Keith, George. An Account of Mackenzie River (Letters to Roderick Mackenzie), 1807-1817. An electronic transcription. MFTP #0033

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The principal reasons for this conjecture are, I presume, the barbarity, drudgery and toil, to which the female sex is exposed. The latter in consequence of such inhuman treatment cannot be expected to be much attached to Hymeneal Rites, and therefore invite illicit Amour, which when discovered very often brings the Fair offender to an instant and untimely grave. Nay disgust and suspicion sometimes determine her existence. Any woman forced from a Husband of a subordinate Tribe, if she unfortunately happen to have a Child, the latter is generally most brutally cast off, or murdered. These women, if they do not escape, for the most part live in abject slavery; no doubt there are exceptions, but this is, I am induced to think from what I know of them, their general character. Polygamy is permitted amongst them, which is

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