A new field has lately been laid open for the extension of the trade of this district.  An enterprising individual—­Mr. R. Campbell—­having been for several years employed in exploring the interior, last summer succeeded in finding his way to the west side of the Rocky Mountain chain.  The defile he followed led him to the banks of a very large river, on which he embarked with his party of hardy pioneers; and following its course for several days through a charming country, rich in game of every description—­elk, rein-deer, and beaver, he eventually fell in with Indians, who received them kindly, although they had never seen Europeans before.  From them he learned that a party of whites, Russians of course, had ascended the river in the course of the summer, had quarrelled with the natives, and killed several of them; and that the whites had returned forthwith to the coast.  These friendly Indians entreated Mr. C. to proceed no farther, representing that he and his party were sure to fall victims to their revenge.  This, however, could not shake his resolution; he had set out with the determination of proceeding to the sea at all hazards, and no prospect of danger could turn him from it; till his party refused to proceed farther on any conditions, when he was compelled to return.

The returns of this district have, for years past, averaged 12,000l. per annum; the outfit, including supplies for officers and servants, has not exceeded as many hundreds.  The affairs of the different posts are managed by seven or eight clerks and postmasters; and there are about forty hired servants—­Europeans, Canadians, and half-breeds; Indians are hired for the trip to the portage.  The living for some years past has not been such as Gil Blas describes, as “fit to tickle the palate of a bishop;” at Fort Simpson we had, for the most part of the season, fish and potatoes for breakfast, potatoes and fish for dinner, and cakes made of flour and grease for supper.  The fish procured in this quarter is of a very inferior quality.

CHAPTER XVIII.

    MR. MACPHERSON ASSUMES THE COMMAND—­I AM APPOINTED TO FORT
    LIARD, BUT EXCHANGE FOR GREAT SLAVE LAKE—­THE INDIANS—­RESOLVE
    TO QUIT THE SERVICE—­PHENOMENA OF THE LAKE.

On the 2d of October Mr. McPherson arrived from Canada, and I forthwith demitted the charge.  I was now appointed to Fort Liard, but the season being far advanced, it had been found necessary to appoint another previously, whose arrangements for the season being completed, it was deemed expedient that I should pass the winter at Great Slave Lake; and I embarked for that station accordingly on the 4th, and arrived on the 16th.