They were consequently much dissatisfied, and ready for any employment in which their talents and acquirements might be turned to better account.
Mr.Astor made his overtures to several of these persons, and three of them entered into his views.

One of these, Mr.Alexander M'Kay, had accompanied Sir Alexander Mackenzie in both of his expeditions to the northwest coast of America in 1789 and 1793.

The other two were Duncan M'Dougal and Donald M'Kenzie.

To these were subsequently added Mr.
Wilson Price Hunt, of New Jersey.

As this gentleman was a native born citizen of the United States, a person of great probity and worth, he was selected by Mr.Astor to be his chief agent, and to represent him in the contemplated establishment.
On the 23d of June, 1810, articles of agreement were entered into between Mr.Astor and those four gentlemen, acting for themselves and for the several persons who had already agreed to become, or should thereafter become, associated under the firm of "The Pacific Fur Company." According to these articles, Mr.Astor was to be at the head of the company, and to manage its affairs in New York.