ould be the establishment of peace
between the warring tribes of Crees and Blackfeet. I believe that a peace
duly entered into, and signed by the chiefs of both nations, in the
presence and under the authority of a Government Commissioner, with that
show of ceremony and display so dear to the mind of the Indian, would be
lasting in its effects. Such a peace should be made on the basis of
restitution to Government in case of robbery. For instance, during time
of peace a Cree steals five horses from a Black-foot. In that case the
particular branch of the Cree nation to which the thief belonged would
have to give up ten horses to Government, which would be handed over to
the Black-feet as restitution and atonement. The idea of peace on some
such understanding occurred to me in the Saskatchewan, and I questioned
one of the most influential of the Cree chiefs upon the subject. His
answer to me-was that his band would agree to such a proposal and abide
by it, but that he could not speak for the other bands. I would also
recommend that medals, such as those given to the Indian chiefs of Canada
and Lake Superior many years ago, be distributed among the leading men of
the Plain Tribes. It is astonishing with what religious veneration these
large silver medals have been preserved by their owners through all the
vicissitudes of war and time, and with what pride the well-polished
effigy is still pointed out, and the words "King George" shouted by the
Indian, who has yet a firm belief in the present existence of that
monarch. If it should be decided that a body of troops should be
despatched to the West, I think it very advisable that the officer in
command of such body should make himself thoroughly acquainted with the
Plain Tribes, visiting them at least annually in their camps, and
conferring with them on points connected with their interest. I am also
of opinion that if the Government establishes itself in the Saskatchewan,
a third post': should be formed, after the lapse of a year, at the
junction of the Medicine and Red Deer Rivers in latitude 52.18 north, and
longitude 114.15 west, about 90 miles south of Edmonton. This position is
well within the Blackfeet country, possesses a good soil, excellent
timber, and commands the road to Benton. This post need not be the centre
of a settlement, but merely a military, customs, missionary, and trading
establishment.

Such, Sir, are the views which I have formed upon the whole question