appear as if the Concern did not consult their own Interest with that accuracy it required – for two years Successively a pressing demand was made for Beads – it being well understood that the Loucheux Tribe would Scarcely trade any thing else and for want of this their favorite article they preferred taking back to their Tents, the Peltries which they had brought to Trade[.] This neglect must injure the amount of Returnes[.] Besides these Indians are very clamorous, but they are also much addicted to War – and are dreaded by all the surrounding Tribes, except the Esquimeaux[.] Beads however will pacify them and be well paid[.]

I have also been informed that the Pamphlet regarding the expenditure of Spirituous Liquors in the North West &^c &^c which Seemed to be Kept a Secret in Montreal, had nevertheless been given for Perusal to a M^r Sutherland at Cumberland House, (a Clerk in the Honb^le Hudson's Bay Companie's Service) the very first year it was Sent in the north, and from which this Gentleman made many extracts[.] He obtained it from a distinguished Partner of the Concern[.] I don't know how far this was consistent with Prudence[.] There was however, no necessity for doing it[.]

Likewise all the old Journals and account Books &^c of Athabasca, of which Sir, you had taken so much care, while you managed the affairs of the Department – have all been taken to Lac La Pluie, during the Reign of M^r Acch^d Normand M^cLeod – and left there, for what purpose it is not easy to tell, but when I was on my way to Canada two years ago I Saw them laying Scattered here and there in the Garret of the Athabasca House, mingled with the old useless agrês of Canoes[.] Some upon the Beams, others among the old Sails, old

[46]