He (Mr. S.) had learned from some lumbermen, that the “Settlers for the Sault Ste. Marie” were an opposition party conducted by Mr. AEneas Macdonell, my predecessor at the Chats; and that he purposed to settle for the winter near Lac des Allumettes.  This gentleman’s engagement had been cancelled at the earnest solicitation of his father, whom death had lately deprived of another son; and who now, to requite the favour granted to him by the Company, sent this son in opposition!  We had barely a sufficient number of men to perform the necessary duties of the two posts already established; we were, therefore, completely at a loss to meet this emergency.  Mr. S. could spare one man only from his own post, whom he brought up to me.

I embarked early next morning with one of my own men, in search of the “settler.”  On reaching Lac des Allumettes on the same evening, our attention was arrested by the voices of Indians, singing on an island.  We immediately pulled in for the spot, and found a large camp of Algonquins, men, women and children, all in a state of intoxication; from whom I learned, though with much difficulty, the whereabouts of Macdonell’s retreat.  Quitting this disgusting scene as speedily as possible, we resumed our paddles, and soon afterwards discovered the opposition post.  When we landed, my quondam mess-mate advanced to receive me, and, after a cordial shake of the hand, kindly invited me to pass the night with him.  I gladly accepted the offer; and was not a little concerned to perceive that his preparations for winter were already complete; a circumstance which gave him a decided advantage.  Happening in the course of conversation to express my surprise at seeing him in the character of an opponent, he told me that nothing could be farther from his intention than to oppose the Company.  He came to this quarter for the purpose of preparing timber for the Quebec market; in provincial phrase, “to make a shanty.”  But I knew well enough his designs.

I started early next morning on my return, and immediately thereafter prepared a small outfit; and re-embarked next evening with five men in two canoes, leaving the interpreter in charge of the post, with one man to assist him.

Having experienced very bad weather on our way, and consequently some delay, we did not reach our new station until late in the evening of the fourth day.  I immediately sent back two of the men to the interpreter, and retained three with myself, which placed me on a par with my opponent in point of numbers.  But he was now ready for active operations, while I had every thing to prepare.  I resolved, however, to forego every personal comfort and convenience rather than allow him to enjoy any advantage over me.  I accordingly assisted in erecting a small hut, which I intended should serve for dwelling-house for myself and men, trading-shop, store and all.

A couple of days after our arrival, Macdonell was seen walking down to the water’s edge with a very cautious step, accompanied by one of his men, bearing his canoe, basket fashion, on one arm, and a large bundle on the other, from which, notwithstanding his steady pace, the jumbling sound of liquor was distinctly heard.