William Connolly to George McDougall

[1 October 1829]

The obstacles which heretofore opposed the execution of the wish so frequently expressed by the Governor and Council of having an establishment in the Chilcotin Country being removed by a termination of the misunderstandings which existed between that Tribe and the Talkotins, and the plentiful supply of salmon which this season has produced we will, in consequence, take advantage of those favorable circumstances to accomplish an object which to my regret, has been for so long a period delayed.

The best measures our means admit of have been concerted for carrying that intention into effect, and the property required from hence to complete the outfit, as also the complement of Men, are forthwith to be dispatched to Alexandria...

From the knowledge you have had opportunities of acquiring of the Chilcotins, and the personal acquaintance you have with the principal Men of the Tribe, you are therefore, better qualified for opening up a regular Trade with those people than any other Gentleman in the District And I, in consequence, deem it for the Interest of the Company that you be appointed to that Charge…

As soon as possible...you will...please to repair to the Chilcotin River with the men named in the list herewith transmitted...

Obstacles, the existence of which I was not thoroughly aware of previous to my late visit to the Chilcotins, appear to me to oppose a formidable bar to a permanent establishment being kept up in that Country. The scarcity, or rather total want of Provisions which so frequently prevails there compelling the Natives to abandon their Lands during the winter season, it would therefore be a perfectly useless expense to occupy the Country during their absence...When Salmon ascends the Chilcotin River, the Inhabitants collect a sufficiency for their subsistence and reside upon their Lands, but when a failure happens, which is at least three years out of four, they are reduced to the necessity of removing with their Families towards the Sea Coast in quest of subsistence...

The most eligible situation for the Post is, in my opinion, at the first point of woods you come to after falling on the Chilcotin River. Forming the Establishment higher up could not be attended with a greater advantage to the Trade, but would give additional trouble in the communication with Alexandria...

The number of Horses requisite for the Transport of the outfit & Provisions will, of course, be furnished, and two of Mr. Pambruns Men [from Alexandria] will accompany you for the purpose of bringing the Horses back immediately to Alexandria.

Your complement will consist, including yourself, of Nine Men...

It is very necessary that you proceed to your destination as soon as possible, and immediately after you reach it that the two Alexandria men be sent back…

I am sorry not to have a more efficient Interpreter to give you than Baptiste Bouché Junr. but as he speaks the language perfectly supported by you I trust that he will answer tolerably well...