ack were making to the settlers."

"About twenty of us, in obedience to the Governor," who said, 'We must
go and see what these people are,' took our arms. He could only let
about twenty go, at least he told about twenty to follow him, to come
with him; there was, however, some confusion at the time, and I believe
a few more than twenty accompanied us. Having proceeded about half a
mile towards the settlement, we saw, behind a point of wood which goes
down to the river, that the party increased very much. Mr. Semple,
therefore, sent one of the people (Mr. Burke) to the Fort for a piece of
cannon and as many men as Mr. Miles Macdonell could spare. Mr. Burke,
however, not returning soon, Governor Semple said, 'Gentlemen, we had
better go on, and we accordingly proceeded. We had not gone far before
we saw the Bois-brules returning towards us, and they divided into two
parties, and surrounded us in the shape of a half-moon or half-circle.
On our way, we met a number of the settlers crying, and speaking in the
Gaelic language, which I do not understand, and they went on to the
Fort.

[Illustration: RED RIVER SETTLEMENT Fac-simile of section of Map (1818).
A--Seven Oaks, where Semple fell. B--Creek where Metis left Assiniboine.
C--Frog Plain (since Kildonan church). E to F--De Meuron Settlers on
Seine. G--Half-breeds (St. Boniface of to-day). H--Fort Douglas (1815).
I--Colony Gardens. J--Fort Gibraltar (N.W. Co.). K--Road followed by
Metis. L--Dry Cart trail west of Settlers' lots.]

"The party on horseback had got pretty near to us, so that we could
discover that they were painted and disguised in the most hideous
manner; upon this, as they were retreating, a Frenchman named Boucher
advanced, waving his hand, riding up to us, and calling out in broken
English, 'What do you want? What do you want?' Governor Semple said.
'What do _you_ want?' Mr. Burke not coming on with the cannon as soon as
he was expected, the Governor directed the party to proceed onwards; we
had not gone far before we saw the Bois-brules returning upon us.

"Upon observing that they were so numerous, we had extended our line,
and got more into the open plain; as they advanced, we retreated; but
they divided themselves into two parties, and surrounded us again in the
shape of a half-moon."

"Boucher then came out of the ranks of his party, and advanced towards
us (he was on horseback), calling out in broken English, 'What do you
want? What do you want