1827, JUNE. CARLTON HOUSE 271 



iis victim, turning him gently over, and walking ofE. I went up to him and 

 found life stiU apparent, but quite senseless. He had sustained most 

 injury from a blow on the left side, and had it not been for a strong double 

 sealskin shot-pouch, with ball, shot, wadding, &c., which shielded the 

 stroke, unquestionably he must by that alone have been deprived of life, 

 being opposite the heart. The horn went through the pouch, coat, vest, 

 flannel, and cotton shirts, and bruised the skin and broke two ribs. He was 

 bruised all over, but no part materially cut except the thigh — left wrist 

 dislocated. My lancet being always in my pocket like a watch, I had him 

 bled and his wounds bound up, when he was carried to the boat ; gave 

 twenty-five drops of laudanum and procured sleep. In hopes of finding Dr. 

 Richardson no time was lost to convey him to Carlton. The following day 

 several more were killed, but from what I had seen my desire of seeing such 

 dreadfid brutes cooled. I continued gleaning plants when the limited 

 times occurred. At 2 p.m. on the 3rd arrived at Carlton House and 

 was received with politeness by Mr. Pruden. Here I found Mr. Thos. 

 Drummond had come down to meet Dr. Richardson in spring. The doctor 

 is now below at Cumberland House. In the evening had an account of his 

 travels and progress and informed me had received a note from Mr. Sabine 

 concerning Phlox Hoodii. He appears to have done well. I must state 

 he liberally showed me a few of the plants in his possession — birds, animals, 

 &c., in the most unreserved manner. 



Monday, June 4tA.— Accompanied by Mr. Drummond, I made a trip 

 contiguous to the establishment and was guided to several habitats by 

 him. I learned with regret that my anticipated journey overland to 

 Swan and Red Rivers could not be accomphshed. In the first place, two 

 horses would be requisite to carry my papers, blanket, and food— unsafe to 

 have one in the event of dying ; in the next place, it was uncertain in what 

 direction the Stone Indians were, and in the event of their meeting me mine 

 would beyond any doubt be a done career. One of the Canadian servants 

 was four weeks ago murdered within four miles of the house, his gun and 

 horses taken, and his body left stripped. The villain who committed this 

 horrid deed was, I am informed, kept during the winter in food, being an 

 object of pity and his family starving ; and on his quitting in spring mani- 

 fested his ingratitude by perpetrating the foulest of crimes. Therefore with 

 regret I had, on the advice of the persons in authority, abandoned it and 

 proceeded to Norway House, where perhaps an opportunity may ofEer of 

 visiting Red River in preference to going by Canada or the States, both being 

 monstrously costly. I would have preferred to remain at Carlton had 

 not the following considerations presented themselves : first, had I remained 

 it might be looked on as an encroachment by him, and as there was no 

 opportunity of a passage by the Company's boats I would have to solicit a 

 passage of Captain Back on his way from Great Bear Lake. This I should 

 have done in the most unreserved manner, being well convinced, if in his 

 power or in the power of any officer of the expedition, it would be granted ; 

 but from the embarrassed state of their boats with there own collection, 

 which I learn with pleasure is grand, it is doubtful if they could accommo- 

 date me. For these reasons I now go to Cumberland. 



