This change led to the appointment as Governor of Donald McKenzie.

This old trader had taken part in the formation of the Astor Fur Company, and was in charge of one of the famous parties, which in 1811 crossed the continent, as described by Washington Irving.

Ross Cox says of this beleaguered party: "Their concave cheeks, protuberant bones, and tattered garments indicated the dreadful extent of their privations." The old trader thus case-hardened faced bravely for eight years the worries of the Colony..