EMBARK FOR ENGLAND. 



193 



It may be stated with pleasure that directions 

 have been given to lessen the quantity of spirit- 

 uous liquors in barter with the natives. The 

 baneful effects of such a medium of trade have 

 long been deplored by all who have regarded 

 the amelioration of their state, and sought to 

 improve their wandering condition. Cruelty, 

 disease, and premature decay have for centuries 

 past been generated wherever Europeans have 

 introduced the exchange of ardent spirits with 

 the Indians. No act therefore can be more 

 beneficial and humane than that of gradually 

 altering a system which is at once so prejudicial 

 to the nati ve, and injurious to the morals of the 

 trader. It is to be hoped that the benevolent 

 intentions of the Honourable Committee will 

 be carried into full effect, together with the re- 

 solutions passed in council at York Factory, 

 July 1823, for the purpose of improving the 

 moral state, both of the Indians and of the 

 European inhabitants of the Company's terri- 

 tory ; an event highly interesting to every 

 friend of humanity and religion. 



Sept. 10.— We embarked on board the ship 

 Prince of Wales on her return to England, and 

 left the anchorage next day with a favourable 

 wind. The weather being moderate, on Sun- 



o 



