The bastions were provided with port holes, and all
about the structure suggested the possibility of an armed struggle. This
was begun in the same year as the formation of the Council of
Assiniboia, and was fairly advanced to completion by 1839. Laws for the
government of the people, and the administration of justice were passed
by the Council, in accordance with the opening address of Governor
Simpson, when he said: "The time is at length arrived, when it becomes
necessary to put the administration of justice on a more firm and
regular footing than heretofore."
And now, in 1839, in this Arcadia of Red River there became evident the
dreadful presence of the law in the person of Adam Thom, first Recorder
of Rupert's Land, who, as compared with the humble incomes of the people
of Red River, had the enormous salary of L700 a year bestowed upon him
by the Hudson's Bay Company. The plan was a very real one in Governor
Simpson's mind when he took a step so decided.
[Illustration: ADAM THOM, LL.D. Recorder and Author. Lived in Red River
Settlement 1839-1854.]
And the man who had been chosen for this post was no man of putty. He
was a Scotchman of commanding presence, decided opinions and strong
will.
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