Lord Selkirk was actually Thomas Douglas right? He was just called the fifth Earl of Selkirk, which meant "man with a vision".

Selkirk overlooked the difficult climate of the region, which was much harsher than the climate of Scotland. Upon learning of Selkirk's plan for a farming colony, on of his London friends was cynical.

What does Cynical mean? Does it mean Sarcastic?

Please translate this phrase for me, I don't understand it at all.

By God, Sir, if you are bent on something futile...why not plough the deserts of the Sahara, which is so much nearer?

And when the first contingent of Scottish colonists arrived, an NWC employee remarked on their future prospects:

I don't understand this phrase either...

The emigrants...will be subject to constant alarm and terror: Their habitations, their crops, their cattle will be destroyed, and they will find it impossible to exist in the country.

3 answers

Your first sentence is right.

Cynical: belief that people are motivated by selfish interests

By God Sir: You're doing something stupid and useless.

The Scottish colonists will face a terrifying situation. Their homes, crops, and animals will be destroyed.
Thank you so very much again Ms. Sue:)
You're welcome.