Macdonald now arrested the leading settler, who had taken the field pieces, whereupon Cameron, like a small Napoleon, incited his clerks and men, to invade the Governor's house and release the prisoner.

This was done, and now it may be said that war between the rival Companies was declared.

On the return of Miles Macdonald, Cameron ordered his arrest.

Macdonell refused to acknowledge the lawfulness of this action.

The oily Nor'-Wester Highlander then threatened the people that if the Governor would not submit to the law, the whole body of settlers would be dispossessed of their farms and driven away from the banks of Red River.
As if to make this threat seem more real, several loyal settlers were fired at by unseen marksmen.
Once having begun, Cameron was not the man to hesitate.