PREFACE. xi 



able to satisfy myself, with respect to its style, if 

 I could as fully have possessed the materials, in 

 the form of notes and sketches, or by verbal re- 

 citals. Every man's own mind is the mould of 

 his language ; and he who has attempted to vary 

 that of another, if he be at all accustomed to 

 writing, must have found the task more difficult 

 than original composition. The style of this work 

 is not properly my own, nor that of Mr. Harmon, 

 but something between both. 



There is one subject, on which I wish espe- 

 cially to address a few remarks, through the me- 

 dium of this preface, to the christian publick, and 

 to all who feel any regard for the welfare of the 

 Indian tribes, whose condition is unfolded in this 

 work. As Mr. Harmon has returned to the inte- 

 riour of North America, and, therefore, the obser- 

 vations which follow, will not be submitted to his 

 inspection, before they are made publick, the edi- 

 tor alone must be made accountable for them. 



In surveying the widely extended trade of the 

 North West Company, we perceive evidence of 

 an energy and perseverance, highly creditable, to 

 the members of it, as men of business. They 



