" A smouldering fire of discontent that had been detected
on board the ship on crossing the ocean now broke out into a flame. The
Irish and the Orkneymen could not agree. In February the vigilant leader
Macdonell writes: "The Irish displayed their native propensity and
prowess on the first night of the year, by unmercifully beating some
Orkneymen. Too much strong drink was the chief incitement." This
antipathy continued to be a difficulty even until the party arrived at
Red River.
There are signs in his letters, of the constant strain on Miles
Macdonell arising from the difficulties of his position and the
waywardness of the Immigrants. At times he consults with the Hudson's
Bay Company's officer, Mr. Hillier, and at others thus unbosoms himself
to Messrs. Cook and Auld. "In this wild, desolate and (I may add) barren
region, excluded at present from all communication with the civilized
world, intelligence of a local kind can alone be expected. Could we join
in the sentinel's cry of 'All is well,' although not affording great
changes, it might yet be satisfactory in our isolated condition. We have
as great variety as generally happens in this sublunary world, of which
we here form a true epitome, being composed of men of all countries,
religions and tongues.
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