BOURGEOIS - Toronto Public Library

LETTERS 127
probable issue of returns this year. In fact. the Natives are so
much disorganized in Athabasca, that if they are in the same
train of living in other parts of the North-West, it will not be
too much to say that the furtrade is ruined for some years to come.
The Whites at present possess but a faint resemblance of that
influence= which they formerly turned so well to their own
emolument and thereby also to the benefit of their country.
How long this contest is yet to continue a subject of regret to
every good man is still in the bosom of time, no one knows.
The weight of purses may serve to keep alive expenses and los8,
and, by that means, lengthen the contest, but, eventually, both
parties may find themselves involved in the same ruin, for)
whichever SIde preponderates, must remain a long while in
possession of the country before they can expect to retreive their
affairs in a sufficient manner to afford them profit, and then, it
may be yet a matter of doubt if it will be practicable to bring
back the Natives to assnme their former habits and industry.
It may perhaps turn out that many of the most respectable
traders now in the country will be obliged, from age, broken
constitutions and other infirmities, to retire before the termination
of the existing troubles, or remain to leave their bones in
the country where golden dreams attracted them, with the
melancholy reflection of having lost their all amongst savage
nations and in savage parts. Sad consolation! ! !
This has been the fate of the unfortunate Mr. Benjamin Fro- Death' of
Mr. B.
bisher who had been seized and detained a prisoner by the Frobisher.
Hudson's Bay Company's servants at Jack River the preceding
year. In September last he made his escape with two of his
men, fellow prisoners, and, after undergoing and surmounting
incredible privations and difliculties, he found himself so weakened
for want of subsistance, that he was obliged, in Lac Bourbon,
to desire his companions in sufferings to make the best of their
way to the nearest establishment, if their strength would allow
them, and procure him assistance.