less children of the desert now enjoy the benefit of hero instructed in the Christian faith, of being formed to habits of industry and cleanliness, and acquiring a knowledge of those branches of education suited to their condition. These two missions are located near the frontiers of the States, and are the only ones in this immense territory.
The Upper Missouri and all its branches as far as Mountains are without spiritual assistance. But wherever the priest has passed in traversing the desert, he been received with open arms among the tribes that rove over this country - alas I so long a time forgotten and neglected I
The evening of the 4th of October, I arrived at the Fort des Montagnes,' belonging to the Honorable Hudson Pay Company, without having accomplished the object of my travels and my desires, namely; meeting the Black feet. The respectable and worthy commander of the fort, Mr. Harriote, [J. 11] " an Englishman by birth, is among the most amiable gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He invited and received into his hospitable fort the poor missionary, a Catholic and stranger, with a politeness and cordiality truly fraternal. These qualities characterize all the gentlemen of the Hudson Bay Company, and although h -1r. Harriote is a Protestant, he encouraged me to visit the Blackfeet, who would soon arrive at the fort, promising me to use all his influence with these barbarians to obtain me a friendly reception. He has resided many years among them, nevertheless he did not conceal from me that I should soon be exposed to great dangers. "We are in the hands of God - may his holy will be done."
e
25 Rocky Mountain house; a prominent trading post of the Hudson Bay Company, built in tom, by Simon Fraser at the eastern end of what was called the Rocky Mountain Portage, the carrying-place at the principal bend of Peace river.
26 See letter from Harriote, p. 1559.