Larocque's companions retired without violence, but on returning home,
gathered the violent spirits together, came back to Fort Garry and
demanded that Thomas Simpson should be given up to them for punishment,
with the threat that if this were not granted, they would destroy the
Fort, and take Simpson by violence. This being refused them, the Metis
returned to their homes to prepare themselves for action, and began the
war songs and war dances of their savage ancestors in true Indian style.
Governor Christie, the local authority, took with him Chief Factor
Cameron, Robert Logan and Alexander Ross, chief men of the Settlement,
and visited the gathering of the Metis. One of the deputation writes
that "they resembled a troop of furies more than human beings." For some
time the mob refused the approaches of the officers of the Company. At
length the quarrel was settled by the Company agreeing to pay the
voyageur's wages in full, and that he should be allowed to remain at
home. Probably, however, the most acceptable part of the concession, was
the gift by the Company of a "ten-gallon keg of rum and tobacco."
Next spring another demonstration was made by the Metis for other
demands, but these were refused.
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