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feel the good effects to be derived from a communication and traffic with the whites. [A]bout seven years ago, there was a competition between between two Companies at this place for the Trade carried on here with the natives; but in consequence of a Coalition of Interests having taken place, it only lasted one winter. This short Contest did not, by any means turn out to be profitable to either Party, which indeed it was ill calculated to do, upon the principles it was conducted, yet it appears to me without reverting to the issue of that affair, that nothing of this nature could be carried on here to the advantage, either of the natives or Traders. It would be the most effectual means of rooting out the few seeds of principle, probity, and industry that the former possess, without bettering their Condition as to worldly circumstances in the least.

Bear Lake 22^nd Nov. 1812.

Geo: Keith

Rod. Mackenzie Esq.

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