fused new life into the undertaking. The boats, which had been greatly damaged on the passage up the Kaministiquia, were repaired, and on the 16th July the first brigade left MeNeill's Landing on Shebandowan Lake, and on the 4th August the advanced detatchment arrived at Fort Francis, on Rainy River. The whole force at this time consisted of 1,431 men, of whom 92 were officers, 1,051 non-commissioned officers and men, 274 voyageurs, and 14 guides, and these, during the progress of the expedition, were sometimes spread out in parties a distance of over 150 miles. On the 21st August the 60th Rifles, the Artillery, and Engineers had all arrived at Fort Alexander, where the expedition was joined by Mr. Donald A. Smith, who accompanied it to Fort Garry, and, the Canadian volunteers being behind, a start was made on that day down the river to Lake Winnipeg, and on the 22nd the mouth of the Red River was reached. At this time there was some uncertainty whether Riel would offer resistance to the troops, and Col. Wolseley had to be prepared for any emergency. On leaving the Stone Fort, therefore, a company was sent by land in advance of the troops, who remained in the boats, with orders to stop any persons going in the direction of Fort Garry, so that intelligence of the arrival of the troops might be prevented from reaching Riel's ears. About 8 o'clock on the morning of the 23rd August, 1870, Col. Wolseley, with the 60th Rifles, Artillery, and Engineers, arrived at Point Douglas, and there the men disembarked, and, forming in companies, marched upon Fort Garry, a line of skirmishers being thrown out in advance.

On nearing the fort, some of the mounted men were sent ahead to reconnoitre, and on these reporting the place to be empty, and the gates wide open, Col. Wolseley marched in

with his troops, the Union Jack was hoisted, a royal salute fired, and three cheers given for the Queen, in which a number of the residents of the settlement who were present joined. Thus the "errand of peace" was accomplished, and the gallant handful of men, after an arduous and dangerous journey of 600 miles, had the satisfaction of knowing that, without firing a shot or losing a life, they had finished the task entrusted to them, and peace was once more restored in the country.

Riel and a few of his immediate followers had fled from the fort only about a quarter of an hour before the arrival of the troops, and not a soul was left to represent the Provisional Government. The position of Col. Wolseley was a most difficult one at this time. The purchase money had been paid over to the Hudson's Bay Company: the territory had been duly transferred to Canada, and Hon. Adams G. Archibald had been appointed Lieutenant-Governor, but had not arrived. As a military commander, he had no civil authority, and to have proclaimed martial law might have led to disastrous ef fects. He therefore held that the Hudson's Bay Company was the only civil authority until Governor Archibald arrived, and Mr. Donald A. Smith was therefore called upon to administer affairs, by which course, and by exacting the strictest discipline among the troops, much trouble was avoided.

On the 27th August, the Ontario Volunteers began to arrive, followed soon after by those of the Quebec Battalion, and on the 3rd September the last of the 60th Rifles, Artillery, and Engineers left on their return home.

On the 2nd September, Lieut.-Governor Archibald arrived, and a royal salute was fired in his honor, and on the 6th he held a levee at Fort Garry, in the house which had been occupied by Governor Mactavish, and which was afterwards

known as Government House. Colonel Wolseley now took his departure, and the Ontario Rifles moved into quarters at Fort Garry, the Quebec Battalion being stationed at the Stone Fort, the command of the whole volunteer force devolving on Lieut.-Colonel Jarvis, of the Ontarios.

We now will refer to a subject which gave rise to much controversy, and at one time made it appear doubtful whether Riel would submit without attempting resistance to the entrance of the troops. This was the question of amnesty.

Early in June, Bishop Taché made the promise, in the name of the Canadian Government, that all who participated in the rebellion would receive a full pardon, and in explanation of the course taken by him, His Lordship addressed the following letter to Hon. Joseph Howe :—

ST. BONIFACE,

Red River Settlement,

June 9th, 1870.

Hon. Joseph Howe,

Secretary of State for the Provinces,

Ottawa, Canada.

HONORABLE SIR-I hasten to communicate to you, for the information of His Excellency in Council a very important promise I have just made in the name of the Canadian Government. I feel all the responsibility I have incurred in taking such a step, while, on the other hand, I am confident that His Excellency, the Governor, and his Privy Council, will not judge with too much severity an act accomplished in order to avoid great misfortunes, and secure the welfare of the country.

In my last despatch, dated on 28th May, I mentioned the satisfaction by the Liberal Bill erecting the Province of Manitoba. I also stated the uneasiness occasioned by the ignorance whether or not a general and com plete amnesty had been granted. The last two mails having brought no information on this subject, that feeling of uneasiness has increased to such a degree that it gives apprehension about the maintenance of peace in the country.

Some speak of raising a large force to meet and molest the coming troops at some difficult point on their way hither; and other plans, perhaps still more dangerous, are also afloat.

Fortunately, the Provisional Government has so far refused such resources, determined to await the arrival of the delegates. Owing to the good disposition of the Provisional Government, and in order to remove the dangers to which we are exposed, and which it would be too tedious to enumerate, I solemnly gave my word of honor and promise, even in the name of the Canadian Government, that the troops are sent on a mission of peace; that all the irregularities of the past will be totally overlooked or forgiven; that nobody will be annoyed for having been either leader or member of the Provisional Government, or for having acted under its guidance. In a word, that a complete and entire amnesty (if not already bestowed), will surely be granted before the arrival of the troops, so that every one may remain quiet, and induce others to do the same.

Personally, I feel no hesitation in giving such an assurance, because what I heard myself from the different members of the Cabinet at Ottawa, and what has been said by them in Parliament, has entirely convinced me that this promise of mine had been already issued, and that the delegates now on their way back will convey the most satisfactory information upon that subject.

Should my views unfortunately have deviated from the real tendency of the Government, I humbly beg that my promise will be considered as sacred.

It is the privilege of His Excellency to forgive, and if forgiveness is considered necessary, I earnestly pray for it.

I dare flatter myself with the idea that I have done something in favor of the cause in this country; and I can assure the Government of my willingness to contribute, as far as in my power, to its prosperity; but should I have promised in vain, besides the heart-rending feeling I would personally experience, I would be publicly reputed a deceiver, or as having been wilfully deceived by the Canadian Government. An awful reaction would ensue, and who knows what would be the result.

If necessary, I therefore humbly lay my request before His Excellency. It would be very easy to have it largely subscribed to by respectable names, but such an undertaking would have given rise to excitement, and it is my constant endeavor to quell such a feeling rather than nourish it, as it is the greatest danger to be apprehended.

I am confident that, although this is a personal act, it will be considered the wish of the community at large, and probably granted.

It is rumored that Dr. Schultz is coming with a large party of supporters. I am sure that, if such be the case, the Government has taken the necessary steps to prevent the collision which would be the consequence of his return, perhaps, with a desire to revenge the past, and renew the cause of by-gone troubles.

We are perfectly aware of his former conduct, and it is not difficult

to foresee what he may be in future, if not checked by a proper authority.

I easily understand that at a distance my ideas may appear rather pressing, but allow me to say that here on the spot we are in a position to ascertain the dangers and difficulties which may naturally seem chimerical when viewed from abroad.

Experience has already proved that unfortunately our apprehensions are not always entirely groundless nor an effort of our imagination. So far, it is universally considered as a wonder that nothing worse has happened. May the wisdom and liberality of the Government remove what seems to be the last difficulty.

I consider this document of such importance that I am forwarding it by a special messenger to Pembina to secure its prompt delivery into your hands. No doubt you will be kind enough to answer me by the first mail.

I remain, with much respect,
Honorable Sir,

Your obedient servant,

ALEXANDER, Bishop of St. Boniface

His Lordship, at a later period, when he appeared before the Select Committee on the causes of the difficulties in the NorthWest, refers in the following words to the subject of amnesty and his reasons for promising it :- Parties arrived from the United States, who had interviews with the leaders of the Provisional Government, and the parties told them that they could not rely upon what had been promised: that the assurances given would not be carried into execution and that, in some way or another, the politicians of Canada, when they took possession of the country, would refuse to be guided by that promise. They told the leaders that the troops were on their way, and if they allowed them to enter the country they would control the position, bring the leaders before the tribunals, try them and hang them. These representations created a very strong feeling among the leaders, and one or two of them came to my place and reported what they had heard. I