could be expected in the present fermenting State of the Country[.] In Athabasca the Returns have turned out better than last yea[r,] the produce of the present year amounting to 430 odd Packs making an increase of upwards of fifty Packs more than the preceeding year[.] The Hudson's Bay Company have not even half a Pack to boast off – altho' the Celebrated Mons^r DeQuoine was their acting agent in Athabasca[.] Lac La Pluie Department however lost thirty two Packs by the HBC^oy Servants trading that number while M^r Dease had but Forty – this with thirty Packs collected at Green Lake by M^r W^m Henry's opponent forms the amount of the Chartered Concern's Returns[.] In Red River the Settlers Seem to be taking a Deeper root than ever – their Crops of wheat appeared thrifty and fine tho' it was only the 13^th of June when I got there[.] Since that date three Priests have passed here bound to that Quarter, besides M^r Colin Robertson, Peter Andries &^c &^c with a number of Clerks & 14 North Canoes[.] We are informed here that the former & Latter are bound for the Athabasca – so that there is every likelihood of a Strong Struggle this ensuing Season[.] But every one here seem to behold this formidable appea[r]ance with cool contempt and little care and no apprehensions respecting the profitable result[.] M^r John M^cGillivray retires

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