N^o 5

the following day during my absence on this flattering message[.] But the same evening M^r LaRocque made his appearance, and The Old man was happy[.] He fired away all his powder in demonstration of his joy[.] M^r LaRocque had been very expeditious almost incredibly so[.] But he was disappointed I may say doubly disappointed[.] The Indians who had engaged the Journey made the greatest part of their hunt over to others in M^r LaRocque's absence[.] Nor did he find M^r Chaboillez at home – he was on a visit to M^r Henry's in Lower Red river[.] Report was in circulation that the Company of Sir Alexander MacKenzie had coalesced with the North West C^o both forming but one Concern[.] This was good news – for opposition of Interests creates dreadful disturbances both in means and morals throughout the savage Countries[.]

Notwithstanding the difficulty of procuring horses and other necessaries our people with those from Hudson Bay as well as our Returns were on the way home in less that four days after M^r LaRocque's arrival[.] The Returns formed loads for seven horses[.]

M^r LaRocque and I having nothing

very

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