In reality, however, he was not deceived; and if it had not been for Radisson's precaution as to the hostages, there is some reason to believe he would have detained his guest on board the Company's ship to ruminate for a while on his treachery to the Company. Even allowing for the truth of Radisson's assertions regarding the occupation by the French of Port Nelson and the surrounding neighbourhood in large numbers, Bridgar was not to be dissuaded by mere words from his intention to establish a factory there. He had every confidence in the Company's rights; and he determined to carry out his instructions to the letter.
No sooner had Radisson departed, therefore, than a majority of the people on board the _Prince Rupert_ landed and commenced building a fort.
The French party hiding in the woods spied on their movements; and before rejoining their comrades at their own settlement they had the privilege of seeing the erection of Fort Nelson, the fourth establishment of the Company in the Hudson's Bay territories, well under way.
[17] Also known to-day as the Stone Indians.
Death of Prince Rupert -- The Company's Difficulty in Procuring Proper Servants -- Radisson at Port Nelson -- The two Gillams -- Their Meeting -- Capture of the New England Party -- The First Scotchman in the Bay -- Governor Bridgar Carried off Prisoner -- Indian Visitors to the Fort -- Disasters to the Ships -- The French Burn the Island Fort -- Radisson's Harangue to the Indians -- Return to France.
On the 28th of November, 1682, at his house in Spring Garden, died the first Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company. The prince had been in ill-health for some time, he was in his sixty-third year; and he had lived a stirring and adventurous life. His demise occasioned general regret, more amongst the people than at Court; for, as a writer of that day observed, "he had of late years proved a faithful counsellor to the King, but a greater patriot to English liberty; and therefore was towards his latter end neglected by the Court to that degree that nothing passed between him and his great relations but bare civilities in the common forms." On the sixth of the ensuing month his body was privately interred among others of the Royal Family in a vault in Westminster Abbey.