^, IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 4r fe ^ 1.0 I.I 11.25 ■so ■■ MlHI u< Ui 12.2 ayuu M Photographic Sciences Corporation as WHT MAIN >TMIT V;iUTIR.N.Y. USK (71*) •7a-4S03 ik^ f^. CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHIVi/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian tnttituta for Hiatorical Microraproductiont / Inatitut Canadian da microraproductiona hiatoriquaa Technical and Bibliographic Notas/Notaa tachniquas at bibliographiquaa Tha ( toth( Tha lnstiti/Y9 haa attamptad to obtain tha baat original copy availabia for filming. Faaturaa of thia copy which may ba bibllographically uniqua, which may altar any of tha imagaa in tha raproduction, or which may significantly changa tha usual mathod of filming, ara chackad balow. r~l Colourad covara/ ' y I Couvartura da coulaur r~n Covara damagad/ D Couvartura andommagte Covara rastorad and/or laminatad/ Couvartura raatauria at/ou paillculAa I I Covar titia miaaing/ D D n La titra da couvartura manqua I I Colourad mapa/ Cartaa gAographiquaa an coulaur □ Colourad ink (i.a. othar than blua or black)/ Encra da coulaur (i.a. autra qua blaua ou noira) rn Colourad platas and/or illuatrationa/ D Planehaa at/ou illuatrationa 1% coulaur Bound with othar matarial/ RaiM avac d'autraa documants Tight binding may causa shadowa or distortion along intarior margin/ Laraliura sarrAa paut cauaar da I'ombra ou da la distorsion la long da la marga int4riaura Blank laavas addad during rastoration may appaar within tha taxt. Whanavar possibla. thasa hava baan omittad from filming/ II sa paut qua eartainaa pagaa blanchaa aJout*aa tors d'una rastauration apparaissant dans la taxta, mala, lorsqua oala Atait poaalbla. eaa pagaa n'ont paa *tA film4aa. Additional commants:/ Commantairas supplimantairas; L'Institut a microfilm* la maillaur axamplaira qu'il lui a iti possibla da sa procurer. Las details da cat axamplaira qui sont paut-*tra uniquas du point da vua bibliographiqua. qui pauvant modifier una image .eproduite. ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la mAthoda normaia da filmaga sont indiquis ci-dessous. □ Colourad pagaa/ Pagaa D Pagaa da coulaur Pagaa damaged/ Pagaa andommagias Pages restored and/01 Pages restaurias at/ou peilicuiies Pagaa discoloured, stained or foxet Pages d*color*es, tachat4as ou piquies Pagaa detached/ Pages ditachtes Showthrough/ Transparence Quality of prir Qualit* inAgale de I'impression Includes supplementary matarii Comprend du matArial suppl4mentaira Only edition available/ Seule Mition diaponibia □ Pagaa damaged/ Pagaa r~~1 Pages restored and/or laminated/ rri Pagaa discoloured, stained or foxed/ r~n Pagaa detached/ r~J| Showthrough/ rn Quality of print varies/ nn Includes supplementary material/ r~| Only edition available/ I The! poasi ofth fiimii Origi bagii thai) aion, othai firat aion, or nil Thai ahail TINl whic Map diffa antir bagii right raqu mati Pagaa wholly or partially obscured by errata siips, tissues, etc.. hava been rafilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Lea pages totalament ou partiellement obacurcias par un feuiilet d'errata. una paiure. etc., ont iti filmier i nouveau de tapon A obtanir la mailleure image possible. This Item is filmed at tha reduction ratio cheeked below/ Ce docijment est film* au taux 4% reduction indiqu* oi-dessous. 10X 14X 1IX 22X 26X 30X • y 12X 1IX »X MX 32X Th« copy fiimad har« has b«on raproducod thank* to the gonorosity of: D. B. Wildon Ubrary Unhrartity of WMtarn Ontario L'oxomplairo fiimA fut roproduit grica A la gAnArositA da: D. B. Waidon Ubrary Unhranity of Wattam Ontario Tha imagaa appaaring hara ara tha baat quality poaalbia conaldaring tha condition and iagibllity of tha original copy and in kaaping with tha filming contract apacif icationa. Laa imagaa auivantaa ont AtA raproduitas avac la piua grand aoin, compta tanu da la condition at da la nattat* da I'axampiaira f llmA, at an conformity avac laa conditiona du contrat da flimaga. Original coplaa in printad papar covara ara fllmad baglnning with tha front covar and anding on tha laat paga with a printad or illuatratad Impraa- alon, or tha back covar whan appropriata. All othar original coplaa ara fllmad baglnning on tha firat paga with a printad or Illuatratad Impraa- aion, and anding on tha laat paga with a printad or Illuatratad impraaalon. Laa axamplairaa originaux dont la couvartura an paplar aat ImprimAa tont filmte an commandant par la pramiar plat at an tarminant aolt par la darnlAra paga qui comporta una amprainta d'impraaalon ou d'illuatration, aoit par la aacond plat, aalon la caa. Toua laa autraa axamplairaa originaux aont fllmto an commandant par la pramlAra paga qui comporta una ompralnta d'impraaalon ou d'illuatration at an tarminant par la darniira paga qui comporta una talla amprainta. Tha laat racordad frama on aach microficha ahali contain th* aymboi ^•^- (moaning "CON- TINUED "), or tha aymboi y (matning "END "). whichavar appllaa. Un daa aymbolaa sulvanta apparattra aur la darniAra imaga da chaqua microficha, aalon la caa: la symboia —»> aignifia "A 8UIVRE". la aymbola V aignifia "FIN". Mapa, plataa, charta, ate, may ba fllmad at diffarant raduction ratloa. Thoaa too iarga to ba antiraly includad In ona axpoaura ara fllmad baglnning in tha uppar iaft hand corner, iaft to right and top to bottom, aa many framaa aa raquirad. Tha following diagrama iiluatrata tha mathod: Laa cartaa, planchaa, tablaaux, ate, pauvant Atra filmAa i daa taux da rMuctlon diffiranta. Loraqua la document aat trop grand pour Atra raproduit an un aaul cilchA, 11 aat film* i partir da I'angia aupAriaur gaucha, da gaucha i drolta, at da haut an baa, an pranant la nombra d'imagaa nicaaaaira. Laa diagrammaa auivanta iiiuatrant la mAthoda. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 i»i>m>i|iili !r-™^fp=?- ^^' ' ■- * TS a'" i m Vy'^^:'Kfy ^.*)»JJg. • '•-fiv- ;, . '•' ".^J- ^V/r, ■ ' ; On m $1 ?m\ Crail in tbe Sixties (Biographical Note. — Mr. W. G. Fonseca, the writer of the following paper, is a pioneer of the old Ked River days. A native of Santa Croix, he was attracted to St. Paul, Minn., many years ago, and seeking new scenes, found his way to Red River Settlement in 1859. Here he engaged in busi- ness, married one of the Logan family, and settled on Point Douglas, now a part of the City of Winnipeg. Mr. Fonseca has ever been a pubHc-miiided citizen, and this paper is a reminiscence of the cart-trail from Fort Garry to St. Cloud, or St. Paul, and return in the days when Winnipeg had not yet come into existence.) The following paper was read in the City Hall, Winni- peg, and before the Historical Society, on the evening of Jan. 25th, 1900, in the absence of the writer through sickness, by Mr. K. 'N. L. Macdonald, a Vice-President of the Society. "Tempera mutantur" comes to the writer's lips as he sees to-day the railways running over the prairies, parallel to the ruts of the Red River cait, and thinks of the slowness and difficulty of travel mingled with a strange romance and in- terest attaching to the trail and its primitive life, as compared with the present hurry, bustle, and commonplace of the puf- fing engine and the Pullman car. One such journey comes to the writer's mind, surrounded with more incident than others on which the writer crossed the plains. While in those days supplies still came by way of York Factory, brought by the Hudson's Bay Company's ship from Britain, and were carried by bands of hardy voyageurs in York boats by way of lake, river and portage, in the early sixties of the century the cart route over the prairie to St. Paul, Minnesota, was largely availed of by the Red River settlers. Tlie Red River cart- aptly called the "prairie schooner"— took out loads of fur for the Hudson's Bay Com- pany to St. Paul, and came back laden with supplies for the Company or for the settlers. BEFORE STARTING. For company and safety many carts went on the same ex- pedition and for days before the start all was activity. As the trip extended over six or eight wee^ j, it was necessary to be well provided with food. The fare was sinapic but sub- stantial. Flour, strong black tea and sugar were the staples, and the well-known pemmican. Pemmican is now a thing of the past, but was the sheet anchor of the Ked River voyageur. Obtained by the buffalo hunters on their buffalo hunts, the tlesh of the buffalo was cut up into slices, dried and beaten or flailed into powder; it was then packed in bags of raw hide, into which hot boiling fat and marrow of the buf- falo carcass was poured. Thus it became air proof, and with- out salt or any preservative, the bag closely sewed up, could be thus kept for years. A finer sort of this article, called "berry pemmican," was made by mixing the flesh with the berries of the abundant saskatoon, or service berry (Amelan- chier Canadensis). This was considered a delicacy. While some, like the late Bishop McLean, did not appreciate pemmi- can, he having declared before an audience of notables in London, that eating pemmican was to him like chewing a tallow candle, yet tliis important staple, worth thousands of pounds a year to the prairie travellers, v/as so important that the Hudson's Bay Company couM not have carried on its wide a^ ' extensive enterprises without it. Supplies for the inner .n having been provided, the axe, saw, drawknife, auger and square, needles to sew harness and moccasins are not forgotten, as well as a supply of material for harness. This was of two kinds. First, the " sha^anappe," or prairie cordage, made by cutting the buffalo hide into narrow strips, from one-half to an inch in width; and second, the "babiche," or narrow strips cut from the deer skin and taking the place of twine. In addition sinews from the back of the buffalo were shredded and spun into what might be called prairie thread. All these have disappeared with the buffalo. THE RED RIVER CART. The object of greatest interest in the Red River trippers* outfit was the Red River cart. Made of tough, well-seasoned wood without a particle of iron about it, it was a marvel of mechanism. It consisted of two rough shafts, called by t'he settlers trams, twelve feet long, worked out of oak, and with (TOSS-pieces firmly morticed into them. The two outer ones, being alx>ut six feet apart, form the foundation. Holes are bored into the upper surface of the trams and two railed pieces are correspondingly bored and fitted upon the rails. Boards are fastened upon the three cross-pieces forming the bottom, and with tail, front and side boards fitted on the body of the cart, it is complete. The great lumbering wheels, con- sisting of nave, of spokes and felloes, are of v ak, rough hewn. The felloes are about five inches wide, the wheel five feet high. They are very much dished, giving greater steadiness to the cart in going on a sidling road. They pass over soft "THE PRAIRIE SCHOONER." arid swampy ground where wagon wheels would almost sink out of sight. The axle is, after the wheel, the most important part and is made of oak. The axle having to bear the weight of the heavy load, requires to be carefully made and then to be well trimmed and adjusted to prevent friction. The axle is laslied to the cart with dainpened.i shagganappe, which shrinks, and so holds it firmly. Five or six of these axles are used up in the course of a trip. They are manufactured as they are needed on the way. OX OR PONY. In this oart is placed either an ox or an Indian pony. The 4 harness used for these is the same, consisting of the strips of buffalo hide, the shape of the collar for the ox being a little different from that of the horse, and so arranged that it will not gall the neck of its wearer. The holdback is so adjusted as to enable the beast of burden to hold back in descending a hill. The carts carry from 800 to 1,000 lbs., and require to be filled by a practised packer. Four carts are under the charge of one voyageur, and more than that number are fas- tened together, the leading rein of the ox or pony being tied to the tail of the cart ahead. The driver is provided with a gun and a supply of ball, powder and shot. As these are al- ways at his hand he becomes a real Nimrod of the plains. It happens, quite often, going over prairie trails, crossing rav- ines or sloughs, that cart, load, or ox, may be overturned. To the greenhorn on the plains, or as the Indian calls him, "Moonias," such a disaster seems without remedy. But the skilful voyageur soon spliced his broken trams, replaced his broken railways, and this all done by the ready use of shagg- anappe, so that the uninjured ox or pony was soon on his way again. The starting of the brigade of carts from Fort Garry, on the Red River, was a great event in the settlement. The first day's march did not exceed eight or ten miles, in order that the beasts of burd a might not be overdone at the start. THE CAMP. Ait&r some hours of steady travelling, as the sun stood high in the sky, the welcome stop took place. This was made by some stream or lake. The oxen and horses let loose from their burden, bounded away to the water, into which they plunged neck deep, remaining there safe from the tormenting flies and mosquitoes, until hunger drove them to the pasture awaiting them. The voyageurs at once struck their camp. With the party were a number of women and children, and at once a fire was lit, and the kettle was soon simmering. While this was occurring the Red River bannock was in course of preparation. It was simply flour, water and salt. The dough was kneaded on a bag spread out on a buffalo skin, the cakes were flattened and baked in a frying pan over the fire, and were soon ready. When the water had boiled in the kettle, the pemmican bag was broached, a quantity of it was stirred into the boiling water, flour and salt were added, and SI W Z V o O z P. < > •< 6 thus resulted the celebrated " rubaboo," as it was called. When the mixture was thickened it then was called " rowscho,". but for the journey the formeff was prefer- able. Hot bannocks and piping hot " rubaboo " were served around, the latter in cups, and the tea in tin cups soon began to disappear among the hungry company. The appe- tite stimulated by fresh air and exercise was surprising, and a dyspeptic being looking on at such a meal would turn green with envy. ' '. A NOTABLE PARTY. One day our midday camp was struck just beyond the crossing of the Big Salt River. We were just ready for lunch when a democrat wagon hove in sight containing a coal-black Sambo as driver, and three gentlemen. As they approached they looked long and enquiringly on the camping scene, with its grazing animals, carts, and a company of swarthy natives, in the middle of a vast prairie. On calling over on them, I found a dintinguished party, consisting of Hon. Joseph Howe, Secretary of State for the Dominion of Canada, which was then talking of annexing the Red River Settlement, Mr. W. E. Sanford, of Hamilton, Ont., afterwards Senator, ind Mr. William McGregor, of Windsor, since that time a mem- ber of the Canadian House of Commons. I invited the party to lunch with me ; fortunately we had bear steak, and pemmican in its two-fold messes. Curio- sity, more than lunch, induced an acceptance. I carried a bottle of very old St. Croix rum, so far as I was concerned for the stomach's sake, not the palate. At the sight of the amber fluid the Hon. Mr. Howe clapped his hands, and turn- ing to Mr. Sanford, exclaimed, "Sanford, there is com in Egypt," which they tested heartily. This trip of Mr. Howe to Fort Garry was the one which Mr. McDougall accusetl him in Parliament of undertaking to prejudice the settlers against him. Mr. Howe plied me with questions touching affairs at the Settlement. The party proceeded northx^ard, we south. Scarcely two hours had passed when the democrat returned. By an accident Mr. Sanford's gun had gone off and lodged its contents in the calf of McGregor's leg. EN ROUTE. Two hours was usually enough for the midday camp, but if the day was hot a longer time was allowed. When the camp was struck the capture of oxen and ponies was always exciting. Knowing their advantage, they played a good game of hide and seek, and were coy to the advances of their mas- ters. Sometimes to drive the refractory animals among the carts was a last resort. At such time* the hot nature of the voyageur was apt to get the better of him. When the start had taken place many an incident was sure to follow. Without bridges, ferry, or a boat, a heavily loaded train has serious difficulty in crossing streams. A heavy fall of rain may change fordable streams into booming rivers. In such cases a boat was improvised, from materials on hand. Four cart wheels were taken and placed dish up- wards and the four points of contact securely fastened toge- ther. On the outer rims four pieces of wood were lashed, forming a square. Meanwhile six buffalo hides were soaked, when sufficiently soft sewed together, and spread out, upon which the frame work was placed. The edges were brought up and laced to the outer bars, one line fastened to the stern, another at the bow. A party would then swim across, carry- ing the bow line over ; the boat was launched, and floated like a duck, with a capacity of 800 lbs. The whole transport- ation was accomplished, amidst a cloud of mosquitoes, sand flies, and all prairie annoyances, including mud. It was dur- ing this work one heard untranslatable language, as accident and adventure took place at the crossing. Even when the crossing of streams was not so serious there was always the possibility of upset and disaster. Coming to the steep bank of a river to be crossed, a line was tied to the middle of the axle of the cart, and a turn of the line made around the trunk of a tree on the bank. Thus the ox and cart was led gradually down the deep decline until the water was reached. On the opposite bank corresponding arrangements were made to haul them up from the bed of the stream. THE NIGHT CAMP. The afternoon journey was usually continued for about twelve or fifteen miles, when the cheerful word, both to man and beast, was given to halt for the night. The cuisine was again put into operation, though the menu was somewhat changed. Instead of rubaboo, " re^chaud " was served, com- monly corrupted "row-scho," from the Latin re and French chaud, to heat over. Pemmican cooked in a frying-pan, a little grease, pepper, salt, with a trace of onions and potatoes added, constituted this, a dish to set before a king. If the night was clear, and the moon, flooded the prairie with her silver light, robes were spread. The sound of the fiddle in- vited the dance. The Red River jig was struck up, and one after another exercised himself to his heart's content, as the ehouts of the audience stimulated him. Amidst peals of laughter and snatches of voyageurs' song dull care was for- ever banished from the camping ground, and you were com- pelled to acknowWge that the voya|",?iir is " a fellow of infin- ite humor." But the best of company must part. Sommis tonchef 40° was ])eing approached. 1 I I I I I 10 -^ "LE GOUVEKNEUR." Nearing Pembina, the governor expectant, ' family and suite give ub the go^by. The glossy blacks cross the line ahead of us. The coming members of the to-be new govern- ment make home within the historic enclosure of the H. B, Co.'s post October 18th. On the 19th I set out, leaving the train behind. I had four passengers with mei, Dr. O , D., madame and two children. Arriving opposite the house of a friendly half-breed, he signalled me to stop, beckoning with his hand. I entered his house. When he had cautiously Josed the door, he enquired, seemingly with much interest, *'Where are the carts ?" Continuing, he said, "They have seized McKay's train at St. IN^orbert and are on the qui vive for yours." My train was loaded with the government house- hold furniture and supplies. "You see, monseigneur, they think McDougall is bringing guns, powder and balls to fight the Metis. You will find a barricade across the road, all Can- adians are turned back, and to-morrow twenty men will be here to turn McDougall and his men back to Canada." My democrat being covered with white cotton, would no doubt be a.i object of suspicion, indicating the arrival of strangers. Communicating what I had heard to the Doctor and Mad- ame, doubt and uncertainty fliitted like a cloud across their otherwise cheery countenances. We found Pembina in a state of jubilant expectancy. The war muse had inspired a composition of verses in the style of the Marseillaise, which were scattered broadcast. I secured a copy. Next morning, the 20th, I called on Mr. McDougall. Felt it my duty to inform him what had been communicated me. Handed the martial verses to him in which he figured that the train would bo seized. Such portion of it as carried my own goods gave me no concern. It also carried a number of tnmks belonging to Captain and Mrs. Cameron. If those should sliaro the impending fate, I feared grave consequences would ensue, which were after- wards realized. I supposed that T had ina