70 NARRATIVE OF 1853. 
train, from the vicinity of the Selkirk settlement, who were encamped some eight miles distant. 
They invited me to visit them, which I determined upon doing, and placing the train under the 
charge of Dr. Suckley, I gave him directions to move on some eight miles, find a good camping 
place, and await my return. All the men were to be set to work as soon as they got into camp, 
and none were to be permitted to visit the Red river train. Mr. Tinkham and an assistant 
were to go to Mouse river, and Mr. Moffett and an assistant were to be despatched to the Grand 
Cóteau and make a profile of the country. 
July 23.—During my absence this morning Dr. Suckley sent ahead Le Bombard and Sergeant 
Lindner some twelve miles, to reconnoitre for a good road for the train; Messrs. Tinkham and 
Burr went to the Mouse river, and Mr. Moffett, accompanied by Broadwell, went to the. Grand 
Cóteau. 
I sent Guy and Rummell ahead to Dr. Suckley's camp, to apprise him of our coming. At 
about 4 o'clock, accompanied by Governer de L'Orme and seven of his principal men, we 
started towards Dr. Suckley’ scamp. The whole force of the survey, headed by Dr. Suckley, 
Sergeant Lindner bearing an American flag, met us about a mile out of camp, and saluted us 
with a volley from their guns, the mountain howitzer being fired three times. A large tent 
was put up for the accommodation of our guests, and Governer de L’ Orme was invited to share 
my tent. The guard tent was taken and made use of as a banqueting room, and several of the 
men Were detailed to collect buffalo chips. The cooks of the various messes were assisting 
each other, and the meal was ready for us about 9 o’clock. Tinkham and Burr got in just in 
time to partake of it with us, as also did Moffett and Broadwell. Mr. Moffett reported the 
height of the bluff or Coteau range as 702 feet above the level of Mouse river, and distant 20 
miles from it; the height of the hill seven miles from the camp of to-day is 256 feet. 
Seated around the camp fire between the two tents we had a very pleasant conference with 
our friends. І was very favorably impressed with Governor de L’ Orme, and with his opinion, 
as well as that of his associates, in regard to their right to hunt on our territory, they being 
residents of the country north of our boundary line. They claim the protection of both 
governments, and the doubt as to the position of the boundary line makes them ignorant as to 
which one they have the most claim upon. During the hunting season they carry with them 
their families and their property, and they consider that this territory is open to them; that 
the right to hunt on it belongs to them, and that their children born during this transit over 
our soil possess the heritage of American citizens. Strongly impressed in favor of American 
institutions, they wish to be noticed by our government, and feel a desire to meet and confer 
with a commissioner sent by it to treat with them. My own opinion is, that while they possess 
no fee simple in the soil yet they have the same right and title which our government has 
acknowledged the Indian tribes to possess—a right of occupation, with the view of hunting, &c. 
With but little care our government could obtain the whole of these people as citizens, 
thus protecting and building up our frontier, and having in this vicinity always a controlling 
check upon the Indians. Already is the salutary effect of their presence visible in the entire 
safety, now, with which single white men and small parties can go through this country. Their 
virtuous mode of life; their industry and frugality; their adaptation to frontier life, all combine 
to render them a valuable class of people, and well worthy the attention of our government. 
They expressed a desire that I should represent these things to the government, and I assured 
them that I would do so with pleasure. Governor de L/ Orme, before retiring to rest, attended 
to his devotions, and I have been struck with his piety and real goodness, manifested in his 
conduct and conversation. 
