and that provisions and clothing are much more highly prized. There is a danger too that, should money become plentiful among those people, traders will bring spirits into the settlement, and demoralize and destroy the Indians.

One part of your duty, and by no means the least important, will be to select desirable reserves for the use of the Indians themselves, with a view to the gradual introduction of those agencies which in Canada have operated so beneficially in promoting settlement and civilization among the Indians.

In accordance with the suggestions of Mr. Commissioner Simpson, the Minister of Public Works has been authorized to erect a house and a store at Fort Francis, on such site and of such dimensions as you may think necessary for the shelter and protection of the supplies sent there, and for other purposes connected with your mission.

It is very desirable that the Lieut.-Governor of Manitoba should be kept advised from time to time of your movements as he may possibly think it advisable to meet the Commissioners at Fort Francis, and to lend you the aid, of his counsel and co-operation.

You will be good enough to report to this Department at least once a month, and always advise me where return letters are most likely to reach you.

Identical letters are seat to each of the Commissioners in order that each may have timely notice of his appointment, and be able to make such preliminary arrangements as may be necessary before the meeting.

The Commission and draft treaty referred to in the letter, are sent under cover to Mr. Simpson, as being the person first named in the Commission.

W.M. Simpson, Esq.,
S.J. Dawson, Esq.,
Robert Pether, Esq.,
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE PROVINCES.

SIR, - Referring to the Order in Council of the 26th ultimo (of which I am advised a copy has been furnished you), respecting the appointment of Commissioners to treat next month with the Indians at Rainy Lake, may I suggest you to have the goodness to give Mr. S.J. Dawson, of your Department (being one of the Commissioners above referred to), authority to arrange for the purchase, & c., of such provisions, clothing, & c., as are authorized by the said Order in Council, and as the Commissioners may require during their negotiations with the Indians. May I also request that you will give Mr. Dawson authority to see to the early construction at Fort Francis, of the small House or store authorized by the Order in Council.

This Department will of course be prepared to direct the payment of the amount expended by Mr. Dawson in the purchase of provisions, clothing, and in the construction of the store.

The Honorable
H.L. Laugevin, C.B.,
Minister of Public Works.