But the remedy that Champlain found so effective at Quebec--the juice of the Spruce tree, which grew in abundance around the Encampment--checked the disease, wherever the obstinacy of the settlers did not prevent its use, for says Macdonell, "It is not an easy matter to get the Orkneymen to drink it, particularly the old hands." A smouldering fire of discontent that had been detected on board the ship on crossing the ocean now broke out into a flame.

The Irish and the Orkneymen could not agree.

In February the vigilant leader Macdonell writes: "The Irish displayed their native propensity and prowess on the first night of the year, by unmercifully beating some Orkneymen.

Too much strong drink was the chief incitement." This antipathy continued to be a difficulty even until the party arrived at Red River.
There are signs in his letters, of the constant strain on Miles Macdonell arising from the difficulties of his position and the waywardness of the Immigrants.

At times he consults with the Hudson's Bay Company's officer, Mr.Hillier, and at others thus unbosoms himself to Messrs.