John A. Macdonald's Problem
William McDougall.
“I have mentioned that I had appointed McDougall as the lieutenant-governor of the soon to be acquired land. I sent him to the colony to set up a Canadian government for the territory. He had to travel through the United States because there is no road nor railroad joining Ontario and the North-West Territories.
“When he arrived at the border of the Red River Settlement (October 21), McDougall found the road leading to the Fort blocked by a group of armed half-breeds known as Métis. They gave him a written letter in French that told him that the Métis would not have any governor without being consulted first and fearing for his safety, he returned back to the U.S.
“On top of this abomination, I learned that the government surveyors sent out to the survey the land were stopped by these Métis. The surveyors were not allowed to continue with their work and were threatened with harm if they did! Instead of accepting the legitimate government from our Dominion (to be set up by McDougall) these Métis have set up their OWN government, a Provisional Government.
“On top of this abomination, I learned that the government surveyors sent out to the survey the land were stopped by these Métis. The surveyors were not allowed to continue with their work and were threatened with harm if they did! Instead of accepting the legitimate government from our Dominion (to be set up by McDougall) these Métis have set up their OWN government, a Provisional Government.
Louis Riel
“But the seriousness of this situation peaked when I learned that, under the leadership of Louis Riel, this government sent 120 armed Métis into Fort Garry and took control on November 2. This fort contains large supplies of food and ammunition. From this strategic position, they can control the colony. This, my dear friends, can only mean one thing - TREASON! And treason is punishable by DEATH!
“Do I seek a peaceful solution through negotiation,
or do I use force?
This is where I need your help!"
or do I use force?
This is where I need your help!"