202 A JOURNEY TO THE 



177 1, as few of them chuse to travel in countries so remote from 

 •'" ^' their own, under a pretence that the change of air and pro- 

 visions (though exactly the same to which they are accustomed) 

 are highly prejudicial to their health ; and that not one out of 

 three of those who have undertaken the journey, have ever 

 lived to return. The first of these reasons is evidently no 

 more than gross superstition ; and though the latter is but too 

 true, it has always been owing to the treachery and cruelty of 

 the Northern Indians, who took them under their protection. 

 It is but a few years since, that Captain Keelshies, who is 

 frequently mentioned in this Journal, took twelve of these 

 people under his charge, all heavy laden with the most valuable 

 furrs ; and long before they arrived at the Fort, he and the 

 rest of his crew had got all the furrs from them, in payment 

 for provisions for their support, and obliged them to carry the 

 furrs on their account. 



On their arrival at Prince of Wales's Fort, Keelshies laid 

 claim to great merit for having brought those strangers, 

 [181] so richly laden, to the Factory, and assured the Governor 

 that he might, in future, expect a great increase in trade from 

 that quarter, through his interest and assiduity. One of the 

 strangers was dubbed with the name of Captain, and treated 

 accordingly, while at the Fort ; that is, he was dressed out in 

 the best manner ; and at his departure, both himself and all 

 his countrymen were loaded with presents, in hopes that they 

 would not only repeat the visit themselves, but by displaying 

 so much generosity, many of their countrymen would be 

 induced to accompany them. 



There seems to be great propriety in the conduct of the 

 Governor * on this occasion ; but however well-intended, it 

 had quite the contrary effect, for Keelshies and the rest of his 

 execrable gang, not content with sharing all the furrs those 

 poor people had carried to the Fort, determined to get also 



* Mr, Moses Norton. 



