The Hudson’s Bay Company was represented by Andrew Colville, a warm friend of the house of Selkirk, the opponents by Edward Ellice, a Nor’-Wester.  It seemed, indeed, the very irony of fate that Ellice should be a negotiator for peace.  He and his sons the writer heard spoken of by the late Earl of Selkirk—­the son of the founder—­as the bear and cubs.  On the other hand the burly directors of the Hudson’s Bay Company possessed with all the confidence of the British Lion, and with their motto of “Skin for skin” were only brought to a state of peace by the loss of dividends.  Much correspondence passed between the offices of Leadenhall Street and Suffolk Lane in London, which the two companies occupied, but articles of agreement were not sufficient to make a union.

All such coalitions to be successful must circle around a single man.

This man was a young Scottish clerk, who had spent a year only in the far Athabasca district.  He had not depended on birth or influence for his advancement, was not yet wholly immersed in the traditions or prejudices of either company, and had consequently nothing to unlearn.  Montreal became the Canadian headquarters of the company, but now the annual meeting of the traders where he as Governor presided, was held at Norway House.  The offices in London were united, and thus the affairs of the fur trade were provided for and outward peace at least was guaranteed.  We are, however, chiefly dealing with the affairs of Assiniboia as Lord Selkirk called it, or with what was more commonly called Red River Settlement.  This belonged to Lord Selkirk’s heirs.  The executors were, of course, Hudson’s Bay Company grandees.  They were Sir James Montgomery, Mr. Halkett, Andrew Colville, and his brother the Solicitor-general of Scotland.  When the news came of the death of Lord Selkirk, the mishaps and disturbances of the Colony had been so many, that Hudson’s Bay Company, Nor’-Westers, Settlers, and Freemen all said, “That will end the Colony now!” To the surprise of everyone the first message from the executors was one of courage, and the announcement was made that their first aim would be to send six hundred new settlers to the banks of Red River.

[Illustration:  Seven Oaks Monument On Kildonan Road near Winnipeg.]

The angry passions which had been roused led the English directors to take the very wise step of sending out two representatives—­one from each of the old companies to rearrange all matters and settle all disputes.  The two delegates were Nicholas Garry, the Vice-Governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company, and Simon McGillivray, who bore one of the most influential names of the Nor’-Wester traders.  They were not, however, equally well liked.  Garry was a courteous, fair, and kindly gentleman.  He won golden opinions among officers and settlers alike.  McGillivray was suspicious and selfish, so the records of the time state.  They came to the Red River