He Then Cheerfully
Received The Small Present We Made To Himself And, Although We Could Give
A Few Things Only To Those Who Had Been Most Active In Our Service, The
Others Who Perhaps Thought Themselves Equally Deserving Did Not Murmur At
Being Left Out In The Distribution.
Akaitcho afterwards expressed a
strong desire that we should represent the character of his nation in a
favourable light to our countrymen.
"I know," he said, "you write down
every occurrence in your books, but probably you have only noticed the
bad things we have said and done, and have omitted the good." In the
course of the desultory conversation which ensued he said that he had
been always told by us to consider the traders in the same light as
ourselves, and that for his part he looked upon both as equally
respectable. This assurance, made in the presence of Mr. Weeks, was
particularly gratifying to us as it completely disproved the defence that
had been set up respecting the injurious reports circulated against us
amongst the Indians in the spring, namely that they were in retaliation
for our endeavours to lower the traders in the eyes of the Indians. I
take this opportunity of stating my opinion that Mr. Weeks, in spreading
these reports, was actuated by a mistaken idea that he was serving the
interest of his employers. On the present occasion we felt indebted to
him for the sympathy he displayed for our distresses, and the kindness
with which he administered to our personal wants.
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