Robert Birnie
Robert Birnie was the son of James Birnie, of the NWC and HBC. He was born in “Oregon [Territory] in the year 1824, 7th February, place now called Astoria,…
Read moreTracking: Using the Lines, and Using the Poles
“Rowing.” “Tracking.” “Portage.” “Tracking Lines.” “Lining the Boats.” “Tracking the Boats.” “Use the Poles.” I use these words and phrases all the time, both in my tweets, and in my…
Read moreJohn McKenzie Simpson
Some time ago I wrote about George Stewart Simpson, son of the HBC Governor,George Simpson, and Margaret Taylor [who is traveling with Governor Simpson in my “Two Canoes” stream]. As…
Read moreJohn McIntosh, HBC
HBC trader Alexander Caulfield Anderson knew many of today’s historical figures, but not all of them were men to be proud of. One of those was clerk John McIntosh, who…
Read moreGeorge Stewart Simpson, son of Governor George Simpson
When my book was published in November 2011, I was also in the throes of writing a talk to be given in front of the Victoria Historical Society. In order…
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