Note 4 — Chapter I

For the history of the great fur-trade companies, see Turner, “Character and Influence of the Fur Trade in Wisconsin,” Wisconsin Historical Society Proceedings, 1889; Chittenden, History of American Fur Trade in Far West (New York, 1902); J. Long’s Voyages, volume ii of our series, preface. The Mackinac Company, composed of British subjects, was formed before the surrender of the Upper Lakes posts to the Americans (1796). It operated chiefly in the West and South-west; and in 1807, Americans on Lake Ontario fired upon its brigade. See Michigan Pioneer and Historical Collections, xxv, pp. 250–257. This company was a source of dispute between Canada and the United States until Astor purchased its stock. At the time of sale, the North West Company’s partners held a controlling interest.—Ed.