James G. MacGregor, A History of Alberta. Edmonton: Hurtig Publishers, 1972, pp. 335.

A Pathography of Louis Riel*

“…This change of heart -at the age of24-was the result of a vision during which an old man, surrounded by flames told her in a deep voice to obey her parents (18). Other authors mention her having hallucinations (3) and her belief that God spoke to her (6). She died at the age of 87.…”

“…His masters at college did not question "the depth and sincerity of his faith, but they wondered if he had the qualities of forbearance and human sympathy needed by a priest" (12). His later adult personality has been described as "baffling" (6). He was a proud and stubborn man (18), full of contradictions and ambivalence (6).…”

“…His later adult personality has been described as "baffling" (6). He was a proud and stubborn man (18), full of contradictions and ambivalence (6). Flanagan regards his life as founded on systematic self-deception.…”

“…Leadership was his lifelong goal, but his religious standards did not allow him to admit to this." (6) In his diaries, his style is florid, verbose and repetitious when dealing with religious themes, and he makes extensive use of synonyms, comparatives and superlatives. Many of his statements appear redundant (6).…”

“…He himself mentioned having once been the victim of an incurable disease of the heart, but that he had cured the disease by his divine power on May 24 (13). For years he suffered from a digestive ailment and was in the habit of drinking plenty of milk (6).…”