"Journal by Phillip Turnor 1790 1792"
[Cover]


" Journal of a Journey from Cumberland House North America in Latitude 53° 5' 6 3/4 North and Longitude 102° 13' West of Greenwich towards the Athapiscow Country and back to York Factory by Philip Turnor"

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Sept. 13 1790
" Monday at 7 1/4 AM embarked at Cumberland House in Company with Mr Malcom Rofs, Peter Fidler my afsistant, Hugh Lisk, Robert Garroch, Malcom Grot and Peter Brown in two Canoes, all except my self and Peter Fidler being supplied with some Scotch Barley Oatmeal Flour and Salt, my self and Peter Fidler having only about 30 pounds of Flour and none of the other articles, an Indian which I had kept in the summer for the purpose of Piloting us part of the way being gone a head, went in Cumberland House lake NE 1 1/2 mile and turned a point or neck of land then went NEbE 6 Miles in a part of the lake not about one mile wide then NE 1/2 N 4 miles in a part about 2 mile wide then NW 1/2 mile N 1/4 mile NbW 1/2W 3/4 mile in a part not above 300 yards wide easy current then NbE 2 mile nearly along the middle of a swampy bay about two or three mile wide then NNW 1 mile in a part about 1/2 mile wide then NNE 1/2 E 3 miles along the west side of a bay about two mile wide left the bay and enterd a narrow ( the bay continuing three or four miles NNE) went NbW 1 mile in a part about 1/4 mile wide a large part of the Lake then opens called by the Indians [blank] or lime stone Lake went NE 3 miles along the SE side the Lake about 1 1/2 or 2 mile wide to NW then went NE 8 miles the lake about 5 miles wide to NW and 3 mile wide to SE of us and put at 7 PM at the mouth of a small River up which we are to proceed the lake continuing about 2 mile to the East, the first part of this lake the land low? and coverd with Pine Asp &c the middle part low swampy land thinly coverd with small pine juniper &c the latter part rather bold land well coverd with Pine Asp &c, Wind SW light breeze and clear most of the day, sailed most part of the lake. [then a latitude reading]"

Sept. 14
" Tuesday 5 1/4 AM got underway enterd Nemew Kip-pa-ha-gan Supee or Sturgeon wear river. went nearly NbW 1 mile moderate current then about 3 mile from NE to NNW very strong current handed the Canoes most of the way, then about 1/4 mile NbE easey current (and pafsed the mouth of a small river running out of a lake in the port nelson track called the Goose lake) and came to a fall carried 195 yards on north side good carrying place and put up at 9 1/2 AM found two Canadians at this place waiting for the Canoes coming up with goods. one of them a Mr Tompson master of a settment near the lower part of Grafs river in the Port Nelson track, and five tents of Indians some belonging to Port Nelson river and others to the northward towards Churchill river all of them was very desireous to have us go to their country and make no doubt but eitherway would have answerd in point of trade. traded some provisions. [latitude reading]
at 4 PM Mr Paterick Small arrived with Ten Canoes of goods and put up by the side of us. Wind Westerly light breeze and clear."

Sept. 15
" Wednesday 7 1/4 AM got underway our Indian pilot in company, left Mr Small settling goods for Mr Tompson to return to the Port Nelson track with, Mr Small very kindly offered to pilot and afsist us in case our Indian pilot deceives us, went W to WSW 1/4 mile pafsed two small islands then from WNW to SSW 3 miles mostly rapids then SW 2 miles easey current, then W 1/2 mile & NW 2 miles and pafsed a flat shoal strong ripple and came to a rapid called the Nemew-hip pa-ha-gun or Sturgeon Wear, the Indians frequently daming the river acrofs at this place which is what the river takes its name from, then went NWbN 3/4 mile WNW 1/4 mile SWbW 1/4 mile WSW 1/4 mile and WbS 1 mile strong current then W 1 mile and SSW 1/4 mile easey current and came to a part of the river 400 to 500 yards wide easey current, the other part of the river from 40 to 100 yards wide, went W 1 mile WNW 1 mile W 2 miles and WbS 1/2 mile the river then about 70 or 80 yards wide went WNW 3/4 mile very strong current and put up at 6 1/2 PM Wind Westerly fresh breeze and clear. at 2 1/2 PM broke a Canoe which stoped us untill 4 1/2 PM."

Sept. 16
" Thursday 6 3/4 AM got underway went NWbN 1/2 mile and handed up a strong ripple then WbS 1/4 mile strong ripple, WNW 1/4 mile easey current, NW 3/4 mile strong ripples, NW 1/4 mile easey current and W 1 mile strong ripples and came to a fall with a carring place 150 yards over on south side but the water being favourable led the Canoes on north side all the river pafsed to this place the banks rather bold and coverd with Pine, Asp, &c. at this place bold rockey shores, went NW 1/2 mile strong current, NbE 1 1/2 mile rather easey current then NW 1/2 mile strong ripple and came to the Misk-a-Sack-a-ha-gan or Beaver lake, this river is in general very shoal but the water clear so that the stones can be seen though not easeyly avoided. the bottom is of lime stone kind and like a honey comb which makes it very bad for the feet and our people led the Canoes about one sixth part of the whole river, put up at 1 PM being to much sweel in the Lake wind NW fresh gale fine weather. in the evening 4 Canoes of Indians joined us from the Tents we left yesterday morning.
[lat. reading]"

Sept. 17
" Friday 5 1/4 AM got underway in the Beaver Lake which opens North went NbW 3/4 mile in a part about 3/4 mile wide then NWbN 1 1/4 mile keeping close along the SW shore then WbN 1 mile acrofs the mouth of a bay to a point then WbN 1 1/2 mile acrofs a bay in the same manner as before, then WbS 1 mile off the mouth of a small bay leaving the point near a mile to the south then NW 4 miles to the mouth of a small river leaving a bay about 3 mile deep to the west, the land on the south side of the lake very heigh and bold rockey shore on the north side the land seems very bold and well coverd with Pine &c the shore seems to sweep round from North to NWbW apparently for 10 or 12 miles the shore we crofs to the land is low and coverd with pine asp &c, a point continues about 3 mile East into the lake round which the Lake seems to turn to the NW upon which point the Tents and Families of the Indians which joined us yesterday are, but we did not accompany the Indians to them it being out of our way and the wind laying on that shore, several Islands in this Lake two of which lays off the mouth of the small river we crofsed for at about 1/2 mile distance, at 9 1/2 AM enterd the small river. the Indian knows no name for this river, the Canadians call it the English river, and bad river as they likewise do the Sturgeon wear river, the mouth of this river is about 80 or 90 yards wide. rather a blind enterance land low on both sdes and coverd mostly with willows, went in the river NW 1/4 mile WNW 1/4 mile and W to NW in moderate turnings 3 miles and N to W 1 mile and came to a fall carried 310 yards on E side through middling good carrying. [lat. reading]
then went from N to W 1/2 mile and WNW 1 mile a small creek then opens on east side, went WNW 1 1/2 mile SSE 1/4 mile NW 1/4 mile N 1 mile W to SW 1/2 mile near NNW 2 mile all the river pafsed land low and easey current came to a rapid and handed the Canoes NW 1/2 mile and W 1/4 mile, then went S 1/4 mile, NW westerly to South 1 mile. W to SW 3/4 mile land low on both sides, then went near NW 2 1/2 miles land rather low on east side and rockey and bold on west side moderate current. and put up at 7 PM Wind SW strong gale and clear."

Sept. 18
" Saturday at 5 AM got underway went NNW 2 miles and came to a heigh rockey point on W side round which opens a narrow bay to south that appears like a river and an other bay with a low point and the same appearance to the North, heigh rocks all round the bays, then turnd round a grafsey point to Eastward the part of the river pafsed this day land low on East side and very bold and rockey on West side, then went NbW to NNE and NbW 2 1/2 miles, E to N 1/4 mile and NW to E 1 1/2 mile and came to a fall, the latter part of this river land rather low and coverd with willows asps &c current easey, carried 80 yards on E side the fall then went NbE to NNW 3 miles mostly rockey shores, went NW 1 mile and came to a fall and carried part of the cargoe 220 yards on E side and led the canoes up with the remainder and came to a large bay went NNW 1 mile on West side and came to a narrow part with a small Island in the middle strong current on both sides led the Canoes 20 yards on west side of the Island.
[lat. reading]
then went WNW 1/2 mile and NNW 1/4 mile in a large bay and came to a narrow part of the river and went NNE 3/4 mile and came to a fall carried out of a small bay 480 yards on East side into a small bay above the fall, this is called by the Canadians the birch carring place we were here joined by Mr Small with one Canoe, the river pafsed from the beaver lake from 50 yards to 100 yards wide, then went in a wide part of the river or kind of lake NNW 1/2 mile and N 1 mile nearly a long the west side and put up at 4 1/2 PM Wind NW fresh breeze and clear."

Sept. 19
" Sunday at 5 AM got underway Mr Small in company. went NbW 2 1/2 miles in a wide part of the river or narrow lake land on both sides bold and rockey, coverd with Pine Asp &c. came to a narrow part about 60 yards wide about 200 yards very strong current in the mouth of the narrow, went N 3/4 mile in the narrow part and came to a broad part with two Islands in it went NbW 2 1/2 miles and NWbN 1 mile a long the west side land rather bold and coverd with Pine Asp &c. enterd a narrow on west side (a bay continuing 1/2 mile north) went SW to W and SW 1/2 mile and came to a fall with a small Island in the middle carried part cargoe 20 yards being the length of the Island and took the canoes up the fall with the remainder. enterd a small Lake went SWbW 1/4 mile a small bay like a river appears west went SSW 1/4 mile a small bay like a river appears east then went SbW 1/2 mile SW 1/4 mile and WbS 1/2 mile close on N side the part pafsed about 1/2 mile wide the lake then appears about 3 mile wide to west with three Islands towards the south side of the bay, went WNW 3/4 mile crofs a bay on North side. NW 1/4 mile round a point then W 2 1/2 miles along the north side of the lake and came to a small river the land round the lake bold and rockey coverd with pine asp &c. enterd the river led the canoes 100 yards up a ripple in the mouth of it then went 200 yards and came to a fall carried 200 yards on North side good carring. enterd a lake went WNW 1 mile and N 1 mile in a narrow part of the lake. the lake then opens west three or four miles wide kept the East shore went NW 3/4 mile and pafsed many small Islands then NW 1/2 N 4 1/2 miles nearly a long the middle of the lake and NWbW 5 1/2 miles and came to the NW corner of the lake. the lake about three or four mile wide with several Islands in it, the land of it may be so called appears an intire high rock on all sides, thinly coverd with small asp pine &c. enterd a narrow or river being about 70 or 80 yards wide brisk current and went near 2 miles and came to another lake enterd at SW corner and went in the lake NW 1 1/2 mile leaving a bay or end of the lake to north of us, and put up at 3 PM on the north side of the lake at which place we found three tents of Indians waiting for Mr Small with provisions and to take debt. wind West fresh breeze fine weather for part of the day, much Thunder & rain from 1 1/2 PM & all night."

Sept. 20
" Monday at 10 AM eight canoes belonging to Mr Small arrived the other being left with Mr Tompson to proceed towards York Factory down the Port Nelson track and suppose goods is likewise sent in the Indian canoes.
[lat. reading]
this lake called Sa-suck-kew or pillicon Lake.
at 1 PM got underway nine canoes of Mr Smalls in company, we trusting to Mr Small for pilotting us towards the Atha-pis-co country as our Indian pilott would not proceed further nor could an Indian be procured to go with us or did any except one woman know the way. the Indians seem very desireous of our wintering in these parts. I am of opinion if any of the Indians had pretended to have gone with us they would only have taken us to some place which they approved and if we would not have winterd there we might have returned to Cumberland House if the season had not been to far spent therefore thought it most advisable to accept of Mr Smalls kind offer of pilotting us as he promised us he would not leave us without a guide. went in the lake WbN 1/2 mile and pafsed a place where the Canadians formerly had a settlement then NWbN 1 /2 mile a long the north side a small opening like a river appears NE, then went NW 2 miles the lake then turning narrower the lake pafsed about three mile wide to West with several Islands in the west part went WNW 1 1/4 mile nearly along the middle of the lake a bay on each side with a point near the middle of the bays projecting into the lake making it appear like double bays with three Islands to the west and one Island to east this part about a mile wide the land pafsed mostly bold and rockey and well coverd with pine asp &c.enterd a narrow went N 1/2 mile and came to a broad part and went W 3/4 mile a crofs a bay to south. SWbW 1/2 mile along the south side leaving the lake about a mile wide to north with six or seven small Islands in it and came to a narrow or river went NNW 1 1/2 mile and came to a fall carried part cargoe 150 yards on North side a stoney bad carring place led the Canoes up the fall with the remainder then went NW 1/4 mile and came to a fall and carried 70 yards over a rock in the fall, went 200 yards and came to a fall and carried 50 yards over a rock in the fall then went 200 yards and came to a fall and carried 70 yards over a rock in the fall and put up at 6 PM Wind Northerly cloudy weather, most of the land pafsed this day bold barren rocks."

Sept. 21
" Tuesday at 5 3/4 AM got underway in a lake called by the Canadians the lake of the woods went WNW 1/4 mile an opening then appears south like a river then continued WNW 1/4 mile a small opening then appears north like a small lake. went SW 2 mile WSW 1/4 mile an opening then appears NW like a large river went SSW 1 mile and came to a narrow part of the lake. the lake pafsed about a mile wide. went through the narrow which only continued about 100 yards by the approach of two points very near each other then went WNW 1 mile a crofs a round bay about a mile wide. the points of the bay approach within 1/2 a mile of each other then went SWbS to W 1/4 mile close on north side then NW 1/4 mile to a point on north side a small Island at the point went without it and left three Islands at a little distance to south went WNW 1/2 W 2 miles a crofs a bay to a point on north side a bay opposite on south side, the lake about 1 1/2 mile wide in the middle of the bays and about 1 mile wide at the points three Islands in a line between the points, then went NW 3 miles crofsing a kind of double bay to NE. then NW 1/2 N 2 1/2 miles the lake then draws narrow from about 2 mile wide in a continued sweep of a bay on south side, then went NWbN 1 1/2 mile the lake then about 200 yards wide but appears wider a head a small opening at this place on south side which we enterd and went SSW 1/4 mile then NW 1 mile, WNW 1/2 mile and NWbN 1/2 mile in small lake about 1/2 mile wide and enterd a small creek went NW to SW 1/4 mile and enterd a small lake and went SW 1/4 WbS 1 mile and NWbW 1 mile the lake about 3/4 mile wide, and came to a small creek the land pafsed this day mostly bold and coverd with pine asp &c. went in the creek W to NW and SW 1 mile and came to the end of the creek which was dry carried 100 yards on west side good carring enterd a kind of small lake about 200 yards wide and went W 1/2 mile NW 1/4 mile and WNW 1/4 mile, then about 30 yards wide, went from NW to S 2 miles in short turnings and came to the end of the creek and carried 370 yards [in the margin "Frog Portage"] into the Churchill river called by the Indians the Mis-sin-ne-pee? the carrying place is called A-thak-a-sake-a-pitch-e-con, at this place found Mr Small (who had gone a head) he had traded a good quantity of provisions from some Indians which was waiting at this place for him. I saw but five Indian men two of them Ne-he-tha-way or Southern Indians and three Che-pa-why-ans or Northern Indians, Mr Small very kindly offered us part of the provisions but we did not accept any. Churchill river at this place appears like a lake being about two mile wide with many Islands in it. the Canadians formerly had a settlement at this place went in the Churchill river WSW 1 1/2 mile and put up on an Island at 6 3/4 PM Wind Southerly fresh breeze with rain in the fore part and cloudy latter part of the day."

Sept. 22
" Wednesday at 5 1/2 AM got underway went WSW 2 miles in a kind of lake full of Islands and came to a part about 200 yards wide a very small bay indented on the north side west point of the bay a bluff of pine. east point small asps in burnt woods, the lake or river pafsed the land on both sides bold and rockey and coverd with small Asp pine &c. went in the narrow SWbW 1 1/2 mile easey current it then opens like a lake went SWbW 1/2 W 7 miles the river or lake from one to three miles wide with several Islands in it. the land on both sides bold and rockey the woods on north side mostly burnt. south side coverd with Pine, Asp, Birch &c. came to a narrow part about 100 yards wide, went NNW 1/4 mile very strong current and came to a fall called by the Canadians the great rappid carried 730 yards on North side good carrying place except about 15 yards of steep bank.
[lat. reading]
then went WNW 1/2 mile and handed at a ripple, went NW 1 mile and came to a rappid and led the canoes 150 yards on North side then went 200 yards and came to a fall [in the margin "Keg Fall"] and carried 110 yards on North side. good carrying then went 1/4 mile near West and set up a rapid between two Islands, the river pafsed from 100 to 200 yards wide the banks bold and coverd mostly with small Asps, came to a part about 1 1/2 mile wide with several Islands in it coverd with pine &c. went W 3/4 and WbS 1 1/4 mile nearly a long the middle and came to a part about 200 yards wide, went SSW 1/2 mile fresh current and pafsed two openings on the SE side then enterd a broad part like a lake about 1 or 1 1/2 mile wide with many Islands coverd mostly with pine went WbS 2 1/2 miles and WSW 2 1/2 miles and came to a fall in a narrow carried 150 yards upon a rockey Island in the middle of the fall [in the margin "Island Portage"]. then went WbN 1/4 mile and put up at 7 1/4 AM Wind Westerly fresh breeze and clear."

Sept. 23
" Thursday at 5 1/4 AM got underway went WSW 3/4 mile then handed 20 yards at a very strong rappid on south side then went WSW 1/4 mile very strong current the river from 100 to 200 yards wide. came to a part about 1/2 mile wide with several large Islands in it went WSW 1/2 mile W 1 1/2 mile and WSW 1/2 W 2 1/2 miles and enterd a part about 150 yards wide went WSW 1 mile strong current then led the canoes 1/4 mile up the lower part of a fall or strong rapid on the south side then carried 100 yards good carring and came to a part 1 1/2 mile wide land bold and mostly coverd with scrub Asp Birch &c. as is most of the land pafsed this day. went on south side WNW 1/2 W 1 mile and WSW 1/2 W 1 1/4 mile it then begins to draw narrower went SWbW 1/2 mile and W 1/2 mile in the narrow then N 1/4 mile narrow and strong current then SWbW 1/2 mile easey current the river then about 1 mile wide. went WNW 1 1/2 mile and came to a fall carried half cargoe 100 yards on north side. went SW 1/4 mile the main fall then appears on south side an Island, the part we carried at appears shut in like a small bay. went SW 3 miles NW 1/4 mile and WSW 1/2 mile the river about 1/2 mile wide. put up at 2 1/2 PM. wind Westerly fresh breeze flying clouds. this afternoon Mr Small divided his goods for some canoes to go forward to a new settlement."

Sept. 24
" Friday at 1 AM Mr Small embarked with four Canoes at 3 PM we got underway Mr Smalls other five Canoes in company went round a point on North side leaving a large bay to West and a river called the rapid river but did not see the mouth of it. went NbE 7 miles in a lake called by the Canadians the lake of the bald stone. this part of the lake about 1 1/2 or 2 mile wide then turned between Islands leaving a large opening a head full of Islands went NWbW 3/4 mile NW 3/4 mile. NWbN 2 1/2 miles and WNW 3/4 mile and came to a carrying place about 1/4 mile south of a fall called the hill carrying place. the latter part of this lake appeared about four or five mile wide to north of us heigh land coverd with scrub asp &c and seems to be the main share. and about a mile wide to south of us but believe it to be only Islands which appear bold and coverd with pine &c. carried 180 yards over a hill through the woods, rockey bad landing at the lower side of the carrying place, went W 1/4 mile in a small bay and came to a fall and carried 100 yards over a rock on North side. not good. enterd a lake called the Ne-keek Sack-a-ha-gan or Otter Lake went WNW 1/2 mile in a part about 1 mile wide kept nearly along the south side pafsed two falls to south of us which falls into the last lake. went W 1/2 mile to the south point of an Island a bay of the lake about two mile deep to north and the point coming in behind the North side of this Island. went WbN 1/2 mile between two Islands then WNW 1/2 mile a long the side of a larger Island. the lake in this part about 1/2 mile wide a long narrow Island to south, went WNW 1/4 mile WbN 1/2 mile and WNW 1/4 mile many small Islands to south then went NNW 1/2 mile nearly a long the middle of the lake being about 3 miles wide in this part with a double bay on West side and a deep bay in the NE corner. came to a narrow about 200 yards wide between two Islands. went WNW 1/4 mile the lake then about a mile wide. went W 1 mile WNW 1 mile WbN 3/4 mile NWbN 1/2 mile and WNW 3/4 mile nearly along the North side of the lake. then NWbW 1 mile a narrow deep bay on NE side and came to a fall. the land about this lake rather bold and mostly well coverd with good Pine, carried 600 yards on North side good carrying, this is called the Ne-keek Win-e-cap or Otter Carrying place. went NNW 3/4 mile in a river about 150 yards wide easey current and enterd a small round lake with two falls falling into it on south side. went NW 1/2 mile and put up on a sandy shore at 5 1/4 PM Wind Westerly light breeze and cloudy most of the day. clear in the evening. at 8 PM suddenly changed to heavy rain and snow and hard gale of Wind.
[lat. reading]."

Sept. 25
" Saturday at 7 1/4 AM got underway enterd a river about 100 yards wide went SWbS 1/2 mile land low and coverd with small Asp. came to a rapid led the Canoes about 1/2 mile nearly SW on NW side very strong current then went NW 1/4 mile and came to a carrying place about 200 yards North of the fall carried the greatest part of the cargoe 1150 yards through the woods and the Canoes with the remainder 350 yards through the woods good carrying led the Canoes up the uper part of the fall with part cargoe this is called by the Canadians the Divels carrying place.
[lat. reading]
enterd a lake about 1 1/2 mile wide went WNW 2 miles to a point on south side crofsing a bay to south with three Islands in it but the main of the lake is to North with four Islands. North of this point an opening appears about 1/4 mile wide and beyond sight and a small Island on the west point of the opening. then went WSW 2 miles and came to a narrow the land mostly bold and coverd with small Asp birch &c. put up at 5 1/2 PM wind NW strong gale flying clouds and frosty air snow in the night."

Sept. 26
" Sunday at 5 AM got underway in a river about 150 yards wide. went SW 1 mile and NNW to SSW 3/4 mile the river then about 400 or 500 yards wide with several islands in it. went SWbW 1 1/2 mile an opening then beyond sight on North side. then went SWbW 1 mile and came to a narrow two openings round an Island followed the northermost one NW 1/4 mile two openings then appear followed the Southern one. SW 1/4 mile the lake then about 1 mile wide to South went SWbW 3 1/2 miles pafsed a bay to North and an opening beyond sight suppose the land lately pafsed to North to be only Islands the land round the lake rather bold mostly well coverd with Pine Asp &c. came to a narrow or river went SW 3/4 mile two opening then appear followed the Northern one NbE 1/4 mile and came to a rapid carried part cargoe 130 yards on North side and led the canoes up the remainder. went N 1/4 mile and came to a rapid and handed the Canoes 20 yards on West side then went N 1/2 mile and came to an Island in the mouth of a lake went on south side W 1/4 mile. the lake then appears about 1 1/2 mile wide with several Islands in it went WNW 1 1/2 mile near a long the middle of the lake then enterd a narrow or river and went W 1/4 mile and led up a rapid on North side. went 1/4 mile from N to SW at the back of a small Island and handed up two rapids on North shore (this is commonly a carrying place on the South shore) then went SW to W 1/2 mile on south side of an Island strong current and led round a bad point on the Island. dangerous of forcing the canoes side in against the rock the current turning so very sudden. enterd a part about 1/2 mile wide went WNW 1 1/2 mile and came to a fall carried 120 yards over a rock on south side went SW 1/4 mile and came to a fall carried on South side 150 yards not good carrying. put up at 6 PM. Wind Westerly heavy gale flying clouds cold raw weather.
[lat. reading]
A Creek at the head of this fall on North side, whch Mr Small is gone up to a new settlement on a small lake, have since heard that it is only about Six or Seven miles from this place. the mouth of the creek is a good place to set nets on the pafsing."

Sept. 27
" Monday at 5 3/4 AM got underway in lake about one to two miles wide with several Islands in it. went SSW 1 1/4 mile, SbW 1 1/4 mile SSW 1/2 mile and South 2 1/2 miles the lake then about 1 mile wide with a large Island in the middle. went on North side SSW 1/2 mile the lake then two miles wide. went SSW 2 1/2 miles. leaving three Islands and most of the lake to the South. came to a narrow at which place two openings appear one near South the other WSW suppose the point between the openings to be the point of a large Island the land round the lake mostly low and rockey coverd with small birch pine &c. went WSW 1/2 mile pafsed a rapid at which we led the Canoes 150 yards on south side, then a wide fall appears with an Island in the middle to NE. went NbW 1/4 mile and came to a fall and carried 260 yards on South side and came to Mus-qua Min-ne-stick Sack-a-ha-gan or Black Bear Island Lake. went WbN 1 1/2 mile the lake about 1 mile wide with several Islands in it an opening to North 1/2 mile wide appears and a large bay continuing open to the West went in the North opening N 1 1/2 miles the lake then appearing Six or Seven mile wide to North with many small Islands. the land at a distance appearing very heigh. turned a point WbN 1/2mile then SW1 mile between the main land and an Island. then WSW 1/2 mile and WNW 2 miles many Islands to North put up on the South shore at 6 PM. Wind SSW strong breeze hazey weather."

Sept. 28
" Tuesday at 5 AM got underway went W 3/4 mile in a narrow an opening about 1/2 mile wide then appears on the south side which makes it doubtfull wether the land pafsed south of us is an Island or south shore the land on North side appearing very heigh at Eight or Nine miles distance, went WbN 1/2 mile WSW 1 1/2 W 3/4 mile and WSW 1 1/2 mile kepping near the south shore many Islands to North. at this place left two openings to South and went between two Islands the pafsage about 40 yards wide strong smooth current for about 30 yards then went WSW 1 mile and WbN 1 1/2 mile at this place a large opening to South with three Islands in the mouth of it. many Islands to North then went W 3/4 mile one large Island North then W 1/2 mile a bay about 1/2 mile deep on south side with three Islands in it and an opening North with one small Island in the middle of it. then went in a part about 150 yards wide. W 1/2 mile strong current then NW 1/4 mile a crofs a part with a small bay North and an other South then went N 1/2 mile strong current in a part about 100 yards wide and pafsed a small ripple then NW 1/2 mile and pafsed an opening East with an Island in the middle then went W 3/4 mile heigh rocks on SW side and bold land on NE side it still continuing open a head and an other opening NbE which we followed and went NbE 1/2 mile a small double bay on east side the lake part pafsed about 150 to 200 wide went WNW 1 mile in a narrow. a small bay then to south. then went NNE 1/4 mile in a narrow then N 1/2 mile leaving a small double bay to West, then NNE 1/4 mile and N 1/4 mile the latter part pafsed about 200 yards wide then went NWbW 3/4 mile an opening on the south side with several islands in it, and an opening to North then went WbS 1 1/2 mile a large opening to south with many small islands in it and left two small islands to North in a bay. it then turns narrow went W to WbN 1/4 mile and pafsed an opening to south and an opening then to North. went W 1/4 SWbW 3/4 mile and NW 1/2 mile an opening to south with two small Islands in it and an other to North then went NNW 3/4 mile the latter part pafsed about 100 to 300 yards wide with moderate current then came to a part about a mile wide. went NWbN 1 1/2 mile and left an Island to south an opening then appearing SW which we followed SW 1 mile an opening then appearing to south went WSW 1/4 mile a long the side or one large Island to North of us. the lake then opens to North five or six miles wide very heigh land. went W 1/2 mile a small bay to south. the lake then opens nearly South beyond sight. the east shore a heigh steep sandy bank went SW 1 1/2 mile a crofs to south end of a long Island then SSW 3/4 mile between an Island and the west shore then W 1/8 mile between a point of the west shore and an Island. SSW 1/4 mile and W 1/8 mile and pafsed two small Islands in a small bay to west then SSW 1 mile and S 1 mile in a part about 1/4 mile wide and came to the end of the Island the lake then appearing clear of Islands to the southward went SWbW 1/4 mile and came to a fall, this lake about the middle heigh rockey land towards both ends not so heigh or rockey and mostly coverd with pine asp birch &c. carried at the fall [in the margin "Needle Portage"] 100 yards on North side into a little round bay and went W 1/8 mile and came to a narrow part with a small ripple in it. then directly opens again into a little bay went NNW 1/4 mile to a fall, left two falls on NE side made by there being two Islands in the fall carried 300 yards on SW side then went NW 1/4 mile pafsed the two Islands and came to a fall with three small Islands in it. carried 90 yards on NE side and put up at 7 PM Wind Westerly fresh breeze and cloudy weather."

Sept. 29
" Wednesday at 7 1/4 AM got underway in a lake called the Moose lake went W 1/2 mile and pafsed close on south side of an Island, then NW 3/4 mile three Islands these laying in a line NE this part of the lake about two mile wide it then runs away to the north beyond sight went NW 3/4 mile and three Islands lays in a line NE as before and an opening beyond sight to SW with several small islands in the mouth of it and many Islands all a long the SW side. went NW 1/2 mile two Islands then lay to NE. then went NW 1/4 mile and came to a grafsey narrow about ten yards wide through a narrow neck of land between low rocks and grown up with grafs, no current and only about 30 yards through . went through the narrow and came to a lake or part of the same lake called the Ca-na-pick Sack-a-ha-gan or Snake lake about one mile wide to south and quite open to North. went WNW 1/2 mile pafsed close on south side of an Island. went NWbW 3/4 mile and came to two small Island went between them then went W 1/4 mile and enterd a part about 3/4 mile wide and went WNW 3/4 mile nearly on North side. the lake drawing narrower. went NWbW 1/2 mile this part then about 1/4 mile wide went WNW 3/4 mile a bay on each side near 1/2 mile deep then enterd a grafsey narrow the land pafsed in this lake rather low and well coverd with Pine Asp &c. went WNW 1 1/4 mile in a swampy grafsey part, a grafsey bay about 3/4 mile deep to south and a grafsey swamp to North, then went SWbW 1 1/2 mile in a part from a 1/4 to 1/2 mile wide and pafsed between two small Islands then SWbW 1 1/2 mile two openings then appear enterd the Northermost and went SSW 1 mile and pafsed between two small Islands and came to a part about 2 mile wide went SW 3 miles to a point on NW side, about 1 mile wide at this place. then went WSW 1 1/2 mile crofs a bay to an opening on North side the lake continuing open to SW enterd the opening being about 200 yards wide. went WbS 1/4 mile and put up at 5 PM. Wind NE forepart of the day a heavy gale latter part fresh breeze with cloudy weather all day. the land pafsed this latter part lowish and well coverd with Pine &c."

Sept. 30
" Thursday at 6 AM got underway in part 1/2 mile wide a small opening on south side between an Island and the main shore went WbS 1 1/2 mile to a point on south side. the lake then opens SSW and NNE went SWbS 3 miles to a river on NE side in a part about 1 1/2 mile wide a bay of the lake continuing SSW 1 1/4 on 2 miles the land in this part rather low and coverd with small Asps &c except nearly opposite to the river which is heigh rockey land, enterd the Ca-na-pick See-pee on? Snake river which is about 150 yards wide land very low and coverd with willows sides grafsey. went NW 1 mile easey current NNW 1/2 mile strong current and came to the snake fall handed the Canoes on SW side 1/4 mile NW very strong current and bad bottom being all large stones and very slippey. then went WNW 1/4 mile moderate current then handed the canoes at a fall WNW 1/4 mile current and bottom much the same as the other fall land low all this river. enterd a lake about 2 mile wide with six small Islands ranged a long the North side nearest the east end & stoped at this place four hours for the People to dry and warm them selves and to pitch some of the canoes, then went WSW 3 miles nearly a long the middle of the lake and enterd a river land rather low and coverd with Asp &c. went W 1 mile a small bay then on North side turned a grafsey point and went SWbS 2 mile and SW 1/2 mile and put up at 5 1/2 PM Wind SW light breeze; fore part of the day cloudy, latter part clear.
[lat. reading]
at 7 AM Mr Small with three of the Canoes that went to the Northward joined us."

Oct. 1 1790
" Friday at 5 1/2 AM got underway went NNW 1/2 mile on North side of an Island and enterd a lake about 3/4 of a mile or a mile wide went NW 1/4 mile NbW 1 mile and NNE 2 miles and put up at 6 1/2 AM for Mr Small to divide his Canoes. at 10 AM Mr Small with four of his Canoes went of for his Settlement at Isle a la Crofs. at 11 AM we got underway with the Canadians but could not proceed for Wind so put on shore again. Wind Southerly strong breeze, fore part of the day cloudy, latter part clear.
[lat. reading]"

Oct. 2
" Saturday at 5 1/2 AM got underway the lake continuing open to NE, turned a point on South side and enterd a part about 1/4 mile wide went SW 2 1/2 miles to the mouth of a creek on NW side the lake at this place near a mile wide a bay continuing a mile or upwards SW into which the main part of the river falls. the land of this lake low and well coverd with Pine &c. enterd the creek being part of the Mus-coo-see Se-pee or Grafs River went about 5 miles from South Westerly to East in a part not above 20 yards wide very short or rather constant turnings making about 1 mile NW through a grafsey swamp. and enterd the main river on East side being about 200 yards wide grafsey swampey sides went N 1/2 mile an other branch then appears on W side about 200 yards wide and turning round to the south suppose it a branch falling into the lake. went NNE 1/2 mile N 1 mile NE 2 1.2 miles NNE 1/2 mile and came to a small branch of the river on W side the main river continuing NNE. enterd the small branch being about 20 or 30 yards wide went NW to NNE 1 mile NW to NE 1/2 mile N 1/4 mile and came to the main river some canoes went round the main river which did not make two minutes difference. went in the main river W to S 3/4 mile NWbN 1 mile and came to a large Island went on south side the Island W 1/2 mile and NW 1 mile. some canoes went on North side which made no difference in their forwardnefs. the river pafsed to this place land low with grafsey swampey sides easey current then went W 1/4 mile and SWbW 1/2 mile on North side low and coverd with small Asp. south side rather bold rocks coverd with small Pine. enterd U-che-quan Sack-a-ha-gen or Knee Lake and put up at 11 3/4 AM Wind SW strong breeze and clear.
[a page of lat. readings]

Oct. 3
" Sunday at 6 1/2 AM got underway in the Knee Lake went WSW 1/2 W 1 1/2 mile SW 1/2 W 6 miles nearly a long the middle of the lake which is about from 1 1/2 to 2 mile with few Islands in it. then SW 2 mile and SWbW 1 mile in a part about one mile wide then NWbW 1 1/2 mile pafsed close on south side of an Island then NW 1 mile to a point NE side. the lake about five on? six mile to NE with several small Islands in it and about three mile to south clear of Islands. then went NWbN 2 miles leaving a deep double bay to NE and came to a narrow and went SWbS 1 mile in a part about 1/4 mile wide and came to two openings enterd the southernmost one and went S 1/12 mile and came to a part about 200 yards wide went W 1/4 mile very strong current set up it with poles then paddled 200 yards. then led the Canoes on north side 1/4 mile near West up the lower part of a fall to a rock at the head of it. then carried 20 yards over the rock this fall is very bad at the lower part being very full of large stones frequently most of the cargoe is carried the whole lenght of the fall. the Canadians run this fall down. enter on the south side and crofs directly to the north not good, went 200 yards W very strong current. then went NNW 1/2 mile NbW 1 mile moderate current then N 3/4 mile very strong current and came to strong rapid or fall led near 1/2 mile round to West on south side very full of large stones and to turn amongst in such strong current is both difficult and dangerous. then W to S 1 mile very strong current but good bottom. this used formerly to be a long carring place on south side. put up at 5 PM in a part of the river 1/2 mile wide. wind SW light breeze and clear. the Canadians set two nets but got no fish."

Oct. 4
" Monday at 6 1/2 AM got underway went SWbW 1 1/2 mile and pafsed a small Island and went S 1 mile and came to a lake called Nick-ey-thu-tins Sack-a-h-gan or Lewis Primous Lake. enterd the lake being about 2 or 2 1/2 mile wide went WSW 3/4 mile keeping on North side. then WNW 1 mile a bay to north came to the point on North side. a small Island laying of the point. pafsed within it and went NWbW 1 mile in a part about a mile wide the lake then widens on both sides. went NW 1/2 mile and N 1 1/2 mile to a point on SW side, the lake about 2 mile wide then NWbN 1 mile to a point on SE side. a small bay on SW side. the lake here near 3 mile wide on NE side. then W 3/4 mile the lake then near 1/2 mile wide. then SW 1 mile to a point on North side, an opening on south side which seems to turn to the Westward and an other which we followed NNW 1 1/2 mile about 1/4 mile wide. then went NNW 1 mile and NWbN 1 mile near along the SW side in a part about 1/2 mile wide. pafsed a narrow between two points the lake then opens beyond sight to south and makes the part last pafsed on SW side appear to be an Island, and to the North it appears about 3 mile wide, went SWbW 1 mile to the North end of a large Island then W 1 1/2 mile two Islands then appearing to south, came to a grafsey swampey bay at the mouth of a river. at this place Lewis Primo formerly had a house from which the lake takes its name. this was then the farthest house in this Country. went through the grafsey bay SW 1 1/2 mile to the river the land round this lake rather bold and mostly well coverd with pine asp &c. enterd the river being from 200 to 300 yards wide with grafsey marshey sides. went S to W 1 mile a small creek then on North side went SWbW 1/4 mile and SW 1 mile pafsed two small Islands then S 1 mile WNW 1/4 mile and NNW 1/4 mile and came to a fall carried 450 yards on North side lower part off the carrying place full of loose stones. then went W to S 3/4 mile and WNW 3/4 mile and put up at 6 PM. Wind Westerly fresh gale forepart of the day latter part light breeze and clear. [lat. reading]"

Oct. 5
" Tuesday at 6 AM got underway in the river went near NW 2 mile NWbN 1 mile the river from 50 to 150 yards wide. went NNW 1 mile W 1/4 mile and NWbN 1 1/2 miles in a part about 500 to 600 yards wide easey current and came to a rapid went SW 300 yards Strong current then 1/2 mile moderate current then led the Canoes S to W 1/4 mile strong current shoal and full of great stones. went W 1/4 mile. the river pafsed this day except as otherways mentioned, rather easey current land low and coverd with pine asp &c. then went S 1/2 mile and SW 1 mile in a part with grafsey marshey sides and came to the mouth of a small river on NE side called Teak a Seepe or Deer River this river leads towards the Athapiscow Country but is full of falls and shoals the Canadians have examined it and find it not fit for large Canoes. then went SSW 1/2 mile. asps on both sides and came to a fall or strong rapid and led the Canoes 3/8 mile on South side then paddled 1/4 mile and handed 40 yards on south side then paddled 200 yards to the foot of the carrying place and carried 350 yards through burnt woods on south side good carrying.
[lat. reading]
then went 200 yards and led 3/4 mile from S to W strong current and bad bottom then went SW to W 1 mile strong current and SSW 1/4 mile and came to a kind of lake about 1/2 mile wide went SSW 3/4 mile S 1/4 mile SSE 3/4 mile and SEbE 2 miles land in this part low and coverd with pine asp &c. came to river about 100 to 200 yards wide and went S 1/4 mile W 1/4 mile and SbE 1 1/2 mile and came to a lake the river pafsed easey current land low and coverd with pine asp &c. went the Lake SW 2 1/4 mile and came to a river on west side, the lake about 2 mile wide left the greatest part to south with five Islands in the middle and one on north side. enterd the mouth of the river and put up at 5 PM. Wind SE moderate breeze clear weather the Canadians set two nets and got a few fish this is a good fishing place in the spring.
[lat.reading]"

Oct. 6
" Wednesday at 5 1/2 AM got underway in the river and went NW to W 2 miles strong current the river from 100 to 200 yards wide land rather low and coverd with pine asp &c. and enterd Isle le Crofs Lake went W 1/2 mile and South 1/4 mile in a part about 1/4 mile wide then SSE 1/2 S 3 3/4 miles to a point on W side a large bay on the east side which runs round to Southward the point is opposite to this place distance about 1 mile then went SSE 1/2 S 3 miles and SEbS 3 3/4 miles to a point on West side. a bay on West side about 1 1/2 mile deep. the lake at this point about 2 mile wide then went SSE 1/2 E 3 3/4 mile at this place then pafsed near to an Island on West side.
[lat. reading]
continued SSE 1/2 E 3 miles pafsed two small Islands west of us and came opposite a point on W side about 3/4 mile distance. a bay on West side continuing from the last mentioned point about 3 mile deep and the lake about 4 mile wide to East. a bay a bout 4 mile deep to West between this and the last mentioned point. an Island close off the point went within it, then SSW 3 miles into a bay on west side and put up at the mouth of a creek or small river at 2 1/2 PM. Wind Westerly fresh breeze and clear."

Oct. 7
" Thursday at 7 AM got underway the course we should have gone to the SW point of a large Island was SSE distance 6 1/2 miles but the wind being off the East shore we crofsed to the east side of the lake which in this place is about 3 or 4 mile wide and drawing to a bout a mile wide opposite the point then went from the point of the Island SWbS 4 miles and came to Mr Smalls House about 1 PM where we were very kindly received by Mr Small who offered us two Houses in his yard as we intend staying here this Winter and having no intention to trade anything but Provisions and three of our men unfit for any kind of duty Viz. Hugh Lisk not able to walk from a Violent swelling in the knee which seems full of matter. Peter Brown very bad with a terrible cut in his foot and Robt. Garroch with a Violent bruised heel and as we can never be in a worse condition to build a place we thought it best to accept the offer as we could move as well even in the dead of Winter as now if we experience any inconvenience from being here at present we have no Provision and three men unfit for duty. we found three Indians and their familys here but could hardly get a speach of them they seemed to be quite strangers to our People."

Oct. 8
" Friday Two Canadian Canoes with Seven Men in each went for a Settlement in a small lake up the Beaver River it lays on the South side of the river between it and the Sas-skash-a-wan and is called by the Indians A-quack-a-paw Sack-a-ha-gan. this House is only kept up in the Winter and is only a ? post belonging to Isle-a-la Crofse the Beaver River falls into this Lake which is called by the Indians (Min-nis-tick Pock-a-ha-twan Sackahagan) about 6 Miles ENE of this place it is not a very large river but as I understand braks off into several branchs with Lakes at the head of them the Canadians have a settlement in of them near NW from Manchester House in a lake called Moose Wau-chee Sack-a-ha-gan or Moose hill Lake a Mr Shaw as Master at it he has four Canoes with him. they have an other settlement to the Northward of this place in the Buffalo Lake it may called a part of this Lake but that only a detached temporary House for a Winter and I belive only made to keep the Indians from us."

[no entry till Nov. 27]

Nov. 27 1790
" Saturday two Chepawyans or Northern Indians arrived they came chiefly to see us they promised to bring us some provisions as soon as they can kill any. we now exist much better than we should have done had we been any where else near this spot for Mr Small seeing our situation un asked supplied us with net thread for two nets. us with our own coarse twine it would have been with difficulty we should have preserved our lives. I well knew before I came from Cumberland House that the twine would not answer but if I had waited untill we had been properly supplied I might have remained to the end of my Contract and never have stired this way but I was determined to proceed this way under any inconveniencies."

Dec. 17 1790
" Friday an Indian arrived for People to fetch meat two of our People went with them as Mr M Rofs has the management of the Men Vide his Journal."

Dec. 19
" Sunday at 10 AM four Chepawyan men and three women arrived with a few furrs which they carried to Mr Small. at 5 PM four Chepawyan Men and three Women arrived from the Gang our Men are gone to for flesh ? and a number of Canadians with them that had been for flesh some of which returned light 8 PM our men returned with two sledge loads of fresh Moose flesh and three Canadians arrived from Mr Shaw at the Moose hill Lake they brought the news of his having lost of two Men being catched in the ice in a lake in the fall of year by their own folly."

Dec. 21
" Tuesday the Chepawyans went away and two Canadians with them."

Dec. 23
" Thursday early this morning the Canadians returned to Mr Shaw by whom I sent a letter to the Master of Manchester House informing him of our safty and situation."

Dec. 28
" Tuesday Six Chepawyans arrived with good sledge loads of fresh meat whch they carried to Mr Small they did not know of our being here."

Dec. 29
" Wednesday the Chepawyans went away and as well as all the others of their country people seemed heighly pleased at hearing your Honors Servants are coming this way to settle. we got a small quantity of meat from them and they promised to return in a Month with more."

Jan. 19 1791
" Wednesday Five Chepawyans arrived and brought some fresh meat part of which they carried to Mr Small and part to us."

Jan. 20
" Thursday the Chepawyans went away and as they particularly requested some of our people with them Peter Fidler and Hugh Lisk accompanied them well foreseeing that it was more than probable that they would not live well at the House as few fish are taken and they falling fast."

Feb. 25 1791
" Friday Two Canadians arrived with a packet from whom I received a letter informing me that Mr Will. Tomison was returned to Manchester House."

Feb. 26
" Saturday Two Canadians sett of with a Packet to the Athapiscow Lake."

Feb. 28
" Monday the Canadians of the 25th Inst. returned to Mr Shaw by whom I sent some letters to get forwarded to Manchester House."

Mar. 3 1791
" Thursday Three Chepawyans arrived from the South brought a few furrs to Mr Small and with them five Canadians that have been with them all the Winter they belong to Mr Frazier who is Master at the Settlement mentioned the 26th Sept. last. they informed me that they got plenty of fish the first of the fall but could not get any after the Lake was froze over so was obliged to go with the Indians to live. one of the Chepawyans informed me that there is a River runs out of the Slave Lake on the East side to the Sea and says he was down it two years ago to war upon the Esquamays but meeting with some of them in the river they killed a few and returned he calls it the Trout River and says it is bold River very deep and strong current but no falls or woods upon its banks he says the Indians he was with told him that the Sea was very near. he seemed rather shy and is quite a Frenchefied fellow."

Mar. 5
" Saturday The Chepawyans returned to their tents and with them the five Canadians which came with them and Six others belonging to this place and two of our Men Malcom Grot and Peter Brown to try to get some provisions."

Mar. 10
" Thursday M Grot and Peter Brown returned with some Provisions and the Canadians with some Provisions and also Six Bundles of Furrs."

Mar. 17
" Thursday Two Chepawyans and a Canadian arrived with a Packet from Mr Frazier."

Mar. 21
" Monday a Chepawyan arrived from the Northward in great distrefs for want of provisions."

Mar. 30
" Wednesday a Chepawyan and a Canadian arrived from the Southward with a few furrs."

Mar. 31
" Thursday the Chepawyans and Canadian returned we got a little fresh provision from two Chepawyans that stay about the House hunting."

Apr. 1 1791
" Friday Four Chepawyans arrived with Furrs which they carried to Mr Small and brought a good quantity of Provisions but do not seem in hast to part with it."

Apr. 2
" Saturday some Provision was traded from the Chepawyans of yesterday."

Apr. 8
" Friday a Canadian arrived from the Buffalo Lake and in the evening he returned with five others with him which has wintered at this place not being able to get fish in the winter in the Buffalo Lake they are now going to haul all the things from the House to a narrow between that lake and Clear water lake as they can get plenty of fish at the narrow and most likely come here several days sooner as the Buffalo Lake often stands fast several days after this is clear."

Apr. 13
" Wednesday 9 AM Peter Fidler and Hugh Lisk and Two Chepawyans that they had been living with arrived and with much pleasure I learned they had lived in plenty this spring. they brought a little Provisions with them and one of the Chepawyans has ingaged to accompany us and stand Pilot to the Athapescow Lake. he is to return to night to his family which is a little distance from here waiting for part of his tribe."

Apr. 24
" Sunday Nine Chepawyan Men and Six lads with Furrs which they carried to Mr Small their families is coming tomorrow amongst these are those that P. Fidler and H. Lisk has been with."

Apr. 25
" Monday the Families of those that came yesterday arrived and brought some provision such as in appearance would rather have disgraced on of your Honors Carrion trees being poor very dirty and not very sweet but we shall be glad to get a share of it."

Apr. 27
" Wednesday Wind SW fresh Gale many Ducks seen this day."

May 2 1791
" Monday an Indian arrived from the Beaver River and gave us an account that the river is open he brought some Beavers flesh and Furrs we got the flesh of 2 Beaver from Mr Small."

May 6
" Friday an Indian and his wife and a Canadian and his wife came in they brought some provision from the Beaver river part of which we got."

May 10
" Tuesday the Ice moved a little in the Lake."

May 15
" Sunday at 9 AM 13 Canadians arrived from the Aquack-a-paw Sack-a-ha-gan up the Beaver River they brought 22 Packs of Furrs and a good quantity of goods back with them. no person stays at that House in the summer. 3 PM 19 Canoes of Southern Indians arrived they brought no Furrs with them the 22 Packs brought by the Canadians being what they killed this Winter they are come here to be rewarded with presents."

May 16
" Monday at 6 PM Mr Shaw (by whom I had the pleasure of receiving the Honorable Committees Letter dated June 2nd 1790 as likewise my letters from England) & Twenty three Canadians in 5 Canoes arrived from the Moose hill Lake up the Beaver River with 127 Packs of Furrs and 9 Kegs of Castorum. he informed me he had not 5 Packs of Wolves in his Cargoe and indeed I saw he had not. his whole trade may be said to consist of Winter Beaver Skins. he traded all his goods and could have got many more furrs if he had goods. the Indians he traded with are called the Swampy ground Stone Indians."

May 19
" Thursday Wind Southerly heavy Gale the Lake appears clear of Ice."

May 20
" Friday 3 PM Mr Graham with Eleven Canadians in two Canoes arrived from the Buffalo Lake where he winterd he brough 20 Packs of Winter Beaver traded from a gang of Southern Indians which this House was built to accomodate. he likewise brough a good quantity of trading Goods with him."

May 23
" Monday Two Indians arrived from the Northward from whom we got a little fresh provision."


" An Old Indian informed me that he had heard that there is a pafsage out of Slave lake on the East side which leads to the Sea. that he was once at the Slave Lake to have accompanied the Chepawyan and Red Knife or Copper Indians to War against the Esquamays but did not proceed farther with them. he siad they informed him they were going down a River on the East side to the Sea but he was not certain that the River run out of the Lake - by what I can learn this Settlement will have about 50 Packs of Furrs besides Castor. exclusive of its dependant Settlements."


" This place lays in Latitude 55° 25'3/4 North and Longitude 107° 47'3/4 West from Greenwich for particulars see book of Observations"


May 30
" Monday our Canoes being repaired and we being provided with about Nine days provision after returning Mr Small our thanks for his kindnefs to us and he taking charge of some Letters which he promised to forward as directed. we embarked for to proceed to the Northward arranged in our Canoes the same as when we came here. a Chepawyan or Northern Indian having appointed to meet us in this Lake. at 7 1/2 AM got underway went in the Lake NNE 1 mile acrofs a small bay about a mile deep to West then NWbW 2 1/2 miles this part of the Lake about the end of this course 1 1/2 mile wide bold land and good woods on both sides went NW 1/2 N 8 miles and WNW 6 miles the Lake then turns suddenly to about 1/2 mile wide a small deep bay on W side went in the narrow NW 3 miles NWbW 1 mile WNW 2 miles NWbW 2 mile WNW 1/2 W 1 1/2 mile NW 1 1/2 mile W 1/4 mile and WNW 1 3/4 mile and to a lake called by the Southern Indians (Wash-a-cum-mow Sack-a-ha-gan or Clear water Lake and by the Chepawyans Eg-ga-zah Too-ah Too-ah or Egg Lake) the land pafsed rather bold and mostly coverd with asp &c. put up on a point of the Lake on SW side at 7 1/2 PM. Wind SSW fresh gale with showers of rain. Sailed all this day. we expected to have found the Indian here."

May 31
" Tuesday at 6 AM got underway with my Canoe to search out the way or to find the Indian that is to accompany us the other canoe waiting to prevent the Indian from mifsing us in case he should be looking for us. I tryed into a bay with a broken shore on SW side as we understood from the Indians we was to turn into a narrow on our left hand as soon as we came to the part called clear water Lake. after we had examined the bay the Indian came to look for us and upon his appearing the other Canoe got underway and joined us. went from where we lay last night NW 1 1/2 mile acrofs the mouth of the bay to SW which we had been (a Point on the South side of Clear water lake bears NNE 4 mile beyond that could not see the land) then went WNW 1 mile nearly a long the SW shore a narrow Island about 2 mile long lays nearly WNW and SSE about 3/4 mile from the shore then went WSW 1 3/4 mile leaving a small bay on our left and came to the mouth of a narrow which leads to an other part of the Lake called the Buffalo Lake at this place the North side of Clear water Lake seems to run NNW no land to be seen to the South of it the Island before mentioned runs within 1/2 mile of the North shore.
[lat. reading]
At this place we found the Chepawyans or Northern Indians which intend accompanying us they 6 Canoes in number got underway in company with us enterd the narrow which is about 200 yards wide with grafsy sides went SE 1 1/2 mile and came to the part of the Lake called by the Southern Indians Mis-toose Sack-a-ha-gan and by the Chepawyans A-gid-da Too-ah or Buffalo Lake it was to this narrow that Mr Graham had his goods hauled. enterd the Lake and went WbN 1 mile a long the NE side and put on shore at 2 PM being to heavy a swell in the Lake at 5 PM the sweel being a little abated we again got underway went SWbW 5 miles a crofs a bay about 3 mile deep to NW the lake about 5 mile wide to SE and drawing to about 1 1/2 mile wide one Island in the middle of the SE bay. then went NWbW 3/4 mile a long the NE side then NWbW 1 1/4 mile a crofs a small bay to NE low stony shore coverd with willows &c. then went NW 3 1/2 miles to a point on SE shore the land on this side rather bold and well coverd with Pine Asp &c. went round the point and put up in a small sandy bay at the place Mr Graham winterd at. at 9 PM Wind Variable Westerly stong gale with cloudy weather."

June 1 1791
" Wednesday at 5 1/4 AM got underway and went a long the West side of the Lake NWbW 1 1/4 mile a small double bay on left hand went WNW 1/2 W 3 1/2 miles a shoal bay on left hand side turned a point the land then running SW about 3 mile a river then runs into the Lake called the Buffalo River. a hill appears WbS called by the Southern Indians Mis-ta-hay Mus-qua Wau chu and by the Chepawyans Hot-hail-zaz-za Sheth or the Grizil Bear Hill went W 1/4 N 8 miles to the shore the Land hanging in a easey sweep from the Buffalo River. a small creek falls into the Lake at this place.
[lat. reading]
then went NNW 3 1/2 miles close along the shore the land pafsed this day rather low and well coverd with good pine and asp &c. fine sandy shore, went NWbN 3/4 mile and WNW 1 mile land as before but stony shore went NNW 1 1/2 mile sandy shore then NW 1/2 mile and NNW 1 mile bold steep muddy bank coverd with pine &c. went N 1/2 mile and NbE 1 1/2 mile a creek then falls into the Lake went NNE 1 1/2 mile an other creek falls into the Lake went NNE 1 1/2 mile and came to river at the end of the lake called by the Southern Indians Methy a Seepe by the Chepawyans Thunt-hel-le Diz-za or the Methy River. the last part of this lake pafsed low flat sandy shore thinly coverd with small scrub Pine birch &c. as we pafsed a long the Lake we could see the land upon the other side suppose the Lake to be about 10 miles wide but not knowing what height the land is I cannot well judge. the north end of the lake runs EbS put up at the mouth of the River at 6 1/2 PM Wind Westerly fresh breeze with Thunder and a little rain in the afternoon. at 7 PM Mr Alex Mackensie the Master of the Athapiscow Lake settlement and its dependances arrived with one Canoe in which he had 20 Packs of furrs besides his own things which is not common for a Canadian Master to have as they mostly keep their own Canoe for their own things he informed me that he had Fourteen Canoes more following him deeply loaded they only had twelve Canoes in he likewise informs me that they made a new Settlement up the Peace river near the Stoney Mountain and got Sixty Packs of Beaver from Indians that never traded with Europeans or Canadians before but I have since learned that part of those Indians had traded with them before at an other Settlement they have in the Peace river."

June 2
" Thursday early this morning Mr Mackensie embarked as we would gladly have done but must wait the Indians pleasure and they seem very indolent beings at 9 AM got underway in the Methy river went NNE to W 1 mile near NNW 1 1/4 mile WNW 3/4 mile W 1/2 mile WSW 3/4 mile WNW 1/4 mile and NW 1 mile moderate current and came to a ripple then NW 1/4 mile and pafsed an other small rapid.
[lat. reading]
then NNW 1/4 mile NEbE 1/4 and pafsed a small rapid WNW to NE 1/4 mile a small rapid W 1/4 mile a small rapid WNW to SW 1/4 mile and came to the fork of the river the part pafsed about from 20 to 50 yards wide land rather low woods mostly burnt put up at 2 PM. The Indians being determined to hunt hereabouts this afternoon and we must submit. at 5 PM three of Mr Mackensies Canoes arrived and put up a long side of us in one of which was a Mr Lerue a French Clerk and likewise two Canoes of Southern Indians who accompany them to hunt for them. Mr Mackensie Mr Lerue and the Southern Indians all afsured us that we should not be able to get any kind of provision beyond the Methy carrying place and that on this side we should only be able to get a few fish and we have not Seven days provision left. Mr Lerue informed us that the Indians had told him that there was a better way to the west of the Methy carrying place and which parts off at this place. the Southern Indians confirmed it and said both Buffalo and Moose are plenty in that track in which our Chepawyans concur and say they know most of the way being only part of one river which they have not seen but knows both ends of it and as we are to go before the current we cannot mifs the way through if it should prove full of falls and no person knowing them it may prove tedious as well as dangerous but want of Provision will oblige us to try it. Wind Westerly stiff Gale clear and cloudy alternate."

June 3
" Friday early in the morning the Canadians got underway and directly afterwards two more Canadian Canoes pafsed by and at 7 1/2 AM we got underway went up the West branch called by the Southern Indians Wa-pe-sue a Seepe by the Chepawyans Caw-coos a Diz-za or the Swan River which seems full as large as the other branch went SSW to NW 1 1/4 mile pafsed a small creek on right hand side then S to NW 1 1/4 mile good Woods on both sides then all round the compafs 7 miles making 1 1/2 mile WSW along a willow swamp good woods about 1/2 mile distance from each other.
[lat. reading]
then continued 9 mile in same manner as before making about 1 1/2 mile WSW and put up at 6 PM Wind Westerly fresh gale and Clear."

June 4
" Saturday at 7 AM got underway the river as yesterday went 2 1/2 miles and came to the fork of the river followed the Northern or right one which is about 10 yards wide the one to the south or left hand being about 20 yards wide. went 7 miles more as before making in the whole this day about 3 miles WSW the woods then close on both sides. the river pafsed through the Willow swamp is as crooked as pofsible the breadth of the river will allow. the current moderate went near NW 1/2 mile and came to a small rapid and hauled the Canoes up it then went NNW 1 mile and NW 1/2 mile strong current then near N 2 miles and handed at ten rapids heigh hills on both sides then N 1/2 mile easey current low land then NE 1/8 mile all a rapid NNE 1 mile pafsed three rapids then NE to E 1 1/2 mile all one shoal rapid NbE to W 1 1/2 mile making 1 mile NW good water and land low then NE to W 1 1/2 making 1/2 mile NWbW then 6 mile moderate current making about 2 miles NNW through low land coverd with willows and put up at 7 1/2 PM. Wind Northerly cloudy weather."

June 5
" Sunday at 6 AM got underway went 1 1/2 mile making 1/2 mile SWbW easey current through grafs and willows then SWbW 1/4 mile woods on both sides near WSW 3/4 mile pafsed one small rapid and strong current then SW to WNW 1 mile woods on both sides pafsed several small rapids then 1 mile making 1/4 mile W easey current with willows on both sides then 3/4 mile making 1/2 mile WbN woods on both sides pafsed a small rapid then W to NNE 3/4 mile pafsed three small rapids woods on both sides then went 5 Miles making 2 miles W easey current and willows on both sides then 5 miles making 3 miles SW as before. a kind of creek on left hand side then 3 miles as before making 1 1/2 mile SW a kind of creek on right hand side then went 1 mile making 1/2 mile SSW and came to a small rapid scrub woods on both sides then WSW 1/4 mile and N to W 1 mile mostly small rapids S to SW 1 mile SW 1 mile near S 1 mile and SW 1/4 mile mostly small rapids latter part of the river land low on both sides coverd with scrub Pine &c. amd came to willows and grafs went 1 mile making 1/2 mile S then ENE 1/4 mile South easterly to N 1/2 mile near SE 1 mile this latter part easey current and all this river except as before described from about 10 to 20 yards wide then went near SSW 3/4 mile and 2 miles making 3/4 mile SSW the river increasing in this part to about 100 yards wide grafsy sides with scrub Pine and Juniper about 100 yards from the side of the river then went SSW 1 1/2 mile the river increasing into a kind of small swampy lake a branch about 200 yards wide running to the South and an other about 150 yards wide which we followed running NNW and a grafsy marsh between them went NNW 1 1/2 mile small scrub Pine an Junper on right hand side about 50 yards from the water and grafs on the left hand went NW 1 1/2 mile scrub woods on each side about 50 yards from the water swampy mofsy ground put up at 8 1/2 PM. Wind Easterly Cloudy weather with Thunder in the evening. the Indians killed 4 Swans 3 Geese 1 Beaver and a few Ducks - All this river where the woods grow upon the banks is very shoal and full of stony rapids and the stones cannot be seen except those that have ripples upon them but they are mostly smooth but where the banks are coverd with willows and grafs the water is deep and very easey current but exceeding crooked. Buffalo seem to Winter about this river as much of their dung is laying about the banks."

June 6
" Monday
[lat. reading]
at 5 PM got underway went WbS 3/4 mile and NNW 3/4 mile the river then about 30 yards wide went 3 mile making 1 3/4 mile NWbN and a 1/4 mile near West. the river as before and came to a kind of swampy lake nearly round went SbW 3/4 mile nearly a crofs the middle of it then near SSW 1/2 mile in a part about 150 yards wide grafsy sides and came to the Swan Lake and put up at 7 PM Wind SW fore part of the day a heavy gale with rain - rather calm and clear in the evening."
[lat. reading]

June 7
" Tuesday at 7 AM got underway on a Lake called by the Southern Indians Wa-pe-sue Sack-a-ha-gan & by the Chepawyans Caw-goos Too-ah or Swan Lake. went SW 1/2 S - at 7 3/4 AM the Chepawyans killed a Moose on the east shore went in to them and found the one which was engaged as our pilot had burst a new 4 foot gun he had of Mr Malcom Rofs for Piloting us about 18 inches from the breech it appeared the worst I ever saw bust it was not thicker than a very thin counterfit halfpenny was exceeding brittle and had never been close welded but appeared double it made the Indian very down hearted and it was with difficulty he was persuaded to proceed. about noon we got underway again and steered near SW about 5 miles to the end of the lake and waited there untill near 4 PM when one of the Indians came to fetch us back to the carrying place (they had been hunting for it only one of them knew any thing of it and he only saw it once) at 4 1/2 PM we arrived at the carrying place which is on the SE side of the lake and is nearly SSW 1/2 W 4 1/2 miles from the enterance of the lake, when following the right course the lake is about 1/2 mile wide to SE. and 3 miles wide to NW. when at the carrying place a pine bluff on SE side bears NNE 1/4 E a small roung? hill on heigh ground bears NbE 1/4 E the north point of a burnt pine point on SE side bears WbS distance about 1 mile. the sides of the lake which is rather bold land seems well coverd with Pine Asp Birch &c. the shore stony a good Country for Cattle and Beaver. Cleared the carrying place and carried over the Canoes. the Carrying place is about 2350 yards very good through Asp woods except the last 350 yards which is through small Pines and swampy mofsy ground. this carrying place is South 1 1/4 mile upon a strait line out of one lake into an other small lake the water of which runs into the Athapescow Lake. Wind SW strong Gale and heavy showers of rain and light breezes and clear alternate."

June 8
" Wednesday at 5 AM began to carry at 9 1/2 AM got all over the carrying place to the small lake which is about 3/4 mile wide and about 1 1/2 mile long. when at the carrying place a burnt point bears SSE distance 1/2 mile a bluff point E 1/2 N distance 1/2 mile.
[lat. reading]
went in the lake SW 1/4 W 1 mile to the mouth of a small river or creek running out of the lake its about 40 yards wide very shoal with soft muddy bottom and little current our canoes draged upon the mud most of the way then went between W & SSW 1 1/2 mile the creek deepening and drawing to about 5 yards wide the part pafsed swampy ground and bunt woods on both sides then went 8 miles constant short turning making 4 miles SWbW the creek deep and bunt woods on both sides and swampy ground put up at 9 PM. wind SW fresh gale clear and cloudy alternate with showers of rain and a shower of Snow and hail at 11 AM."

June 9
" Thursday at 4 1/2 AM got underway went about 10 miles making 5 miles WSW and came to a small Lake at 1 3/4 PM the creek pafsed this day very narrow in places not 4 feet wide. full of Beaver dams and the turning so short that we was obliged to cut away the banks in many places but that would have been very little trouble if we had had a spade as the water is deep and the banks hanging over indeed the land seems floating. Buffalo seem to winter about this creek much of their dung laying about the sides of it which is coverd with good grafs and a few willows but this ground is to soft for them to stay upon in the summer. went in the Lake NbW 3/4 mile to the Indians and found one of them was gone to look for a carrying place into a large river which runs to the Athapescow Lake. I would have gone to have looked at it but could not prevail upon any of them to accompany me. put up a long side the Indians at 2 PM Wind SW clear and cloudy alternate.
[lat. reading]
In the evening the Indian returned and reported the carrying place to be nearly as long as the Methy carrying place (which I am informed is eleven measurd miles) and he likewise represents it as very bad so we have determined to follow the river round. got 5 Geese 3 ducks and a swan from the Indians for an account of the carrying place see the 16th."

June 10
" Friday at 6 AM got underway went in the small lake S 2 miles this part of the lake nearly round then enterd a part about 1/2 mile wide went SSE 1/4 mile and EbN 1/4 mile the Lake drawing narrower and came to small river. the Lake pafsed fine bold land well coverd with good pine &c. enterd the river which is about 80 yards wide at enterance went ENE 1 mile the river then about 20 yards wide went 2 1/2 miles making 1 1/4 mile EbN then 3 miles making 1 mile SbW then 1 mile making 1/4 mile SSE the last part of the river from 6 to 10 yards wide fine deep water easy current and grafsy sides good woods at a little distance enterd a small Lake nearly round went a long the middle of it S 1 1/2 mile good woods round the Lake. came to a grafsy swamp through which a small river runs. enterd the river grafsy and willow sides woods at 1/4 mile distance went SbE, SSW & SSE 1 1/2 mile then W to N & NW 1/4 mile then 2 miles making 1 mile East an other small river or creek falls into this on the left hand side which comes from the Grizzil Bear Hill mentioned the 1st inst. and is called by the Southern Indians Mis-ta-hay Mus-qua Wa chu a Seepe and by the Chepwayans Hot-hale-zaz-za Sheth Diz-za or the Grizzle Bear Hill River. went 7 miles making 2 miles South.
[lat. reading]
then went S.SW & SE 1 1/2 mile making 1/2 mile SSE all this river pafsed easy current grafsy and Willow sides came to a part with the woods growing on both banks went 2 miles making 1 mile South 4 miles making 2 miles SW and came to strong current went 1 1/2 mile making 1/2 SW and handed the Canoes down 5 rapids and two small shoal ripples went 1 mile making 1/2 mile SSW and handed down 3 rapids then 8 miles making 2 1/2 miles ESE the river pafsed except the rapids deep water and very good but extremely crooked. the rapids are not dangerous but shoal and heigh woods on both sides which makes them dark. put up at 6 1/2 PM Wind Westerly fresh breeze and clear many fresh tracks of Buffalo seen this day got 1 Beaver, 1 swan & 1 Goose from the Chepawyans."

June 11
" Saturday [lat. reading]
The Chepawyans went after a Buffalo that one of them wounded last night but returned without finding him at 2 1/4 PM got underway went 4 miles very short turnings making 1 mile W. the river about from 15 to 20 yards wide easy current willows on both sides and good woods on both sides at about 1/4 to 1/2 mile distance from each other. continued 3 miles making 3/4 mile W 1 mile making 1/4 mile NW. 4 miles making 3/4 mile W 6 miles making 1 1/4 mile SSW and 2 miles making SSW the river as before and came to a grafsy swamp or kind of Lake went near SSW 1 mile and put up at 7:40 PM. all the woods pafsed this day is Fir Pine & Juniper we put on shore this day from 3 1/4 PM untill 4 PM to stop the leaks in my canoe. Wind Southerly light breeze showery weather. The Chepawyans killed a Moose and some Geese and swans at this place."

June 12
" Sunday [lat. reading]
at 2:50 PM got underway went S 1/2 mile and SW 1/2 mile and came to the end of the lake which is about 1 mile wide a small bay on East side and full of grafsy swamps fine harbour for Swans Geese Ducks &c. good Woods all round it. enterd a small river about 80 yards broad went SSW 1/4 mile and S 1/4 mile the river then about 30 yards broad at this place an other river falls into this as large as the one we came down it rises at the Grizzle Bear Hill and is called by the same name as that mention on the 10th inst. a range of hills lay nearly E & W about 2 miles south of this place. went W to S 1/2 mile the river about 40 yards broad went N to NE 1/2 mile SW to S 1/2 mile W to S 1/4 mile WNW to SSE 1/2 mile N easterly to SW 1/2 mile SE & SSE 1/4 mile S to SE 1/4 mile ENE to S 1/4 mile W to NE 1/4 mile W,S & SE 1/2 mile W,N & SW 1/2 mile W,N,W & N 3/4 mile the part of the river pafsed easy current deep water the points very short and willows on both sides & good Woods about a mile a part came to a part with good pine woods on both banks went W 1/4 mile E to NWbN 3/4 mile ESE & E 1/4 mile N.NW & N 3/4 mile WSW, SW & W 1/2 mile WSW & N 1/4 mile WSW,W & NW 2 miles and came to the junction of a river rather larger than the one we came down it opens South on our left hand it called by the Sothern Indians Meth-quap-pim a Seepe and by the Chepawyans Hy?-qoz?-zae Diz-za or the red willow River which name the whole River takes untill it joins the Pillicon River. put up at 6:20 PM at the point of junction. Wind West fresh breeze with showers of rain. in the winter the Indans informed me that there is a way out of the Beaver River to the Athapescow therefore think this river rises some where near it. the Chepawyans hunting, one of them killed a poor Bull Buffalo which our people fetched here by 1/2 AM? and the others killed some Beaver & Geese this is a fine country for Cattle Beaver Geese &c."

June 13
" Monday Wind variable all round the compafs with showery weather the people drying meat which though poor is better than none.
[lat. reading]
at 2 PM the Chepawyans went a head to hunt."

June 14
" Tuesday at 4 3/4 AM got underway and went down the river which is about 70 yards wide went NbW 1/2 mile NNW to NbE 1 1/4 mile N,WNW & N 1 mile a small creek on west side went NW 1 1/4 mile near NNW 3/4 mile and came to part of the Chepawyans they had killed two Moose staid with them an hour and got some flesh from them. then went N to NEbE 1/2 mile NE 1 mile NNE 3/4 mile NW & N 3/4 mile NE 1 mile NNE easterly to S 1 mile SSW easterly to N 3/4 mile NNE 1/4 mile NEbE 3/4 mile the river pafsed deep water and moderate current land on both sides rather low and well coverd with Pine Poplar Birch Asp &c. then came to fresh current and shoal ridges went NNE to N 3/4 mile and came to two Canoes of the Chepawyans they had just killed a Bull Buffalo. put up at 7:20 AM and fetched the flesh which was 1/4 mile within the woods one of the Chepawyans went a little way down the side of the river an directly killed an other Bull Buffalo about 1/2 a mile below us with the people immediately fetched all hands employed splitting and drying the meat about Noon an other Canoe which was a head came back they had killed a Moose. Wind SW fresh gale with showery weather in the evening the Chepawyans went forward to hunt."

June 15
" Wednesday Wind Westerly fresh gale with showers of rain lay by this day drying meat."
[lat. reading]

June 16
" Thursday at 4:17 AM got underway went NNE 1/4 mile NW & WNW 3/4 mile NNE 1/4 mile NNW 1/2 mile a small Island in the middle of the river went NW to NNW 1/2 mile NE 1/2 mile strong current at the end of this reach went NNW 1/4 mile NbE 3/4 mile NE 1 mile NNE 1/4 mile NNW & NW 3/4 mile N 1/4 mile NNE 1/4 mile NE 1 mile E 1/2 mile NE to N 1/4 mile and E 1/8 mile and came to part of the Chepawyans at 6:22 AM and staid untill 6:42 AM they had killed a Bull Buffalo and was drying part of it went NNE to NNW 1/4 mile and NE 3/8 mile a small creek on East or right hand side which the carrying place mentioned the 9th inst. comes into of the small Lake went NNW 1/4 mile NW 1/2 mile WbS 1/4 mile and W 1/4 mile and mett one Canoe of Chepawyans who had been down the river hunting they had killed a young Moose they crofsed from us and directly killed a bull Buffalo we crofsed and put on shore at 7 AM to skin and bring the meat to the shore where we pitched our tents and set to work to dry the meat the Indians went back to those we pafsed this morning. about Noon three Canoes of Chepawyans came to us and the others joined us in the evening.
[lat. reading]
Wind Westerly fresh breeze Clear and Cloudy alternately. At 2 PM sent Peter Fidler to examin the Carrying place. I having no English shoes and my feet being very tender. at 7 1/2 PM he returned with the following account he went up the creek NEbE 1 mile and N 1/4 mile upon a strait line the creek very crooked with small rapids in it but thinks Canoes might pafs up it. the woods about 300 yards a part then landed on the right hand side and carry 1050 yards swampy mofsy ground and small thick Pines and Junipers then 970 yards dry deep mofs woods larger but must be cleared before Canoes could be carried a long it then 4950 yards good sound ground and open Firs with 420 yards of bad swamps interspersed in the good in Seven places then 500 yards dry mofsy ground but much wind fallen wood. came to the lake the river we enterd the lake at bore N75E the course over the carrying place E by compafs very strait."

June 17
" Friday at 18' PM got underway went N to NE 1/4 mile steep Sandy red bank on W side 50 or 60 feet heigh and 100 yards long with small Firs &c at top and good Pines on E side went SW to N 3/4 mile a ripple at the top of the reach went W 1/4 mile ENE 1/4 mile N 1/8 mile NW 3/4 mile SW 1/4 mile W 3/4 mile a little ripple towards the bottom NWbN 1/2 mile strong current all the land pafsed in this river rather low and coverd with fine Pine Poplar Asp Birch &c with fine grafsy places and plenty of Buffalo Moose Beaver Geese &c. then NW 3/4 mile W 3/4 mile heigh land then SWbS 3/8 mile all a rapid and steep heigh banks handed the Canoes then W 1/4 mile all a rapid steep bank on South side went SW 3/4? mile very strong current heigh bank on NW side then NW 1/8 mile a strong ripple NbE 1/4 mile WNW 1/4 mile and NW 1/8 mile very strong current NbE westerly to SW 1/2 mile a strong rapid NE 1/8 mile easy current N & ENE 1/2 mile very strong current NNW,NE & N 1/2 mile and W northerly to NE 1/2 mile strong current W 1/8 mile a rapid W 1/8 mile moderate current and came to a large creek on E side white water a strong rapid in the mouth of it. stoped from 4:40 PM to 5:52 PM the Chepawyans having killed two Buffalo a little way back went NNW 1/2 mile moderate current WNW 1/8 mile a ripple SW 1/4 mile very strong current W 1/4 mile N & NE 1/4 mile N to W 1/4 mile S 1/4 mile and WSW 1/4 mile all very strong current W to N 1/4 mile and NNW 1/2 mile moderate current WNW 1/4 mile very strong current a small creek on South side NW 1/4 mile WNW 1/4 mile and N to NE 1/4 mile very strong current NW 1/4 mile moderate current W 1/8 mile SSW 1/2 mile NNW 1/2 mile W to NW 1/2 mile S 1/8 mile WSW 1/8 mile N 3/8 mile NW 1/8 mile SSW 3/8 mile NW 1/2 mile W to SW 3/8 mile NNW to W 3/4 mile N to NE 1/4 mile and N to WNW 1/4 mile very strong current W to S 3/8 mile strong rapid NW 3/4 mile very strong current a small Island on SE side coverd with Pine and Poplar WNW to SSW 1/2 mile very strong current W 1/8 mile and N 1/2 mile very strong current W 1/2 mile more moderate current put up at 8:15 PM. Wind Easterly cloudy weather with a little rain in the fore part of the day. the Chepawyans behind with the Buffalo and a Moose which they killed about a mile up the river. this last part of the river is from 60 to 80 yards wide has very heigh banks and exceeding steep mostly coverd with Pine Asp &c. we should have come this distance to day in two hours lefs time if we had known the river but it is to dangerous to turn a Point in a rapid without knowing what is below and none of the Indians know this part of the river. at 10 PM Mr Malcom Rofs and Hugh Lisk killed a poor doe Moose."

June 18
" Saturday at 11:25 AM got underway the Chepawyans still behind went NW 1/4 mile moderate current NNW & N 3/4 mile rapid at top and very strong current below W 3/8 mile very strong current WNW 1 mile strong current NW 1/4 mile moderate current WNW 1/4 mile very strong current NW 1/4 mile moderate current and came to the head of a fall at Noon stoped on E side Mr Malcom Rofs and Hugh Lisk went about a mile down the fall a long the shore found it not practicable to shoot it on the E side we then crofsed to the West side and they went about 2 mile down the side of the fall and found it still bad they returned and we crofsed to the East side and put up at 3 1/4 PM and Rob. Garroch and Malcom Grott went down the East side they returned at 6 1/2 PM and reported it to be very bad but did not see the end of it. about 6 PM the Chepawyans arrived but they are as strange here as our selves they wanted us to return and go round by the Methy carrying place for which I laughed? at them they then proposed to us to throw away our Canoes and carry our things to the Pillicon River and said if we would not that they would I told them the fall must have an end and we must see it. the Chepawyans are rather strangers in Canoes not being used to go in bad road with them. Wind SE strong Gale cloudy weather with showers of rain."

June 19
" Sunday having had no satisfactory account of the river and thinking it to dangerous to proceed in a fall without some knowledge of it having prevailed upon two of the Chepawyans at 7 AM two of them set of to see the end of the fall Peter Fidler and Hugh Lisk set of along the shore at 6 1/2 PM the Chepawyans returned and said they had been far down it but saw no end or amendment of it and again tried to prevail upon us to return by the way we came. at 8:25 PM Peter Fidler and Hugh Lisk returned and said they had been about 10 miles down the river which was two miles further than the Chepawyans had been and are of the opinion that it is practicable to go down it and that the first 4 or 5 miles is the worst of it but they think by making a few carrying places we shall be able to manage it they gave a very particular and good account of it. they found much bitumin or kind of Tar in the banks at the end of their journey and several Mineral and Salt springs the turnings are very short and banks exceeding heigh and so steep that its impofsible to climb them which makes them appear very dangerous. Wind SE strong Gale clear and Cloudy Alternate."
[lat. reading]

June 20
" Monday at 5 AM got underway crofsed and run the head of the fall then carried 50 yards on W or left hand side under the bank making NNW 1/2 mile then run SWbS 1/4 mile W & NWbW 1/2 mile W 1/8 mile N 1/4 mile NW 3/8 mile WbN 1/8 mile and NNE 1/4 mile and brought up on W or left hand side and carried part Cargoe 110 yards under the bank then run NW 1/4 mile a creek with a fall in the mouth of it on W or left hand side continued running NW 1/4 mile and EbN 1/4 mile and brought up on E side and carried under the bank a crofs a point under the bank 250 yards then crofsed directly over to W or left hand side and carried 170 yards under the bank got all over at 10:37 AM went down a long the shore to look at the fall found the wind and swell to much to proceed with at 5 PM the wind having abated we got underway again carried half cargoe 450 yards a long the W side shot the Canoes with part in NNW 1/4 mile and W 1/4 mile then landed what they had in the E or right hand side and crofsed back to W side and took in the remainder of their Cargoe and crofsed over again to the place they landed the rest at and landed all and carried 80 yards a crofs a point then shot with all in NbE 1/4 mile the bed of the river seems to have been 30 feet above the surface of the present river and several small bluffs stand on the right hand side which has been Islands and many petrified shells such as Cockels &c continued on NWbW 1/4 mile N 1/2 mile EbS 1/4 mile and N 1/4 mile and put up on W or left hand side at 9 1/2 PM. Wind SE fresh gale and clear the Chepawyans put up two reaches above us they upset one Canoe this day and lost all their goods that was in her."

June 21
" Tuesday at 6 AM got underway carried half the Cargoe 200 yards on W or left hand side shot the Canoes WNW 1/4 mile all the river pafsed yesterday and this peice one intire fall then went NbE 3/4 mile and pafsed 3 rapids NE 1/4 mile pafsed one ripple then W 1/4 mile & N 1/4 mile more moderate current went WbN 1/4 mile W 1/4 mile N 1/4 mile WNW 1/2 mile W 1/2 mile NWbN 1/4 mile NNW 1 mile pafsed a stony Island in this reach continued W 1/2 mile WbN 1/2 mile NW 1/4 mile WbS 1/4 mile WNW 1/2 mile and NW 1/2 mile the banks begin to turn lower and current easyer WbN 1/4 mile W 3/4 mile NNW 1/4 mile WSW 1/4 mile N 1/4 mile NW 1/4 mile WNW 1/4 mile and NW 1/4 mile all the river pafsed below the carrying places is full of rapids and strong current alternately then went WNW 1/4 mile NW 1/4 mile W 1/4 mile and NWbN 3/8 mile moderate current SSW 1/4 mile very strong current.
[lat. reading]
then went WNW to NNE 1/4 mile a strong ripple and pafsed all the falls in this river, this river seems to have undergone great and frequent changes, amongst the carrying places the banks which are 100 yards heigh or upwards and as steep as earth can well hang together seems to make frequent shoots and to fill up the River and oblige it to break its way again the banks Seems to have broke the most about the last carrying place but one where the shells appear. followed the river NW 1/8 mile and WNW 1/4 mile moderate current the river which we have pafsed is from 40 to 80 yards wide but opens here to 150 yards wide went W 1/2 N 1 3/4 mile smooth fresh current the banks not so heigh as before but very heigh a little way within about this part and three or four miles back the banks seem full of Tar. went SW 1/8 mile W 1/4 mile WNW 1/4 mile W 1/4 mile and NW 1/2 mile and came to an Island 3/4 mile long coverd with good poplar and pine went on E side W 1 mile the banks low and coverd mostly with large poplar heigh land within went N 1/8 mile and joined the river that comes from the methy carrying place at 1:25 PM. this river is called in Mr Dalrymples chart the Pillicon river it opens from NE with very heigh land on North side coverd mostly with berry bushes by the way we came we have mifsed the Methy carrying place which is reported to be 11 measurd miles and three others not so little as 3 miles. by all the accounts I have heard the Methy river has 76 rapids in it and many rapids in the Pilicon River which seems about the size of the one we came down. went down the Pillicon River which when joined by the red willow river makes a large river. went WbS 1 1/2 mile SW 1/2 mile the land on South side rather low and coverd with good Poplar. heigh land on N side mostly coverd with berry bushes. went W 3/4 mile and came to an Island mid river coverd mostly with poplar went WbS 1/2 mile WSW 1 1/4 mile scrub asps on both sides. W 1 mile SW by S 3/4 mile SW to WSW 1/2 mile NWbW 1/4 mile SWbS 1/4 mile SW to W 1/2 mile a small creek on south side NW 1/2 mile W to S 3/4 mile a pine and poplar Island went on South side SWbS 1/2 mile WSW to W 1 mile this last part of the river low banks coverd with Poplar and Pine. came came to good pine woods on South side went WNW 1/4 mile N 1/4 mile W 1/2 mile SSW 1/2 mile W 1/4 mile NW 1/4 mile NNE 1/2 mile WSW 1/2 mile (W to WNW 1/4 mile a willow Island on North side) N 1/4 mile a small river falls in on the south side about the middle of the reach. WNW 1 mile the woods burnt on North side good Medow on South side. went NW 1/2 mile and came to a river on South side about 100 yards wide very little current it opens from WSW suppose it to be a branch of the great river that comes from the Southward. then went NW 3/4 mile and came to a Canadian House on the North side of the river at 5 1/2 PM but the people have left it. Mr Mackensie informed me on the 1st inst that it was left on account of the country being burnt but I do not see that burnt appearance but it may be burnt within but I rather think he wanted the Men to carry out his Furrs. they have Birch rind, Pimicon &c locked up in their warehouse and a Garden planted with Potatoes which are in a thriving condition there is an Island mid river below the House. went on South side W 1/2 mile and came the Athapiscow River. the River pafsed from 150 to 200 yards wide moderate current banks rather low but heigh land within there seems to be a very heigh Hill or kind of Mountain running a great distance nearly from E to West through which the falls we came down in the red willow river pafses and I am informed that the Athapiscow River comes through it much in the same manner. this part of the Athapiscow River where the Pillicon River falls into it appears like a kind of Lake and is upwards of 2 mile wide with several Islands in it coverd mostly with small asp it opens from South by Compafs and seems to turn SW - went down the river NW 1/4 N 4 miles strong current and deep water put up on an Island at 7 1/4 PM the river nearly keeps its breadth to this place the banks on E side is about 100 yards heigh and so steep that it would be impofsible to climb it the bank on West side rather low and coverd with small Asp &c. Wind Easterly strong gale fore part of the day latter part light breeze with clear weather saild part of the Pillicon River.

The Chepawyan Indians still behind they being fearfull of running the falls but lead their canoes a long the side of the river and their Women and children walk through the woods and carry their things.
[half page lat. readings]"

June 22
" Wednesday [lat. reading]
Took an Observation for the Variation of the Compafs by which I made the Variation 14 1/2 E but discoverd it to be an error occasioned by setting the compafs upon a small box the Lock and hinges of which attracted the needle.
At 4 1/2 PM the Chepawyans came at 5:07 PM we got underway went NNW 3/4 mile the river then about 1/4 mile wide bank on east side very heigh and steep. on West side low and coverd with Poplars &c. heigh land about 1/4 mile from the river went NNW 1 3/4 mile low land both sides and came to a Poplar Island 1/4 mile long mid river went on E side NNW 3/4 mile steep heigh bank on east side and low on West side went NW 1/2 N 2 miles banks as before. NNW 1/2 N 1 mile low banks and burnt woods on W side pafsed to West of a small went N 1 1/4 mile NW 1 mile NW 1/2 N 2 miles and pafsed to east of an Island coverd with Asp and to west of a willow Island this latter part the banks low and coverd with Asp & Poplar heigh Land with went NNW 1/4 mile NbE 3/4 mile and NW 1 mile on East side of a large Island coverd with Pine Poplar & Birch went NW 1 mile and WNW 1 1/4 mile and put up at 9 1/4 PM on a Island mid river. the river pafsed this day moderate current and deep water interspersed with sandy ridges. Wind SE fres Gale clear and flying clouds alterna?. P. Fidlers feet very bad from the bruises he got in going along the shore to look at the falls the 19th inst. they have been swelled and painful to him ever since but he is now unable to walk."

June 23
" Thursday at 3:40 AM got underway. a larhe? creek on east side, went NW 1/2 N 3 miles a Pine Island on east side and a Poplar and willow Island on west side at this place a large hill called Birch hill bears W by compafs about 3 or 4 Miles from the river upon and about which there is a great quantity of good Birch Rind fit for building large Canoes. the hill appears about 2 mile wide North and South but its a great length East amd West a fine Country for Buffalo and Moose went WNW 1/2 N 2 1/2 miles pafsed a pine Island on West side NWbW 1 mile an old Canadian House on East side which was left when they built the one at the mouth of the Pillicon River it was a Winter trading House for the Southern Indians and dependant on the Athapiscow Lake House went NW 1 mile a creek on West side runs from the birch hill went NW 1 1/4 mile pafsed several asp Islands East of us went NWbN 3/4 mile a small river or large creek about 40 yards wide on West side the main river about 300 yards broad went NbW 2 miles pafsed two large Islands on East side and one Island on West side went NNW 1 1/4 mile and came to two Islands went between them NW 1 mile and NWbN 1 mile and came to the end of the Island on East side went NW 1/2 mile and came to the end of the Island on West side continued NW 1/2 mile then NWbN 1 3/4 mile within an Island on East side then NWbN 1 mile pafsed a small Island on W side, NW 1 mile a large creek on West side and an Island on East side. NbW 6 1/2 miles pafsed one small and one large Island. the land pafsed this day rather low and coverd chiefly with Asp with some Pine and Birch through it. came to heigh land several Islands at this part went NNE 2 miles a Poplar Island close on the point on West side went to East of it NbE 1 3/4 miles a creek on W side.
[lat. reading]
Went N 1 1/2 mile NbE 1 1/2 mile and came to an Island mid river one mile long went on W side N 1 mile NbE 2 miles many willow and other Islands about this part went on East side NNE 2 miles and N 1 mile pafsed several Islands went 4 miles and NbW 5 miles and pafsed several Islands East of us went NNW 5 miles and pafsed several Islands and came to a short peice of heigh white bank on East side and a Pine Island before it went NW 1 1/2 mile NWbW 4 miles NW 2 miles and N 3 miles and pafsed many Islands (the Birch Hill here appears SWbS) went NbE 1 1/2 mile and put up on an Island at 8:45 PM. the river pafsed this day as before mostly moderate current and from 400 to 600 yards wide banks mostly low with heigh patches and mostly coverd with small Asp and good Pine bluffs. Wind SE fresh breeze cloudy weather. only two Canoes of the Chepawyans seen this day suppose the others to be a head - P. Fider not able to walk his feet having opened and are running much matter."

June 24
" Friday at 3:50 AM got underway went N 1/2 E 2 1/2 miles NNW 2 1/2 miles NW 3 1/2 miles NNW 2 1/2 miles and put up at 6:35 AM the river and banks pafsed as yesterday. Wind Northerly fresh breeze at 6 AM it began to rain and continued raining most of the day - P. Fidlers feet worse."

June 25
" Saturday at 4 3/4 AM got underway went N 2 mile NW 3 1/2 mile at this place a peice of steep sandy bank on E side. went WbS 1 mile NW 3/4 mile NbE 1 1/4 mile W 1 mile N 1/2 mile WSW 1/2 mile NNW 1/2 mile NW 1 mile NW 3 1/2 miles NNE 1/2 mile at this place a creek on the East side went NNE 1/2 mile NW 1/4 mile the river at this place parts into two branches followed the Eastern one, the river pafsed this day much as before. went in the East branch N 1/2 and came to Peter Ponds old House which is the farthest North he ever Wintered. went NE 3/4 mile ENE 3/4 mile and put up at 11 AM wind variable with rain from 9 AM untill night. Peter Fidler much as yesterday."

June 26
" Sunday at 2 1/4 AM got underway went NE 1/2 mile ENE 1 3/4 mile EbS 3/8 mile NEbE 1/2 mile E 3/8 mile NE 3/4 mile and E 1 mile a small branch about 30 yards wide on East side the Chepawyans having informed us that we should keep the eastern branch and they not being with us we left the main branch which is about 200 yards wide and went down the small one S.SE & SW 1/2 mile SbE to SW 1 1/4 mile SSE 1 mile and came to a part where two small rivers join this branch on right hand side went EbS & NE 1 1/2 mile EbN 1/2 mile. it here parts into many small branches went in one of them NE 1/4 mile and enterd a small swampy Lake wenr ESE 3/4 mile then enterd a small river went SE to NNE 1 1/4 mile and came to two branches the one running NNE the other which we followed SSW - went SSW 3/8 mile SSE 1/4 mile and East 1/2 mile an other branch then joins on right hand or south side about 50 yards wide the one we came down is about 30 yards wide then went SE 3/4 mile NE & N 1/8 mile ESE 3/4 mile and NNE 1/4 mile and came to a small Lake but the weather being very thick we took it for the Athapescow Lake but have since learnd it is called the Jack Lake all this small river from the place where the two small rivers join on the right hand runs through swampy lakes and when the water is heigh it makes it all one lake with willows for boundaries of the Channel went in the Lake SbE 2 1/2 miles EbN 2 1/2 miles and NNE 4 miles and put up at 1 PM not being able to see any distance. Wind Westerly strong Gale with rain from 8 AM - Peter Fidler much as yesterday."

June 27
" Monday rain in the morning at 7 AM nearly clear when we got underway and found it to be only a swampy small Lake and not the proper track so returned to the first small Lake as soon as we came to it found a small river which runs near North following it N 1 mile.
[lat. reading]
Followed the river which is about 30 yards wide and about 12 feet water fresh current went EbN 2 miles and came to two branches followed the right hand one SSE 1 mile and came to the Jack Lake again heigh land appears from NE to E at about 10 miles distance not knowing properly which way to proceed and all the others being desirous of returning into the great river the way we came I concented - in returning found a strong current against us in crofsing the swampy lake and when we came to the small river which leads to the great branch found the current very strong though easy yesterday at at 5 1/4 PM arrived at the great branch and found the water had raised 3 feet perpendicular and the current twice as strong as when we left it yesterday the small lakes we have been amongst are very grafsy and all willows about the side except the Jack Lake which has bold land on NE side many geese are in these Lakes and ducks rise out of them like clouds. went down the large branch EbN 1/2 mile NbW 1/2 mile EbN 1 mile ENE 1 mile E 3/4 mile ENE 1/2 mile a branch runs out NW and and an other which we followed ESE 1/4 mile E 1/2 mile ESE 1 mile and put up at 7 PM to dry our things. Wind variable Westerly light airs with rain in the morning and flying clouds the remainder of the day this part of the river the banks low and coverd with willows and a few stragling Poplars with swamps and small lakes close within."

June 28
" Tuesday at 3:10 AM got underway went NNE 1/4 mile E 1/2 mile a branch breaks of to North went in the Eastern branch NbE 1 1/2 mile NNE 1/4 mile NEbE 1 mile a branch opens in right hand side SW about 80 yards wide which runs into the Jack Lake which is about 3/4 mile from this place the water having suddenly risen in the river above the level of the swampy Lakes the water now runs out of the river into the swampy Lakes through all the avenues the water has been upon the rise all the way we came down this river but as we went faster than the current we did not greatly perceive it this Water Is much the same as the Water in the Sas-skash-a-wan river and comes from the stony mountain. a broad swamp close on the North side the branch which runs into the Jack lake which seems to join it but not much current running up it. continued down the river NNE 3/4 mile a branch runs to the river on the left hand side went ENE 1/2 mile NE 1/4 mile NNE 1/4 mile N 3/4 mile NEbN 1 1/4 mile a branch opens west went NE 1 mile NNE 1/2 mile N 1/4 mile NNW 1/2 mile a large branch runs NW went NNE 1/2 mile ENE 1/4 mile NE 1/4 mile NNW 3/4 mile N 1/2 mile NE 1/2 mile NNW 1/2 mile at 6:40 AM came to four of the Canoes the Chepawyans which had accompanied us went NW 1/2 mile NNW 1 1/2 mile and came to the Athapescow Lake at 7 1/4 AM all the last part of this river very low banks coverd with willows. fresh current swampy kind Lakes on both sides, the Lake opens W beyond sight went a crofs a small bay on right hand side NNW 2 miles to a point then NNE 1/2 mile a long the shore then went a crofs a deep bay N58E 6 miles the land on East side very heigh and is the same that we saw from the swampy lakes and came to the Canadian Settlement called the Fort Chepawyan an Island was about 1/2 mile within us as we crofsed for the Settlement the House stands upon a heigh sandy point with but little wood round it. when we arrived we found two Familys of Beaver River Indians which we had seen at Isle-a la Crofse and an other Family of Southern Indians which belong to these parts and two Families of Chepawyans besides those which came with us . we were very kindly received by Mr Roderick Mackensie who is head clerk in these parts and stays as summer Master of all these parts, in the evening four Canoes of Southern Indians Arrived with Provision for the Canadians. Wind Northerly fresh Gale flying clouds which made a very heavy swell in the Lake - Peter Fidler in a mending condition."

June 29
" Wednesday [lat. reading]
The Indians drinking - I think this the compleatest Inland House I have seen in the Country. this is the Grand Magazine of the Athapiscow Country and I am informed they have a Sufficient quantity of Trading Goods in this Country for at least two years to come - Wind Variable flying with Thunder in the evening - Peter Fidlers feet upon the mend."

June 30
" Thursday [lat. reading]
The Indians still drinking - Wind variable all round the Compafs with clear Weather - Peter Fidlers feet much better."

July 1 1791
" Friday Wind Westerly fresh Gale with heavy rain in the evening - Peter Fidlers feet mending fast."

July 2
" Saturday Mr Malcom Rofs having engaged a Chepawyan we found at this place to Pilot us to the Slave Lake called by the Southern Indians (the Arch-u-thin-nu or Wau-con Sack-a-ha-gan or Slave Lake and by the Chepawyans Thlee-chaug-a Too-a or Dog Rib Lake) at 8 1/2 PM we got underway for the Slave Lake with our new Pilot and likewise our old Pilot and his Brother in Law went a crofs the Lake WSW 10 miles to an Island called the Goose Island where we found a Southern Indian belonging to the Beaver River stoped at 11 3/4 PM Wind Westerly fresh breeze with rain all the forepart of the day calm in the evening - P Fidlers feet nearly well."

July 3
" Sunday at 6:25 got underway again it having blowed to hard in the morning. the Indian we found here having joined us all the other Southern Indians are going to War upon the Indians to Westward of the Slave Lake and this Indian says he is going with them. went W 1/2 N 9 miles and came to the main shore on NW side which is an intire rock and many rocky Islands laying to South from which this part of the Lake is called the Lake of the paps from their appearing heigh and round at a distance and no land seen beyond them. in the Southern Indian tongue Too-toos Sack-a-ha-gan in the Chepwayan tongue Thew Too-ah or the Paps Lake. Thew is pronounced by prefsing the tongue very hard against the uper teeth. this part runs about 7 or 8 miles to South low swampy ground on South side with a few willows growing upon it. from which the Lake in General takes its name Athapescow in the Southern Indian tongue signifies open country such as lakes with Willows and grafs growing about them or swampy land without woods. Kyte-hel-le-ca in the Chepawyan tongue implies the same meaning but that name does not properly belong or is applied to any part but the South end. went nearly along the shore W 2 mile an open bay then appears to South clear of Islands but seems full of shoals. some where out of this part a small river runs to the Peace River. enterd a narrow between the main shore and an other range of rocky Islands running away SW went between the Island and main shore NbE 1 mile and came a bay clear of Islands to SW and seems to run 4 or 5 miles that way the land to southwards low and coverd with willows this bay seems very shoal. heigh rocky land on SE and NW side with a few Scrub Pines & Asps &c. seemingly growing out of the clifts in the rocks and many rocky Islands a long the shore. went a crofs the bay NWbW 3 miles very shoal left two bays on right hand side and ? to the Slave River called by the Southern Indians Arch-u-thin-nu Seepe or Wau-con See-pe or Slave Indian River by the Chepawyans Befs-chow Diz-za or Great Knife River. enterd the Slave River which is full of rocky Islands in the mouth and no appearance of a river went NW 1/4 mile W 1/16 mile two other branches join on left hand side went NNW 1/4 mile then W 1/4 mile an Island close on right hand side then WNW 1/2 mile and WbN 1/4 mile the river about 200 yards wide a large branch joins on left hand side went NW 1/4 mile a small branch falls in on left hand side went NbW 3 miles a branch falls in on left hand side went NbW 1 1/2 mile a river on right hand side which runs out of a lake went NbW 1/2 mile NEbN 1 mile NE 1 1/4 mile a rock on the shore in the bay went N 1/2 mile NbW 2 1/2 mile. then WbN 1 mile an Island all along the right hand side went WbS 1/2 mile a small river on left hand side opens from South went WbN 1/2 mile WbS 1/4 mile SSW 1/4 mile SW 1/2 mile W 1/4 mile a rocky Island on right hand side coverd with pine asp &c then went WNW 1/2 mile and put up at 7 1/2 PM found we had left the Sextant at the Canadian House though I had particularly enquired and was afsured it was in the Canoe. Wind Southerly strong breeze in the morning light breeze the remainder of the day with flying clouds the river pafsed this day easy current and from 200 to 350 yards wide low banks and coverd with small Poplar Asp & Willows. P. Fidlers feet recoverd."

July 4
" Monday at 4 1/4 AM got underway with my own Canoe to return for the Sextant at 9 1/4 AM got to the Lake at 11:50 AM set sail amongst the rocky Islands at 3:10 PM was off the goose Island at 5:30 PM arrived at the Canadian House found the Sextant safe in the room where we had put our things for safety while we staid at the Settlement. at 7:12 PM embarked again at 10 PM was off the Goose Island continued on. Wind SW strong gale fore part of the day light breeze at night clear weather."

July 5
" Tuesday Continued underway at 4 AM arrived at the rocky Islands. at 4:10 AM enterd the Slave river at 8:53 AM arrived at the place we returned from. at this place a small creek on left hand side. continued down the river WbN 1 1/4 mile NW 1/2 mile NWbN 1/2 mile the river pafsed about 250 yards wide the banks coverd with small Poplars and Willows easy current then went WbN 1 1/4 mile river 400 yards wide small Pines on East side Poplars on West side. here the Peace river falls into this river on the West or left hand side its about 1/4 mile wide with very strong current in the mouth of it. it is said to come from the stony Mountain its called by the Chepawyans the Chaw-hot-e-na Diz-za or Beaver Indian river up which the Canadians have two settlements which are the Support of this Country. its there they get all their dried provision for their journeys and without a Settlement in this river they would not be able to get their Furrs out. continued down the river NW 1 mile and N 1/2 mile an other branch of the Peace River falls in on the West side went N 1/4 mile an Island laying on E side N 3/4 mile an Island laying on W side at the end of which an other branch of the Peace River falls in on West side went NbW 1 1/2 mile pafsed a small rapid three small Islands lying on W side.
[lat. reading]
went NW 1/2 mile pafsed a small rapid Mid reach and an Island on West side NbW 1 1/2 mile a small rapid mid reach went N 3/4 mile a small Island on east side and an Island in a bay on west side went N 3/4 Mile and came to the end of an Island on east side lying in a bay went NNW 1 1/4 mile and pafsed two kind of openings into a small shoal Lake called the drift wood lake from the great quantity of wood which drives out of the river into it when the water is very heigh in the river continued NNE 2 miles and pafsed a round small willow Island mid channel and came to the end of the Island on east side then went WbN? 2 1/2 miles NWbN 2 1/2 miles a large Island on left hand side about a mile long at the uper end of the reach a large opening at the tail of it which goes up to the drift wood lake and makes this last land pafsed on West side an Island. put up at 6 1/4 PM. Wind SW fresh breeze and mostly clear a Thunder storm at noon the river pafsed below where the Peace River falls in is about from 1/4 to 1/2 mile wide land rather low and coverd with good woods."

July 6
" Wednesday at 2:05 AM got underway went NEbN 2 miles N 1/2 mile NWbN 1 1/2 mile two small Islands on right hand side the river pafsed this day from 600 to 700 yards wide. at this place we found the other Canoe and the Indians who immediately got underway and joined us. went West 1 mile and run a strong rapid on the left hand side the river two Islands in the rapid on the North or right hand side a point of rocks projects into the river which makes a bay above and below the rapid went NNW 5 miles several Islands close on the east side of the river which is about 1/2 mile broad strong current low and coverd with small pine and Asp. at this place it draws to about 300 yards wide a small creek in the bay on left hand side. a bold grafsy point on East side (near West of this last reach is a place reported by some to be a salt Hill where salt is dug out but by others to be a place where the salt drys upon grafs by the side of a Lake and Salt springs. I have used of it and have eat meat cured with it and think it very good. the Canadians get great quantities of it from the Indians). went N 3/4 mile very strong current or rather a rapid a creek on right hand side in the bay below and two bold rocky Islands mid river went NWbW 1 1/2 mile a creek on left hand suppose it to come from the one above the rapid and to make the point on left hand side an Island the river widens again went NWbN 1 1/2 mile then NWbN 1 1/2 mile a large Island all a long on right hand side the river pafsed near about 3/4 mile wide then N 1/2 mile the river about 400 yards wide and came to end of a large low Island on east side it then suddenly opens to upwards of 1/2 mile wide rocky shore on west side went NNW 1 1/4 mile and came to the end of a low Island on west side continued NNW 1 3/4 mile and came to the end of both Islands went NNW 1 mile and came to the end of a bold rocky Island on west side went NNW 1 mile and came to the end of the Island an other rocky Island 1/2 mile long lying on east side opposite to the other. went NNW 1 1/4 mile and came to the end of an other rocky Island rather on east side and a small rocky Island behind it went N 3/4 mile and came to the end of the Island went NNW 1 mile NW 2 1/2 miles the river drawing narrower to about 1/4 mile wide went WbN 1/2 to a heigh rocky Island in a bay on right hand side.
[lat. reading]
The land pafsed below the rapid deep water and strong current mostly rocky bold land coverd with Pine Asp &c. went WNW 1 mile NWbN 1 1/2 mile WNW 1 mile this past part land low and coverd with small Asps and Willows. came to a small heigh rocky Island with small pines upon it and an heigh rocky Island with burnt woods upon it the right hand point bold and rocky and coverd with scub Asp the Channel between the Islands and the East shore About 100 yards wide the main river about 500 yards broad running round the Islands went along the narrow part NNW 1 1/2 mile pafsed four Islands on left hand side narrow channels between them then NWbN 2 miles the river about 400 yards wide continued NWbN 2 miles the river opening wider then went behind an Island on East side NbE 3/4 mile N 3/4 mile and WbN 1 mile and came to the end of the Island kept on East side and went WNW 1 1/2 mile NNW 1/4 mile and N 1 1/2 mile and came to the head of the falls a small river at this place close above the head of the falls. this last part of the river the current much as before land rather low and coverd with pine Asp &c. put up at 5 PM wind Northerly fresh breeze and hazy weather got 1 swan, 8 old and 24 young Geese from the Indians."

July 7
" Thursday Wind variable Easterly Strong Gale with Thunder and Showers of rain lay by being to much wind to proceed in the falls with.
[lat. reading]"

July 8
" Friday [lat. reading]
At 2 PM got underway enterd the fall went close on east side N 3/4 mile shot three strong shoots then went WNW 3/8 mile and enterd a narrow about 30 yards wide left the main river which runs west about 3/4 mile wide and very full of small Islands. went N 1/8 mile pafsed a fall on our left hand which runs for the main river continued NNE & N 1/2 mile near SW 1/4 mile and came to a Carrying place on The Main shore carried near NW 410 yards a crofs a point good carryng several other branches joins in the fall then went N 1/2 mile easy current WbN 1/4 mile strong current and rocky sides and W 1 mile moderate current the river here all joins and is about 1 mile wide heigh banks and burnt woods on left hand or West side the Land on East side rather bold and well coverd with Pine Asp &c. kept close on the right hand side went NWbN 3/4 mile moderate current two Islands off this part pafsed a small creek black water went WNW 1/4 mile moderate current N 1/2 mile strong current several Islands off this part went NW 3/4 mile and came to a narrow full of drift wood the main river running SW went up to the drift wood then carried on the right hand side on the main shore 1000 yards nearly West middling good carrying nearly a long the side of the river. at the end of the carrying place several falls join went in a narrow part between N & NW 3/4 mile a branch runs in and an other out of this narrow which is about 15 to 20 yards wide came to a fall and carried 250 yards on the main shore then went NW 1/4 mile then carried 300 yards on the main shore three branches join in this fall went near W 3/4 mile WSW 1/2 mile SW 1/4 mile an other branch then joins went WNW 1/4 mile and joined the main river went WNW 1/2 mile to the head of a large fall carryed on the main shore over a hill 150 yards and carried the goods 200 yards farther the fall about 20 feet nearly perpendicular and very heavy brakers in the main channel put up at 9 PM Wind SW fresh breeze with rain in the fore part of the day latter part cloudy with misty showers."

July 9
" Saturday at 6:20 AM got underway went WbS 1/2 mile shot two shoots went behind an Island W 1/4 mile and brought up on the main shore about 30 yards above the fall and carried 750 yards near W on the main shore good carrying but bad Geting up the bank my Steersman Hugh Lisk who is a very careful good Servant was guilty of so great a neglect at to tie his Canoe to willow under the bank not being able to get her up the bank without more afsistance than what was at hand. while he went over the carrying place with a load by some means she broke a drift but by great good luck she was caught by Malcom Grott upon the very head of the fall if she had been one Yard further down or 1/2 a foot farther out she would have been totally lost. carried all over the carrying place then went NW 1/4 mile shot a string shoot went NNW 1/4 mile a creek on right hand side went NW 1 1/2 mile WNW 3/4 mile pafsed three small Islands two of them near mid river the other on East side went behind an Island W 1/8 mile and came to a carrying place 450 yards near NW good carrying. a few years since at this fall the Canadians Totally lost two Canoes and had 5 men drownend.
[lat. reading]
Pafsing these falls it is proper always to keep to the East shore all the carrying places is on the main shore and head of them good to come at except the last but one and that is not bad but must bring up in good time close to the shore as the suction is strong an sly. the falls are from 3/4 to 1 mile wide full of Islands. heigh land on West side the woods burnt but on East side the land is rather low and coverd with Pine Firs &c. went down the river W 2 miles WSW 2 1/2 miles and came to a large Island nearly round and well coverd with good pine the river below the falls about 3/4 mile wide. went on West side the Island SSW 1 mile and W 1 mile and came to the end of the Island went SW 1 1/2 mile and came to a larg Island on West or left hand side went on East side NW 1 1/2 mile and West 1 mile and came to the end of the Island then NWbN 2 miles And came to a river about 20 yards wide on West or left hand side went NW 4 miles and pafsed a narrow willow Island on right hand side continued NW 8 miles and pafsed two narrow willow Islands on W or left hand side went WNW 2 1/2 miles and pafsed a narrow willow Island on right hand side and put up at 8 PM Wind SE fresh breeze and clear in the fore part of the day. strong gale and cloudy latter part and calm with Thunder and rain in the evening - The last part of the river about 1/2 mile wide fresh current land low and mostly coverd with good woods. got 15 young and 6 Old Geese from the Indians."

July 10
" Sunday at 6:20 AM got underway went WNW 3 miles pafsed two long narrow willow Islands continued WNW 2 1/2 miles WSW 1 1/2 mile a long Island on left hand or West side went NW 1 mile a large Island on right hand or East side and N 1/2 mile to the end of the Island went N 1/4 mile two large Islands in a bay on left hand side and a carrying place out of the bay to a river that falls into the slave Lake to the SW of this river went EbN 5 miles.
[lat. reading]
Went 2 1/2 North an Island in mid river 1/2 mile long coverd with Pine Poplar and Willows went NW 2 miles WbN 2 1/2 miles NE 3miles NNW 1 1/2 mile NWbW 2 miles WSW 2 1/2 miles and put up at the uper end of an Island coverd with Poplar and Asp at 4 3/4 PM to wait for the Indians to hunt the Chepawyans having stoped behind this day for that purpose. Wind SW light breeze flying clouds.
Variation 26° East.
[lat. reading]"

July 11
" Monday
[lat. reading]
At 6 AM the Southern Indian went a hunting at 2 PM the Chepawyans came up but had not killed any Cattle at 6 PM the Southern Indian returned he had killed one Moose. Wind Southerly fresh breeze a few flying clouds. got 1 swan 21 young and 11 old Geese from the Chepawyans."

July 12
" Tuesday at 3:55 AM got underway went on East side the Island NW 1/2 mile to the end of it then NW 1/4 mile to the end of an other Island coverd with pine poplar Asp &c. went on East side NNW 1/4 mile and put on shore at 4:10 AM for the People to fetch the Moose killed yesterday. at 9 AM the People returned with the flesh erected a stage to dry it a little. at 4:35 PM the meat being a little dried and the Indian having taken the hair of the skin we again got underway went NNW 1/2 mile WNW 1/2 mile W 1/2 mile SW 3/4 mile.
[lat. reading]
Went SbW 3/4 mile and came to the end of the Island which Is nearly W 1/2 S 2 1/2 miles from where came from in the morning then went WSW 3/4 mile W 1 mile WbN 4 miles and came to the end of a poplar Island went WNW 1 mile and came to the Chepawyans and put up a long side of them upon the Island at 7 PM. Wind Northerly fresh breeze and clear the river pafsed much as before the land rather low bank on East side hanging over being undermined by the current. the Chepawyans had been hunting and has killed a Buffalo.
[lat. reading]"

July 13
" Wednesday [lat. reading]
At 6 1/4 AM Five of our People went with a Chepawyan to fetch the flesh of the buffalo killed yesterday and the Southern Indian went hunting at 8 AM the other Chepawyans went up the river to a buffalo they had killed yesterday. at 1 PM our People returned with the buffalo flesh and the Chepawyan went after the others who are to hunt and if they prove succefsful they are to send for us to fetch the meat when dried. at 7 1/2 PM the Southern Indian returned he said he had killed a Bull Buffalo but it was so far from the river that he took no care of it our People employed drying meat. Wind NE fresh Gale with flying clouds."

July 14
" Thursday Wind SE fresh Gale fore part of the day hazy clouds latter part more cloudy with Thunder and rain at night lay by this day drying and beating the meat. The water rising fast."

July 15
" Friday at 9 AM Mr Malcom Rofs got underway with his Canoe accompanied by the Southern Indian who is going down the river to hunt. self waiting for the Chepawyans.
[lat. reading]
heard several Guns this evening suppose them to be fired by the Chepawyans. Wind SE fresh breeze with Thunderlike clouds."

July 16
" Saturday at 6 1/2 PM the three Canoes of the Chepawyans came and at 6:56 PM we got underway went NWbW 1 1/2 mile pafsed a small willow Island mid river went NWbN 3 1/2 miles NNW 1 1/4 mile a kind of river on right hand side went NWbW 1 mile and W 1 mile broken Islands on East side came to the others that went a head at 8:25 PM and put up. wind fore part of the day SE with Thunderlike weather at 6 1/2 PM wind Variable with Thunder. Got some half dried buffalo Flesh from the Chepawyans."

July 17
" Sunday at 6:23 AM got underway crofsed to East side NNW 3/8 mile left the main branch running West and went in a branch about 100 yards behind an Island NEbN 1/2 mile ENE 1 mile NE 1/4 mile N 1/4 mile NWbW 3/4 mile W 1/2 mile SWbS 1/2 mile WSW 1/2 mile and NNW 3/4 mile and came to the end of the Island then went NNW 1 1/2 mile WNW 3/4 mile WSW 1/2 mile SW 1mile and SbW 1 mile and came to a large Island went on right hand side WbS 3/4 mile SSW 3/4 mile W 1/2 mile NWbN 2 miles NWbW 1 mile and WbN 1 mile and came to the end of the Island two small Islands laying at the tail of it and an other Upon the West side the river in this part about 1/2 mile wide banks bold and on East side coverd with good Pine but few trees on West side but good meadows within and a good part for buffalo went NW 1 mile and came to the end of a Poplar Island went on West side NW 1/2 mile NWbN 1 mile NNW 1 mile and came to the end of the Island went NNW 3 miles clear of Islands NbW 1 mile NNE 4 miles pafsed a small Island mid river and mid reach and came to large Island went on East side NNE 1 mile N 1 mile NW 1 mile and WbS 1 mile and came to the end of the Island this Island is in a half moon shape and we came round the out side of it - Put up at 7:40 PM. Wind in the fore part of the day Westerly light breeze and inclining to rain calm in the evening with rather heavy rain the river pafsed much as before good woods upon both sides at this part and likewise upon the large Islands. Got 27 Young and 8 Old Geese from the Indians."

July 18
" Monday at 9 AM got underway went WSW 1 mile NW 1 mile then NbW 1 mile along the side of a Poplar Island on left hand side then N 1/2 W 1 3/4 mile two Poplar Islands on right hand continued on NNE 2 miles NNW 1/2 mile WbS 1 1/2 mile WNW 2 miles NW 1? mile.
[lat. reading]
Went N 1 mile and came to end of an Island 1 1/2 mile long in a bay on West side went N 1/2 W 1 1/4 mile an opening about 200 yards wide on east side from a kind of Lake a favourite haunt of Swans stoped at 1 1/4 PM. one Chepawyan went up it the others being behind at 4 1/2 PM he returned with 5 Swans of which we got four the other Chepawyans being come up at 5 PM we got underway again went NW 1 mile.
[lat. reading]
Continued on W 1 mile SSW 1 1/2 mile and WSW 1 1/2 mile and came to an Island the river here braking into different branches followed the left hand branch WSW 1/2 mile and SSW 1 mile and put up on the Island at 7:40 PM. Wind fore part of day easterly inclining to rain middle of the day flying clouds Islands the latter part of the day Wind North with misty Fog. Got 4 swans 30 yound and 5 old Geese from the Indians."

July 19
" Tuesday at 2:20 PM got underway went NW 1/4 mile NNE 3/4 mile NNW 1/2 mile NW 1 mile W 1 1/4 mile WSW 1/2 mile SWbS 1 mile W 1/2 mile NW 1/2 mile this branch is from 200 to 300 yards wide the current much as the rest of the river below the Falls. good Woods on both sides went WbN 1 1/4 mile along the left hand side of a large bay or kind of lake then SW 1 mile in a part about 300 yards wide at the entrance and opening to near 1/2 mile broad the Lake then opens ahead enterd a narrow part on right hand side and went between NW and WSW about 1 1/2 mile and put up at 6 1/2 PM at the mouth of the river at this part the Land is very low and coverd with willows and Grafs. Wind NNW heavy Gale with Misty Weather fore part of the day latter part Cloudy.

This River below the falls has rather a strong current but at present the water is very heigh the Summer flush being now coming down all the rivers which come from the Stony Mountain have a great flush of Water in them which comes suddenly as if a head had been penned and opened all at once which I suppose must be occasioned by the snow laying so long upon the Mountain before it melts and then comes so sudden from the top that it washes the snow in the low parts before it. the greatest part of this water seems to come down the Peace river the water which comes down Athapescow River having so large a lake to fill before it makes much alteration in this River. all the banks in this river below the Falls seem to undergo great changes as they are wearing fast upon one side and gathering upon the other in places where the banks are breaking away both upon the main Land and Islands large trees are standing out from underneath upwards of Twenty Feet of earth the banks are all of a Sandy nature and are undermined in some places 30 feet and keep falling as they thaw and in some places large peices of the bank comes down togather and the Trees stand upon it as if they had grown from the bottom of the river. Pines upwards of 60 feet long not having 10 feet of their tops above the water. The land within seems level mostly good woods near the River and I am informed that there are fine Grafsy Plains with ledges of woods about which there are plenty of Buffalo and Moose. great quantities of Geese breed about this river and in the Plains the Cranes blue brown and white are Plenty beyond belief. This would be a fine country for Provisions was the Chepawyans who inhabit this part willing to part with it but it is not easy to get it from them.

For Observations at this place see book of Observations."

July 20
" Wednesday at 7 AM we got underway the Chepawyans went to the Southward expecting to find the Canadian House that way but I would not Accompany them they went the direction of their countryman that they saw at the Athapescow and I inpart followed Mr Mackensies direction which was to have gown down the Eastern branch of the river and then turn to our left hand and we should find the House about 2 miles from the mouth of river but the Indians persisted in keeping the West branch and all our People was inclined to think that the Indians know Best. we went along the side of the Lake NW 3/4 mile an other branch of the river then falls into the Lake went NNW 3 miles then a large branch of the River falls into the Lake went NNW 1 1/2 mile to the point of a grafsy Island appearing like the main shore the Island about 1/4 mile long then went NNE 1/2 E 2 miles to a small low Island in a bay the bay about 2 mile deep.
[lat. reading]
Then went NNE 3 miles to a rocky Island about 1/2 mile from the shore and put up at 3 PM to wait for the Chepawyans. All the first land we came a long is very low and coverd with Grafs and Willows it seems to be gaining upon the Lake which is very shoal of these parts there seems to be good woods about a Mile from the Lake the bay we pafsed seems terminate in a point about a mile from this place from the Point along the North shore is coverd with good Pine to the waters edge but very low land. at 7 PM a Chepawyan arrived from the Canadian House which he says is a little way to the North of us. at 8 PM the Chepawyans which accompanied us arrived. wind NNW fresh breeze flying clouds set a net got 4 Geese from the Southern Indian."

July 21
" Thursday [lat. reading]
At 6 AM the Chepawyans set of to the Canadian House but we stoped in hopes of geting a good distance of the Sun & Moon but the weather did not prove clear and Wind sprung up at NE and blowed to hard for us to proceed fore part of the day cloudy and rain in the afternoon in the evening took up the net got 4 fish of a kind unknown to us and the Southern Indian but called by the Chepawyans Beg-goo-hoo-la or No Teeth they are a kind of white Fish with a large head and the mouth when open is nearly square. they Are said to be very good eating when fatt but very bad when poor as they are at present I am informed that they are caught upwards of 40 pounds weight each they are shaped in the body much like a dace."

July 22
" Friday at 6 1/2 AM got underway went NE 1/2 N 3 miles and came to a point of woods where the Canadians are building. put on shore at 7 1/2 AM found three Canadians here one of which has been near three years with the Chepawyans he was once within three days walk of Churchill but was afraid of going to it as he is charged with having killed Mr Rofs up the Athapescow River near to Peter Ponds House - he was in the Interest of and Servant to Peter Pond and Mr Rofs was in charge of goods indeed a Partner with Peter Pangman Alex Mackensie and others. the dispute was about some Chepawyans as they were comming to the Houses to trade P. Pond and his men being more numerous then Mr Rofses they were taking the Indians by force which Mr Rofs opposed and in the dispute was shot which made the other company who was most powerful readily join them in Partnership to prevent great inquiry into the affair if it had not hapned Mr Rofs's party would soon have been ruined but they now trade as they please having no opposers. this man Is now in charge of the goods at this place. he informed me that when he was with the Chepawyans he saw a very large lake to the Eastward called the Dock-an from their killing Deer in it by sticking them in the water but I have since learned that it is a name given to many Lakes in these parts he says that Country is full of Lakes and of rivers that run to the Eastward but does not know the rise of them as the Chepawyans do not follow them but only crofs them. he says he saw one very large river which runs to the Eastward which by his discription I suppose to be a branch of the Wager. in the evening two Canoes arrived from SW they came for Tobacco for a Gang of Indians which are coming with provisions. Mr Malcom Rofs sent some Tobacco with. Wind NE fresh breeze with rain."

July 23
" Saturday Wind Variable from NE to NW heavy Gale with rain all day a very heavy swell in the Lake."

July 24
" Sunday Wind NW strong Gale with showers of rain in the evening 9 Canoes of Chepawyans arrived with some provisions. they went to the Canadian House but did not stop long but returned to our tents where staid smoaking most of the night they beged very hard for us to come and settle at this Lake."

July 25
" Monday Wind NW fresh gale fore part of the day cloudy latter part flying clouds. two more Canoes of Chepawyans arrived with provisions they are part of the gang which came yesterday from the SW - Mr Rofs traded a good quantity of provision from them.

For Observations for Latitude and Longitude see book of Observations
Latitude 61°-26'-25" North ----- Longitude 112°-59' West
An Indian called Shew-dithe-da informed me that at the NE corner of this Lake a fall falls out of an other large lake called Din-na-ne-tha Too-ah or Northern Indian great Lake and a carrying place out of it into an other Lake out of which a large River runs to the Sea but he refused to accompany us as he said the season was to far advanced for us to return and we have not a sufficient quantity of provision for to proceed without fishing indeed the latenefs of the Season and our having no place to return to bears the greatest weight. he says that the NE corner of this Lake runs very far and is full of Islands the carrying he says is not long he says the Northern Indian great lake is very long but not very wide and is very full of Islands which have woods upon them but none upon the shore being all rocky Barren land he likewise says the carrying place out of the Lake into the one which runs to the Sea is not long and that River which he calls the Esquimay River and says it is a bold deep River without any falls in it but rather strong current and no woods growing about it the under is his discription of it
[And there is a drawing of it]
The Indian pointed out the course NbE or about N37E by true Compafs but am doubtfull and even hope he only meant the Slave Lake run that course but he did not understand the Southern Indian tongue and the one that stood interpreter between us did not understand it well but they always say they understand what is said to them. at first I supposed the Esquimay River to be part of the Wager but the same course that would lead to the part of the Wager discribed by Mr Dalrymple would likewise hit the end of Chesterfields Inlet at least about one degree difference would fully do it and his persisting in the river being short? rather inclines me to think it must be Chesterfields Inlet. this account of the river nearly coinsides with what I heard at Isle a la Crofse but that Chepawyan called it the Trout River - Not perceiving any great advantage to be derived from proceeding farther this way at present the Season being to far advanced to go any distance and to return to any place of safty to Winter have resolved to return to the Athapescow Lake and examin the extent of her Eastward as I am informed that there is a way out of the East end of it to Churchill and its laying so near the same parellel of Latitude makes me think that there is a much greater chance of find a way to Churchill from it than to Chesterfields Inet well knowing the Honorable Committee ground their expectation of such a pafsage upon the Supposition that the Athapiscow Lake laid in a much heigher Latitude than what it does."

July 26
" Tuesday having been employed untill near 3 PM taking Observations at 3:20 got underway to return to the Athapiscow Lake the Southern Indian in company. the Chepawyans not intending to return went a long the side of the Lake NEbN 2 miles and came to the Eastern branch of the Slave river I should suppose this Lake by what I have heard may be near 200 miles to the East and about 100 mile to the west and to be near about 60 mile broad a large River runs out on West side of the Lake which Mr Alex MacKensie went down to the Sea which is the only river which I hear of that runs out of it. enterd East branch of the Slave river which is about 40 yards broad Willows on both sides went SE 1 1/4 mile willows on right hand side Pine &c Woods on left then woods on both sides. land low went E to SE 1/2 mile S 3/4 mile SSE to ESE 1 1/4 mile SE to SSW 3/8 mile SWbW 3/4 mile SW 3/4 mile SSW to WSW 1/2 mile SW 1/4 mile SSW 1/2 mile S 3/4 mile SSW to W 1/2 mile and near SE 1 1/4 mile the river pafsed moderate current land low coverd with good Pine burnt in patches on East side but standing went S 1/2 mile large willows on both sides no woods. put up at 8:20 PM. Wind NW forepart of the day moderate breeze and cloudy latter part light airs and clear."

July 27
" Wednesday at 3:30 AM got underway went SSW 3/4 mile large Willows both sides and joined a main branch the one we came up about from 30 to 40 yards wide and the branch we have joined is about 400 yards broad went E 1 mile ESE 1 1/2 mile SSE 2 mile S 2 mile and SSE 2 miles and Joined an other branch about 1 1/2 mile above where we put up the 18th inst. the river then all joined went up the River 4 miles and came to some Chepawyans viz. two men two lads and some Women stoped with them 1 1/2 hour got a little moose flesh from them. took a Mirid Altitude of the Sun see the 18th inst., then went on untill 6 1/2 PM and put up about 4 1/2 mile below where we lay the 17th inst. Wind SE fresh breeze in the middle of the day morning and evening calm with clear weather got 3 young and 6 old Geese from the Indian and killed 13 our selves."

July 28
" Thursday at 4 1/2 AM got underway at 2 PM Mr Rofs had the misfortune to break his Canoe by a small stick which was laying under water runing up through the bottom of his Canoe. I do not think they would have been able to have got her of without help as it was with difficulty she was got of the stick it being far up through her but we were luckily close behind them we got the Canoe a shore. this river below the falls is very full of sunken wood with their roots fast at the bottom of the river and their heads pointing down the current in some places large trees lay 40 yards from the shore with their green tops above the water they having shot out from the bank since the Ice went down and many others with their head well scubed by the Ice. having given the Canoe a triffling mend we got underway again at 3:20 PM went about 1 mile and put up at 3:40 PM on the tail of a narrow Poplar Island to dry their things and repair the Canoe. Wind NW moderate breeze and flying clouds got 2 old Geese from the Indian."

July 29
" Friday at 11 1/2 AM the Canoe being repaired we got underway went untill 2 PM and put up on West side about 1/2 mile above the second large Island pafsed the 17th inst. for the Indian to hunt Buffalo but he had no succefs he said they were to far from the river. Wind NW fresh Gale with rain in the fore part of the day latter part fine weather."

July 30
" Saturday at 3 1/2 AM got underway went on West side of the Island (this is called by the Canadians the long Island) went from the tail of the Island SE 2 1/2 miles ESE 2 miles EbN 1/2 mile and NE 3/4 mile and came to the end of the Island continued on to the next great Island went on West side SW 1 1/2 mile S 1/2 mile SSE 3/4 mile SE 1 mile and E 1/4 mile and came to the end of the Island continued on until 2 PM then put up opposite the place we lay at on the 16th inst. the Indian being behind hunting. Wind NW light breeze flying clouds fine weather set a net in the evening the Indian brought 1 swan and 7 Geese got 6 fish from the net."

July 31
" Sunday [lat. reading]
This day lay by for the Indian to hunt. in the evening took up our net got 12 Fish the same kind we got at the slave lake they were from 27 to 32 inches long and not bad eating. the Indian returned without succefs. Wind SW fresh breeze fine clear weather."

Aug. 1 1791
" Monday at 5:10 AM got underway at 9:20 AM pafsed the Island we lay at waiting for the Chepawyans in July 15th and at 2 PM put up on the East shore the Indian Hunting at 11 PM the Indian and informed us he had killed a Bull Buffalo. Wind Southerly fresh breeze and clear we killd a few old and some young Geese."

Aug. 2
" Tuesday at 5 1/2 AM all except myself went to dry the Buffalo flesh and bring it to the Canoes and the Indian to try for more. Wind Easterly light Airs and Clear."

Aug. 3
" Wednesday at 9:20 PM the People returned with the meat of two Bull Buffaloe Wind Variable Westerly light breeze and clear."

Aug. 4
" Thursday at 6 1/4 AM got underway at 10 AM stoped on West side to give our beat meat a little sun and the dried meat a little fire the Indian went after a Moose but did not get him. at 2:20 PM got underway again went to the uper end of the Island pafsed July 10th - and put up at 7 1/2 PM. Wind SW fresh breeze and clear."

Aug. 5
" Friday at 4 1/2 AM got underway at 5 1/2 AM the Indian killed a young Buck Moose, after much altercation with my Canoe mates I persuaded my steersman Hugh Lisk and likewise Robert Garrock to proceed up the river they disliking and being fearful of going up the falls with a single Canoe which certainly is not good. took Peter Fidler into my Canoe in the place of Peter Brown. Mr Mackensie at the Athapiscow having offerd to give him a pafsage in one of their Canoes up the Peace River if we returned by the 14th inst. as he was then going to send a Canoe for dry Provision from the Peace River House, took most of the dried Provision out of the other Canoe and got underway again at 8 AM at 7 PM put up 3 miles above where we lay the 9th July. Wind SW a strong Gale which made it very heavy padling for the first 5 miles but Sailed afterwards fine clear weather."

Aug. 6
" Saturday at 3 1/2 AM got underway and padled untill 7 1/2 AM then set sail and at 1 PM arrived at the first carrying place and at 3 PM we got from it and at 5 1/2 PM got to the next carrying place at 7 1/2 PM got over the second carrying place and put up. Wind NW a strong Gale middle of the day calm morning and evening fine Weather got great help from the Sail between the Carrying places."

Aug. 7
" Sunday at 4 AM got underway and at 7 PM we got to the head of the Falls and put up we carried at all the places we carried at going down but only the short way of hill carrying place at the great fall. and lightned the Canoe at a Shoot about 1/2 mile below this place. Wind SW light airs and clear."

Aug. 8
" Monday at 4 AM got underway at 4 PM we killed a year old Black Bear which was fine meat stoped untill 5 1/2 PM to skin and bring him to the Canoe then went on untill 7 PM and put up having gone about 22 miles. Wind SW fresh breeze and clear a little Thunder and lightning at night."

Aug. 9
" Tuesday at 3:55 AM got underway at 1/2 PM came to the place where we Joined Mr Rofs at on the morning of the 6th July
[lat. reading]
Went about 9 miles further and put up at 7 1/2 PM this day calm and Thunderlike clouds and exceeding hot in the morning and evening the Muschetoes mad."

Aug. 10
" Wednesday at 6 1/4 AM got underway went about 6 miles above the Peace River and put up at 7 PM Wind Westerly light breeze and clear untill 5 PM when it came on a squal and Showers of rain."

Aug. 11
" Thursday at 4 1/4 AM got underway at 7 AM put on shore for heavy rain at 10 1/4 AM got underway again and 1 3/4 PM put on shore at the heigh rocky on NW shore of the Athapiscow Lake about 19 mile from the House at 5 PM got underway again And at 5 3/4 PM put up on a rocky Island the nearest to the Athapescow House Wind Variable Westerly fresh breeze and squally with Thunder and showers of rain."

Aug. 12
" Friday at 3 1/2 AM got underway with a fine breeze at NW at 5 1/2 AM it shifted to West and at 8 1/2 AM we arrived at the Canadian Settlement much swell in the lake in the morning Calm in the evening and Clear Weather set one net.
Mr Mackensie informed me that his Canoe had been gone to the Peace River several days one Canoe had been and returnd loaded with Pimmecon while we were away."

Aug. 13
" Saturday This day employed in looking for a place to build a House upon but found no Particular place so shall leave it to Mr Rofs to chuse the place got 3 small fish from our net. Wind SW fresh breeze and Clear."

Aug. 14
" Sunday Wind West fresh breeze and Clear at 5 PM four Canoes of Southern Indians arrived with a small quntity of provision for the Canadians. presented them a little Tobacco. one of them called Mue-qua-May-e? or the Bear Dung has been frequently at York Factory. took up our net got no fish."

Aug. 15
" Monday this morning I left all our provision &c. which we thought we should not stand in need of at the Canadian Settlement and at 8 AM embarked to examine the extent of the Lake to Eastward Sailed NbE 1/2 E 11 miles a crofs a bay about 7 or 8 mile deep with heigh land round it the shore at first breaks of suddenly ENE for 3 miles a narrow point 2 miles long then runs into the bay round which it falls as far South as the first part and then hangs round to the North point of the bay a small river in the bottom of the bay the north side of the bay a Sandy and stony shore then went NbE 2 miles close along the shore which is rocky with a stony beach the land coverd with very small scrub Asp and?
[lat. reading]
Went NbE 1 mile the North end of Mr Hearns long Island then bearing WSW continued NbE 1 mile the land as before hanging in a bay about 1/4 mile deep and coming round to the point then NbE 1/2 E 3 miles a small bay droping suddenly round the point 1/4 mile deep and coming directly round up to 1/8 mile from our course then continuing nearly strait to the Point the shore sandy and land rocky in places. a bare rock hill about 2 mile long and 1 mile within went along the shore NNE 3/4 mile heigh sandy muddy bank coverd with small Pine the lake very shoal and flat sandy bottom. went NE 3/4 N 14 miles to a Point the bay about 1/2 mile deep heigh sandy ridge of bank coverd with small Pine the lake shoal with fat sandy bottom put up at 7 PM fore part of the day Wind SW light breeze Clear fine Weather sailed most of this day.
[lat. reading]"

Aug. 16
" Tuesday at 4 1/4 AM got underway went close along shore NEbN 1 mile NE 1/2 N 3 1/2 mile An Island apparently coverd with Pine bears N8°W it has a round appearance and seems a bout 1/2 mile diameter the land upon the other side appearing low the land yesterday appeared very heigh on that side continued NE 1/2 N 2 miles heigh sandy banks and flat shore went NE 1/2 N 6 miles a crofs a bay 1/2 mile deep heigh sandy bank and came to the mouth of a small river with a very deep bed but very little water coming down it willows growing about the mouth of it. it comes out of a Sandy desert which seems to run East of this place went up the bank could then see about 3 miles East and round to SSW all a rising sandy desert Of a Yellowish white Colour with a chance scub pine standing singly. The Island set before bearing N57W continued nearly a long the shore NE 1/2 E 1 mile then a crofs a bay 3/4 mile deep NNE 4 miles Lut? by Observation 59°-7'-47" continued on 3 mile more to the Point of the bay. bottom of the bay sandy bank and then woods and willows and close behind a Sandy desert went along the point which is low and mostly willows and scrub Asp &c. N 1/2 mile and came to a small river at the point which seems to be formed of the sand washed down by the current out of the desert. a small Island laying close of the mouth of the river went a long the point NE 3/4 mile and E 1 mile low sandy shore point coverd with willows then crofsed a bay 4 mile deep ENE 1/4 E 12 miles to the point the sandy hill comes strait from the bottom of the last bay to within 2 mile of the Point in this bay all the bottom of this bay and as far as we could see all a sandy desert under the bank are a few patches of Pines about 40 or 50 feet heigh and close to them drift ? banks with very little of the tops of large pines peeping out the Point crofsed to is very heigh with some good Pines at the foot of the hill and small Firrs upon it put up at 6 1/4 PM wind Westerly gentle breeze and Clear sailed all this last day which has 12 1/2 fathom Water nealy all acrofs it. A heigh point on the other side of the Lake bearing NW 1/2 N no land to be seen to the South of it but appears like a heigh rocky mountain to NE of it."

Aug. 17
" Wednesday at 9 1/2 AM got underway went a crofs a bay ENE 1/4 E 10 miles Latitude by Observation 59°-9'-22" continued ENE 1/4 E 3 miles and came to a low sandy Point with good Pines upon it the bay 3 miles deep. all the bay a heigh sandy bank and Sandy desert within with a few spots of woods. 13 fathoms Water a crofs this bay, then went a crofs a bay about 1 mile deep the bay falling suddenly in round the point a round hill a bout a mile Diameter and 1 mile from the Lake seems well coverd with large Pine went ENE 8 miles to the Point the first part of the bay heigh bank and Pine woods the last half heigh sandy bank and a large creek about 2 mile from the Point went ENE 3/4 mile a long the Point which is low and good Pines upon it then ENE 5 miles a crofs a small bay 1/2 mile deep sandy bold shore good woods first part of the bay the latter part a sand bank. a small creek about a mile from the Point from which is low with some good Pines &c upon it and a large creek on the Point. put up at 3 1/2 PM fore part of the day Wind SW with heavy rain until 9 AM at 3 PM the wind came to NW a heavy Gale and cloudy which raised so much swell in the Lake that we was obliged to put on shore shoal of this and all the Points we have pafsed. Sailed this day."

Aug. 18
" Thursday at 10 1/4 AM got underway went NE 1/2 E 6 miles a crofs a small bay heigh steep sandy banks and Sandy hills drifted like snow drifts in ridges 20 feet in the face went along the point NE 1/2 E 1 mile low land and coverd with willows then ENE 1/2 N 3 miles a crofs the mouth of a River in the bay the sides of the bay runing West and NNE from the mouth of the river which is about 100 yards wide and 12 feet water easy current it opens from SE through heigh sandy hills which when seen off the mouth of this river looks like fields of ripe corn between ledges of woods such as are seen in the Hill countrys of England the Sandy desert is not seen from the Lake above 4 or 5 miles beyond this River the Chepawyans who are not without their Fables call this River the Great Beaver or Giant Beaver River a species of Beaver which formerly was at this part and which turned up all this sand but their was a Species of Giant Indians who killed all those Beaver and whose Race is likewise extinct, went nearly along the Shore ENE 2 miles low wet land coverd with willows for about a mile then heigh sandy Hills went down to the bottom of a grafsy bay ESE 2 1/2 miles the bay is about 1 1/2 mile wide when within it and low land coverd with willows returned back to the North point of it which is N 3/4 mile from the other point three small? off the point went N 3/4 mile acrofs a little bay on right hand side low stony land coverd with Willows two little Islands close on the shore & two others off the Point went NbE 1/2 mile a crofs an other little bay to a low Stony Point coverd with willows and good Firrs within put up at 5 1/2 PM being too much swell in the Lake to proceed with. Wind NW fresh Gale untill about 9 AM afterwards moderate breeze with Cloudy Weather.
[lat. readings]"

Aug. 19
" Friday at 6 AM got underway went NNE 2 miles a crofs a bay to a point. the bay a bout 1 mile deep with a small Island in it and two small Islands of the Point. went WNW 2 miles acrofs a bay to a stony gravelly point the bay about 2 mile deep the land round both bays low stony ground with willows at the Waters edge and small Firrs within turned the Point and went nearly a long the shore NE 1/2 E 1 1/2 mile stony gravelly land heigh rocky land on the other side of the Lake went NE 1/2 E 1 1/2 mile and came to a rocky point a small bay on right hand side and four gravelly Islands on left hand side went ENE 1 1/2 mile three small broken bays on right hand and three small Islands on left hand went ESE 1 1/2 mile nearly along the shore which is low and rocky coverd with Scrub Pine Asp &c. then E 1 1/2 mile a bay falls suddenly in a bout 3 mile deep and at the end of the course the Land about a mile from us a low Pine Island laying all a long the left hand side went EbN 4 miles to the point of the bay then ENE 1/2 E 3 mile acrofs a bay 1/4 mile deep the land or rather rocks bold and coverd with scrub Pine &c. the Lake then about 2 miles wide went NEbE 1/2 mile along then ENE 2 mile the land hanging into a kind of bay the Lake then about 1 3/4 mile wide land on right hand side low and coverd with small pine. heigh land within. the land or rocks on left hand or North side very bold and heigh and coverd in places with small scrub pine went EbN 7 Miles a bay falling suddenly in on South side about 1 1/2 mile deep and drawg out with an easy sweep to the point we went to opposite this point the Lake is about 1 3/4 miles wide the land on South side bold and coverd with small Pine &c. North shore bold rocks with a few scrub pines the shore appears nearly straight put up at 6 3/4 PM Wind Westerly light breeze and clear untill 4 PM then strong Gale with Thunder and Rain sailed all day."

Aug. 20
" Saturday at 4 AM got underway went ENE 5 miles a bay on South side about 1/2 mile deep an Island about 3/4 mile long and an other at the end of it about 1/2 mile long and a small Island between but a little to the North of them and two small Islands at the East end of them upon the small Island that appears between the two I took Observations for Longitude on the 23rd Inst. the first of them lays at the begining of the last mentioned course and and close to the North of it but nearest to the South side of the Lake they have very strong shores but not steep and compofsed of large raged stones or rocks upon which is timber fit for building and firewood. then went acrofs a bay falling suddenly in about a mile deep on the South side EBN 3 miles a low Woody Island in the bay continued on EbN 1 1/2 mile (a cluster of small rocky Islands on the North side) and came the point of the bay. went ENE 6 Miles a low gravelly Island about 2 miles long and an other about 1 1/2 mile long with good woods upon them and many small Islands joining in a chain with the cluster before mentioned. on the South side the shore is sandy with willows at the waters edge but rocky a little distance in coverd with small pine asp &c the Lake about 2 miles wide. went ENE 5 miles a small bay on South side with fine rising ground low at the bank and coverd with pine &c. then went ENE 5 miles nearly along the shore, EbN 3 1/2 miles the lake still about 2 mile wide then ENE 1/2 E 4 miles and came to the end of the Lake at which place it is about 3/4 mile wide having drawn in for this last 4 miles the land on the South side rising and as last described, on the North side rocky as before but no so heigh a small Island near the end of the lake well coverd with woods a River runs into the end of the Lake nearest the North side and is called the stone River. enterd the river at 2 1/2 PM went up it ENE 1 mile EbS 1 1/2 mile and E 1 mile then returned to within about 1 mile of the Lake and set a net. this river is about 300 yards wide deep and moderate current near the mouth it is full of grafsy small bay surrounded with willows the river seems to come through gentle rising hills coverd with small pine &c. the Indians say their is a near way to the Churchill water by proceeding up this river and through a chain of small Lakes to the Deer Lake and the Canadians have been at the Lake and winterd in it some years back and mean to Winter there again next Year. when they get into the Churchill water at A-thake-a-sake-a-pitch-e-con they proceed down the river to the mouth of a River called the Deer River which runs out of the deer Lake. I have been informed the navigation of that River is not bad. Set our net and put up at 4 PM. Wind Westerly fresh gale fine weather Sailed all this day.
[lat. readings]"

Aug. 21
" Sunday [lat. reading]
at 8 AM took up the net got 3 Jack fish Wt about 24 lbs at 1 PM got underway to return to the Canadian Settlement to meet the other Canoe at 4 PM set sail at 7 1/2 PM put up having gone about 18 miles Wind Easterly moderate breeze, fore part of the day Cloudy with Thunder, latter part clear killed 3 Geese at the mouth of the river."

Aug. 22
" Monday at 4:40 AM got underway with the Wind at East sailed until near 7 AM at which time the wind came Westerly a heavy gale at 9 1/2 AM got under the lee of the Islands opposite where we lay the 19th Inst. at night at 5 PM moved to a small Island nearly between the two large ones and found no place to pitch our tent except over an old Swans nest which made us a comfortable bed the Wind continuing at West a very heavy squally gale with cloudy Weather."

Aug. 23
" Tuesday [lat. readings]
Lay by this day the Lake being to rough Wind West heavy gale, forepart of the day cloudy latter part clear and cloudy alternate."

Aug. 24
" Wednesday at 3:45 got underway Wind Easterly sailed untill 6:10 AM the Wind then came to WNW at 6:45 AM came to a part of the Lake 1 3/4 mile wide at the West end of the Bay along which we went 7 miles EbN went on North side the Lake W 1/2 S 3 miles close along the side of a cluster of rocky Islands in a bay 3/4 mile deep. then WbS 1 mile close along the main land W 3/4 S 4 miles and put on shore at 9 AM it blowing to hard to proceed. in the afternoon it began to moderate and at 3 3/4 PM got underway again went W 3/4 S 1 mile along the land and W 3/4 S 1 mile along the side of a rocky Island in a bay on North side and put up at 6 PM not being able to get a head for the swell & Wind which continued WNW cloudy Weather."

Aug. 25
" Thursday at 6 1/4 AM got underway went W 3/4 S 4 miles to a point of a bay on North side a bout 1 mile deep, came to a part full of rocky small Islands went South 1/2 mile a long the end of them then WbS 1 3/4 mile a long the side of them the main land, about 2 mile to North continued a long the side of the Islands WNW 1 1/2 miles and stoped upon one of them at 11 3/4 AM
[lat. reading with "Eye 5 feet above the water"]
The stony gravelly point round which we pafsed on the 19th inst. bearing S25E
at 1 1/2 PM got underway again went along the side of the Islands West 6 1/2 miles left two small Islands to south of us near the end of the course the main land about 1 mile North of us went SW 1/2 W 3 miles to a heigh point only a few small Islands along the shore went WSW 1/2 S 8 miles to a very heigh rocky point a rocky Island off the point put up at 8 1/4 PM Wind Westerly fresh breeze clear and cloudy alternate much swell in the forepart of the day, the main land pafsed this day or rather rocks are very heigh and coverd with small scrub pine &c in patches the Islands are bold rocks with small scrub pines &c growing upon them."

Aug. 26
" Friday at 4:10 AM got underway in a bay which falls suddenly back to North a bout 1 mile went WSW 3 1/2 miles and came to an Island close on the South side of the course about 1/2 mile long main land about 3/4 mile North went WSW 1/2 S 3 1/2 miles three small Islands close to the shore which is about 1 mile within us and an Island about 1 mile on our left hand and an other about 1/2 mile south of it continued on the same course 1 1/2 mile an other Island then 1 mile on our left hand continued on 2 1/2 miles the E end of a long low Island bearing S1/2W went SWbW 3 1/2 miles the same end ofthe Island then bore SEbE continued on 1/2 mile the W end of the Island the bore SSW the Island seems narrow and runs parellel with our course two small Islands lays? between the east end and our track the main Land laying 3/4 mile within us went SWbW 3 miles a small bay with one Island in it on North side four Islands close to each other lays SEbE the two middle ones very small, went SW 1 1/4 mile a bay on right hand side with several Islands in it then went SW 2 1/2 miles along a narrow about 1/4 mile wide between an Island and the main shore on the main land side the rocks are about 40 yards perpendicular and in some places hanging over. having pafsed the narrow continued SW 3/4 mile a low Island then bearing ESE continued SW 2 miles the same Island then bore EbS and an other a little larger bearing SSE these two Islands was set from the heigh point we lay at on the 17th inst. at night the two ends of the first mentioned Island NbE1/2E and N3/4E the other N1/2E and NbW went SW 1/2 mile a bay on right hand with a small Island in it the bottom of the bay low which makes the point appear like an Island when seen from the other side of the lake.
[lat. reading "Eye 5 feet above the Water"]
Went W 1/2 mile a small Island off the point went NWbN 1 1/2 mile a small deep bay on the right hand and a small Island off the point went NNW 2 miles to the point of an Island on right hand side the main land 2 miles to the right in broken bays very land or rather rocks then went N60W 25 miles into a large bay the main land about 12 miles to the right hand very rocks and broken bays a large low willow Island near the North shore which we left about 5 or 6 miles on our right hand in crofsing the bay sounded several times with 30 fathom but found no bottom after crofsing the bay we put up on the main shore at 8:20 PM wind variable light airs until 2 PM then calm and mostly clear untill night then cloudy with a fresh gale at NW. got one eagle this day."

Aug. 27
" Saturday at 5 1/2 AM got underway went South 3/4 mile a small bay on right hand side low land coverd with pine &c. rocky shore went SbW 1 mile land as before then went SSW 1/2 S 6 miles a sweep of a bay on right hand side the land low with a gravelly sandy shore and coverd with small firrs a small Island near the end of the bay came to a point with an Island close off it and three others of the point well coverd with good pine went between the Island and the point 1/4 mile the SSW 2 1/2 miles to the low point coming out into the bay the part pafsed about 1 mile deep with one Island near the shore then went SEbE 3 miles to the point of the bay the land round this bay low and well coverd with small Firrs sandy soil the last part of the bay about 2 mile deep with 2 small Islands in it this bay is shoal and seems a fine place for Geese and ducks we saw many in it and several Swans.
[lat. reading "Eye 5 feet above the Water"]
went along the South side of the point SWbS 2 miles and put up at 2 1/2 PM Wind variable Westerly fresh Gale untill about 2 PM it then blew a heavy gale at South with clear weather."

Aug. 28
" Sunday [lat. reading]
The Island far out in the Lake which was set on the 16th inst. bearing by Compafs SEbS.
[lat. reading]
lay by all this day upon fine sandy point thinly coverd with good Timber. Wind South strong gale fine clear weather a very heavy swell in the Lake"

Aug. 29
" Monday at 4 AM got undway went S 1/2 E 5 miles a sandy bay hanging in round the point and comes round with a sweep to a low rocky point a small low rocky Island lays a little off the point, went a crofs a bay SW 6 miles to an other point the bay about 2 miles deep a low pine Island off the Point. the Island set lay in the middle of the Lake bearing ESE3/4E. went SSW 2 miles to a low sandy point the bay about 1/2 mile deep bold land in the bay coverd with small Firrs. then went SbW 1/2 W 5 1/2 miles a crofs a bay hanging in with a gettle sweep land low and sandy and coverd with small Firrs went SSW 8 miles nearly along a sandy shore which has a small sweep and some rocky spots land bold and thinly coverd with small Firrs. then went SWbS 4 miles a crofs a shoal bay with a row of rocky Islands laying a long the shore which is sandy in some parts and others rocky rather low and a few small firrs growing upon it. put up on a point at 7 PM fore part of the day wind South with cloudy weather at 4 PM the wind came to the West with clear weather. P. Fidler and H. Leask killed a young black Bear and when it was laid with its head down hill more than a quart of clear berry juice run out of its mouth.
[lat. reading]"

Aug. 30
" Tuesday Three Islands bearing one S3E one? S1/2W and the other S3/4W at 5 AM got underway went SSW 7 miles the land or rather heigh rocks about 4 miles to our right and coming to a point about SSE distance 11 miles. the Islands before mentioned bearing S32E one SSE and the North end of the other which is about 7 mile long bearing SbE1/2E went to the middle Island SSE 2 1/2 miles (these Islands are pretty well coverd with small Fir and Pine Timber some of the Canadians fish at them most winters the Chief fish caught at this place is a very fine kind of trout the largest many of which weighs upwards of Thirty pounds are caught upon hooks set under the Ice but the greatest number are Angled but they seldom exceed about 5 pounds each but some of them are very good they do not eat well after they have been froze a few days but have a strong oily flavour) then crofsed SE 10 miles to the South side of the lake 2 1/2 miles NbE from where I observed the Latitude 58°.47'.56" N. on the 15th inst. we then took some stones into the Canoe for ballast and set sail for the Canadian Settlements when about half over the large bay to NE of the Canadian Settlement the gale came on so strong that it was with difficulty we reached the shore luckily for us we came in under very heigh land and though the wind was dead upon shore we found very little of it the heigh land having blocked the wind and turned it into an edy we could not gain the point of the bay though not half a mile? without us but was forced to keep steady before the wind but when we came in with the land we lowerd the sail and padled round without danger contrary to our expectation we then set sail and run round the point to land and found Mr Malcom Rofs building a House about 600 Yards SSE of the Canadian Settlement on the side of a bay well shelter'd from the Northerly Wind fore part of this day Wind Northerly light airs with cloudy weather at 10 AM Wind ENE fresh breeze and cloudy latter part heavy gale and clear."

Aug. 31
" Wednesday Mr Malcom Rofs informed me that had I been back sooner he should have proposed proceeding up the Beaver River to Winter at first I though of adopting that skeem? not withstanding the latenefs of the season as it would be some satisfaction to know the Navigation of that river out of which the Canadians carry so valuable a trade as well as to have the opportunity of consulting Mr Will. Tomison about farther proceedings in these part but it seemed rather over ballanced by the considering that the men must be kept upon meat at that place whereas at this place they can keep themselves upon fish at this Lake. and likewise expect to gain more intelligence of these parts by Wintering here and doubt not but we shall be able to turn the few trading goods left to better account at this place."

Sept. 2 1791
" Friday PM four Canoes of Chepawyans arrived with a little provision from the Slave river one of them Piloted us to the Slave Lake they request Peter Fidler to winter with them and he likewise seems very desireous of accompanying them it was therefore agreed that he should go with them for the winter."

Sept. 4
" Sunday PM Peter Fidler embarked with the Chepawyans or Northern Indians with intent to spend the Winter with them."

Sept. 21
" Wednesday Twenty four Canoes of Southern Indians arrived at this place which I take to be nearly all that belong to this place and they have a settlement on purpose for them every Winter up the Athapiscow River they brought some dried provision the greatest share of which they brought to us."

Sept. 30
" Friday in the evening two of the Canadians Clerks or Masters of Settlements a Mr Macleod and a Mr Mackensie a new comer to these parts arrived they walked from the mouth of the river the Canoes being weather bound they informed us that Mr Tomison had lost a Canoe and Cargoe and one man upon the great rapid above the Lake Winepeg they informed me that they have had a very bad pafsage since they came into the Churchill water it having proved exceeding shoal they found plenty of water to the Southward but did not receive a single line from Mr Tomison though he was with them several days at the great rapid above the Winepeg."

Oct. 1 1791
" Saturday Two Canoes arrived at the Canadian Settlement as being the Masters Canoes they according to the rule of their trade came in empty. most of the men came to see us in our little Houses or huts which was built with round logs laid one upon the other and the seams filled with mud the roof was coverd with mud and sand upon the top of that if they had been built in the Summer that the mud might have had time to have dried they would have been very warm but it is now froze and the best fires we can make will not dry them this winter. two of the Canadans accompanied Mr Alex MacKensie to the North Sea they say they went down a very large river which falls out of the Slave Lake that they was fifteen days going down it to the Sea and in that distance neither met with fall or rapid but a strong current when they came within four days of the Sea the current began to Slacken and the mountains which had run a long both sides of the? River from the Lake began to grow gradually lower all the sides of the river was well coverd with Pine &c untill within a day of the Sea and then only Willows and grafs and very little current in their journey down they saw several gangs of Indians who were living upon fish but had several Beaver skins with them they saw no Women they having all taken to the woods at the first sight of them they say the Country is full of Beaver, Martins and Moose untill you come near the Sea but that they saw only grey Deer and wild Fowl upon the flat country and that Mr Mackensie was out upon some of the Islands off the Mouth of the river and seeing the Ice so near the Land he attempted to go to it to examine wether it was a Solid body or broken Ice but the wind rising he was glad to return with out accomplishing his design returning up the river as soon as they came to the strong current they began to track and continued tracking untill they arrived at the Lake. they were Forty five days in coming up the river they did not see a single Indian on their return and they suppose they should not have seen any in going down could they have got their things away but in going before the current they came upon them to quick to give them an opertunity of geting away Mr Mackensie intended to have traded with them on his return but would not take a skin from them on his pafsage down."

Oct. 3
" Monday Twelve Canadian Canoes arrived with goods but as they have a great Stock in this Country they have no occasion to bring in above Fifteen peices to a Canoe to keep up their Stock fishing tackle and all included and they carry out Twenty five Packs of Furrs to each."

Oct. 6
" Thursday this day the Canadians departed for their different Wintering ground Six to the Peace River Three to the Slave Lake and one up the Athapescow River to the place where Peter Pond formerly wintered (for the purpose of accommodating the Southern Indians) the Settlement in this Lake called Fort Chepawyan is intended for the Chepawyans only. the Canadians would have set of a day or two sooner if the weather would have permited but it has blowd and snowd these two days past with sharp Frost."

Oct. 14
" Friday in the evening about a Dozen of the men belonging to the Peace River Canoes arrived upon the Ice with intention of Wintering at this Lake having been set fast by the Ice upon an Island about 11 miles out in the Lake at which place they left their Canoes and goods, on the 15th in the morning Roderick Mackensie who has the command of all the Canadian Settlements this year and stays at this place set of with his men back again to set on the journey with the Canoes? again if pofsible on the 17th inst. Mr Mackensie returned having sent of all his Canoes except one which was destroyed by the Ice in landing upon the Island they hauled their Canoes almost to the Slave River then went down it to the mouth of the Peace River and reached their first settlement in about twelve days the men belonging to the broken Canoe returned to this place and are to haul up goods to the Peace River Settlement as soon as the Rivers are fast."

Mar. 12 1792
" Monday this day we heard from Peter Fidler who is with some Chepawyans near the Rapids in the Slave river two of the Chepawyans belonging to the tribe he is with came for a supply accompanied by five Indians of the red knife tribe their Country lays upon the North of the Slave Lake they brought very little with them the red knife Indians did not come to our House but I heard they did not think it worth their trouble to hunt as the return they receive from the Canadians for their skins is not worth their notice. I understand Peter Fidler is living amongst plenty of Buffalo but they have no kettle to render fatt so that only a little beat meat can be expected from them."

Mar. 21
" Wednesday by a Packet arrived from Isle a la Crofs I received a letter from Mr Will. Tomison dated Cumberland House Sept. 10th 1791 and with it a Marble coverd Book and a quire of paper both of which I stood in great need of. I was very sorry to find a confermation of the lofs of a Man and Canoe upon the great rapid above the lake Winnepeg and likewise of the disagreement between Mr Charles Isham and his Men but that was what I expected after seeing the Anarchy which Pervade the Interior parts above York Factory where the Men act nearly as they please the causes of which are complicated and have more than one origin a great increase of Men with proper Officers will be the only means of bringing that Country into a necefsary steady Subordination."

Apr. 10 1792
" Tuesday Peter Fidler arrived in good health he says his living since he has been away has been in general very good but has seen some bad times with them, as will mostly be the case in an Indian life. he is a very fit hand for the Country as he stands hunger and the Weather well and can eat any thing that the Indians will. he says he has never been farther North than we were last summer that last fall they was a little to the Westward of the slave Lake in fine plains full of Buffalo, and as soon as the Ice would bear them to walk upon they went to the Canadian Settlement they having come down a small river about twenty miles to the Westward and thirty to South of the Canadian Settlement before that river set fast which was the farthest West they were the whole winter, at the Canadian Settlement as usual he was treated with politenefs after staying there two days they went about twenty miles along the side of the lake nearly East then went up a small river which runs Northerly nearly parellel with the Slave River in those parts he says Beaver are very plenty and many of them so strongly secured by rocks that they cannot be taken in the Winter and as the Indians cannot afford to shoot them in the summer they may stand a chance to remain plenty. low swampy ground is likewise a good defence for them in Winter as they secure so many retreats from their houses that they are very hard to find. after they had lived amongst the Beaver about two Months they were joined by some Chepawyans in a starving condition they had been to the small lakes to the Eastward of the Slave lake to kill deer in Summer but they had proved so scarce that they were in distrefs for both provision and cloathing and several had starved on their journey back, they being relations of those he was with it threw them into despair upon which occasion they destroy'd many of their things and then went for the plains near the side of the slave river to kill Buffalo which are chiefly on the West side of the river. they then continued near the sides of the river and at times moving a little up untill the begining of April when he and the Indian Men came to the Houses leaving the Women behing? for fear of their being taken from them by the Canadians who make a common practice of it one of the Indians had his Gun taken from him under pretence of the Indian having taken a Woman clandestinely from him two Years ago which the Indian did not seem to deny but said it was what the Canadians frequently did to them but that had little effect as he said he never did such an act."

Apr. 30
" Monday this morning began to haul the Furrs &c to within about 1 1/2 mile of the mouth of the Athapescow river to be in readinefs to proceed up the river so soon as it is clear of Ice in hopes to reach York Factory before Mr Will. Tomison leaves that place that we may give him such a favourable account of this Country as we think will induce him to send a few Canoes with goods to this Country as soon as pofsible. if we had remained at the House in expectation of going out of the Lake by water we might have been detained many days by the wind setting the Ice from the Westward in upon this shore which cannot happen at the place that we are now moving to it being so well defended by sands."

May 1 1792
" Tuesday in the cool of this morning the people hauling more of our goods near the river."

May 2
" Wednesday this morning the people made two trips with the Canoes &c to the place near the river and took up the nets. I went my self to take care of the goods and sent the men back to do the necefsary duties of the House soon after I was gone. Capt. Mis-ta-poose a leading Indian who went to the North Sea with Alex. Mackensie and Eighteen men with him pafsed by our House with Guns and a Woman with a hatchet vowing vengance against the Canadians on account of their fetching some Women from them which had run away with them from the Canadians but they left their Guns in the woods and went to the Canadian House without them they disputed a little but did not get the Women. one of them had been from the Canadians two years. the method by which they get most of the Chepawyan Women is by the Masters seizin them for their Husbands or Fathers debts and then selling them to their men from five hundred to two thousand Livres and if the Father or Husband or any of them resist the only satisfaction they get is a beating and they are frequently not satisfied with taking the Woman but their Gun and Tent likewise. the Canadians say the Che-pa-wy-ans never behaved so insolent to them before as they have done this year but they impute it to our being in this Country which fills the Indians with expectation of our returning with goods this Year or next and so Anxious are they for our coming that it was with difficulty we could prevail upon them not to accompany us we first excused our selves as having no Gun Powder upon which one of them went and killed a few Beaver brought us the flesh of two and carried the skins and several both skins and flesh to the Canadians and traded Gun Powder with them then came and offerd it to Mr Malcom Rofs and asked what objection we then could have upon which we told them our real objection was our apprehension that we should not be able to return this Summer as Mr Tomison returned no answer to my proposial of sending goods to meet us if we should return that way and it we did not it would serve as a supply for Cumberland or Manchester. I did expect that Mr Tomison would have left two Canoes at Cumberland House to have brought down such letters as was sent out by the Canadians by which some light might be thrown upon our expedition as he well knew letters would be sent by them and if none had been sent he would have been informed of our Situation and the rout we had taken and the Men might as well have staid there as loiter their time at York Factory but the conduct of Mr Will. Walker the year we went to the North and of Mr Will. Tomison since fully proves that they never intended that a Trade should be carried into that part of the Country the Canadians always told the Indians that we should not be able to return this year and by the measures already persued it is very evident that they will not be able to return next year the demands of the men was made a pretext but I could not learn that any Man was asked to return or others to undertake it if so I cannot see by what means the Mens demands were known but as my duty I made some inquiry and shall communicate my information in its due place. In my opinion the neglecting to send to the Northern parts after such repeated promises must lefsen the Honble Company in the Eyes of the Indians and greatly discredit their Servants to the no small satisfaction of the Canadians and greatly injure those poor Indians that dared shew them selves as our Friends. they all agree that they are well used at Churchill and get plenty for their furrs but that the distance is so very great that it fatigues them very much occasions great lofs of time that they live very hard upon the journey and frequently many of them starve to death particularly if they go in winter and if they go in Summer they have a great number of rivers to pafs near the factory the crofsing of which puts them to great inconvenience and they do not know the way by the rivers as untill within this few years the Indians that inhabited the low countries was at war with them which obliged them to take a more Northern rout and instead of navigating the rivers only to crofs them, several of them has exprefsed a desire of a settlement being made at the Mountain river they say their is good wood and deep water at the mouth but they do not seem to have any idea of a navigation up it. they say it is very full of falls but they are no judges of what a Canoe can do. they are unanimous in their request that a Settlement may be made amongst them the Number of Hunting Indians that trade at this Lake is about Three Hundred but in General they are badly gooded they say it is not worth troubling them selves with hunting furrs for they cannot buy Cloth with them unlefs they go to Churchill the low manner in which they are kept seems to destroy all emulation. the three that depended upon trading with us killed a good quantity if furrs as being fully afsured they would sell them worth their trouble; that we may not appear to have been unnecefsarily partial it may not be improper to observe that they were our Pilots last Summer and that Peter Fidler winterd with them. it was from of those that the Canadian took the Gun before mentioned.

The Canadians trade nearly as follows
Liquor mixed to the consistancy of English Brandy at 1 pint of Brandy to 2 pints of Water
pr Pint at ---------- Athapescow 2 MB ---- Peace River 3 MB --- Slave Lake 3 MB
Gun --- No. 1 ----- Athapescow 20 MB ---- Peace River 30 MB --- Slave Lake 30 MB
Powder --- pr lb -- Athapescow 5 MB ------ Peace River 6 MB --- Slave Lake 6 MB
Shot --------------- Athapescow 1 ------ Peace River 1 1/4 --- Slave Lake 1 1/4
Ball ---- No.? --- Athapescow 10 ---- Peace River 5 --- Slave Lake 5
Knives ---No. 1 --- Athapecow 1 ---- Peace River 2 --- Slave Lake 2
Blankets 3 point 1 - Athapescow 10 ---- Peace River 12 or 14 --- Slave Lake 12 or 14
Cloth pr yard ---- Athapescow 6 MB ---- Peace River 8 MB --- Slave Lake 8 MB

and every thing in proportion and notwithstanding the Indians meet with such hard treatment, they will not travel so far as Churchill untill necefsity obliges them, the Chepawyan tribe will not trade Liquor consiquently are not fond of parting with their provision but powder and shot will draw it from them the Slave Lake Indians are of the Chepawyan tribe but the Peace River Indians are as fond of Liquor as any tribe and part with their provisions as freely it consists of Buffalo flesh both fresh and cured such as beat meat and renderd fatt its from that River that the Canadians procure all their dried provision for their different purposes its at the first settlement up the Peace River where they procure the provision. I am informed that they go to it in fourteen days from the Athapescow Settlement and from that Settlement to the next in twelve days at which place Buffalo is fully as plenty as at the other. the navigation up this river is exceeding good it cannot be bad as the Canadians send a single large Canoe up it with only three men and fetch down two Tons of dried Provision at a time and this Canoe keeps working most of the Summer on purpose to Supply the Athapescow Settlement which is the grand Magazine of those parts from which the Slave Lake, Peace River and Athapescow River Canoes are supplied in the fall of the year and reserve a stock of provision for the Spring and they have a two years Stock of the most material Trading Goods, Birch rind fitt for building large Canoes is very plentifull both in the Athapescow and Peace Rivers and the finest Pine that I have seen in the Country grows near the lower part of the Athapescow River nothing is wanting in these parts but Cedar for building Canoes the Canadians build of the largest size used in the North out of Pine but they never bring them in again. this year they built two of them and rebuilt twelve Cedar ones the two new ones was built up the Peace River and likewise Six of the Cedar ones rebuilt at that place they always have occasion for more Canoes to come down that River than what they take up."

May 3
" Thursday this evening Capt. Too-toose and five young men came to our tent they seemed to have a great quantity of fine Beaver I suppose not lefs than five Hundred upon the standard. he is the greatest Warr Chief they have amongst them he led a party last Summer to North Sea against the Esquamaux and killed several of them. he seems very disatisfied and at a distance threatens vengance agains the Canadians their seems a settled dislike to the Canadians amongst the whole of them which would most likely manifest it self if once the Honble Company had good Settlements amongst them. some few of the Chepawyans begin to love liquor and though they would not trade their Furrs or Provision for it I saw them trade their Ice Chizels, Guns, Blankets and Coats with the Canadian Master for Rum. he said they would get them in debt again in the fall and that they would pay well for their drink."

May 4
" Friday this morning the Indian that came to my tent last night went to the Canadian Settlement he said he had not brought all his furrs but had laid part of them up as does most of their tribe in hopes of a better market in their own country or to carry them to Churchill when they can form a party to undertake the journey they seem the most politic? Indians I have met with in the Country. AM Mr Malcom Rofs and men arrived with the last of our goods the Indians kept round the shore and Mr Rofs crofsing the bay upon the ice they did not meet we remained at this place until the 9th inst. during which time I killed a Swan a few Geese and Ducks which was acceptable to us as we was living upon our small stock of dried provision which was intended to serve us upon our Journey out. I was the only hunter as none of the others would trust their powder and shot at Geese flying and indeed we had not a single good Gun amongst us and our powder and shot being so scarce made me very cautious. this lake is an exceeding fine place for Geese in the fall of the year at which time great numbers might be cured for the winter as they are then killed setting as they come to the sands at the rate of two or three at a shot and they keep flying backwards and forwards the whole day as there is not tide to cover the sands and that material article salt is very plenty at this place. the Indians bringing great quantities of it which they trade at a very easy rate. the Geese at this place consist of a greater proportion of the large Grey kind than at any place upon the Sea coast. the white Wa-Ways are exceedingly plentifull and a great number of fine Geese preferable to the white Wa-way called the Jack-ap-a-shish its rather larger than the Wa-way of a brown grey colour and spoted breast its called by the English the laughing Goose. there is likewise a small kind of Grey Goose called the Pist-a-skish but they are so small that two of them is not better than three ducks they exactly resemble the large grey goose in colour. This Lake has a very fine fishery for about three weeks after the Ice first sets fast in which time as many may be taken as would serve four Months. they run chiefly upon a kind of white fish by the Indians called Tickameg with a good number of fine Perch and Pike we lay them froze and use them as occasion requires all Winter they are but poor food we should not have used so much of them but we was short of nets both in number and length. we had only Six nexts of Seventy yards each and of course could only keep four of them set as every day one of them was taken up and an other put in its place the net taken up was always washed in scalding water and then dried by a good fire which took the whole day. the next day I always mended it and at night it was prepared to go down the next morning. we had not only the inconvenience of to small a number of nets to combat with but some of them was of a bad kind of twine as well as to short but bad as they was they were of great use though Mr Will. Walker ordered two of them to be secreeted from us at Cumberland House when he knew they was the only two nets we had to take with us into the North. the reason we had our nets regularly Seventy yards proceeded from a want of line to haul then under the Ice otherwise one hundred and twenty yards is little enough? as there is little difference between overhaling a long net and a short one. the method used to set a net under the Ice is by cuting holes at such a distance from each other that a long stick pafsed under the ice fully reached from one hole to the other which is readily pafsed along with forked sticks by which likewise its direction from hole to hole is preserved. a line is made fast to the end of the stick which when reaved under the ice to the full length of the net is made fast to and hauled under the ice one taking care that the sticks and stones which are put for floats and weights in stead of leads and corks pafs clear in at the hole in the ice and if that is done they will not foul afterwards. the best and common method of seting nets is one at the end of the other where the fishery will allow it both with respect to making a longer wall incase the fish should make a small sheer besides the trouble saved in cuting holes in the ice as in that case the ends of two nets stands at the same hole and only one hole more than the number of nets is required. at this Lake the nets stand all the winter at the same place and a few fish is constantly taken in them but the white fish turns very soft after the beginning of December the Perch likewise turn poor the Pike continues good and some times a trout is taken in the nets but not of a very good quality. in the middle of Winter we had some hooks set under the ice and caught a few trout of about twenty five pounds each some of them the finest fish I ever tasted and others as bad, towards the spring we angled a good number of Trout about four to Six pounds each some very good and others very ordinary but neither the trout or Sturgeon are good after they have been froze the white fish, Perch and Pike bear it much better the latter is very good when made into a kind of forcemeat balls with the inside fatt of the Moose or Buffalo. In the spring the Indians brought us a little fresh meat and a few fresh Buffalo tongues a small quantity of fat and a little pounded meat which they traded with us in very small quantities for Powder and Shot so long as we had any powder or could spare a grain of shot. when that was done we got a little for knives but they are not very fond of parting with their provision their furrs they part with freely. after we had parted with all our Gun powder Mr Malcom Rofs traded some of the Canadian Master for our journey out. Upon the whole I am of opinion that this Lake will be found a good place for trade chiefly in fine Beaver and that the people would live tolerably well by exerting them selves in fishing and the Meat that might be procured from the Natives through a little encouragement given to them. the Natives say if two men was stitioned at the rapids in the slave river with powder shot and Tobacco they would bring them plenty of Buffalo meat and it would be worth bringing provision of the best kind a little dried that distance.
According to the best information I have been able to gain the Trade of this Country this Year is nearly as follows

Slave Lake --- 54 Packs and much more expected. this trade is about half Martins.
Peace River about 150 Packs. little except Beaver
Athapiscow Lake about 90 Packs mostly Beaver
Do. River ----------- 25 Packs do.
From good authority I can venture to say that the whole Expence of Trading Goods and provisions Annually sent to that Country with 25 Pr Cent upon the Enlish Invoice does not exceed 700 Ponds and the Total Wages paid to Servants of all denominations does not exceed 500 Pounds in this is included all the expences after they leave Lake Superior so that I should suppose that for upwards of Twenty Thousand made Beaver in prime furrs their Total expence to the Port of London does not much exceed three Thousand Pounds. and from the Waters which run to Churchill and Port Nelson they carry out a trade greater than from the Athapescow Country but not quite so advantageous as they are obliged to trade with the natives upon more liberal terms but still their profit must be very great they carry from the North of Cumberland House between Forty and Fifty Thousand made Beaver every year and the opposition they meet with is Chatham House up Port Nelson River and while the Canadians can keep this part they need not fear an opposition in any other part and I have heard some of them declare that while they can draw the attention of the Honble Companies Servants up the Sask-ash-a-wan or to Southern parts they can afford to oppose them at a trifling lofs so long as they can keep the North to them selves."

May 9
" Wednesday having been informed by the Canadians that some of them had been up the river hunting and had found it clear of Ice for a bout twelve miles at 11 AM we got underway and at 1/2 PM enterd the mouth of the river having been obliged to lead our Canoes a considerable distance over flats to get into the proper channel in the evening we met a Canoe with two Canadians going to the Athapiscow Lake from the House at the forks of the river they informed us that the river had been clear of ice from the 2nd inst. great numbers of Geese chiefly white Wa-ways crofsed the river this day several of which we killed. they seem as plenty in the Marshes on both sides of this river as I ever saw them in Hudsons Bay. at 8 1/2 PM we put up for the night. Wind Easterly cloudy Weather."

May 10
" Thursday at 5 1/2 AM got underway and at 1 PM we arrived at the Canadian Settlement and as usual was politely received by a Young Man an Apprentice to the Canadian Company. there was only four Indian Men at the House the others were building Canoes at a small distance from this place and are dayly expected in. we remianed all this day in hopes of seeing them and particularly one of them who owes a considerable debt and promised to meet us in this river and pay it part in furrs part in provisions and the Remainder in provision he expected to kill in his journey with us to Isle-a-la Crofs. we much wished an Indian with us as we never had seen the great or Methy Portage at the turn of the waters and was informed that it is difficult to find but we learned the Canadian Linguist was sent to the Indians so soon as we arrived as we suppose to prevent their coming to the House and to secure all their furrs. all the Indians that belong to this House is of the Ne-hea-tha-way or Southern Indian tribe and like all others of the same tribe are very fond of Liquor. one great and sufficient reason for keeping this Settlement is to keep the Southern and Northern Indians apart otherwise when they are drinking the Southern Indians are sure to insult the Northern Indians though they should be much inferior in numbers through a supposed superiority in rank both as Warriors and hunters. they are most undoubtedly the most elert but the Northern Indians are the stoutest hardiest race of Indians and claim the same superiority over the Esquamaux as the Southern Indians does over them and those Southern Indians stand in as much awe of the Indians towards the borders of Lake Superior and I believe it has been found that the farther North the more Peaceable the Indians. this day Wind Northerly cold raw Weather."

May 11
" Friday having inafectually tried to prevail on some one of the Indians to accompany us either to Isle-a-la Crofs or to the Indians that are bulding their Canoes in a Creek a little distance up the river at 8 1/2 AM we got underway to proceed up the river as farr as where the Indians are opposite to and to crofs through the woods according to the direction we received from the Indians we should have found no difficulty in procuring an Indian had they not been stoped by the Canadians and the Southern tribe of Indians stand much more in awe of the Canadians than what the Northern Indians do but, if once the Honble Hudsons Bay Companies Servants was settled amongst them they would soon throw of the mask. the Canadian men and Indians brought us the flesh of four Beaver which proved very accepable to us as we have pafsed the goose ground. at 1 PM we arrived at the place which we understood by the Indians was opposite to where the Indians was buildg their Canoes and Mr Malcom Rofs went in search of them at 4 1/2 PM he returned but had not found them he killed one swan while he was away upon his return we embarked a gain and at 8 PM put up about 1 1/2 mile above the first heigh sandy bank. Wind ENE fresh breeze cloudy cold Weather."

May 12
" Saturday at 4 1/4 AM got underway sailed most of this day and put up at 8 PM opposite the peice of white sandy bank on E side with a pine Island before it Wind NW cold cloudy frosty weather which obliged us to stop about an hour in the middle of the day to make a fire and warm our selves."

May 13
" Sunday at 4 1/2 AM got underway sailed all day and put up at 8 1/2 PM in Lat. 57° 28' North. Wind Variable Northerly with flying clouds and Cold frosty Weather."

May 14
" Monday at 5 3/4 AM got underway padled untill 7 1/2 PM then put up near the old Canadian House below the mouth of the Wash-a-cum-mow Seepe or clear water river. Wind Southerly light airs clear fine weather the Water rising all this day which makes the Current very strong."

May 15
" Tuesday at 4 3/4 AM got underway and padled untill 1 1/2 PM then sailed untill 7 1/2 PM and put up about 6 miles below the mouth of the Wash-a-cum-mow Seepe. Calm in the morning Wind Northerly fresh breeze all the latter part of the day with fine clear Weather."

May 16
" Wednesday at 5 AM got underway at 7 AM arrived at the Canadian old House at the mouth of Wash-a-cum-mow Seepe where we stoped untill 10 AM to repair my Canoe it being very leaky then proceeded up the Wash-a-cum-mow Seepe untill 7 3/4 PM and put up opposite the mouth of the red willow river which we came down last year."

May 17
" Thursday at 6 1/2 AM got underway and continued up the Wash-a-cum-mow Seepe or clear water river by Peter Pond called the Pillican River went NEbE 1/4 mile very strong current a small Island on the South side then went E 1 1/4 mile fresh current a small willow Island at the head of the reach, heigh land on North side, and good woods and low land on South side, went EbN 1/2 mile easy current low land and good woods on both sides then SbE 1/4 mile E to NNW 1/4 mile EbN 1 mile a pine Island on North side near the end of this reach ESE 3/4 mile an Island at the lower end of the reach on south side 1/4 mile long. then ENE to North 1/2 mile NEbE 1/2 mile all this last part good woods on both sides , then ENE 1/2 mile willows on South side and small asps on North side SbE 1/4 mile good woods on both sides EbN 1/4 mile NEbN 1/4 mile SE 1/4 mile ENE 1/4 mile NNE 1/4 mile E 1/8 mile SEbE 1/4 mile E 1/4 mile NEbE 1/2 mile an Island 1/4 mile long on North side NEbE 1/4 mile SSE 1/4 mile ESE to ENE 1/4 mile NNE 1/8 mile WNW 1/8 mile N 1/8 mile NE 1/4 mile ESE 1/4 mile NEbE 1/4 mile NW 1/8 mile WbN 3/8 mile NNW 1/4 mile NbE 1/4 mile at this place a peice of barren or meadow ground on North side ESE 3/8 mile NE 1/4 mile NNE 1 mile an Island 1/4 mile long at the bottom of the last reach, then N 1/4 mile N 1/8 mile ENE 1/2 mile NE 1/2 mile NbE 1/4 mile meadow on South side and a Pine Island all along the North side then went NbW 1/4 mile NNE 1/4 mile and put up at 7 1/2 PM. Wind Variable Westerly from North to South fine clear Weather. I stoped this day to have taken a Meridian altitude but was to late being deceived by the Watch having lost above half an hour since I left the House. the river pafsed this day except as before mentioned is about from 150 to 200 yards wide moderate current with good Pine Birch and Poplar upon the banks and good Birch upon every point but more particularly on the South side this river runs through a valley about two miles wide between two heigh hills which are said to be famous for Buffalo and Red Deer."

May 18
" Friday at 4 3/4 AM got underway went NE 1/4 mile & NNE 3/8 mile moderate current meadows on South side North 1/2 mile a pine Island 1/4 mile long on North side NNE 1/4 mile ENE 1/4 mile NEbN 1/4 mile NNE 3/4 mile a small pine Island at the lower end of the last reach & an other at the uper end NE 3/8 mile and pafsed three Islands ENE 3/4 mile NEbN 1 mile NE 1/4 mile a narrow willow island mid river NEbE 1/2 m ENE 1/4 mile SW 1/8 mile South 1/8 mile SE 1/4 mile a pine island 1/4 mile long on North side the part of the river pafsed this day is full of patches of willows and thin woods alternate and the woods wear a barren aspect being low and scrubby. EbN 1/4 mile SEbS 1/8 mile SEbE 1/4 mile the woods on South side burnt at this place an island coverd with willows and pine SEbE 1/4 mile East 1 mile then between two pine Islands ESE 1/4 mile and came to the end of the North Island and ESE 1/4 mile and came to the end of the South Island very strong current this last two reaches about the middle of the last reach on the North side a Salt creek about a yard wide went EbS 1/4 mile very strong current a large creek on North side went NNE 1/8 mile East 1/8 mile current more moderate NE 1/4 mile ESE 1/8 mile S 1/8 mile SEbE 1/4 mile burnt woods on the South side E 3/4 mile in this part a stinking iron colourd minneral water weeps from the bank on South side went ESE 1/4 mile ENE 3/8 mile a pine Island 1/4 Mile long on North side ESE 1/8 mile and ESE 1/4 mile a pine Island on South side ESE 1 1/2 mile a willow Island at the bottom of the reach and two willow islands mid reach a strong mineral spring on North side breaking out of a low bank on North side coverd with small firrs it leaves a kind of white slime upon the stones at the bottom and a kind of soft salts dries upon the stones on the shore the water when mixed with about half river water tasts like the Streetham mineral water a little distance above it a creek about two yards wide and 8 or 10 inches deep with a strong current of the same kind of water every summer the Canadians as they pafs by drink copiously of this water and find it an excellent cathartic as it is never attended with the least griping pain. went East 1 1/4 mile burnt woods both sides a pine Island at the bottom of the reach and an Alder Island at top went East 3/4 mile strong current at the bottom of the reach on North side went NE 1/8 mile strong current East 2 1/2 mile moderate current two small willow Islands ESE 1/2 mile moderate current several small willow Islands and a small Island of burnt pine went SE 1/4 mile and East 1/8 mile moderate current then NE 3/4 mile rapid current rocky bottom EbN 1 mile a very stong rapid with two heavy shoots in it this rapid is some times carried at on North side 1000 yards through the woods good carrying but we led up the lower part to the first shoot then carried 320 yards on North side good carrying and put up at 8 1/2 PM Wind Easterly fresh breeze and clear. the river pafsed this day except as otherwise mentioned has a moderate current and runs between hills as mentioned yesterday the woods not quite so good and very little birch."

May 19
" Saturday at 5:10 AM got underway led the Canoes 200 yards then went NE 1/4 mile still water and NNE 1/2 mile still deep water the river about 400 yards wide with several small willow Islands in it. came to two pine Islands went between them ENE 1/8 mile strong rapid then went on North side SE 1/8 mile strong rapid and ENE 1/4 mile strong rapid then led the Canoes NE 1/2 mile two rocky Islands mid river strong rapid current went ENE 1/4 mile strong rapid came to an Island on North side kept on the North shore ENE 1/8 mile and ESE 1/8 mile very rapid current and came opposite the uper end of the Island. at this place the shores and Island is heigh steep raged rocks and a very heavy shoot of current at this place we unloaded the Canoes a little below the point and carried the Cargoes 270 yards midling carrying handed the Canoes up it and took in their Cargoes and continued on ENE 1/4 mile from the head of the Island all a rapid with three heavy shoots which cannot be shot in going down but must carry 1/4 mile, then went in moderate current NNE 3/4 mile and came to a strong rapid handed the Canoes 100 yards on North side went NNE 1/2 mile fresh current then handed up a rapid ENE 1/4 mile then went E 1/4 mile SEbE 1/2 mile E 1/4 mile (a creek on South side) ENE 1/4 mile (a willow Island mid river) and ENE 1/4 mile moderate current the sides of the river much as before
[lat. reading]
went SEbE 3/8 mile small pine on South side willows and grafs on North side went E 3/8 mile as before went NE 3/4 mile (a pine Island 1/4 mile long and an other with grafs and a few pines on South side) handed up a strong rapid E 1/4 mile then crofsed to an Island North of us and Mr Malcom Rofs went to look at the fall and found we should have kept on the South side behind the Island and have carried out of a bay at the foot of the rapid. its called by the Canadians the pine portage. he was gone from 1 1/2 PM until 3 1/2 PM we then crofsed to the North side and led E 1/4 mile very strong rapid & E 1/8 mile more moderate then crofsed to south side and went E 1/8 mile led at two rapid? points and came to a carrying place but it was so exceedingly Steep and all loose deep sand that we pafsed it and went a long a bay NE 1/8 mile then carried 230 yards on South side middling good carrying dry ground, very heigh craggy rocks on sides of the rapid and a heigh craggy Island in the middle of it. by handing and pafsing the way we have mifsed a carrying place of 1 1/4 mile, we then went E 3/8 mile and came to an Island with a rapid on each side handed on the North Shore 50 yards up the rapid then went ESE 1/4 mile easy current and put up on North side at 7 1/4 PM Mr Rofses Canoes having a little pitch rub'd of and making to much water to proceed. Wind Southerly fresh breeze at times with fine clear weather."

May 20
" Sunday at 4 1/2 AM got underway went SE 1 mile moderate current and pafsed a willow Island mid reach and came to a larger creek on North side which comes out of the river at the head of the next fall. the tail of a small willow Island lays opposite the creek went ESE 3/4 mile EbS 3/8 mile ENE 1/4 mile & NEbN 1/2 mile a moderate current and came to the foot of a very heavy fall coming down between very heigh rocks. took out of the water about 150 yards from the foot of the fall on the North side and carried 440 yards into the creek before mentioned, the carrying place is dry but rocky and a little hilly went 30 yards up the Creek and pafsed a small rapid an other branch then runs into the main fall, kept close on the North side about 50 yards then the main fall opens in two branches went 150 yards NNW and came to a heigh rocky Island with a few small pine upon it rather nearest the North side, with a small rapid on each side, went up close on South shore, in going down the River the left hand side of the rocky Island is nearly perpendicular with a smooth face the right hand side rather lower and hanging over the water and the hill on the North side of the river appears right behind you in going down the river the fall does not appear untill you are close upon the top of it but as soon as pafsed the Island must keep close on North side and take care to bring up close round the point as the suction of the fall is very sly and if once drawn into it all would be lost so that it seems as if nature had placed the Island above it as a land mark for the fall. after pafsing the Island we went NNW 1/4 mile the North shore heigh and rocky. the South side low and coverd with willows and grafs. went ESE 1/4 mile low banks on both sides coverd with willows and few stragling Pines on the South side. went ENE 1/8 mile low banks with willows and very small stragling pines amongst them went NEbE 1/4 mile and came to a low triangular willow Island the sides about 100 yards in length and a narrow bay running beyond it on the South side ENE it appears to have been the run of the river at some time and that the course of the river has been turned by a deluge went on North side of the Island NE 1/4 mile low banks and good pine on the North side and willows on the South side went NWbW 1/8 mile NE 1/8 mile ESE 1/8 mile E 1/8 mile pafsed a small willow island. NEbE 3/8 mile ESE 1/4 mile low and willows on both sides of the river went ENE 1/4 mile and NE 3/4 mile banks low with willows and grafs on the South side and good Pine on the North side then went ESE 1/2 mile
[lat. reading]
we then went ENE 1/8 mile broken banks and steep on South side the North point low and coverd with willows. NNW 1/4 mile NEbN 3/8 mile two small willow Islands at the uper end of the reach. SEbE 1/4 mile EbN 1/8 mile NE 1/8 mile WNW 1/8 mile NW 1/8 mile WNW 1/8 mile NW 1/8 mile North? 1/8 mile E 1/8 mile SE 1/8 mile NE 1/8 mile ENE 1/8 mile a white sandy bank about 50 feet heigh well coverd with rather small pine at the top of the North side in a bay & a low sandy point on the South side and swampy within the point went SE 1/4 mile ESE 1/8 mile ENE 1/8 mile NbE 1/3 mile NE 1/8 mile SEbS 1/2 mile then put Robt. Garroch on shore on the South side to look for the Methy carrying place as we had been informed by the Canadians that its upon this spot but very difficult to find went EbN 1 mile NEbN 3/4 mile three willow Islands at the head of the reach went NbE 3/4 mile a peice of white sandy low bank on North side near the end of the reach and heigh steep bank close at the end of it which is likewise sandy but coverd with small pine willows grafs &c. on the South side the bank is rather low and sandy but bold and coverd with grafs went EbS 1/8 mile a small grafsy bay on left hand or North side and a low bold white sandy bank on the South side at the end of which on the South side is a small swamp which we should have gone up to the carrying place, but we continued on NNE 1/4 mile NEbN 1/4 mile ESE 1/8 mile a valley between the hills on the South side faces this reach a white sandy bank on the South side about ten feet heigh continued on NNE 1/8 mile NW 1/8 mile NNE 1/8 mile ENE 1/4 mile EbS 1/8 mile SE 1/8 mile SSE 1/8 mile and E 1/8 mile then stoped with intent to stay all night fired several guns and was after some time answered by Robert Garrock at a little distance down the river he then came within call and informed us that we had pafsed the carrying place we returned and took him in and proceeded down to the swamp which is about thirty yards wide at the entrance went about fifty yds it then opens to about 100 yards broad and 200 yards long found that was not the proper way so returned to the mouth of the swamp then went about 50 yards through grafs nearly NNE close behind a few willows which parts this part from the river then came to a part 50 yards broad went ENE 3/8 mile E 1/8 mile SSE 1/8 mile SE 1/8 mile and SSW 1/8 mile good bold bank on left hand and swampy with willows on the right hand went to within a 100 yards of the end of the bay and landed on left hand side at the carrying place upon a peice of fine meadow and put up at 9 1/2 PM. Wind Variable Westerly fine clear weather."

May 21
" Monday at 4 AM we began to carry the uper end of the sand bank on the North side of the river close below the enterance of the swamp that leads to this carrying place bears West by compafs. we carried 250 yards through a fine meadow then 170 yards through Willows and grafs then 40 yards up a steep Hill then 130 yards nearly level ground then 400 yards gentle rising ground then 50 yards steep hill then 100 yards not so steep then 20 yards down hill. 120 yards rather steep hill and came to ridge about two yards wide at the top the sides of which are very steep and not lefs than a Hundred yards to the bottom on either side and if a person was to make a slip to either side he would be shure of being at the bottom before he stoped. carried along the ridge 100 yards up hill 30 yards down hill then 395 yards up hill afterwards 1600 yards upon rising ground through Pine woods and came to a part which has been lately burnt and is thinly coverd with fine young firrs carried on 300 yards and then stoped at 1 1/2 PM one canoe still at the end of the carrying place. when upon the top of the ridge the North end of the carrying place bears NW by N. findng our selves badly of for water having only a little bad water which we got out of a swamp about a mile back. at 4 PM I went a head in search of water along the carrying place 2370 yards through pine woods 500 yards of which is swamp ground and came to a fine little Lake acrofs which we are to pafs and returned to the others with the agreeable news at 5 PM they then had just arrived with the other Canoe and some water after geting up the hill this carrying place runs nearly SSE1/2E by compafs.
[lat. reading]
This day Wind Westerly fresh breeze with clear warm Weather."

May 22
" Tuesday at 3 AM began to carry and at 6 1/2 AM got to the small lake went acrofs the Lake ESE 1/2 S 3/4 mile to the SW end of a heigh sandy patch in the bank the lake seems about 1 1/2 miles long. they then carried 1 mile & 135 yards through thin pine woods dry sandy ground then put up for the day at 6 1/2 AM I set of from the others to go to the end of the carrying place the day being clear made me unwilling to mifs the oppertunity of geting a meridian Altitude of the Sun at 10 AM I got to the end of the carrying place which I estimated to be 8 miles and 1500 yards from the little Lake, saw much ice in the methy Lake.
[lat. reading]
This day calm with very warm weather."

May 23
" Wednesday at 2 AM began to carry. carried our things about 2 mile then stoped from 8 AM to 5 PM then carried about 3/4 mile further and put up at 7 PM. Wind Northerly fine clear weather fore part of the day latter part cloudy."

May 24
" Thursday at 2 AM began to carry and carried untill 6 1/2 AM then carried from 6 PM to 7 3/4 PM and put up having carried 3 1/4 miles. Wind Easterly fresh breeze and Cloudy with a few drops of rain in the night."

May 25
" Friday at 2 1/2 AM began to carry and at 6 3/4 AM got over the carrying place and put up the fore part of the day Wind Variable Southerly with Cloudy Weather and Thunder at Noon the latter part of the day Wind NW with showers of rain. we saw much ice in the Methy Lake. Mr Rofs shot 5 Ducks."

May 26
" Saturday this morning repaird and pitched our Canoes which they stood in much need of after being so long out of the water and exposed to the Sun besides the injury they have received in so long carriage though the carrying place is exceedingly well cleared and very level except the Hill on North side. the shaking? upon a mans shoulder when dry loosens most of the timbers. our Canoes being repaird at 10 1/4 AM we got underway in a creek about three yards wide went about 2 miles making 1/2 mile EbS the creek opens to about 30 yards wide at the Lake which we enterd at 11 1/4 AM the Lake is very shoal off the mouth of the creek. went in the Methy Lake EbS 1 1/2 mile to a point having a bay 1/2 mile deep to North and the Lake 1 1/2 mile wide to South at this point the Canadians formerly had a temporary house as while they were upon the Methy carrying place the rivers was froze over so they returned to this place to fish untill the river was fit to walk upon. they then hauled their goods to the Athapescow Lake. went nearly along the side of the Lake EbS 3/4 mile EbS 1/2 mile acrofs a little bay then EbN 1/2 mile along the shore and put up at 1 1/2 PM not being able to proceed farther for Ice. fore part of the day Wind Variable Southerly at 1 1/2 PM the Wind came to NW fresh Gale with heavy rain and continues showery all the afternoon. before we went on shore we set two nets and in the afternoon got 70 Suckers or Carp and 5 Jack fish the South part of the Lake seems very full of Ice Mr Rofs shot one swan and my self an other."

May 27
" Sunday this day lay by the Ice having come from the South part of the Lake close upon this shore and run over our nets fore part of the day wind SE latter part Westerly with showers of rain and Cold Weather."

May 28
" Monday this day lay by Wind being strong at NE set the Ice of this side of the Lake in the fore part of the day we had cold showers of rain latter part frosty weather in the evening we tried to find our nets but found only one of them and that very much damaged."

May 29
" Tuesday at 4 AM we got underway in the Lake after having tried for our other net without succefs went to a point on the E side E3/4S about 4 1/2 miles leaving a kind of double bay about 3/4 mile deep to North went nearly along the shore EbS 1/2 mile and EbN 1 mile a Pine Island about 1/2 mile long laying about 1/2 mile from the shore the Lake seems about 5 miles wide at this place with a large Island well coverd with pine near the North shore upon which the Canadians formerly had a house but did not find it good for provision went along the shore SbW 1 mile EbS 1/2 mile NbE 1/4 mile nearly along the shore all the side of the lake pafsed has a stony shore and mostly coverd with small asps with a few bluffs of pine. the Land low kept along the shore SE 1 mile and came to a sandy river about 15 yards wide this last part low sandy banks and good pines continued along the shore SSE 1/2 mile then acrofs a small bay SSE 1 1/2 mile then then S 1/2 E 2 miles all this last part low land and sandy bank the Lake about this part about 6 mile wide the Opposite shore seems low and coverd with pine &c with heigh land a little ways within. we were then arrived at the mouth of the Methy River which is grown up with rushes so that no channel appears and is very shoal a good bluff of pine grows about a mile beyond this river and from that the Lake seems to run Westerly round to the North side enterd the Methy river at 9 1/4 AM when into the river its very shoal for the first 1/2 mile went in the river EbS 1/6 mile ESE to SSW 1/4 mile and put on shore to get a peice of poor jack fish roasted. the fore part of this day has been exceeding cold the Water kept freezing upon the Sunny side of Canoes untill 10 AM.
[lat. reading]
the course over the Methy Lake is nearly SE and runs on the North side of the large Island that the Canadians had their House upon. at 1/2 PM got underway again and went down the river between S & E 1/2 mile good woods on the West side and swampy on the E side the whole bed of the river seems full of suckers went NNW 1/8 mile SE 1/8 mile ESE 1/8 mile ENE 1/8 mile between E & N 1/2 mile between ESE & N 1/2 mile last part banks low and small burnt woods went NEbE 3/8 mile between ENE and South 2 miles making SEbE 1 1/4 mile in which is 16 small rapids the river pafsed is from 10 to 20 yards wide. came to a part 60 or 70 yards wide went EbS 1/2 mile S 1/8 mile WbS 1/8 mile SSE 3/8 mile SE to South 3/4 mile last part easy current but shoal with soft sandy bottom the sides of the river low with grafsy Marshes. went NNE 1/8 mile SSE 1/8 mile South 1/8 mile WbS 1/8 mile SE 1/8 mile SbW 1/8 mile ESE 1/8 mile E to SW 1/8 mile then 1 1/2 mile making SbE 1 mile then W to ESE 1/2 mile 4 1/2 miles making 2 miles SEbE then SEbS 3/8 mile 1 1/2 mile making 1/2 mile SEbyS this past parts exceeding shoal running through swampy low ground coverd with small pines and junipers and grafsy kind of Marshes we put up at 8 1/4 PM Wind Northerly fresh gale with flying clouds and exceeding cold Weather for the Season."

May 30
" Wednesday at 4 3/4 AM we got underway went 2 1/2 miles making 1 1/2 miles SSE then NE 1/8 mile SSE 1/8 mile SSW 1/2 mile NE 1/4 mile EbS 1/4 mile NbW 1/8 mile SE 3/8 mile South 1/4 mile NNE 1/8 mile S 1/8 mile a small creek on left hand went SSW 3/8 mile SE 1/4 mile SSE 1/4 mile ENE 3/16 mile SbW 3/16 mile EbS 1/4 mile SEbE 1/4 mile 4 miles making 1 mile SSE then ENE 1/8 mile in which is a small rapid E 1/8 mile one small ripple SSW to SE 1/4 mile a small ripple near EbN 1/2 mile in which is nine small ripples EbS 1/4 mile 2 ripples EbN 1/16 mile 3 very small ripples SbE 1/8 mile 1 ripple EbN 1/8 mile 1 strong rapid & 1 ripple E 1/8 mile 1 strong rapid ESE 1/8 mile 1 strong Rapid EbS 1/4 mile 4 ripples NEbE 1/8 mile 3 ripples SbE 1/8 mile 1 very strong rapid SE 1/8 mile 2 ripples EbS 1/8 mile 2 ripples & 1 strong rapid N 1/8 mile 1 rapid EbN 1/8 mile 2 rapids SbE 1/16 mile 1 rapid E 1/8 mile SbE 1/8 mile 1 rapid SW 1/16 mile 1 rapid SE 1/16 mile 1 rapid S 1/16 mile 1 rapid SE 1/16 mile 1 rapid SSE 1/8 mile 1 rapid SEbE 1/4 mile 1 strong and 1 very steep strong rapid then SSW 1/4 mile S to W 1/2 mile & SW 3/8 mile easy current and at 4 1/2 PM arrived at the branch we went up June 3rd 1791. all along the rapids the river is from ten to 30 yards wide and the woods close on the banks land low the water being low in this river obliged us to leed the Canoes down all the rapids and most of the ripples but had the Water been at what appears by the banks to be its usual height few if any of the ripples would have appeared and most of the rapids could be run down with safety. this river is not dangerous for any thing but the Canoes but it is very bad for them. we continued on down the river to the Buffalo Lake where we arrived at 9 3/4 PM and put up. this day Wind Easterly with flying clouds and exceedingly cold for the Season."

May 31
" Thursday lay by this day the Lake being full of Ice. set a net and got plenty of Jack fish both from the net and by Angling at the bank edge. at 5 1/2 PM Mr Roderick Mackensie arrived from the Athapiscow Lake which place he says he left on the 20th inst. he had two Indians in an Indian Canoe with him he says they carried most of their Cargoe at all the rapids in the Methy river neverthelefs the bottom of his Canoe is very much damaged. Wind ESE which keeps the Ice at this end of the Lake flying clouds all this day."

June 1 1792
" Friday Wind ESE flying clouds the People imployed drying Jack of which we have taken a great number this day repaired one net and lent it to Mr Mackensie."

June 2
" Saturday at the Mouth of the River
[lat. reading]
Wind ESE flying clouds the People drying fish of which we get plenty took our net up to dry and mend, the Ice still close in shore."

June 3
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday the men drying and hooking fish we take such numbers upon the hooks that we have no occasion to set a net. the Ice still close in shore."

June 4
" Monday Wind Easterly light breeze with rain from 1 1/2 PM untill 6 PM the People as before the Ice still continues fast."

June 5
" Tuesday Wind Easterly light Airs with very thick fog from the Ice. in the night the Wind had been Westerly which set the Ice a little from the mouth of the river but at 7 AM changed to East and set it back no water now to be seen in the Lake the People as before."

June 6
" Wednesday
[lat. reading]
Wind SW untill 11 AM it then got to West the air full of smoak almost the whole of this Country seems on fire. at 5 1/4 PM the Ice having cleared from the Southward we got underway in the Lake and went 2 miles along the West side sometimes carrying our Canoes at other times carrying part of the Cargoe and leading the Canoes along the side of the Ice and came to the open water at 8 3/4 PM then continued along the West side the Canadians started with us but they do not seem to like it so they did not reach the open water so soon as we did but they pafsed us about Midnight."

June 7
" Thursday continued on untill 4 3/4 AM and having got out of the reach of Ice incase the wind should change as we could always go before the Ice if it should blow hard. we put on shore and cooked some fish and slept untill 9 AM we then got underway again and at 10 AM came to three Canoes of Chepawyans laying at the old Canadian House. they had not got any thing. we stoped with them half an hour then went on again and at 1 PM met a Canoe of Chepawyans belonging to those we just left we got a swan from them continued on and at 6 PM we had pafsed Clear Water Lake and came to five Tents of Southern Indians they had 23 Canoes and seemed to be 13 or 14 hunting Indians. we got a few Gull eggs from them and Mr Rofs made them a present of some Tobacco. we then continued on untill 8 PM then put up about 7 miles from Clear Water Lake Wind Westerly moderate gale clear except smoak."

June 8
" Friday at 3 AM got underway at 1 PM we arrived at the Isle a la Crofs Settlement. Mr Graham the Summer Master offered us any thing in his pofsefsion he informed us he had no beat meat but plenty of fatt he said he was ordered by Mr McGilvery to supply us with evey thing we wanted as he had been well treated at Cumberland House last year. Mr Rofs accepted of some fat a few fish hooks and a small peice of birch rind which he offerd to give a receipt for and repay it at Cumberland house but Mr Graham would not accept it. this morning Calm fine weather but soon afterward it blew up a heavy gale at West which prevented us from going any further this day."

June 9
" Saturday lay by this day Wind bound Mr Rofs ingaged the Indian that accompanied Mr Mackensie from Athapescow to accompany us to Cumberland House. its the same Indian that deceived us at Athapescow. we found but one Indian more at this House and he refused. Wind NW hard Gale with cloudy cold weather."

June 10
" Sunday at 6 AM got underway after having waited three hours for the Indian which had ingaged to pilot us down the falls but after many excuses he refused to accompany us as he said he could not persuid his wife or a lad that was there to accompany him. for my own part I was not sorry as he would only delay us. at 6 PM we got to the end of the Lake and at 6 3/4 PM put up at the small Lake next to Isle-a-la Crofs Lake and set a net. fore part of the day Wind NE fresh breeze cold cloudy weather latter part clear and nearly Calm. this day we took some eggs of the Crow duck. its a large black kind of duck wth a beak like a crow and lives upon fish but to our great surprise we could not boil them hard and instead of white they had a kind of green jelly the yolk was the same as other eggs we thought them very fine eating."

June 11
" Monday at 4 AM took up our net and got a few fish which served for breakfast. at 5 1/2 AM got underway and at 7 1/2 PM put up about 6 miles in Primoes Lake we carried at the two carrying places and shot all the other falls or rather strong rapids. the long one below the first carrying place was shoal at the lower end. Wind Southerly Clear Weather we sailed to the first fall but was hindered by it afterward and particularly in the rapids. at 8 1/4 PM set our nets and Mr Rofs shot two Geese."

June 12
" Tuesday at 4 AM took up our nets got as many small Jack and Suckers as made a meal. at 5 1/2 AM got underway went to the first fall run part down then carried 200 yards on the South side then run the remainder of the fall with all the cargoe in. went to the lower end of the knee Lake and put up at 7 1/2 PM. we run all the other falls this day except the one before mentioned the carrying place fall was good. Wind from East to South and back to SE light airs evening and morning and strong gale mid day with clear Weather Musketoes thick this evening. set our nets."

June 13
" Wednesday at 4 1/4 AM took up the nets got a few fish and at 6 1/4 AM got underway stoped 1 1/2 hour at the head of the Snake fall being much wind afterwards we went to the lower end of the Snake river and put up at 8 1/4 PM and set our nets. Wind and Weather as yesterday."

June 14
" Thursday took up our nets got a few Jack, Suckers and Perch. at 5 1/2 AM got underway stoped about 1 1/2 hour about mid day and Angled a few Jack at the lower end of the Snake Lake then went to the black bear Island Lake and put up at 8 PM. carryed at the three carrying places between the Moose Lake and the Black Bear Island Lake. in the morning Wind Variable Northerly with Cloudy Weather afterwards Wind Variable between Southward and East with Clear Weather. set our Nets in the Lake."

June 15
" Friday took up our nets got as many fish as will serve the day at 6 1/4 AM we got underway and at 8 PM put up about 3/4 mile below the rapid in the black Bear Island Lake we was stoped by the Wind about 2 1/2 hours in the middle of the day. Wind Easterly easy breeze in the morning and in the Middle of the day a perfect Storm in the evening more moderate as usual set our nets."

June 16
" Saturday at 6 3/4 AM got underway after having took up our net cooked our fish &c we got one good trout and a few Jack and Suckers. put up at 11 AM 8 miles from the East end of the black Bear Island Lake. Wind near SSE strong gale with Thunder and heavy rain at 11 AM continued raining untill 5 PM and flying rain like clouds untill 8 PM then fine Calm Clear Weather. set our nets."

June 17
" Sunday at 8 AM it began to Clear it having rain nearly all night took up our nets but got no fish as is common in Thunder Weather. at 9 AM got underway at Noon got to the lower end of the Carrying place at the East end of the black bear Island Lake.
[lat. reading]
at 2 PM met Six Canoes of Chepawyans in the Trout Lake one of which was the Indian who undertook to carry letters from the Atha-pes-cow Lake to Churchill he returned the letters and excused him self by saying that it is bad for provision near Churchill and that many had died in that part through want of provision they informed us the Mr Frazier who winterd at a little Lake near the end of this lake the winter before last and last winter at the rapid river between 60 and 70 miles lower down has had very great succefs and was not able to carry out his furrs but that I do not believe as they have always plenty of men. they said Mr McGilvery had informed them that Mr Small was gone to England for a Medicine to kill all the Englishmen and that we were all lost. the Medicine is likewise to kill all the Chepawyans that go to the English but we informed them we had better Medicine and are not fearfull of them as they must get every thing from our Country and our Country people will not let them have the best as they may see by the differance in the Cloth Blankets Guns &c which seemed fully to convince them that what the Canadians say is false and the Che-pa-wy-ans are such liars them selves that they readily believe other people to be so and the Canadians give them such room that they suspect every thing they say or promise. we traded a few dried trout from the them as they never give any thing like the Southern Indians who never let an Englishman pafs them without giving some provision if they have it whether they receive any return or not but a Che-pa-wy-an loves firat to make a bargain. we stoped with them about two hours and then went to the end of the Lake and put up at 5 PM. Wind SE fresh breeze with Thunder and rain at 5 1/4 PM untill 8 1/2 PM the Indian who had the letters came to us and staid all night. we set one net at the mouth of the Creek where Frasier Winterd the Winter before last and the Indian took the other to the Lake at the head of the Creek and set it. the creek is not above 1/4 mile long with a fall in the Middle it bears a great Character for fish both by the Indians and Canadians. the Indian Angled at the foot of the fall for trout but without succefs the Thunder had drove them into deep water."

June 18
" Monday at 5 3/4 AM got underway after taking up our nets cooking &c. we got one trout a few Tickameg and some Suckers as many as will keep us for the day. we carried over the carrying place then run a rapid which was good then carried over the next carrying place crofsed the round bay below and run a rapid then came to the rapid mentioned as commonly a carrying place but which the Canoes was led upon the North side we carried the goods 30 yards on the South side upon a rock then handed the Canoes to the bottom went 100 yards and run the next rapid not good crofsed the little Lake and enterd the river. run a rapid and came to the carrying place 130 yards on North side shot the rapid which proved good continued on down the river and run two more rapids which proved good enterd a little Lake kept to much to the North and went down a bay NNE 3 miles and was obliged to return not finding an opening as expected came into the old track and went 3 miles and came to the end of the Lake enterd a river run two small rapids enterd a little lake went along it and came to the divels carrying place carryed all but our beding and lumber run the Canoes near 1/2 mile then some times run and some times handed to within 30 yards of the foot of the fall then carried on North side. sticked and stoned our nets ready for seting then went down the river run two rapids deep and good but much swell and an other with many bad stones laying in it then went 1/2 mile and put up at 8 1/4 PM at the little lake or bay we lay at on Sept. 24th, 1790 Wind Westerly fresh breeze and Calm alternate with warm showery Weather. set our nets in the Lake."

June 19
" Tuesday took up our nets got 3 good jack a few suckers & as many as will serve the day, after cooking &c at 5 1/2 AM we got underway went to the Otter carrying place handed the uper part then run the lower part went over the Otter Lake carried at the two carrying places below the Otter Lake and went over the next Lake and run down the next rapid which is a carrying place in going up put up at the foot of the rapid at 8 PM Wind NE light breeze with hot sultry weather set our nets."

June 20
" Wednesday took up our nets but little succefs not havg taken fish eneough for breakfast at 4 1/4 AM we got underway went to the next carrying place carried over and put up at 7 1/4 AM it raining to hard to proceed remained all day we got a few jack fish at the foot of the fall which is a very heavy one. I mended our nets which stood much in need of it. in the morning Wind NE with a little rain at 9 AM the wind shifted to NW and continued a heavy gale with rain all day."

June 21
" Thursday at 3 3/4 AM we got underway and 11 3/4 AM had got over the carrying place of the great rapid we stoped until 1 1/2 PM Cooking and drying our things we Angled a few jack fish. then went over the Athake-a-sake-a-pitch-e-con which is out of the Churchill water into the water that runs to Cumberland House Lake went over the next carrying place went about a mile into the next Lake and put up at 9 PM at this place we met with an Indian and his Wife from whom we got a small beaver. Wind NE heavy gale with cloudy weather."

June 22
" Friday at 3 3/4 AM got underway went about 1 mile and met 4 Canoes of Chepawyans went 2 mile more and found an other Canoe of Chepawyans from whom we got the flesh of a small Beaver went 3 miles and met a Mr Mackie and three Canadians going to build a house at the Deers Lake that lays to the North of the Churchil river through which lake it is said there is a near way to the Athapescow Lake. they had 7 or 8 Canoes of Che-pa-wy-ans with them from whom we got a little Moose flesh we then went about 9 miles and was obliged to put on shore the wind being to strong we lay by from 10 1/4 AM untill 2 1/2 PM at which time the Wind was not quite so violent we then went to the next carrg place carried over and put up at 8 1/2 PM. Wind NW by W a heavy gale with flying clouds and a few showers of rain in the afternoon Sailed the forepart of the day."

June 23
" Saturday at 3 3/4 AM got underway and carried over the two next carrying places and handed down the one we carried part at in going up then put on shore to pitch our Canoes and was stoped by the rain about 2 hours then Sailed over the two next Lakes got to far South in Lake Merion? and was forced to return against a very heavy gale of wind by which we lost 3 hours then went to the head of the Carrg place and shot the head of the fall then was obliged to make a new Carrying place about 50 yards to the lower end of the old carrying place then went to within 1 mile of the short carrying place upon the Island and put up at 8 PM. Wind NW very heavy gale at times with showers of rain."

June 24
" Sunday at 3 1/4 AM got underway went to the carrying place upon the Island 20 yards carried all over went down the river some times Saild and some times paddled untill we came to the next rapid were we carried part 220 yards in going up run the rapid all down it is rather shoal at bottom but not bad continued on to the next rapid where we handed 3/4 miles in going up. we now carried part of the Cargoe 1/4 mile near the middle of it and run all the rest and put up at the foot of it at 8 PM. Mid day Wind NW fresh gale morning and evening Calm with fine Clear Weather. this day I killed a black Bear which was very acceptable to us"

June 25
" Monday at 3 1/2 AM got undeway and at 7:50 enterd the Beaver Lake went to nearly the end of the Lake cooked some Gull eggs we had taken upon an Island and some Bears flesh and breakfasted stop 1 1/2 hour and 1:10 enterd the Sturgeon wear river put up at 7 3/4 PM 1 1/2 mile above the Ne-mew-Kip-a-ha-gan or Sturgeon wear. Wind NE light Airs & Clear."

June 26
" Tuesday at 3 3/4 AM got underway and at 7 AM we got to the Carrying place carried over pitched our Canoes and got our breakfast and at 9:50 AM enterd Cumberland House Lake this river is very shoal but the stones are not sharp the strongest part of the current is between the Carrying place and Cumberland house Lake after seeing the track between this place and Isle a la Crofs a second time we none of us think it so bad as when we went up but every river appears worst the first time of seeing them as the mind is constantly in anxiety for to know what difficulties lays before, the wind at SE we crofsed the Lake in a very heavy swell to gain the Weather Shore which is all perpendicular smooth rocks about 20 feet heigh coverd with small pine. we stoped from 1 1/4 PM untill 3 PM then went to the bay about 13 mile from the river and put up at 7 PM on the North side of the bay if we had gone farther we could not have put on shore untill we came near Cumberland House. Wind SE heavy gale mid day with showers of rain morning and evening with fine Clear Weather."

June 27
" Wednesday at 5 1/2 AM got underway which was as soon as the Weather would permit as it Thunderd very heavy and heavy rain all night. at 2 PM arrived at Cumberland House after a very good pafsage every circumstance considerd, and found all well at this place but the place in the same situation it was two years ago as their is neither Brandy or any Trading goods to speak of but find the long intended House is begun."

June 28
" Thursday Condemed Mr Rofs's Canoe and he is going to take an other old one in its place. I understand Mr Tomison has left three new Canoes at Manchester House no great proof of the impofsibility of geting Canoes. the people repairing their Canoes and puting their things to rights."

June 29
" Friday Wind NE fresh gale with flying clouds the People as yesterday and puting our Provisions to rights of which we have got a good Supply."

June 30
" Saturday at 5 3/4 AM got of from Cumberland House which is rich in Furrs but poor in goods at this time there is not so little as four Thousand Pounds worth of Furrs laying at this place we have taken twelve bundles of Furrs into our Canoes from this place besides those brought from Athapiscow. went down the Taut?-a-skitch-a-wan or split river and at 9:50 AM enterd the Sas-katch-a-wan River went about 40 miles down the Sas-katch-a-wan River and put up at 8 PM. Wind NE rainy Weather with Thunder in the forepart of the day."

July 1 1792
" Sunday at 4 AM got underway went to within 9 miles of the Skip-pa-ta Sheek-quan-ish Lake and put up at 8 PM. Wind NW fresh gale Mid day morng and evening calm with clear Weather. Mr Rofs killed 1 Beaver and 2 Swans self 1 Swan."

July 2
" Monday at 3:40 AM got underway pafsed the Skip-pa-ta Sheek-quan-ish Lake and down the next river and went to within 8 miles of the lower end of the Cedar Lake and put up at 8 PM upon an Island which at a little distance appears Like two. Wind NE light airs untill 6 1/2 PM then a fresh gale at East Clear Weather. Mr Rofs killed 2 swans and Self 2 swans."

July 3
" Tuesday at 3:50 AM we got underway and at Noon arrived at the great carrying place above the Lake Win-e-peg and at 4 PM had carried all over run the lower part of the rapid in the evening and put up at the foot of it at 8 1/2 PM light airs in the morning and evening with a fresh breeze in the day Easterly which prevented the fall or rapid being run untill the wind set as it raised a heavy swell and made the Canoes ungovernable. Clear Warm Weather this day."

July 4
" Wednesday at 3:50 we got underway went about half way along the Win-e-peg Lake and put up at 8:20 PM Calm untill 6 AM then Sailed with a SE fresh breeze untill we put up. Clear Weather this day."

July 5
" Thursday Wind SE fresh breeze with showers of rain the swell in the Lake to heavy to proceed.
Variation of the Compafs 5°3/4 East"

July 6
" Friday lay by this day the swell in the Lake being to great to proceed. Wind SE fresh breeze with showers of rain. a kind of fly about the size of a bee and not much unlike them in colour but flat and resemble the gad bry of England in this country called bull dogs are the most numerous and troublesome I ever knew them and their bite is as sudden as the sting of a bee."

July 7
" Saturday at 2 3/4 AM we got underway padled untill 8 AM the Wind then sprung up at NW we then set sail and sailed untill we left this Lake at about 3 PM then padled through the play green Lake and about 3 1/2 mile down the Jack river and put up at 8:25 PM. Wind in the morning NW then variable from NW to W untill 9 AM then SW fresh breeze & clear."

July 8
" Sunday at 3:36 AM got underway and at 9:20 AM came to the carrying place in the Sea river at 10:15 AM carried? all over the rock in the middle of the fall at 3/4 PM came to the black water which takes it rise at the E-cha-ma-mish carrying place at 2:36 PM enterd the Me-tha-cha-wan Lake at 3:24 PM we had pafsed the Lake and continued up the E-cha-ma-mish River and at 7:36 PM put up at the fork of the river about half way between the Lake and the Carrying place. Wind SW strong mid day and clear untill 6 PM with a little Thunder and rain in the evening which set the Musketoes mad. Sailed this day from 6 AM untill 6 PM and in the middle of the day with close reefd Sails."

July 9
" Monday at 3 1/2 AM got underway and at 10 1/2 AM arrived at the painted stone carrying place at Noon we had got all over the carrying place and at 8 1/2 PM had got all over the White fall carrying place and put up on the lower end of it. Wind Variable between North and West with flying clouds. killed 2 swans this day upon this carrying place the Musketoes are intirely mad the two men that went over the carrying place first had their legs, thighs hands & face intirely coverd with them and no sign of their skins was to be seen and both their hands are confined in the care of the Canoe."

July 10
" Tuesday at 3 3/4 AM got underway and at 8 1/4 AM arrived at the hill carrying place at 11 3/4 AM got of the carrying place and at 8 1/2 PM Put up upon the lower carrying place in the Wep-pen-a-pan-nish river. Wind Easterly fresh gale with flying clouds in the fore part of the day the latter part cloudy with rain at 8 1/2 PM and continued all night this day our People laid up some Pimmecon."

July 11
" Friday Wind NE heavy gale with continued rain all day and night which occasioned us to lay by."

July 12
" Saturday the rain continued untill 6 1/2 AM we then began to dry our leather Canoe Coverings which must be done with fire or it would turn hard and uslefs and at 8 3/4 AM got underway and at 8 1/2 PM we put up about 3 miles down the trout river Wind NE cloudy Weather."

July 13
" Sunday at 3 AM got underway run 3 small rapids and came to an other and run only the top and handed the bottom on the South side then went to a rapid called the knife handing place from the stones being so exceeding sharp. shot the head of it which is exceeding bad and handed the Canoes down the lower part of it then went to the trout fall and carried over and got clear of the carrying place at 9 1/2 AM then went about 2/3 over the knee Lake and put up at 8 1/4 PM Wind Variable before the Sun from SE round to NE with flying Clouds. Sailed from 11 AM untill 4 1/2 PM."

July 14
" Monday at 3 AM got underway the People laid up some Pimmecon for their journey up. at 9:40 AM we enterd the Jack tent river and at 3:24 PM we enterd the Swampy Lake and at 5:24 PM we put up in the Sandy bay in the Swampy Lake. Wind Variable Easterly light airs with flying Clouds the People again laid up Pimmecon."

July 15
" Tuesday at 3 1/2 AM got underway at 2 PM put on shore Thunder and heavy rain from 2 PM untill 5 1/2 PM at 5:36 PM got underway again met two Canoes of Indians below the Mofsy carrying place they had been to York Factory to trade and had a bundle of Trading Goods for Chatham House. the Indians belong to the play green but intend going down the Saskatchawan river and then to crofs some Lakes Europians are strangers to that way and none has ever seen the part of the Saskatchawan between the different tracks used to Cumberland House. I have heard the river is not bad but it cannot be so near as the track we are now in. at 8 3/4 PM we put up on the lower carrying place in the hill river. Wind Variable light Airs fore part of the day Clear. Thunder and rain from 2 PM untill 5 1/2 PM and Cloudy in the evening."

July 16
" Wednesday at 4:40 AM got underway at 11 1/4 AM enterd Steel river and at 6 1/4 PM enterd Hayes River continued on, the Musketoes being to troublesome to put on shore. Calm and Cloudy."

July 17
" Thursday continued on and the Musketoes came of the shore in such clouds that they nearly blinded us. at 9 AM we arrived at the Factory found all well and not a single Canoe set of for any of the Inland Settlements. In the evening I made an Offer to Will. Tomison Mr Joseph Colen and Counsel to return to the Athapiscow Country but my offer was not accepted as will appear by the York Factory Correspondence. One Objection that of the Mens unreasonable demands I am not acquainted with the method used to come at that necefsary information. I have made some enquiry but could not learn that a Single man had been asked either to return or the terms they expected incase they should be wanted to return to the Athapiscow Country but as my duty I made an inquiry of those that had been before and whose example many was ready to follow when the difficulty of procuring men was talked of I informed the Counsel that the men which had been with me was ready to return and that of course two Canoes was ready. Mr Tomison desired to know which of them had proposed it I said Robert Garroch was the first that spoke of it but they would all agree to return with me and Mr Rofs upon which Mr Tomison went and engaged him as Steersman of his own Canoe so that I was fully convinced he had set his face against any undertaking to the Northward. shall conclude with my wishes that the greatest Succefs may attend the Honourable Company and remain their
Dutifull and Obedient
Humble Servant to Command
Philip Turnor"



B.9/a/3

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