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Page 9
CHAPTER IV.
PORTAGE DES CHATS--TACTICS OF OUR OPPONENTS--TREACHERY OF AN
IROQUOIS--FIERCE, YET LUDICROUS NATURE OF THE OPPOSITION.
MR. Fisher returned from town in the month of March; he had learnt
that our opponents intended to shift the scene of operations to the
Chats, (where the greater number of the Indians pass on their way
going to or returning from their hunting grounds,) and were making
preparations of a very extensive nature for the spring competition.
The Company were not tardy in adopting such measures as were deemed
the most efficient to meet them on their own terms. We understood that
they had hired two _bullies_ for the purpose of deciding the matter
_par voie de fait_. Mr. Fisher hired two of the same description, who
were supposed to be more than a match for the opposition party. On the
28th of April, 1822, our opponents set off in two large canoes, manned
by eight men in each; we followed in three canoes with twenty-four
men, under the command of three leaders--namely, Captain Ducharme, who
had volunteered on the occasion, Mr. Lyons, a retired trader, and
myself. Nothing occurred worthy of description on our passage to the
Chats.
The Ottawa is at this point interrupted by a ledge of rock, which
extends across its whole breadth. In forcing a passage for itself
through this barrier, it is divided into several channels, which form
as many beautiful cascades as they fall into the extensive basin that
receives them below. On one of the islands thus formed, the natives
make a portage. Here, then, we took our station close to a cascade:
our opponents commenced building a hut on one side of the path, we on
the other. While this operation was in progress, basilisk looks
denoted the strength of feeling that pervaded the breasts of either
party, but not a word was exchanged between us. Our hut was first
completed, when our champion clambered aloft, and crowed defiance;
three times he crowed (aloud), but no responding voice was heard from
the opposite camp. This act was altogether voluntary on the part of
our man, but it did not displease us, as the result convinced us that
we stood on safe ground, should any violence be attempted. Our
opponents were enraged at the want of spirit evinced by their men, and
determined on being revenged upon _us_ in a manner that showed the
virulence of their animosity. A number of lumber men were making up
their rafts within a short distance of us at the time, who were for
the most part natives of the Emerald Isle. Paddy's "knocking down for
love" is proverbial. Our opponents immediately sent them word that the
Hudson's Bay Company had brought up a _bully_ from Montreal who defied
"the whole of the Grand River." "By my faith, does he thin," said Pat;
"let us have a look at him, any how."
On the succeeding evening (after the occurrence of the circumstance
above related) we were surprised to see the number of canoes that
arrived at the portage from all directions. The crew of each canoe as
they landed went direct to our opponents, where they appeared to be
liberally supplied with spirits. Their object was sufficiently
evident, as the potent agent they had employed, in a short time,
produced the desired effect. Oaths and execrations were heard amid
crowing and yelling. Our Canadians all took to their heels, except our
noble game-cock and two others; and now the drama opened. A
respectable good looking fellow stept out from the crowd, accompanied
by another man, a Canadian, and advancing to our champion, asked him
"if he would not sell his feathers" (his hat being decorated with
them). It is unnecessary to state the reply. An altercation ensued,
and blows would undoubtedly have succeeded, had I not then interfered.
I invited the stranger to my tent, and having opened my _garde de
vin_, produced some of the good things it contained. A little
conversation with my guest, proved him to be a shrewd sensible man;
and when I explained the nature of our dispute with our rivals, he
comprehended in an instant the object they had in view in circulating
the reports which induced him and others to assemble at the portage.
The consanguinity of the sons of Erin and Caledonia was next touched
upon, and the point settled to our mutual satisfaction; in short, my
brother Celt and I parted as good friends as half-an-hour's
acquaintance and a bottle of wine could make us. At the conclusion of
our interview he departed, and meeting our champion, cordially shook
him by the hand; then addressing his companions, remarked, "This, my
lads, is a quarrel between the traders, in which we have no right to
interfere at all; for my own part, I am very much obliged to the
jintlemin on both sides o' the road, for traiting me so jintaily; but
Jack Hall shall not be made a tool of by anybody whatsumdever."
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