted into the Dominion of Canada. 
 
 You w'li see therefore, that it is impor aible for Her Majesty to accept the surrender 
 of the Hvdson Bay Company's Territory unless it is certain within a lAonth to be 
 transferred to Canada. 
 
 Unless therefore, it is to be so transfen-ed, it must remain under the jurisdiction of 
 the Company, and liable to all the disorders which are to be expected when the prestige 
 of a Government, long known to be inadequate, is shaken by the knowledge that it is also 
 expiring, and by tho appearance, however well intended, of its successor. This is not a 
 state of things in which Her Majesty's Government ought to acquiesce, if they have the 
 pover of preventing iL 
 
141 
 
 tho trnniiifer 
 1 thoy wuiild 
 t to diacoun- 
 aoa proposed 
 
 authomod 
 
 le Canadian 
 
 lb to concur 
 
 longed nego- 
 
 igrtiful upon 
 
 \y, and were 
 
 ler requisite 
 
 named ilrst, 
 
 tlio transfer. 
 
 ian Oovern- 
 
 paid on due 
 
 anv iH to Le 
 ity to secure 
 iring colony, 
 Oanada. 
 )ation of the 
 )ect of land, 
 id the future 
 not met the 
 
 ances caused 
 •res, and the 
 
 Mision to an 
 >w appear to 
 aents to the 
 y of putting 
 
 apany to the 
 nada cannot 
 
 nd 32 Vict., 
 I address the 
 '1 ; and if, on 
 n with Her 
 n-euder, and 
 to by both 
 ill and void, 
 iich Order in 
 
 he surrender 
 ^onth to be 
 
 irisdiction of 
 the prestige 
 hat it is also 
 his is not a 
 ey have the 
 
 Tli« British ('Jov«in>m«»nt, in, by tho Art of Parliumpu*., prri-tifftlly ln/ontwl with the 
 t pow»>r, iiiid thorpf'on* th«f duty of giving cWevt to wl.iit Iihi UiOii d«>!ib«riit««ly ap.ioed ujion 
 i)f»^wt»«(u the »'oinpniiy ami tin* Colony. If at'trr ;ill thut liiiv jiiiMsnd, ili« (!oni|iuriy nniwnt 
 their ourrotidor and rlaiiu its acccptunco liy II«t Muji-Kty nt, n nirauH of enabling them to 
 enforce obligations, which it in too lato to rep'tdintt , and for tho fulfilment uf which, the 
 Canadian Oovernment Iiuh itself fixed n time; I do not'hee ho-y it is posniblo for Her 
 MnjtiHty'H (iovurnment w reject tiieir application on tiic groundH put forward by your 
 Ministeiit. 
 
 I am glad to nee that they are «loing what, iliey can to aMsiHt in tlie rentoration of 
 order, and I Hhoiild not have been HurpriHed to learn tint, while conifieting the traniiaction 
 practically, as between tliemMelves and tho Company, tl'"y were deHirouit of chooHing their 
 own moment for a [mblic announcement of the change of jirisdiction. 
 
 But while Her Majesty's Oovemnieiit would have be( u ready to aoquiesce in anj 
 such short poHtponement of the formal Act of tninHf-r, they do not feel that they are at 
 liberty to treat the titinHactiun as capable of being 'e opened, or that they can refuse an 
 application from the (Jompany to coni[iJnte a transfer which appears to thcin, not merely 
 the only means of providing for tho reHtoration of «»rder. but also to bo due as a matter of 
 mere justice to one of the parties. 
 
 Her Majesty's Government have reason to believe, that the I^udson Bay Company 
 feel it to be their interest, and it is their widh, to assist to the extent of their power the 
 Qovornmont of the Dominion, and I have to instruct you to impress strongly upon your 
 Ministers, the anxious desire of Her Majesty's Governmeut to make the authority of the 
 Queen avaikble in their support. 
 
 1 have the honor to be. Sir, 
 
 Your most obedient humble servant. 
 
 Gran VILLI. 
 Governor General 
 
 The Rt. Hon. Sir John Youno, Bart., O.C.B., O.C.M.G., die, (fcc.dto. 
 
 m 
 
 Copy qf n Report of a Committee of the Honorable the Privy Council, dated the 16th 
 
 December, 1860. 
 
 The Committee of Council hav«« had before them the des^-atch of the Right Hon. the 
 Secretary of State for the Colonies of the 30th ultimo, on the subject of tho two telegrams 
 sent by Your Excellency, on the 23rd and 27th ultimo, to the Colonial Office, on the 
 subject of the disturbances in the Red River Settlement. 
 
 The Committee readily acknowledge the correctness of the narative in the despatch 
 of the proceedings which resulted in the final arrangements for the transfer of the North- 
 western Ten'itory to Canada. 
 
 The circumstances which created tlie desire of the Government and people of Canada 
 to acquire that country, have been so often and so recently stated, that they do not seem 
 to require reiteration. It was alike the interest of Her Majesty's Government, Canada, 
 and the Hudson Bay Company, that the transfer should be made. C'anada still desires 
 to acq\dre the Ten'itory, and is quite ready to perform all the obligations that she has 
 incurred under the recent arrangements made with Her Majesty's Government and the 
 Company for the completion of the transfer. 
 
 At the same time, it would seeui clear that if Canada is bound to accept the transfer 
 of the Territory, the Company is equally bound to make it. It surely was never contem- 
 plated by any of the parties engaged in tho negotiations that the transfer was to be a 
 mere interchange of instrum* nts. It must, from the nature of things, have been understood 
 
141 
 
 
 It .'■ 
 
 , V 
 
 ))y nil pftrtiflH, tlmt, tho muTon<loi' l»y tho rompany to tho Qiipon, and tho trntinfor hy Her • 
 Mi\j()Nty ti) tho Doiiiiiiiiiii, wiis not tn Ih< dux of tillo only. 'I'lm ('oni|Hiny wan to convey 
 not only tlii'ir ri>(lilH unil«>r tlii> cliiirttM-, IxiL th<i Torritory itHi<ll' of which it wan iti |»uiwfl»< 
 •iuu, and thoTcrrilui-y ho uonvoyud wan to lio tniUNftsrnHl hy llor Majt'Nty to (.'anada. 
 
 That thui-o wt>uhl Ix) iin uriifftd roNiHtiuico hy thn infaahitantit to tho tfannfur won, it U to 
 l)« |)r«Hunio<l, iini<xii(><;tiM| liy all puittcH ; it cnrtainly wait no hy tho ('ana'Uan UovornmtDt. 
 
 In thin rt'^^ai'd, th«t (Company cannot ho aoiiuittoii of all lilanie. They hod an old and 
 ftilly orgnni/iHl (Jovornim-n* in tlio Countrv, to which tho |K>oplo ap|)oarod to nwidor n^ady 
 olHHlienue. Thuir <^ov<>rnor wii.i adviHiul hy Counoil, in which nonio (»f tho loading 
 roiideuUi had Hcuts. Tlioy had ovory nteaiiH of infornnition an to tho ntnto of feeling 
 oxitttin^ ill tlin Country, 
 
 Thoy Uiirw, or oii^lit to havo known, tho light in which tho pro|N)nod nogotiationii 
 wore viewed by tho pooplo under thoir i-ulo. If thoy woro awaro of the fueling of 
 diaoontont, thoy ought frankly to havo ntiilod it to tho Iniporial and Canadian Oovern- 
 mcntH. If tiioy woro ign^)rant of tho dincontent, tho roHponHibility of Huch wilful lUindneaa 
 un tho pail of tiioir otIicorH inuHt roHt upon thoni. 
 
 For nioro than a yt^tr th.'so inigotiations hiivn l»oou actively pronoodod with, and it 
 Was tho duty of the ('Oinpany to have pit«|)ured tho pooplo under its rule for the change — 
 to havo ozplainod tho prooautiouH taken to protect the intei-oHts of tho inhabitants, and to 
 have removed any iniHapprehoiiHions that may hav., oxintod among thorn. 
 
 It appears that no tttcps of any kind, in that diniction, wore taken. The people have 
 been led to suppoHo that they havo been sold to Canada, with an utter disregard of their 
 right'i and position. 
 
 When Governor McTavish visited Canada in Juno last, he was in communication 
 with tho Canadian Qovornmont, and ho never intimated that he had oven a suspicion of 
 discontent existing, nor did he make any suggestions as to the best mode of effecting the 
 jiroposed change, with tho assent of the inhabitants. 
 
 Lord Granville staten that "Throughout those negotiations, it has iiover been hinted 
 that the Company is to '. o bound to hand over its Territory in a state of tranquillity. 
 Rather its inability to seoure that tranquillity, and tho dangers resulting from that 
 inability to thn neighbouring Colony, is taken for granted as a reason why its responsi* 
 bilities should be adoj)tod by Canada." Now the obvious reoson \»liy no express stipula- 
 lation to that offect was made was, that it was asHumed, by all parties, that tho Company 
 had both the right and tho j)ower to hand over tho Torritory. It was in a Htate of tran- 
 quillity, and no .suggestion was made of the possibility of such tranquillity being disturbed. 
 Canada did not allege, nor did the Company admit any inability, on the part of the latter 
 to secure the tranquility of tho country in its present condition. 
 
 It is true that (Canada had pointed out that in the future, with the population of the 
 United States rapidly pressing forward towiu-ds tho boundaries of the North-West Terri- 
 tory, such prossui'o would soon overflow into British Territory, and that the Company 
 would, in such case, be unable to govern or control the large and alien population which 
 might then take possession of the fertile ccntry along the frontier. 
 
 But this state of things has not yot aviaen, -'nd the resistance comes not from any 
 strangers or new coiners, but from those borii and fought u}) under the Oovei-nment of 
 the Company, ond who have hithei-to yielded it i\ -^villing allegiance. 
 
 These statements are not made as a matter of complaint against the Company, but, 
 simjdy as a justitieation of the coui-se taken by tho Canadian Government, which is observed 
 upon in tlio despatch. That coui-so has been governed solely by a desire to carry out the 
 transfer under the arrangement in tho quietest and best manner possible ; and in a way 
 that will not leave behind it any cause for discontent or disquiet in the future. 
 
 The i-esistance of of these misguided poople is evidently not against the Sovereignty 
 of Her Majesty or the Government of the Hudson Bay Company, but to the assumption 
 of the Government by Canr.da. 
 
 They profes.s themselves satisfied to ren\ainas they are, and that if th^ ^jresdnt system 
 of Oovernmcnt wore allowed to continue, they would at once disperse to their homes. 
 
us 
 
 f«>r hy ITw • 
 t to ormyny 
 
 ill [HJHMt* 
 
 uiwlu. 
 van, it in to 
 >vernm«nt. 
 an old And 
 iul«r r««ad]r 
 10 leading 
 of fseling 
 
 p>{ntiations 
 fueling of 
 n ftovern- 
 > UlindneM 
 
 iili, and it 
 I change — 
 Ota, and to 
 
 sople have 
 rd of their 
 
 ntinication 
 ispicion of 
 eoting the 
 
 t^en hinted 
 iinquillity. 
 from that 
 < responai- 
 nn atipula- 
 Corapany 
 te of tran- 
 disturbed. 
 the latter 
 
 ion of the 
 '"est Terri- 
 Company 
 ion which 
 
 from any 
 rnment of 
 
 lany, but, 
 
 i observed 
 
 •y out the 
 
 in a way 
 
 vereienty 
 isumption 
 
 nt system 
 mes. 
 
 It iH obviouH thoti thit thn wiioHt coiirio to piiriiin in, for th« pniT«nt, to ODntinuo the 
 authority of (Im (.'iMnpuiiy, wliicli tho itnur;^i'tiU iif1'(»'»t to roMpnot, wliil > Ht«<pN are Inting 
 takiMi to ruiiiovo thn niiHupiirolmiiHioii'* wliicli exist, uiul to nvourilo ilin pcoplo t(» tliochungo. 
 
 Any huMty attempt \iy tlio ('.111:1 limi Uovnniiu tiit to fmcu tln'ir nilo tip.)ti thn inaur- 
 genta wouhl probally result in annoil rt>NiHt:iiiu(< and bliKxNhed. Kvi>ry otlitu' coiirHo ahould 
 be tried beforo roHort in hud to forro. If liln wcro onco Kmt in an (encounter Ixitwoen a 
 Canadian force and tlii< iuliabitnntH, th*' hitiU nf hoMtilitv to <'aiiadu and (*anadian rule 
 
 <1 b 
 
 d to til 
 
 >f tho 
 
 ronni be Notrn, and might nruat«* an ini'radicaltlo hatriu 
 thua nuir the fntur«« pronpority of HritiNli Anifrica. 
 
 If any thing lik(^ hoHtiiitit'H Hhonld conimfnco, tho temptation t(» tlir> wild Indian 
 TrilKia, and to the rcatieHM advcnturcrM who al)ound in the United StatcH, (inuny of them 
 with military ex|M<rience ^'ainud in the late civil war,) to join the intiurgentn would \>n 
 almoat iritwiHtiltlo. Already it iHHaid that the Fenian Organization look upon thia riaing aa 
 another meana of exhibitin*^ their hatred to I'.nglund. 
 
 No one can foreHee tho en<l of tho (MniplicntionH that mi^ht thiiM bo ncciiNioned, nt>t 
 only 08 between (y'anada and tho North-W^eNt, bulbetwten tho United HtatcHnnd Knglnnd. 
 
 From a aincere conviction of the gravity of tho aitiiatifui, and not from iiny deHiie to 
 repudiate or poHtpono tho porfunnanco of any of their engi>gcnu)nta, tho (>anadian Govern- 
 ment havo urged a tomiH)rary delay of tho transfor. 
 
 Thia Ih not a (pioHtiuu of money— it may be* one of peace or war. It ia one in which 
 the preaent and future proH|)crity of the BritiHli poH^^OHHionN in North America ia involv<Hl, 
 which proH[)erity, haaty ivction mlgltt permanently prejudice. 
 
 Even wore the .£300,000 paid over, the injpolicy of putting an end to tho only con- 
 stituted authority exiating in tho country and compelling Canada to aaaert her title by 
 force would remain. 
 
 It ia better to havo the Heml>lance of a (Jlovemment in the Country than none at oil. 
 While the iaauo of the Proclamation would piit an end to the Government of the Hudson 
 Bay Comi)any, it would not Hubatitute Government by Canada thereft)r. Kuch a Govern- 
 ment ia physically impoaaible until the armed reaiatance ia ended, and thua a atate of 
 anarchy and confusion would ensue, and a legal atotna might be given to any Government 
 tU/acto, formed by the inhabitants for the protection of their livea and jtroiHJi-ty. 
 
 On a review of the whole circumatancea, the Committee would recommend that vour 
 Excellency ahould urge upon Her Majesty's Government the exjiediency '»)" allowing 
 matters to remain as they are until quiet ia nmtored, or, in case t-f failurt: of all effort to 
 do so, the time should have anived when it is i)OH.sible toent(!r the v. uitry m force, and 
 compel obedience to Her Majesty's Pro-^laimation and authority. 
 
 As by the terms of the late Act, the surrender to the Queen must be followed, within 
 a month, by Her Majesty's Order in Council, admitting llui>ert's Land into the 
 Dominion of Canada, the proi)er course aeems to be that tho surrendti itself ahould be 
 postponed, and that the purahase niuuuy ahould reintiin on deposit meanwhile. 
 
 The Committee would also recpiest your Excellency to asaure Lord Gmnville, that 
 the Govenment here have taken, and are taking active measures to bi-ing about a happier 
 state of affairs. 
 
 They have sent on a mission of peace to the French half-breeds now in anus, the 
 very Revemed Mr. Thibault, Vicar General (who has laboured as a clergyman among 
 them for thirty-nine years) accompanied by Colonel de Salaliery, a gentleman well 
 acquainted with the country, and with the manners and feelings of the inhabitants. 
 These gentlemen are fully informed of the beneficient intentions of the Canadian 
 Government, and can disabuse the minds of the people of the misrepresentations made by 
 designing foreignei-s. * 
 
 They have also sent Mr. Donald A. Smith, the Chief Agent of the Hudson Bay 
 Company at Montreal, as a Special Comnnsaioner. Frora his position as an officer of the 
 Company, he is likely to obtain ready access to Fort Gany, where he can strengthen the 
 hands of Governor McTavi8h( now weakened by long illness, and an^ange with tho loyal 
 ftnd well-affected portion of the people for a restoration of order. 
 
 'IT I 
 
144 
 
 It is confidontly hoped that the meastiros taken will succeoil, but in the event of 
 failure, the Governinent are making preparations, by tlie con.stniction of boats, and other- 
 wise, for sending a military force in early sprin;?. In thesB efforts the Canadian Govern- 
 ment are glad to believe that they will have the hearty eo-opfvution of Her Majesty's 
 Government, and the Hudson Bay Company. 
 
 (Signed,) 
 
 John ^ . Macdonald. 
 16th December, 1869. 
 
 Copy of a Repoi t of a Committee of the Ilonorabfe the Prixu/ Uouncil, approved by Hi$ 
 Excellency the Governor General in Council on the l^th May, 1860. 
 
 The Cortimittee, have had under consideration the accompanying Report and 
 Correspondence of the Delegates appointed by Orders in Council, of 1st October last, 
 to proceed to England, to negotiate the terms for the acquisition by Canada of Rupert's 
 Land, and the North- West Territory, and they humbly advise, that the said Report, and 
 the terms agreed upon, as set forth in the said Repoi't and Correspondence, be approved 
 by your Excellency, and submitted for the consideration and sanction of Parliament. 
 
 (Certified.) 
 
 W. H. Lee, 
 
 Clerk P. C. 
 
 yy 'I 
 
 REPORT OP DELEGATES APPOINTED xO NEGOTIATE FOR THE ACQUISITION 
 
 LAND AND THE NORTH-WEST TERRITORY. 
 
 OP RUPERTM 
 
 41+ ■< 
 
 To His ExceUeticy the Right Honorable Sir John Young, Bart, C.C.B., G.C.M.G., 
 Governor General of Canada. 
 
 May IT PLEASE Your Excellency. — We have the honor to submit for Your 
 Excellency's consideration, the following Report of our negotiations with Her Mr-jpsty'n 
 Imperial Government, for the transfer to the Dominion of Canada, of Rupert's Land and 
 the North Western-Territory. 
 
 Under the authoritj' of an Order in Coui oil of the 1st of October, 1868; we were 
 appointed a delegation, to England, to arrange the " terms for the acquisition by Canada, 
 " of Rupert's Land," and " by another Order in Council of the same date, we were 
 " authorised to arrange for tlie adniissioxi of the North- West Territory into union with 
 " Canada, either with or without Rupert's Land, as may be found pracl-icable and 
 " expedient. We proceeded at once to execute the important mission coufided to us, ^nd 
 on presenting ourselves at the Colonial Office, were invited by His Gi'ace the Duke of 
 Buckingham and Chaudos, then Seci'etary of State for the Colonies, to visit him at Stowe, 
 for the purpose of discussing freely and fully the numerous and difficult questions which 
 were involved in the transfer of these great Tenitoxies to Canada. We found that His 
 Grace had already made some progress in the preliminaries of a negotiation (under the 
 Act 31 and 32 Vic, Cap. 105) with the Hudson Bay Company, for the surrender to 
 Her Majesty of the Territorial and political rights which they claimed in Rupert's 
 Land. 
 
 We obJ6oued very earnestly, to som« of the denAnds of the Company, which were 
 communicated to us by His Grace, but after much consideration and important modifications 
 of the Company's demands, we agreed that if they would surrender the Territory on ihk' 
 conditions which His Grace proposed, we would recommend the acceptance of thes^ 
 conditions by the Canadian Govei'nment. The Duke of Buckingham's proposals will be^ 
 found in the letter of Mr. Adderly, of the 1st December, 1868, addressed to the (Governor 
 of the Hudson Bay Company. 
 
bhe event of 
 :8, and other- 
 lian Govern- 
 ^er Majesty's 
 
 DONALD. 
 
 oved by Hit 
 
 Report and 
 Dctober last, 
 k of Rupert's 
 Report, and 
 be approved 
 lament. 
 
 EK, 
 
 k P. C. 
 
 5F RUPERTa 
 
 G.G.M.G., 
 
 X for Yonr 
 5r Mrjpsty'tJ 
 i's Land and 
 
 58; we were 
 
 by Canada, 
 
 ;e, we were 
 
 union with 
 
 :oicable and 
 
 I to us, o,nd 
 
 he Duke of 
 
 Lm at Stowe, 
 
 jtions which 
 
 id that His 
 
 (under the 
 
 urrender to 
 
 in Rupert's 
 
 which were 
 lodifications 
 tory on thi 
 ce of these 
 sals will be' 
 le Qoyemor 
 
 146 
 
 Considei-nblc delay in tho uogotiitions waH occi'.sionod by tho letirrnipnt frcm office 
 of tho Duko of rurkiiij^Iiiua ami hh Co!!o giie;}, iiud also by the icsignuticn of Lord 
 Kiinboily, tlic thou UovtMuor of tlie Compiny. 
 
 On tho 18lh of Januavy, 1 809, Eiil G.anvillo, who lial acceded to Office as Secretary 
 of State for th3 CjI jni^rj, tiunsmict;!d to us tlio reply of tho Company, declining the 
 proposals of the Duko of Buckingham. Ilia Lo/dship subsoquontly requested us to 
 communicato to him any observations which wo luiglit d.sire to ollcr upon this reply of 
 the Company, and up^a cc:-tain countar projiosals which it contained, we folt reluctant, as 
 representatives of Canftda, to enga^^'e in a controversy with the Company concei-ning 
 matters of fact, as well as questions of Law and palicy, while the negotiation with them 
 was being carried on by the Imperial Government in its own name and of its own 
 authoiity. 
 
 But we did not feel at liberty to decline Lord Granville's request, and, on the 8th 
 Fabrairy, sta'jl, at hi^ih, oar viowj oi t;i3 w.-Lom points raised in tho letter of Sir 
 Stafford Norbh3ot3, ths njw Gjvai-nor of th3 C)m;iatiy, in answer to the proposals of the 
 Dak3 of B.xjktti jh 111 ; W3 bj^ to rj^'j.- Yj'il- E cj^'Iji^/ ti t'lj cjrrjjpjndance for full 
 inform ition ai to th3 pjaiaons takon anl tho opinions expressod by us at this stage of the 
 negotiation. 
 
 Lord Granville being of opinion that the rejection, by the Company, of the proposals 
 of his prodocessor had tenninatoi.1 the nogotiatious instituted by him, submitted for onr 
 consideration proposals of his own, based on a diflercnt principle from that which had 
 been laid down by the Duke of IJuckingham. 
 
 We feel it our duty to st.vto to his Lordship, that these proposals would not be 
 acceptable to the Canadian Government., They were suh.sequently modified, and in the 
 form in which they appear in the letter of Sir Frederick Rogers, of the 9th March, were 
 conditionally accepted by u.s, subject to the approval of your Excellency in Council. 
 
 Certain details were left by Lord Granville, to bo settled bctwean the representatives 
 of the Company, and ourselves, which lead to interviews and discussions with them, and 
 to a coi'resptndence which is also submitted herewith. 
 
 Dux'ing the progress of the negotiations, a formal complaint was made to the Colonial 
 Secretary by the representatives of the Company, against the Canadian Government for 
 undertaking the construction of a read 1 etwcen Lako of the Woods and the Red River 
 Settlement, without having first obtained the consent of the Company. 
 
 The letter convoying this complaint wa^s rcfericd to us by Earl Granville for such 
 explanation as wo were able to ofler. The con-espondence on this subject is also respect- 
 fully submitted. 
 
 Your Excellency is avrarc that since onr return to Canada, the Hudson Bay Company 
 have signified to Lord Granville their acceptance of (ho. terms, proposed by him, for tho 
 surrender to Her Majesty, of their Territoiial rights in llupart's Land. We have, 
 therefore, the honor to submit the same, with msmorandimis of tha " details " agreed to 
 by us on behalf of the Canadian Government, for the aijjiroval of your Excellency, and 
 for such action thereupon as your Excellency may be advised to take. 
 
 All which is I'espectfully submitted. 
 
 (Signed,) Geo. Et. Cartiee, 
 
 Wm. McDoUGALli. 
 
 Ottawa, May 8th, 18G9. 
 
 PURCHASE MONEY. 
 
 Copt of a lieport of a Committee cf the Honorable the Prirj/ Council, approved hy 
 Ilia £xcellc>icj the Governor Geriar'a.l in Council on, thz 17 th Aujust, 1860. 
 
 On a memorandum, dated 2nd August, 18G9, from tho Ilonora'le tha Minister of 
 Finance, bringing under the notice of your Excellency in Council the payment of 
 12a— 19 
 
146 
 
 I' 
 
 
 m 
 
 m 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 m 
 
 !]. 
 
 1 
 
 '^k' 
 
 V 
 
 
 .13?' 
 
 ►. 
 
 
 
 
 
 ! ■&'.'' 
 
 
 
 m 
 
 
 
 X300,000 sterling, rncj^ured to bo mwh to tlu; Hudson Bay Company on the tmnsfer of 
 Kuperb's Land to tlio Dominion ofCJ.inada, i-i tni-nii of ili!> Addi-oss to Her Majesty of tho 
 Senate and House of Commons in tho hiB^ Session of Parliament. 
 
 The Minister submits that it is proposed that the Proclamation annexing the 
 Territory to tho Dominion of Canada shall take efltvt on the lat October next, and that 
 it beoomes necessary to make provision for tho payment of the sum in question on the 
 dajr mentioned. 
 
 That th3 Canadian Government has no information as to the passing of any Aot by 
 Um Imperial Parliament, authorizing Her Majesty's Government to giiarautee the loan cf 
 the sum in question, '^nd although the Dominion has at its disposal sufficient balances out 
 of whiqh the paymoi might, in tho meautinio, be met, it is expedient that the assent of 
 Her Majesty's Govenvmont should bo obtained to any such payment by anticipation in 
 oaM the arrangements for placing tho guaranteed loan on tho market, cannot bet completed 
 before the Ist Octoljor next. 
 
 He, therefore, recommends that the attention of Her Mtyesty's Government be 
 called to these fact, in order that a proper understanding may bo come to, either for the 
 advance by this Government of tho sum of X3U0,000, or for its being raised by a loan on 
 tho Imperial guarantee. 
 
 The Committee concur in tho above Report, and advise that a copy thereof be 
 communicated by your Excellency to the Riirht Honorable the Secretary of State fw the 
 Colonies for the information of Her Majest} .s Government. 
 
 (CortiGed.) Wm. H. Lbb, 
 
 Clerk P. C. 
 
 Copy qf a Report of a Committee of thp. Honorable the Privy Council, approved by Hit 
 Excellency the Governor General in Council on t/ie ISth September^ 1S69. 
 
 The Committee have given their attentive consideration to tho annexed memorandum 
 from the Honorable tho Ministar of Finauca, with raferenc3 to the requirements of the 
 Act passed in the recent Session of the Imperial Parliament, for guaranteeing a loan of 
 £300,000 sterling to be p.iiil to the Hudson Bay Company, and they report their con- 
 currence in tha recomman lations of the Minister of Finance, and advise that a copy 
 thereof be transnxitfced by Your Excellency to Eail Granville for the information of Her 
 Majesty's Government. ' 
 
 (CertiEed.) Wm. H. Leb, 
 
 Clerk, P. a 
 
 Finance Department, Ottawa, 18th September, 1869. 
 
 The undersigned has the honor to bring under the notice of His Excellency in 
 Council, the Act recently passed by the Imperial Parliament, known as the " Canada 
 (Rupert's Land) Loan Act" of 1869, for guaranteaing a loan of £300,000 sterling, to be 
 paid to the Hudson Bay Company. 
 
 That Act provides that Her Majesty's Treasury " shall not give any guarantee unless 
 "and until provision is mada by an Act of the Pai'liamant of Canada, or otherwise, to 
 " to the satisfaction of the Treasury," amon^j other things for making the loan — with 
 the Sinking Fund, Interest, and any advance made out of the Consolidated Revenue 
 Fund of th3 UaibeJ Kiajlom o:i aooount of such Loan, with the interest thereon, as 
 therein detailed — a charge on the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Canada, immediately 
 after that for fortifications created by the Act 31 Vic. Cap. 41. 
 
 That in view of the necessity of making payment to the Hudson Bay Company, 
 previous to the meetii g of tlie Parliament of Canada, and in order that the Proclamation 
 
 1 
 
U7 
 
 B transfer of 
 [ajcsty of the 
 
 nnexing the 
 !xt, and that 
 tsiion on the 
 
 any Aot by 
 e the loan cf 
 balances out 
 the assent of 
 ticipation in 
 hi' completed 
 
 vernment be 
 ither for the 
 by a loon on 
 
 y thereof be 
 State {or the 
 
 BE, 
 
 •k P. 0. 
 
 annexing Rm^erfa Land to Canada, and tlio arran;?omciits for the GovemmMit and 
 Bettleniont of the Territoi-y may not li;' mnliily d«fe-)'tMl, it is exj)odient to pais a Minute 
 of the Privy Council accepting the torms uf the said imperial Act, which provide for 
 charging the Consolidated Rovenuo Fund of Canada with the payment of the StnkiM 
 Fund, and \rith the principal or interest nn any sum issued out of the Conaolidittd 
 Revenue Fund of the Unitfd Kingdom, all as therein provided, and in the ordef M 
 thejrein let forth, and to authorize the negotiation of the loan of $300,000 on the 
 guarantee of the Imperial Government act (jrdingly ; and further, to declare by a like 
 Order in Council that the Government of Canada will ^commend to Parliament, at iti 
 first Session, the passing of an Act to carry into effect — 'in so far aa provision may not 
 be already made by existing Acts, and by this order — the requirements of the Seid 
 Canada (Rupert's Land) Loan Act of 18G9, as to charging the principal sum of money, 
 and the Interest. Sinking i und and interest on, and the capital of any advances out of 
 the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the United Kingdom, as therein mentioned, on the 
 Consolidated Revenue Fund of Canada in the order specified in the said Imperial Aot. 
 
 He further recommends that Thomas Baring, Esq., M. P., and George Can* Glyn, 
 Esq., both of the City of London, Rankers ; be nominated Trustees on behalf of the 
 Govemmi^nt of Canada, for the investment and management of the Sinking Fund, and 
 the accumulation thereof, in terms of the said Act. 
 
 (Signed,) 
 
 Ottawa, 3lBt August, 18C9. 
 
 JoHK Rose, 
 M. efF. 
 
 'oved hy Hit 
 
 lemorandum 
 aents of the 
 ng a loan of 
 their con- 
 that a copy 
 fition of Her 
 
 SB, 
 
 c, P. 0. 
 
 Copy of a Report of a Committee of ths ITonor.xble the Privy Couneil, approved ty Hi* 
 Lxeelleiicy the Governor General in Council on the 20th September, 1869. 
 
 The Committee have bad under consideration the annexed Memorandum, dated 18th 
 September, 18G9, from the Honorable the Minister of Finance, having reference to the 
 expediency of paying, forthwith, out of the funds now in the hands of the Canadian 
 Govvnment, the X300,000 payable to the Hudson Bay Company, on the understanding, 
 and for the raasons given in the said Report ; and they respectfully request their 
 concurrence therein, and advise that a copy of that Memorandum be transmitted by Your 
 Excellency to the Right Honorable the Secretary of State for the Colonies, for the 
 information aud action of H. M. Government. 
 
 (Certified.) Wm. H. Lee, 
 
 Clerk to the Privy CounolL 
 
 )er, 1869. 
 
 scellency in 
 " Canada 
 rling, to be 
 
 le 
 
 untee unless 
 bherwise, to 
 loan — with 
 id Revenue 
 thereon, as 
 mmediately 
 
 r Company, 
 roclamation 
 
 Finance Department, Ottawa, 
 
 20th September, 1869. 
 
 On a referance this day to ths unlarsi'^nod, of tha de-^patches from ths Secretary of 
 State for the Colonies, ths ona dated tha 22nd July, 1869, and the other dated the 11th 
 August, 1869, transmitted by the Governor General to the Privy Council on the 26th 
 August ar d 14th September respsctively ; tlie latter accompanied by a copy of the 
 Rupert's Land Loan Bill, 1869, and in which the Sosretary of S'ate requests to be' 
 informed whether any ai*rangement has been made for the payment of the X300,000 
 sterling to the Hudson Bay Company ; he has the honor to report : — 
 
 Ist. The Government of Canada is pre[)ai'ed at once to jiay the sum to the Hudson 
 Bay Company out of its own moneys ; provided that Hei- Majesty's Government assert that 
 such payment shall not interfere with the granting of the guarantee (by the Commission^n 
 of Her Majesty's Treasury of the amount, but that such guarantee will be gitwa %» th« 
 
14S 
 
 
 Ponds of Canndii, ni an .'iirly a dny na may lo Givanj^od) Ictwt-en IIcv JIajcsty's 
 Goveinineiit and tho Guvon.nicnt of Canada. 
 
 2nd. With i-cforcnec to tlio d^'spatdi of tlio 22nd July last, in wMoh Eail Granville 
 observes that, in the al scncu of nay Canadian Act authorising tho raising of tho sum of 
 £300,000, with the usiuil pvovisiona lis to i^iidiing Fund, it would Lo impossible to issue 
 the Loan for some montlis lo comr, and suggesta that such airungouiuuts mi^'htbe made in 
 the iTPantimo with the lliidson Bay Com[)ar.y touching tho ))ayment of the amount, as 
 will enable Her Majesty's Govrrnment to issue tlic Oi (lei- in Ccuncil, annexing tho Terri- 
 tories to the Dominion of Canada ; the Minister has tho honor to state that by a Statute 
 passed by the Parliament of Canada, during tlie last Session (32 and 33 Vic, cap. 1) it is 
 enacteil as follows ; 
 
 (3.) •• The Governor in Council may authorizo the raising of a sum of money, not 
 " exceeding threo hundred thousand pounds sterling, or one million four hundred and 
 " sixty thousand dollars, by way of loan, with tho guarantee of the Government of the 
 " United Kingdom, for the purpose of meeting a like sum, payable out of the Consoli- 
 " dated Revenue Fund to tho Hudson Bay Com)>any, as provided in the proposed 
 " agreement with the said Company, hiitl before the Parliament of Canada, with other 
 '* documents on tho sama subject, by Ilis Excillency the Governor General, on the 
 " Seventeenth of May, in the pres-nit year, antl embodied in tho Address to Her Most 
 " Giucious Majesty, adopted by the S'onate antl House of Commons ot Canada. 
 
 " And such Loan may bo raised either in currency or sterling money, on such terms, 
 " for such period, in such form, at such rate of interest, and with such sinking fund, and 
 " subject to such conditions as the Governor in Council may think most advisable, with 
 " the approval of the Canimis«ionor3 of Her Majesty's Treassi^y ; and such loan, interest, 
 " and sinking fund shall be a cluirc;e upon tho Consolidated Revenue Fund of Canada. 
 
 (4.) " Tlie Governor in Council may authorizo the dsing, by way of loan, of a further 
 " sum, not exceeding in tho whole, tliroj hundred thousand pounds sterling, or one million 
 " four hundred and sixty thousand dollars, on the credit of the Dominion of Canada, for 
 *' the purpose of defraying tho expense of o])cning up communication with and of the 
 " settlement and administration of tho Government of the said Territory ; antl such Loan 
 *' may be raised either in currency or sterling money, on such terms, for such penod,*in 
 " such form, at r.ach rate of interest, with such sinking fund and subject to such conditions 
 " as the Governor in Council may think most advisable ; and such Loan shall be achai-sie 
 " upon the Consolid:\ted Revenue Fund of Canada." 
 
 TliesD enaitm?nts Wv^i'o infcondod, by anticipation, to provide for tho difficulty which 
 his Lordship ha'? su'jg^stol ; a-i I tin Gjv?rume;it of Caua.la, by further Order in iJouncil, 
 (dated 17th August, If^GO) suggested that in oi-der to obviate any delay, the Bonds to be 
 issued under it should bo jjvepared in England, and signed on behalf of the Dominion of 
 Canada by th^ Financial Agents there, ivlio were, by tho same Order in Council, and. 
 under tho pi-ovisions of tho Acts, permitting Loans to bo efToctjd, spsoially authorized to 
 sign thes3 Bonds as the O.lic^rs of the Dominion of Canada. 
 
 The Minister recommends that Earl Granville be informed that the Government is 
 prepared at once to settle tho form and mode ef executing the Bonds, so that no delay 
 whatever may arise. 
 
 3rd. The Ministor c*" Finance hasfurt,her the honor to state, that by a further report 
 from this DepaHmant, date! tho ISth Soptembor instant, and approved by His ExosUency 
 the Governor General in Council on the same day, the Government of Canada accepted 
 the terms of the Rupert's Land Loan. Act, 18G9, which pro -idos lor raising the Loan, and 
 for the creation and management of the Sinkmg Fund, and for making the various sums 
 specified in that Act, a charge on tlio Consolidated Revenue of Canada, in the order 
 thei.'«in specified ; and he trusts that the provisions of the aforesaid Act, and the Ordar 
 in Council now rei'eiTyd to, give aloqua'e authority for e'ldcting the Loan without furthsr 
 Legislation, ami that the lequiroments ol" tho Canada Rupert's Loan Act, 18G9, are 
 sufficiently fuliilled, so as to i)ermit of immediate arraugomen;;s being made with the 
 Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasuiy, to carry it into effect. 
 
u% 
 
 JIajcsty's 
 
 Granville 
 the bum of 
 )Io to issue 
 )o made in 
 itnoimt, as 
 tlio Terri- 
 a Statute 
 up. 1) it is 
 
 noney, not 
 ndred and 
 ent of the 
 e Consoli- 
 proposed 
 r'ith other 
 J, on the 
 Her Most 
 
 ich terms, 
 fund, and 
 able, with 
 1, interest, 
 anada. 
 ■ a further 
 ne million 
 anada, for 
 nd of the 
 uch Loan 
 period,*in 
 ionditioiis 
 a chai-ye 
 
 Itv which 
 I Oouncil, 
 lids to be 
 minion of 
 incil, and 
 lorized to 
 
 nment is 
 no delay 
 
 er report 
 :c3llency 
 accepted 
 oan, and 
 ous sums 
 he order 
 he Ordar 
 t fiirthsr 
 8G9, are 
 with the 
 
 4th. II«i further rocommends that the Financial Agents in England be authorised to 
 determine and nink:' nil aiTiinjionientH with llor ^lajoHtyH (lovoruincnt, for croating and 
 maintaining such Sinking Fund us may bo Lliuught piopur in respect (o the giummteed por- 
 tion of the Loan ; and also to determine ns to the cioating and maintaining a Sinking Fund 
 in respect of the further amount of Loan authorised to lo Issued in terms of the 4th 
 Section of the aforesaid Act ; and the Bonds to bo issued therefore may be for such 
 amounts, and payable at such dates, and boar such rate of interest as the said Financial 
 Agents may think most advantageous. 
 
 (Signed,) Jobn Rosb. 
 
 Ottawa, September 20.h, 1869. 
 
 Copy of a Report of a Committee of the Honorable the Privy Council, approved by H%$ 
 Excellency the Governor General in Council on the Uml October, 1S69, 
 
 The Committee of Council have had \mder considemtion the accompanying Memo- 
 randum, dited 3()th Saptember, 1869, from the Honorable the Minister of Justice, 
 recommending that in view of the immediate departure of tho Honorable John Ross, late 
 Mini8t3r of Finatico, for England, he be requested to act on behalf of the Canadian 
 Government on his arrival in London, on the several matters enumerated in the said 
 Memorandum, and t!iey respectfully advis» that the recommendations of the Minister of 
 Justice be approved, anl that Mr. Rose be duly authorized to act on behalf of the 
 Dominion in the matters raferred to. 
 
 Certified. 
 
 \Vm. H. Lee, 
 
 Clerk to the Privy Council 
 
 'J 'he undei'signed, in view of the immediate departure of the Honorable John Rose* 
 late litinister of Finance, for England, begs leave to recommend that he be requested to 
 act on behalf of the Canadian Government, on his arrival in London, on the following 
 matters : — 
 
 1. To make arrangements with Her Majesty's Government and with the Financial 
 Agents of the Dominion in London, for the negotiation of the Lean of £.300,000 sterling, 
 on the guarantee of Her [Majesty's Government, for the payment to the Hudson Bay 
 Company ; and also for negotiating such further Loan, on the sole credit of Canada, as may 
 be thought expedient for the other purposes connected with the North West-Territcries, 
 contemplated in the Supply BiJ| of last Session, and referred to in the several Minutes of 
 Council, copies of which are hereunto annexed ; and further to make such arrangements as 
 to the form of execution and signature of the Bonds to be issued as may be thought 
 most convenient. 
 
 2. To make provision for the payment in advance, if need be, by an-angement with 
 Her Majesty's Government, of the said sum of £300,000 sterlinfr, out of the Funds of 
 Canada, and to cany out any agreement which it may be necessary to make to that 
 efi'ect, and to adjust, with the Company, the sum to be paid lor the Telegraph wire, specified 
 in the arrangements with the Government of Canada. 
 
 (Signed,) 
 
 John a. Macdoxald. 
 
 Ottawa, 30th September, 1SG9. 
 
m 
 
 
 CoFT o/" a Report of a Committee of tJie Honorabh the Privy Council, approval hif Hii 
 ExoeUenc.i; iJie Governor General in Council on the 10th yo^>$niber, 1669. 
 
 ' On a Memorandu n, tiatod 13th Novamber, 18C9, from the Hoi'orable tho Mtniiter 
 of Fiaanos, submitting that it is oxpdJ.ioat to loao no tima in romittiag one million fiv« 
 hundrdi thousianil djllars to th3 Ij)u.Idu Ajouts, in order that immoUiite payment raaj 
 be made to the Iluds jn Bay Comjuny, of the purchase money of tho Territory, £300,000 
 ^iterling. 
 
 And further Hubmitting that it ii inexpedient to ])laco a new loan on the market at 
 present, and that it will bo desirable *o postpone raising any further loan until it becomes 
 neoessary to raise a further amount for the Intercalonial Railway, stating that the 
 Imperial guaranteed Bonds will be issued when required, and will be an available security 
 on which a temporary Loan can be raised if required. 
 
 The Committee advise that the foregoing suggestions of the Minister of Finance b« 
 approved and acted on. 
 
 Certified. 
 
 Wm. H. L-2E, 
 
 Clerk Privj Council. 
 
 The Stcretarp q/' Stmte to Sir John Tonng. 
 
 (ClXADA.— No. 215.) 
 
 DowiKO Street, 
 
 30 th December, 1869. 
 
 ToTrbxvirf, 5th NTo^ 1931. 
 Tnasury, 22nd Nov, 18J9. 
 
 Sin, — I have the honor to transmit to you the enclose copies 
 of a correspondence with the Board of Treasury, relating to the 
 Loan, £300,000, to be raised by the Government of Canada, for the payment of tlie 
 Hudson Bay Company on the cession of thdir Territories in British North America. 
 
 I have, <bc., 
 
 (Signed,) F. R. Sandford, 
 
 For Earl Granville. 
 
 Governor General 
 
 Tho Rt Hon. Sir JoHX YouKO, Bart., G.C.B., G.C.M.G., &c., &o., Ac. 
 
 m. 
 
 
 (Copy.) 
 
 Sir F. Scmdford to Secretary to Treatury. 
 
 DowNiKO Street, 
 
 5th November, 1869. 
 
 17th Aoguat, 1861>. SiR, — I am direutedby Earl Granville to transmit to you, to be 
 
 18th3ep!^*birT339. ^*^^ ^3^°^*® ^^^ ^^^^ Commissioners of tha Treasury, the several orders 
 18th September! im noted in the margin, of the Privy Council of Canada, on the subject of* 
 29th September, 1339. the guarantee to be given by their Lordships for the payment of the sum 
 of £300,030, to hs raise.! by way of a loan by the Government of Canada, under the Act 
 of the last Sjssioa of tha Imperial Parliament, cap. 101, called *' The Canadian (Rupert's 
 Land) Loan Act, 1^69." 
 
Ill 
 
 ; Ay Hi* 
 
 Minister 
 I lion fiv« 
 lent maj 
 J300,000 
 
 larket at 
 
 beoomea 
 
 that tho 
 
 5 security 
 
 [nanco b« 
 
 noiL 
 
 I am uIho desired to transmit, for the information of their LordRhips, a copy of an 
 82and3JVic.,ci|:. 1. Act of the Parliament of Canada, passed in anticipation of th« 
 Imporial Act, by which authority would appear to be given to raise the Loan on tuoh 
 terms and conditions as the Governor in Council may think most advisable, with the 
 ivpprobation of the Lords Commissioners of the Trea8ui*y. 
 
 Mr. Rose, late Finance Minister of Canada, has been tiuthorised to make the 
 necessary arrangements on behalf of the Government of Canada, and has tj^ansmitted the 
 acuompanying Memorandum to Earl Gmnville, shewing the mode by which it is proposed 
 that ihn money, on the guarantee of Her Majesty s Government, shruld be raised. 
 
 It has bean arranged that the surrender of Rupert's Land, by the Hudson Bay 
 Compu -"v shall be made on the 1st December next. The money will requintd to be paid 
 on that lay, and as it is of great importance that no further delay (ihould take place in 
 the transfer of the Territory to Canada, I am directed to express Lord Granville's hope 
 that the acceptance by the Exucutive Government of Canada, in tho terms of the several 
 Orders in Council accompanying this letter, of the Rupert's Land Loan Act, 1869, and 
 the plan suggested by Mr. Rose, for raising and paying over the money to the Hudson 
 Bay Company, may be satisfactory to their Lordships. 
 
 I am, ilcc. 
 
 The Secretary to the Treasury. 
 
 F. R. SANDrOXD. 
 
 , 1869. 
 
 se copies 
 ig to the 
 
 t of tlie 
 
 [■ica. 
 
 rille. 
 
 1869. 
 
 }\x, to bs 
 tl orders 
 
 |ubject of 
 the sum 
 the Act 
 
 iRupert's 
 
 (Copy). 
 
 Jir. Stan^tld to th$ Under Secretary of State., Colonial Oftee. 
 
 Treasury CsAMBKRa, 
 
 22nd November, 1869. 
 
 Sir, — With reference to your letter of 5th inst., and its enclosure, relative to the 
 Loan of £300,000, to be raised by the Government of Canada for the payment of tlie 
 Hudson Bay Company on the cession of Rupert's Land, I am directed by the Lords 
 Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you, for the information of Earl 
 Granville, that My Lords have had conveyed to Mr. Rose, late Finance Minister for 
 Canada, their approval of the manner in which it is proposed to raise the sum of 
 £300,000, and of terms of the Bond or Debenture. 
 
 Mr. Rose has also been informed that My Lords are prepared to guarantee the 
 payment of interest at the rate of 4 par cant, on the said sum of £300,000, in the terms 
 of the Board, on condition that sufficient proof is afforded to the satisfaction of this Board, 
 that that sum has been paid over to the Hudson Bay Company^ by, or on behalf of the 
 Government of Canada, and with the underatauding that that Government will recommend 
 to the Parliament of Canada, at its first session, the passing of whatever further Act may 
 appear to be called for by a strict interpretation of the provisions of the Imperial Act. 
 
 I am to add that My Lords have appointed the Permanent Secretary to carry into 
 effect the guarantee on behalf of this Board, and they propose that Sir F. Rogers and 
 Mr. Law (Auditor of the Civil List) should act as 'Trustees of the Sinking ^\md, on 
 behalf of Her Majesty's Govenimdnt. 
 
 The papers enclosed in your letter of the 5th instant are returned herewith. 
 
 I am, (be, 
 
 (Signed,) 
 
 The Under SAotetary of Stuto, Colonial Office. 
 
 jAMsa Stanstsld. 
 
lOS 
 
 irnVRY AND M'W l>IVtHtf»N, NOHTII Wl HT. 
 
 CofXo/n l\^pi»'t i]f' it Cotii mi ttrr vf' tftf. Ilovmolilii (/ii* i'rivi/ Cinnirif, (i/i/mnrit bj His 
 K,ntllnu'ff the (ivt'truor Gcnrutl tit t'oniunl on (h« li.irA Sejitembrr, I SOI), 
 
 Tho (^umnittoo Imvo huil l>(>fofo (lipin flio nnuoxol lloport, «livtol V!2n I St.ptomhnr 
 1800, fri)>n tli«> lloiiovidvlo ilio Minister d' I'lihlii' Wtnkn, . Ruliiiiiltiiij^ ct'>'Uiin 
 «l<M'uiu(>M<H ivioivoii liv lijin from .1. Sloiiglilon |)(MU\iM, I'1h<|., P. Ii.S., tMiiltnioiiiK a HvnU'in 
 pivpoHod Ity hit\i lor (lu> aurvoy ninl muIi ili' isioii of (lie 1t)\vn'«lij|iH in tlio Nortli-Wo«fc 
 IVvritonoR, nml on tlijj »x>oonnno»uliUion ol'Uio Minislorof I'lihlio NVoiku, tlioy roRpc«^tfully 
 Ailviae timt the rvhUmu pi\,poH«Hl by t'oloni'l DimiuIh, lio iippnivotl aiul ftilo[ttoil. 
 
 (V'ltinoa. 
 
 Wm. it. Lrit, 
 
 Clerk to the Trivy Council. 
 
 Ottawa, 22utl Sopiomltcr, 1SC9. 
 (Mctnomndvim.) 
 
 Tlio utulotsijjrniHl lii\s th« honor to suhmit, 
 
 Thnt on (ho IDtli .Inly hvst, i\ lodor of instrnetiou!"! \Vi\H Hi>nt (o l,lontonnnt Colonol 
 Dennis, r.L.S., tliuvlinv; him to pnvoo.l (o (lie Ixoil Kivor, lor tlu^ pnrpom* of nolooting 
 tlio nios( »\>i(4«l>l(> hvalitios tor the survey of townships for intniediato settlenunit^ 
 
 That Mr. Denni.s after oons\)l ting with (lie frown Lmuls l)epnvtnu'nt«, both in Ciinad.t 
 and the United Stntes, in aeotMilivnoe with (he aho\e in.struetionH, has forwivrded eertuin 
 jvi)>er« einhrjuMng a ]m>|Hw»«l system of i?uiveyN anil mib-division of I'nhlio liMndw in thivt 
 j»art of the Dvwiinion. 
 
 1. The system to be reotaugular. All Uiwnships and necliona to lie East and West, 
 or Xorth «nd So\»(h. 
 
 2. The townships to nmnVer northerly from (ho 10 j>;n-alloI, and the ranges of town- 
 ships to nnniber East anil West fixnn a given n»(>ridian. This meridian to '.m> drawn from 
 the 40 paiuUel, at a p.">int, say 10 miles VVest of Pembina, aiul to be callo.l tho Wiunipog 
 meritlian. 
 
 X The townships to wnsist of Gl squaivsof 800 acres each, ai\d to contain in addition 
 40 !»oix»s, or live p;>r oent^ in aiva in each se-tion, as an allowaneo for public highwaya. 
 
 4. The townships on the Ked and Assinniboine Rivera, whoro the samo have had 
 ranges of farm lots laid out by the (\)nrpany, to be surveyed, tlie broken sjctions butting 
 against the nv\r limitsS of such ranges, so as to leave the sune intact as independent 
 grants, accompanying which is a map on Mmva tor's Pixtjection, illustrating tho pi-oposed 
 division and a plan of .1 township, shewing the projH)snd method of sub-division. 
 
 The nndei-signed now legs to ivoommend that the above .system of surveys and sub- 
 division by Colonel Dcixnis, P.L.S., for the North- Western Territories, may be udoptod 
 and a)>pi-oved. 
 
 Respectfully submitted. 
 
 (Signed,) "Wm. McDouoall, 
 
 Miniatdr of Fublio Works. 
 
 Corr of a Jieport of a Com-niittt of the Honor^rhh the Priv;/ Council, approved h^ ffii 
 ErceUcitcy the Gotxnwr Gemral i)i Couiicil on tJit SStli Septeihber, 1869. 
 
 On tlie I'ocoramendation of the IIonoraMe the Minister of Justice, the Committee 
 advise that the HoaorAble Wm. McDouj^all, C. B., be apiwintetl Lieutanant Qovernor of 
 
ion 
 
 ■i j tltl I ■ IMI III I r i i piMi,,! 
 
 tho Nniili-Wnili Toiiilnrini; mnl llml ii ( 'iiiiiiiiiMiinii iiii(l< r llm (ircnl Horil flo inniie, tO 
 fako rll'iMiti fi'iiiii timl n.fV'>r Uii« <|riy on wliidi hhcIi 'l'<'iril,uiiM4 hvd tidriil'MrnMl \iy Hot 
 Miijmty in IliK hiiMiiiiidii nC ( 'luimlii. 
 
 Ami itii du' Hniiio riMiimiii'MnliitiiMi lli"v n-lvitn ihut Mr, Mcltnii^all'ii Kdary, at auoh 
 Lioutetmut Gijvuritur, bo IIximI ut hovoh iliitiiminil dollurit {itT iintiiiiii. 
 
 Uorlillod. 
 
 Wm. If. r.Fr, 
 
 Cloik I'rlvy '^f.. ..oU. 
 
 Copy qfa liepnrt <\f a Cnmnn'ttrn nf ihn Ifttvnrnhlfi (hn Privy ffonnnil, approved by Bit 
 ExedUncy tho (tovcrnor OeiunuU in ('oitncU on tlin 2H</t iSr.ptomher, IHOU, 
 
 Tlic (V)tiitiiit.lno liavr> Imil iiikIit cniisiilcnitii'ii Hif iiiiiif>x('<l di ii ft rd' n lrft,«r proposed 
 to bo iii|tlr(<Hsnt| liy tili't HiTifliuy nf SIhId fur tlm I'ldvinocH to Min llorioraMn William 
 MoDoiigall, as hin proliiiiiiiaiy iimtriictiririM r»ii procoHlio^ t.r» tlin •Norl.li Wosh Torritories, 
 And on Mu> nuuirninoudation of Mm llononiM'i tlin iVIiniHtior id' dn.HliooadviHo tliat the Mm* 
 l»» ap])ruvucl by your Kxcollpncy. 
 
 Ccitiliod. 
 
 '. JT. T,KK, 
 
 Clorlc of Prir^r Couaoil 
 
 (Copy.) 
 
 OprrcE OF THE Hk<jrf,tary or Statr ron the Provinces, 
 
 28th Hoptember, 1869. 
 Th9 Honorable Wm. McDonrjall, C. B., Ottavm. 
 
 Sir — Ah you havo btum ap|)ointfHl laontcnnnl, riovornorof tho N<^t[i Wost Territoriei, 
 in anticipation of thofoiimil tninHfci' of tlioHcT' niloricH by Ilnr Maj(!sty to tho Dominion of 
 Canada, and vm it iH cxpcotod that such trannfor will bo mado within tho course of the 
 next two or throo months, I havo tho honor, by conini.ind of Ilia Kxcolloncy tho Governor 
 General, to inform yon that it is dnniiatdo thai no tiiw; siionhJ bo lost in making tho 
 necessary picliiuijiary arrangoinc^nla for tho organization of tho Govornmont of the 
 TerritorioH. 
 
 2. With this viow, I am to instruct yon to proceed with all convenient spoed to Fort 
 Oan'y, in order that you may effrctmilly Hii|)'riiit(!nd tho carrying out of the preliminary 
 arrangonientH indicatfid in tho proccding itar.i/crapli, and bo ready to a.HHume the Govern- 
 ment of tho Torritorit'H on thoir actual transfer to (!anada. 
 
 3. On youi" arrival at Fort Garry you will pla';o yourself at once in communication 
 with Mr. McTavish, tho Governor of tli'i Tfud^on I'ay Company, and notify him of your 
 appointment, you will at -tho Hnino time ofhsr sraLs in your C.jnncil to Mr. McTaviah and 
 to Mr. Black, or other Chief Judicial Oflic'r of tho Hndson'.s Bay Company, now in 
 tho Territory. Should either or both of these gentlemen decline to accept oflice, you will 
 Bubmit for tho consideration of Ilia Excellency, th(; namoH of one or two other ( [Yic^m of 
 the Company whom you consider eligible to act as memberH of your Council. You will 
 at tho same time submit the names of several u'i the residents of character and standing in 
 the Territory, unconnected with the CompMny, qualified to act as Councillors, giving 
 particulars respecting them, and stating their coimpai-ative merits. 
 
 4. You will have tho goodnosa to report, with all convenient speed, for the information 
 of His Excellency , on the state of the laws now existing in the Territories, ti-ansmitting 
 
 12a— 20 
 
104 
 
 ooplen of any laws, onlinanoon or ro>^lnti<niH of tho Company now in fonio thoro, toj^ethor 
 with a full ro{M)rt hh U> tlio inudt) ol'aihniiiiHtorin}^ juHtioo, tlio ur^anizatinn of tho CourtM, 
 the number an<l tnodf^ of H[i|iointini>nt oT JuMtiuoH of the I'cace; tho PoHch urrangomunta 
 And the moauH udaptud for k(H>|Hng tiio p' aco Aio. 
 
 5. hi preparing tho Report on the n^iitloiti rt^forrod to in tho prooeding paragraph, it 
 will be will that you uhould confer with tho Chief Judicial Olllcer of the Company iu th^ 
 T«rritoriefl. 
 
 6. You will hftv© the goodness to report also upon the ByHtem of taxation (if any) 
 new in force in the Territories, the system of licencing Shops, Taverns, iic, the mode of 
 regulating or prohibiting the sale of wiut>s, 8])irituons and malt liquors, and farther aa to 
 the mode of keeping up the Roads and generally on the Municipal organization, if any, 
 existing in the Territories. 
 
 7. You will also mako a full report upon tho state of tho Indian tribes, now in the 
 Territories, their numbers, wui'ts, and claims; tho system heretofore })ursued by the 
 Hudson Bay Corai)any in dealing with them ; accompanied by any sutrgi'stions you may 
 deaire to offer, with reference to their protection, and tho improvement of their condition. 
 
 8. You will have tho goodness to report, also, on tho nature and amount of the 
 currency or circulating. medium now employed in tho Territories, and of tho probable 
 requirements of the Territories in that lespcct in the future. 
 
 9. You will also report on the syatom of education (if any) which now obtains in 
 the Territories. 
 
 10. You will also please to report as to such lands in the Territories as it may be 
 desirable to open up at once for bottlcment, transmitting a plan of such survey as may 
 be necessary, with an estimate of tho cost of survey, a statement of the conditions of 
 grants of land and settlement. Tho Plan should sh(;w the number of Townships it is 
 proposed to lay out at once, the size and situation of the Townships, and the size of the 
 lots, milking the necessary reservation for Churches, Schools, Roads, and other publiQ 
 purposes. 
 
 1 1. You will also report upon the relations at present existing between the Hudson 
 Bay Company and the ditforout religious bodie^s in the Territories. 
 
 12. You will also report as to the number of olllcers now employed by Hudson Bay 
 Company in the administration of tho Government of tho Territories, t,tating the duties 
 and salaries of such oOicers, and specify iug those who should, in your opinion, be retained. 
 You will also report as to the number of porsonn whom it will be necessary hereafter to 
 employ in the administration of tho Government ; ;uid you will report generally on all 
 subjects connected with the welfare of tho Territories, upon which it may seem to you 
 desirable to communicate with the Government of the Dominion. 
 
 13. It is desirable that you should take immediate measures for the extension of the 
 Telegraph System irora the Territory to Pembinti, and for its connection at that place 
 with the system of the American Telegraph Company or Companies, making any 
 provisional arrangements for that purpose that may be necessary, and forwarding a copy 
 of such arrangements to this Department for confirmation by His Excellency. 
 
 I have the honor to be, Sir, &c,, &c., 
 
 (Signed,) E. A. Meredith, 
 
 U, Secretary of State. 
 
 CUSTOMS AND EXCISE LAWS. 
 
 Copt of a Report of a Committee of the Honorable the Privy Council, approved by Bit 
 Excellency the Governor General in Council on the 28th September, 1869. 
 
 On a memorandum, dated 27th September, 1869, from the Honorable the Minister 
 ol Jfiutice, acting for the Honorable the Minister of Inland Revenue, and of the Honorable 
 
;he Hudson 
 
 1:00 
 
 the ^finilter of OusfcomH, i.'ftllinj» tho- ntkontion of Yotir Kxowllpnoy to tho exnfldiancy of 
 making «;irlv provision I'nv tim oxLittisiim ut' i\w (/iiHUtmm anil Kxcino Ijiwh of (Janatla to 
 thi> North- West TorritoricH, iu> nou u.h ihvy iiro nilinittcil into tlic DDiaiiiioii. 
 
 With that view thoy rocoiiMiioiul that the liieutormnt Oovornur iippointod by Your 
 Excelleiioy, bo instnn-tn I to [irnciini thu punning of Onliimiifp or OnliminroB by Hia 
 Council HO noon an it is ponntitiitcd, iiiakiiig the CiHtotuH luul KxciHn litiwii of the 
 Dominion oporutivo in tlio 'l\!rrititri»'s, Sucii Onlinanco or Ordinann'is to be in force until 
 tlie Baid hiWH nro «'xt<'iuliMl to tho 'IVrritoriois hy the Parliiinu'iit of C!ana(hi. 
 
 They further roconninMul that Mr. Ah'xandfr Ht'^g, of tlio Inhmd Hovonue Offlo*, 
 be instructed to proceed witli all rr.'i.sonaUlo Ni)Ood to Fort (Jarrv, and that he ijtdume the 
 duties of Colloetor of (/'iiHtoius and InspciUor of Inland Itcvonne under the aaid 
 Ordinances. That his travelling c».\p;MisL'H bo piid, and that his milary bo raised from 
 $800 to 01,000, to coinnienco from l.st Octol)r'r, 18t)9. 
 
 The Committoo subniit the above recuuimendation for Your ExcoUency'H approval. 
 
 Ccrtilit,il. 
 
 Wm. H. Lee, 
 
 Clerk P.O. 
 
 Copy of a Heport of a Committefi q/ the Ih nnrahh the Privy Council, approvtd hy Hit 
 Exctllency the Governor General in Council on the 7th December, 1860 : 
 
 On a memorandum, dated 3rd December, 18G0, from the Honorable the Minister of 
 Finance, submitLing that it is expedient to oonio to an imniodiato decision as to the final 
 policy to bo adopted in llupert's Laud, in the event of that Territory being added to the 
 dominion of Canada. 
 
 That it -wovdd, in his opinion, bo inexpedient to make any material changes in the 
 Customs Duties in Hupert'fl Land, until tho moans of access to the Territory shall have 
 been greatly improved. 
 
 He therefore suggests that the present tariff should remain in force for at least two 
 years from the 1st January next. That it may, however, be necessary to establish duties 
 on spirits, and, possibly, some other articles, which are at present exempt. 
 
 That if tho above suggestion be concurred in, he would fui'ther recommend that an 
 announcement of the intention of the Govorrnnent bo made to the people resident in the 
 Territory, who may possibly feel some alarm ou tiie subject of increased duties. 
 
 The Committee concur in the lieport of the Finance Minister, and submit the same 
 for Your Excellency's approval 
 
 Certified. 
 
 "Wm. H. Lee, 
 
 * Clerk Privy CounciL 
 
 Copy o/ a Report of a Committes of the Honorable the Privy Council, approved by Hi 
 Ejceellency the Governor General {71 Council on the 11th December, 1869. 
 
 The Committee of Council, on the recommendation of the Honorable the Minister of 
 Finance, and for the reasons given in his memorandum of the 11th December instant, 
 advise that the Minute in Council of the 7th instant — having reference to the policy to be 
 adopted in Rupert's Land in the event of that Territory being added to the Dominion- 
 be cancelled. 
 
 The Minister of Finance submits that, in his opinion, it is inexpedient to make any 
 material changes in the Customs Duties in Kupert's Land until the means o ' Kicess to the 
 Territory shall have been greatly improved. 
 
TM 
 
 \ ij 
 
 H© thflrcforo mifJKontu tlmt tho pn»Koi»t tiiritV hIiouI*! roninin in fnroo for iit Imiit two 
 jMn frDtn tlio lut .I.niimry lu'xt. 
 
 Tliut if till* iiliovo Mii^'gtmtioii liu coru'iiirnl in, ii)> wuiiM i'lii'tlior rocuiiiinond tlmt an 
 *nnouncf>inuut ui' thn intuitiun of tho Giivii-iiiiiiMit bo nuvlo to tliu pr^pln rtwident in th« 
 Xttmtory, who inuy pofiHibly feci «orno alaiin on tlio subjoot of it: > aufd duties. 
 V The Comnuttco concur in tho furoguin;^ rccommcndutiou, and aubniit tho some for 
 
 Your Excellunoy's ap|ji-oval. 
 
 Coi'tiAed. 
 
 Wm. H. Lie, 
 Ciork Privy Counoil. 
 
 SiAL, North WrsT Tkrhitohies, 
 
 OOVKIINMKNT IToi'SE, OTTAWA, 
 
 Tucwlay, 2.'hd day of Novomber, 1869. 
 
 Present : — His Ei'ccUcncy the Governor Central in Council. 
 
 HIb Excellency, by nnd with \ho ndvirn of tlio Quocn'H Privy Council for Cantd», 
 and in purBunnco of tlio pro\iMi( nii of tlif h'ccoiul S'ectifjn of tho Art 32 iind 33 Victoria, 
 Chapter 3, intituled, ''An Act for thn tdniiornry (iovonuuput of Rupert's Land and the 
 " North-Wc'Bt Territory \vli( n unitfd with I'uiuuln, linH lien jtlcnsed to order, and it i« 
 " hereby ordered, that on, ficni, nnd after the day on which 'The North West Territories' 
 " shall be admitted into tho Union or Dominion of Canada, the said North-West 
 " Territories shall, upon all occasions that may bo required, use a common Seal, to be 
 " called th*^ Great Seal of ' Tho North West Territories,* which said Seal shall be composod 
 " of the Roval Arms, with tho legend or inscription ' The Seal of the North- West 
 
 Wm. H. Lee, 
 Clerk Privy CounoiL 
 
 Territories. 
 
 
 Copt of a Report of a Committeo of the Honorable the Privy Council, approved by Hit 
 Excellency the Governor General in Council on the 18th January, 1870. 
 
 On a memornndum, dated 14th Jsnuary, 1870, from tho Honorable the Minister of 
 Public Works, reporting that considerable progress has been made in the loads connecting 
 the navigable roaches on tho lino of communication between Lake Superior and Red 
 River, — authorized by Your Excellency. 
 
 That the route travert-es a country as yet uninhabited, and that pending any future 
 arrangements lor the con\eyance of mails, itc, ho recommends that he be authorized to 
 expend the sum of twelve thousand dollars ($12,000) in tho purchase of boats, aud the 
 means of conveying them to the jilaces whore they are required. 
 
 The Comniittee advise that the requii-ed authority be granted. 
 
 Certified. 
 
 Wm. H. Leb, 
 
 Clerk, Privy Council. 
 
10T 
 
 t Iriuit two 
 
 11(1 thut an 
 
 lent in th« 
 
 s. 
 
 u uune for 
 
 unoil. 
 
 1869. 
 
 for Canadft, 
 13 Victoria, 
 ind and th« 
 T, nnd it ia 
 Tt'rritories' 
 y[orth-We8t 
 Seal, to be 
 composed 
 Torth-West 
 
 Copt qf n Report of n C(mtmUtM of ihtt IlonnrnhU tfi« Prin/ Cmineil, apjrrovtd by IIU 
 ExctlltiMij th« Uovornnr Gttnernl in Coutuil on th^ 2Hth Janvary, 1H70. 
 
 On a memorandum, dated 2Gth January, 1870, fiom the Honorable the Poatmaattr 
 General, re|)oi ting that he haa entered into an agreement with the uwnern of the ateiuner 
 "Cbioora" for round trip per week between Collingwuod and Furt William, during the 
 MMon of navigation in the present year ; by which agnoment the steamer is to convey, in 
 addition to anv mails which may Im placed on board, such men and stores as the Govern- 
 ment may desire to send, at a tariff uf prices to l>o fixed by Your Excellency in Council, 
 in oonsia<«ration of the jNiymont to the owners of the " Chicora," by the Government of 
 the Domir.ioii, of the sum of Four thousand nine hundred dollars for the season. 
 
 He ity^ommends that the above arrangeiuent bo couflrmed by Your Rxoellonoy in 
 Council, and that, inasmuch as the Mail service between Collingwood and Fort William 
 is already provided for by his Department, under contract with the steamer " Algoma," 
 the amount to be paid to Messrs. Milloy, owners of the " Chicora," be placed in the 
 Estimates for the Ocean and River Steam and Packet Service for 1870-71. 
 
 The Committee advise that the arrangement made be sanctioned, and that the 
 necessary amount be placed in the Estimates for the present year. 
 
 Certified. 
 
 Wm. H. Lm, 
 
 Gerk, Privy Couneil. 
 
 jEE, 
 
 )uncil. 
 
 led by Hi$ 
 
 linister of 
 connecting 
 and Red 
 
 my future 
 horized to 
 and the 
 
 EB, 
 
 )uncil.