The River Ottawa being obstructed by 42 Portages, small and great, would much retard & Enhance the transportation of so heavy an article, & give place to the carrying it by the Lakes as the most ElHgible, notwithstanding the latter are at some seasons very uncertain & the navigation often tedious. The length and severity of the winter at Lake Superior will likewise require consideration both with regard to the provision to be made for those that sho^. remain there & for their Cattle & Beasts of Burthen, and the very low wages of Battoemen & all Labourers in the time of the French when compared with the usual hire at this time, is also a matter that sho«i. be attended to.

I come now to consider what effect it might have as to his Majesty's Interests with respect to the Ind^. Touching this, I am of opinion that if the Object in View is deemed worthy the pursuit, It cannot hereafter be prejudicial to his Majesty's Interests with the Indians, provided their consent is first obtained, that the utmost Care is taken to prevent their being wronged or ill-treated by any Concerned, and that no Settlements be undertaken, or Lands cultivated beyond what is barely necessary (& this too with their previous consent) until the times become more favorable, all which may be Effectual prevented by the Residence of an officer of the Indian Department on the part of the Crown, & by such Instructions and Authorities to the Super Intendant, or such other officer of the Crown as is most likely to remove any Cause of Complaint and afford them justice, and for the farther satisfaction of the Ind*. & removing any suspicions they might entertain from the Conduct of any of the Company's Residents or Servants there, That an Appeal might lye before the Super Inf^^ or such other Officer as the Crown sho''. direct.