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CHAPTER XXV.

 

JOHN BAPTISTE CADOTTE.

 

He becomes connected with the Northwest Fur Company—He takes charge of the Fond du Lac Department on shares—An incident at Grand Portage—A "coureur du bois" is killed by an Indian at Lake Shatac—Cadotte takes the matter in hand—The murderer is delivered into his hands—He is tried by a jury of clerks and sentenced to death—Manner of his execution—His punishment has a salutary effect on the Ojibways.

 

John Baptiste Cadotte returned to Montreal from his northwestern expedition, and soon expended in dissipation the profits on the large return of furs he had made. He became, moreover, so deeply indebted to Alexander Henry, who continued to supply his wants, that at last his credit with this gentleman became impaired, and he was obliged once more to exert himself towards gaining a livelihood. His expedition to the sources of the Mississippi had rendered him known as a man of great fearlessness and hardihood, and his abilities as a clerk and Indian trader were such that it was no difficult matter for him, when so disposed, to find employment. The Northwest Fur Company secured his services at once, and he applied himself with so much vigor and energy towards advancing their interests, that he soon obtained the esteem and fullest confidence of all the principal partners of this rich and prosperous firm.

At a dinner given by Mr. Alex. Henry, at Montreal, to the several partners of the Northwest Company, among whom was Sir Alexander McKenzie, Cadotte's name being mentioned in the course of conversation, this gentleman, who was then the principal northern agent of the firm, took occasion to speak of him in the highest terms, praising the courage and fearlessness with which he had pierced