136 
C O L U xM B I A RIVER. 
Among the officers of the Hudson Bay Company, I must not forget 
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. Yon 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 interfering 
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 w r ould 
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 character, 
and the use of cattle, horses, farming utensils, and supplies, is invaria¬ 
bly 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 w^ere averse to his absolute rule over the 
whole territory, and, although it was considered by them as despotic, 
they could not adduce any instance of the wrong application of his 
