" Brandon House Journal by John Mackay Master. begining Aug. 5th 1807 and ending May 1808"

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Aug. 5 1807
" Wednesday starte from Osnaburgh House in company with Mr Wm Thomas. Miller and Haney with 4 Boats went before us. we slept at the first Narrows. My men are as pr margin"
[In the margin
" Mens Names
1 Tho Norn
2 Jn Inkster
3 Tho Favell
4 G Spence
5 G Mowatt
6 G Inkster
7 Jn Cragie
8 Tho Cragie
9 Wm Cragie
10 Wm Bews
11 Wm Corsy?
12 G Budge
13 Wm Groundwater
14 Jn Short
15 Tho Mason
16 Tho Anderson
17 Wm Waters
18 Alex Loutit
19 Jn Scarth
20 Ja Corrigal
21 Louis Jolly Couer
-----
Summer Men
22 Wm Yorston
23 Jn Lyons
24 G Henderson
25 Isaac Anderson
26 Jn Ram Kipling
27 Jn Easter
28 Jn Slater
29 Alex Costie?
30 Peter Souci
31 James Anderson"]

Aug. 6
" Thursday slept above the Marsh."

Aug. 7
" Friday Mr Thomas and self parted."

Aug. 8
" Saturday we began work early this morning found the Creek shut up by the Canadians, they have felled all the largest trees they could find acrofs the Creek to prevent us from pafsing. Miller & Haney being before us to catch a skin, I suppose find plenty of Work to cut themselves through. we slept at the Pidgeon Carrying place."

Aug. 9
" Sunday work in the Creek twise as bad as yesterday. no lefs than 41 Men clearing clearing the way for the Boats to pafs. does these Jack Afses of Canadians think because we have but few Hatchets that we have none atall. why if they had built a wall acrofs the Creek of 40 foot thick we are sufficient in numbers to have taken it down in a very short time. Met? a few Indians got a little meat from them. Camp'd at Hinds? fall."

Aug. 10
" Monday went cheerly? on in the large Creek, the trees being too short or the Creek too wide stoped the Rascally Canadians from doing more mischief. I wish the whole world loved them as much as I doo is all the harm I owe them. Camp'd 4 Miles this side of our opponents."

Aug. 11
" Tuesday sleep'd in yorstons River."

Aug. 12
" Wednesday sleep'd at sandy point about 8 Miles from the Canadian Settlement. I wonder whats the reason we have got all together this night."

Aug. 13
" Thursday started early this morning. Miller & Haney pafsed the Canadian House, I stoped with my 4 Boats and took Breakfast. the Master is a Mr Macdonald, appears to be a very civil Gentleman. I asked him what reason his men had for shutting up the small Creek against us, he answered that he was only summer Master here, a Mr Haldane a proprietor conducts all the businefs in this quarter that he left orders to his men before he went off to shut up the Creek. on account of Mr Vincents refusing to stop last spring and take in a keg of Powder he had borrowed the Spring before from Mr Wm Corrigal. when I left the House two Canadians followed me shortly after. Mr McDonald and two Indians in a small Canoe pafsed us in pursuit of Miller & Haney as some of their debtors are before them. they all got to the Indians together and were away before we came up. we did not put on shore so many Traders being before us. after we had camp'd 4 Miles from the formers? Boats. some Natives came to us and demanded Brandy from me as they had traded with Miller. I told them to go to Miller and get paid, they said the goods Miller had was mine, that Miller told them so. go and tell the Owl ( that is his Name) to bring my two Batteauxs to me and I will pay you twise over for the Furrs you gave him. they however would not go, they began to find Miller had played them a trick. this is a nice knack Miller has learned of late, to get all the furs from the Indians he can then tell them the goods he has is mine. Miller always being a Red River man makes his lies appear more probable to the Natives, and me being always behind, they are sure not to mifs me."

Aug. 14
" Friday still in Lake Saul. nothing remarkable."

Aug. 15
" Saturday came up with Miller & Haney at the Red Lake falls. slept at the three Rivers in company with some of the Natives."

Aug. 16
" Sunday got over the long Carrying place. Camp'd at Howkeshick Fall in company with the Opposition."

Aug. 17
" Monday well guarded. Miller camped some miles before us, Haney Camped some miles behind us. and we Camped in the middle."

Aug. 18
" Tuesday met an Indian in Wabanaban Lake he had just shot a Moose Deer, while the man was fetching the meat, Haney pafsed. we Camped on the opposite side of the Lake."

Aug. 19
" Wednesday nothing extraordinary. slept at the first Kettle Fall."

Aug. 20
" Thursday early this morning Haney arrived to us one of his very badly, while my Men was working in the middle Fall, Haney came to us and informed us that the sick man (David Spence) was dead, our men went and helped his Men over with their Cargoes. Camped below all the Kettle Falls. Haney must stay with us as he cannot launch his Boats with his own Crews."

Aug. 21
" Friday we buried the deceased David Spence according to the Rite of the Church of England. I stood Parson. thats not so bad for a man brought up in the Woods. this misfortune delayed us a little. Camp'd below the deer Fall."

Aug. 22
" Saturday pafsed Portage de Lisle, Camp'd below Jn Linklaters Fall. Spoke to Miller thats all. fell in with several Indians all of them drunk. they mean to winter with Miller. I know them all to be very good Hunters. they inform us that Mefs Macdonell and Henry has pafsed some time ago on their way to Red River."

Aug. 23
" Sunday rain most part of the forenoon. Camped at the lower Cockeammy?"

Aug. 24
" Monday pafsed the slave? fall and David Browns fall, put up a little below them."

Aug. 25
" Tuesday started very early this morning. found Miller Camped below the Grand Rapid. the few furs I got on the road I left with Miller. Camped at Bob Eunsons Rocks."

Aug. 26
" Wednesday met a few Indians, they had nothing Camped at the upper War Fall."

Aug. 27
" Thursday nothing extraordinary Camped at the little Bonit in company with a few Indians."

Aug. 28
" Friday Camped at the lower Silver Fall."

Aug. 29
" Saturday pafsed Point a Foutre, a Mr Macdonald is master. Camped at a point, 3 Miles below the House."

Aug. 30
" Sunday Wind Bound."

Aug. 31
" Monday went 80? miles in the Lake Winipick, Camp'd at the Grand Marsh."

Sept. 1 1807
" Tuesday Wind Bound."

Sept. 2
" Wednesday started about 8 AM slept at the mouth of Red River."

Sept. 3
" Thursday pafsed Nettly? Creek where Miller made a good Track last winter. if it was in my district I would certainly settle it again we found a Number of Natives here who has made Gardens they gave me some Potatoes and 3 Bear Skins. Camped a good ways above them."

Sept. 4
" Friday a little rain in the morning Camped a little below the Forks."

Sept. 5
" Saturday stoped a little while with Haney at the Forks. this place is swarming with free men, all wanting to engage in our service. I would have nothing to do with them. I have had enough of their Witchcraft already. I sent them all to their Country Man Haney he may settle with them as he pleases, Camped at the first Plain above the Forks where I met? the Brandon House Men and Horses and 4 Tents of free Canadians."

Sept. 6
" Sunday Camped opposit Jn Lyons Ripple, 4 Canadians sleeped by us, they are likewise free but they are hunters. a Mr State came to me, he wants to agree in the service, he told me that he would give his Hunts? for nothing if I would give him a pafsage down to Martins Fall. I sent him to Haney perhaps he is come for Brandon House as Haney came for the Summer Berry River."

Sept. 7
" Monday Camped at Hugh Linklaters Plain with a Mr de Charles? and 4 other free men. I got a few skins from them for Brand."

Sept. 8
" Tuesday Camped 15 miles below the burnt Carrying place but better, the Carrying place of the Plains."

Sept. 9
" Wednesday Camped about 10 miles above the Carrying place. I stoped a little with Mr Harrison who is Master. he was very civil and gave my Men as many Potatoes as they wished to take."

Sept. 10
" Thursday Camped at the Beaver Dam."

Sept. 11
" Friday Camped at the halfway Bank."

Sept. 12
" Saturday Camped nigh the Pine Fort. saw plenty of Indians but they had nothing. Mr McKenzie is master hear, they are busy building their House."

Sept. 13
" Sunday arrived at Brandon House with 16 Horses loaded with Goods and Baggage. found all the people well except Isaac Anderson who has a lame leg. ? Mefs Macdonell and Falian who pafsed last night hear. Falian went away but Macdonell remained this day."

Sept. 14
" Monday Men and Horses resting themselves. Macdonell went off for River Qu'Appelle."

Sept. 15
" Tuesday sent 5 Men and 20 Horses to lighten the Boats the River is very shoal. a few Indians drunk at the House. I sent 40 Gs of Pottatoes to the Boats & 200 lb Meat."

Sept. 16
" Wednesday several Indians came in for payment for meat put on in the course of the summer."

Sept. 18
" Friday Indians of yesterday went away, the Old Hawk came in paid a little of his debt in meat and went away. late in the evening 4 Indians came in with meat they are drunk. one of the NW Traders pafsed here with many loaded Horses, he has two Canoes behind expected to pafs every hour."

Sept. 19
" Saturday Indians of yesterday still drunk. this morning two Canoes pafsed very lightly loaded, they are settling the Rapid River 15 miles above the House, I am now in the middle of them, the Pine Fort is 16 miles below me. in the evening a band of Afsiniboils pafsed our House on their way to the Pine Fort. I mounted my Horse and overtook them they give half of their property to me. I would have got all but the Canadians has the bones of one of their deceased relations in a Box. they think it a duty to pay respect to his remains. I don't think it necefsary to keep a dayly Journal as there is some times whole months the same story over again."

Sept. 23
" Wednesday since Saturday some one or other of the Indians drunk, the Little Man got the coat of my back having none made to give him. The men and Horses returned from the Boats with 40 parcels the 21st Inst. this morning sent them off again with 208 lb meat 46 lb Fat and 40 G Potatoes. 12 Oclock 30 Indians arrived they brought 2000 lb of meat. they are all drunk."

Sept. 27
" Sunday some Afsiniboils came in with meat, they are all drunk, my hunter has not been sober since last Wednesday. he fell in the fire and burned himself all over. I have used more than a bottle of Riza? Balsom on him. four Canadians came from the Pine Fort on a visit to our men but I rather think they came to see what Indians were here."

Sept. 28
" Monday the men returned from the Boats with 40 Parcels."

Sept. 29
" Tuesday Capt. Grant & Gang came in they are all drunk. Men and returns to the Boats."

Sept. 30
" Wednesday Grant and gang went away. I gave them a large keg of mixed Brandy off with them. men returned from the Boats. they are now all empty."

Oct. 1 1807
" Thursday the Boats arrived all hands well. James Inkster taking his outfit for Shell River. Indians always Drunk."

Oct. 2
" Friday Men resting themselves."

Oct. 3
" Saturday Indians going away. several Indians came from the Pine Fort blind Drunk. plenty of Afsiniboils came in, very expensive."

Oct. 4
" Sunday Indians went away."

Oct. 5
" Monday sent two light Batteauxs up the River."

Oct. 6
" Tuesday James Inkster started with 15 Horses well loaded. I sent men with him to bring back the Horses, when the Boats could take in the goods. the water is always better above then here."

Oct. 7
" Wednesday 3 Men and 11 Horses returned from James Inkster. men at the House took up 96 kegs Potatoes of 10 and 12 G. each, the largest I ever saw at this place, and these? is the best onions and Cabbage this Country ever produced."

Oct. 8
" Thursday men took up 38 kegs Potatoes. my hunter brought two Jumping Deer. he is now Drunk."

Oct. 9
" Friday took up 42 kegs Potatoes."

Oct. 10
" Saturday Men diging a new Ice House. self and Yorston busy with a few Indians."

Oct. 12
" Monday men as usual at the Ice House."

Oct. 13
" Tuesday Blondy? came in with a little fresh meat. Plains all on fire N.S.E.W. all the Canadian Houses burned to the ground."

Oct. 14
" Wednesday Men laying the outside foundation of the Ice House. 18 by 16 feet. Isaac Anderson very badly with a running in ? of his legs it will heal up for a week some? times then break out again as usual, its a kind of an ifsue?. George Budge not well this same time."

Oct. 15
" Thursday men as usual and will be this some time. the hunter brought a Jumping Deer he is drunk."

Oct. 16
" Friday the hunter went away. sent Jn Lyons with him to fetch an Elk deer."

Oct. 17
" Saturday self and yorston attending a few Afsiniboils that came in."

Oct. 18
" Sunday Traded 3000 lb of meat and fat from the Indians of yesterday they are all drunk."

Oct. 19
" Monday Two? Afsiniboils arrived. informs us that 2 Men and 1 Woman were killed by the fires near the Turtle Mountain, they belonged to this House."

Oct. 20
" Tuesday Tho. Norn went from here with 14 Men and 15 Horses loaded to settle a place in the Mountains of fort Dauphin. Indians going away. Taylor making Indians Coats."

Oct. 23
" Friday several Indians were in since the 20th with meat. our fine? Horse Tomy? mired himself at the edge of the River, he was in Irons with a young Horse called young Tomy?. we found him in the morning dead. the young standing trimbling by him. it was with great difficulty we got the Irons taken off. the young Horse was put in the mens House to thaw and dry. I Equiped 2 free men for the Mandals, being afraid to send our own men after what happened to them last winter. one of these? men is an Irish man the other a Canadian. in the evening a gang of Crees came in with meat and fat. they are now Drunk. Men hard at the Ice House."

Oct. 24
" Saturday I bought a Horse, Indians went away except one who is so drunk he cannot stir."

Oct. 26
" Monday the two free Men went off for the Mandals."

Oct. 29
" Thursday Jn Lyons, Tom Cragie and my Son Wm McKay returned from Tho. Norn, Lewis Jolly Couer and Wm Corsy returned from James Inkster, he has settled below Shell River."

Oct. 31
" Saturday people made 564 Candles for themselves. yorston attending the Horses."

Nov. 4 1807
" Wednesday Wm Yorston looking for the Horses, Jn Lyons shot a Jumping Deer and a Goose, self shot two at one shot flying."

Nov. 5
" Thursday sent Jn Lyons, my Son and two Horses for the Deer."

Nov. 6
" Friday sent Jn Lyons, Peter Souci and my two Sons out Hunting."

Nov. 7
" Saturday Peter Souci and one of my Sons returned with the meat of one Bull shot by Jn Lyons: he shot two but Souci had only two horses."

Nov. 8
" Sunday James Anderson and Souci to bring home the meat of the other Bull. the River nigh fast."

Nov. 9
" Monday sent Wm Yorston to the Pine Fort to settle some account between Mr Vincent & Mr Macdonell."

Nov. 10
" Tuesday Alex. Costie and George Budge finished the Ice House. sent 3 men to look for the Horses as they have not been seen this some time. all the rest of the men grinding their Hatchets to be ready for the Cord wood."

Nov. 11
" Wednesday Costie and Budge at the long Saw the rest of the men cutting Cord Wood."

Nov. 13
" Friday 10 AM Mr Tho. Swain arrived from the Indian Elbow for a supply of Goods for Mr Peter Fidler of Swan River who is short I understand of most kinds of Trading Goods."

Nov. 14
" Saturday Mr Swain resting himself, means to set off for his place on Monday."

" Mr James Inkster
Sir,
I received your Letter by Mr Tho. Swain who has made a Journey down here being very scarse of Trading Goods, which I find it my duty to supply as far as ever lays in my power. therefore you will supply him in the following Goods Viz. - Cloth blue 1 piece, Red do. 1 piece, Blankets of 3 pt? 4. of 2 1/2 4. of 2 4. Duffel 20 yds, Flints 200, Knives 48, Files 8 and Tobacco 1 Role. and we? will deliver you a Receipt for the above Goods and should you be scarse of any articles during winter you must send down your people to this place and I will endeavour to supply you - you must send two Men up with Mr Swain to bring down the two Horses he has from here, and after they return to your place you will send two men down here to stay.
I Remain
Yours Sincerely
Jn. McKay
Brandon House
November 15th 1807."

" Brandon House
15th Nov. 1807
Mr Peter Fidler
Dear Sir
I Received yours dated 27th Oct. on the 13th Instant by the arrival of Mr Swain, and am sorry to find you so very short of Trading Goods of every Denomination, and sorry to say it is the same case with me having only 4 Batteaux for this River where I have 3 settlements to supply besides sending to the Mandals, which always takes a quantity of Goods. however I have supplyed Mr Swain in every Article I can pofsibly spare and I am afraid I shall hurt the Trade of this place by so doing. but as I understand the furrs in your quarter are more valuable then what we can get here. I am very happy to have it in my power to supply you. Wishing you every happinefs and a prosperous turn to the Companies affairs
I Remain
Dear Sir
Your Obt. Humble Servant
Jn Mackay."

Nov. 16
" Monday sent Jn Lyons and Peter Souci to Tent from the House to supply us in fresh Victuals. Jn Lyons is the hunter, Souci is to take care of the Tent while Jn Lyons hunts. the men at the House cutting Cord Wood which they will not finish so soon. Mr Swain and his men set off at 2 PM for his own House about 18 miles above the turn of the Elbow. I supplyed him in two fresh Horses and gave him an Order to get the following Goods from Mr James Inkster at Shell River (or say nigh it, he is only 20 miles from Mr Macdonell at River Qu'Appelle.) for which he is to give him a receipt. Viz. Cloth blue 1 Piece, Red Cloth 1 Piece, Blankets 4 of 2 1/2 do. 4 of 2 do. 4. Duffel 20 yds, Flints 200, Knives 48, Files 8 and Tobacco 1 Role, also Ordered James Inkster to send two Men up with Mr Swain to afsist him home with the goods as well as bring back the two Horses he takes from here: two Indians came in with part of their debt, they are now drunk."

Nov. 17
" Tuesday the Indans of yesterday went away after taking a little Debt."

Nov. 18
" Wednesday Yorston shot 10 Phesants."

Nov. 19
" Thursday Yorston shot 21 Phesants. Souci came home with two Horse loads of Bull meat shot by the Hunter."

Nov. 20
" Friday sent Peter Souci and two other men for meat self not well."

Nov. 21
" Saturday the two Men returned with two Horse loads of Bulls meat."

Nov. 22
" Sunday Tom Favill and 2 Men came from Mr Norn for Fat to make soap and Candles of. they brought 56 1/6 MB of sorts."

Nov. 23
" Monday two Men and my Son went to the hunter for meat."

Nov. 24
" Tuesday the two men returned with meat."

Nov. 25
" Wednesday Tom Favell, George Henderson and Jn Scarth set off for Mr Norns with the Fat he required."

Nov. 26
" Thursday sent two Men and 3 Horses for meat staged by Jn Lyons as he and the Hunter is going to moove? this? quarter?"

Nov. 27
" Friday James Short and James Anderson returned with 3 Horse loads of meat. Edward McKay shot 4 Pheasants. Alex Costie mending door Locks. rest of the Men at the Cord wood."

Nov. 28
" Saturday Cord wood finished all hands making Sledges."

Nov. 29
" Sunday Jn Lyons came for men to fetch meat."

Nov. 30
" Monday being St Andrews day Men Diverting themselves and Drinking Grog."

Dec. 1 1807
" Tuesday sent 4 men with Jn Lyons to bring home 4 Jumping Deer and a Bull. Wm Yorston hauling fire Wood."

Dec. 2
" Wednesday the men returned with the meat. Yorston as yesterday."

Dec. 3
" Thursday sent a man and 3 Horses for more meat."

Dec. 4
" Friday man returned with 3 Horse loads of meat."

Dec. 5
" Saturday I measured the fire Wood 121 Cord."

Dec. 6
" Sunday Jn Lyons and the Hunter came home. Jolly Couer Shot a Bull."

Dec. 8
" Tuesday the hunter and 2 men went off sent Jn Lyons with them to bring home Peter Souci who was bit by a dog."

Dec. 9
" Wednesday Lyons & Souci came home, sent 5 men for Wood to make Sledges."

Dec. 10
" Thursday men came home with the Wood."

Dec. 11
" Friday sent five men for more Sledge Wood."

Dec. 12
" Saturday men making paths to the Cord Wood."

Dec. 14
" Monday sent two men to look for Cattle. yorston and my two Sons hauling fire Wood. two men at the long Saw. two men looking for the Horses."

Dec. 18
" Friday men hauling meat from the Hunters Tent. nothing but Old Bulls half scabbed and half Burned. I don't what is got all the Indians. the most of them is starving I darsay unlefs at the Summer berry River for there is always plenty Cattle there and perhaps more this year then any other as all the plains burned all round about us last fall and draws them there."

Dec. 22
" Tuesday Men hauling meat for their dogs. killed by Jn Lyons."

Jan. 6 1808
" Wednesday sent G. Mowatt, G. Henderson, Tom Cragie off for Pike Lake with Brandy to Tho. Norn. George Henderson returned his dog being ripped up by a Bull. the other two went on."

Jan. 9
" Saturday sent 6 men of with Capt. Grant to some Indians who owes me debt."

Jan. 14
" Thursday my men not returned from the Indians it must be far off or something has happened to them. George Mowatt and Tom Cragie found their way here after being lost 8 days. they only went without Victuals two days. Yorston and Costie constantly at the long Saw."

Jan. 15
" Friday George Mowatt, George Henderson & Tom Cragie set of again for Tho. Norn. shortly after Tom Favill and Wm Bews arrived from Pike Lake, they met the others on the Road who are to lay by untill Tom Favill returns which shall not be long. my 6 men returned from the Indians."

Jan. 16
" Saturday Favill and Bews started for Pike Lake. I gave them more fat as the former? &? Gang had thrown theirs away when they lost themselves. some Indians came in with meat."

Jan. 17
" Sunday sent men for meat. yorston attending the Drunken Indians."

Jan. 19
" Tuesday The Afsiniboils stole 4 of the Horses, three fine young horse and my Old saddle Horse."

Jan. 22
" Friday sent 4 men to Indians Tents. Wm Yorston and James Slater hauling firewood, two men putting snow in the Ice house."

Jan. 23
" Saturday received from Norn 210 B. of sorts since his arrival at his Winter place. yorston attending two Drunken Indians. James Cragie and George Inkster came from? Shell River starving they lost themselves 6 days."

Feb. 1 1808
" Monday Yorston and 3 other men hauling fire Wood the rest of the men going to Indian Tents for? Ducks."

Feb. 10
" Wednesday Men busy hauling fire Wood and meat. some Indians came in brought Very little of any thing."

Feb. 11
" Thursday Tom Favell and Wm Cragie arrived from Pike Lake with 58 B. in sorts."

Feb. 15
" Monday sent 5 men to Tom Norn with Brandy and other Trading Goods."

Feb. 17
" Wednesday some of the men hauling meat from the hunters Tent. yorston and gang hauled the rest of the fire Wood home, 4 men put 1000 G. water in the Ice House. Stabled all the Horses as the Afsiniboils means to steal them."

Feb. 18
" Thursday Alexander Costie turned 24 Sledge heads. men hauling meat."

Feb. 24
" Wednesdy several Indians came in with pounded meat."

Feb. 25
" Thursday sent 10 men for meat to Jn Lyons Tent. men returned from Tom Norn, brought 80 B. of sorts and (very bad sorts too) 200 lb beat? meat. yorston attending the Drunken Indians."

Feb. 28
" Sunday Jn Kipling arrived from Mr Haneys for Powder and Tobacco. Power he have but no tobacco."

Mar. 1 1808
" Tuesday sent 7 men to the Pines to fall logs for the long Saw and 4 Men to the Junipers to fall wood for Building. several Indians came in all starving: we have not tasted one mouthful of Cows meat since our arrival, we live entirely on Old blind Bulls meat, which is the worst of meat. the Indians informs me that the two Men I gave Goods to last Fall for the Mandals, were killed by the same Stones that Robbed and killed our Horses last winter. if it is true it will be a great lofs. one of the horses they had was mine. or rather? your Honours."

Mar. 2
" Wednesday Jn Kipling set off for the Summer berry River with 78 lb Gun Powder and several other parcels of his own property. he informed us that one of Haneys men has turned out to be a Woman, and was delivered of a fine Boy in Mr Henrys House, the Child was born before they could get her Breeches of."

Mar. 3
" Thursday several Indians came in they brought a few skins they are now drunk. thank God, my body is only one Scab that is from head to foot. such a disorder I never heard tell of. otherway I am as well as ever I was in my life."

Mar. 4
" Friday Indians still drunk. 4 men returned from the Pines. Costie and Budge remained to saw Plank."

Mar. 8
" Tuesday sent 3 men to the Junipers to afsist those already there to fall timber."

Mar. 10
" Thursday sent 3 men to the Sawyers for Plank. sent Jn Lyons the hunter and my two Sons out to shoot Rabbits they returned in about 5 hours with 49 Rabbits & 1 Pheasant."

Mar. 11
" Friday the Round Hill, Ohoiboit 2 other young Men and several Women came in brought 2 prime Bears? and a quantity of pounded meat. the Round hill owes 95 B. 37 of which he took from Tho Swain at the Elbow. we are too nigh one another, the Round hill would never have thought of going to the Elbow if the York Fort people had not been there, I do not think its the Canadians we mean to oppose, its ourselves. I knocked? down the Elbow its ? because the Natives had left their lands for a while. that the Beaver might Store?. the Canadians left it likewise. I little thought the York Fort people was waiting for dead mens Shoes."

Mar. 12
" Saturday the Round Hill and Rascally Gang went off as I refused to let them drink in the House. men hauling Plank. Tom Favell came from Pike Lake with 60 B. in sorts they have no luck in the Furs way, but plenty provisions which they pay well for I darsay. I mean to send for them on Monday. 7 men came from the Junipers for Victuals."

Mar. 13
" Sunday Women Netting Snow Shoes for 10 men who starts for Pike Lake to morrow. two Indians came in brought 40 B. they are now drunk but very quite."

Mar. 14
" Monday the 10 men went for Tom Norn and his people. Costie and Budge still at the long Saw. Capt. Grant and his Brother and several others Indians came in paid their debts. the Old Bear came in brought nothing."

Mar. 15
" Tuesday Indians still drunk: sent G. Henderson and G. Inkster off for Shell River, they are to stop at River Qu'Appelle to get our hatchets, horse hobbles and several others thing repaired by their BlackSmith. Mr Macdonell charging me a Beaver for the most trifling thing his BlackSmith does for us."

Mar. 16
" Wednesday Capt. Grant and Gang went away yorston tying up some loose furs."

Mar. 17
" Thursday Jn Lyons and my two Sons shot 20 Rabbits and one Partrige."

Mar. 18
" Friday sent Jn Lyons to look for a place to make sugar in, the old place being burned."

Mar. 19
" Saturday early this morning sent 3 more for plank. 10 AM Tom Norn and men arrived they brought 98 B. and 323 lb of pounded meat. shortly after the 3 men and Sawers came home."

Mar. 21
" Monday sent 10 men and 3 horses to the Junipers to haul out timber to the bank edge. Costie, Budge & Moatte gon for Hoops. the Boys shot 22 Rabbits."

Mar. 22
" Tuesday men came home with the hoops. Lyons, Favell and Boys shot 37 Partridges and 1 Rabbit."

Mar. 23
" Wednesday sent Favell and Short off to make sugar. Likewise Jn Lyons and Jacob Corrigal to another place to make sugar. G. Budge & G. Mowatt drefsing Staves for the Cooper."

Mar. 24
" Thursday Jn Lyons returned for the remainder of his things. Macdonell arrived from Que Cappelle. gave me a letter from Mr Fidler of Swan River. he writs for two men and two Horses to send ? him from Mr Swains station to this place where he is to embark on our Boats to the bottom of the Red River. he wants a Canoe from me but those I have are too small for his purpose. Macdonell has one well fit for him which he promises to let him have. I am responsible for the payment."

Mar. 25
" Friday early this morning Mr Macdonell started for the Pine Fort. the Barbots Son and several others came in he paid his debt now all of them Drunk."

Mar. 26
" Saturday Indians sober some of them went away. G. Mowatte and G. Budge reducing Kegs. Taylor working for the men Cooper making a writing Desk for Macdonell in payment for some Hatchets Mr Vincent got repaired by his Black Smith. his Black Smith would mend 100 Hatchets in the time the Cooper will be making this writing Desk. and yet the Negro charges a B. for every trifling thing he does for us. there is nothing so much wanted as a Black Smith in Red River. 4 men came from the Junipers for meat. I hired an Indian to go to Shell River with the Packet for Mr Fidler. Jolly Couer the only man that knows the road not well."

Mar. 27
" Sunday early this morning the Indian went off for Shell River. Last Night our old Mare died big with Foal. This is 6 Horse and 3 Foals we have lost since our arrival. 5 here and 1 at Shell River. an Indian came in paid his debt."

Mar. 28
" Monday the Indian of yesterday went away G. Mowatte and G. Budge sawing and splitting Staves. Mr MacKenzie came from the Rapid River with the following curious Letter from Macdonell. I do not Copy it but sends the Original."

Mar. 30
" Wednesday two Women came from Favell Tent for Victuals. they say Favell is all over scabs, the same disorder I have. the Maple trees not yet running."

Apr. 1 1808
" Friday Jacob Corrigal came from the sugary for Victuals. says Jn Lyons is all over scabs. it is perhaps the ? we? have, being nigh Neighbours to Scotland. G. Henderson and G Inkster arrived from Shell River. James Inkster has settled far too low. it would have been better to have settled long side Macdonell as there is a very short distance between them, he would have stood a chance for share of the Trade and ? better, he borrowed 200 lb Fat from Macdonell, and cannot pay him. Macdonell writs? to inconsequence and will take nothing in payment but Fat, knowing that article to be very scarse with me. James Inkster lost a fine Mare big with Foal and another Foal going on a year Old was froze to death for want of a Stable. he promised last Fall a Stable should be the firs building he would make. I hear it is not yet finished. I asure him had I have know how he meant to use the Horses, he should not have had one hair from me. since the Month of Feb. his men has been running to Tom Norns Indians, he has the Little Man and Gang, Indians of this House, in short to tell Gods Truth, its not the Canadians we strive to oppose, its ourselves. a Candle lighted a both Ends is soon Extinct."

Apr. 2
" Saturday Tom Favell came home with a swan so fat we could not skin it. last Thursday the Juniper Men came home, they have haul'd out all the logs 280 in number to the edge of the River."

Apr. 3
" Sunday Jn Lyons sent 48 Rabbits. at noon James Short came home. no Sugar trees running yet."

Apr. 4
" Monday Show wee nick came in for a Man to bring in his debt, sent Jolly Couer with him, he traded all winter with a Delorme who had an Outfit of Goods from Mr Haney last fall. Wafso likewise Traded them, and now has not a skin to pay his debt at this place. Wm Yorston cut 5 Horses."

Apr. 5
" Tuesday Jolly Couer came home with 12 B. in drefsed Leather, the fellow owes 5 still. Wafso ashamed to shew his face. Jn Lyons sent 12 Rabbits."

Apr. 6
" Wednesday men working at the small prefs. Jacob Corrigal came for a small Canoe the Ice being very weak."

Apr. 7
" Thursday Capt. Grant & 4 other Indians came in, the former came for his Clothing. you cannot Clothe an Indian here wanting Trowsers, and they must have pockets. I gave an 8 G keg of Brandy he would not take it nothing lefs than a 10 Gallon Keg would please him and it must have Iron Hoops on. they brought 36 B. most of it parchment. in the evening they went away well pleased and brave and Drunk."

Apr. 8
" Friday 4 Afsiniboils came in brought 45 B. in sorts, they are now drunk."

Apr. 9
" Saturday Men finished packing what furs I had in the House. since Sunday Alex Costie G Mowatt and G Budge maid 94 Kegs. the Indians of yesterday went away."

Apr. 10
" Sunday sent Peter Souci to make sugar, brought home James Slater and Lewis Jolly Couer, as they cannot make it."

Apr. 11
" Monday Cooper repairing Cart wheels, the rest of the Men making stretchers Mallets and wedges for the large Prefs."

Apr. 12
" Tuesday Last night our Mare foaled, now nigh dead from a bite from one of the Horses."

Apr. 13
" Wednesday the Foal died."

Apr. 14
" Thursday Men routing the stumps out of the Garden and Carting dung."

Apr. 15
" Friday the Indian sent to Shell River with the Letters to Mr Fidler returned with a lame Leg and snowblind. James Inkster tells me he will forward the letters in two or three days at longest the Indian now drunk."

Apr. 17
" Sunday two Indians with their families came in paid their debts."

Apr. 18
" Monday the Indians of yesterday went away. sent Tho. Norn Lewis Jolly Couer and Wm Mckay to the Elbow of the Rapid River to wait some Indians who promised to be there by this time. Osiani and some others came in. brought 30 B. I clothed him and he went away blind drunk with the others."

Apr. 19
" Tuesday sent Yorston and 3 Men to haul home plank. the three Coopers making kegs; the others packed a few furs. Women smoaking a number of drefsed Moose Skins."

Apr. 21
" Thursday Alex Costie and G Mowatte making a Plow. George Budge making Kegs."

Apr. 22
" Friday the Haeks? of our Plow broke. Tom Norn returned with 18 good Beaver, saw but two Indians."

Apr. 23
" Saturday fired at the Target. James Scarth best shot. the Old Hawk came in paid part of his debt."

Apr. 24
" Sunday Spoty, the Round Hill and their families came in, the former paid 60 B. in sorts his debt 100 B., the latter paid 13 B."

Apr. 25
" Monday sent 14 Men to the Junipers for logs. the Indians sleeping."

Apr. 26
" Tuesday sent Jn Lyons Tom Favell and Peter Souci to their Sugaries for the Tents and kettles left there. Indians went away."

Apr. 27
" Wednesday this morning the Plow broke; Costie making another of a new construction. Men from the Junipers brought home 8 Rafts of Logs and Stockades."

Apr. 28
" Thursday Yorston at the Plow, the rest taking the Logs and Stockades out of the Water."

Apr. 29
" Friday two Men mending the Sturgeon Nets, the rest as yesterday."

Apr. 30
" Saturday a band of Afsiniboils came in pretty well Gooded for their? sort. Peter Souci left the House after very nigh killing an Old Indian Woman. I think him one of the greatest Rascals of a Man I ever knew, Wm Yorston in saving the Womans life gave him ? receipt? to go away with. the 4 men I sent a fishing this morning killed two Sturgeon, the largest weighed 72 lb."

May 1 1808
" Sunday Indians drinking acrofs the River."

May 2
" Monday Men made 42 Bags of Pimican. in the evening 8 Afsiniboils came in with 60 B. most parchment and drefsed Moose which they paid their debts with and went away."

May 3
" Tuesday sent Tom Norn and my Son again to look for Indians. sent 7 Men up the River for Oak. the others carrying up Stockades and putting dung on the Garden. 15 Indian Men and a number of Women came in brought 80 B. of all sorts. one of them pafsed the last winter with the Big Bellies and Mandals. he contradicts the former report of La France and Hugh McKrackin? being killed by the Afsiniboils. he saw them both at the Big Bellies, La France died last Winter of a Consumption, the other has his property but is afaid to come here by himself."

May 4
" Wednesdy the fishermen sent 4 large Sturgeon, several Indians came in paid their debts."

May 5
" Thursday Wm Yorston Plowing the Garden the second time Men returned with Oak. no Sturgeon to day."

May 6
" Friday a Band of Afsiniboils came in brought a prime Bear 8 Beaver Skins and a few Wolves. the fishermen sent 13 Sturgeon. Tom Norn and Wm McKay returned with about 50 B. in good Furs. the Canadians from the Rapid River and from Fort Dauphin were at the Indians before Tom Norn, what they got we cannot tell. Tom Anderson & Jn Ram Kipling arrived from Shell River, with two Horses scarcely able to stand with poornefs? the Mare James Inkster sold to the Indians. he is under way, Mr Fidler in company. Men planting Potatoes."

May 7
" Saturday Men sewed 140 Gallons of Potatoes. above 50 Indians came in, those that had any thing got Brandy, those that had nothing looking on. there is 61 Tents of Indians 5 Miles from the House. the fishermen sent 12 Sturgeon."

May 8
" Sunday Indians drunk all the forenoon. I bought a Horse from them. 4 PM James Inkster and Men Arrived Mr Fidler in company. most of the Indians went away."

May 9
" Monday Tom Norns Chief came in and 20 others, I clothed him and gave him a big keg of Brandy. my Old Hunter gave a Horse in payment for his debt."

May 10
" Tuesday Men Packing James Inksters Furs, in all 750 Beaver of the worst of sorts. last Night a full Eclips of the Moon. Indians still drunk."

May 11
" Wednesday Men packing furs and putting up Stockades. always one or other of the Indians drunk."

May 12
" Thursday Men as yesterday. still same Indians drunk Trading Tents and Horses. I persuaded James Anderson Taylor to send for Wages, he being a very useful man at this place not only as a Taylor, but at all kind of work. he says that he does not know what Wages he is at for these last 3 years that he is now serving. he wrote to the Chief concerning it, but received no Answer, he now sends to your Honours for Ninty Pounds for three years. I must say he is a very deserving Man. he is honest, Sober, and industrious. the Number of Souls at Brandon House when all together is 69, Dogs 69, Horses 17, besides comming and going - the Trade now packed is above 4000 B. in cluding? the Summer Trade wich was 516 B. of Sorts."

May 13
" Friday some of the men Packing, others putting up Posts of the WareHouse?, the rest repairing? the Boats."

May 14
" Saturday Men making ready to start on Monday. Mr Fidler Mending Watches? - I Traded 3 Horses and 8 Tents - 12 in all - and 20 Horses."

May 16
" Monday set off from Brandon House with 4 Boats and 22 Men. two of them is for Mr Haney who is to wait my arrival at the Forks."

May 17
" Tuesday stoped at the Pine Fort to take a Canoe for Mr Fidler by order of Mr Macdonell - I paid 26 B. in goods for her, she is not worth 26 Coppers. its now too late to reflect?. the Canoe is paid for."

May 23
" Monday we pafsed the Forks no sign of Mr Haney. the 24th came to dead River when I bought a half long Canoe for Mr Fidler. the Natives informs us, Haney pafsed 3 days ago. 3 Canadians and a Mr State in company. it is the same Mr State I spoke to above the Forks last fall. 25 arrived at the Mouth of the River Wind blowing too strong to venter? to crofs the Lake - there is 16 of Haney, free? Men Camped nigh us, they are intended for the Annthabasca."

May 28
" Saturday started from the Mouth of Red River, most time Wind bound since the 25th."

May 29
" Sunday Mr Fidler parted with us at the Elk Head on his way to York Factory. we Camped below the Canadian House. 3 of Haney Canadians pafsed us on their way to the Summer Berry River they say Mr Miller has burned his House and one of his Boats before he left his place."

May 30
" Monday I took Breakfast with Mr Alex Mackay. he gave the Men a Meal of Sturgeon and ordered his Black Smith to mend some of their Hatchets. we Camped below the Silver Falls."

May 31
" Tuesday met a number of Indians going to the House, they had nothing with them. Mr Mackay's Men has cleared the Carrying Places from his House to Lake de Bois so as a Coach may drive over them - after Launching our Boats we put by the Rollers, not to embarrefs? the Carrying places."

June 1 1808
" Wednesday Campd at the Bonnet Carrying place."

June 2
" Thursday Camped in the white River opposit two Tents of Indians. got some fresh Meat and Sturgeon from them."

June 25
" Saturday Arrived at Osnaburgh House all well Nothing particular has occurred since the 2nd Inst. wishing Succefs to Your Honors Affairs
I remain Honble Sirs
Your Dutiful Servant
Jn McKay."


1M17 B.22/a/15

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