the Red River and the Rocky Mountains. It will therefore be well to
neglect nothing that is within our power to enable us to start
fairly with the negotiations.

With that view, I have, amongst other things, asked Major Irvine
to detail a few of his troops to be present at the opening of the
treaty. Military display has always a great effect on savages, and
the presence even of a few troops will have a good tendency.

I fear we shall have to incur a considerable expenditure for
presents of food, etc. during the negotiations; but any cost for
that purpose I shall deem a matter of minor consequence. The real
burden to be considered is that which has to be borne in each
recurring year.

I doubt if it will be found practicable to make arrangements upon
so favorable a basis as that prescribed by His Excellency the
Governor-General as the maximum to be allowed, in case of a treaty
with the Lake Indians.

Nor indeed would it be right, if we look to what we receive, to
measure the benefits we derive from coming into possession of the
magnificent territory we are appropriating here by what would be
fair to allow for the rocks and swamps and muskegs of the lake
country east of this Province.

But to this subject I shall probably take occasion to call your
attention at an early day.

I have etc.,