the measles & Chin Cough which has been so fatal amongst the Natives (Indians) that one fifth of the Population of the Country is said to have been destroyed – all the way from Lac La Pluie to Athabasca[.] So that it would seem, as if Governor Simple (as he was Styled) from a presage of what might happen, had prophesied this melancholy accident (or perhaps I might with more propriety say had this illusion in view) when he wrote to M^r Alexander MacDonel at L'appelle in 1816 that "he possessed means to make his power be felt, the shock of which should reach from Montreal to Athabasca"[.] Such is now the State of a Country which once Seemed to have attracted the envy even of Sovereigns[.]

It is however with Sincere pleasure I turn from this disagreeable subject to one of a more pleasing and Interesting nature – no doubt more interesting on account of its Novelty and the Noise a Scene so new in these Parts, occasions amongst all Classes of People[.] Tho' the intent & purpose must conceal some mystery which may be developed hereafter[.] [O]n the 26th of March the Commander of an Expedition equipped by His Majesty's Government in England arrived at Fort Chepewyan, and dilivered a General Circular from M^r Simon MacGillivray – a Copy of which I herewith inclose, therefore by leave to refer to it for the object & when particularly respecting the enterprize[.] To this Letter I have taken the Liberty of subjoining the Copy of another from Fr^d Franklin (Leutenant of the Royal Navy and Commander of the Expedition[)] dated 3^rd March from Fort Chepewyan[.] Both these Papers may be considered as Public Documents on this interesting Subject as they will sufficiently explain the nature & views of this hazardous enterprize[.] I have only to mention that I have been appointed to settle the Indians required for Leaders, Guides & Hunters to the Expedition – in which I have so far Succeeded as to have collected the Choicest Hunters of the Red Knife Tribe, as well as the most powerful Leaders and Knowing men amongst them[.] The route to be taken is yet undetermined, as the Indians have two in view and wait to Know which will be accepted by Leutenant Franklin[.] I think

however

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