Thus we have seen the arrival of those who were known as the Selkirk colonists. We recapitulate their numbers:--
In 1811, reaching Red River in 1812 70 In 1812, reaching Red River in 1813 15 or 20 In 1813, reaching Red River in two parties in 1814 93 In 1815, reaching Red River in the same year 100 Making deduction of the Irish settlers there were of the Highland colonists about 270 Less those led by the North-West Company in 1814 to Canada 140 Permanent Highland settlers 130
Of these but two remained on the banks of the Red River in 1897, George Bannerman and John Matheson, and they have both died since that time.
We shall follow the history of these colonists further; suffice it now to say that their settlement has proved the country to be one of great fertility and promise; and their early establishment no doubt prevented international complications with the United States that might have rendered the possession of Rupert's Land a matter of uncertainty to Great Britain.
Nor'-Westers oppose the colony--Reason why--A considerable literature--Contentions of both parties--Both in fault--Miles Macdonell's mistake--Nor'-Wester arrogance--Duncan Cameron's ingenious plan--Stirring up the Chippewas--Nor'-Westers warn colonists to depart--McLeod's hitherto unpublished narrative--Vivid account of a brave defence--Chain shot from the blacksmith's smithy--Fort Douglas begun--Settlers driven out--Governor Semple arrives--Cameron last Governor of Fort Gibraltar--Cameron sent to Britain as a prisoner--Fort Gibraltar captured--Fort Gibraltar decreases, Fort Douglas increases--Free traders take to the plains--Indians favour the colonists.
To the most casual observer it must have been evident that the colony to be established by Lord Selkirk would be regarded with disfavour by the North-West Company officers. The strenuous opposition shown to it in Great Britain by Sir Alexander Mackenzie, and by all who were connected with him, showed quite clearly that it would receive little favour on the Red River.
First, it was a Hudson's Bay scheme, and would greatly advance the interests of the English trading Company. That Company would have at the very threshold of the fur country a depôt, surrounded by traders and workmen, which would give them a great advantage over their rivals.