tter, that of a fair
countrywoman,[1] in the evening. I was gratified to find that there
existed here a far greater degree of intimacy between gentlemen of
different ranks in the service, than in the Montreal department, where
a clerk is considered as a mere hireling; here, on the contrary,
commissioned officers look upon clerks as candidates for the same rank
which themselves hold, and treat them accordingly.

[1] Mistress of the establishment.

The Governor, having taken up his residence for some years past in
England, crosses the Atlantic once a year, and during his brief
sojourn, Norway House forms his head-quarters. Here it is that the
sham Council is held, and everything connected with the business of
the interior arranged. Here also is the depot for the districts of
Athabasca and McKenzie's River, which supplies all the provisions
required for inland transport. These provisions are furnished by the
Saskatchewan district, or are purchased by the Company from the
colonists of Red River, who have no other customers.

The natives of this quarter speak a jargon of Cree and Sauteux, which
sounds very harshly. They all understand English, and some of them
speak it fluently. Many of them are constantly employed as voyageurs
between Norway House and York Factory; and none perform the trip more
expeditiously, or render their cargoes in better condition than they.
Of Christianity, they have learned just as much as enables them to
swear; in other respects, they are still Pagans.

On the 20th of July, I received a letter from Mr. Chief Factor
Cameron, who acted as President of the Council in the Governor's
absence, conveying orders for me to proceed to New Caledonia; Mr.
Charles being instructed to furnish me with a passage to Athabasca,
and to forward me afterwards to Fort Dunvegan, on Peace River, where I
was to wait the arrival of the party sent annually from New Caledonia
for a supply of leather.

The brigade having been despatched on the 27th, Mr. C. and I embarked
on the 28th, and overtook it at the entrance of Lake Winnipeg. The
crews being ashore, and enjoying themselves, we passed on; but did not
proceed far, ere the wind blew so violently as to compel us to put
ashore. After a delay of about four hours, we "put to sea" again; and
the wind gradually abating as we proceeded, we encamped in the evening
nearly opposite to McIntosh's Island.

This island, some years ago, presented an extensive surface of land