Page:History of Oregon volume 1.djvu/82

Rh was especially careful to be in friendly relations, as well for the honor of the company as from a nice sense of justice. Yet it will be seen that he dared to discriminate, as in the cases of Kelley and Young. His liberality of sentiment and freedom from sectarian prejudices were proofs equally of a noble nature and a cultivated mind, and his energy and genial disposition placed him foremost in every good work.

I might have some doubts as to the propriety of attributing so many high qualities to a single character, were it not that every authority I turn to—and they are numerous—bears me out in it, and compels me to record some small portion of the almost universal praise. McLoughlin did not always please, but in the end most people came to say with Finlayson, "By the light of maturer years, and considering the circumstances under which he was placed, I cannot but express my utmost admiration of his character."

While McLoughlin was at Fort William, on Lake Superior, James Douglas, a youth of seventeen, was sent there from Scotland, and placed in the service of the company. McLoughlin was to him as an elder brother. For years they were constantly associated.

Tall like McLoughlin, but unlike the doctor he was dark and grave, as was the Black Douglas, the strongest pillar of the Scottish throne. Unlike the doctor, too, he was not quick or enthusiastic, but painstaking, cool, methodical, and resolute. His manners were by some thought pompous; but courtly bearing, in a man of his size and gravity of deportment, must partake somewhat of pomp. I think he