encampment. These were John M'Donald, Daniel M'Kenzie, Allan M'Donald,
Hugh M'Gillis, Alexander M'Kenzie, and Simon Fraser, the last named
being the noted explorer. Captain D'Orsonnens stationed a guard within
the fort, and himself remained behind to search the papers of those who
had been arrested.

By the time Lord Selkirk had finished the examination of his fresh
group of prisoners the hour was late. He did not wish to keep any of
the partners in confinement, and so he arranged that they should go
back to their quarters at the fort for the night. The prisoners
promised that they would behave in seemly fashion, and do nothing of a
hostile nature. There is evidence to show that before {124} morning
many papers were burned in the mess-room kitchen at the fort. Word was
also brought to Lord Selkirk that a quantity of firearms and ammunition
had been removed from Fort William during the night. In consequence of
this information he issued another warrant, authorizing a 'search for
arms.' When the search was made fifty or more guns and fowling-pieces
were found hidden among some hay in a barn. Eight barrels of gunpowder
were also found lying in a swampy place not far from the fort, and the
manner in which the grass was trampled down indicated that the barrels
had been deposited there very recently. When Selkirk learned of this
attempt to remove arms and ammunition, he felt justified in adopting
stringent measures. He ordered what was practically an occupation of
Fort William. Most of the Canadians, Bois Brules, and Indians in the
service of the North-West Company were commanded to leave the fort and
to cross to the other side of the river. Their canoes were
confiscated. The nine partners were held as prisoners and closely
watched. Selkirk's force abandoned Point De Meuron and erected their
tents on ground near Fort William. The hearing was continued, and it
{125} was finally decided that the accused should be committed for
trial at York and conducted thither under a strong guard.

Selkirk had not exceeded his authority as a justice of the peace in
holding the investigations and in sending the partners for trial to the
judicial headquarters of the province. But he had also seized the
property of the North-West Company and driven its servants from their
fort, and this was straining his legal powers. The task of taking the
nine partners to York was entrusted to Lieutenant Fauche. Three canoes
were provision