EXPEDITION TO THE BEAR'S DEN--PASSAGE THROUGH THE SWAMP--CUNNING OF
THE INDIANS--A SCUFFLE--ITS RESULTS.
I set off on this trip accompanied by another interpreter recently
sent from Montreal, and one of my men, all with heavy burdens on our
backs, the season not allowing the use of sledges. The second day we
arrived at an Indian lodge about half-way to the Bear's Camp, where I
learned that our opponent at the lower outpost had given our people
the slip, but had been induced to return from the supposition that
the extensive swamp in his way was impassable, being so inundated as
to present the appearance of a lake. Urged on, however, by youthful
ardour and ambition, I determined to make at least one attempt ere I
relinquished the enterprise; although I acknowledge that the idea of
overcoming difficulties deemed insurmountable by an opponent, had as
much to do with the resolution as the desire of doing my duty.
Followed by my men, I accordingly plunged in, along the margin of the
marsh; the water reached our middle, but we found it to decrease in
depth as we proceeded, though never below the knee. The water being
very cold, our legs soon became quite benumbed; nevertheless we moved
onward. A certain passage in history occurred to my mind, which
records the perseverance of a great man in a like situation. I too
persevered, though with a different object in view. We all have our
hobbies. I waded for furs, he for glory. We occasionally met with
large trunks of trees as we proceeded, on which we mounted, and
restored the circulation to our limbs by stamping upon them; and thus,
after five or six hours' painful exertion we reached dry land, where a
rousing fire and a hearty breakfast made us soon forget the miseries
of the swamp.
We reached the old _bear's den_ next evening, who, with his party,
expressed much surprise to see me at such a season, and in recompense
for my exertions, "traded"[1] every article of goods I had.
[1] _Anglicè_,--bought.
There were here seven Indians, who, notwithstanding the frequent
visits that had been paid them, in the course of the winter, by the
people of the lower posts, had still upwards of forty packs of beaver.
I got one pack, with which I set off on my return, pleased enough.
We found the water in the swamp so far subsided as to permit an easy
passage; but the ice on the Grand River was so much worse that we were
compelled to travel in the woods the greater part of the way.
On arriving at the post, I found the opposition party in active
preparation for their departure, Macdonell having received orders
from his father to that effect. He embarked as soon as the navigation
became practicable. Opponent as he was, I experienced some painful
sensations at parting with him; but soon had the _consolation_ to see
our opponent at the lower post occupy his place,--a measure which he
ought to have adopted at a much earlier period, as even then it gave
him a much better chance for a share of the spring trade than below,
where he might be said to be placed between two fires. His removal,
however, enabled us to concentrate our whole strength against him, so
that he could not move a foot without a strong party at his heels.
Thus circumstanced, he chose to await the arrival of the natives
quietly at his post, and we were happy to follow his example.
The spring passed in a happy state of quiescence, which was scarcely
disturbed by the arrival of the Indians, who, this year, had all
taken a fancy to visit their ghostly fathers at the Lake,[1] and had,
consequently, no time to spend with us; some intending to get married,
some having children to be baptized, and some carrying their dead, in
order that the last sacred rites for the benefit of their departed
spirits might be performed upon them. A few _têtes de boules_ remained
for some time, but under so strict a surveillance that they could
seldom communicate with our opponents without being observed, and the
discovery subjected them to some chastisement.
[1] Of the Two Mountains.
I shall here relate a circumstance that occurred at this time, as an
example of the cunning of the Indians in devising plans to evade us.
Soon after their arrival, an old squaw brought to our house several
casseaux[1] of sugar, and pointing out one, which she said was left open
for immediate consumption, said she would return for it presently. She
came next day and took the casseaux down to the tent of the Algonquin
chief, who had passed the spring close by, and was now building a
canoe, preparatory to his departure for the Lake. Soon after I went
to have a chat with the chief, and found only his squaw at home. I
observed the casseau, and asked for what purpose it was brought there.
"Mine hostess" smiled, and answered, "You ought to know everything
about it, when it has just quitted your house and passed the night
with you. You whites pretend to be very cunning," she continued, "but
when an Indian, or even an old squaw tries to cheat you, your 'white'
knowledge is no match for her. Now look into that casseau, Anamatik,[2]
and see what is in it."
[1] Packages made of bark.
[2] My Indian cognomen.
I looked, and found, instead of sugar, a very valuable bundle of furs.
"What do you think of the sugar?"
"Oh, it is very fine indeed; so much finer than any that I have, that
I must take it along with me."
"Your white neighbour will be angry with you, for it is left here for
him."
"Let him come to my house if he wants any."
I set off with my prize, and as soon as it was deposited in a place of
safety, took up a favourable position to watch my opponent, whom I
soon perceived making for the tent with long and rapid strides. I
could not help laughing heartily at the idea of his disappointment,
when told what had happened. The "fair deceiver," to whom the bone of
contention had belonged, soon made her appearance with downcast looks,
humbly entreating payment for her furs, and I paid her the full
amount, after lecturing her severely on the treachery of her conduct
_in doing "what she willed with her own._"
My opponent embarked on the 10th June, and I immediately followed him
to the lower post, which he left in charge of one man, and then set
off for Montreal. I kept him company as far as Fort Coulonge, where I
met with a very friendly reception from my bourgeois,--the collected
trade of the different posts having far exceeded his most sanguine
expectations. He set out for Montreal with returns of the value
of 5,000l. sterling, and left me in charge for the summer at Fort
Coulonge, and Mr. Lane at the outpost. Only one family of Algonquins
passed the summer inland,--the same miscreants that had nearly
murdered the old woman at the Chats; a deed which I had neither
forgotten, nor could divest myself of the feelings of indignation it
had awakened in my breast.
In the course of the summer, the interpreter of the post being in want
of some paddles, employed this exemplary father to make them, and paid
for them in rum. The quantity was so small, however, that it only had
the effect of exciting their thirst, and they returned early in the
night for more, which was peremptorily refused. The doors were bolted,
and we retired to rest; but rest they were determined we should not
have that night; and they continued knocking at the doors and windows,
and bawling out at the top of their lungs, "Rum,--more rum!" until
daylight next morning. I rose very early, in not the best humour
possible, and taking the key of the store in my hand--I know not
for what purpose--went out, and was followed by the Indian, still
demanding more rum. I told him he should have none from me. "But I
must have some." "Then you shall go elsewhere for it;" and without
more ado, I turned him out, pushing him with some violence from the
door. He fell on his face on the platform that ran in front of the
building, and leaving him there to recover his footing at leisure, I
returned towards the dwelling-house; but had scarcely reached the end
of the platform, when the yell of defiance, "Hee-eep, hoo-aw!"
resounded in my ears. I instantly wheeled round, and found myself face
to face with the Indian. The old villain attempted to collar me, but,
enraged to madness, I now grappled with him, and with all my might
hurled him from the platform to the ground.
I stood for a moment hesitating whether I should strike him while
down, but had little time to deliberate,--the savage was again on his
legs. He rushed towards a gun that stood against a fur-press hard
by; I instantly comprehended his intention, and finding a stick at
hand, in the twinkling of an eye, I struck him a blow that laid him
senseless on the ground. Being scarcely aware of what I was doing, I
was about to repeat the blow, when I found the uplifted weapon seized
from behind. It was Primeau, my interpreter, who addressed me in a
soothing tone, telling me I had already "done for" the Indian.
This startling announcement restored me to reason. Was I indeed guilty
of the blood of a fellow-creature? The thought chilled me with horror.
I dashed the stick to the ground. It was instantly picked up by one of
his three sons, whom the noise of the scuffle had now brought all up;
brandishing it aloft, he aimed a blow at my head, which I parried with
my arm, the limb dropping senseless to my side. My men, however, were
now on the spot to defend me, and a fierce scuffle took place between
them and the Indian's sons. Had they been the stronger party on this
occasion, my fur-trading career would have terminated that morning.
They, however, got a sound drubbing; while their wretched father, who
had been the cause of the disturbance, lay unheeded and unconscious on
the spot where he had fallen, not exhibiting the least sign of life.
A place of temporary accommodation being prepared by his family, he
was borne thither on a blanket, and I retired to my quarters in a
state of mind not easy to be described. Soon after, the interpreter
came in with a message from the Indians, entreating me to come and
advise with them touching the manner in which they should dispose of
their father's body. I went, and just as I stepped within the camp, to
the astonishment of all present, the dead man sprang upon his feet.
Seeing me at his side, he exclaimed, "You shall have cause to repent
this!" The words were scarcely out of his mouth, when he sank down
again, and for a period of six weeks after he remained as helpless as
an infant. He was subsequently carried down to the Lake of Two
Mountains, where he recovered from the effects of this castigation, to
die, two years after, in a fit of drunkenness.