[how ay] argonauts OF 1862 39 



event says: "The great bulk of the passengers consisted of about 160 

 Canadians, who had come with the intention of pioneering an overland 

 route across the continent to Cariboo." 



From May 26th till June 2nd the emigrants were encamped in 

 the vicinity of Fort Garry, little dreaming that the unearned increment 

 of the land would in thirty years far exceed the total golden harvest 

 of Cariboo. This period was spent in obtaining horses, cattle, and 

 Red River carts for the journey as far as Edmonton, beyond which 

 point the alleged cart trail did not extend. Red River carts have 

 been mentioned by all visitors to that settlement. They are only 

 another instance of man's ability to fabricate serviceable instruments, 

 if compelled by necessity, out of any materials at hand. The Pro- 

 myschlenski navigated Bering Sea in crazy vessels of green wood 

 fastened with thongs of deer hide in default of nails to secure the 

 planks properly; the pioneers traversed the broad prairies in just as 

 primitive contrivances; for these Red River carts contained not a 

 particle of metal, being composed entirely of wood and hide. 



During this interval the travellers had full opportunity to discuss 

 with the Hudson's Bay Company's officials the best mode and route 

 of travel. They had the benefit of the advice of Governor Dallas; 

 Mr. McTavish, the Governor of the settlement; Mr. Christie in charge 

 at Edmonton; Bishop Tache, and, especially, of Timoleon Love and 

 John Whiteford, the guide. The two last named had made the 

 journey frequently and knew the region from experience. 



This delay was moreover really necessary for the success of the 

 undertaking. Had everything been ready it would nevertheless have 

 been the part of wisdom to have delayed so as to obtain the advantage 

 of the growth of the grass on the prairies. In truth the emigrants 

 in their eagerness to reach El Dorado had set out three or four weeks 

 too early. 



Like all early travellers the party must have a guide. The 

 orthodox guide in western history deserts his post just at the crucial 

 point when his services are most required. Every care was, therefore, 

 taken in the selection. On Bishop Tache's recommendation the choice 

 fell upon Charles Rochette, a French half-breed, who for $100 agreed 

 to conduct the emigrants to St. Ann's, a missionary settlement a few 

 miles west of Edmonton. 



The pro\isions for the journey were purchased at Fort Garry. 

 They were primitive indeed — flour and pemmican. The flour was 

 manufactured at the settlement, and though good and wholesome, 

 was, of course, somewhat dark and coarse; it cost $3.90 for one hundred 

 and twelve pounds. As to pemmican, it is of various degrees of 



Sec. II, Sig. 4 



