44 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



progress, and that he should feel peculiar 

 pleasure in performing this part of his duty. 

 He introduced me at once to Messrs. Charles, 

 Swaine, and Snodie, masters of districts, 

 who, from long residence in the country, 

 were perfectly acquainted with the different 

 modes of travelling, and the obstructions 

 which might be anticipated. At the desire 

 of these gentlemen, I drew up a series of 

 questions respecting the points on which we 

 required information; to which, two days 

 afterwards, they had the kindness to return 

 very explicit and satisfactory answers ; and 

 on receiving them I requested the governor 

 to favour me with his sentiments on the 

 same subject in writing, which he delivered 

 to me on the following day. 



Having learned that Messrs. Shaw, 

 M'Tavish, and several other partners of the 

 N.W. Company, were under detention at 

 this place, we took the earliest opportunity 

 of visiting them ; when having presented I 

 the general circular, and other introductory 

 letters, with whicli I had been furnished by 

 their agent, Mr. Simon M'Gillivray, we re* 



