The French half-breeds were especially fearful that the Dominion Government might dispute their titles to the lands, and gave Colonel Dennis to understand that trouble might result if he attempted to carry out his plans of survey.

In the meantime Hon.Wm.Macdougall had been appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the Northwest Territory, and started west for the purpose of assuming office.

He had been warned by Col.

Dennis of the unfriendly feeling which prevailed among the half-breeds in respect to himself and the Dominion Government, and on arriving at Pembina (Minnesota), he was more forcibly notified of the disaffection which existed when he was forbidden by them to cross the border into the territory.

He was determined to go ahead, however, and advanced about two miles over the line with his party, when he received news from Col.