TENURE OF LAND, 



189 



is included in the number is not stated. The employment 

 of Indians by the freighters has, at times, given rise to 

 some little difficulty between them and the Hudson's Bay 

 Company, as introducing a species of industry not com- 

 patible with a hunter's pursuit, and likely to divert at- 

 tention from the great objects of the fur trade. 



Among numerous documents which are in the possession 

 of many of the most respectable people of Eed Eiver, 

 treasured up, perhaps, as memorials of bygone but not 

 forgotten difficulties in gaining a livelihood by pursuits 

 not connected with the fur trade or its interests, — the 

 following brief note may or may not possess some little 

 historic interest, and, if rightly understood and interpreted, 

 offer a clue to the present condition of the Eed Eiver 

 settlements, and of the Indian missionary stations. 



Foet Gakky, June 5 th, 1844. 

 Sir, — I am informed that private freighters from Red Eiver 

 frequently employ and afford passages to Indians along the line 

 of communication to York Factory in their boats, which is 

 highly objectionable in many points of view. I have there- 

 fore to desire you will not in future receive as passengers, or 

 employ Indians in your craft, on the line of communication 

 between York and Eed Eiver. — I am, &c. 



(Signed) Gr. Simpson. 



Mr. Edward Mowat, &c. &c. 



Copied, 30th July, 1844. (Signed) A. 



TENURE OF LAND. 



Land in Assinniboia is sometimes sold to purchasers at 

 the rate of 7,5. 6d. sterling per acre. The title is conveyed 

 under the form of a lease for 999 years. The conditions 

 in the lease are : 1st. That one-tenth of the land is to be 

 brought into cultivation within five years. 2nd. That 

 trading or dealing with Indians or others, so as to violate 

 the chartered privileges of the Company, be forsworn. 



