It was a mistake to settle some hundred or more single men as these soldiers were without a woman among them, as Lord Selkirk was compelled to do.

To these soldier-colonists he gave lands along the small winding river now called the Seine, which empties into Red River opposite Point Douglas.

Many of the De Meurons spoke German, and hence for several years the little stream on which they lived was called German Creek.

The writings of the time are full of rather severe criticism of these bello-agricultural settlers.

Of course no one expects an old soldier to be of much use to a new country.