14 



The extent of country over which Governor Simpson pre- 

 sides stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific; there is no 

 place in all the vast wilderness that he has not visited ; every 

 spot in it is known to him ; there is scarcely a native but at 

 some time or other has experienced his smile and his liberal- 

 ity. His fostering care has been over all. 



It not infrequently happens that the council meets at 

 other places as well as at headquarters; indeed, wherever it 

 is convenient for the governor to attend. The council of the 

 northern department was held at Norway House this year, 

 instead of at York Factory. During the sittings, which only 

 occupy a few days, no other business is attended to ; but the 

 council no sooner break up than matters of minor importance 

 are looked into. Each factor, trader, and post master then 

 sets about preparing and forwarding the business of his es- 

 pecial charge. 



When the public business was over the governor sent for 

 me, and I repaired to his room. He received me courteously, 

 according to his custom. After some conversation, he ad- 

 verted to the subject of my remaining in the country, and 

 continuing my former pursuits. " If you remain in the ser- 

 vice," said he, " you shall have entire management of the 

 company's affairs in the Snake country guaranteed to you for 

 a certain number of years, with a liberal salary." I tendered 

 my thanks for his handsome offer, but declined accepting it, 

 urging as a reason that I had already twice tried the fur 

 trade, and had twice been disappointed in my expectations ; 

 and therefore, if experience was worth anything, I ought not 

 any longer to reject its warnings; but above all, I urged as 

 my strongest motive for leaving the service, the necessity of 

 retiring to a place where I could have the means of giving 

 my children a Christian education, the best portion I could 

 leave them. 



After a short pause the Governor observed, " Well, al- 



