The journey continued to be boisterous, but once within Hudson straits
the weather turned mild, and the great walls of rock reminded the
Highlanders of their Sutherlandshire West Coast.
They saw no living being as they went through the Strait. Their studies
of human nature were among themselves. Miles Macdonell reports that
exclusive of the officers and crews who embarked at Gravesend, there
were of laborers and writers one hundred and five persons.
Of these there were fifty-three on the "Edward and Ann." Two men of
especial note, representing the clerical and medical professions were on
board the Emigrant Ship. Father Burke, a Roman Catholic priest, who had
come away without the permission of his Bishop was one.
Miles Macdonell did not like him, but he seems to have been a hearty
supporter of the Emigration Scheme and promised to do great things in
Ireland on his return.
When he reached York Factory, Burke did not leave the shore to follow
the Colonists to their homes on the banks of Red River. He married two
Scotch Presbyterians, and while somewhat merry at times had amused the
passengers on their dreary ocean journey. More useful, however, to the
passengers was Mr.
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