Similar propositions were made to
the Sand Lake band of this tribe. Though offered a large reward to go on
this expedition against the Selkirk settlers, the chief refused the
bribe, and the tribe declined to undertake the enterprise.
Cameron however, knew the importance of keeping up the war-like spirit
of his following, and early in June himself took part in an attack upon
the Colony houses. The affray took place on the edge of the wood near
the Governor's residence. Surgeon White and Burke the store-keeper,
narrowly escaped being killed by the shots fired and four of the
servants were actually wounded. Cameron like a real operator effusively
thanked his followers for their grand attack. This state of constant
hostility, ostensibly on account of the refusal of Governor Macdonell to
respect the legal summons served upon him, was ended by the surrender of
Miles Macdonell, who was taken as a prisoner to Montreal, though he was
never brought up for trial.
Thus far Cameron had succeeded in his plans. He was an artful plotter.
His capture of Miles Macdonell gave him great prestige. Besides, he had
roused feelings of serious discontent in the minds of nearly all of the
Selkirk Colonists.
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