NOTES.
The preceding story lays no claim to value or accuracy in itsdescriptions of the North-West Territories. I have never seen thatportion of our country; and to endeavour to describe faithfully aregion of which I have only a hearsay knowledge would be foolish.
I have, therefore, arranged the geography of the Territories to suitmy own conveniences. I speak of places that no one, will be able tofind upon maps of the present or of the future. Wherever I want avalley or a swamp, I put the same; and I have taken the same libertywith respect to hills or waterfalls, The birds, and in some instancesthe plants and flowers of the prairies, I have also made to order.
I present some fiction in my story, and a large array of fact. I donot feel bound, however, to state which is the fact, and which thefiction.
I have not aimed at dramatic excellence in this book. Change ofscene, incident and colour are the points which I had in view. Thereis not any sham sentiment in the book.
I have introduced a few passages, with little change from a smallvolume, entitled "The Story of Louis Riel." These passages in no wayeffect the current of my story; but as I thought that they had somemerit, I had no compunction in diverting them to present uses. Themost notable authors have done this sort of thing; and chief amongstthem I may mention Thackeray.
I beg likewise to say a word with respect to the book known as "TheStory of Louis Riel." That volume has been quoted as history; but itis largely fiction. There is no historic truth in the story thereinwritten by me that Louis Riel conceived a passion for a beautifulgirl named Marie; and that he put Thomas Scott to death, because themaiden gave her heart to that young white man. I have seen the storyprinted again and again as truth; but there is in it not one word oftruth. This much I am glad to be able to say in justice to the memoryof the miserable man, who has suffered a just penalty for histransgressions. I never intended that the work in question should betaken as history; and I should have made that point clear in anintroduction, bearing my name, but that I was unwilling to takeresponsibility for the literary slovenliness, which was unavoidablethrough my haste in writing, and through Mr. D. A. Rose's hurry inpublishing, the work. It occupied me only seventeen days; and I didnot see my proofs.
Once more: one of the leading characters in that book, Mr. CharlesMair, is most unjustly treated. Him I held as one of the prime agentsin the rebellion of 1869; but nothing could be further from the fact.His pen and his voice had always advocated justice and generositytowards the Indians and the Metis. As to his sentiments respectingthe Indians, I need but refer to the drama of his "Tecumseh," whichCanadians have received with such enthusiasm.
Annette, the Metis Spy: A Heroine of the N.W. Rebellion Page 10