known Canadian editor, and in 1820 the work appeared from the Montreal press of C. P. Pasteur.[1] The original manuscript of the journal is now preserved in the Toronto Public Library. Irving, in Astoria, makes acknowledgment of his indebtedness to this narrative, and among French Canadians it at once acquired a considerable popularity. Much later, when Franchère was a resident of New York, there arose a demand for an English version, to which Franchère gave his consent and cordial co-operation. The translation was made by a Baltimorean, J. V. Huntington, who incorporated several changes and additions; the whole being published in 1854 under the title of the present reprint.
Franchère's purpose in this English version was partly to vindicate the reputation of his compagnons de voyage, whose characters he considered aspersed by Irving's account; partly to correct certain errors in the latter; but chiefly to set before the American public a simple, unvarnished relation by a participant in an important historical event, after the period of passion and recrimination had passed away.
Aside from the excellent style of the narrative, which its American editor characterizes as "De Foe-like" in simplicity and clearness, the value of the journal is due to the historical information it affords. Franchère's sympathies were evidently with the American party. Although Canadian-born, he does not appear to approve of the Nor' Westers among the partners—characterizing McDougall as a "traitor," and describing McKenzie in uncomplimentary terms. His criticisms, however, are as a rule neither caustic nor severe. Even for Captain Thorn he has a measure of appreciation; and upon the mismanagement of affairs he comments but casually. A kindly nature is revealed in remarks upon his fellow clerks; even the Indians are not
- ↑ Relation d'un Voyage à la Côte du Nord-Ouest de l'Amérique Septentrionale dans les années 1810-1814 (Montreal, 1820).
