imagined.  “Several said they were not willing, and many went over the ship’s side into Captain Mackenzie’s boat.  One party ran away with the ship’s boat, but were brought back.  One man jumped into the sea, and swam for it until he was picked up by the recruiting boat.”  The Revenue Cutter’s boat was likewise very active in taking men away, and the collector took some ashore in his boat with himself.  A prominent employee of the promoters of the expedition, Mr. Moncrieff Blair, who posed as a gentleman, deserted on July 25th, the day before the sailing of the vessel.

No wonder that Miles Macdonell should write:  “My Lord, this is a most unfortunate business * * * I condole with your Lordship on all these cross accidents.”

Thus amid annoyance, opposition, and discouragement did the little fleet set sail, on July 26th, 1811.

But this time of Napoleonism in Europe affected even the high seas.  French cruisers might seize the valuable cargoes being sent out to York Factory.  Accordingly a man-of-war had been detailed to lead the way.  This had caused a part of the delay on the East Coast of England, and when fairly away from the British Isles and some four hundred miles northwest of Ireland, the protecting ship turned back, but the sea was so wild that not even a letter could be handed to the Captain to carry in a message to the promoter.

The journey continued to be boisterous, but once within Hudson straits the weather turned mild, and the great walls of rock reminded the Highlanders of their Sutherlandshire West Coast.

They saw no living being as they went through the Strait.  Their studies of human nature were among themselves.  Miles Macdonell reports that exclusive of the officers and crews who embarked at Gravesend, there were of laborers and writers one hundred and five persons.

Of these there were fifty-three on the “Edward and Ann.”  Two men of especial note, representing the clerical and medical professions were on board the Emigrant Ship.  Father Burke, a Roman Catholic priest, who had come away without the permission of his Bishop was one.

Miles Macdonell did not like him, but he seems to have been a hearty supporter of the Emigration Scheme and promised to do great things in Ireland on his return.

When he reached York Factory, Burke did not leave the shore to follow the Colonists to their homes on the banks of Red River.  He married two Scotch Presbyterians, and while somewhat merry at times had amused the passengers on their dreary ocean journey.  More useful, however, to the passengers was Mr. Edwards, the ship’s doctor.

He had much opportunity for practising his art, both among the Colonists and the employees.