The English representatives refused to accept the bill of rights, and after vainly trying to make arrangements for the entrance to the country of Governor McDougall, returned home, ashamed and discouraged.
Turn now to the condition of things in Pembina, from which prospective Governor McDougall is all this while viewing the promised land.

He and his family are badly housed in Pembina, and he is of a haughty and imperious disposition.
December 1st was the day on which the transfer being made of the country to Canada, his proclamation as Governor would come into force.

But it so happened on account of the breaking out of Riel's revolt, the transfer had not been made.
Now came about a thing utterly inexplicable, that Mr.McDougall, a lawyer, a privy councillor, and an experienced parliamentarian, should, on a mere supposition, issue his proclamation as Governor.

Riel was aware of all the steps being taken by the Government, and so he and the Metis laughed at the proclamation.

McDougall was an object of pity to his Loyalist friends, and he became a laughing stock for the whole world.
His proclamation, authorizing Col.