Mr. Fisher hired two of the same description, who were supposed to be more than a match for the opposition party.  On the 28th of April, 1822, our opponents set off in two large canoes, manned by eight men in each; we followed in three canoes with twenty-four men, under the command of three leaders—­namely, Captain Ducharme, who had volunteered on the occasion, Mr. Lyons, a retired trader, and myself.  Nothing occurred worthy of description on our passage to the Chats.

The Ottawa is at this point interrupted by a ledge of rock, which extends across its whole breadth.  In forcing a passage for itself through this barrier, it is divided into several channels, which form as many beautiful cascades as they fall into the extensive basin that receives them below.  On one of the islands thus formed, the natives make a portage.  Here, then, we took our station close to a cascade:  our opponents commenced building a hut on one side of the path, we on the other.  While this operation was in progress, basilisk looks denoted the strength of feeling that pervaded the breasts of either party, but not a word was exchanged between us.  Our hut was first completed, when our champion clambered aloft, and crowed defiance; three times he crowed (aloud), but no responding voice was heard from the opposite camp.  This act was altogether voluntary on the part of our man, but it did not displease us, as the result convinced us that we stood on safe ground, should any violence be attempted.  Our opponents were enraged at the want of spirit evinced by their men, and determined on being revenged upon us in a manner that showed the virulence of their animosity.  A number of lumber men were making up their rafts within a short distance of us at the time, who were for the most part natives of the Emerald Isle.  Paddy’s “knocking down for love” is proverbial.  Our opponents immediately sent them word that the Hudson’s Bay Company had brought up a bully from Montreal who defied “the whole of the Grand River.”  “By my faith, does he thin,” said Pat; “let us have a look at him, any how.”

On the succeeding evening (after the occurrence of the circumstance above related) we were surprised to see the number of canoes that arrived at the portage from all directions.  The crew of each canoe as they landed went direct to our opponents, where they appeared to be liberally supplied with spirits.  Their object was sufficiently evident, as the potent agent they had employed, in a short time, produced the desired effect.  Oaths and execrations were heard amid crowing and yelling.  Our Canadians all took to their heels, except our noble game-cock and two others; and now the drama opened.  A respectable good looking fellow stept out from the crowd, accompanied by another man, a Canadian, and advancing to our champion, asked him “if he would not sell his feathers” (his hat being decorated with them).  It is unnecessary to state the reply.  An altercation ensued, and