144 COLUMBIA RIVER. 



to mention Dr. Barclay, whose kind attentions in procuring specimens 

 for the Expedition, entitle him to our gratitude. 



Sir George Simpson stayed only a few days. He took his depar- 

 ture under a salute of guns from the Cadborough, and the attendance 

 of all the officers and dependants of the forts. Mr. Douglass went 

 with him; and in his suite was also Mr. Von Freeman, a Russian 

 gentleman, with whom I was much pleased. He was going to Sitka, 

 and I believe was one of the officers of the Russian Company. 



The number of posts occupied by the Hudson Bay Company in 

 this territory is twenty-five : these are located at the best points for 

 trade, and so as to secure the resort of the Indians, without inter- 

 fering with their usual habits. Places are also occupied in the 

 vicinity of their abodes during the most favourable part of the year, 

 for obtaining the proceeds of their hunting. This is regulated with 

 much skill; and the portion of the country once under their care 

 is never suffered to become exhausted of furs; for, whenever they 

 discover a decrease, the ground is abandoned for several years, until 

 the animals have time to increase again. 



A charge has been made against the Company, that they were 

 desirous of exterminating the beaver south of the Columbia, and 

 would continue to hunt them until every fur-bearing animal was 

 exhausted. This, from the information I received, I believe to be 

 erroneous ; the story has probably proceeded from feelings of rivalry 

 on the part of those who spread the report. 



Another charge made against them, of exciting attacks on the free 

 trappers, who are generally from our borders, is to be received with 

 many allowances. It has been made in many cases from interested 

 motives ; and I am satisfied that nothing of this kind could emanate 

 from Vancouver, or from any of the officers. 



The whole conduct of- Dr. M'Laughlin is totally at variance 

 with such a course : every facility has been at all times extended to 

 new-comers and settlers ; it is sufficient that they are of good charac- 

 ter, and the use of cattle, horses, farming utensils, and supplies, is 

 invariably extended to facilitate their operations, until such time as 

 they are able to provide for themselves. 



During our stay at Vancouver, I had the pleasure of seeing many 

 members of the Willamette Mission ; but they were unable to give 

 me much information. They invariably spoke of Dr. M'Laughlin 

 in the highest terms : they were averse to his absolute rule over the 



