The spirit of discontent had strengthened, as we have seen among the Colonists and English-speaking half-breeds.

The Hudson's Bay Company had now re-bought the land of Assiniboia from Lord Selkirk's heirs.

Hitherto it was difficult to find out precisely who their oppressor was.

Now, though Governor Simpson sought by diplomacy to evade the responsibility, yet the explanation given by the Colonists of the arrival of Recorder Thom, was that he had come to uphold the Company's pretensions and to restrict their liberties.

According to Ross, the Colonists reasoned that "a man placed in Recorder Thom's position, liable to be turned out of office at the Company's pleasure, naturally provokes the doubt whether he could at all times be proof against the sin of partiality.