Individuals residing in the Country from violence & oppression[.] A Poor man might live & die a Slave before he could find means to convey himself to Canada, to have his wrongs redressed[.] How also are we to have Satisfaction afforded to us if any of our People are murdered by the Natives! We have no legislature to have recourse to residing in the Country – but Perhaps I may be told that my narrow understanding is too Shallow to comprehend the extent of the Legislature's meaning, in the enaction of Laws for the Indian Territories – that may be so & probably is so – tho' I am still convinced that some may obtain redress whilst on the other hand Hundreds may be oppressed thereby – an Instance of which we have in the late Trials in Upper Canada[.] No doubt some will say why do we leave our own Country, to expose ourselves to such vexations – that is likewise true, but I believe if Commerce was confined Solely to a Single Province, or even a Kingdom, what would the revenue, for the Support of Government then be[.] I think Loaves & Fishes would then be as little Sought after as a Beggars Wallet is now[.] Perhaps I am too free therefore humbly request you will please pardon the liberty I have taken – and accept the following as an imperfect tho true situation of affairs in this country – which I might have Stated more correctly if my orders were not in opposition to it an account of the apprehensions entertained by our People that our Letters may again fall into the Hands of our Rivals, and afford them much useful information, if not likewise handles for fresh prosecutions & more expence[.] [T]his consideration requires that I should be more than usually reserved on the present situation of Both, the Company's affairs & probable issue of Returns this year[.] In fact the Natives are so much disorganized in Athabasca, that if they are in the Same train of living in other parts of the North West, it wi[ll] not be too much to say that the Furr Trade is ruined for some years to come – the Whites at present possess but a faint resemblance of that influence which they formerly turned So well to their own emolument and thereby also

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