[The foregoing report of the Treaty
discussions is necessarily much abridged, being simply a transcript
of brief notes taken at the time. The utterances particularly of
Keenooshayo, but also of his brother, were not mere harangues
addressed to the "groundlings," but were grave statements marked by
self-restraint, good sense and courtesy, such as would have done no
discredit to a well-bred white man. They furthered affairs greatly,
and in two days the Treaty was discussed and signed, in singular
contrast with treaty-making on the plains in former years.]
The text of the Treaty itself, which may be of interest to
the reader, will be found in full in the Appendix, page 471.
The first and most important step having been taken, the other
essential adhesions had now to be effected. To save time and
wintering in the country, the Treaty Commission separated,
Messrs. Ross and McKenna leaving on the 22nd for Fort Dunvegan
and St. John, whilst Mr. Laird set out shortly afterwards for
Vermilion and Fond du Lac, on Lake Athabasca. He reached Peace
River Crossing on the 30th, and met there, next day, a few Beaver
Indians and the Crees of the region. The Beaver chief, who was
present, did not adhere, saying that his band was at Fort Dunvegan,
and that he could not get there in time. The date of the St. John
Treaty had been fixed for the 21st of June, but, owing to the
detentions described, the appointment could not be kept, and word
was therefore sent to the Indians to stay where they were until
they could be met.
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