THE RED RIVER EXPEDITION. 217 



inent to conciliate their newly acquired subjects. 

 The Governor appointed by the Hudson Bay Com- 

 pany, who was to exercise authority until Mr M'Dou- 

 gall reached Fort Garry, was never even communi- 

 cated with. One would have thought that common 

 civility, if not political tact, would have caused the 

 Ottawa Ministry to have informed him in writing 

 of Mr M'Dougall's appointment, and of the date at 

 which his arrival might be expected ; the old Gov- 

 ernor's co-operation and assistance in establishing the 

 new order of things might, with advantage, have been 

 solicited at the same tune. Xo explanations were 

 made as to what was to be the policy of Canada in 

 its dealings with Eupert's Land. In fact, the people 

 of that country were so thoroughly ignored, they were 

 easily led to believe that their material interests 

 would be so also, in favour of the emigrants that 

 rumour and the Canadian surveyors said might 

 shortly be expected to arrive at Eed Eiver. 



A little judicious management at first would have 

 secured an amicable settlement, and have frustrated 

 the clerical party, which was desirous of fomenting 

 resistance. A clear statement of what was intended 

 to be done, and a declaration stating, that the rights 

 of property would be respected ; that all those in bond 

 fide occupation of land should retain it without rent, 

 and receive a regular legal title for it ; that all reli- 

 gions would be respected, and every one allowed to 

 worship as he liked, this would most certainly have 



