Sept. 24 1811 Brandon House
Tuesday
" I left our People to come on as fast as they were able, & started on Horseback with an Indian lad who accompanied me on foot. I reached Brandon House at 5 PM when I found all well."

Sept. 25
" Sent off two Men with three horses to meet our people who were heavy loaded - a Number of Indians about the House principally Stone Indians, with meat, bothering for liquor. I took a slight overhaul of the things in the House, and found Yorston had done pretty well with the goods left with him last Spring - He tells me they were a good dale? harafsed by the big bellies? from the Manadan Villages when depredations? round the House Had prevented a good many Indians from coming in - The Men who went after the ? returned with 2 horse loads which will lighten our people behind a good dale - Yorston & Self busy dealing with the Indians who I find very hard to please."

Sept. 26
" At 10 AM John Lyons & party arrived and brot every thing very safe - Men at the House variously employed. Self busy dealing with the Indians who are very troublesome for liquor & have very little to give for it. only some dried Meat & some drefsd Skins which they have been accustomed to be paid so much here? for that I find it hard now? to get it for its value."

Sept. 27
" A new band of Indians arrived brought very little. they are come in hopes of getting drunk at the Houses, as has been customary here formerly on the arrival of the Craft. - Mr Wills? arrived from the Forks."

Sept. 28
" People variously employed. part getting logs for boards. two Men digging potaotes at the Old House - two Men went a hunting with 4 horses to fetch meat - In the Evening our boat arrived - Tho Favel SteersMan? - the things in pretty good condition. I gave Thos Favel orders to trade victuals for the journey up as the pimmican we had from the forks was unfit for use - he made shift to expend 5 Gall Spirits - for which he only brot 20 Swans? and a small bundle of Meat. Three pieces a mifsing which happen? must having? gone? to Pabina viz 1 Bale? Kettles Copper 69 lbs? 1 Roll tobacco 79? lbs & 1 bag ball 56 lb. Traded a little dried meat & a few drefsed Skins from the Indians that came yesterday."

Sept. 29
" Nothing particular."

Sept. 30 Monday
" Sent of three Men with 5 horses and two Carts with 400 lb dried Meat to meet our fall exprefs. two Men hunting one Man at an Indian tent fetching a few Skins And meat. two Men digging potatoes."

Oct. 1 1811
" Two Men at the Saw the Cooper at his work 4 digging potatoes. Tho Favel, Yorston, & myself giving debts to Ind. John Easter & Pisk arrived from hunting with the meat of two Cows."

Oct. 2
" Cold Snowy weather obliged to call our people from the Old House who were digging potatoes to employ them here set them to work to boat some wood acrofs. The Rest of the people as yesterday gave out a few credits to Indians which I find myself under the necefsity of doing notwithstanding they are indebted to us, as my neighbour is ready to supply them in case I do not."

Oct. 3
" Employed as yesterday."

Oct. 4
" Sent our people to the Old House to dig potatoes. three Men Hunting two Sawing, one cutting firewood the Cooper drying board for House use & Tho Favel with myself busy with the Indians."

Oct. 5
" As yesterday."

Oct. 6
" Busy with Indians - Some of them went away."

Oct. 7 Monday
" People employed as in Saturday last."

Oct. 8
" Do. Do." [ditto ditto]

Oct. 9
" People as yesterday cleared of our Indians gave them debts to the amount of 500 MB. Most of them pitched off after having been at a very heavy expence, in giving them little necefsaries, they have been accustomed to & which I found it impofsible to please them without - A Band of Stone Indians arrived and brot a little piece Meat & some fat. our Hunters also arrived with the meat of three Cows - & Late at night a Man from Mr Henry requesting a supply of horses."

Oct. 10
" The Cooper & two Sawyers at their respective employments. The rest of the people at the Old House taking up potatoes. Myself & Thos Favel dealing with the Indians, whom I find very hard to please several of them took away their meat from us & carried it to the NWt House - because they were not paid here as formerly."

Oct. 11
" Dispatched Mr Henrys Man with four Horses & Provisions to take them back. - Also supplied him with two Buffalo robes & one Buffalo drefs'd Skin - for Horse rigging - Cleared of the Stone Indians who went away very difsatisfied - four of our people came up from the Old House with 4 Cart loads Potatoes they have brought up at this time & the three preceeding Evenings 150 Kegs of white ones but the weather continues so Cold that I am affraid a good many of them is injured by the frost."

Oct. 12
" Nasty Snowy weather. People could not dig potatoes - they brot up 56 kegs white & 48 kegs red potatoes at two ?. The rest of the people at the House - doing necefsary jobs. Two Indians arrived from Lake Manetowbaw - Old customers of ours - requesting a Supply of Goods on Credit. - They paid a few Swan? Skins in old debts. I fitted them out for the Winter."

Oct. 13
" The four Indians who came yesterday went away tolerably well pleased - they got two Horses in credit. - also to the amount of 80 Skins in Goods & Ammunition with a treat of Brandy to encourage them to pay their debts. according to custom. Lewis Jolly Cour pitched a tent acrofs the River where he is to remain & cut firewood."

Oct. 14 Monday
" Sent three Men off a hunting. The weather being too Cold for digging potatoes - The people were necefsarily employed about the House? took up from the Old House 40 Kegs red potatoes."

Oct. 15
" The Cooper & Sawyers at their respective jobs. One Man hauling firewood - The rest employed in bringing up potatoes from the Old House - they brot up 89 kegs red ones at two trips."

Oct. 16
" As yesterday - 48 Kegs potatoes. A few Stone Indians arrived the greatest part of which went over to NWt House."

Oct. 17
" A very cold day intense frost & Snow could not work at the Old House either to take up our potatoes that are in the ground or bring those up here that are already dug up. I am ? affraid we will lose them. The people at the House variously employed at such jobs as they could work at. traded with the Stone Indians who came Yesterday, and two Saultoe? lads who arrived from acrofs the River with some fresh meat & ducks - from the Rattlesnake & little old mans band - upon the whole I gave away -
Tobacco - lbs 2
Knives yew hd. 4
Awls - 4
Flints - 4
Ball - 100
? Spirits Gall. 1
Powder - lbs 2 1/2
Shot - lbs 2
Steels - no. 2

For which I received
91 lbs Fat
190 lbs dried Meat
1 Swan Skin
320 lbs fresh Meat
40 ducks
1 halfbeaver
2 Muskrats
1 Com. Cat Skin.

The two lads from acrofs the River went away. The Stone Inds remain all night."

Oct. 18
" The weather still very cold a good deal of Ice driving in the River. The people all but Cooper & Sawyers employed in getting firewood - The Stone Ind. went away."

Oct. 19
" Intense frost the Ice driving in the River so thick that our people could not crofs ? firewood, obliged to employ them on this side, to get some tho' far off. Sawyers & Cooper at their respective Jobs."

Oct. 20
" A few Stone Indians arrived with some provisions - Also two Saultoes arrived to get some goods on credit. gave them goods to the Amount of 70 MB & sent them of with a treat of Brandy to encourage them to hunt. drift & Snow. The River driving full of Ice. An Indian arrived with a dead Child to bury he brot some Green meat and 2 Swan Skins."

Oct. 21 Monday
" The Cooper making Kegs for Inds. three Men cutting firewood two digging a Grave for an Indian Child - Self & Mr? Yorston dealing with the Inds. from whom we traded yesterday and today
Beat Meat lb 207
dried Meat lb 399
Fat lb 269
Swans - no. 3
Parchm't Moose - no. 2
Fresh Meat lb 328

for which we paid
Tobacco lb 3
Ball lb 5
Powder lb 2 3/4
Flints - no. 14
Knives - no. 4
Awls - no. 6
Steels - 4
High Spirits 6 Qt

two of my Neighbours Men arrived from Pabina who brot me a letter from Mr Jn McKay informing me of his safe arrival up there from Albany - Our Hunters also arrived with the back Fats of 6 Cows, owing to the Cold weather they were obliged to leave the rest of the meat a Days march off. They inform me? that the Buffaloe are far off and that in their circuit they fell in with a band of Siouxs who pursued them for a day but luckily the Snow & drift coming on the Enemy could not Keep their track & not being so well provided? in horses they were enabled to avoid them by getting into a Bluff of woods."

Oct. 22
" The people employed cutting and hauling firewood sent three off with Carts for the meat left yesterday. The Cooper making kegs for Inds. The Ice in the River set fast strong enough to crofs with Horses."

Oct. 23
" Our people employed as yesterday. The Men arrived with part of the meat found a good deal of it destroyed by the wolves - They only brought 707 lbs. An Indian (The Pigeon) arrived from the halfway bank wishing to take debt which I refused him. he being already indebted to Mr Henry at Pabina more than he'll? pay gave him a little Ammunition and a piece? of Tobacco to enable him & encourage him to pay his debt."

Oct. 24
" As yesterday. An Indian Lad arrived from The blue Hills requesting us to come & fetch some meat & 3 bears Skins."

Oct. 25
" Friday The Weather begins to get Milder the people employed digging up mud to repair the House - the Cooper making Kegs."

Oct. 26
" Sent three Men off a hunting. two Men returned with the Ind. lad who came in Thursday to fetch meat. the rest employed Mudding the House - except the Cooper who is busy making Inds. Kegs."

Oct. 27
" John Lyons & two Men arrived from the Forks. after waiting three weeks for our Fall exprefs they waited 4 Days after the River set fast & thinking? there was no probability of any one to arrive now this Season & having no positive orders to remain there later they thought it was the best way to return - As Mr McDonald at the Forks requested them to share him the meat they had they supplied him with 236 lbs of good piece meat."

Oct. 28 Monday
" Four Men employed mudding the House. the Cooper making kegs. A Man taking care of the Horses. two men arrived from the Indians tents with 3 Bears Skins & 265 lbs green Meat & 22 lb bears Greese?. Myself preparing to start to Morrow with three men & 6 Horses for the Forks. being in hopes the weather may continue fine & thinking I shall be able to forward people from the forks to meet our Fall exprefs - as I have no person capable of exerting themselves with that resolution which is absolutely necefsary to render afsistance to our people who are on the Journey without being on the head of it myself. Nor can I trust any one else with the care of the House during my absence but Will. Yorston - as the Cooper, Sawyers, & John Lyons, must be employed on other duty which cannot be put of."

Oct. 29
" I started for the Forks with 3 Men 6 Horses & a Cart. having with us 250 lbs dried meat partly for our Journey and the rest to supply the people who may arrive from below - I went ahead with one Man on horseback & left the Other two Men to come on as they were able. I & my partner put up near the Mercy? Creek."

Oct. 30
" A very fine Day. I slept at Portage lapraire."

Oct. 31
" I arrived at the forks, found a great deal of Ice still driving in the River notwithstanding the fine weather ? these few days past. saw it was impofsible now to forward a Canoe to meet our people with any probability of succefs - I slept at the Forks."

Nov. 1 1811
" I took a ride a piece down along the river and set up a Mark? for our people in case they may arrive - & being anxious for to return to the House I determined on returning back and meet our two Men coming down whom I was to appoint to remain near the Forks till all set fast to wait the arrival of our people - I slept 6 Miles on this side the Forks."

Nov. 2
" We started at 6 AM - and was surprised at not meeting our two Men who came up? in Company with us. at night I encamped at the swamp and found they had taken a different road to what we had in coming down."

Nov. 3
" I continued on my Journey towards Brandon House - &? reached the Mercy? Creek where we put up."

Nov. 4 Monday
" I arrived at the House found all well - the people during my absence been employed in Hunting, Mudding the Houses. & 4 Men away getting logs & timbers for boat building."

Nov. 5
" Sent three Men to the Sawyers to enable them to Collect logs to a saw pit where they are to cut them in planks before they can be taken Home - the Cooper & John Lyons are with the Sawyers looking out for wood for timbers &? ?. A band of Stone Inds arrived with provisions to trade - Numps arrived from the Rattlesnake for a Supply of Ammunition - & tobacco he brot with about 12 MB of sorts."

Nov. 6
" I sent of two Men to the Forks with directions to the two Men who are down there to wait till the 15th of this Month for our fall exprefs - only three Men at the House busy Muddg the Houses - Self & Yorston employed dealing with the Inds. one band of Stone Inds. went away and another arrived - traded with the last band and got ? & the Little Old man arrivd with some provisions to trade for liquor."

Nov. 7
" Sent of two Hunters to kill Buffalo with 4 horses - two men getting firewood. three Men arrived from the Sawyers tent with 6 planks and some timbers. traded 140 lbs of fresh Buffalo Meat from an Ind. who arrived with a little Meat for his family who are tenting near the House."

Nov. 8
" The people at the House employed in mudding the Shed getting firewood &c. Umphreville Favel went off to the Rattlesnake with a supply of Ammunition and Tobacco, he is to remain wih the Inds. to take care of their hunts."

Nov. 9
" Sent of two Men to the Sawyers tent with provisions. & to bring home plank. people employed cleaning out the yard and mudding the Chimneys. our Hunters arrived with the best part of the Meat of two Cows: 640 lbs - one of the Men had the misfortune to cut himself in the leg in cutting up a Cow. the Knife run into his leg which will prevent him from work for some time. he was obliged to be carried home on a horse. they bring accounts the Buffalo are coming nearer but the Stone Inds. are placing themselves on this side of them to keep the off in purpose to enhance the value of their provisions."

Nov. 10
" A Band of Stone Inds. arrived and pafsed to the NWt House - all but one man who brot here 11 lbs beat Meat 16 lbs piece Meat & 14 lbs Fat. for which I gave 1 knife 10 ball 1/4 lb powder & 2 feet Tobacco. - Two Men arrived from the Sawyers tent with 6 planks."

Nov. 11 Monday
" All hands employed boating wood acrofs the river as when the heavy Ice begins to drive we will not be able to get a supply - except one Man taking care of the Horses. Two Men arrived from the Forks after waiting there some time in vain for our People. They mifsed the two Men who I sent last down by coming up a different road."

Nov. 12
" A very Cold day drift and Snow. Sent three Men to the Sawyers tent to fetch plank - the rest of the people doing necefsary jobs indoors."

Nov. 13
" Sent two Men off a Hunting. Men at the House getting firewood & repairing horse rigging. The Men from the Sawyers tent came home with 6 Cart? loads of Plank &c. The Cooper & John Lyons came home with them having got wood enough collected for the Sawyers who remain at the pines to cut the remainder of 31 logs into plank before it can be taken home. - The Cooper tells me that he has found very few pieces fit for boats timbers, and that he must look out for them some where else - besides 31 logs - he has got 18 spars for oars two Keels & Stems some pieces of Birch for Snowshoes & a few timbers. a Small band of Stone Indians arrived with a little provisions."

Nov. 14
" A very heavy fall of snow. people could do nothing outdoors necefsarily employed within. myself and Yorston dealing with the Inds. who came yesterday."

Nov. 15
" Cold snowy weather. the River set fast. The Indians who came on Wednesday could not go away. another band arrived with a little provisions to trade for Brandy - Ammunition &c. - sent four Men to the Sawyers tent to bring home plank. one man at the House hauling firewood. The Cooper & John Lyons about necefsary jobs indoors. Self and Yorston employed with the Inds."

Nov. 16
" The weather clear but very cold - our people arrived from the Sawyers tent with 8 plank. They complain much on the deepnefs of the Snow which prevented them from taking home so much as usual - one Man hurt himself by falling under a plank which will prevent him from duty for some time. the Taylor."

Nov. 17
" George Sinclair & John Favel arrived from the Forks without having seen or heard any thing of our Fall exprefs - as the River is now set fast there is no probability of their coming this Season. - Our hunters arrived without killing any thing having seen no buffalo since they went out. We are now reduced? to live on dried Meat. Weather very cold."

Nov. 18 Monday
" Sent 6 Men with carts to the Sawyers tent to bring home plank. the Cooper & John Lyons to look for crooked wood for timbers, George Setter? hauling wood. The Taylor & John Easter sick? - The two Men who came yesterday usefully employed indoors."

Nov. 19
" The Men from the Sawyers tent arrived with 10 plank. two Men hauling firewood Cooper & John Lyons as yesterday - a Man looking for Horses to send a Hunting tomorrow."

Nov. 20
" Sent six Carts to the Sawyers tent for plank. two Men a hunting one hauling firewood, the Cooper repg? Sleds &c. the Taylor Sewing John Easter still unfit for duty. The weather a little milder."

Nov. 21
" Our people from the Sawyers tent came home with the last of the plank - the Sawyers accompanied them having collected and cut into plank 30 logs. besides spars for oars poles - & birch for Snow shoes &c. The Cooper repairing wood sleds. a Man hauling firewood - The Taylor as yesterday - John Easter still continues badly with his leg."

Nov. 22
" A heavy fall of snow. The people repairing the Chimneys & putting their beds? in order - Our Hunters arrived with part of the meat of two Bulls - No Cattle to be seen having been drove of the Stone Inds."

Nov. 23
" The Cooper & Sawyers getting wood for floor timbers. crooked? &c for boat building. the rest of the people variously employed. Sent of two Men in another direction to look for Buffalo."

Nov. 24
" Two Inds. arrived & paid a few Skins on debts Viz? 18 Beaver & ? leather? Skins. expended on them 3 Qts Spirits. besides Ammunition & Tobacco enough to have bought the skins but the Indians here have been accustomed to such ? that it is impofsible to get any thing for its value - Notwithstanding this extraordinary expenditure the Indians went of difsatisfied, telling me it is not the way they were accustomed to be used."

Nov. 25 Monday
" The two Indians mentioned yesterday ? went away this Morning. The Cooper with 2 Men employed in making a track for hauling wood down a steep bank - two men hauling wood. two Looking for horses - the Taylor sewing - John Easter still badly - Our two Men arrived from Hunting brot the meat of a Bull. No Cows to be seen - & very few bulls."

Nov. 26
" The Cooper & 3 Men cutting logs for Kegs &c. two men hauling firewood one man repairing the track. John Easter & Germain unfit for duty. the rest of the men necefsarily employed about the House. Taylor as yesterday."

Nov. 27
" four Men hauling logs cut yesterday. the Cooper & John Lyons making shafts for flat sleds in order to send out a hunting. two Men hauling hay. Taylor as yesterday. two sick Men as yesterday."

Nov. 28
" Four Men preparing Sleds & horses for hunting. three Men hauling wood for timbers. Sawyers cutting wood for Sleds - the Cooper making Shafts. A Stone Ind. arrived late last night begging a little Ammunition & tobacco. says they are starving."

Nov. 29
" Four Men with the Cooper repairing sleds & Snow Shoes, fetching horses &c for Hunting. Sawyers at the Saw, the rest hauling timbers up from acrofs the River. A few Stone Indians arrived with a little fat to trade for ammunition & tobacco - three Indians also arrived from the Turtle Mountain with a few Wolves to pay part of their credits. they also brot some dried provision to Trade for liquor &c."

Nov. 30
" Sent of Four Men with a tent to go a hunting with horses & flat Sleds. they are to pitch towards the Buffalo. The Indians went away. the rest of the people employed as yesterday. the Sawyers finished wood for Sleds & Snowshoes."

Dec. 1 1811
" Nothing particular."

Dec. 2 Monday
" The two Sawyers begun Sawing logs for timbers the Cooper Sorting the wood brot home for boat building & squaring pieces for the Sawyers. four Men hauling firewood the Taylor sewing cloathes for the Men. John Easter still unwell - Today he shaped a few frames for Snowshoes."

Dec. 3
" Men employed as yesterday."

Dec. 4
" Do."

Dec. 5
" Do."

Dec. 6
" Men employed as yesterday only? The Cooper with one Man sunk posts in the ground and laid the Keel of the boat on it but for want of necefsary Iron work can do nothing further towards building till we get Iron bolts made for splicing the stems? to the Keel."

Dec. 7
" four Men hauling firewood. The Cooper preparing wood for the Sawyers who are spliting? the timbers. with the Saw. - An old Saultoe arrived here with his two Sons. they brot with them a few fishers a Wolf and a wolverine. they say they left a few more at their tent which is hardly creditable when they brot no more with them notwithstanding they say they are almost starving for want of Ammunition. A Stone Ind. also arrived, just came to smoak at the House - & beg ammunition."

Dec. 8
" John Isbister & Tho. Mason arrived from YF and brought me? the packet safe. they have encountured? a good deal of hardships on their journey owing to the earlinefs of the season many places not being froze enough to admit of their travelling on the Ice - however they are well."

Dec. 9 Monday
" The Cooper & Sawyers as on Saturday. four Men hauling firewood. The taylor sewing for the Men - two Men arrived from the Hunters tent & brot the meat of a Bull - informs me they left seven more behind but a long way of. the weather being mild the Cattle Keep far out in the plains or that they have seen no cows & only very few Bulls. The Inds. who came on Saturday remaining still at the House one of them being too lame to return back on their journey."

Dec. 10
" Sent of eleven? Sleds to the Hunting tent to fetch meat. Only the two men at home who arrived on Sunday (being tired? after so long a journey I have given them time to rest them a little and put their beds &c to rights). ? the Cooper & John Easter excepted who are necefsarily employed preparing Snowshoes &c."

Dec. 11
" Five Men arrived from the nearest stage with part of the meat of four Bulls. Six Men proceeded a days journey farther to bring the rest of the meat Kill'd by the Hunters. The Cooper, Tho. Mason & John Isbister drefsing wood for staves. John Easter's leg continues still very sore"

Dec. 12
" The Sawyers at their Job Sawing plank for boat building. Sent two Men off with the Indians that came last Saturday to bring a few skins from their tents - two Men with the Cooper cleaning wood for staves."

Dec. 13
" Six Men arrived from the Hunters tent with part of the meat of 3 Bulls. they left two sled loads behind say the Buffalo are still far off. Sawyers as yesterday."

Dec. 14
" All hands but the Cooper & Sawyers putting their Sleds & Snowshoes in order to be prepared for starting on Monday."

Dec. 15
" Thick snowy weather - Two Indians from the halfway bank with a few Bears skins to trade for Cloth? or blankets and to get a supply Ammunition and Tobacco."

Dec. 16 Monday
" Disatched two Men to Swan River with their letters from York and to bring a few necefsaries from there. also two Men to Pabina with Mr Henry's letters & 4 Men to the Hunting tent to fetch meat. The Sawyers cutting boards & Cooper drefsing wood for Kegs - Self & Yorston cleared? of the two Inds. that came yesterday after being at some expence in tobacco and Ammunition. had from one of them 2 lge black bears 1 Cub Do. & 3 Martins on debt given at Pabina last year this was all he brot. which took from him on his debt but was obliged to give him a little credit again."

Dec. 17
" Sent both the Sawyers to look after our Horses having heard that Stone Indians were lurking about yesterday for Stealing. they found all but one, which we have every reason to suppose is stolen as they saw his track where he had been rode of by some Stone Ind. Rascal - brot Most of our Horses home to put away some distance from the Horses out of the way of thieves."

Dec. 18
" A few Stone Inds. arrived with a few wolves to trade. they inform us that an Indian pafsed them with our horse and proceeded for River Qu'pelle where he will not be Known - offered them a reward to bring him back."

Dec. 19
" The Stone Inds. went away. two men arrived from the hunting tent with two sleds of meat they inform that there are no Cattle near our hunters. so that I am under the necefsity of Calling them from there to try in another direction. two Men arrived from the Inds. tent with one bear Skin 3 Wolves 2 fishers and a red Fox on debt given at Pabina, also 3 fishers on debt here."

Dec. 20
" Sent 4 Men of to the Hunters tent to bring home what meat is there and to tell the Hunters to come home that we may try for buffalo in another direction. Two Men putting some of our horses away some distance from the House to be out of the way of thieves."

Dec. 21
" Cooper and three Men doing necefsary Jobs indoors."

Dec. 22
" Nothing particular. Weather very mild."

Dec. 23
" The Cooper making Kegs. only three men at home employed white washing the inside of the House - One? American with an old Canadian arrived here from the Mandan Villages. they came on a visit with tobacco to the Inds. as a peace offering - they inform me that very few Americans are wintering on the Sourie and that the Indians there would trade with us if we would send there as they are discontented with their present Traders. But as their peltries? consist only of wolves & Foxes with some Buffalo robes - It would not be worth while in my opinion to carry there so far overland which would be attended with a heavy expence at this time of Year horses can't travel so that we would be obliged to purchase horses there which would run away with all our profit. The American who has been a hunter towards the rocky Mountains for this two years past has upwards of 200 B Skins but he will not part with them at a reasonable price - He says that the Americans will pay him 3 dollars pr? ? for them."

Dec. 24
" Our People from the hunting tent arrived with our hunters they brot 736 lbs of Bulls meat. - people at the House cleaning the yard &c."

Dec. 25
" Christmafs Day people diverting themselves."

Dec. 26
" Do."

Dec. 27
" People doing little jobs about the House."

Dec. 28
" Do. - Do. - An Indian (the Rattlesnake) arrived brot a few Skins on his debt."

Dec. 29
" Two Stone Inds. arrived begging tobacco."

Dec. 30 Monday
" The Rattlesnke went away after getting a supply of ammunition Tobacco & grogg."

Dec. 31
" Mr John McKay arrived from Pabina with our two Men who went there with the European packet. A man accompanied him to go back again. they brot here a role of Tobacco & half a bale of Kettles (Wt 27 lbs) being part of the Goods which was taken up the Pabina River last fall by Mistake. They brot also the old Iron of an old boat which will be very serviceable to us. as we are very short of that article."

Jan. 1 1812
" New Years day. the people diverting themselves."

Jan. 2
" John Lyons with four Men preparing to go a hunting. Will. Yorston & 3 Men preparing themselves to go to the Mifsisouri? with the American who arrived here the 23rd Uto. who has promised me about 40 Beaver Skins for a few articles which he is in want of. I am also fitting yorston out with a small adventure of Goods to trade with the natives at the Mifsisouri?. I have for our mutual security, and to protect ourselves against the Natives, agreed with my neighbour Mr Wills. who is also preparing to send there that we shall trade jointly. ? each to supply a proportion of goods and the returns to be equally divided between us. - Jolly Cour went down to ? point to pitch his tent. where he is to cut wood."

Jan. 3
" People variously employed in repairing sleds and Snow Shoes. the Cooper making horse sleds."

Jan. 4
" John Lyons and 4 Men went off a hunting. the American waiting to get some traps which Mr Wills is getting made for him and which will take two or three days more to get ready."

Jan. 5
" Another revolution was near taking place at Brandon House in consequence of a dispute between myself & Yorston. It appeared to me that Yorston wished to throw obstacles in the way of my sending to the Mifsourie? after I had determined ? ? ? , and so? he was appointed as one, himself to go he thought to have got the trip put off without seeming to have deny'd his duty. In consequence after receiving some insulting language from him, I gave him a slap or two in the face which he endeavoured to return but I avided?, or parried off. - After the first scuffle I insisted on his positively telling me whether he was determined on going to the Mifsisourie or not. that I might take my measures incase he refused his duty. he told me I had prevented him from going by disabling him. I told him that was not a direct answer and insisted on his directly answering me I asked or I would turn him out doors - he said he would not give me a more satisfactory answer nor would he go out doors till he pleased himself upon which I run to the next Room and found a pair of tonges which I took up and threatened him two or three times to walk out and go into the Mens house where he should remain on half allowance till Spring. - if he did not I would strick? his head - he sat as obstinate as a mule after which I fetched? him a crack on the arm with the tongs. he then started up and tried to wrestle the tonges from me after attempting to strick me. Tho. Favel came in and wrested to tongs from us which while he was doing Yorston got hold of my legs and pulled me down - he then got on the top of me with his? knees & elbows - I insisted on his letting me get up and have fair play, but he pounded away for eight or ten minutes twisting the handkerchief round my neck at the same time till I was almost strangled - I call'd to several of the Men to come and take the scoundrel of from me till I got up but they all run away saying they would have nothing to do with it. Its true I could expect little support from the rascals who served Mr Henry so ill last winter notwithstanding some of them had made very fair promises last Summer before I returned to Brandon House with them - but necefsity obliged me to call for help to where? none could be procured?. Yorston after being tired let me get up at last and ? I ran to my room for arms to enforce obedience [scratched out "defend myself"]. Yorston ran out and went over to NWt Fort to beg of Mr Wills my neighbour to come over & pacify me as he told him I was wild and he was affraid I should hurt him. Mr Wills came over & ? the part of a mediator well for he calmed my pafsions a good deal - I begged of him not to give any shelter to any rascals that might come over to him & claim protection. he told me he would not, unlefs I turned them out naked or unprovided for subsisting themselves when humanity would oblige him to give them a Mouthfull of something to eat. I offer'd him a Bill for a Hundred Guineas if he would afsist me in putting Yorston in Irons he told me it would not be for a pecuniary consideration that would induce him to afsist in any thing of the Kind. but he doubted whether I could be justified in doing so or he in afsisting - and finally he gave me to understand that his afsistance should not be wanting providing I was obliged to come to extrimeties? with my people & that I called on him for afsistance but he thought it would be the best way for me to ? over the Winter? as quietly as? pofsible and I could have the Men in my power in the Spring to do as I pleased with - during? Yorstons stay at the NWt House his things were put into the Mens House from which he sent in word that he was still willing to go to the Mifsisourie providing I wanted him. As I had advanced some things to the American who was to pay me in Beaver - and now willing to go with him unlefs Yorston accompanied them. I was obliged to sacrifice my own private ?ings to the Companys Interest by sending Yorston who is the only person here that knows the road well and is acquainted with the Language of the Natives. I must do Justice here? to Mr John McKay who having come here? from Pabina a few Days ago on a visit here, volunteered his Services to go to the Mifsisourie providing? he got any one to go with his? ?"

Jan. 6 Monday
" People variously employed about the House. A Stone Indian who arrived yesterday went away after trading a few Wolves."

Jan. 7
" Men as Yesterday."

Jan. 8
" Sent of Yorston & three Men to the Mifsisourie with a small adventure of goods in Company with Mr Wills's people to trade there - our people took four Horses with Sleds and as many dogs sleds to take back their returns."

Jan. 9
" The Men at the House employed at their respective jobs."

Jan. 10
" Men as yesterday - two Men arrived from the hunting tent with part of the meat of a Bull - they inform me that no cattle are yet to be seen - A young fellow arrived from six tents of Crees begging for tobacco and Ammunition they want people to come to their tents. where they have only got for me 7 Wolves & a few fishers."

Jan. 11
" Men as Yesterday. another young fellow arrived from the Sow'd begging a supply of Tobacco & ammunition. The two men who came from the Hunters tent returned. Tho. Mason accompanied them on friday."

Jan. 12
" Sent off two Men to the Indians tents with the young fellow who came in Co. with Mr Wills's people with a small supply of Tobacco and ammunition & brandy to trade what they can - after getting in their credits. - the Indian who came yesterday went away after getting a supply of Ammunition & tobacco."

Jan. 13 Monday
" Three Men arrived from the Hunting tent with a little Bulls flesh no signs yet of any Cows tho the weather is getting much colder. the Cooper employed drefsing staves for Kegs &c. one Man looking for Horses."

Jan. 14
" The Men that arrived yesterday returned to the Hunting tent. Cooper as yesterday - A man brot a Horse home to haul some wood. - John Easters leg still continuing so badly as to render him unfit for duty."

Jan. 15
" The Cooper as yesterday. a Man hauling firewood. The weather so Cold & wood so far off that he can scarce Keep the fires going. about 12 AM My two Men returned from Swan River & brot Letters from Mefs Garrioch & Cook - Together with a packet which was forwarded from yf? last fall. I am sorry at not having received it sooner as had it arrived here in time I should have been able to have forwarded Letters to Oxf'd House which is now too late to meet the appointment of the Chief. Mr Garrioch complains for want of Men at Swan River - and what is worse - the few that he has got are very refractory. it appears the infection is spreading that begun or rather ? out here last year and untill some steps are taken effectually to crush that spirit of disobedience and contempt of orders, it will not cease."

Jan. 16
" Mr John McKay and John Kipland preparing to return for ? . The Taylor & Will Sinclair returned from the Indians with only some very indifferent wolves two fishers, five ? and three small drefst Skins. poor work after being five days off it will scarcely pay for the articles expended on the trip. A man hauling firewood the Cooper Stocking a Gun - John Easter moving about a little but not yet able to do duty, his leg continuing still sore."

Jan. 17
" Dispatched Mr Jn McKay and old Kipland back to Mr Heney? with Letters from Swan River &c. A man hauling firewood two Men look'g for horses to haul firewood. Cooper as yesterday - Three Men arrived from the hunting tent with three sled loads of meat. they brot part of a Cow being the first since Xmafs. Four Indians arrived from the Turtle Mountain one of whom brot a few Skins - the other three want Men to come to their tents to fetch some skins - they request supplys of Ammunition? Tob. and Liquor &c."

Jan. 18
" Three Men hauling firewood. Cooper working at Kegs - one of the Inds. who came yesterday went away after paying 12 B on debt. he got ? lb powder 20 ball 1 Qt Spirits yet went of not satisfied saying it is not the way he is accustomed to be used. - the other three men waits for people to accompany them to their tents. Sent three Man back to the Hunting tent."

Jan. 19
" Sent Tho. Mason & Geo. Sinclair to the Turtle Mountain with the three Indians that were waiting for them to get a few Skins on debts. Sent by them 5 Qts? Spirits, 3 fath. Tob. and 3 1/2 lbs powder & 100 Ball - part to be given and part to Trade for any thing they Can get."

Jan. 20 Monday
" The Cooper employed drefsing Staves for 10 Gall Rundlets. John Easter drefsing? repairing Snow Shoes - Three Men hauling firewood. Weather very cold. ? Therm 32 degrees below? the Cypher."

Jan. 21
" The Men returned from the Hunters tent with three sleds of Cows meat. People at the House employed as yesterday."

Jan. 22
" The three Men who came yesterday returned to the Hunters tent for Meat. 3 Men at the House hauling firewood. John Easter in the Coopers shop repairing Sleds &c with the Cooper."

Jan. 23
" people at the House Employed as yesterday."

Jan. 24
" people as yesterday. Tho. Mason and George Sinclair arrived from the Indian tents, brot only four Bear Skins & a few wolves - poor returns for the expence attending it. A Stone Ind. arrived begging a supply of ammunition and tobacco says his tent mates are doing nothing as the Buffalo are far off and they are too lazy to kill wolves - notwithstanding I am holding out every encouragement to them for Wolves & beat meat. but they seem determined to do nothing."

Jan. 25
" Three Men hauling firewood. three Men arrived from hunters tent with a little meat. the two Men who came yesterday employed in doors - Cooper & John Easter as Yesterday."

Jan. 26
" The Stone Indian who came in on Friday went away after getting 1/2? pt? of powder 20 ball & 4 feet Tobacco for himself & tent mates. Another Stone Indian arrived begging a supply of ammunition & tobacco."

Jan. 27 Monday
" Sent three Men to the hunters tent with John Easter who is to remain and hunt as his leg has at last got better. two Men hauling firewood. the Cooper working at Kegs. the Sawyers at their job & one Man lame having burnt his foot when last at the hunting tent. two Saultoes? arrived telling us to come and get in a few ? and requesting supplies of Ammunition Tobacco & liquor &c."

Jan. 28
" The Sawyers at the Saw. Cooper working at Kegs - sent Tho. Mason & George Setter? of with the Inds. that came yesterday. sent with them 1 Gall Spirits 140 Ball 6 fath. Tobacco partly to be given away to those who pay their debts and partly to trade."

Jan. 29
" The Cooper & sawyers as yesterday. One Man John Isbister unfit for duty with his burnt foot. Three Indians arrived from the turtle Mountain. pd part of their credits taken last fall, in bears, wolves and drefsed Leather which I was obliged to take from them at a dear rate, or go without - as the lands where they have been hunting produce few or no beaver - they also brot some beat meat and fat to trade for liquor."

Jan. 30
" Cooper & Sawyers as yesterday - three Men arrived from the hunting tent with 3 sleds of poor bulls Meat - The Cows cannot approach? them as they are Kept off by the Stone Indians who are tenting all round our Hunters."

Jan. 31
" People at the house as yesterday - 3 Men returned to the hunters tent for meat. The Inds. that arrived on Wednesday went away after having advanced them again some triffles? on debt. - and fitted them out with Brandy Ammunition & tobacco to encourage them to make a Spring hunt."

Feb. 1 1812
" An Indian arrived from the Harley? Mountain - brot only two Wolves & a little beat meat & fat. also a little dried? meat. Cooper & Sawyers as yesterday."

Feb. 2
" Two Men arrived from the Indians tents that went off on Tuesday - they brot a few Skins on debts but expended what they had away with them for little or nothing."

Feb. 3 Monday
" Sent three Men off to the hunting tent for Meat. Three men arrived with 3 Sled loads of Bulls meat. John Lyons also accompanied them to get some little things? he wanted. he brot with him 40 lb of Fat. The Cooper making ? kegs. one Man lame."

Feb. 4
" The Cooper as yesterday - two Men hauling firewood. the Men who came with Jn Lyons repairing their sleds &c in order to return again tomorrow. weather very Cold."

Feb. 5
" Three Men arrived from the hunters tent with the last of the meat there. John Lyons & three Men returned - to the? tent in order to hunt where ever cattle may be found - two men hauling firewood - Cooper as yesterday. Fitted the Indian out who came on saturday with a little Ammunition & Tobacco."

Feb. 6
" Two Men hauling firewood. two at the Saw. the Cooper making ? Kegs - two Stone Indians arrived with a few Wolves - part of which I got on old debts & traded part. They say there is no Buffalo near in any direction & that they are starving at their tents."

Feb. 7
" People as yesterday. three Men arrived from the hunting tent with a little Meat being the last that is there nor are there any Cattle to be found there abouts."

Feb. 8
" People as Yesterday. only two of those? who came from the hunting tent has gone after a few Buffalo they saw in coming home Yesterday to try and get a shot at them. The Stone Inds. went away."

Feb. 9
" the two Men that went a hunting yesterday returned after Killing 2 Cows. they say that the little band they fell in with have been drove about so much that they have become miserably poor."

Feb. 10 Monday
" Sent four Men for the Meat killed yesterday who returned in the Evening. two Men at the Saw two hauling firewood - Cooper making Kegs - John Isbister who burnt his foot lately still so bad as not to be able to do any duty - Lewis Jolly Cour came home from wood cutting having cut 300 Cords since fall."

Feb. 11
" Sent three Men to the hunting tent with orders to the Hunters to pitch farther off in case they find no Cattle where they are. two Men at the Saw - two hauling firewood. Cooper as yesterday."

Feb. 12
" People at the House employed as yesterday. A Stone Ind. young fellow arrived begging tobacco say the Buffalo are far off - his Country people doing nothing."

Feb. 13
" Employment as yesterday."

Feb. 14
" People as yesterday."

Feb. 15
" Do."

Feb. 16
" three Men arrived from the turtle Mountain to? where? our hunters has pitched. they brot part of two Moose there being no buffalo to be found any where near in that direction."

Feb. 17 Monday
" ? both the Sawyers to the hunting tent with tent with one of the Men that came yesterday. two Men hauling firewood. The Taylor Sewing. John Isbister still unfit for duty with his burnt foot. Jolly Cour and one Man doing little things about the House the Cooper as last week. the Stone Ind. lad who came here last Wednesday went away after remaining here a while to feed."

Feb. 18
" People as yesterday."

Feb. 19
" Sent off two more men to the hunting tent to fetch meat. John Isbister getting a little better. working with the Cooper - the rest of the people at the House employed as yesterday."

Feb. 20
" People at the House as yesterday."

Feb. 21
" Do. - Do. - four Men arrived from the hunting tent with some Bulls meat."

Feb. 22
" Sent of two Men to an Indian our people met yesterday to bring a little meat from him which he offered us for a little liquor &c - sent with the 3 half pints liquor 20 ball 1/2 lb powder & 1 yd Tobacco. people at the house employed as yesterday - finished hauling firewood 300 Cords cut by Jolly Cour since? fall - 3 Stone Inds. arrived with a few wolves & one Buffalo robe which I traded for tobacco & ammunition."

Feb. 23
" the Stone Inds. went away. two Men returned from the hunting tent with two Sleds of Bulls meat. Also two men from the Indian they went to yesterday with part of the meat of a Cow. 4 pieces dried meat 2 fishers 2 wolves & a Cat."

Feb. 24 Monday
" Sent off four Men to the hunting tent but the weather proving bad they returned again after being near at the Sourie - Cooper making small Kegs - Men repairing Sleds fetching hay &c &c."

Feb. 25
" Sent four Men to the hunting tent for meat. Cooper making Small Kegs. rest of the people at the House variously employed."

Feb. 26
" People at the House employed as yesterday."

Feb. 27
" Sent of three more Men to the hunting tent for meat. The Cooper as yesterday - only 3 Men at home besides the Cooper & Self - They doing little about the house."

Feb. 28
" People at home employed as yesterday."

Feb. 29
" Four Men arrived from the hunting tent with Bulls meat. sent off two Men to an Indian who is tenting near to try & get meat or any thing he has - The Cooper finished making Kegs - He has made Since fall - 40 10 Gall. Rundlets and 104 Small Kegs of sorts."

Mar. 1 1812
" Nothing particular."

Mar. 2 Monday
" Only the Cooper at home with one man & self. the former making a large Cask for salting meat in. Three Men arrived from the Hunting tent with Bulls meat. also two men from the Ind. Tent with the meat of a Cow. Sent those Men off again this morning to the Hunting tent."

Mar. 3
" Sent four Men to the Ind. tent. two to remain there & collect meat & two to return as soon as they get anything to come with. Cooper as yesterday."

Mar. 4
" Cooper as Yesterday - two Men employed fetching hay for the horses &c."

Mar. 5
" Sent two Men off in the morning to look for our horses - as the crust is becoming now so hard on the snow that they will not be able to provide for themselves longer out doors. - They returned in the even'g after finding only two. The Cooper began to prepare timbers for boat building - One man arrived from the Ind. tent with part of the meat of one small cow."

Mar. 6
" Sent three men off to the hunting tent to fetch meat & with orders for John Lyons to come home - as I want him to afsist the Cooper in boat building. two men look'g for horses returned without finding any. the day turning out so bad that they were obliged to return short of where they intended to go - A Man with the Cooper & a Man taking care of the horses at home."

Mar. 7
" Sent of two men again to look for our horses. Cooper & one Man as yesterday - one man fetching hay and taking care of the few horses at home - the men returned with out finding any of the horses."

Mar. 8
" Four Inds. arrived with a few Wolves & 3 Bears skins - which they paid in part of debt due me. gave them a little brandy some ammunition & tobacco."

Mar. 9 Monday
" The Inds. who came yesterday went away - Sent two Men off to look for horses. One Man with the Cooper & one attending the horses - the Men looking for horses returned late at night with five. Three still wanting."

Mar. 10
" Three men returned from the hunting tent with meat. the people at home employed indoors being a very bad day."

Mar. 11
" Sent three Men to the turtle Mountain to fetch meat from our hunters. & two Men to the Indians tent whom I have employed to kill a few animals - the Cooper & one Man employed at the boat timbers. a Man Taking care of the Horses - two Stone Inds. arrived with two Wolves & 1 fox skin which I traded for tobacco &c."

Mar. 12
" The two Men returned from the Indian tent with a little very poor bulls Meat. The Cooper & one Man as Yesterday. A Man taking care of the horses."

Mar. 13
" A very bad day, drift & Snow, people could do nothing out doors. Numps arrived with two Saultoe Inds. who paid a few skins on their debts. gave them a little advance of Tobacco and Ammunition & also a treat of Brandy."

Mar. 14
" Sent two Men of to look for our horses that are still wanting. The Cooper and a Man working at the boats timbers. one man watching? the horses - The Indians of yesterday went away and Numps returned again with them to guard their property as I hear the Canadians from the back side or? ffort? Dauphin Department are continually running after them - At 3 PM our people from the Mifsisourie arrived with very poor returns. they say that the Natives at the Mifsisourie were prevented from trading with them by the Americans who held out to them better encouragement than we? could afford to give. My people brot about 60 beaver skins a few buffalo robes 7 Wolves and a bear Skin & my Neighbours people the same number. They had some difficulty to get away from the Mifsisourie with the remains of the Goods they took there to trade."

Mar. 15
" Nothing particular."

Mar. 16 Monday
" The Cooper & one Man with him put the boat on the Stocks - two Men looking after horses could not find them. A man at the House taking care of those at home."

Mar. 17
" Two Men arrived from John Easter with a little Meat they inform me that no cattle are to be found. & that John Easter has pitched nearer being along with the Ind. who is employed hunting for us - very Cold weather - Sent two Men off to Pabina with a Letter to Mr Heney requesting some salt &c."

Mar. 18
" Weather very severe for this season of the year - all the people at home except the Cooper & one man who is working at the boat employed in fetching hay - excepting also two Men whom I have sent off to look after a few Cattle which I hear were seen above the house - they both returned late at night after having Kill'd 3 Cows."

Mar. 19
" Sent off three Men with the two men who kill'd the Cows yesterday to bring home the meat. the latter to have a look after the Cattle that they started? yesterday - The three Men returned with the meat of the three Cows - on 6 Sleds - The Cooper working at the Boat."

Mar. 20
" Two Men taking care of the horses and bringing home hay. Cooper and one Man as yesterday - One man with myself and Yorston tying up a few skins - The two Men who went to look after the Cattle yesterday returned having Kill'd 4 more Cows - two Men arrived from the hunting tent with part of the meat of a Bull."

Mar. 21
" Sent off eight Men with Sleds for the meat kill'd yesterday - they returned in the evening with the principal part of it a little being destroyed by the wolves. The Cooper at the Boat."

Mar. 22
" An Indian arrived from the hunting tent telling us there was four Bulls Kill'd."

Mar. 23 Monday
" Sent 3? Men off with the Indian to the hunting tent to fetch meat - they have orders to tell one of the men to come home from there as his services is wanted at the house. - Sent 3 Men to cut down wood for stockades. one man working with the Cooper at the boat & a Man who has froze? his foot teazing? Oakum. - A man attending horses."

Mar. 24
" Four men arrived from the hunting tent with part of the meat Kill'd there, part being left for the hunters to live upon as there are no depending on chance the Cattle being so few About them. People at the house employed as yesterday."

Mar. 25
" Three Men cutting Stockadoes. sent two off a hunting - two to look for two of our horses which are Still a wanting. - A man with the horses - one making oakum and a man with the Cooper at the Boat. our two Men returned from hunting having Kill'd a Cow being all they saw. Our two men also returned with our horses. which they were looking for."

Mar. 26
" Sent of two men for the Cow Kill'd yesterday which they brot. The Cooper & a Man Making a Plow as the weather is too Cold to work at the boat. the rest of the People as yesterday. - An Indian arrived from the Riding Mountain and paid about 17 Skins in furs & four drefs'd leather skins on debt taken last fall."

Mar. 27
" Very Cold weather. People as yesterday - An Indian arrived and paid a few Skins in leather & Cats on old debt at Manetobaw. The NWt exprefs arrived from above. I received a few lines from Mr Bird from? Saskatchewan. also Letters from Mr Garroch at the Indian Elbow."

Mar. 28
" Weather still Continues cold. Cooper to Day working at the boat with one Man. The rest of the people as yesterday. - The Inds. went away after getting a supply of Ammunition tobacco & brandy to enable & encourage them to make a Spring hunt. Sent a few lines to Mr Heney by the NWt exprefs."

Mar. 29
" Easter. My two Men arrived from Pabina with two bags wntg? 113 lbs of Salt."

Mar. 30 Monday
" Sent two Men of a hunting three to haul Stockadoes two cutting and squaring a few logs to make an Ice house. a Man with the horses - One with the Cooper at the boat & two Men tying up a few Skins & preparing a little meat? for Salting. Jn Easter arrived from the hunting tent. telling us there was two Cows kill'd there by him & ?. ? two? Men returned from hunting without succefs."

Mar. 31
" Sent of three? Men to the hunting tent to bring home Meat. Sent word for Lewis Jolly Coeur to come home as I want him to cut some wood. People at home employed as yesterday. - put a Cask of meat in Salt."

Apr. 1 1812
" Our people from the hunting tent arrived with part of the Meat of five Cows - being all the meat they say that are there. the remainder of the 10 Cattle they say they? required for their dogs & themselves to live on - after leaving a little for the people who remained there. Such a set of dam'd, carelefs, uninterested fellows (for their Employers) I never met with before in the Country. they do not care how much they destroy nor will there ever be better in this quarter untill they are dispersed? and some examples made of them, for they have been so long accustomed to do & say as they please that they have entirely forgot. that is to say if ever they were pofses'd of the properties that belong to good Servants. A few Inds. arrived from the Southard with a little beat meat and some drefs'd Leather. 4 Bears & a few Wolves."

Apr. 2
" The Inds. went away - men variously employed hauling stockadoes?, cutting logs for an Ice house &c. Cooper with a Man at the Boat. A Swan seen."

Apr. 3
" People in the Morning employed as yesterday but turning out a very bad day they were obliged to give over work out doors - wind? drift & Snow."

Apr. 4
" Weather very Cold with drift & Snow - people employed in doors doing necefsary jobs, turning over the potatoes, drying beat meat, making oakum &c."

Apr. 5
" Very Cold weather."

Apr. 6 Monday
" Four Men hauling Stockadoes, four Cutting logs for an Ice house - a Man with the Cooper at the boat. one Man watching? the horses & a Man cutting firewood - weather very Cold."

Apr. 7
" As yesterday."

Apr. 8
" ? very? Old freeman arrived (Bono?) with a Wolf Skin. 35 lb beat meat & a piece of line begging a Supply of Tobacco & Ammunition to enable him to pay of his old debt to us - Rec'd a few lines from Mr Heney, by my neighbours exprefs."

Apr. 9
" four Men Cutting wood for bars wedges & Mallets for a prefs. - Rest of the people as yesterday - An Indian lad arrived who informed us that he came past our hunters. Jn Easter who sent in word with him to come & fetch meat. Old Bono? went away - after getting a little supply of Tobacco & Ammunition."

Apr. 10
" Very Cold weather. drift & Snow. people doing necefsary jobs indoors - the Cooper finishing a plow which he has been making."

Apr. 11
" Weather still very cold. 4 Men went to the hunting tent & returned with 4 Sleds of meat. two men hauling firewood. one Man drefsing bars for a prefs. Cooper & a Man working at the boat. one Man acrofs with the NWt black smith getting Iron work made for the plow. others necefsarily employed About the House."

Apr. 12
" Two Indians Sautoes arrived begging a supply of ammunition & tobacco to enable them to hunt & Smoke - Weather very Cold. Therm. 15 below 0."

Apr. 13 Monday
" Cooper & a Man at the boat. two Men ripping a few Sticks with the saw for crofs pieces for our piquets - two Men at the hunting tent returned with part of the meat of a bull - two men hauling firewood & three cutting wood. George Setter attending the horses."

Apr. 14
" People as yesterday only the two Men who were fetching meat. cutting wood for short Stockadoes. two Stone Inds. arrived begging tobacco & Ammunition - they only brot 3 buffalo tongues."

Apr. 15
" As yesterday - and fitting the Stockadoes on the Ribbands. Sent Tho. Favel off to make a little Sugar & kill Swans."

Apr. 16
" Do. - Do. - the Stone Inds. went away after getting a little tobacco. the people sent up word to me that they wanted fat to eat with their meat, which I refused them, having served them out 56 lb only eight days ago. They again sent me word they would not go to work unlefs they were served out fat with their meat. I then went in the mens house and try'd to convince them of the unreasonablenefs of their demands in expecting to be served out 7 lbs of Fat per day for ten Men besides Seven pounds of Fresh Meat per Man with as many potaotes as they could eat. but no reason could I get from them. they told me they were used worse than Slaves & that it was not the Companys orders or if it was why were they not shewn it for they had as great a right to see it as their Master. - After a good deal of altercation in vain I told them they should have fat but upon these conditions that they should pay for it at the price that should be set upon it. several of them swore they should not pay for it: Tho. Mason, John Isibister, Will. Bews & William Sinclair were the principal speakers and most insolent fellows."

Apr. 17
" People employed as yesterday. The Cooper badly. not able to work."

Apr. 18
" Do. - Do. - Do. - Six tents of Stone Inds. pitched on the plantation they did not bring an ounce of beat Meat or fat - notwithstanding they have been in the Plains since before Xmafs. they have been Starving all winter according to their accounts - I traded from them 2 Wolves 1 Cat 5? buffalo parchm't? & one Buffalo robe for a little brandy - this is a poor hunt for 6 tents of Indians - Cooper still unwell - Weather remarkably cold for this Season of the year. The taylor arrived from the Moose head with part of a Cow & a Calf which is all the produce of Jn Easters hunt last week."

Apr. 19
" The weather a little Milder a good many Swans seen."

Apr. 20 Monday
" The Taylor & a Man returned to the hunting tent. four Men hauling Stockadoes & 4 Men fitting them to Ribbands for erecting in the inside of the Works - as soon as the earth thaws - a Man with the horses a Man cutting firewood & one Man with the Cooper at the boat."

Apr. 21
" People at home employed - as yesterday. the weather begins to get a little milder. Two tents of Stone Indians arrived brot nothing. they have been starving all Winter."

Apr. 22
" two Men at the pit saw cutting a few boards for House use - the rest of the people as yesterday. Stone Inds. coming in daily begging tobacco."

Apr. 23
" four Men hauling firewood - the rest as yesterday - a Saultoe Ind. arrived for a supply of Ammunition & tobacco which after getting he went away. our two Men arrived from the hunting tent no meat being Kill'd there since they went. John Easter only remains there."

Apr. 24
" People about the House employed as yesterday. 8 tents of Stone Inds. on the plantation bothering? for something to eat & tobacco to smoak - heavy rain - - a good ? of Geese & Swans flying to the northward so that I begin to hope the Spring as at last going to commence - rec'd? four Geese & four ducks from Tho. Favel being the first this Season.. Sent a piece of tobacco to a band of Stone Inds. to encourage them to come in with provisions."

Apr. 25
" People as yesterday."

Apr. 26
" A few Stone Indians arrived & pitched acrofs the River - they brot us nothing."

Apr. 27 Monday
" Sent three young Men of a hunting 5 Men erecting short Stockadoes in the inside of the Works. the ground so hard they make but little progrefs - two men attending the horses. the Cooper & Jn Lyons working? at the boat."

Apr. 28
" As yesterday - Stone Indians daily arriving begging tobacco. four Sautoe Inds. arrived & paid a few drefs'd Skins on debt taken? last fall. & one Bear Skin - hunters arrived brot 3 Swans 4 Geese & 10 ducks - The river Ice gave way."

Apr. 29
" As yesterday - very Cold weather. fitted out two of the Inds. who came yesterday to go a beaver hunting up the Sourie - sent a Man with them to take care of their hunts. The other two Inds. returned to their tents after getting a supply of ammunition & Tobacco. Crooked Mouth & his Son arrived & brot a few beaver Skins & some drefs'd leather on their debts."

Apr. 30
" Sent of three? Young Men a hunting. five Men employed melting down fat to put in Kegs (filled 22). two Men down at the Old house digging? up the old prefs & bringing up old doors - The Cooper not able to do any thing further to the boat for want of some little Iron works which he must wait for until I can get them made at the NWt House. Tho. Favel arrived from Sugar making having made little or none owing to the deluge in the River which has swept away all his Casks? - he brot the Skins of four Swans. Crooked Mouth & Son went away."

May 1 1812
" People employed as yesterday. fill'd 15 Kegs fat & brot home 18 spars for oars &c from the pines."

May 2
" People erecting short Stockadoes & cleaning out the Yard. Weather continues very Cold."

May 3
" Our Hunters arrived. brot only a Swan & 4 Geese."

May 4 Monday
" People erected the Prefs - & made 18 bags of Pemmican 80 lbs each. 15 tents of Stone Inds. arrived brot little or nothing with them. They complain of having experienced a hard winter for food - which is the cause they have brot nothing."

May 5
" Sent the Cooper & one Man acrofs to my neighbours House to make a prefs for Mr Wills whilst his Blacksmith wrought Iron Work for our boat. people at home employed nearly as yesterday - made 15 bags of pemmican. More Stone Inds. arrived brot a few Buffalo robes & a little beat Meat."

May 6
" Tied up 9 Bundles of Furs in the small prefs - The Cooper & Man finished working for Mr Wills & returned with the Iron work wanted for our boat. More Stone Inds. arrived with little or nothing they brot little or nothing - there is now 45 tents on the Plantation bothering us for tobacco to smoak and has nothing to give us for it. John Easter returned from hunting brot home his tent. & Kettle - having seen no Cattle for some time past."

May 7
" ffour men at the small prefs tied up - 11 bundles of furs. two Men erecting Short Stockadoes. Sent two Men a hunting but the weather proved so bad that they were obliged to return again. The Cooper & Jn Lyons working at the boat. rest of the people variously employed about the house."

May 8
" Sent John Easter & 2 Men off with four horses to the Now'd to look for Cattle - sent also two off to the Sow'd to look for meat also but the latter returned in the evening having Kill'd a Goose a Crane & two ducks; they say that they saw five Men on horse back who appeared to be Strangers as when they went towards them they shear'd off & tho they call'd after them could get no answer - this induced them to return So soon. tied up 14 bundles of Furs in the Small prefs & erected some of the Short Stockadoes. Some of the Stone Inds pitched acrofs the River to go a hunting - The Cooper & his Man as yesterday."

May 9
" Tied up 4 Bundles of furs & Made 4 Bags of Pemmican - Stone Indians very troublesome for tobacco & Provision. the latter of which we have little to spair them."

May 10
" A Small band of Crees arrived from the Southw'd brot a few drefs'd Skins & other peltries? on debts. - & to get a supply of ammunition."

May 11 Monday
" Sent four Men with 6 horses of a hunting. 4 Men at the ? prefs - packed 6 Bundles after putting the helves in their Mallets. two Men attending the horses the Taylor Sewing Cooper & a Man at the Boat - John Easter & Wm Sinclair arrived from hunting & brot part of the Meat of two Bulls. The Inds. who came yesterday went away."

May 12
" People as yesterday. packed 16 Bundles - Sowed a few Seeds in the garden."

May 13
" As Yesterday. Packed 20 Bundles."

May 14
" Fitted out twelve tents of Stone Indians with a little tobacco & ammunition to enable them to live during the Summer they pitched off. Our hunters arrived with part of the meat of three Cows."

May 15
" Sent off two Men a hunting with 4 horses - Sent also a Man on horseback up along the river to meet Indians I expect to be coming down as in case they are overtaken by the Canadians who are coming down from Qu'pelly they might be induced by the virtue? of Liquor to part with their Skins - All the rest of our hands except the Cooper & two Men who are employed in the carpenters yard - at the Old House planting potatoes."

May 16
" people employed as yesterday - finished planting the potatoes at the Old house having sown 20 kegs - a Small band of Saultoes arrived and paid a few drefs'd Skins a few fishers & swans on debt taken last fall as they have been in the habits of trading with the Canadians from fort Dauphin all winter. they have not been able to pay half their debts here, notwithstanding they gave very fine promises last ffall indeed they are such a rascally set that they do not deserve ever to be trusted with Goods on debt from us & I told them in the fall when I advanced them that if they did not pay their credits in the course of the Winter they needed not expect to be trusted any more here - It is the little Man and his band - namely - the Iron Child, the little old Man, the Red Bear - old Blindy & his youngest Son."

May 17
" A dirty rainy day - the Man I sent up the River the day before yesterday returned after having seen the Indians he was looking for. The Men informs me they had a few Skins - but could not get them as they said they would be coming to the house tomorrow & that no Canadians should get any of them - Our two Men from hunting returned without Succefs - no Cattle to be seen or heard of in any direction."

May 18 Monday
" People variously employed about the house - Sent a Man on horseback to the Sourie to see the River & Know whither it will be practicable to crofs horses for the purpose of hunting to the Sow'd as that is the only direction where there is a chance of finding Cattle. we are now reduced to live on beat meat - which is very hard at this time when our Stock is so small & so much wanted - but there is no help for it - as nothing fresh is to be got at this time - in any quarter which it is pofsible to send - The Man who I sent to the Sourie returned having been pursued by four Indians who fired their arrows after him and obliged him to return as fast as his horse could carry him - after Saluting them with the discharge of his Gun - The Rattlesnake arrived with another young lad and paid about 40 Skins on debt taken last ffall."

May 19
" People employed in digging the Garden - & trying for fish with a drag net. without any succefs."

May 20
" Sent three Men off a hunting to try for meat. sent four to the Sourie to try for fish with nets - people at home variously employ'd."

May 21
" People from the Sourie arrived after having try'd a seine and a long Net without succefs owing to the great flush? of Water - Two tents of Stone Inds. arrived."

May 22
" People packing a few bundles & working in the garden - Sent off three more men a hunting with six horses."

May 23
" People employed nearly as yesterday - Launched our new boat. Our people arrived from hunting without having seen any Cattle."

May 24
" A number of Indians about the house bothering me for liquor. A small band of Cows was seen from the House which I sent our people after on horseback - they Kill'd 3 and brot most of them Home. they would have Kill'd more but the Stone Indians who are tenting so numerous about the House carried away the meat by ? as fast as it was Kill'd so that our hunters were? prevented from pursuing the band to preserve part of what they Kill'd - A band of Indians arrived from acrofs the Sourie and brot some drefs'd Skins and a few furs on their debts. they bring accounts that Buffalo are plenty beyond where they were tenting - Here is a medley of Stone Indians Saultoe and Crees about the House bothering for liquor tobacco & Ammunition and what is provoking have little or nothing to give for it."

May 25
" People packing a few bundles and preparing for starting as soon as pofsible. our hunters arrived and brot the meat of three Buffalos."

May 26
" Sent off three Men a hunting to where they saw a few Bulls in coming home yesterday - they returned in the Evening with most of the meat of three Bulls - What a sudden change! from poverty to plenty good accounts of Cattle on all quarters so that I hope the people whom I intend to leave Inland will experience a plentifull Summer. People employed prefsing the few packs tied up yesterday & working in the Gardens &c."

May 27
" Appointed James Inkster to take charge of Brandon House during the Summer & five Men with him viz. Jn Lyons, Jn Easter, Humphrey ffavel, James Short & Geo Setter?. Gave the people who were to embark the day to put their things in order for the journey."

May 28
" At 9 AM? - two batteaus started (manned with 11 Men) loaded with furs & provisions for york - I remained behind a day to settle with the Inds. still here & to take the Remains - Also three Men remained behind whom I intend sending down to the fforks with horses."

May 29
" I left Brandon House in charge of James Inkster & 5 Men. I accompanied three Men (who are bringing down horses to the Forks) as far as the Old pine fort where I joined the Boats and proceeded down the River till 7 PM where we encamped above the halfway bank."

May 30
" Started at 5 AM. at 11 saw a few Indians from whom I got a few Skins on debt taken last ffall - gave them a little supply of Ammunition - tobacco & grogg & proceeded on till a little above the Portage La Praire where we encamped."

May 31
" found a few Inds. at portage La praire from who I traded a few Skins and got a few on Debt - We encamped tonight? above Mr Vincents? [Hugh Linklaters is crossed out] Plain."

June 1 1812 Monday
" Proceeded down the River. Slept above the White horse Plain."

June 2
" At 1 PM arrived at the Forks. where we remained for the remainder of the day - in hopes of getting a few Skins from Inds. who are indebted to us - got a few Rats on debts. & traded a few. No word of Mr Heney yet to arrive from Pabina - rec'd 48 Muskrats on Mr Heneys debt."

June 3
" We started from the plains below the forks and proceeded down the River till a little below the end of Bob Taylors Lland? where I intend waiting for Mr Heney's arrival and in the mean time to be trying for fish & planting a few potatoes. put down a net but had no succefs."

June 4
" Set the people to work to clear a piece of ground for a garden. I returned up the River with two Men in a Canoe to look after our Men who were coming down with horses. we found them 3 points? above when we stoped and learned from them that the water was so deep in the plains that they could not take them farther down in consequence I sent 4 Men down with the Canoe & I returned to the forks with one Man & the horses to leave them in the care of some freemen till the water abates. when they can be taken down here? - I experienced a very bad night having keept? out too far in the plain we were benighted in a Swamp where we were obliged to sit till Morning under a very heavy rain."

June 5
" I arrived at the Forks and left 5 horses in the care of old Peltir and as it was too late to return, slept there all night."

June 6
" I embarked with a freeman & returned to our plantation where I found our people getting no fish & having made but small progrefs in planting potatoes only planted about a Keg - found Mr McKay & another of Mr Heney's Men arrived during my absence having come down to ? after their credits & wait Mr Heneys arrival."

June 7
" I borrowed a Small net of a freeman as our Sturgeon net could catch no fish. put the borrowed net down and got a good supper of fish."

June 8 Monday
" People employed planting potatoes. put in the ground 3 Kegs - got some fish from our net & rec'd from another freeman 12 Small fish which he has to be paid for."

June 9
" People employed as yesterday planted 3 Kegs of potatoes. took up our net & returned it to the man we borrowed it from as he was pitching off. as the Old Jack fir? (a freeman) has promised to supply us in fish. I have agreed to take all from him he can spare & to pay him for them when we depart from here."

June 10
" People preparing a piece of ground for turnips - At 12 AM Mr Heney arrived with his Batteaux. We Settled with people to remain for the Summer & prepared for starting tomorrow. rec'd 30 fish from the freeman who had been Supplying us with fish & pd him? off a little tobacco & ammunition."

June 11
" Blew very hard in the forenoon. At 2 PM it Calmed & we got underway. came to the Lake about 4 almost calm we proceeded along the Lake near the drunken River we found the body of an Indian which appeared to have been drowned which we buried? at a Point beyond? the drunken River."

June 12
" Weather moderate started at 4 Oclock & with a little ? of the Sail reached a Sandy point opposite the big Island."

June 13
" Started about 4 AM with a little breeze from Sea pulling mostly till 11 Oclock when we pafsed the narrow of the Lake - Set sail & pafsed the opening - to the East side of the Lake - put up in a fine harbour about 10 Miles short of the dogs head."

June 14
" Nasty drizzling rain. obliged to ? our Boat & remain all day."

June 15 Monday
" At 8 AM it cleared a little & we embarked. proceeded as far as the dogs head - when it began to blow so hard that obliged us to put ashore. dry'd our coverings & gave the bundles in the boat an airing."

June 16
" At 3 AM we embarked with a fair wind - at 8 it calmed & at 10 we were obliged to put in with a gale ahead - at a point next to the Beaver River (ie to the northw'd of it) - where we put up."

June 17
" We embarked at 6 AM with a head wind. & only reached? along point of sand to the Nw'd of Pigeon River when the wind again began to blow so hard as to prevent us from starting."

June 18
" Blew so hard we could not start."

June 19
" We embarked at 8 AM with ahead wind at 10 the wind from Sea enabled us by the help of the Sail to reach the poplar River opposite to which we put up at 9 PM."

June 20
" Embarked at 5 AM with a light breeze from Sea. at 6 PM reached the 3 Islands beyond the little black River where we put up - saw a great deal of Ice to day. to sea of us which tended to Keep the water very smooth."



1M17 B.22/a/18b

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