Monday, 7 January 2013

Cornwallis Questions


  1. Describe some of the dangers shown in Corwallis’s anecdotes of travelling up the Fraser River.
They had heard of other miners dying canoeing in the river. Your partner could shoot you and take your gold. The greed of people can cause them to kill for gold. The first nations can find you dangerous.
  1. How were aboriginals vital to the miners? (evidence throughout the story)
They knew where they were, and they knew where to go. After all, it is their land they are mining on. Help prepare the camps, collect firewood etc. The aboriginal can help communicate with other first nations without it being so hostile.
  1. What does Cornwallis write that shows his attitude towards Americans?
He thinks the Americans are more of risk takers for their benefit. Maybe he thinks of them as selfish.
  1. Why can’t Cornwallis fully enjoy the nature and scenery?
He is excited to strike gold and he is afraid of the stories he has heard happening to him. He was on edge about being out there with only a few people. He is enjoying himself by the fire though. He’s too eager to mine gold, so he can’t stop to enjoy where he is and the beauty surrounding him.
  1. Why do you think Cornwallis and his men were mining at every chance while his aboriginal guide gathered firewood? Why wouldn’t the aboriginals mine as well?
Cornwallis wanted to get rich quick. He wanted to get mining to find his “big strike.” The “Yankees” were pressuring them. They expected more and more gold each time they mined.
  1. What made the miners leave their great find and move on up the Fraser?
They kept going farther up hearing about “bigger strikes.” It wasn’t that they wanted to stop mining, but find the mother-load for lack of a better term.

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