Evidence accumulates that the heat and opposition of the "Nor'-West" partners--Sir Alexander Mackenzie, Inglis and Ellice--shown at the general meeting of the Company, were to break out in numberless hidden and irritating efforts to stop and perhaps render impossible the whole Colonizing project.
Just as the active agents, Miles Macdonell, Capt.

McDonald and Colin Robertson, had set the heather on fire on behalf of Lord Selkirk's project, so the aid of the press was used to throw doubt upon the enterprise.

Inverness is the Capital of the Highlanders, and so the "Inverness Journal," containing an effusion signed by "Highlander," was spread broadcast through the Highlands, the Islands, and the Orkneys, picturing the dangers of their journey, the hardships of the country, the deceitfulness of the agents, and the mercenary aims of the noble promoter.
Before Miles Macdonell had cleared the coast of England, he wrote to Lord Selkirk: "Sir A.( Mackenzie) has pledged himself as so decidedly opposed to this project that he will try every means in his power to thwart it.

Besides, I am convinced he was no friend to your Lordship before this came upon the carpet." No doubt Miles Macdonell was correct, and the two Scottish antagonists were face to face in the conflict.

We shall see the means supplied by which the expedition will be harassed.