When the regime of the Hudson’s Bay Company is recalled old timers delight to think of a figure of that time who was an embodiment of the life of the Red River Settlement from its beginning nearly to its end.  This was William Robert Smith, a blue-coat boy from London, who came out in the Company’s service in 1813, served for a number of years as a clerk, and settled down in Lower Fort Garry District in 1824.  Farming, teaching, catechising for the church, acting precentor, a local encyclopaedia and collector of customs, he passed his versatile life, till in the year before the Sayer affair, 1848, he became clerk of Court, which place, with slight interruption, he held for twenty years.  One who knew him says:  “From his long residence in the Settlement, he has seen Governors, Judges, Bishops, and Clergymen, not to mention such birds of passage as the Company’s local officers, come and go, himself remaining to record their doings to their successors.”

CHAPTER XXVI.

Riel’s rising.

The agitation for freedom which we have described in Red River Settlement, and the efforts of Canada to introduce Rupert’s Land into the newly-formed Dominion of Canada had, after much effort, and the overcoming of many hindrances, resulted in the British Government agreeing to transfer this Western territory to Canada, and in the Hudson’s Bay Company accepting a subsidy in full payment of their claim to the country.  This payment was to be paid by Canada.  Somewhat careless of the feelings of the Hudson’s Bay Company officers, and also of the views of the old settlers of the Colony—­especially of the French-speaking section—­the Dominion Government sent a reckless body of men to survey the lands near the French settlements and to rouse animosity in the minds of the Metis.

Now came the Riel Rising.

Five causes may be stated as leading up to it.

1.  The weakness of the Government of Assiniboia and the sickness and helplessness of Governor McTavish, whose duty it was to act.

2.  The rebellious character of the Metis, now irritated anew by the actions of the surveyors.

3.  The inexplicable blundering and neglect of the Dominion Government at Ottawa.

4.  A dangerous element in the United States, and especially on the borders of Minnesota inciting and supporting a disloyal band of Americans in Pembina and Winnipeg.

5.  A cunning plot to keep Governor McTavish from acting as he should have done, and to incite the Metis under Riel to open revolt.

The drama opened with the appointment of Hon. William McDougall as Lieutenant-Governor of the Northwest Territories in September, 1869, and his arrival at Pembina in October.  Mr. McDougall was to be appointed Governor by the Dominion Government as soon as the transfer to Canada of Rupert’s Land could be made.  McDougall, on his arrival at the boundary of Minnesota, was served with a notice by the French half-breeds, not to enter the Territories.