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OTTAWA 1872. ■■^ m mi '-^A ,!■■■ i II ' v#4 /i/ REPORT OK COLONEL ROBERTSON -ROSS, ^il{|t.-«i>(n(ral «( IHilitia, ON TIIK North-^Vest Provinces and Territories of the Donfinion for 1872. CONFIDENTIAL. HEAD QUARTERS, Ottawa, December 10th, 1872 Chap. I. From Ottawa to Fort Garry via the Dawson Route. Sib,— I liave the honor to report my return to Head Quarters from Inspection duty in the Provinces of Manitoba and British Columbia, having, in accordance vyith your wishes and instructions, crossed the continent through Dominion Territory to the Paciiic Coast, travelling nearly t le whole distance from Fort Grarry on horseback. On the termination of the Annual training of the Militia in the Pro- vinces of Ontario and Quebec, I proceeded, in the lirst instance, via Lake Superior and the " Dawson Route," to Manitoba. Leaving Oollingwood on the 16th July in the steamboat for Thunder Bay, (Lake Superior,) the vessel reached her destination early in the The Honorable The Minister of Militia AND Dsrstiss, i i' . i ) ■ ; morning of the 22nd, stopping, en route, at the settlements of Owen Sound, Leith and Killaiiiey on the shores of Lake Huron, and at Gargantua Bay, Michipicoton Island and Neepigon, on Lake Superior. On arrivnl at Prince Arthur's Landing, I found that a considerable and ai)parontly thriving settlom'-nl has already sprung up at that place. The i)opulation including the emphi/es of the Department of Public Works, now numbers about 500 ; many good houses have been erected, and Municipal Government has been established. Thunder Bay is one of the best and saf«st harbours on the north shore of Lake Sui)eriorl and the surrounding sccery is very beautiful. At present, for vv^ant of a proper wharf, considerable inconvenience is experienc«'d, but as the one now in cours«' of construction will probably be comi)letod next spring, tlie landing facilities will then be greatly im- proved, and be all that is likely to ))e required for some time to come. OwiuG- to the grenl mineral resources and valuable silver and copper mines which exist in iliis jieighborhood, and from the excellence of its harbour, it may reasonably be expected ihat a wealthy and important settlement will, ere long, be established at Thunder Bay. F: Prince Arthur's Landing I proceeded on the 22nd July, by waggon, i\\ oup day, to Lake Shebandowan, a distance of about forty-live miles, by what may now be fairly considered a good road. All the streams have been bridged, and a very substantial structure is erected across the Matawan. When this road shall have been macadamized throughout its entire length, which will probably be eliected next summer, it will be as good a one as can be desired. The country through which the road passes from Lake Superior to Shebandowan is well wooded and much better suited for settlement than is generally supposed. Although the soil in the immediate neighborhood of Prince Arthur's I^anding is somewhat sandy, the greater part of the country passed through is perfectly well suited for farming and agriculture. At the Matawan River farming operations had commenced ; very line timothy hay had already been raised at that place, and the growth of the vegetables and cereals which had been but a short time before planted, gave excellent promises. From Lake Shebandowan I proceeded by canoe to the North-west Angle of the Lake of the Woods in seven days, a distance of three hun- si bJ til o( bl /^i shore dred and ten mileg, through the chain of inland waters known as the " Dawson Route," towed part of the way by tug steamers. Considerable progress has been made in opening up and improving this line of communication through the JJominion to the vast and important territories of the North West, and I am satisfied that if greater means could have been placed at the disposal of Mr. S. J. Dawson, much greater progress towards completing the work would have been made by that able Engineer. At the time I passed through, there were only four steam tugs avail- able along the whole route ; and there was no steam power on many of the Lakes. The portages, however, have been greatly improved. There were horses or bullocks with carts or waggons on nearly all. In many instances a shorter and bettei- route than that originally followed has been adopted, and altogether it is now not only a perfectly available and valu- able line of communication during the open season, but it is an in- dispensable work towards, the settlement of the country through which it passes. At Fort Francis two steamboats of considerable size are being built ; one has already been launched, and both are expected to be finished early next spring. One of these steamboats is intended for llainy River and the Lake of the Woods, the other for Rainy Lake. Additional tug steamers are also to be obtained, so that by next summer it is expected there will be steam power on all the waters. When this is carried out the journey from Lake Superior to Manitoba through Dominion Territory can be made in four or five days, and the transport of passengers, freight, waggons and horses by the "Dawson Route" effected without difliculty. For the passage of troops, during the summer season, there is now no difficulty. In October last a detachment of 215 soldiers with two light field guns were conveyed in twenty-five days from Collingwood in Ontario to Fort Uarry, in the Province of Manitoba ; and by next sum- mer there would probably be no great difficulty in conveying, if required, both cavalry and artillery, as well as infantry, in considerable numbers by the "Dawson Route." The country along the banks of Rainy Lake and Rainy River is well wooded with valuable timber, extremely picturesque, and still better suited for settlement than the country between Lakes Superior and She- bandowan. The Lakes and Rivers teem with fish, and self-sustaining set- tlements could be readily established there with advantage. From most careful enquiries it appears that the number of Indians occupying the country along the line of the " Dawson Route," and who belong to the Ojibbeway tribe, does not exceed a total population of four thousand, of whom it is holiovod about eif?ht hundred are men capable of bearing arms. Althouiih amony- these Indians there may bo some restless characters, they aw considered jjood Indians on the whoh^ and if kindly but firmly treated, they are not likely to cause any interruption along this route, or oHer oi)position to the ])eaceful settlement of the country. During the past summer, the Ojibbeway tribe wore apprehensive of an attack from the Sioux, their hereditary enemies, dwelling west of the lied River on the American side of I he International boundary line. With a view, therefore, of preserving the peace ot the country, supporting our Indian commissioner when engaged in making treaties, and for the pro- tection of settlers, I am of opinion that it would be advisable to encamp a detachment of about one hundred (100) soldiers during the summer months at Fort Francis. This Force /<)//i:s of the Department of Pub- lic Works stationed along the line of the " Dawson lioute," who will next summer number about four hundred (400) men, should be organisied into a Militia Brigade, on the same principle as tho Grand Trunk Railway Brigade, to be armed and equipped by the Militia Department ; and that the otter to raise a Volunteer ('ompany ol Militia at Prince Arthur's Landing, Thund(M- Bay, l)e accept ar.s proceeding to and from Fort Garry, has already been attended with the best results. Prom the North West Angh; of the Lake of the Woods, I drove to Fort Garry, in Manitoba, in a waggon with two horses, a distance of ninety-hve miles in a day and a half; the jour)iey from Prince Arthur's Landing thus occupying, from want of a sufficient number of steam tugs, nine and a half days. The road from the Lake of the Woods to Oak Point, where the Prairie commences, is now as good a one as can be found in almost any country part of the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec — front t/i is jmn/ the ordinal!/ carts and VHiggons of the connlrif, nud alntos/ anif kind oj /i>rht carriage or vehicle can be driven without di(/icult// during the. summer season, for thirteen or four- teen hundred miles across the great Prairies of the North West, through one of the most fertile and beautiful countries in the world, to the Rocky Mountains. tin its ore mi the sul CoJ I " strl of I dej m€ Chap. II. Inspections in Manitoba. /^v5' has Arriving at Uppor Fort Garry on tho JJlst July, 1 iuspectud I ho Military Forco on duty there the lollowini^ ovoriior, I directed the return of the parly there stationed, to the Upper Fort. The Battalion Ih now concentrated at the Upper Fort, and as the jrreat majority of the men have heeji recently enlisted to servo for a period of three years, it may be expected that b«»f()rt' lon«»' the corps will attain to a hi<^her deiyrer' of military ' the eori)'i durin,s>- the last twelve months, has been consj)icuous. The soldierlike bearing and discipline displayed by the liattaliou on a recent occasion when walled out in aid of the civil power to quell a riot at the time of the elections, in face of an attempt, too, to sedui^e the iien from their duty, proved it to be a corps upon which the Goveriinmnt and the country can rely. With ren-ard to the barrack accommodation provided for the Ikttalion in the Hudson's liny Company's tradini; post, known as the Upper Fort Garry, I found it to be very inadequate, unsuitable, and n?(jne rally unlit for permanent military occui)ation. The store buildin;i^8 used as bar- racks for the mtMi recpiired a considerable amount of repair to maki^ them lit for occupation in winter. They consist of wooden sheds, some of them mere shells. The buildinj? ust^d us the Ollicers (juarters, which originally was an excellent ojie, is now very old and de( iiy«'d. A very considerable amount ofrei)airis required in it, — the roof should be entirely new shingleectfiilly ur^^e that no further time be lost in tukiuir Ihe iie«;cssary steps to supply the Militaiy Force required, with l)r()per Barrack accommodation. On en(|uirin^' of the men if they had any complaints to submit relative to their pay, rations, &c., and general treatment, in accordance with my duty, they expressed themselves as p((rle(tly satisfied with tiieir rates of pay, scale of rations, and treatment by their oIii(;ers, but invariably in the most respectful manner complained of the wretched Barrack accommodation. [ feel bound to say that their complaints on this head were just, and to stat<; thiit it would be only fair to meet the reasonable wants of the men oil Ibis point. At no yreat expense, and with very little trouble, suitable log- huts ean be erected on advantageous ground, and the greater portion of the work carried out by the men themselves. This arrangement would, 1 believe, eventually be found the most economical oiu; for the country, if it be the intention to keep a Military Force in Manitoba, and it certainly is a very essential one for maintaining (he etticiency and welfare of troops. Already the amount of money spent on rt^pairiir^- old buildings and constructing new ones in the lludsous Bay Company's Tost would have sufficed to defray the cost of providiii'j,- proper I'urrack accommodation in log huts for the Force sta- tioned at Fort Garry. 1 would further urge, if it be the intention of Government to retain any military force on duty in Manitoba, that one hundred (100) men of the Provisional Battalion bo supplied with horses and equipped as Mount- ed Riflemen, and as one officer and some of the men have been trained to Artillery Exercises, that these should be supplied with two of the Horse Artillery guns recently obtained from England. Thus the corps, if ever required to act, could bo readily form(Hl into a small Field Brigad«% and its military power greatly increased. With regard to the necessity for maintaining any Military Force at Foi t Garry, no doubt whatever exists iu my mind as to the propriety of 2 10 I 'Hi doing so, in view of the presence of maxij bands of Indiians, considering the primitive state of society in the Province, the strong political party feeling which exists, and the fact that on both sides of the Intern abional Boundary Line restless and reckless characters among both white men and Indians, abound. It is undoubtedly very desirable to maintain a certain number af Police Constables in the Province under the civil power, some of whom should be mounted, but I feel satisfied that ithe great security for the pre- servation of good order, and the peace of the North West Territories, under the changing state of affairs, vviil for some years, be found to lie in the existence and presienoe of a disciplined nulitary body, under its own military rules, in addition to, but distinct from, any Civil Force which it may be thought proper to establish. Whatever feeling may be entertained towards Policemen, animosity is rarely, if ever, felt towards disciplined soddiers wearing Her Majesty's uniform, in any portion of the British Empire. In the event of serious disturbance, a Police Force, acting alone, and unsupported by a disciplined Military body, would probably be, over- powered, in a Province of mixed races, where every man is armed ; to maintain a Military without any Civil Force is not desirable. I believe that a small number of Constables will be sttffi«!ient to maintain order in the Province, provided the Military Force is mainiained ; but that, in the event of serious disturbance, a large Police Force would be unable to do so, should the military be withdrawn. Duiring my inspection in the North West I ascertained that soxae pre- judice existed amongst the Indians against the colour of the uniform worn by the men of the Provisional Battalion — many of them had said " who " sje those soldiers at Red River wearing dark clothes i our old brothers " who formerly lived there " — meaning H. M.'s tJth Regiment-^" wore red ' coats," adding, "we know that the soldiers of our great mother wear • T'jd coats and are our friends." With the view thereiore of re-assuring the Indian mind, and for other ruitsons, I recommended a change of uniform — this has been carried out, the Militia on duty in M&rnitoba now wearing red (M>ats, and the matter although apparently small in itself, will probably prove of great value and importance hereafter. On the 8th of A.ugUKt I inspected the Winnipeg Field Battery, a Militia Artillery Corps recently organized and composed of oitizetts reai- dent in the town of Winnipeg. . ,. , . ..i. ... This Battery is under the command of M%jor Kennedy, a very /sealous oflicer, but it has not as yet been armed . ai ii: 01 Bi 1)( th mi in to In^ If /2 $f 9 ^, II' „ '■' ■, ■■ On the occasion of inapeelion tke Corps took part in a Field day farigade«l trith the Frovisionaii Battalion. The Battery was armed for the «.,i li i_x -raj-u n — v-1 : — i.„ i.\.^ Tx,.j — >- Ti — Company, day "\lith some light Field Guns belonging to the Hudson's Bay C kindly placed at their disposal by the Honble. Donald Smith, M. r., chief Factor As soon as circumstances will admit, it is recommended that this Battery should be armed with four of the Horse Artillery Field Q-uns recently obtained from England, and supplied with the necessary Harness an«l Artillery Stores. The Militia in the Province of Manitoba is under the command of Lt. Oolonel Osborne Smith, C. M. G., Deputy Adjutant General, and it is not nee essary at present to increase the staft in the Province by the ap- pointment of any Brigade Majors. Chap. III. Frtm Fort Garrj/ to the Rocky Mountain House. Having concluded the inspection of the Militia in Manitoba, accom* panied by ttty son, a youth sixte«n years of age, as travelling companion I left Fort Garry on the lOlh of August for the Rocky Mountains and British Columbia with one guide only, and an Indian lad of the Saulteaux tribe, to cross the conthient through Dominion Territory to the Pacific coast. The Hudson's Bay Company provided ten horses, two Red River carts, and a suitable equipment for the party, and undertook to supply any guides, horses and provisions required en route, from the different posts in the Swan River and Saskatchewan Districts, as far as Fort Edmonton or the Rocky Mountain House; but beyond these posts they could not guarantee farther progress, nor a safe passage through the country of the Blackfeet Indians, should circumstances require the adoption of that route. Every possible assistance, however, was afforded me by the Hon. Donald Smith, M.P., and the gentlemen connected with the Company at the various posts visited, and my best thanks are due to them, not only for many acts of personal kindness and hospitality, but for much valuable information respecting the Indian tribes. At the time of departure from Fort Garry, some"doubt was expressed as to the propriety ot so small a party travelling without a guard through the Indian territory, and especially through the country of the Blackfeet tribe, if found necessary to do so ; and I have to thank the Government very 12 m much for the authority conveyed by your telegram to Fort Garry, to take with me, if desired, a personal escort of six soldiers from the Battalion on duty in Manitoba. On full consideration, however, and with the advice of those best able i,o judge, I did not think it advisable to do so. A Military escort of only six men would be inadequate to atiord protection in the event of any real danger from the Prairie Indians, and might possibly invite attack. Considerable additional expense, moreover, would have been entailed for their transport and subsistence. Proceeding' from Fort Garry through the Swan River and Saskatche- wan Districts, via the H. li. Company's posts of Forts Ellice, Carlton, Pitt, Victoria and Edmonton, I arrived at th(^ Rocky Mountain House — about twelve hundred (1,200) miles distant Irom Fort (jrarry,--in thirty-one days, of which, twenty-five days only were occupied in actual travel. The Prairie road or Cart trail extending the whole way from Fort Garry to the Rocky Mountain House, and which has been used for many years by the Hudson's Bay Company, was at that season of tht^ year in excellent order ; many of the streams have been roughly bridged by the Hudson's Bay Company's servants, and except at the crossing of the South Saskatchewan River, where we lost a v/hole day from the necessity of swimming the horses across, and repairing a damaged scow on which to convoy over the carts and baggage, we met with very little difficulty or trouble at any time. For great distances the road led over Prairie ground almost as level as a race course. It would be desirable to bridge th«^ Little Saskatchewan Rivor, Bird-tail Creek and Snake Creek, between Fort Garry and Fort Ellice, and to improve the descent to, and ascent from th<> Assiniboine River at Fort Ellice, as owing to the steepness of the road it is somewhat difheult to ]>ass at this point, during rainy weather, with loaded carts. In addition to this, some repairs and improvements are dcsiroble on the road between Fort's Pitt, Victoria, and Edmonton, and across one or two swamps near the Rocky Mountain House, but on the whole a very triJiing amount of hiboiir is all that is at present required. On the journey from Fort Carlton to Edmonton, a distance of l)r'tween three and four hundred miles, we wero accompanied by the wife of our guide, (an emp/o//e of the Hudson's Bay Company,) who with her three young children travelled in a light Ibur-wheeled canvas-covered waggon, driving the vehicle herself, nearly the whole way. It was my intention to overtake at Edmonton, if possible, Mr. Fleming, Chief Engineer of the Pacific Railway, who had started from Fort Garry ten days before ipe for British Columbia and in company with him cross (M /3/ 13 the Rocky Mountains by the "T.» occ tsionally met with. The open expanses of prairie arc relieved with nmnorous clumps or patches of wood, termed "blulfs." There is plenty wood suitable for fuel, or for shelt- ering stock. The wood consists of spruce, willows, birch and poplar, and in the valley of the Assiniboine there is a good deal oi' oak. The land in the lower part of the vall«;y of the A.ssiniboine, for nearly one hundred miles before its junction with the Red River, is of great rich- ness and fertility. Between the "Western Boundary of the Province oi' Manitoba and Fort Ellice, the country in the vicinity of Pine Creek, the Little Saskatchewan River, Shoal Lak(s Birdtnil (h-ei-k, ivnd Snake (^reek, is \\A\ suited for set- tlement and farming purposes, more p:irtie.ularly for the raising of stock, but I do not think tlu^ soil, generally si)e:ikinir, so Avell suited for wheat, crops as along the lower parts of the valley of the Assiniboine and Red River. Fort Ellice is situatiMl w shoi-t distanc(^ from th(\junction of the Qu'ap- pelle with the Assiniboint^ River, on the right biink of the latter stream. It is well plac.'d in a military point of view, being built on a plateau at the top of a hiuh, steep and thickly wooded bank, about two hundred f($et above th(» river. The river is here aliout sixty yards in breadth and ahout lil'tecMi feet in depth. The hunks art! (hiekly wooded. The Hudson's Bay Company have in-ected a l)ridge across tlie river. Th(> Valley of the Assini})oine is (h^pressed about •2.")0 I'eet l)elow the Prairie lev<'l, and is about three (|uarters of n mile in breadth. The country around the immediate vicinity of Fort Ellice is well wooded and suitable lor settlement. oak. The wood consists chielly oi |»o|)lar of no gre;iL .si/.e, :nul there is some The Fort itseli mercdy consists ol some vvooden houses, built of poplar and surrounded by a stockade. 14 I ,1 ! The Assiniboine River is navigable for good aiaeid boats all tke way from Fort Garry to Fort Bllice, and I believe much farther. In spring n-c* , great difficulty would probably be experienced in navigating the river, with a stern-wheel steamer of light draught, the whole way from Fort Garry to Fort Ellice. Between Fort Ellice and Fort Carlton, on the North Saskatchewan, lies a great extent of country — more than three hundred miles. Throughout j; i'j a considrT-.ble portion of the road followed alkali lakes are prevalent, and for several days I found no good water. Upon the whole I do not consider the country between Fort Ellice and the Touchwood Hills, which are about midway between Forts Ellice and Carlton, and the country beyond the Touchwood Hills for two ox three days' journey towards the North West, so well adapted for settfem^nt as the Province of Manitoba, and the country between it and Fort Ellice. From that part of the country however where the "'Roimd Hill " (a conspicuous object about two days' journey south of Fort Carlton,) is sitw- ' '/ I j ated, to the North Saskatchewan River, and from thence for several hundreds of miles westward to the Rocky Mountains, the value and fertility of the country for agricultural and stock raising purposes has certainly not been exaggerated in the accounts of any travellers. ,, The North Sackatchewan at Fort Carlton is about four hundred ' ■ yards in breadth, with a current of between two and three miles ; and it nowhere exceeds that breadth upwards to the Rocky Mountains. Although there are numerous sand bars, it is navigable for large siaed boats, and I believe for stern wheel steamers of light draught from within about twelve miles of Lake Winnipeg nearly to the base of the Rocky i f Mountains. When the river is low, steamboats probably would not be able • to pass at Coal Rapids below Carlton. At the proper season of the year for ' : ' navigation, however, it is only necessary, to make one or two portages th<» I whole way from Fort Garry, on the Red River, to the Rocky Moiuitain • House. The land lying between the north and south branches of the Saskat- chewan River, near Carlton, and for many miles to the east and West, is particularly well adapted for settlement, and the whole country along the north bank of the North Saskatchewan, extending for hundreds of miles to the westward, is very fertile and admirably adapted for settlement. There are two Half-breed settlements at no great distance from Fort Carl- ton — one at St. Laura, (French half-breed,) on the south Saskatchewan, about 80 miles south-west from Fort Carlton ; the other, an English Half- breed settlement (Prince Albert,) 50 miles east from Fort Carlton, on the north oaskatchewan. The population of St. Laura, last year, was 68 men, 58 women and 198 children, posseising 577 horses ; that of Prince Albert, 86 men, 27 women, 81 children, and 181 Indians. The population of these two settlements is probably much increased since this oeneas was J p \v le /J^ 15 18 made, and it !« believed that a cousiderable number of the half-breed ptopuUtion in Manitoba will leaye that Province next summer and move to these settlementt. The country to the south of the North Saskatchewan, leading towards what are called the G-reat Plains, I understand in by no means so ferHle or so well suited for agriculture ; and there is there, I believe, a scarcity of both fuel and water. Some doubts may exist as to the possibility of raising as large wheat crops along the valley of the north Saskatchewan, from the occasional occurrence of summer frosts, as can be raised in the Province of Manitoba ; but I believe that for stock-farming, vegetables and ihe hardier grains, such as oats, barley, &c., the fertile belt of British North America can hardly be surpassed. With regard to the temperature of the climate, on very lew occasions was there any interruption to its mildness in the past summer daring the months of June, July, August, September and October, On the night of the 17th August, when travellijig between Fort Ellice and the Touchwood Hills, I experienced a slight frost, but not sufficient, so far as I could judge, to materially injure wheat crops. Again, on the night of the 10th September, when about two days' journey from the Rocky Mountain House, I experienced another similar frost — these were the only occasions during the past season that 1 experienced any fronts or cold, until reaching the foot of the Rocky Mountains on the 21st September near the Porcupine Hills, being then at an altitude of between ;J,000 aud 4,000 feet above the sea level — and at the time of the Equinox, J was stopped for several days by a snow storm, which not unfrequently occurs in the mountaiiui, but rarely so early on the Plains. This snow disappeared from the Plains in a few days, almost as rapidly as it came, and with the above exceptions, from the time of quiting the Lake of the Woods, one hundred miles east of Fort Garry, until reaching the Pacific Coast, a period of three months, the climate was delightful — it was frequently quite unnecessary^ to pitch a tent when camping for the night ; for many nights I slept out m the open air, or lay underneath the cart. It takes twepty days to go with-large sized row boats, carrying cargo, from Garltou to Fort Edmonton, but a light draught steamer would accom- plish the distance in a short time. Gold is to be found in the sand bars cf the Saukatchewan the whole way from Fort Edmonton to Carlton, and almost throughout its entire length. At Carlton a wan can earn from two to three dollars daily, during the proper season by washing the sand of the river, — and at Fort Edmonton from five to six dollars daily for seven or eight months in the year. sas wa« 16 At Fort J<](lmoiitoii duviiiix tho past sumnn'r there were only Hve or six miMi (>u<^!i<^('(l }ui!iiii<>', IVoiii one ol' whom I ohtniiuid some j^-ood spe- cimens ol' tile Saskatchewan gold, which is considered equal in (j^uality to that obtained in the mines ol" Jiritish Columl)ia. Tho lew millers who have as ye; penetrated into the Saskatchewan country state that o-old is to i>e found in nearly all th(j streams which How into the Saskatchewan h'iver, and they are ol opinion that (juite as rich de})osits exist on the l<]astern as on the Western side ol" the Rocky Moun- tains. The Hudson's Day CoTii])any"s l""orts aloni^- the line, ol' the North Saskatchewan at Carlton. Titt, Victoria and l*]dnionton consist ol' wooden houses surrounded hy stockades ; tiiese st<)ckad«\s are about twtuity hn'l high with small bastions at the angles to ali'ord Hanking del'ence — although, probably suiiicient to ali'ord ])rotection Irom Indians, they are ol" slight strength. These Forts are conveniently enoui>li situated I'or purposes ol trade, but in ainililary j)oiiit otview are badly i)laced, being- in nearly every instance commanded Irom the rear by highev ground. The IJocky ^Mountain House, liowever, is built on a good military site, and could easily be [Uil in a del'ensiljle condition. The scenery about tho Touchwood Hills, as well as in many other sei'tions ol' the country lying between l'"orts (Jairy and l*]dmonton is extremely ])ictures<]ue and park-like. .\t the timeol' year 1 passtnl through, the wild ilowers were in lull ])looni ; the ])rairie covered with boautil'ul plants, and countless roses, both red and whit*?, presented a gorgeous appearance. Fort Carlton and. its vicnnity is a desirable si)ot lor settlement, but the whole country along the North Hank (d'the Saskatchewan to Edmonton is at least e(|ually so, oH'.'ring in many place.s superior advantages from the greater quantity and belter (juality of the timber. From Edmonton to the Kocky •Mountain House, especially i)i the neighbourhood of the iJattle River and Wolf Plain, the country is still richer and better wooded. At Fort Victoria, wlune a, small settlement has arisen, and at I'^ort Edmonton I saw several lields of i-xcellent wheat beiny harvtisted, I have no doubt whatever that when the valley of the North Saskat- chewan is Oj 'lied u]) ami settled, it will be found to be verv productive. That IxMutiful country lying in tho territory of the lilackfeot hulians, extending for about 300 miles along the Eastern Ijase of the Rocky /Os5 It ve or L spe- lity to h llow as rich Mouii- Norih W()0(1*'H Illy liH't though, )!■ slight, ade, bul iustaiicc itary ^it^*' my other louton i« through, luniutilul • rortlCOUh I. but tho mouton is from the lly in the ivy is still Mountains towards the International boundary line, with a varying breadth of from 60 to 80 miles, is in respect of fertility, of surpassing richness — in regard to scenery, magnificent. The average temperature during the Winter months along the base of the Rocky Mountains in this section of the country, is higher by 15 ® than that of the Western portion of the Province of Ontario ; all over the Sas- katchewan country, horses and cattle winter out. All travellers and old residents in the North West, testify to the healthiness of the climate— indeed in the pure air of the prairie, sickness is almost unknown. Scattered through the whole of the Saskatchewan country, are numerous lakes generally of no great size ; they are the favourite haunts of great numbers of wild duck, and geese. Some of the Lakes between Forts Carlton and Edmonton, such as Egg Lake, Jack fish and Saddle Lake are, however, of considerable size, and contain immense quantities of White fish. Wild pigeons, and prairie hens abound everywhere. In the Touchwood Hills and along the Eastern base of the Rocky Mountains, several kinds of deer and bears are very numerous. When travelling through the Touchwood Hills, I killed a bear of the grizzly species, but one of no great size. On the 23rd of September near the Porcupine Hill, at the base of the Rocky Mountains, I killed another grizzly bear of very large size, the animal weighing about 1100 lbs. In the country adjacent to the Bow River and thence southward towards the Boundary line, numerous herds of antelope wore seen, and some of thorn killed by our party. During the past summer, the buffalo were very numerous on the G-reat Plains that lie between the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers. 1(1 III l'^>»t •d. [th Sufskiit- .rodwtivi'. lot Indians, the Rocky 3 18 ^!1 H I it Chap. IV. From tlir Rocky Mountain House across the mountains, via CiHcIc," Id Viclofiii, Vancouver''s Island. WiUl Horse Oil aiiivaJ at ihc 'Rocky Mountain House." I learned that tO cross the inoiintiiiii.s into IJiitisli Colinnbia by the "Vermilion Pass" with horses Avih impossil)l(' owiii.u" to tiic iiameiisc quantity of I'allen timber caused by a threat storm in the mountains last s])rini>-. An attempt to cross by this Pass iiad been made by a party ol AsBiui- boine liulians (nirly in the summer without success. Under these ciroumslanees ii bt-came nec(>ssary to undertake a journey oi nearly miles ;iOU through the country ol" the Blacktbot Indians and to cross the mountains by the North Kootenay Pass. Thro^l^h the kindness ol' Mr. \\. Hardcsty, the p-entleman in charge of the Hudson's Bay Comj)any"s Posts in the 8askatche-wan District, I obtained the s»!rvi('es of three cuides hom the Post of the Rocky Mountain House, one of whom was "William Munro," the Hudson's Hay Company's Inter- preter lor the Blackfoot Indians, better known throughout the Saskat- chewan Country ))y his Indian nam»» of "Piskaan". This guide is a brave man, and one of the most famous travellers and hunters in the service of the Hudson's 13ay Company. In c(jmpany with him and the two other guides, one of whom was a Rocky Mountain Assini))()in(^ Indian, the other a French half-breed, I started along with my s(^n from the Rocky Mountain House, on tie 16th September, to pass through the country of the lilackfoot Indians, and cross the Mountains l)y the Kootenay Pass into British Columbia. The Blackloot tribe of Indians have always been much dreaded and iheir country car».'iully avoided by travellers. From information ootained at the Rocky Mountain House, and while travelling, it appears that this fiibe which is the most numerous and warlike one of the Prairie Indians in Dominion Territory, is divided into live distinct bands, or rather clans, each band under its own chief, but all maintaining a close connection. These ])aiids are called and known as folio w^s : — 1st. The Sik-si-ka or IJlackfoot ])roper ; th^s ))and numbers about 700 men, looO women, 1100 children, possessing about ;iOOO horses and ponies, |ii<( doiis, and having the folio winii' arms, 10.', Rilh-s. . 200 Revolveis, 'l;!() Flint guns, 280 Bows,' 18 S])(\irs, 37 War Axes. le /3 7 2nd. The Piegans, (subdivided into Northorn and Soul horn Piciiaiis) numbering nearly 800 m«n, 1,100 wonuMi, 1,400 (^hildion i)osso;iKin!4 aboul, 3,500 horses and ponies, 000 dogs, and Iho loUowing urniK, 21;J Riiics, 412 Revolvers, ;i20 Flint liuns. 181 Bows, 54 Spears, 41 War axes, 3rd. The Ka-na-ans (or JJlood Indians) numlxMiilii' jilxmj (JOO niou. 800 women, !)00 children, i)0ssessiiig ^,)oiit 2,o00 horsfs and ijoiiics, |S(j dogs, and having the following arms, 141 Rifles, 318 Revolvers, 202 Flint guns, 210 Bows, 45 Spears, 32 War axes, 5th. The Sar-cis (or Beaver Indians) nunihoring al)oul 100 rniMi, 130 women, 150 children, possessing al)out l.>0 iiorscs, ."JOU d(;gs and lia\ im>' the Ibllowing arms. 6 Rifles. 14 Revolvers, 64 Flint guns, 26 Bows, 4 Spears, 7 War axes. Although the Blackfeet may number altogether about 2,^>')(^ ni(Mi. many of these are old, and some of tiicm mere boy."^. It is not believed that they coi\ld bring into the Field more than l.OOo or 1,100 men if as many. They keep together by Bands for mutual protection, m what is termed in Military language standing camps; as many as 100 or iri(» Tenis being pitched together, and their chiefs have control over tlie young men Their war parties usually consist of only aO or (JO men, and whou on Raiding expeditions against hostile tribes, they can make with horses extraordinary march'\s. With the Blackfeet, as with all the Indians in the Western Prairies, when at war, murder and assasination is considered honorabh? warfaie, \l ^'i 20 Amoiifr tho Blackfoet a« woll as among the Sioux, and Tlain Crees, are some fine looking men, and they have a bold and military bearing, but on the whole the IndianK are not equal to white men in point of physical strength or appearance. " As a rule the Prairie Indians are bold and skilful horsemen, but they are not very skilful with Firearms. Tho Blackfeet and Plain Crees follow the Buflalo, subsisting entirely by the Chaso ; they therefore require a great many horses and dogs for transport and hunting purposes. In the present year, peace having existed for the past two summers between the Crees and Blackfeet, and accompanied as I was by a guide well known, and related to the latter tribe, I did not think there was much danger in travelling throuirh their country. There is always however considerable risk, if mistaken for an American citizen ; and on approaching the International line, near the Porcupine Hills, of meeting with hostile bands of the Gros Ventres and Crow Indians from the Territories of Dacotah and Montana, II. S., who frequently cross into Dominion Territory on horse stealing <»xpeditions, and who are not likely, if they fall in with travellers, to make distinctions. From the Rocky Mountain House, the party being increased to five, we took with us twelve horses, one Red River cart for baggage, and carried twelve days' provisions. After leaving the Mountain House, no path or trail could be seen, and we journeyed through the country and over the prairies, led only by the instinct of the guide. After travelling for two days through thick wood country in a south- easterly direction, and crossing the Red Deer and Little Red Deer Rivers, we emerged on the Great Plains, following a route seldom taken by tho white man. On the 18th September we reached the South Saskatchewan, here called the Bow River, but owinjr to the difficulty of finding a practicable ford, did not succeed until the following day in effecting a passage with our horses and baggage. Whilst carrying out this operation the Assininiboine Indian deserted, but subsequently rejoined the party, fearing, probably, to be left alone in the country of the Blpckfeet, the hereditary enemies of his tribe. We found the water here of the South Saskatchewan icy cold, flowing as it does out of immense Glaciers in the Rocky Mountains. / 11 ir, Oil tho 2lNt Sept«^mbor wo reached the North WeHt Hunk of the Por- cupine HIUh, and when ahnost at Iht^ loot of the Livingstone llan^e of the Rocky Mountains, about eii>hly milcK to the north of the International lionndary line, our prooress was stopped by a violent snow .storm, and wo were forced to camp on the ojx'ii {)rairie. For two days and two nifrhts it snowed without intermission, tho mountains were soon covered, aiid by the evening? of the 22nd the snow lay two feet deep all ovtM* the plain. The situation became somewhat dif- ficult — stopped at a point 250 milee from tht* Rocky Mountain House, and as far from any other source of supply, with only five or six days' provi- sions left, the guide declaring that to cross the mountains had now becomo impossible. Fortunately the storm occurred before entering* the mountains or the probability is the animals would havi; been lost, and our party placed in a very critical position. On the 23rd the weather cleared, and on the afternoon of that day we killed a large gri/zly bear, which had approached to within a few yards ot our camp, the animal having lain all the previous night close to it. This event aflorded us a timely supply of meat, relieving our anxiety on that point, although in a case of extremity the horses would have supplied food, it was neces.sary to nave them if possible for transport. Wo remained snowed up for six days, th«m, abandoning the cart and all superfluous baggage started on the 27th with the horses lor the Kootenay Pass, resolving to push through the mountains if practicable.and if unable to do so to make for Fort IJeiiton, on Ihe Missouri, a United States Military Post in Montana, distant about 200 miles to the South East. Owing to the depth of snow we did not make more than four miles on the 27th. On the 28th we made about sixteen miles, the snow disappearing rapidly, the weat.ier now very line, and on the following day clearing the snow altogether (our route lyiii*;- in a southerly direction), w^e crossed the Belly River, and reachc'd the south end of the Porcupine Hills, opposite the entrance of the Koott'iiay Pass, about 50 miles to the north of tho International Boundary line. The country around the Porcupine Hills is justly considered the rich- est and most beautilul part of the Saskatchewan territory. It is a favourite wintering ground for great herds of buffalo, and of the Blackfeet Indians, who at that season of the year pitch their camps on either slope of the Per- cupiiK? Range, or in the shelttu-ed and fertile valleys along the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains. During the nights of the 27 th 28th and 29th we kept on the alert, having during the day time observed the fresh trail of a mounted man, (II, •J I * 't I 'W !#■ keopinff alwavH a short (liwtitnoo in atlvamc of our party, but never viwiblo to UH. iMom certain Kinns wt'll uii«l<'rHtoo«l by lli« Ouiclfs from their know- Icdufe of Indians, and Trairic life, they were of opinion that we were heinif watched at this time, hy some scout h«don<4ini,' to a hostih^ party of the "Gross Ventry"' or "Crow' Indians from south of the lino, with a view to horse stealiny-; it was necjessary tiierefore to iallopinii alony the sido of a mountain. After some hesitation Uiis Indian approached, and on lina — th<^ mountains on i-ilher side, however, being doubhi that altitude and capped with perpetual snow. The heiiihtol' the se<;ond I'ass is nearly the same ; the track i.s well deiined, and has been used lor many years by the Koott^nay Indians. In some places the path is very narrow, leading over hiyh and danj^t-rous groiuid — we found it necessary l're" to the lateness of the season the guide was unwilling to take this Route. The journey from AVild Horse Creek to Lake Pen d'Oreille was tedious and iatiguing, having only one guide to share with mi; and my soi^ the labour of travelling with horses for many days along an Indian track encumbered with fallen timber, and through a rugged, densely wooded, and difficult country. The scenery from Wild Horse Creek to Lake Pen d'Oreille, and especially about that Lake is very beautiful, but further south on reaching the Spokane River, IJ. S., the country presents the ap- pearance of an arid waste — Washington Territory, U. S., being partly situated in wh?.i is known as the Great Columbian Desert. ^/^3 'Q 25 in the rea ol' by -live District i trees, )e very )otcnay 3 Creek, er, how- ration oi "Washington Territory, U. S., is, howeA'^er, as well as many parts of British Columbia, admirably suited for horses and cattle, from what is known as " Bunch grass," growing there in great perfection. From "Walula, descending the Columbia, I proceeded via Portland, in Oregon, Olympia and Puget Sound, to Victoria, in Vancouver's Island, arriving at Victoria on the twenty-eighth day of October, having accom- plished the journey from Fort Garrv in seventy days, of which only lifty- one were occupied in actual travel — the distance by the route followed from Fort Garry to Vancouver's Island being nearly three thousand miles of this distance considerably more than two thoiisand miles were trav- elled on horseback. After remaining" fourteen days at Victoria, visiting the Island of San Juan, in company with the Senior Naval Officer of H. M. ships, and ar- ranging for the organization of the militia in the Province of British Columbia, I returned to Ottawa via San Francisco and the U. S. Pacific Railway, stopping for two 4ayB to visit the Mormon City at the great Salt Lake in Utah Territory. a narrow le Rocky me from d on the ey hoped )ledtation. jtained at y's travel, [kaue, and alula, in jk," to the lahepherd, )ut owing Is Route. AiB tedious hay sou the dian track y wooded, , Lake Pou )ut further aits the ap- ing pai'^^y Chap. V. General Remarks. During the journey from Manitobji to the Pacific Coast, an oppor- tunity was afforded me of becoming acijuainted with the state of affairs in the Saskatchewan, and the condition of the Indian tribes. Kvery possible information was furnished by the Missionaries whose acquaintance I made, and l)y the em/>/oi/cs of the Hudson's Bay Com- pany ; in the course of the journey I met with many bands of Indians. Between Fort Garry and Portage du Prairie three large Camps of the Sioux tribe were visited — a portion of the same baud who in 1862 massa- cred some American settlers in Minesota, U. S., in retaliation for the many wrongs and outrages committed in the first instance on them by American citizens. Ever since that event this band has sought refuge in Dominion Territory. These Soux Indians live quietly enough apparently among our people, and occasionally assist the farmers at harvest time. The presence, however, of such a wild and warlike looking Band in the settlement frequently causes no small apprehensions amongst the settlers dwelling near Portage du Prairie. Before reaching Fort EUice I met two ])auds of the same tribe, one consisting of about 100 men, unaccompanied by vromen or children, who 26 Hi.: I. f;!|- ' I (lid me they had boen to visit the Lt. Grovernor of Manitoba in hopes of ' oljtaiiiing- piosonts. This band belonged to the United States and had come all the way i'lom ihe Plains South of the Missouri River whither they Avere retuiiiing'. Those Indians were bold and wild-looking fellows, fan- tastically dressed and all armed. They were perfectly friendly in their manner. (Jii one occasion when lar out on the Prairie, a band of ten mounted .Sioux after leconnitring- from n distance, rode rapidly towards our small party of four, (two of whom were only boys) surrounding \\b in a moment ; on beiiiu' told by the guides, who spoke their language very well, that I was nol an American Citizen, but a British Officer travelling towards the llocky Mountains, thoy became quite friendly in manner, shaking hands with us heartily. Subsequently this band were somewhat bold and pressing in their demands lor presents, which we resisted in a firm, but friendly manner, it being bad policy to comply with extortionate demands, or to app«ar in dealing, with Iiulians to act from intimidation. Between Fort Kllice and Fort Carlton 1 mist some bands of the Saul- leaux tribe, — at the various Forts along the North Saskatchewan, several ol rh(^ Cree tribe. (Plain Crees) and at the Rocky Mountain House some Black foot and Assiniboine Indians. \\ '. I I '^1 Althouuh ther(> may not at present be much risk in travelling through the Saskatchewan territory along the well known track followed for so many years by the Hiidsons Bay Company, especially when associated with an tmplDyc of the Comimny, speaking the Indian language, it is a matter of doubt if such can long continue under the changing state of aifairs, with- viil the iiilrodiK'lion of some Govrrnment supported by material force. Beyond the I'rovince of Manitoba westward to the Rocky Mountains, th(»re is no kind of government at present whatever, and no 8e«!urity for life or ]>roperty beyond what people can do for themselves. Th<' lew white men there are in the Saskatchewan country, and at the H. B. C. Forts. IVequenily expressed to me their conviction that unless a Military Force is established in the country, serious danger is to be appre- hended. The clergymen of all denominations whom 1 met with, expressed similar convictions : those at Forts Victoria and Edmonton as representa- tives of the community, urged me in the most impressive manner to lay their claims for the ])iotection of themselves, their wives and families before His Excellency th(^ (lovernor General of the Dominion, and the (lovornment of their country. It appears that of late years no attempt has been made to assert the /v^ 27 sapremscy of the law, and the most serious crimes havo been ullowed to pass unpunished. Hardly a year has passed without several murders and other crimes of the most serious nature havin<^ been committed with impunity. During the present year, about three weeks before my arrival at Ed- monton, a man by name Charles Coudin, a French speakiun' half-breed, cruelly murdered his wife at no great distance from the uaic of the H. B Company's Post. I was informed that the criminal iriit>ht have l)eoii arrested but that there was no power to act. This samo man hail previously most wantonly and cruelly mutilated an old Indian woman by cutting the sinews of her arm so as to incapacitatt^ her for work. At Edmonton there is a notorious murderer, a Cree Indian, called Ta-ha-kooch, who has committed several murders, and who should have been apprehended long ago. This man is to be seen walking- openly aboul the Post. Many instances can be adduced of a similar kind, and as a natural result there is a wide spread feelinf>' of apprehension. The gentleman in charge of the IT. B. C. Post at Fori Pitt, as w^ell as others el8ewher<3, assured me that of late the Indians have been ovm'bearino' in manner, and threatening at times. Indeed, the white men dw(;lliny in the Saskatchewan are at this moment living by sullerance, as it were, entirely at the mercy of the Indians. They dare not venture to introduce cattle or stock into the country, or cultivate the ground to any extent for fear of Indian spoliation. When at Edmonton and the Rocky Mountain House I was informed that a party of American Smugglers and Traders have estaldished at lading post at the junction of the Bow and the Belly Rivers, al)0ut 30 miles due east from the Porcupine Hills, and about GO miles on the Dominion side of the boundary line ; this trading post they have named Fort Hamilton, after the mercantile firm of Hamilton, Ilealy & Company, of Fori lienlon, Montana, U. S., from whom it is said they obtain supplies. It is believed that they number about 20 well armed nuMi, under the command of n man called Jolm Healy, a notorious character-. Here it appears they have for some time carried on an extensi\ e trad(^ with the Blackfeet Indians, supplying them with rillcs, revolvers, goods of various kinds, whiskey, and other ardent .spirits, in ilirect opposition to the laws both of the United 8tates and the Dominion of Canada, and without paying any custom duties for the goods introduced into th.- latter country. The demoralization of the Indians, and injury resulting to the country from this illicit traffic is very great. It is stated upon good authority that during last year (1^71) (Mghly- eight (88) of the Blackieot Indians were murdered in drunken brawls jii:^I ■..,t; r ^, , !■ -.-^ ■ J !-||- :'.)i-, ' ,i • , • ^-- i! ! ill amongst themselves, produced by the whiskey and other spirits supphed to them by those traders. At Fort Edmonton during the present summer whiskey was openly sold to the Blackfeet and other Indians trading at the Post by some smug- glers from the Uuitod States who derive large profits thereby, and on these traders being remonstrated with by the gentleman hi charge of the Hudson's IJay Post, they cooly replied that they knew very well that what they were doing was contrary to the law of both countries, but as there was no force there to prevent them, tfie// wculd dojml as they pleased. It is most important for the peace of the country and welfare of the Indians that this smuggling and illicit traffic in spirits and firearms be no longer permitted. The establishment of a Custom House on the Belly River near the Porcnpine Hills, with a military guard of about one hundred and ttfty soldiert is all that would tx^ lequired to eli'ect the object. Not only would the establishment of a military post here put a stop to this traliic l)ut it would also before long be the means of stopping the horse-stealing expeditions carried on by hostile Indians from South of the line into Dominion Territory, which is the real cause of all the danger in that part of the country and the source of constant war among the Indian tribes. Indeed it may be said with truth, that to put stop to horse-stealing, is to put stop altogether to Indian wars in the North West. The importance of the Porcupine Hill in a strategical point of view is very great, commanding as it does the entrance of both the Kootenay Passes towards the West, and th(; route from Benton into the Saskatchewan territory on the East, the country can be seen from it tor immense distances all round. Alihough hostile to citizens ol'the United States it is believed that the Blackfoot Indians would gladly welcome any Dominion Military Force sent to protect them from the incursions of other tribes, and to stop the horse-stealing which h;:s Ibr so long been carried on. With excellent jud^rment they have i)ointed out the southern tjnd ol'the Porcupine Hill as the i)roper i)lace lor a Military I'ost. In ord(ir to satisfy myself on this point, I spent the greater portion of the 29th Septemlx^i' in reconnoitring tin; ground recommended by them, and if it be the policy of Gov«!rnment to take steps to stop the illicit smuggling which is Ixjinu' cariied on, at this part ol'the Dominion, there is every convenioice for (!sta1dishing a Custom House and Military Post. Timber of large size and uood quality lor building is close at hand, and the surrounding country is most fn-tile and favorabh; for settlement. The distance from Fort Edmonton to the Porcupine Hill is about six or seven days journey on horseback, and from the Kootenay Valley on the /V/ 29 )lied to openly J smug- aud on e of the at what as there ed. e of the ns be no near the and tifty put a stop jping the ath of the danger in the Indian Western side of the Rocky Mountains, from whence supplies could easily be obtained, about fifty or sixty miles. Frequent intercourse, and an active trade between the Kootenay Dis- trict of British Columbia and the Saskatchewan eountry, would result from the establishment of a Custom House and Military Post ai the Porcupine Hills. Many individuals are prepared to settle there if any protection is afforded, and the Indian trade of the country at present tapped by U. S citizens would remain with our own countrymen. There is a general belief prevalent moreover that valuable gold deposits are to be found near the Porcupine Hills — the unsettled state of the country hitherto has not admitted, however, of much prospecting. A party of four American miners, who crossed through the Kootenay Pass two or three years ago, were all killed by the Blackfeet, near the Porcupine Hill, the moment ^hey entered the Plain on the eastern side ; since which event no attempt at prospecting for gold has been made, in that part ot the country. With regard to the measures which should be adopted for the settle- ment of the country, I feel satisfied that the introduction of a civil police force unsupported by any Military into the Saskatchewan Territory would he a mistake, and that no time should be lost in establishing a chain of military posts from Manitoba to the Rocky Mountains. The appointment of a Stipendiary Magistrate for th*^ Saskatchewan to reside at Edmonton and act as the Indian Commissioner, is also a matter of the first impor- taiice. Th(i individual to fill this important post should be one, if possible, already known to, and in whom the Indians have confidence. I consider that it is very necessary to invite the co-operation of the Hudson's Bay Company in the adoption of any steps towards establishing law and order in the Saskatchewan for the first few years. A large Military Force is not required, but the presence of a certahi force, I believe, will be found to be indispensable. The number of the Indians dwtilling in the extensive country which lies between the Red River and the Rocky Mountains on Dominion Territory has been, much exaggerated. It i.s very difheult to arrive at any accurate Indian census, but having made every enquiry during last summer on this point, whilst travelling through the country, from those most competent to judge, I doubt if there are more than four thousand Prairie Indians capable of bearing arms in the Dominion Territory between Fort Grarry and the Rocky Mountains, south of the Sub-Arctic Forest, and north of the International Boundary Line, — the total Prairie Indian population amount- ing, perhaps, to 14,000 or 15,000. These Indians are scattered over such an immense extent of country, that anything like a formidal)le combination is impossible ; most of the tribes, moreovt^r, have been hostile to one another from time immemorial. It is believed that the Blackfeet and the plain i>eea, the two strongest 10 s M i T ( I I tribes, of prairie Indians, may have reepeotively about one thousand fight- ing men, but it is doubtful if either tribe could ever concentrate such a number, or if concentrated, that they could long remain so from the difficulty of obtaining subsistence. Although many of the Blackeet have Breach loading Rifles the Indians generally are poorly armed and badly mounted. Under these circumstances it will be readily understood that compar- atively small bodies of well armed and disciplined men judiciously posted through the country could easily maintain military supremacy. A body of 50 mounted Riflemen, armed with Breech loading Rifles, is a formidable Power in the Prairie. I feel satisfied that one regiment of mounted riflemen, 560 strong in- cluding non-commissioned officers, divided into companies of 50, would be a sufficient force to support Oovernmoit in establishing law and order in the Saskatchewan preserving the peace of the North West Territory and affording protection to the Surveyors, Contractors and Railway Labourers about to undertake the great work of constructing the Dominion Pacific Railway. Although the proposed military strength, and consequent expense, may appear somewhat considerable 1 have been guided by every considera- tion of economy in recommending the above number. It is wiser policy and truer economy to have one hundred soldiers too many, than one man too few ; the great «!xtent of the country and detached nature of the service must also be taken into account, and it should be borne in mind that the only thing the Indians really respect, and will bow to, is actual power . It sho? 'd be borne in mind too, that in addition to the Indian element, th re is a half-breed population of about 2000 souls in the Saskatchewan, unaccustomed to the restraint of any government, mainly depending as yet upon the chase for subsistence, and requiring to be con- troled nearly as much as the Indians. If it be in harmony, therefore, with the j)olicy of the G-overnment to do so, I would rt'Goniiuend the establishment of Military Posts at the fol- lowing places, strength as below : — 1 . At Portage du Prairie 50 Mounted Riflemen 2. *' Fort Ellice 50 " 3. " " Carlton 50 " " 4. " " Pitt 50 " " 5. " '• Victoria 60 " " 6. " " Edmonton 100 " " 7. " Porcupine Hill ... 150 " •' Total 600 With a proportion of Officers and non-commissioned Officers. H /V^ If no permanent Custom Houise and Military Post is established at the Porcupine Hills, then the strength oi' the force at Edmonton should be 260, of which 150 men should b(^ encainped during the summer months at the JPorcupine Hills, or at the junction of the Bow and iielly Rivers, returning to Edmonton for the Winter ; ])iit the establishment of a Custom House and Military Post at Porcupine Hills is of far more impcrtanco and would have a much better general effect towards securing the peaceful settlement of the country than at any of the other places named. During the summer months a detachment of 50 men from this Post might with advantage be employed in opening up the communication across the mountains with the Kootenay District of British Columbia. It would be necessary that each of the companies of mounted riflemen should be made as far as possible self supporting communities, provided with a few carts, intrenching tools, agricultural implements, seed for rais- ing corn, and some cattle. These Military Posts would partake of the character of Military Settlements, in the vicinity of which many settlers would 'ere long establish themselves. It would be very desirable moreover that a medical officer should be appointed to each military post, and his duties not confined to the medical charge of the military only, but extended to all the Indiaiisin the vicinity. Past experience has proved that no measure is better calculated to secure the confidence and attachment of the Indian tribes than by attend- ing to their wants in time of sickness, and supplying medical aid. The men to compose the corps should be enlisted to serve for three years, receiving on the termination of the engagement, (provided they have performed their duties in a satisfactory manner,) the same amount of land as is granted on discharge to the men of the militia in Manitoba, I would recommend that the corps be raised by Volunteers out of the active Militia. It would be desirable to attach to the Military Force at each post three or four half-breeds, or Indians, as scouts, who could serve as Interpreters and usually carry the mail. At the places indicated for military posts no great difhculty would be experienced, or expense incurred in hutting the men, they themselves performing the work. In the event of this proposed arrangement meeting with the views of Government, I have the honour to submit the accompanying estimate marked "A" of the probable expense that would be incurred for the establishment and maintenance of the Military Force proposed, from which it will be seen that the expenditure would be considerably less than $300,000 dollars annually. I would farther beg to suggest, if it bo decided to sstablish any chain 32 jj't! i I 'Ui ■fl' ii :* • >(* ol' military posts, that for tin* first y(Mr tht? soldiors bn employed in laying tlovvn a tploarraphic wiro from Manitoba towards british Columbia, as well as in hutting themselves. From my own knowledge and observalion ol' the country, 1 think that ir proper energy be used the very dcsirablo work oi' establishing telegraphic communication, from Fort Garry tiirough Dominion Territory, with British Columl)ia could ]»' carried out by the soldiers in one «>r two seasons. J would further observe that if it be determined to establish a Military Force m the Saskatchewan next summer, no tinu^ should be lost in making tht; preliminary arrangements. The men and horses should, if possible, be concentrated at Fort Garry in (he month of May, their equipment forwarded sooner. HRITISII COLUMBIA. With regard to the organization of the militia in British Columbia it is recommended that one Staff Ollicer as Deputy Adjutant (reiieral ol Militia be appointed for ihe Province, as soon as the Government iinds it convenient to do so. It is not necessary at present to appoint any Brigade Majors. The formation of two companies of riflemen (Volunteer Militia) in Victoria, and one at Nanaimo, is recommended also the formation of one company of riflemen at New Westminster, another at Burrard's Inlet, on the mainland, and fhat the New Westminster Battery of Garrison Artillery be reorganized. The total population of the Province is only as yet about 12,000 white men, 4,000 half-breetls and 45,000 Indians — the latter mainly dwelling along the coast. The Indians dwelling in the interior of British Columbia are not numerous ; the policy of treating them much in the same manner as if they were settlers, appears to have succeeded admirably. The following amount of military stores have recently been des- patched, by order of the Dominion (iovernment, from England direct by sea to Victoria, for the equipment of the Militia of the Pro^'ince : 1.000 Snider Knlield Rifles. 1,000 Sets of Accoutrements. 1,000 Rifle Uniforms. 1,000 Great Coats. 300,000 Rounds of Ammunition. (30 Tents. •JO Targets complete, with flags. 100 Camp Kettles. 1,000 Knapsacks complete, with Mess Tins and Straps, It is very desirable with a view to ultimate ecouomy as well as m /^v 38 present eflScioncy that some building be acquired in Victoria to serve as an Armoury and Storeroom, and that a storeiteeptir be appointed to the charge of this public property without delay. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient servent, P ROBERTSON-ROSS, Colonel Commanding tke Militia of Canada, and Adjutant-General. I submit with this Report a carefully corrected general map of the North West Territories of the Dominion, shewing the route which I followed acros the continent ; the places recommended for military posts are marked with a cross thus, " X," and the point where it is stated that U. S. smugglers have established a post at the junction of the Bow and Belly Rivers, is coloured in blue. P. R. R,