60 EXrEDITlON TO THi; 



again crossed the river and arrived at the Hudson's Bay 

 Company's fort, where he was hospitably received by 

 Donald Mackenzie, Esquire, chief factor, and one of the 

 counsellors of the company. As soon as Major Long 

 had explained to this gentleman the nature and objects of 

 his party, and the circumstances which had induced him 

 to proceed through the Company's territory, Mr. Macken- 

 zie made a free and liberal offer of his services and assist- 

 ance in any thing that depended upon him. This he 

 did even before he had seen the recommendatory let- 

 ter which Major Long had received from His Excel- 

 lency, the Right Honourable Stratford Canning, En- 

 voy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from his 

 Britannic Majesty ; a letter, which, as it was very obli- 

 gingly given by Mr. Canning, and as it no doubt contri- 

 buted much to ensure to the party the very hospitable re- 

 ception which we experienced while in his Britannic Ma- 

 jesty's dominions, we have great pleasure in inserting here.* 

 It is impossible for us to convey in adequate terms, the 

 very warm gratitude which we feel for Mr. Mackenzie's 

 kind attentions. Independent of that assistance which his 

 official situation enabled him to afford, he contributed to 



• Wasldngton City, May 1st, 1823. 

 SIR, 

 This letter will be exhibited to you by Major Stephen H. Long, of 

 the United States' Topographical Engineers, who, for objects purely 

 scientific, has been ordered to conduct an exploring expedition up the 

 St. Peter's river, thence to proceed to the 49th degree of north lati- 

 tude, and thence to the lakes on his return home. The American go- 

 vernment, conceiving it possible that Major Long may have occasion 

 to pass on his way through some of the British posts or settlements 

 along the frontiers, have requested me to state the nature of the ex- 

 pedition, and to recommend that officer and his paity, to the civilities 

 of his Majesty's officers and subjects in the North-west Territory. It 



