17 



flag which was the usual one used on such occasions. Word 

 was received at the settlement that the Northwesters were 

 determined to destroy both it and the settlers. On the 17th 

 June, Peguis, chief of the Swampy Indians, residing in the 

 district about the mouth of the Red River, waited on Gover- 

 nor Semple to offer the services of his men, some seventy in 

 number to assist in protecting the colonists. This pi'ofFered 

 assistance was declined with thanks by Semple, who did not 

 foresee the occurrences of the succeeding two days. Alex. 

 Macdonnell sent a party of about sixty Canadians and half- 

 breeds with a few Indians, mounted on horseback and bearing 

 some provisions, across by land from the Assiniboine to the 

 Red Rivei', the route followed taking them along the edge of 

 the swamps, about two miles out on the prairie from Fort 

 Douglas, and from that point gradually drawing nearer to the 

 main highway, which is now the northern continuation of 

 Winnipeg's Main street, until it joined the latter at a spot 

 known as " Seven Oaks," on account of the seven oak trees 

 growing there, within a hundred yards or so south of a small 

 coolie, now called Inkster's creek. One half of the Metis had 

 arrived at the coolie and passed on to Frog Plain (Kildonan 

 chui'ch prairie), taking two or three settlers prisoners to pre- 

 vent their giving the alarm, when the remainder were dis- 

 covered by a sentinel, placed in the watch tower of Fort 

 Douglas, with a telescope. He immediately gave an alarm, 

 and Governor Semple left the fort with a small party of 

 company's servants to intercept the Metis, whom he met at 

 Seven Oaks as they arrived at the highway. Semple had by 

 this time been joined by some of his servants and officials, so 

 that he arrived on the scene with about 28 companions. 



It is difficult to get at the exact truth of what followed 

 this meeting of the rival traders. A host of affidavits are on 

 record made by men on both sides, who, while agreeing -in 

 the main particulars, disagree as to details. However, here- 

 with is given a version of the affair emanating from each side. 

 TWO ACCOUNTS. 



The first is an affidavit made by John Pritchard, who had 



