to all Classes[.] Still the Returns are not altogether unprofitable – but Debts, disappointments & age seems to oppress every one alike[.] Engages Prices are now reduced to 25 ₤annually to a Boute & 20 ₤ ditto to middlemen without Equipment or any other perquisites whatever[.] Indeed no Class enjoys the gratuity of an Equipment[.] Besides the Committee at Home insist upon Board being paid for Families residing in Posts & belong to Partners Clerks or men, at the rate of Two Shillings for every woman & Child above Fourteen years of age & one Shilling a week for very Child under that age[.] This is complained of as a great grievance by all Parties & must actually become very hard on some who have large Families to Support[.] In Short the North West is now beginning to be Ruled with an Iron Rod[.]

Many plans are suggested for exploring the unknown parts of MacKenzies River & none have yet been digested – excepting that M^r Samuel Black is to Start this Spring from the upper parts of Peace River with a Clerk & Eight men, and proceed up Finlay's Branch and […] from thence to cross the Rocky Mountains & Seek for a Large Rive[r] […] said to follow this Range of heights towards the westward – from […] whence he to try and make his way to MacKenzies River[.] This plan appears to me to be wild & injudicious – because M^r Black is unable to asscertain by observation in what Latitude or Longitude he may find himself in – and when it would be proper for him to desist from prosecuting his travels – beyond the necessary limits – so as to have a Sufficient time to get to MacKenzies River[.] In my humble opinion I think he should have taken his route down M^cK R. and cross the Rocky Mountains from thence to the River in question, and thus Stem the Current of it[.] [T]his would have afforded him more time, as the farther he went to the Southward the latter the Fall would be[.] But unfortunately this Quarter is less Known than it ought to be – and as I intend leaving it this year for ever I feel little interest in trying to persuade my Employers of their erroneous information[,] convinced as I am of the little attention that would be paid to any Suggestions from my little Knowledge of the Country[.] Praying your acceptance of any most respectful wishes for your Health & Prosperity – I remain

Dear Sir

Your most grateful Servant

Will^d Ferd^d Wentzel

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