This was begun in the same year as the formation of the Council of Assiniboia, and was fairly advanced to completion by 1839.

Laws for the government of the people, and the administration of justice were passed by the Council, in accordance with the opening address of Governor Simpson, when he said: "The time is at length arrived, when it becomes necessary to put the administration of justice on a more firm and regular footing than heretofore." And now, in 1839, in this Arcadia of Red River there became evident the dreadful presence of the law in the person of Adam Thom, first Recorder of Rupert's Land, who, as compared with the humble incomes of the people of Red River, had the enormous salary of L700 a year bestowed upon him by the Hudson's Bay Company.

The plan was a very real one in Governor Simpson's mind when he took a step so decided.
[Illustration: ADAM THOM, LL.D.Recorder and Author.

Lived in Red River Settlement 1839-1854.] And the man who had been chosen for this post was no man of putty.

He was a Scotchman of commanding presence, decided opinions and strong will.