Even though MontrΘal lost much of the traffic in the fur trade after 1821, the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes route remained operational for mail and for journeys by some personnel. Sir George Simpson maintained a residence in Lachine within sight of the fur warehouse, seen in the painting at the head of the Lachine Rapids west of MontrΘal. From this point each spring, before the trees were fully in leaf, a brigade of colourful canots du maεtre left for the West carrying mail, administrative documents, passengers and some new employees.
