" Journal at Brandon House 1817-18 with some account of the Transactions at Fort Douglas.
&c &c &c &c by Peter Fidler."

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June 16 1817
" Monday Arrived from Halketts House at Norway House at the Discharge of Lake Winnipeg with 2 Boats with Furs &c at 2 PM. at 6 PM Mr Alex McDonell & Alex McDonald with 14 Men arrived at Norway House with 1 Boat. They left Red River 9th Inst. They say there is much ground sown & planted there with various kinds of Corn & Potatoes - They have also sown & Planted all the ground at Rain Lake & Winnipeg River Canadian Houses. our people despofsefsed? them off? last fall & this Spring. They engaged the Freemans Horses to plow the ground at a very heavy price, but no other shift could be made. on the 20 May Mr Graffonried? & 27 Solders came from Rain Lake where they had been since January to Red River or the entrance off it to re enforce our people in case the NWC should again attempt to drive the Colonists away as they have done twice before. Mr Graham who passed by the Prarie des Chiens last fall & wintered near the Otter Tail Lake, came down the Red River this Spring with about 28 Sioux Indians to the Forks to make friends with the Colonists - he left 9 Men behind in 3 Canoes to bring down the Property. & when they reached near Turtle river at Breakfast time They saw an Indian on the Shore but who offered to hide himself. The Canadian at the Head of our people said lets go ashore here is Indians & let us have breakfast. They made for the shore when about 15 Indians suddenly rose up fired their Guns at our 9 Men then Arrows by which 5 of our Men was killed on the Spot & 2 much wounded the other 2 slightly & made their escape thro' the woods & reached with great difficulty Fort Daer - having no shoes or Provisions and always obliged to keep in the woods for fear of being seen by the Enemy - it is supposed they were Panis from the Missouri - but more probably some Sauteaux hired by the NWC to commit this Action - as several Sauteaux from Red Lake came shortly down & brought the Canoes & nearly all the property our men left. - Mr Graham went some time ago with 3 Canoes toward Rain Lake to meet Lord Selkirk - he had little goods where? he Wintered & the Sioux were very kind to him. he has left 3 or 4 Men at the place he wintered at as he intends in the fall to return there again. On Saturday Last Jn? McNab came from D. Sutherlands House a good Trade there considering the Goods & expenses. No people yet arrived from Saskatchewan or? Swan Rivers."

June 18
" Wednesday The Large House building at the entrance of Lake Winnipeg is up but no roof or Plastering, Flooring or Chimneys or Doors made yet. Misling rain, then Snow fell 2 Inches deep - 2 Men sent in a Canoe to Meet Mr Bird - & Sutherland who we expect by the Grand Rapid."

June 19
" Thursday Moved? 3 Miles from the House to day some of our furs a little wet when the Boat ran on a rock in Winnipeg Lake - Mr Thomas in Company"

June 20
" Friday Our Canoe from Halkets House arrived."

June 21
" Saturday - at 3 PM Mr Bird arrived from the Saskatchewan with 12 Boats & many Officers with him - Mr Jn? McLeod had some time back been sent with Letters for Him - They relate that all our Houses was robbed of every thing they contained at Green Lake, Isle a la Crofse, Little Slave Lake - Athapescow Lake. Great Slave Lake & Purie? au Calemut and the Men & officers made prisoners. The Lefser Slave Lake was robbed the first 2d December. None of our People come out by water, the NW keeping them all prisoners on Islands in the Lakes & it is supposed that they will not be liberated till late in the Summer. that they will not have time to go out & carry in a fresh supply of Goods. A Norman McLeod Agent for the NWC went to the Athapescow Last summer & is the cause of all our Posts being Plundered of every thing. Mr Thomas & self went over to see Mr Bird & the other Gentlemen we? have now got every thing well dryed - Ice detained Mr Bird from coming sooner thro the Lake - a very backward spring & very cold winter - A good deal of Provisions made in the Saskatchewan River, but there is none in Red or Swan River, so that it will be very scarse this Summer, having such a great number of Men at the Different Posts, particularly if the NW allows them to come out."

June 23
" Monday Eleven Boats went for YF to carry up Goods to the Depot in Swampy Lake. Henry Hillier in Company with Mr Lewis killed by the Stone Indians last April going towards the Saskatchewan from the Northwards - This is the 2d man killed of ours by Indians from the House this 30 years past, whereas a year seldom pafses but several of the NW Men are murdered by them - a Horse sent down to the White Fall Portage & 5 Men to make a better Track to use wheel carriages on it in getting acrofs the Goods."

June 25
" Wednesday at 5 Mr Sutherland arrived with 5 Boats from Saan? River by Halketts House - he was detained long by the Ice in the Little Winnipeg. - he saw Alex McDonell the NW proprietor who has ran away from Red River by Mannetobaw Lake to avoid being taken Prisoner, about 12 men each in the 2 Canoes all well armed but they offered no insult but did not speak together - it is expected he will remain at St Martins Islands & wait the NW people from the Athapescow. Mr McDonell of the Colony who arrived here 16th Inst. says that they attempted to apprehend Grant & Cadotte but that they made their escape & ran away to Brandon House making the Journey in 1 1/4 Day on horseback never done before under two whole days - One long? Brafs 3 ft Gun left by the NW near the Pine? House as they came down. - Plenty of Sturgeon & Cat fish at the Colony. - Mr Thomas & self came over to the House with every thing: Two new Boats built at Charlton House - & got over Land to Swan River - by a small creek near the Elbow of Assinoboyne river - one of Mr Suth'ds Men spoke to a run away Irishman (last summer) but could learn nothing satisfactory. They had (NW) about 4 bags Pemmican each Canoe."

June 26
" Thursday Loaded 5 Swan River Boats to go down to YF. Men here began to build the Chimneys in the Large new House. Hawled the Sceine and caught many Fish. at Noon Mr Decoygne & 4 Canoes arrived here from the Little Slave Lake, after they was all plundered 2d Dec. by the NW Co. They dispersed Themselves with Indians and Free men & got these 4 Canoes built & received from them 12 Packs of Furs. - he says Samuel Black & A.N McLeod have been at Cumberland House 10 days ago & are now all encamped on the Horse I. in Winnipeg Lake waiting for their Athapescow Canoes - McLeod received the Prince Regents Proclamation 2 Days North of Cumberland House & Mr Hughes above Hudson House. Hughes resisted Mr Pruden there & Black remained at the rivers edge the whole time, probably afraid? to enter our House. There were with him several half Breeds - and it is supposed had they the Day? before received the Proclamation that they came with the intention of Plundering the House - he came by Moose Lake from Beaver river to the Saskatchewan - This Black is a Notorious fellow & ought by every means be laid hold off to answer for the many evils he has done the Hudsons Bay Company. he has got a Share in the NW Concern some time ago on account of the Mischief he has done us - altho' there are many other Clerks much older than himself in the NWC who have not received any share but also has acted in a more reasonable & moderate manner."

June 27
" Friday The 5 Boats embarked for YF. Charles Fidler carried down a Horse in his Boat to the White Fall to drag wood there & make a good track."

June 28
" Saturday Mefs Sutherland & Finlayson & Decoygne & 3 Canoes went away for YF & the Depot."

June 29
" Sunday Mr Halcro embarked with Mr Decoygne in the 4th Canoe for the Depot. Decoygne has about 10 Men pr Canoe on arriving here. many half Breeds he engaged near his place. Yesterday Mefs Jn McLeod, Lewis, J Bird Jun. Mr Tate went to see the Commissioner at the forks in 1 Canoe & 6 Men to give evidence of what they know; wrote to Capt. McDonell & sent him the Account of all the Goods he received from the Mannetowoopow District this Spring &c"

June 30
" Monday Most all the Settlers went away for Red River 3 Boats. They all have a considerable stock of Dry fish - 5 Men went down to Jack River House to bring from there the last of the Property up to this place. 4 of our Men from Halkets House not arrived with 8 Packs furs. perhaps the NW have seen & taken them, as A.N McLeod would not allow Mr Kennedy to send Provisions to meet our men expected from the Athapescow; Mr Kennedy found that our Men were mostly all despersed on Islands as prisoners & Canadians fishing for them & probably they will find them a passage out to Cumberland House late in the fall - not? to be able to send them into that Quarter again."

July 1 1817
" Tuesday The Canoe of ours & 4 Men at length arrived all safe. They say that Alan McDonell had arrived from Montreal & pafsed him on his way to the Horse I. where McLeod & the other NW Partners & men were. about the 26 Inst. he pafsed St Martins Island."

July 2
" Wednesday The Last of the Colonists embarked for Red River - in the Spring several men went there one or two from each family & sowed Corn &c. 2 Men laying the Flooring in the New House - Plenty of Sturgeon now to be caught."

July 3
" Thursday at Noon Mr Fred Graffenried & Mr Graham arrived from the Red River 4 Canoes two flags flying - many Murion Soldiers with them. They are come with Letters from the Earl of Selkirk & for Goods - his Lordship arrived at the Settlement 21 June in 8 or 10 Canoes but brought very little with him, The Commissioner Mr Coltman arrived at the Forks about a week before they left it, but the other Commissioner did not arrive Mr Fletcher. The Buffalo is near the Forks yet. - about 24 Inst Thomas Fidler & Jn? Favel went from Halketts House to the Forks with Letters from Mr Bird & Sutherland - There is now many people at the Forks."

July 4
" Friday Mr Graffenried, with Murons & 2 Boats went away for Oxford House to fetch up goods for the Colony, as there are none here - Mr Angus Short? arrived at the Forks also Mr? Jn McDonald?. The Commissioner has taken pofsefsion of Sooses House 200 yd below the Junction of the Rivers on the North side. The 6 soldiers who was appointed as a Guard to his Lordship remain there."

July 5
" Saturday Mr Graham went away to YF for Goods in 4 Canoes - he is again to winter in the Sioux Country where he did last winter. I learn that he & Mr? Col? Dickson are in partnership & to have goods furnished them for that Country at a certain prCentage & their returns are to be at a fixed value."

July 6
" Sunday At 2 PM Mefs Bird, Thomas & Self embarked for Red River as his Lordship wishes to see us - Mr Bird & Thomas went in a wood Canoe & 3 Men with Jn Turnor - Myself on an Indian Canoe with 2 Indians. put up at the Spider Islands near Sun Set - We find these small Craft too small for the Lake which will detain us long before we can reach Red River unlefs it is Calm."

July 7
" Monday Put up just beyond Poplar river; starting very early in the Morning."

July 8
" Tuesday Wind. could not embark till 11 AM. then only got 4 Miles beyond Cutrillen? Point past Sun Set - I embarked with Mr Bird & the Indians with my Canoe behind hunting."

July 9
" Wednesday Strong Gale at SW with heavy Thunder & Lightning in the Night - at 7 AM the Indians came up in the very heavy swell the Canoe struck on a Rock near us when they were coming for the Shore where we lay & up set & broke the Canoe in pieces. the Men got safe on shore only one bruised a little - My desk & Papers drove on Shore & 1 Blanket afterwards - I lost a Cannister full of Sugar - Tea - 2 Kettles 1 Gun. 5 lb Ammunition 1 Ax. - 1/2 an Indian Tracking line 2 Pots. 1 lockpad?. All my Provisions & the Indians. in the afternoon it was favorable & we got to Leaf river near Dusk. and found here Mr Still 1 Boat & 6 men with his Trade from Red River, got several letters from him - he related to us that on the 5 Inst. Joseph Adams an English Settler fell overboard & was drownded. he has left a Wife - a Young Girl - he was drownded 2 Miles North of the Leaf River - not yet found. very few fish to be caught here, water very low."

July 10
" Thursday Took Mr Stitts Boat & part of his Cargo as it can be sent to YF soon enough to go to England - he got our wood Canoe - My 2 Ind. returned with him to Jack River. left Mr Stitt at 10 AM saild to Pigeon river? & remained there 3 Hours for wind, then proceeded & put up in Catfish River at Sun? set - I expect we will now go fast on to Red River."

July 11
" Friday at 3 1/2 AM we got away a fine Sail Wind passed all the Settlers near the Dogs Head - at Turnors point, we got to Drunken River at 8 PM where we remained 2 Hours cooking &c. & then again embarked & went all Night & arrived at the entrance of Red River."

July 12
" Saturday 7 1/2 AM entered the Red River & put up at the first rapid at Sun Set. water very low in the River : saw an Indian at the entrance of the River, he told us about the Commissioner being arrived he called him the Gold Governor as being superior to every thing :"

July 13
" Sunday at Noon arrived at Fort Douglas & found his Lordship here & Many Officers & Men & Soldiers. - This Day Mr Smith the under sherif for Canada with several of the NW? people; Delormer Nolen & of ours measured the Track or rather estimated it that the Brulies? took on the 19 June 1816. Mr Bird & Thomas rode up from the Frog plain Mr Shaw, Simon McGillevray?, Rockeblave, Jn McDonald here. there are also many half Breeds here. The Commissioner opened his businefs several days past but there is much to say to him I suppose on both sides that I question if he finishes in 3 Months."

July 14
" Monday Bostonais & the rest of the 1/2 breeds nearly all went away toward the Shoal Lake 30 Miles off NNW. They say they have no provisions here to live on which they say is the sole reason of their going away - Botteneaux & other Freemen Hunting Buffalo at Pembina where they are plentiful & making Dry provisions & sending down to Fort Douglas - a very heavy expense 12 lb for 1 Dollar."

July 18
" Friday 16th Inst Mr Angus Shaw went away. The Sauteurs sold the Land to Lord Selkirk extending 2 miles on each side the two rivers from Lake Winnipeg to Muskrat River above Portage des Prairies - up the Red River to the Mouth of the river going to Red Lake and a space at Fort Douglas. Fort Daer & Grand forks & Muskrat river 6 miles at each place in Diameter from the River - The Agreement was drawn up and signed by the Premier, Black Man, Pegious?, BlueCoat & Petit Sonner. his Lordship is to give the Sauteaux Tribe abt 10 Oct. Annually 100 lb Tobacco at Fort Douglas. & the Crees to receive annually for ever the same quantity delivered to them at Portage des Prairies at the same time, the Crees having given liberty to the Sauteaux to grant the Lands to the Muskrat Creek - The following is a true Copy."

[" THIS INDENTURE..." I am going to save myself a lot of work and provide a link to the original document and a map and the official transcription of the original. here]

" This agreement was signed by the 5 Chiefs in the Commissioners House he not being present. The NW used every persuation to prevent the Indians from signing it. The LeSonnant being a Chief of theirs but he signed at last - about 40 or 50 Sauteaux Present. The Rivers included in the Indian Grant they have reserved to themselves. The Commissioner is indefatigueable at work from 5 in the Morning generally till dark - and appears to be very impartial."

July 20
" Sunday All the Settlers now reached the Frog plain from Jack River & his Lordship went down there to speak to them - heavy rain - water remarkable low in the River - & the Crops exceedingly backward - some potatoes only 4 Inches above ground - whereas in other Seasons there were new ones bigger than Wallnuts, the Grafs is also remarkably short & ground dry - all the little runs of water now Dry - so there is every reason to expect a bad Crop on account of the Great want of Rain - The Season has also been colder than usual - Archibald McLellan the Prisoner is very anxious to be sent away - before the Commissioner arrived he fully expected to be immediately set at Liberty as Mr Angus Shaw had intimated to him."

July 21
" Monday All the Settlers came up here in the Boats they are all hearty & well contented & now hopes they will not again be driven from these Lands they are so fond of. Heavy rain. some of the Murions begining to build houses for themselves as Settlers being entitled to 200 Acres by Government for each private soldier. I believe many of them will settle here."

July 22
" Tuesday Capt. Miles McDonell with 2 Canoes went for Montreal to appear in Court at that place before 10 Sept. - he could not get away sooner for the settling businefs with the Commissioner &c."

July 25
" Friday at night very heavy Thunder Lightning rain & Wind & blew over the flagstaf. near 6 Inches water in the Yard in places."

July 29
" Tuesday Rocheblave the NW Agent went away - & old Mines, Le Roy & DeBois went with him as witnefses much against their will - The NW promises to take care of their families during their absence - the 2 former shed tears when they went away. after the Indian Grant was signed they all dispersed to hunt for their Families as they have been very badly off here sometime back for provisions. The NW has now just received some Rum & Tobacco by Reed River from Rain Lake - They have had none all spring - report says that Mr Hughes is already returned to the Saskatchewan River being very early - just before Sun Set Mefs Bird, Thomas went for Jack River in the? Gun Boat - The Former came here to settle the Companys businefs with his Lordship - The latter settled with his Lordship to remain as manager at Fort Daer this winter & is gone down to Jack River to bring up his Family - as he intends to settle for himself somewhere next Spring - Mr Bird is anxious to get to JR to expedite the Businefs & then meet the Ship at YF."

July 30
" Wednesday Measured out several lots of Land 100 yds in front on the East side the River above, and some Murons got some of those Lots. I understand Government allows every common Soldier 200 Acres of Land. Mr Alex McDonald late Lieutenant in the Glengary Regiment & Jn &? Rd? McKay embarked for Jack River They call at the French house in Winnipeg River to take away some of our furs? left there - Mr McDonald is engaged for 1 Year to be Master at Riviere Qu'Appelle. 100 £ & an equipment?. at 6 1/2 PM 13 Soldiers of the 70th Regiment & a Lieutenant arrived here from Drummonds Island & it is said will remain here all winter. They all went up to the Commissioners: They left Fort William 10th July, They say Mr Jn McNab & Spencer are both sent down prisoners from thence to Montreal; Reinhart who stabbed Mr C. Kivney? they say they they left at Drummonds Island - Mr Monkman came here from the Mannetoba Lake for a supply - he says many Sauteaux are at White Earth river - Several Horses lately stolen from this place by the Sauteaux Indians supposed to be gone towards Pembina. Magnus Spense & Son came here from Brandon House 10 Days ago where all our 3 other freemen are remaining. he says that 3 Bungees lately stole 3 Horses from the Forks & pafsed Brandon House slyly & when they came near the Moose head hill 8 miles from this the oldest Indian said that as he had never been on the top of this hill he could now go. all went & when they came very near the top up rose suddenly several Indians supposed Mandans fired off their Guns & killed 2 of the 3 Bungees on the Spot the other made his escape wounded on horseback 2 Arrows in him one near thro' his body & galloped to the House when the French pulled out the Arrow but the Iron bark? remained behind - the blood had softened the Sinnew it was fixed to the Shaft & remained - he is now in a lingering way. Now these 3 Thieves are rightly served - They avoided the House here in pafsing that the Horses might not be recognised - Water very low in the River. The greater part of the Brules yet at Shoal Lake - Mr Leith the NW Proprietor came in the Canoes with the 14 Soldiers - The NW have 3 Men here building a Store."

July 31
" Thursday at 8 PM Colonel Dickson the Great Sioux Chief about 60 years of age & Mr Sam. Gale Lawyer arrived in one Canoe from Montreal with 9 Men. They were detained near a fortnight at the Saut St Marys. Mr Fletcher the Commissioner then there would not allow Archibald McDonald for the HBC with several Canoes & goods to proceed under the reason that they were carrying Guns into the Country. tho' they were only for Trade - the NW Canoes in Company were also stopped a little. Mr Gale is come up to act his profefsion in the HBC behalf. Mr McNab, Bourke & Spenser sent down to Montreal as prisoners - many Soldiers are coming up in Company with Mr Fletcher. it is said that Capt. Miles McDonell will be sent down as a Prisoner when he reaches Fort William. Mr Gale left St Marys 10th June he says there are 12 of our Canoes coming up with Mr Lamone?. Mr Leith the NW proprietor visited McLellan his collegue? in his prison."

Aug. 1 1817
" Friday Laid out 33 Lots of Land 130 yd in front from the Little river below on East side to the Mouth of Assiniboyne River - This Morning Rochblave the NW agent again returned here from Winnipeg River. Mr Fletcher is supposed not to reach this place. having frequent quarrels it is said with the Soldiers in his Company & will very probably remain some time at Fort William the NW Fort. our people represent him as very partial to the NWC - Mr Coltman on both sides is spoken of as very impartial. yesterday Mr Coltman sent a Letter to Brandon House to Cuthbert Grant for him to make his appearance before him at the Forks soon. it is said he is expected to come here in 5 Days. Joseph Cadotte is also up there - a very great number of Men of all discriptions remain at the Colony House perhaps near 150 & no businefs is done - They are fortunate in receiving supplies from Fort Dair from the Freemen who is hunting for them - but the provisions stands them in above 4d? pr? lb? - some very few of the Old Settlers are beginning to build small Houses on their small Lots on point Shirebrooke a little below Fort Douglas."

Aug. 2
" Saturday Near 4000 lb Dry Meat brot down to the Colony from Fort Dair. none in the House yesterday. - at Noon Mr Graffenried came here with 2 Boats & 80 pieces Goods he went down for to Oxford House principally Murion Soldiers - They are thrifty people. - 3 Men & self Measured from Swan Creek to Frog plain on E side, in 82 Lots of 100 yds each in front."

Aug. 3
" Sunday Rain most part of the Day."

Aug. 4
" Monday Finished Drawing the Map of the NW Servants Track on the 19th June 1816 - when they Massacred 21 People belonging to us. & the deposition of 2 Canadians who were present. at Sun Set All the Prisoners detained since 10th January last McLellan, Serephin la Mar, & Mainville? embarked in 2 Canoes for Montreal & Mr John McLeod & a Canadian Clerk La Croix in care of them; with 4 Muron Soldiers in each Canoe - with other Canadians - McLellan looked reduced & pale Serephin appeared as cheerful as ever. he was send down on account of heading the Robbers of our House at Mannetobaw Lake 22d Sept. last. Mainville? a youth about 17 appeared chearful? - he shot Mr Kivney after Reinhart had ran him Thro' the body with his Sword. I am afraid some of them will escape before they reach Montreal as they have no Irons on in the Day & said to be handcuffed at night only; it is very natural to imagine that the NW proprietors will wish to save their colleague McLellan & Mainville at present it is said will be the principal Evidence against him as having employed him & reinhart to kill Wm? Kivney. The Commissioner accompanies the Prisoners to Winnipeg River, where he intends to meet some of the NW people, Warrants are given by him for the apprehension of several of the NWC Servants - but I understand he refused granting one to apprehend Mr Ogden, a judges Son in Montreal, Tho he is a notorious & mischevious character and has been so since 1809 or 10 when we wintered at Isle a la crofse. Got every thing ready to go to re establish Brandon House but could not get a horse for the Cart, Tho' Lagemoneer? promised yesterday to lent me one - he will not lend it under 20 Skins in Trade."

Aug. 5
" Tuesday All the Soldiers of the 70th Regiment removed down here with every thing & also the NW Cannon - 2 Brafs 3 pounders. they are to remain here all winter & we are to supply them in 42 Cwt? Flour & 10 Kegs Pork. besides Country provisions but the Lieutenant seems not to wish to remain - one of the Soldiers has his wife with him an Irish Girl, no children - Mr Johnston a Lieutenant in the Indian Department accompanied the Prisoners. Bostonais went away in the Commissioners Canoe - he will settle Businefs some time at Winnipeg River & then return to the Forks. Drew a plan of the River from the Forks to the Frog plain on a large scale - Tried Lagemonier? again to get his horse? but ? - M. Bercier? has also another good one which I was near on the point of Purchasing for carrying Goods to Brandon House but Capt. Mathey prevailed on him not to part with it to us & the man afterwards told me - it is with great difficulty that all the People can be supported at the Colony & we expect Boats Goods & several men up about the latter end of this Month & it is necefsary to go above to trade provisions & bring down here to serve them all to the Places of their destinations - At Noon 2 Canadians came from Mr Grahams last winters residence upper part of Red River near Leish? Lake and relates that the Sioux Chief who was down at Fort Douglas last spring & 2 others had been killed about 14 Days ago near their House by about 36 Bungees who generally Trade about there - Both parties had been together in a friendly manner at the House and a short distance from it when they went away were killed - the surviving? Sioux told Mr Grahams Men 4 in Number that they had best go away as they could not be answerable for their safety after what had just happened - so all left the House & every thing in it & came down - little goods but a considerable quantity of provisions. There is no doubt but the NW have been the cause of these Murders to prevent if pofsible our people from having any intercourse? with the Sioux as they perhaps imagine they would take our part in case? they again offered to drive away the Colonists - The NW so very much wishes to have intirely? rooted out, as it will they know be the means of making them act more honestly towards the HB Servants besides. since Law & Government would be established at the Forks which they so much dread - as for many years past in general they have acted in the most violent manner to us - besides many of their Old Servants intend Settling at the Colony. all these reasons causes the NWC to be so inveterate against it. The Sioux took away the little goods left at the House - The Crops here are coming on now fast, but they are very backward for the time of the Year about 20 Days at least later than usual. Some few Murions are building small houses on their respective Lots to winter in. - They seem to like the place."

Aug. 6
" Wednesday At last got Lagemonier to consent to lend us a Horse to carry up Goods in a Cart to Brandon House - 5 pieces and at 1 PM we left this for that Place. accompanied by Lagemonier, Pisk Kipling, Geo. McRae, Felix Muller?, went about 6 Miles & pafsed Sturgeon river. we keep the Track nearest the River on account of water, as we are afraid there is none in the outer Track the Spring & Summer being so very dry. 4 1/2 More & came to the Crofsing place or Passage to Pambina - here we remained here 1/2 an hour resting the Horse, then got away again & got to Poitras & other freemens Houses built 1814 - at 7 3/4 - distance this day in all about 18 Miles - Heavy rain from the time we left the Fort to the Crofsing place afterwards clear & Cold."

Aug. 7
" Thursday at 4 1/2 we got away & went about 5 miles & pafsed a horse shoe swamp on our left. 4 1/2 miles further came to the river? where we remained resting the Horse till 3 PM when we went 5 miles farther & stopped at the S end of a Long swampy Lake no other water being near to go to which occasioned our short Days Journey. very hot."

Aug. 8
" Friday Altho we have only 5 large pieces of Goods besides small parcels our Tent & Bedding & some other Trifles the Cart is both full & heavy - at 4 1/4 AM got away and went 8 Miles & stopped where the Track comes within 1/4 mile of the River till 10 1/2. got underway again & reached the portage point in 4 hours about 11 Miles - stopped here 1/2 an hour then proceeded to Musk Rat creek where we put up for the Night. it runs into Mannetobaw Lake, but very little water in it now - This is the Creek that terminates Lord Selkirks Grant from the Bungees terminate - The Crees having given authority to them to aleniate? to this Creek. - about 7 Miles acrofs the plain at the Portage des Prairies. Musk rat Creek runs where we crofs it about NW - - Met LaCert & a Canadian going down from Brandon House to the Forks with a Cart & several Horses. They are taking down some tools & I strongly suspect that some of them belongs to us. when I return to the Forks I intend to examine them all & claim what I know belongs to us that was? plundered by the NW Servants 1 June 1816 as I have a power from the Commissioner to take any of the HB property where ever I find it - but, the principal part of the Horses stolen by the NW have been since exchanged with Indian Horses so that we cannot safely pretend or rightly make the Inds. understand to deliver them up for nothing when they have given other Horses for them & I am afraid very few will be freely restored of above 100 Horses That have been thus taken by the NW belonging to the HBC Colony & our Mens Horses."

Aug. 9
" Saturday At 6 1/2 AM we got away went about 10 Miles to the Stinking water small saltish Lakes many of them now? Dry - afterward went 6 Miles & came to the Bad? Wood then 1 mile thro' them to the edge of the hill & put up at 6 PM - very wet & swampy the last mile in the spring or wet Summer."

Aug. 10
" Sunday at 5 1/4 got off & stopped 2 hours at 1/2 way or rice Lake 10 miles from the Bad wood - Then went 8 miles further & put up at Root river near Old pine fort at 7 1/2 PM - very hot day & strong wind ahead."

Aug. 11
" Monday at 5 1/2 AM got away. Magnus Spense & Son freemen have come with us from the Forks Their families are at Brandon House he went below with 2 Horses but the Bungees stole them both while at the forks. pafsed the lopt pine in the Track 9 Miles from Red river where we remained 4 1/2 hours very hot weather then about 7 Miles further & came to Brandon House in the evening. went into the Canadian House & saw Grant and Cadotte but Demarcey? the Stone Indian Interpreter has charge of the House, There is also all the rascals The DeChamps & many other freemen & half breeds here afraid to shew themselves at the Forks for their evil deeds - Old DeChamps was master part of the Summer here and a large party of Stone Indians came to the House when he & only one Man was home & where they remained 2 Days & behaved in a very insolent manner to them, breaking Glafs windows cutting to pieces a large Sofa & doing much mischief that the 2 Canadians were afraid to say any thing to them - at last they went away. - Grant & Cadotte say they intend to see the Commissioner abt 25th Inst - as they have written so to him some time ago - Grant seems down cast & Cadotte appears a hardened desperate fellow. - Our freemen were tenting close to the French fort. at first they had gone to our House, but the 2 Indians being killed at the Moose head hill some time back they were afraid any longer to remain within our Buildings as the stockades were many of? them down - crofsed the river & put our food &c brot up in the Cart with us into Our Cellar in Coopers shop - we find great destruction done to the buildings since last year but I learn that Bostonais, Old Peltier & family & Old Dechamps & Familes had been in them a considerable time this Spring living and had pulled down & burnt much - The whole of the Garden Pickets enclosing above 3 acres of Ground away but I understand the NW had taken a good many of them & put about their own Garden as they had built their own in the winter expecting then that they would abandon this place & perhaps the River. they had also pulled down our Barn carried acrofs to their House & rebuilt it last fall for a smiths Shop - all the Gates & doors of? every place we found either destroyed or carried away. Many of the ? Stockades comprising the Fort taken down & burnt. The whole of the inside of the large 2 story house was Destroyed flooring & all only the bare walls left standing and part of the floor in Coopers shop in pieces all the roofs in bad condition & the yard full of high weeds growing quite a desolate place. Found here a few Indians & gave them a pipe? of ? & a Dram each & was greatly pleased we had come back as they said and with Truth that they had been pityful last winter for want of supplies as the NW had very little to furnish? them with the half Breeds having the best share of what was brought up; There are plenty of Buffalo not 15 miles off and all last Winter & this Spring they have been very numerous - even extending so low down as the Forks. I am informed that lately 12 Stone Indians was killed & 36 Wounded by the Indians who inhabit the Missouri river very probably Mandans."

Aug. 12
" Tuesday Our Freemen, Lyons, 2 Favils, & Mag. Spense pitched their Tents within our Stockades & gave each 2 feet Tobacco & a Dram each & 1 Qt Spirits amongst them. they are also pleased at our Return - Lyons was made free beginning of Last August as he refused to accompany James Inkster the Master then here, to the Elbow house? when our people were then all turned out of Our House by Grant by the orders of McLeod the NW Agent. Humphrey Favel has been free some time on account of bad beheavour to Mr Jn McLeod at Red river 2 years ago - Tom Favil got his liberty from me as he refused to go down to Jack river when desired; & Mr Sutherland told me he could not think of keeping any person to be his own Master or only do what he choosed - Mag. Spense in the Service since 1783. became free 2 years ago - repaired the floors a little, but not a single board about the place & not a Door. went over to the NW House & presented to the Master read to him by Grant. to restore all our property they might have in their pofsefsion and we received from them a few things - The rest seemingly having been carried away, taken by the Brules or hidden - but Demarcy? seemingly was eager we should get every thing belonging to us, but I am afraid that many things are concealed; he took me into several rooms for me to see every thing - Old Dechamp I believe has a Cart belonging to us but he utterly denies that it does. we only got one back of near 10 we left here & at Qu'Appelle. Trotiers son is also here who was shot in the heel ancle & part of his Leg 19th June 1816, he will it is said never be able to walk - most of the free men here speak very badly about the Colony being induced to it by the NWC by the repeated Actions & Stories of their Masters - water very low here and the French Gardens every bit as backward as those at the Forks, all for want of Rain.
as there is no wood here & we have neither Horses Boats? nor people to fetch any & as the Large House only the bare walls are standing we began to pull it down to saw into Boards and make many other necefsary repairs to the other Houses yet remaining - as the Firewood is now near 1 Mile to fetch we think it will be better to build near the wood. The 14th Traded a Considerable quantity of Dry provisions from Freemen and some of the NW Servants as I fear the Indians will not be in with any before it is necefsary to go down to the Forks with Provisions to meet the Boats coming with Goods from the Factory - The price given to Freemen is very high in Comparison to Indians. every day the Men pulling down the Big House & repairing our Stockades & filling? up the Gates with wood - as we have got a sufficient quantity of Provisions to send down to the Forks from Freemen. I engaged 4 Freemen of ours with their Horses & Carts to carry it down to the Forks and carry up Goods for us as there is so very little water in the river that the Empty boats will with difficulty get up here: got every thing in order and left Pisk Kipling in Charge with the other 2 Men, while I return from the Forks - told our men to wait a few Days longer to get any thing the Inds. have as we expect some in Soon - Mr Harrison arrive from the Forks with a Cart Load of Goods his Canoe is coming up the River with a few pieces in it."

Aug. 21
" Thursday - at 10 AM I left this on purpose to meet our Boats with Goods at the Forks - Cuthbert Grant & Cadotte the Indian who was present when Mr Kivney was shot - Montour - NW Clerk & 3 other Brules in Company - we put up at Root river. Cadotte & his Wife & Child has a Cart & Horse one of the Brules has a Cart & I engaged him to carry up goods for us from the Forks. about 20 Miles from Brandon House to Pine Creek we went another road to the NWard of the usual one - both shorter & more level ground - The Kind? of Cherries are now nearly ripe - but no Sascuttun? berries this Summer in this part."

Aug. 22
" Friday Got away at 5 1/4 AM & put up at the Stinking Water at Sun set. Altho' I am alone with 7 Sash? people They behave very civilly and Kindly to me, fetching my Horse & saddling him - and cooking & pitching my Tent - Grant, Montour & Self sleep in my Tent, Grant and I under the same Blanket - after we put up he tells me many Things about the Conduct of the NWC and he seems to think that he will be able to clear himself Intirely? - I told him if he spoke the whole Truth very probably he might get off. but that if he kept back any information our people would assuredly lay hold of him and they had many crimes he had been guilty of to even get him hanged - he constantly tells me that he must put on a fair face to the NW but when he reaches Montreal he will alter his conduct. he expressed strong wishes that he might be engaged as a Clerk in our Service but I find that he has become too fond of Liquor to give him charge of any post."

Aug. 23
" Saturday at 8 1/2 AM reached Musk rat Creek where we met LaCert a very great blackguard going to Brandon House alone - he induced Vourdrais son to return with him - I rather think he has ran away from the Commissioner, he appears frightened he had a long conversation with my Companions but being in the French Language I could not understand it. we went about 12 miles below Portage point & put up."

Aug. 24
" Sunday Got away early and at 8 AM we met 2 Men going up to Brandon House, sent by the Commissioner for Trotiers old Son & Alard two Brules to go down to him - concerning the affair of the 19th June 1816. I also received Letters by them from the Governor Bird, Dr Allen & Arch. McDonald. after we parted with these 2 Men Grant went a head with Montour & some others and they reached the Forks before Sun Set - Cadotte & some others with me put up at White horse plain near Sun Set. my Horse is very badly scarsely can get him to a little Trot. The water has rose about 2 Inches since we passed here going up - very cool weather for the season & a very sharp frost 17th Inst. at Brandon which killed there all the Potatoe Tops."

Aug. 25
" Monday Started pretty early and met Cuthbert Grant and a Mr Campbell a Brule from the Sioux country, with Montour and some others on Horseback near Sturgeon River. before this we met a Lad with a Horse sent by the French Master at the Forks for him to ride on to that place, but he still kept by the Cart, Grant told me that he had seen the Commissioner & put him under the care of Mr Campbell, we all went together & I arrived at Fort Douglas at 2 PM - No Boats nor any late news from Jack River. during my absence Lord Selkirk had fixed several Murions 3/4 mile below the Fort on East? side?, along the small river & called the spot German street it extends near 2 miles from the Red River about? SbE - there is a tolerable place for a Water Mill 1/2 Mile from Red River. About a week ago Mr La Morne? had arrived at entrance of Winnipeg River - and is gone to Jack river with about 7 Canoes & about 40 pieces, but mostly fineries which are uselefs articles for Trade. besides they are I hear much spoilt by wet on the Journey. They have come on in a very dilitory Manner from Point Muron & before - several of the Settlers have began to build small ? and they are still continuing to receive plentiful supplies of Dry Meat from Fort Dair - I hear that 14 Days ago 2 Men were sent from this to go to the Sioux on purpose to purchase Horses. Mr Leith & Harry McKenzie here? at NW House - also a Mr McLerse? a Lawyer lately come up from Montreal. - There is great disputes here now betwixt us & the NW - The Colony Servants mowed some grafs on a piece of Land that the NW had cleared of sticks & mowed alone? these years past. when our people went first & cut down near half of it - after 3 Days disputes it was at last determined by the Commissioner as I was informed that the spot of ground should be equally divided betwixt both parties - This division hurt the NW feelings much - our 2 or 3 men at first was found? mowing the grafs & brought home as a kind of Prisoner to the Commissioner by the NW people. - The Commissioner constantly employed from Morning till night. he is indefatigueable? at his businefs."

Aug. 26
" Tuesday Found here lately arrived from Jack River in 1 Canoe a Mr McDonell, McDougald & Innis, who have escaped from the hands of the NW. the Latter is from the Athapescow Lake - they were sent here by Mr Bird to give depositions before the Commissioner of the usage they have received from the NWC. Mr Clark & Yule? he says is sent away by the NW to Big slave Lake."

Aug. 27
" Wednesday When I was at Brandon House I learnt that Poitras the late Master there & now tenting as a freeman at Frog plain, had several Tools belonging to the HBC. I went down there to claim them & received from him several valuable articles, also a few other tools from other Freemen tenting here - Poitras also brot down our small Boat we had at Brandon with his family & left it a few Miles above the Forks - very little provisions now in the House and a large Kettle is now used where Barley broth with a little Meat is made for every one. went and Measured out several Lots of Land. - Two Couple Married this Day. the late Joseph Adams widow & Mathesons Sister the former to a dutchman & is said to be a very good Industrious? quiet man."

Aug. 28
" Thursday Mr Pambrun & one Boat with some men went to Fort Dair for Provisions & to spur the Freemen on to procure plenty. Capt. Matthey is master there & has been some time it is expected that he will remain as Governor at Fort Douglas all winter & perhaps become a Settler as he has a small lot of Ground marked off in Point Sherbrooke. a great many men about the fort doing nothing. a sharp frost here 23d Inst. killed all the Potatoe Tops & Indian Corn - There is 45 Men of ours come out from the Athapescow Country, none of our people were allowed to remain at the Slave Lake; McKenzie & several other at Fort Chipewyan in E side the Athapescow Lake & kept in fish by the NW servants. they are kept as prisoners by the NWC. about 18 of our best men is sent by the NWC to Lac La Ronge? & kept prisoner there - The price the Colony pay the Freemen for dry Provisions is 12 lb pr Skin to be taken in any kind of goods they choose which upon an avarage will amount to 4 d pr lb as they generally take Cloth Blankets & the best Goods. a few of our people still remain in our House at the Isle ala Crofse - when our people came from thence they met Alex McDonell the NW Proprietor & Samuel Black another proprietor with Primo & Tho. McKay. we suppose they are all running away to be safe from being apprehended: They were lurking about in Lake Winnipeg some time near Point Foutre - Busy marking off lots of Land."

Aug. 29
" Friday Mr Greille with 9 Men went for Jack river in 1 Boat to fetch up Goods for the Colony. Our Freemen John Lyons, Humphrey Favil, Thomas Favil & Magnus Spense came here with 6 Carts from Brandon and brought down the Provisions for our people daily expected in the Boats with Goods from Jack River. brought 13 pieces of 90 lb each - Lagemonier also came down in company with them; he who accompanied me up there; Laid out some more lots of Ground - Lord Selkirk went up in a Canoe about 5 Miles up Red River to see the Country there."

Aug. 30
" Saturday Very heavy rain & Thunder in the afternoon. Measured out several other lots of Ground above - at Noon Mr Duncan Graham arrived in a Canoe from Jack river with 10 Men he left it the 18th Inst.. he says that some of the Red River Boats of ours had reached there the Day before with Goods & expected to leave that place a few Days after he came away, so we may soon expect them - he says Mr Jas. Sutherland arrived there from YF 7th Inst & the 15th Mr Bird went away for the Factory to meet the Ship - he also says there is an Indian in Irons at YF & has been so since spring for taking a little oatmeal when his family were starving to death - Mr Grahams Goods had not reached Jack River when he came away. he is I hear in partnership with Colonel Dickson & they are to receive their goods at YF Store paying 8 PCent? above the Invoice price. I wish they may be able to pay the Company for what Goods they are furnished with in this Manner for the Sioux Trade but I very much doubt the Trade made in that Country will not near cover the expenses. Mr Decoygne with Canoes are gone for the Athapescow. he has 400 £ pr an before he would consent to return there, his Contract I believe is expired he signed in Montreal 1815 having only engaged for 2 Years. I understand Mr Auley McAwley & Robt. McVicar are to accompany him in 3 Canoes."

Aug. 31
" Sunday 4 of La Moines? canoes arrived from Montreal the other 8 are gone to Jack River, now I understand called Norway house where 7 or 8 Norwegans built & cleared a small spot of ground in 1814-15 at the entrance of Lake Winnipeg where They are making large Buildings. I do not know what for, which must be very expensive. 8 Murons came here in the 4 Canoes from Montreal."

Sept. 1 1817
" Monday Went to the French House & examined all their Stores & only found a plain & a Smiths Vice belonging to the Company but I strongly suspect there is Crofs cut saws belonging to the Colony. I told Mr Alex McDonell about them & he intends seeing of? they belong to. Measured of Ground for the Market place on Point Sherbrooke about 160 yds square: Mr Graham Purchased a horse from Montour the NW Interpreter at the price of 120 Skins an enormous sum for the use of Colonel Dickson to aride? to Pambina, he, Mr Graffenreid & Mr Hurton? went away for that place; report says that a party of Sioux are down there with the 2 Men sent to them some time back - Lent the Companys horse? to go there, Tho' we shall greatly mifs him, so very few to be purchased from the Indians. Purchased 2 Carts of a Freeman Poitras at 25 Dollars each to carry up goods to Brandon House as the water is so very shoal - Rain last night."

Sept. 2
" Tuesday Paced off several Lots of Ground."

Sept. 3
" Wednesday At 10 AM Mr Campbell a Constable Mr Lean the NW Lawyer & the Commissioner came into Fort Douglas. all the Troops were drawn out, all the gates guarded - They came here on purpose to take Lord Selkirk prisoner, but on examination of the Warrent it was observed that it was dated one day prior to the Constables sworn in to serve it - by which it is said his Lordship escaped - This must hurt the NW much as they will do every thing in their power to hurt either his Lordships feelings or his property - It is said that Campbell is under bail of 700 ? to appear in Monreal for offering to serve the warrant on him - McKenzie & Leith seem both hurt at not getting hold of his Lordship - but I hope he will make the NW Company pay well for all the Mischief they have done him & the Hudsons Bay Company in seizing all their Servants, Houses & Property in the Athapescow Country; what the NW did to us before in that part was a mere trifle to this. I went and claimed the Wheels of a Cart at the NW House no doubt but the body belongs to us also but I could not swear to it and Mr Leith would not give it us. he said a freeman then at Pambina brought the Cart down from Brandon House."

Sept. 4
" Thursday Mr Jn McKay came by Land here having left the 2 Boats at the lowest rapid where one of them got a hole broke in it by a stone & wet many things - They are also out of Provisions."

Sept. 5
" Friday Sent Men with Provisions to meet the Boats & also an other Boat to lighten the rest over the rapids which are very shoal - no catfish to be caught in any quantity as usual above the Rapids. all the Fishermen have their Hooks in still places betwixt the Rapids."

Sept. 6
" Saturday The Boats & People came up with every thing but a good deal wet, many of my things are intirely spoilt? & two Rundlets of Sugar are wet & much wasted. opened the Goods to Dry and I went down 1 Mile below the Colony where we shall dry & divide all the Goods for the 3 Different Posts in this River. Several Murions hired that we do not require in Red River but only for one Year. Their wages are high being one third more than what the NW Company give for young Hands."

Sept. 7
" Sunday Busily employed drying & dividing the Goods to leave at a Trading post here at the Forks and paid off the Freemen for Carrying provisions down here from Brandon House. and to carry up there - as very little water is in the River. Our freemen offer? the rate of 10 shilling for every piece of 90 lb - and the Canadian freemen offer? the rate of 20 Skins for every 6 pieces of the Same weight, being in this Country a load for one horse & Cart - one Canadian has engaged to carry us up 20 Large pieces."

Sept. 8
" Monday Employed as yesterday in dividing the Goods according to Mr Sutherlands order - Sent 25 lb Sugar to the Colony. the greater part is for Lord Selkirks &? Journey by Land."

Sept. 9
" Tuesday In the Evening Lord Selkirk went away with Mr Allen, D'Arsonnons, & several other officers & about 10 Murons. They intend to go by Pambina. St Peters River, Thence down the Mississippi to Fort St Louis about 20 Miles below the junction of the Missouri; I believe they all mean to go to Montreal. Got every thing in readinefs to Start for Brandon House tomorrow and by Land with 12 Carts - 5 went away Yesterday all loaded with Goods. The river is very shallow."

Sept. 10
" Wednesday Went away for Brandon House with 7 Carts loaded & Mr McKay in Company. sent away the 2 Boats but little in them on account of the Shoalnefs of the Water. other Goods left here to fetch up in Carts by Freemen - as soon as pofsible. we have remained here? 2 Days waiting Mr Alex McDonald engaged as Master at Qu'appelle but he not making his appearance we must start and endeavor to get up before the NW Goods arrive as the Summer Trade in fat is the most considerable & I wish us to arrive there first to get it as it is cheaper to purchase from the Indians when one house only has goods. Mr McDonell is to remain Master at Fort Douglas and Graffenried at Fort Dair as I understand Mr Thomas Thomas will not now undertake to be manager at the latter place as was expected when he went from this in July."

Sept. 15
" Monday Arrived at Brandon House at Noon & found all well - several Indians here made them a present of 10 Gall. mixed liquor & cut every one a pipe of Tobacco. went to the French House & got from them several articles they plundered from us 1816 - Put all the Goods into the Trading room fitted up in my absence & put a lock on the Door. Engaged 2 freemen to carry up to River Qu'appelle for us 20 pieces of Goods each of 90 lb at the same rate we have paid those who brot it from the Forks."

Sept. 16
" Tuesday Traded with some Indians provisions & 2 Horses - also Traded two Carts from freemen to assist conveying Goods to Riviere Qu'appelle."

Sept. 17
" Wednesday Employed in sorting & packing Goods to send up to Riviere Qu'Appelle - Engaged another Freeman to carry up a Cart load to the above place - our freemen will go down to the Forks to bring up Goods from thence for us - we are very anxious Mr McDonald our Qu'appelle Master does not arrive, as no time can be lost on account of getting the first Trade with the Indians. Some Stone Indians came here for Tobacco. They say several Tents will be here in 7 Days - a few Crees came in with trifles gave them 10 Gall. Mixed Rum - as we have not seen them since we were driven away by the NWC. Traded some dry provisions from Freemen as we have little here, and we shall immediately require a considerable quantity for Journeys to different places but it is much dearer than what we get from Indians. they take principally dry Goods which costs a fraction lefs than 2 d pr lb at the Invoice price - we are obliged to do it to expedite the businefs & the Ind. have not yet come in with but little."

Sept. 18
" Thursday The French freemen brought us 3 fresh Buffalo at the rate of 3 pints Leward Island Rum each. busily employed in getting things ready to send above to establish - as I understand there is not the least part of any of our buildings remaining at Riviere Qu'Appelle being all destroyed by the NWC. and as we have anew to build the best situation is on the Banks of the Assiniboyne River &? as near the entrance of Riviere Qu'Appelle as wood for building &c can be found which will be about 20 Miles from where all usually have resided in that? River?. by building on this River in general we can land our Goods at the Door from the Boats by which means much expense & trouble will be saved. Sent 4 Bags Pemmican by a Freeman going down to the Forks to fetch up Goods for us - he is to leave it at Portage des Prairie where I expect the 2 Boats of ours will have reached by the time he arrives there, as the Boats crews had only 12 Days provisions with them, & the river being so very shallow will take them a Considerable time - Sent 8 Men to cut wood for Charcoal - others at the House putting things in order & tying up Goods. Several of our Freemen & NW ones are? hunting with one Cree Indian. they took several of them their Women with them in order to split & dry the Meat. I sent one Man with them and a Horse and cart. They mean to be away 3 or 4 Days - at 9 PM we were surprised that the most part of the Hunters returned - apparently in great fright - They told us that they reached the Buffalo about 15 Miles off - the women began to make stages to dry meat & all the Hunters went away after different bands - about 15 Men - soon after they began to kill the Buffalo in different places, They saw suddenly abt 60 Indians who they suppose to be Mandans, and who pursued and killed the only Indian in Company not offering to molest any of them. however they were so much alarmed that they came back here. 3 Canadians not yet come back."

Sept. 19
" Friday Mr McKay having got the care of Cuthbert Grants box & things, on examining it a few of my books were found much torn & dirtied that was plundered from Big point House in Mannetowba? Lake 22d Sept last. Traded 2 More Horses from the Indians on purpose to convey up Goods. Gave several of the Indians small Credits - Mens Employ as yesterday at Coal Kiln & baling up Goods."

Sept. 20
" Saturday The 3 Canadians who were missing came home loaded with meat & they saw no person but our party and was quite Ignorant of the Cree Indian being killed - Traded some more dry provisions with Freemen. Mens employ as before."

Sept. 21
" Sunday a few Crees went in Search of the Indian lately missing. They found him shot thro the Body. two arrows sticking in the same part and scalped - but no otherwise mutilated & all his Clothes left on him but his Arms & Ammunition missing - They found 4 Balls on the Ground near where he lay & some powder spilt & they imagine he lost this in his attempt to defend himself. Gave some more of the Indians small Credits - & small presents of Tob. & Ammunition and a greater part of them went away - we are greatly surprised that Mr McDonald has not arrived here from Jack river - we can however? not wait any longer for him. That we must send & get the first Trade in fat - & the Houses & Stockades all to build & the season is now pretty far advanced. hired John Spense a freeman to accompany Mr McKay to Build - engaged him for 1 month - as he has no Interpreter and it is very bad amongst a great number of Stone Indians with property without any House or fence against them."

Sept. 22
" Monday Sent Mr McKay away with 7 Carts loaded with Trading Goods and 10 Men to build on the Banks of this river as near to Riviere Qu'Appelle as they can find wood. we cannot think to wait longer for Mr McDonalds arrival - There is only the Interpreter & 2 Men left here."

Sept. 23
" Tuesday Gave out to 4 of our Freemen who is going down to the Forks to bring up Goods for us, provisions for their Journey down & back - also sent 200 lb fat to the Forks by them - one 100 lb for Mr Still? & the other for the Colony. Lent one of our Horses to one of our Freemen to carry up goods for us in addition to his own. The 2 Men left here - attending the Burning of the Charcoal Kiln near 1 Mile from the House. every person we could pofsibly spare we have sent to build above. There are several Indians here that very much wishes us to make a small outpost about about 2 Day walk from this at the edge of the thick? Woods towards Fort Dauphin. in that hill they say there are many Martins & a few Beaver & otters & I have promised them to establish a small House there when our people comes up. I also strongly endeavoured to pursuade? some others who always remain in the open Country to go there as there is scarse any thing else than wolves to be had and they have this long time sold at a very low price. some of them at last consented after promising them a good treat of Rum which they got. The NW sent 4 Carts of Meat to the Forks to serve their people expected there now with Goods."

Sept. 24
" Wednesday Jn Lyons finished putting the Hangard in order - as we have now no men here I am obliged to hire him for a few Days until our Boats arrive here - every? thing so out order and the firewood is far away that it will be saving of Men to build where the wood is - accordingly I found a tolerable food situation about 4 Miles above on North side the river at Junipers. Traded some more Dry provisions from Freemen - & got them to kill us a few Buffalo for fresh meat to use at the House - Ruvier? a freeman returned from the Forks we met him carrying down provisions for the NWC. They give the same price as we do for carrying things."

Sept. 25
" Thursday Gave the few Indians remaining here a little Credit - they went away."

Sept. 26
" Friday The 2 Men here at burning Charcoal."

Sept. 27
" Saturday An Indian arrived here & says our 2 Boats pafsed Grants Farm 3 Days ago & a French Canoe 4 Days since coming up here with Goods. some came here by Land Lately for them which was immediately sent to Rivere Qu'Appelle - 10 Young men Stone Ind. came here with nothing. Finished haymaking 7 small stacks. we got a freeman & 1 of our to cut it down - it is very short to what it is owing to the Drynefs of the Summer. Benj. Gun came here from our Boats at Portage des Prarie he is now badly. John Lyons finished laying a floor & put up a Partition - Yesterday Montour brot his Horses from half way bank the Bungees had stolen some time back."

Sept. 28
" Sunday The Cree Chief - Little Sonneaw a Canadian Trader took 40 skins on Credit here as no Canoes of the NW has yet arrived except one sometime ago - & mostly sent to Riviere Qu'Appelle. Traded some Dry Provisions from Freemen - other Indians got a little credit & went away."

Sept. 29
" Monday Freemen again went to hunt Buffalo. the 3 men here daily employed putting the Houses in order & began to build a Chimney in the Carpenter shop where I shall remain all winter."

Sept. 30
" Tuesday Men employed building the Chimney."

Oct. 1 1817
" Wednesday Men as Yesterday. water rose 4 Inches these 7 days past. Salted a few Tongues & Little Bofses traded from freemen - The freemen came from Hunting they have brought home only the prime pieces. Traded some from them."

Oct. 3
" Friday Yesterday & this Day working at the Chimney & fireplace. Made 70 Candles - Last night some Canadians came from their House at Riviere Qu'Appelle & says that our People are building at the entrance of Beaver Creek a small rivulet that falls into the Assiniboyne river on the West side, and an excellent spot of wood. it is near 20 Miles from our former station over Land - at 4 1/2 PM our Boats arrived here from the forks having very little in them and found great difficulty in coming up. Charles Fidler Traded some Dry Provisions from Indians & Drest Skins & a few furs - gave all hands 1/2 pint of Rum each - Guardupie the Canadian Smith here - he says Mr McKay went up to their House to claim any Property belonging us or the Colony but he found very little. I imagine the NW has hidden what he did not get or the people? has taken it away."

Oct. 4
" Saturday Those who came here yesterday resting themselves the others employed about the House."

Oct. 5
" Sunday Traded a little dry Provisions from Freemen."

Oct. 6
" Monday The 4th Inst. our Freemen came from the Forks with Goods belonging to us . paid them all off as before. Mr Alexander McDonell to be Master at Riviere Qu'Appelle came here with our Freemen - he remained 8 Days at the Forks - 2 Freemen Canadians came here with goods for us."

Oct. 7
" Tuesday 2 Canadian Freemen came up with Mr McDonald they had been fitted out in Tools for Cart making by the Colony and were on the road to Fort Dair but Mr McDonald saw them at the Crofsing place and pursuaded them to accompany him up to Riviere Qu'Appelle to make Carts the old Man & the Young one to Hunt. They were 7 Days coming up from the Forks. Yesterday Vivier & Fallerdeau? 2 free Canadians with their families returned here. They had gone away a week ago to hunt Beaver in the Soorie River - but one of them going to the top of the Bank about 30 Miles from this place he saw near 100 Indians which he supposes to be Mandans in search of the Stone Indians - he however was afraid & returned quickly to his companions & they all decamped in the Dusk and arrived safe here - and they have now lost their Beaver hunt this fall - Some Canadians went to Riviere Qu'appelle. John Flett a Freeman came here, engaged him to make Carts for us during the winter as he means to Settle along with Magnus Spense, John Spense and Peter Corrigal next spring. he has his wife & Child with him also his wife's Sister both from Scotland - 5 Men getting wood for Carts & Sledges - these 2 days & the rest collecting firewood in piles - 2 Men also sawying boards for beds Doors &c."

Oct. 8
" Wednesday Men as before. some bringing home firewood in a Boat. Hawled the Selkirk Boat to her place for the Winter."

Oct. 9
" Thursday Mens employ the same. Yesterday 3 Freemen I engaged to carry up Goods to Beaver Creek returned for more - each of 2 persons 20 pieces of 90 lb each piece. some they took before & now comes for the remainder. received by them a Letter from Mr Jn Rd McKay all well there plenty of Provisions Traded and the Indians being no? numerous & no Houses or Stockades. Sent 4 Men to hunt meat for us."

Oct. 10
" Friday Men as yesterday."

Oct. 11
" Saturday Sent away 4 Carts to Beaver Creek with Goods - our Charcoal not yet burnt tho' near three weeks since we set fire to it - - Men collecting Cart, Slege & Firewood."

Oct. 12
" Sunday Mr McDonald went away to take charge of our place at Beaver Creek - he has been long here and the men is so much wanted in Building & the Indians are so very ? & troublesome above sent 12 Men with him."

Oct. 13
" Monday Sent Pisk Kipling & Benj. Gun with 2 Horses & Carts to the Mannetowoopow Trading House for Goods from YF in the fall to arrive there for us - very cold day. The few Men here are collecting firewood & other necefsary Jobs about the House."

Oct. 14
" Tuesday Mens Employ the same. Jn Flett partitioned off part of the Mens House for his family & Shop & put a fireplace in it."

Oct. 15
" Wednesday Finished mudding the outer walls of the Houses & got some more Oak logs for Carts & Sleds"

Oct. 16
" Thursday Men variously employed."

Oct. 17
" Friday the same. - Six of our Men came from the Forks with Mr Joseph Greille?, mostly Murons they had been sent to Jack River for goods in a Boat, but brought very little with them. They were also very badly off for provisions on the Journey thro' the Lake Winnipeg. Got all our Charcoal home, and roofed the Smiths shop. Jn Flett & Jas Rofs making doors and an outer Gate - Old Peltier came from the forks a 3d time for us this fall - paid him all off for the Carrings of the Goods he has carried here for us."

Oct. 18
" Saturday Mens Employ as before."

Oct. 19
" Sunday Jack Ram Kipling came here from the Forks for Dogs of his. he is now a freeman: wished me to engage him but we have far too many hires already for this Season. so much so that the returns made I fear will scarsely pay even the Mens wages & Equipment besides the Goods &c. we learn that the Indian who was present when Mr Kivney was murdered is gone to Montreal & Mut che cap po and the? Indian who was hired by the NW & present at the Plunder of our property at Riviere Qu'Appelle; this place & the Massacre at the Forks. Jack Ram says that there is 7 more Men at the Forks coming up to winter here. he says that all the Corn is not ripe at the forks & that the soonest to ripe was suffered to stand too long & the Wind shaked about 2/3 of the Grain on the Ground & consequently lost. Mr Still has also arrived at the Forks from Jack River he succeeds Nolen in Charge of the Post at the Forks he was first appointed to the Grand Forks near Red Lake - he has been near one month coming thro' Lake Winnipeg. Mr Halcro has gone to Fort Dauphin & Mannetowoopaw with 2 Boats one of his Men Samuel Henderson ran away and left him 50 Miles from Jack river. A Considerable Quantity of Flour & pork brought up to the Forks for the use of Troops proposed to winter there but they are all gone to Drummond Island. Several Bungees gone to the Forks for their Present (annual). The 14th Inst 3 NW canoes arrived at the Forks with Goods. 4 Behind yet according to report. no master yet arrived yet. Engaged old Peltier to hunt for us - and advanced him 70 Skins for that purpose."

Oct. 20
" Monday Mr Joseph Perran & 3 others came from the Forks in a Mid sized Canoe with 7 Kegs Rum - but some of them especially two appear to want much. They have been near one Month on the Journey much longer than our people with the Boats. 5 freemen went to the Forks with Horses and Carts to carry up Goods for the NWC. a few Indians came here 2 Days ago & went away. they very much wish us to build near their Hunting Ground where we may expect to get Martins, Foxes, & a few Beaver. and I have promised them we will send soon there to build - I have also prevailed on Some others who generally keep in the open Ground to go there. the place is NNW from this about 50 Miles. Our Smith began to work in the Shop. 4 Men getting ready to go away to build to the NWward at Curling River."

Oct. 22
" Wednesday Smith repairing Axes & the others variously emp'd. Jack Ram & Debourafse? one of the Canadians who came up in our Canoe went to the Forks. Pisk Kipling returned from the Mannetowoopow Lake with one Horse & Cart. leaving the others there no news yet of our Boats being up in the Fall - Received Yesterday 4 Cows from Canadian Freemen. as we have sent all our Horses to carry Goods to Beaver Creek."

Oct. 23
" Thursday The river froze over on the night being very early in the season, about 20 Days sooner than usual - and it set in early last fall. Sent away Charles Fidler as Master to build about 50 Miles off to the Northwards & 4 Men with him. John Lyons a freeman went with him and carries part of our Goods. he is to hunt in that Quarter & has got from me 80 Skins on Credit, but he has about 60 £ in the Companys hands to ballance with him should he not kill Furs enough to pay his present Debt. Engaged other Freemen to carry us up some of our Goods from the Forks left there by Mr McDonald."

Oct. 24
" Friday Nine more carts of French freemen went to the Forks for conveying up Goods belonging to the NW. as the river is now solidly froze over - told some of the Freemen to carry up some? of Ours? as by remaining at the Colony it will very soon be expended - and we shall greatly fall short for the Trade here & at Beaver Creek. Sent away 9 Men to Beaver Creek as they may require them and we have far too many here. The Loaded Carts crofsed over the river Ice - 4 Men getting dry firewood daily, and the Smith at his Duty."

Oct. 27
" Monday Mens employ as last week but a very bad cold Day."

Oct. 28
" Tuesday very sharp weather Men as before."

Oct. 29
" Wednesday On Monday night 2 Canadians Arrived at the NWC here from the Forks and say that 14 Canoes are arrived there with Goods. and that 6 of them were sent away for this but got froze in 6 Miles above the Forks. The Masters or rather the Proprietors are Leith, Haldane & Grant. the latter to winter at Pambina. & the Former at the Forks. Haldane is to be up here. John Spense came here from Beaver Creek I had engaged until Mr McDonald & more men? arrived there, paid him for his Months Services there & he & father & Corrigal moved away to hunt Buffalo for themselves. They are all free. Jn Spense wishes to get his father comfortably established as a farmer and then to return to this Service again. he is a very steady young man. Sent away Mr Greill & one Man for Meat a freeman to kill them Buffalo. - yesterday sent away 3 of our Men to Beaver River with 2 More Cart Loads of Goods - Gave Jn Flett 15 lb fat to make Candles to work by in the evenings. One Cart of meat came home many buffalo in sight of the House. an Indian came here he says he has 4 Cows at his Tent & some dry Provisions. our men at home collecting firewood before the Snow turns deep."

Oct. 30
" Thursday got 3 Cows from freemen. Men as usual."

Oct. 31
" Friday Sent away Pisk & Mr Greill to cut nose Tent for furs & meat also to fetch here 2 of our Dogs."

Nov. 1 1817
" Saturday 3 Men cutting dry wood. Smith making Tools to work with & made the Key for a pad Lock. Jn Flett & Gun sled making. 3 is already turned."

Nov. 2
" Sunday Pisk came home from the Indian Tent with Dry & fresh provisions. They had a Cart & Horse with them - also brought home 1 Bull killed 3 miles off. One man & an Indian boy came with a Horse & cart from where Charles Fidler is building 50 Miles off. they have traded some provisions & the Indians are assisting them to cut down wood to build - The 2 Favils are hunting Beaver near there, but I am afraid that they will kill very few as they are both so very indolent. Demarcy? the present French Master here says the Freemen & their Carts gone down to the Forks to carry up goods is 29 - All the Snow which fell sometime ago nearly melted away. Magnus Spense came here for us to fetch 3 Buffalo from his Tent he has killed for us."

Nov. 3
" Monday Sent Pisk to shew the Men where to cut down stockades? at the Junipers as the Pickets here is bad and the wood for fireing is far away. 3 Men cutting & collecting dry wood for fireing. 2 Men Turned 4 Sleds. Smith making Keys for Locks. at 3 PM Mr Jn Haldane the NW Partner arrived here from the Forks with 23 Carts the rest soon expected. Poitras came in company & is to be Master for them here as he has been these 3 years past but I learn he will be free in the Spring & perhaps will become a Settler as he intended in 1814 when the first disturbances? broke out between the 2 parties? on the seizure of the NW Pemmican at this place by Mr Jn Spencer - 2 of our men came here from the Forks they have been 13 Days in their Journey up not knowing the road followed near every turning of this crooked river - very warm weather. very little Snow left on the Ground which before fell deep . The men here variously employed."

Nov. 4
" Tuesday Sent 2 Men & Carts to fetch meat from Magnus Spences Tent. the others variously employed. saw a Muron engaged to the NW he tells me he has 600 Livers the first year & 700 for each of the other two. he says there are 11 others engaged to the NW at the same rate. whereas those of ours engaged at Fort Douglas has 900 Livres pr year. All these Murons are very industrious & good servants & very saving. 9 of the NW Murons are gone to the Saskatchewan and English river."

Nov. 5
" Wednesday The Men came home with meat & those at home employed in Sled Making & cutting firewood. The Indian Boy went back to Charles Fidlers house who accompanied our man here from there. paid the boy for guiding our Man here. 2 yards Gartering 1 roach Knife 1/8 oz Vermillion 1 foot Tobacco 10 Ball 1 flint 1/4 lb Powder and wrote to Charles Fidler to send 2 Men here for more Goods when they have built their House - as I expect the few Indians I had so much trouble to leave the Open Grounds to go there to hunt Martins &c in the Woody Country."

Nov. 6
" Thursday Went with 3 Murons to the Junipers for them to remain there and cut down 1200 Pickets. called in at the NW House when Mr Haldane the Canadian Master proposed to me not to send from either House to Indians for Skins or any thing they have. to this proposal I could not consent to as we have before the NW goods arrived given out a little Credit to almost every Indian at this place & the NW then had nothing to give. I also learn that he has already given out 11 Large Bales of Dry Goods & many other articles to the Half Breeds & Freemen for past services - I learn that 4 Bales were used that way at the Forks. - there are several other Brules? at Riviere Qu'Appelle, so I imagine before they have cleared the whole of them off and their Inland servants Equipment that they will not have much Cloth or Blankets left for the Trade. some of them I learn is not paid to the amount they supposed owed? them & I hear that an exprefs is to be sent to Alexander McDonell who ran away last Summer & we now hear is at the Green Lake in Beaver river to ascertain the truth of the agreements he has made with the Brules & Freemen. Several Indians came to our House & got from them near one Pack of Beaver a very precious article in this Quarter. 2 Men sawying Stuff for Doors and wood for Carts."

Nov. 7
" Friday Men as yesterday. Finished making a 2d Big wood sled & hung the Stable door - Indians Drinking - Traded a horse from an Indian. they are scarse and consequently dear. Bonhomme Montour took away the Wife belonging to the Late Mr Longmoors son - Magnus Spenses Daughter one of our freemen - but I understand with his consent. sent 2 men for Meat."

Nov. 8
" Saturday Finished trading with the Indians and they went away. gave some of them small credits that has paid the first they got from me this fall. The NW would give none to any except their Chief the Little Sonneaw. Old Peltier arrived from the forks and brought me a few Articles left at Fort Douglas. Cleaned out the yard & the men traded 5 Dogs from the Indians for hawling Sleds in winter. Longmoors son went away for his Country at the Saskatchewan ? and debauched away the Wife of our Canadian Smith - he has two Horses of his own. Men came home with meat. the rest of the men variously employed - 3 Constantly cutting down wood for Stockades about 3 Miles above."

Nov. 9
" Sunday Lafrane & 3 Stone Indians came in with Provisions. Two of our men came here from Beaver Creek for Goods with Carts & Horses. They brought some Axes to repair, & learn they have got there fatt for 300 Bags of Pemmican & Beat meat for 100. but no horses traded. the Indians making such a high price for them - The Indians very much wish us to build at Montagne la Bofs near 1/2 way to Beaver Creek but it would interfere too much with both our houses & would be besides an additional expense. a party of Stone Indians has just returned from War on the Mandans at the Missouri they say they shot 2, in the river & the 3d escaped unhurt. they speak of going there again to war in about a Month & to steal horses. The Little Sonneau & about 20 Crees speak of going there soon on purpose to renew the Terms of Friendship between both tribes which has long existed between them? - we hear that Mr Halcro our people had arrived at Fort Dauphin but none of the NW then arrived from Fort William - very warm weather these many days past like summer. not a bit of Snow left but the Ice in the river still keeps firm."

Nov. 10
" Monday Smith repairing Hatchets, Locks &c for Beaver Creek. 2 men sawying. Flett making an outer Gate the other 2 we leave blocked up for want of materials, The Indians went away. Desired De Marcy & his comerade to fetch Goods from the forks as we have very little here, the former refused to go there - Men as usual."

Nov. 11
" Tuesday Sent for our 3 men to come home who have been cutting down Stockades to send to the Mandans as we have long learnt that they have a considerable number of Beaver Skins that was seen by the NW last winter when they went there and had only goods to trade 2 Packs. and when they attempted to go there a 2d time with Goods the Stone Indians would not allow them to proceed. our men has piled up 487 & cut down 150 more ? in two. - Mr Haldane & 14 Carts with Goods went away to Riviere Qu'appelle. Grofse Tate employed by Haldane to hunt for them here - The men at home variously employed."

Nov. 12
" Wednesday 4 Men making winter clothing to go to the Mandans to Trade. I agreed with Mr Haldane before he went away that each party should send exactly the same kind & quantity of Goods & that the returns should be equally divided between us - This is the general custom when we have formerly sent to that place. Smith daily at work for Things for Beaver Creek House. Nails &c &c."

Nov. 13
" Thursday An Indian came here with a few Beaver & otter skins & I advanced him a little Credit as he says he thinks he will kill near a dozen more. Yesterday Old Peltier our Hunter pitched away from the House to hunt Buffalo for us. he gets 3 loads of Ammunition each animal & 2 skins in any kind of Goods - at Fort Dair the price is 3 skins to merely shoot the animal- another skin when they put it on the Scaffold & 2 more if they carry it to the Fort. Men as usual."

Nov. 14
" Friday All the Indians went away. 2 Men got Poplar wood to make a few small kegs & knifing them. others as before."

Nov. 15
" Saturday at 11 1/2 Sent away Mr Greille Rough, North, 3 Murons also McDonald & McLennan - The NW has sent the same number. each party takes a Horse & Cart to carry the Property Bedding Provisions &c our men has also taken 2 Dog sleds with them & 6 Dogs in case snow falls as at present the ground is entirely bare. I expect they will return in about one Month. The value of all the Property taken with them is 51.15.4 [pounds.shillings.pence] Cart & Horse included. 2 Men sawying. others variously Emp'd."

Nov. 16
" Sunday 2 Indians came here for us to fetch Meat & 5 pr Snowshoe frames."

Nov. 17
" Monday Sent 2 Men away to fetch the Meat & Snow shoe frames - Sent away Pisk & Millar to go by Mannetowoopow House to get the Horse & cart they left there in the fall - They have taken another Cart & 2 Horses from this to convey up Goods from the Forks we left in the Fall. Sent Mr Flett a horse & some Buffalo Robes also some Robes for the use of the Colony. also wrote to Mr Henry Eustace? the Storekeeper at Fort Douglas to send us up a few small necefsary articles & sent him a list of all our men here & at River Beaver - 2 Men carrying stuff for flooring - Gave a freeman a Little credit in Furs he tells me he knows where the Cannon is hidden by the NW last spring & that he will shew it to us when we go down with the Boats next Spring. The Indians Drinking sometime ago at the French House & one was a good deal burnt when drunk but is expected to recover after some time. Pisk to bring back two Horses & 2 Carts with goods of ours at the Forks."

Nov. 18
" Tuesday Flett & Gun sawying stuff for flooring."

Nov. 19
" Wednesday our 2 Men came home from the Indian Tent with 1 Cow & some dry provisions & snow shoe frames. finished sawying flooring."

Nov. 20
" Thursday 2 Men plaining my floor & boys hawling firewood."

Nov. 21
" Friday 2 Men laid 1/2 my room Floor. Smith repairing Traps Hatchets for Old Peltier our Hunter. at 7 PM Humphrey favel came here with only 4 Beaver skins killed by himself & Brother all the fall. he also brought a Gun to repair & wants Hatchets Icechisels & Tob."

Nov. 22
" Saturday Finished laying my room floor. at 7 PM Magnus Spense & Peter Corrigal came from their Tent with Provisions to leave here for Summer use as they mean to settle. They say the Buffalo are going further out to the Plains and that our Hunter is 4 miles on this side them. They left their Tent at 10 this Morning."

Nov. 23
" Sunday The above 2 Men paid me all they were due us. put by some Coopers Tools to send by Favel to Charles Fidlers House that he may learn one of his men to make Kegs & then send him here & work at that businefs here & Numps went away - very warm weather."

Nov. 24
" Monday Spense & Corrigal returned - in the evening Peltier our Hunter came here with the meat of one Cow. he says there are 7 more at the Tent to fetch, he has a very large family to maintain 22 in Number. Bostonais & Minnces? wives & Children who are sent down to Montreal this Summer by order of the Commissioner. 2 Freemen came from Qu'appelle they have been carrying up Goods for the NW. Men variously employed about the House."

Nov. 25
" Tuesday Smith daily employed at his businefs. 2 Men sawying."

Nov. 26
" Wednesday One Man barking our Oak Logs ready to line & saw. Peltier returned to his Tent & lent him a mare of ours to hawl the Meat where it is killed to the Tent. soon we must send a Man to remain with him for that purpose. The NW hunter came home he says he saw 8 Men on Horseback at the Soorie river & supposes them to be Mandans looking out for stragling Stone Indians to kill them. The other Men here variously employed."

Nov. 27
" Thursday James Rofs came here from Charles Fidlers House abt? 30 Miles off all is finished sometime ago & the Indians fitted out & all gone to their Hunting Ground. no snow on the Ground he is come here for Sleds but no snow yet to hawl them away on. They have Traded near one Pack of Good Furs already - & the Ind. have killed them near 20 Animals which will last the 5 Men a good while & their Dogs. John Lyons who accompanied him there also pitched away to hunt. - Humphrey & Tom Favel Starven? & gone away Southward in search of the Buffalo. Men here variously employed about Sleds Doors Gates &c &c."

Nov. 28
" Friday Smith making Coopers & Carpenters Tools. 2 Men sawying Oak Logs for more sleds."

Nov. 29
" Saturday Mens employ as Yesterday. The Brothers Azures? pitched away & they got a little credit from me for Furs - very fine warm weather still. Francois Hoole a Brule Canadian pafsed Charles Fidlers House some time ago he is going to Fort Dauphin & has left his cart at our House to be brot in sprg? by Jn Lyons. Smith made some trufs hoops for Kegs."

Nov. 30
" Sunday Very warm day. river Ice covered with Water."

Dec. 1 1817
" Monday Sent James Rofs away to Curling river house where Charles Fidler winters & I wrote to him to give very little if any Credit to Indians as the NW will not now give any at any of their settlements in this River and as far as I can learn at any of their Houses within the Earl of Selkirks Grant of Lands from the Hudsons Bay company, by this I imagine that the NWC think they will be ousted out of his Territory. One Man sled making another got wood for shafts for Large sleds. Smith at his duty. at 4 PM Pisk came here from the Forks and relates that Mr Grant the NW Partner on his way to Pambina shot the only Bull remaining to the Colony. two of our Men happen'd? to be near heard the shot & immediately went to the spot where they saw Grant leaving the Bull. he was teathered and a large Board over his forehead. Grant impudently told the 2 Men that he thought it was a Wild Buffalo. tho one is Black & the other white - the shot went upwards & loged in the Fat and it is thought he will soon recover - but the malicious intention remains the same. A Boat was sent from the Colony with Provisions & 9 Men to Jack river to meet the Fall boats but the 9th Day from the Forks they were froze in at Poplar River, 3 Men went on with the Letters & the others returned to the Forks and are coming up here to Winter, when we have already far too many for the place to maintain to make any Profit. Pisk left the Forks the Day after Millar & is not expected to be here these 3 Days with the Cart & Goods. The Horse left at the Mannetowoopow House in care of Mr McDermont the Indians stole. we learn that Mr Still has traded 35 10 Gall kegs of Indian rice which will be very servicable to him & people at the Forks. It is also said that 1/3 of the Grain belonging the Colony was shaken off by the wind for want of being cut down in time & that the Potatoe crop will be very slender, many of them not bigger than wallnuts. Buffalo is about one Day walk from Fort Dair which is tolerably nigh & there is several Freemen hunting for the Colonists. we also hear that Mr McPherson had arrived from Albany at Rain Lake with 2 Boat loads of Goods & that Mr Le Moine? was fitted out at Jack river with 2 Canoes & Goods to remain there, but McPherson sent him forward to Point? Muron, about 9 Miles from Fort William the NW head Quarters at Lake Superior - La Moine seems to be a very unfit person to have the Management of businefs - he is fond of the Bottle, lets the Men do in a great manner as they choose & is very indolent. Mr Graffenried Master at Pambina is going to send to Rain Lake for Goods as they have already neither Tobacco or Rum at either place two most essential articles - at Fort Dair there are at present 110 Eaters? besides a number at the Forks - Mr McDermont is also nearly out of Goods & he is going to send men to Jack River as we imagine the Fall boats may have reached there before they were stopped by the Ice. he has already purchased 3000 lb dry provisions from the Bungees?, a very great Quantity if used with care - The 7 Swan River Department NW Canoes froze in abt 10 Miles above Halketts House. Cummens? remains there in care of the Goods & Jn McDonald of Swan river is gone forward to that place with his Men over the Ice for Dogs & Sleds to hawl the Goods there - Mr Todd the Surgeon very badly at Fort Douglas. Mr McDonell at Fort Douglas has used a deal of our Goods for the Indian Trade in this River which will distrefs us much. it was left in his care till we could get it conveyed here - as every exersion? was made by us to get it all brought here in the fall - but having few horses & Carts could not accomplish it. One of Mr Stills men is in company with Millar, he is coming up here for a Dog belonging Mr Still, which man unfortunately blew away part of his fingers by the bursting of a gun in the fall on his Journey up from Jack river. There are still upwards of 100 Eaters? still left at Fort Douglas, why not send them all or the greater part of them to Fort Dair where the Buffalo are plentiful & the hawling the meat there very little trouble in comparison of dragging it all the way to the Forks - by this they might keep a few able workmen there & get something done."

Dec. 2
" Tuesday Turned 2 Sleds & a Carriole. Smith at his businefs. - Pisk & Gun Sawying Oak logs for Cart wheels."

Dec. 3
" Wednesday Men as Yesterday."

Dec. 4
" Thursday Four Men came here to remain that was frozen at Poplar river. but as we have already far too many men in this river I mean to send them to our Settlement at Fort Dauphin where they write me they require 4 or 6 men to be sent them. on the 29th Inst. News came to the Forks from Mr Graham 12 Inst. & says that he has purchased 20,000 lb Dry provisions & that the Sioux had just killed at Turtle River House 3 Sauteaux. this is a bad afair but I imagine it is in retaliation for the same number of Sioux killed by the Sauteaux in July last. The Master there in consequence of this affair is under the necefsity of entirely? abandoning that place & taking all his goods down to Fort Dair. The Sauteaux seem to be enraged at us & say it is our fault their Countrymen are killed by our sending Goods up the Red River to their old & inveterate Enemies the Sioux. four Sledges is sent from the Forks to Jack river for goods. I daily expect Mr McDonald from Beaver Creek will send down some Men to accompany ours to that place for Goods brought up by the fall Boats. Spoke to John Flett yesterday as I find he uses a whole Joint of an Buffalo daily - which is double of his Allowance. Sent Pisk & Gun to Kill Bulls as they are seen from the House but they returned without killing any thing. a Number of Muskets & some Swivel Guns sent to Pambina - on account of the 3 Bungees being killed - The other men variously employed."

Dec. 5
" Friday 2 Men at the Pit saw cutting Sled wood. Smith making Indian awl blades. the others variously employed."

Dec. 6
" Saturday Mens employ the same."

Dec. 7
" Sunday at 4 PM Millar came here leaving the Cart & every thing 30 miles off. the Horse unable to bring the Goods along - and their provisions all expended. 1/4 Inch Snow fell this Day. the ground has been clear this long while. tomorrow we shall send 3 Men away with Dogs & Sleds to fetch the Goods & take provisions to the Man who is left with it."

Dec. 8
" Monday Sent away 3 Men with Dogs & Sleds for the Goods. Also sent away to Mannetoba the 4 Men who lately came here from the Forks. The 2 Men here cut firewood. finished netting five pr of Snow shoes to be ready when they are required."

Dec. 9
" Tuesday John Flett now began to work at Cart wheels and will not be taken from that duty - we have wood already for 3 pair wheels. and more sawn. all our fresh meat finished. The Men here at firewood."

Dec. 10
" Wednesday at 2 PM our Men came here with the Goods Cart & Horse. also Mr Stills man. tho I had sent him Provisions to put him back to the Forks. The 4 Men proceeded forwards for? Mr McDermonts House at Mannetowoopow to be forwarded to our House at Fort Dauphin."

Dec. 11
" Thursday Flett & those here before at their respective Jobs."

Dec. 12
" Friday Sent away 4 Men with 4 Sleds of Dogs 3 each to the Hunting Tent for meat. Two Freemen came to the House & paid me all their Credits taken by them in the fall. Bonneau Mr Stills? man returned back to the Forks with the Dog."

Dec. 13
" Saturday at 7 1/4 PM our Men returned from the Hunting Tent with meat - There still remain 16 Cows to fetch. served out Jn Flett 1 whole Cow to serve him 22 Days. he has 2 Women & a Child 1 1/2 year old - Cold weather."

Dec. 14
" Sunday our Hunter wishes us to get home all the Meat as soon as possible as he wishes to move away as very few Buffalo is now about him."

Dec. 15
" Monday Sent away 4 Sleds for Meat - Warm day, strong wind at West with thick snow in the afternoon. at 2 PM all our people & the NW Men returned safe back from the Mandan Villages at the Missouri & have brought as our share being exactly half 131 whole Beaver skins. 36 Half Beaver, 14 scrap Do. 3 large Bears 1 small Do. - 13 red foxes, 4 saddles?, 20 fn? line, 3 Horses - The whole amount of which is 232.17.0 [pounds.shillings.pence] & the outfit 51.15.4 leaving a profit of 181.1.8. 3 horses was stolen by Stone Ind. belonging to us while our people were at the Villages.
A few days before our People reached their villages an Embassy of Sioux had departed for their own Land - they had been to renew their former alliance and our party understood that both Tribes had agreed to make war in Company in the Spring against the Stone Indians who trade in the Assiniboyne River. The Mandans during our peoples stay of 7 Days behaved with their wonted kindnefs & liberallity. The Skins brought is the whole collection of the 5 Villages altho' the people only visited two and I have every reason to Imagine that the whole, or very nearly the whole had been killed by American freemen & that the Mandans had murdered & plundered them as they have a great dislike to the Americans - and the greater part of them was marked with the Initials of 3 diff.? Names & numbered. no other people have they seen since the Canadians from this River went there last winter, so it is plain they have greatly exagerated the Number of Beaver skins they told they saw. about 6 Miles from their Villages They ? met in with 2 ? but when they were certain that it were Traders going to them. they came & shook every man heartily by the hand and then proceeded forwards ahead of our people to acquaint their people of our arrival. They say that for these two last summers their Crops of Corn &c has been very slender indeed, all for want of Rain. The case is exactly the same in these places - Our people saw very few Buffalo on the road. They came past the East end of the Turtle Mountain on purpose to avoid meeting with any Stone Indians that might intentionally be in the way to plunder our people as they don't like us to carry Ammunition &c to their Enemies. 27 Horses were stolen from the Mandans while our people were there 3 belonging to us 2 to a NW Man & the rest to the Mandans. The Horses traded there were very dear near double the price we pay for them in this Quarter. Our Men also traded 4 Dogs from them at a more moderate price in proportion. no snow on the Ground from the time our people left this till They got half way back - our Horse & Cart they had with them is left at the Villages - The Canadians brot back ? till the Snow fell & there left their Cart. Our people could not learn from the Natives of any Americans being higher up the Missouri than the Osage Nation where they say they have a Fort and garrison. Our people were 13 Days going there & 11 on returning. all the furs &c remain in our house & will be equally divided tomorrow. The people has brought on Horse? here from the Mandans for John Flett purchased with some Articles he sent with our Men. Near 1 foot of Snow fell when our men got half way back."

Dec. 16
" Tuesday Poitras the Canadian Master here came over and we equally divided every thing got from the Mandans and then cast Lots - paid the Canadian Hunter 7 Skins for the share of Buffalo he killed for both parties on the road - at the rate of one skin each - also gave Murray the NW Interpreter & Trader 8 skins for his trouble in Trading with the Mandans, as we have not a person who understands them or their method of Trade. The men here variously employed - Our Men came home with meat from the the Hunting Tent. at 6 PM Benj. Gun returned from Manetoba Lake House & one McKay & Murdock Smith returned here with him - They refused to remain at the Mannetoba District altho' 5 or 6 Men are wanted there. Mr McDermont sent 4 Men away 1st Dec. for Jack river ? Oxford House to bring up Goods. I am anxiously waiting that Mr McDonald from Beaver Creek will send down here to accompany our Men there for Tobacco &c. Cleand out the Warehouse"

Dec. 17
" Wednesday Smith at his Duty. the other men putting their things in order to fetch meat. Told Smith & McKay to prepare & return back to Mannetoba Lake where their services were required as we had far too many people in this River - but they premptorily refused to return but said they would go up to Beaver Creek House where we have already still more men than is wanted. McKay seems to be the sole cause of their not obeying orders & ought to suffer for it."

Dec. 18
" Thursday Sent 9 Men with 7 Dogs & 2 Horse sleds to fetch meat from the Hunting Tent abt 15 Miles off. John Flett daily employed in Cart making."

Dec. 19
" Friday McKay & Smith early this morning instead of returning to Mannetoba as directed went away for Beaver Creek House. McKay richly deserves to be fined his whole years wages as he is the principal cause of the other not returning. at 2 1/2 PM our Men came from the Hunting Tent with meat. Jack Spense & P. Corrigal two freemen came here with some dry provisions to leave in our House."

Dec. 20
" Saturday The Men getting and hawling home firewood - 2 got wood for Cart naves?. I find that Old Trotier a freeman his wife & 4 Children are maintained by the NWC gratis on account of one of his Sons being severely wounded in the foot & leg by a ball on the 19th June last year, he still goes on crutches & I believe ever will whilest he lives. at 8 PM James Rofs & John Easter came here with a Sled Load of good furs. They have come in 2 Days - They have traded there also 600 lb Dry provisions & 90 MB only a few of the Indians had been in. They require 2 sleds made here as there is no wood fitting for the Purpose near them."

Dec. 22
" Monday Gun & Rofs sawying stuff for 2 Sleds to make and take back to Charles Fidlers House. Sent away 7 Dogs & 2 Horse sleds for fresh meat to the Hunting Tent."

Dec. 23
" Tuesday The Men came home with meat. others as usual."

Dec. 24
" Wednesday All hands cutting & hawling home firewood. Smith repairing 2 Chisels & 2 Axes."

Dec. 25
" Thursday Gave all hands 1 Gall spirits for Christmas allowance."

Dec. 26
" Friday Sent Pisk & North to an Indian Tent & 7 Men to bring home meat from the Hunting Tent. at Noon 6 Stone Indians came here from Qu'appelle they are going to Pambina to see the Sioux there. gave them a little Liquor for some meat they brought & they were afterwards very troublesome because we would give them no more and there were only 2 Men at the House - They broke open the warehouse door but got nothing as we thought but some days after we learnt from a Cree that they took away a new Kettle of about 3 Quarts."

Dec. 27
" Saturday Men came home with meat & Rough remains at the Hunting Tent with one Horse & sled to drag the Meat to the Tent from where it is killed. Pisk & his companion returned from the Indian Tent - I have long been anxiously expecting that Mr McDonald at Beaver Creek would send down Men & sleds to go to Jack River for goods in company with our Men, but as none is come I cannot wait longer - appointed 4 Men to go there but Benj Gun tells me that he has it in his agreement not to make any long Journies - and that he will not go to Jack River - I must write Mr Sutherland to know of this is the case as he is a very able man. at 4 PM 2 Men came here from Beaver Creek with 2 Sleds for Goods. They tell me that 2 Men were sent away to Charlton House 5 weeks ago & had not returned. an Indian lately come overland from the Saskatchewan ? says they have already traded a great quantity of dry provisions & that the NW did not reach their winter Quarters in Canoes. we also hear that Alex McDonell NW who ran away in Summer is stopping at the Green Lake - we have already got? at Beaver Creek fat for 700 Bags pemmican, 2200 pieces of Dry Meat of about 8 lb each & 8000 lb Beat Meat but very few furs. nearly all the Crees in that Quarter traded with the NW. Mr Haldane the NW Master sent down to build near us at Beaver Creek - our people went up to build near the NW House at Riviere Qu'Appelle when by mutual agreement both factions are to remain alone this winter."

Dec. 28
" Sunday Served out Provisions for our Mens Journey to Jack River where we suppose the Boats reached in the Fall."

Dec. 29
" Monday Sent some men for Meat, others preparing to go for Goods. The Stone Indians went away for Pambina. sent a letter by them to Mr Graffenreid."

Dec. 30
" Tuesday Men came home with Meat. Sent back to Beaver Creek the 2 Men with goods - Mr McDermont & 2 Men came here from Big point House in the Mannetoba Lake and received by them some European Letters and also learnt that our fall Boats were froze in at the bottom of Trout River & the Colony Boat with Mr Laidlaw 6 Miles below the Painted stone. he has engaged about 7 Men to cultivate Land between him & the Earl of Selkirk, and amongst them Peter Dahl a Norwegan who was to have been sent home for misconduct last year at Halketts Ho. & when he forfeited the remainder of his Years wages from Feb. till Ship time. Mr Laidlaws boat came away before the Ship Arrived 17th September, this Ship met the other two in Hudsons Straight who had remained at Charlton Island All Winter and gone home. Mr McLean, who I learn got a Bill of 100 £ drawn for her on the Earl of Selkirk & signed by Mr Bird & Robertson - This ship is a hired one - Cameron the NW Proprietor & Mr Swan also on board - Colen Robertson went to Canada last summer by Land - very little Goods come out in the Ship - none of the YF Letters or papers sent to England but the Moose Factory people sent home all their papers. a strange thing. Mr Laidlaw is gone to the Colony & Mr Tho. Thomas with a Horse & 6 pieces of Sundries?. Several Sleds had reached Jack River from Swan & Saskatchewan River to fetch up Goods for themselves that was froze in below Oxford House. They have already laid up 18,000 fish at Norway House (late Jack river House) 3 Officers & 16 Men came over the Ice to Norway that were froze in below. Mr Wm Sinclair remains at York Factory very bad with the Dropsy and not expected to live long. Mr Wm Linklatter & Calder at Oxford House."

Dec. 31
" Wednesday Yorstons Guide or the Little Sonneau came in with 10 Crees. brought principally provisions & a few Wolves."

Jan. 1 1818
" Thursday Traded with the Indians & they all went away. Gave all hands 6 Quarts leeward Island Rum. Our Hunters came here - Our Men unexpectedly fired here & at the French House what has not been done these several Years. The Men also did the same here the first. gave all hands a Dram each."

Jan. 2
" Friday Sent away Pisk Kipling, Dugald McDonald, Angus McLennan & Joseph North with 4 Sleds & 12 Dogs to Fetch Goods from Oxford House. in consequence they have got an addition to what they had served out. Mr McDermont and his Men returned to their House: Sent some Fat by them to Halketts House. Sent 2 Men to the Hunting Tent with 3 Sleds for meat. Benj Gun badly with boils, but making dog traces; our Men gone below for Goods have provisions except for their dogs and they will get them at the different Houses they pafs. I cannot expect their return before 2 Months. wrote to Mr McDonald at Beaver Creek to send away 6 Sleds for Goods below Jack River - I long expected he would have sent here before for that purpose. Sent away Charles Fidlers two Men with 2 New sleds & some more Trading Goods. Peltiers Sons returned to the Hunting Tent. Gave Mr McDermont 2 sled loads of fresh meat to take with him. Cut nose & his family pitched to the House & the 6 Stone Indians also returned in his Company. They have only been at his tent afraid of being killed by the Bungees at Pambina; brot home our Horses for fear of the Stone Ind. Thieving them when they go away tomorrow."

Jan. 3
" Saturday The Stone Indians went away early this Morning to Their Tents towards Beaver Creek. Traded with Cut-nose & he & family pitched away. Men here hawling home firewood."

Jan. 4
" Sunday Very warm weather since Christmas & little snow on the Ground."

Jan. 5
" Monday Our Smith got his wrist bit by a Dog and I am afraid it will be long before he gets well again. Sent 2 Men to the Hunting Tent with 3 Sleds for meat."

Jan. 6
" Tuesday Men came home with the last of the Meat. Killed 31 Animals, he also came home with his 4 Carts to remain at the House. the Hunter."

Jan. 7
" Wednesday 3 Indians came here for us to fetch provisions from their Tents - but neither party will send. They are making a Pound to catch the Buffalo alive - put up some Beat meat to dry. Men variously employed."

Jan. 8
" Thursday 2 Men sawying Oak for Carts. others as usual. the Indians returned, one Man looking for 1 of our Horses."

Jan. 9
" Friday Men as yesterday & found the Horse."

Jan. 10
" Saturday Buffalo plentiful within 3 Miles of the House. Mr Greill killed 2 Bulls. Mens employ the same."

Jan. 11
" Sunday Brought home the Bulls for the Dogs & killed 2 more."

Jan. 12
" Monday Sent one Man to fetch here our hunter to kill near the House as where they are Tenting is 5 times the distance from here as the Buffalo is which are swarming - 2 Men brot home the Animals killed yesterday. others cut firewood & hawled home."

Jan. 13
" Tuesday Mr Greill killed 2 More Bulls. Men got firewood."

Jan. 14
" Wednesday Francois Mongenie?, our Interpreter at Beaver Creek, Demarcy & 6 others arrived here from that place. these 6 are to go to Oxford House to hawl up Goods & the other two to return to Beaver Creek with Goods from here - Mr Greill killed another bull & our Hunter & our Men came here to hunt near the House. The Men at the Hunting Tent also came here with Horses & sleds to drag meat home. brought home one bull the wolves had eat the other."

Jan. 15
" Thursday Hunter killed one Cow. Wm? Sinclair & 1 Man came here with Letters to be forwarded to Montreal & Told Mr Greill & 1 Man to get ready and start early tomorrow morng to carry them to Fort Douglas also to write to Mr Alex McDonell what steps to take to insure a quick conveyance of Mr Birds letter to Rain Lake. the principal errand is to relate the treatm't Mr John Clark our head manager in the Athapescow Country has met with from the NW, particularly since they had rec'd a full account of the Prince Regents Proclamation. Mr Yale one of our Clerks escaped out of the Hands of the NW at the Athapescow & came to Cumberland House last fall -

Information of Mr James Murray Yale relative to the Conduct
of Certain Partners & Servants of the NWC at the Athapescow
towards him & Mr John Clark Chief Factor in the service of the
Hudsons Bay Company.
Early in June last Mr Clark & Mr Yale were obliged by the several adherents of the NWC to embark in a Canoe manned by Servants of that Company and were conveyed to the Great Slave Lake, and there detained till about the beginning of August last. Mr Clark knowing that resistance would be ineffective embarked in the Canoe without offering any, but Mr Yale made every effort in his power to prevent his being sent off with Mr Clark, and was at length actually thrown into the Canoe by three or four Canadians Servants of the NW Company. About the middle of August Mr Clark and Yale were again brought to Fort Chepewyan by servants NWC where soon after their arrival they saw Samuel Black, a partner of the NWC who they understood had just arrived from Red River. Black informed Mr Clark that he (NWC) and all his men were free in consequence of a Proclamation issued by the Prince Regent, and at liberty to proceed for Cumberland House or York Factory. Mr Clark in consequence of this Information, immediately prepared to leave Athapescow, with all the other Servants of the Hudsons bay Company who had been detained there by Stewart, Keith & other Partners & adherents of the NWC and a Canoe with some provisions having been furnished him by Black, he ordered his Men Six in number to embark and seated himself in the Canoe with them, Black ordered a Servant of the NWC to go in and steer the Canoe & placing himself by the side? of Mr Clark desired the men to leave the shore; but Mr Clark forbad his Men to paddle; Black asked Mr Clark why he did so. Mr Clark answered the Servants of the HBC are not hired to paddle along any partner of the NWC. Black then endeavoured to prevail on Mr Clarks men to paddle notwithstanding the orders of their Master to the contrary but they would not obey him - the superior difference & becoming respect thus shown to their Master by Mr Clarks men irritated it would appear Black who said sharply to Mr Clark if you were not in the situation you are I should know how to have Satisfaction of you. You mean that you would challenge me and if that is the case, give me my Pistols and I am at your service said Mr Clark hastily "There is time enough for that by & bye" replied Black coldly adding I will shew you that you are still in my power and unable to defeat my purposes. Black then obliged all Mr Clarks men amongst whom were Pierre Le Claire, Raymond Masta and Jean Neat? to get out of the Canoe which was now manned intirely by the servants of the NWC and Black having again seated himself near Mr Clark the Canoe left the shore; it proceeded a little way in the direction of Isle a la Crofse but suddenly altering its course while yet within sight of Mr Clarks men it steered towards Peace River. - After Mr Clark was there finally carried off, the Servants of the HBC before mentioned were placed on an Island in the Athapescow Lake, where during several days they suffered considerably from Hungar, but they were at length furnished with a Canoe and a little Provisions by Mr Keith a partner of the NWC and allowed to proceed to Isle a la Crofse, where they arrived safe having fortunately found a few Indians on their way from whom they traded for old Blankets some provisions. Mr Yule further declares that several concurring incidents led him in course of the Summer to believe that Mr Clarks life was in imminent danger from the machinations of the Partners of the NWC then in Athapescow & that his apprehension were confirmed almost beyond a pofsibility of Doubt by the information of Mr Wicks Clerk in the Service of the NWC, who unable to conceal the indignation he felt at the horrid conduct of his associates told Mr Clark in presence of Mr Yale, that two half breeds were hired to assassinate him - Take care of yourself Mr Clark called Wicks and here are my Pistols to defend yourself with, if you will accept of them. the foregoing information of Mr Yule is corroberated by the testimony of Pierre le Claire and Raymont Masta as given by them to Roderick McKenzie - Vincent Paul Ducharme & by the latter related to me.
Mr Lewis arrived at Fort Chipewyan nine days as was told by the NWC servants after Mr Clark had been carried off as aforesaid and on his enquiring after Mr Clark was told Mr (believe)? George Keith that he was gone with Mr Black up Peace River: That this last treatment of Mr Clark has not originated solely in Black, will appear from the following affidavit of Mr Kennedy, who declares that in June last at this Place Cumberland House Mr A. Norman McLeod said to him what would you think if we were to take Clark out of the way and confine him a year or two as you have done Mr Cameron. I have not yet had an opportunity of taking the necefsary affidavits but the truth of the above information may with regard to all the leading facts be relied on.
A very small part indeed of the Companys property seized at Isle a la Crofse and Green Lake have been returned and nothing was restored to Mr Lewis at the Athapescow, but Keith & his associates then promised Mr Lewis that they would restore on demand to the first officer who might arrive in that District for the HBC such property as they might have in their pofsefsion if they really had any that had been illegally seized belonging to the Husdons Bay Company - There can be little doubt of their saving themselves the trouble to prove that they obtained pofsefsion of the Property in Question in a legal manner; by rumoring such a measure they must have resolved to at Isle a la Crofse as many articles of Stores that could not have been disposed off to Indians are not to be found there.

Signed James Bird


Extract of a Letter from Samuel Black of the NWC to Simon McGillivray Dated Isle a la Crofse February 26th 1817

" Without further preamble I shall give you a short detail of our occurances? we designed to have seized F. Dechamps? after this for your Quarter & return him without our Neighbours knowledge so that they might not make more attempts to send to Athebasca again, but our Friend Ogden (who by the bye deserves every praise) wishing to have a finger in the Pie? took him very quietly coming down Beaver River and brought him to the Fort a prisoner, which usage he being accustomed to took in good part, but Old Paul was obliged to give the other little fellow a squeeze after he was in the Fort. The 3rd one McKay a NW Brule from Red River (one of McLeods men) said that all he desired was that we would not contaminate his Fists with Irons which he would not easily forgive. - this businefs let the Cat out of the Bag, and being in our opinion not to make a capture of the whole brought us into a dilemma to get out of the best way we could, so as to prevent them from sending off enCashette? - We wrote a Note to our opponent to come over to make an arrangement but you must know that this chap had already taken it into his head to stick close to his house and would not stir. - Four Days after expecting another exprefs from Fort des Praries, he sent off four of his best Men to guard it to the Fort, and as we were going off to seize them also; they all hove in sight together, having met the Letters near - Off we set with the Men at hand to Land Mans point to intercept them on purpose & to get McLeod over to the Fort; on arrival we found Mcleod & 7 or 8 Men more armed waiting. having placed 10 or 12 Men at some distance on the Road so as to come along in Company (as it? were) with the Enemy....This done
Mr Ogden myself & 2 or 3 Men walked up to McLeod, renewed our request of his attendance at the Fort or that we would seize these Letters (tho' by the bye they were nearly if not quite as many as us and well armed) McLeod made little answer & his men approaching with the exprefs, we demanded an immediate answer, when he and his party began to make off as to get to his Fort, and some of them into the point, by this time the exprefs men were near & fortunately they were stupid enough to fall in amongst our Men or nearly so, and when arrived at the Point, the move was given to seize them when they were soon all prisoners, McLeod and his Men at some distance and as I suppose at a lofs how to act - Mr Ogden again went to McLeod asking him to comply which he agreed to and made an arrangement not to send to Athapescow and also not to send F. Dechamps from this place to keep the Peace &c (all a bore) and can be broke when we like. you will say why make so many ceremonies, the fact is, about New Years day we designed and wished to take them all prisoners and set the whole country together by the Ears and at the same time to give as much assistance as we could to our Neighbors but this is dropped so for the time. Therefore since we were to wait to make the best of it we did not wish to alarm them; That we might get hold of Decoygne and the Pemmican that will be sent for your Neighbors & particularly as we have it in our power to make prize of them when we when we like, morover we would immediately follow up the blow in this Department but those Indians at Green Lake would immediately carry the News to Fort Des Prarie, where probably our friends ................."


Ducharm brot these papers to Cumberland House - Mr Decoygne & 3 Canoes only gone into the Athapescow with 2 other officers. They were very late in leaving Norway House. They got froze in before they reached the Athapescow and since hawling their Goods there Mr Rodrick McKenzie went for Isle a la Crofse & Green Lake with an other officer but in ascending the Sturgeon weir river near Cumb. House they were so unluckly as upset one Canoe and unfortunately had one Man drowned lost 4 Pieces of Goods and all their provisions & obliged to return to Cumberland for a fresh supply & then went on again & winters at the before mentioned places. Mr Holmes surgeon gone to Pelican Lake near Cumberland House & winters with several men mostly Canadians - also some little Time after Mr Chestellain a Canadian Clerk of ours were sent with 2 Canoes & about 18 Men taking Goods to winter about the rapid River but the fall coming on so very early They were all obliged to remain with Mr Holmes. Charles Thomas is sent into the lower Country towards Cranbury Lake with a few people to winter. Mr Bird just reached Cumberland House before all set fast, he had the Ice to break in places in the Eachway? main-? river below Lake Winnipeg. The diabolical conduct of the NWCompany I am afraid will nearly ruin our Company as they seem determined not to allow us to Trade in the Athapescow Country and their superior numbers will enable them to succeed if the Law does not compel them to act justly."

Jan. 16
" Friday Sent Mr Greill & one man away early this morning with Mr Birds letters for Fort Douglas and told them to make all the expedition they pofsibly can; also sent away the 6 Men lately come from Beaver Creek to fetch up Goods from Oxford House, they were fitted out here in every thing required and they have considerably more provisions than our Men has who are gone the same Journey. They are to get at Mannetowoopaw House from Mr McDonald a person to conduct them to Norway House. sent down to the Colony 3 Horses for their use. one still remains here for them but at present at the Hunting Tent to be sent down the first opportunity. The Beaver Creek smith here & repairing & making various articles for that place to take now up with him as our Smith cannot work since he got bit by the Dog. 2 people came here from the Mannetobaw Lake for sleds of meat. They also brought up 3 1/2 Galls Spirits as we have very little remaining here. each sled has 144 lb Dry provisions besides green & to be furnished their? Dogs in fish at every house they pafs going & returning. Our Men fetching meat. - Hunter only killed this Day one bull."

Jan. 17
" Saturday Sent away the 4 Men back to Beaver Creek House with some Goods. also wrote & sent Letters to Mefs Bird, Sutherland, Kennedy, Inkster, Finlayson, Thomas, McKay, McDonald, McDonell, Eustace, Stitt?, McDermont, Graffenried, Heywood, Kirknefs &c &c. Our Hunter got a Tent & sent men with him to hawl it there. they pitched the Tent about 5 miles off plenty of Buffalo at the Haystacks but the Hunter kills but few. Sent Jn Flett & he killd 2 Buffalo this day. Men at home getting firewood. I have been very badly these last 3 Days with a severe head ach."

Jan. 18
" Sunday Sent Millar to Peltiers Tent & to tell Jack Spense to come here to kill some Buffalo for us before they go farther away as our first Hunter seems to do little. Sent 2 Men for the 2 Cows killed yesterday but the Wolves had eat nearly one of them. sent back the 2 people that came from Mannetoba House with 2 Sleds well loaded of Good meat. at 3 PM John Forbes & 1 Canadian arrived from Mr McDermonts House & brought half a roll of Tobacco. 4 Canadians arrived with him from Jack River. two of his men went down for Goods to Oxford House & 2 returned with Merchandize. Kilkenny and Pat Quin overtook the? Men after they left Jack River & related that 4 People had reached Jack river soon after they went away that was on Board the Ship for England & that after going to Hudsons Straits all was entirely shut up with Ice & could not proceed but returned & ran the Ship aground near Wolf river about 40 miles North of Severn Factory not being able to get into a better place - I fear the Ship will be broke by the driving Ice by the Winds in the first part of Summer - Mr Carswill? & some others are to carry the Companys packet to England by way of Canada. This is now the 4th time lately the Ships have been unluckily detained by Ice. 1811 Captain Hanwell at Shelten? sound - 1815 Capts. Turnor & Davison 2 ships - 1816 Capts. Hanwell & Ball 2 ships at Charlton Island - & 1817 1 Ship near Severn. These are very unfortunate Circumstances for us, as the Ships Crews received their whole wages & the great expense in Provisions &c. every thing considered it evidently appears that the Cold has been much more intense & the winters longer lately than before - since the 2 Comets appeared in 1807? & 1811 - The 1st May last May poles were erected on River St. Laurence near Quebec a thing not known before by the oldest Inhabitants from the "Quebec Mercury". In the interior parts here these two last winters have been particularly severe - and the Summer short cold & little rain. the crops not ripening as usual and consequently scanty; and this Fall set in much earlier than has been ever known - and very cold but little snow hitherto this winter - we have sent for Liquor from Jack river but we learn there is very little there, and all ? ? Departments & at Swan River, Fort Dauphin, the Saskatchewan all places is greatly in want of Liquor, altho' nearly the same quantity asual? were sent to every place. the Canadians not arriving with goods till very late in the Fall long after the Rivers froze over we had to deal with Indians who usually Trade with the NW and this is the principal cause of the Scarsity, altho' we have got much more provisions on this account having got the principal part of the Indians summer hunt in that Article but I don't expect the Furs will be much more on that account than usual as the season for hunting them is after the Snow falls & rivers & Lakes freeze over. Men brought home meat - To send these 2 men lately come here a few Days to our Hunters Tent near here, to get it home as fast as it is killed to keep it from the Wolves. 3 of the NW Men came up from the Forks with Rum & Tobacco. We also hear there is near 350 Tents of Sioux Indians near Turtle river & supplying occasionally the Colonists at Pambina in Provisions. Forbes met our Men going to Jack river at the Mannetowoopow House. - Mr Monkman also went 11 Miles? to Fort Douglas with the intention of bringing up Mr Thomas Thomas who has been there since 19th Dec. to this place. Mr McDermont has old Kipling hunting Buffalo for him within a short days walk of this place at Pine Creek or? Root River there are no Buffalo nearer his place. Eleven sleds of CH & Swan river men have been down at OH to bring up Goods that was set fast below there in the fall. Mr Thomas & Laidlaw with 9 Men & 1 Horse heavily loaded left Jack river 3rd Dec & reached Fort Douglas 18 Days walk - They had very little provisions as they expected to make the Journey in 12 Days."

Jan. 19
" Monday brot home the meat killed yesterday."

Jan. 20
" Tuesday Began to copy Journal of 1815-16 hid underground at the Forks nearly a whole year & when taken up very much hurt by the Wet. Jack Spense came here yesterday and sent him away to kill Buffalo for us near the House before the Buffalo goes far off as we have very few People dogs or Sleds home at Present since we sent away to Jack River. One man got firewood John Flett always employed making Carts."

Jan. 21
" Wednesday Millar rep'd a wood sled. Peltiers son came here for Ammunition. he has killed 9 at the Tent. very severe weather lately."

Jan. 22
" Thursday The 2 Men home got firewood."

Jan. 23
" Friday an Indian came here with 22 Wolves & 3 foxes, Men as before."

Jan. 24
" Saturday Sent the 2 Men for the 2 Cows to the Indian Tent. Also came here some Crees with a few Beaver & Otters which they Traded & went away. very bad drifting weather."

Jan. 25
" Sunday Still bad weather."

Jan. 26
" Monday One Man hawling home firewood the other hewing spokes for Carts. Jn Flett constantly emp'd at Cart making, at least is set to no other work. Smith still unable to work and his hand is turning worse where bitten by his Dog. on Saturday night Jack Spense had killed 18 Cows in the same time our previously engaged hunter only killed 7 - Large herds of Buffalo in sight of the House. Several Indians came here with a tolerable quantity of Wolves."

Jan. 27
" Tuesday Traded with the Indians and they all returned to their Tents about 25 Miles off. Our Hunter & Jack Spense came here & left off. for the present Peltiers son ashamed that Jack Spense should kill 21 in the same time he had only killed 7. The 2 Men belong'g Mannetobaw came here having got all the meat on the Stage. one of our Men is there to take care of it. The Crees lately here say they are all going to visit the Mandans in a friendly manner very soon. Jn Flett killed 2 Cows for himself yesterday & I got men to assist him in bringing it home, one Man hewing spokes for Carts."

Jan. 28
" Wednesday Men got firewood."

Jan. 29
" Thursday 2 Men brot home meat from the Stage. sent away Jn Forbes and his Companion back to Mannetobaw Lake House."

Jan. 30
" Friday Brot home 1 Horse & 2 Dogs sleds of meat from the Stage."

Jan. 31
" Saturday at 10 AM Charles Fidler came here with Kerleer? a German he has taught to make Kegs & to remain here, also another man - two left at the House, Charles had just been at all the Indians Tents before he came away and got all the Furs they had. They are all going about 3 Weeks to hunt Buffalo - Charles got one of his big Toes severely froze coming here. they brot here 2 Sleds of Furs. what they had procured from the Indians since those they brot here before - they are principally Beaver, Otters & Cats. There is above 1600 lb Dry provisions at the House - John Lyons has killed very few furs this winter hitherto. he hears from the Fort Dauphin Indians that Mr Halcro our Master there has got no rum. Our Men brot home more meat from the Stage. it takes them between 4 & 5 Hours to go there & come home loaded."

Feb. 1 1818
" Sunday Mr Greill & Gun returned from Fort Douglas. They were 7 Days coming up & only brot an 80 lb Keg of Powder & 56 lb Ball. They say that Mr McDonell sent away from below the Packet for Montreal 5th Inst. it will be carried by Mr Grahams House & the Sioux country. The Canoe that went to Point Muron in the fall for Tobacco was froze in beyond Rain Lake - Debourafse? & Delcour? gone with Mr Birds Letters to Rain Lake. They are both to remain there to build Canoes. it is 8 Days walk in winter between Fort Dair & Rain Lake House. There are a number of People kept at Fort Douglas who ought to be sent to Pambina where the meat is very plentiful. They generally take 12 Days to make one Trip. Grant the NW Proprietor at Pambina sent for all the Freemen to visit him on New years day but I hear none went near him. Bonhomme Montour the NW interpreter at the Forks went to Pegwis? the Bungee Chief & band to endeavr? to prevail on them not to supply the Colony in any Provisions. Colonel Dickson is expected to visit Fort Dair. wrote for Salt, but they inform me that the Freemen have yet made none getting better payment for hunting for the Colony than they could by Salt making. The Bull belonging to the Colony shot last fall has recovered and is now hawling wood. many Bungees remain near Pambina & their whole families have run for Shelter to our Fort there 2 or 3 different times & remained a few nights before the fright & alarm they were in having fancied the Sioux at them ready to cut their throats - but the whole is fear & imagination caused by their killing 3 Bungees last fall - I am doubtful there can be no lasting Peace made between those two Nations - I believe the Bungees are the principle cause and that the others would wish to live in friendship and I suspect that there will be some difficulty from the Sateaux who will not allow us to convey goods to the Sioux next fall up Red River. Some of the Freemen & all the Indians near Pambina firmly believe that a Bull Buffalo held a long verbal conversation with a Sateaux this Winter which they say augers no good following. The Colony smith came here with our People he is come here for a Horse we have here for the Settlement - Mr Thomas is gone to Mannetoba with Mr Monkman 26th Ult. he could not come direct here for want of provisions Served out to him at Fort Douglas being only one Day for themselves & Dogs at common allowance."

Feb. 2
" Monday Sent 2 Men with 4 Dogs sleds & 2 Men with 2 Horses to fetch home meat at the Stage near here. we must keep here Charles Fidlers 2 sleds & Dogs to get all our meat killed near here. he is now scarcely able to walk by his froze toe in coming here - Great numbers of Buffalo in sight of the House."

Feb. 3
" Tuesday Men brot home meat? as yesterday. Mr Greill killed 1 Cow."

Feb. 4
" Wednesday Men as yesterday. 1 Cut firewood 11 hawling. Peltier our Hunter moved his Tents to the Sooree? to hunt near here."

Feb. 5
" Thursday Men as before. Mr Perran & 1 Man came from Beaver Creek for goods - & Demarcy is to be sent to Rain Lake to make Canoes in the Spring. Mr McDonald at Beaver Creek is gone on a visit to Mr Sutherland at Charlton House."

Feb. 6
" Friday Men daily fetching home meat & firewood. The two essentials in this Country especially in Winter. at 3 PM Mr Thomas came here in company with 1 man & boy from the Mannetoba Lake House. Old Kipling is hunting for that house about 22 Miles from this where they came from this morning. Mr Thomas says that he would wish to settle in Red River. and has found several very fine places but that he can get no Land. and on this account he says he intends to return to his own Country. I told him it was the custom of all new settled Countries that none got it intirely made over to them until they had resided on the Land Three years - Got 5 Buffalo from an Indian from Moose hill 8 Miles off at 1/2 pint English Rum each - One Man looking for the Horse to send to Colony."

Feb. 7
" Saturday Brot home the Horse. men also brought home meat from the stage - very severe weather. Mr Perran & Man rode? to Beaver Creek with a heavy loaded? of Powder, Ball & Tobacco."

Feb. 8
" Sunday Pierre Papin went to Peltiers Tent for 1 of his Dogs."

Feb. 9
" Monday Demarcy, Papin & Colony Smith went to the Forks. all three Blacksmiths - The former is to be forwarded to Rain Lake & to assist in Canoe building - Papin our Smith here is gone down to see the Doctor & get assistance from him, his hand is still very bad, bit by a Dog about a Month ago, he is to return here when his? hand is well - sent down the 4th Horse from this for the use of the Colony this winter. last fall They also got three? others from us but one died. Men here hawling home meat daily."

Feb. 10
" Tuesday Men as yesterday. Several Indians came here with provisions & very few Wolves 25 miles off. They have made three different Buffalo pounds but have not been able to get any as yet into them."

Feb. 11
" Wednesday Inds. Traded & went away & stole one of our young Dogs. These 3 Days 2 Germans constantly employed in cutting Oak to make 100 Rundlets of 10 Gallons each, which will be carried down ready drest to YF & there made. it will save other kegs being brought from England - & I believe will answer equally well. The other men hawling home Meat. very severe weather lately - got all our 34 Animals home from the Stage."

Feb. 12
" Thursday Old Peltier our Hunter came here, ballanced accounts with him - he has 4 Buffalo on a Stage 20 miles & 10 at his Tent at the Soorce river 6 miles off. Jack Spense came home & Benj Gun, the former has killed us 10 more Cows - 31 in all from him. the 10 is on a Stage to fetch about 8 Miles off."

Feb. 13
" Friday One Man hawling wood & the others variously employed."

Feb. 14
" Saturday 2 Men brot home 3 Sleds of Meat of the 10 Cows. others as before."

Feb. 15
" Sunday Vivier? & Fallerdeau came here yesterday & paid me their Debt & took a little more."

Feb. 16
" Monday at 8 1/4 AM Mr Thomas returned to his Family at Norway House. he passes by the Mannetowoopow Lake where he will get another man to accompany him home. I sent from here with him 1 Man 3 dogs & 1 Sled heavily loaded with provisions for him - Mr Thomas also has from here with him a Carriole & Dogs. They take with them fresh meat to serve their Dogs to Halketts House where they will get fish from them to Norway House. Sent 2 Men & 3 Sleds for Meat. Millar & Kerleer? got staves for 60 Kegs. Jack Spense killed 3 Cows near our Hay stacks. Old Peltier came here with 1/2 a Cow from his Tent at the Soorie?."

Feb. 17
" Tuesday 2 Men getting heads for 10 Gallon rundlets. Gun hawling firewood. Flett repairing a Cart for Mag Spense & also brot home one Cow for himself killed by Jack Spense yesterday. Moderate weather - very severe since the beginning of this Month. The NW has got home all their stock of fresh meat 5 Days ago having a Number of Dogs & Sleds. They are here 72 people of all ages & sexes."

Feb. 18
" Wednesday Got home the last of the 10 Cows lately killed by J Spense. Told Old Peltier to kill no more for us as we shall have enough whilst it will keep good tho it will be well buried in a deep cellar mixed & surrounded with Large blocks of Ice & Snow. finished getting heads for 60 Rundlets of 10 Gallons each of Oak."

Feb. 19
" Thursday All hands cutting Ice out of the River to lay on our Ice house to preserve? the fresh meat. all our Meat now home except 14 Cows at Peltiers Tent."

Feb. 20
" Friday Men as yesterday sent back Charles Fidler & 1 man to their House as we have now got home the principal part of our meat, his toe is much better but still very sore. he expects his Traders will soon be at his House - told him to send away two Men immediately on his arrival to get Pitch & give them 5 Days provisions & to send 2 Men & all his Dogs & Sleds here well loaded with Provisions or any other thing 15th March & then I would send our Men back with them That I expect arriving from below with Goods to hawl every thing away here before the Snow melts. except a little stock of Trading Goods - which he will make a Parchment Canoe in the Spring & bring the remainder here & whatever else he may get from the Indians? - Jack Spense brother & P. Corrigal went to the Forks."

Feb. 21
" Saturday 2 Men hawling up Ice - others about firewood."

Feb. 22
" Sunday Bad weather, Peltiers son brot us home 1/2 a Buffalo."

Feb. 23
" Monday 3 Sleds hawling up more Ice & 1 Hawling wood."

Feb. 24
" Tuesday Stowed by part of our Meat in? the? Ice House. finished all our Ice brought up. Spoke to John Flett This morning to be more diligent & work better at Cart making as he had done very little this winter. In the evening he came here into my room & I told him that I wished the Cart wheels to be made before he went away to settle & that I would now be able to spare a man or two with him to facilitate that work."

Feb. 25
" Wednesday Sent one Man to assist Jn Flett to make Cart wheels but he came in & told me he would work no longer; ever since the beginning of December he has never been taken of by me 3 Days and has only since then put together 3 pair of wheels where the wood was all ready and made part of the wood work for 3 other pair - all this is not the work of above 3 weeks what he has done since beg'g? of December. & I told him as he absolutely refuses to work any longer & has done so very little for the Co. he should not receive payment - I had furnished him in the fall with 15 lb fat to make Candles to work by at night but he never did any thing by candle light for us. and he seems to have been working more for himself & other people than for us. 3 Men cutting more Ice for our meat - a few Indians came here with Wolves & provisions. In the afternoon hawled up Ice."

Feb. 26
" John Flett & his family moved to Magnus Spense & our Freemens tents about 2 Miles off. the whole of them will pitch away as soon as Jack Spence returns from the Forks. he is to examine the River for a good situation as they now have given up the idea they first had of settling at Portage des Prairie as being too distant from the Colony & the Indians they imagine would be more troublesome to them at that distance. Mr Monkman & Son came here from their Hunting Tent about 22 Miles from this. We sent 4 Men away some time ago to reinforce Mr Halcro at Fort Dauphin who is very much in want of men. also 4 or 5 Canadians were sent up for that purpose there, but Mr McDermont has not yet forwarded any of them there. Hawled home wood for 10 Gallon Rundlets - in the evening Mr Laidlaw & 2 Colony men came here from the Forks their errand is to claim any property belonging to the Colony. it is a pity they had not sent early in the fall as I now fear the NW people will have disposed of them to Indians. & it will not be prudent to take any Horses from Indians they have bought from the NW belonging to the Colony without paying for them their full value. received a long Letter from Mr Graham Dated 18th Jan. - he seems to be doing very little & most of his Goods are expended - so I fear the Co. will receive very little for all those Goods furnished Colonel Dickson & him on their own account last Summer. Col. Dickson now wishes after the major part of the Goods are expd'd? for the Co. to take the whole on themselves - which appears to me a very unreasonable proposal. Mr Laidlaw lately came from Fort Dair where the Buffalo is very plentiful & near the place. They have some time ago left off killing more. Mr Laidlaw has 7 or 8 Men employed at Pambina cutting wood for his Farm? building next Summer."

Feb. 27
" Friday Men variously employed."

Feb. 28
" Saturday Mr Monkman & Son returned to the Hunting Tent. 2 Men getting more wood for 10 Gallon Rundlets."

Mar. 1 1818
" Sunday Jack Spense & party returned here yesterday from the Forks only 2 1/2 Days coming up tho above 130 Miles - he has fixed on the white Horse Plain about 18 miles above the Forks for his party to settle at and they will in a very few Days all move down there."

Mar. 2
" Monday Yesterday sent over a Note to Poitras the Canadian Master here for him to send up to Mr Laidlaw any property belonging to the Colony. - This Morning Mr Laidlaw & Currie in company with Jack Spense went to Beaver Creek. the latter goes up for 2 horses formerly taken from him by the NW Brulees. Those traded from Indians by Mr McDonell - Mr Laidlaw is also to go to see Mr Haldane at Riviere Qu'Appelle & get from him any property the NW may have there belonging the Colony yet I fear they will succeed little better there than they have done here in that respect, all will either be disposed off or concealed. 2 Cut & 1 Hawling home firewood. others as before. Assiniboyne a Brule who came up with Mr Laidlaw remains here refusing to go any farther. Sent George McRae & Mr Greill to the Indian tents(14) in company with Mr Laidlaw on purpose to bring here any Horses they may trade as they pafs them."

Mar. 3
" Tuesday Mr Greill & George returned at night all the Indians having left the spot they were Tenting at: the others went forw'd to Beaver Creek & Riviere Qu'appelle I expect their return about 15 Inst. 2 Men finished cutting 1400 Oak staves for 10 Gall rundlets which I imagine will be enough for 100 Kegs. 1 hawling wood."

Mar. 4
"Wednesday a few Indians came here yesterday with Wolves & provisions Traded & they went away this morning. They have got away the last of our Rum - They soon expect the return of their Companions who has gone to the Mandans and wishing to Trade a little rum to receive them well - at 3 PM Mr Perran, Knipe?, & Smart the Cooper came here from Beaver Creek. the latter to remain here to drefs Keg wood the others came down with sleds and for Salt but we have none here - so that we must send down again to the Forks for it to salt Buffalo Tongues Little Bosses & some meat; Mr McDonald at Beaver creek has been on a visit to see Mr Sutherland at Charlton House he only remained there 4 Days. they only get Bulls meat there 2 Days pr Week and that 7 Day each Trip fetching it so that the upwards of 300 Bags of Pemmican they expected to bring down in Spring will mostly all be eaten at the House. Mr Sutherland about 20 Feb. was to go to Cumberland House to see Mr Bird and as so little Goods came out in the Ship last fall it is intended to send 3 Boats down from here early in June to Martins fall for 100 Pieces of Goods. They expect to get 3 new Boats built at Charlton House & bring down this way just after the Ice clears away. Mr Perran tells me they have used the last of their rum some time ago at Beaver Creek, and we still want a deal of Beat Meat to mix with the Fat already traded and without Rum we cannot expect to procure what will be wanted. They have also got home most part of their Fresh meat to serve the Spring & are making an Icehouse to preserve in - we also learn that Mr Clark that Black carried away by force last Summer up Peace river is now at Hudson House - & that Mr McAwley who went to the Athapescow last fall is now gone to Cumberland House and we hear all is now quiet in the Athapescow Country. Mr Decoygne? who went there in 3 Canoes was froze in short and was hawling his Goods to that place - and we also learn that Alex McDonell late NW proprietor at Riviere Qu' Appelle now at Green Lake intend coming out in the Spring and delivering himself up to the Commissioner at the Forks next Summer. Antoine Hoole & another Brule who went to green lake in November returned here about 3 weeks ago. Our people propose to build 6 Batteaux at Beaver creek this Spring to carry? the returns made there down to the Forks. Mr McDonell there writes me that he will want 200 Bags of Pemmican from us for the use of the colony besides 100 Bags he imagines they will make themselves - which I very much doubt. Our Men hawled home the remainder of the Wood to make 100 Rundlets of 10 Gall. each."

Mar. 5
" Thursday. As our Hunter was due us 14 skins when he left off hunting - employed him in hawling home 14 Animals to clear off his account as we have here only one Sled of Dogs & our Horses almost dead. and the last of it was brought home this day. Men laid up Meat."

Mar. 6
" Friday. Sent away Mr Greill & Gerber? to the Forks to be joined there by an Interpreter from Mr Still & to proceed direct to Red Lake for the purpose of Trading Sugar procuring Birch Rind &c for Canoe repairs also to get the Indians to make one or 2 large Canoes as they will be much wanted here - told Mr Greill if he met our Men returning from Jack river with Goods & had 4 kegs of Spirits he might take one also 30 lb Tobacco. The Ammunition & other Goods he is to receive at Fort Douglas from Mr Stitt: also sent away in Company Mr Perran & Benj Gun to the Forks for Sail & some ammunition. Assiniboyne & his Brother also went with them to the Forks."

Mar. 7
" Saturday at 3 PM Pisk Kipling One of the 4 Men I sent away 2 Jan. to fetch goods from Oxford House arrived he says his three? Companions will be here tomorrow. They have only equal to 140 lb each sled of 3 Good Dogs. Mr Kirknefs writes us they could? take no more. he met the Beaver Creek men of ours about 20 Miles below Norway house going for Goods. only one keg of Rum brought. none to spare below so we shall be very badly off in this river to trade Beat Meat & the few furs we may expect the Indians to kill - Pisk left 2 of the Beaver Creek men at Norway Ho. to come away the Day after he left it. Mr Thomas 3 men got lost 6 days at Mannetobaw Lake in going down. - &we learn that our Beaver Creek Canadians traded part of their Provisions they had for their Journey to fetch goods with Mr Cummins the Canadian Master at Partridge Crofs Lake House by a Letter from YF 12th Jan. Me William Sinclair has been twice tapped for the Dropsey & was not then expected to live 14 Days. 3 Men has then got the Scurvy at YF. very little fresh provisions & they were afraid as that pest had made its appearance so soon that most of the people may be alike affected before the Geese & Deer ? in the Month of May. about 30 of those? in the Ship going home have been sent to the Gods Lake & other Inland places to
live for the Winter. no Provisions at Oxford House or the Depot. just before Pisk left Holy Lake 2 Men arrived from Gordon House with the only 2 Kegs of Spirits there, perhaps our Beaver Creek men may get them to bring up as they will be much wanted. We learn that Cumberland House the Trade will fall far short of last year. They are all worse off than usual in Provisions - at Moose Lake very little Trade is expected from it - at Swan river the Trade will fall as it is said considerably short of last year but Norway House will something exceed former years. 7 Murons who intended going to England in our Ship came up to Norway House some of them frost bit & perhaps they will not proceed for Red River where they intended. The Ship went to Hudsons straits which was blocked up with Ice & returned - no account here yet of the Moose river Ship getting home. Magnus Spence and Party pitched away for the white Horse plain to settle. The Little Sonneau & wife went to French House & came over here for more Credit but as he is still due us 21 Skins I would advance him no more till he cleared his? fall Debt. he told me 3 Days ago they had all returned from the Mandan villages accompanied by one Man of theirs? - and that they had Smoaked with the 8 Chiefs & that there was now good friendship between them. and our Inds. propose hunting Beaver in the upper parts of the Sooree river where they say there is still a good number. The very fat fall Indian I saw when at the Mandan Villages Feb. 1813, was killed by his Country people 5 Days before the Crees reached them - or about the 12th last Month. The Mandans say that many of the Americans are low down the Missouri & that they learn they are in the Spring coming up to make a Trading post at their Villages where Mefs Clark & Lewis wintered in 1804-05 - The Sioux are to join them in Spring to make war on the Stone Indians: The Mandan now at the Cree Tents 40 Miles off will soon return. some others came with him from the villages but their wives prevailed on them to return. our Inds. say some of the Mandans have from 6 to 10 Guns - and every Man one at least - keeping them carefully for Defence. Men laid up meat."

Mar. 8
" Sunday Our 3 other men came here from Jack river. at 7PM. 3 Days from Big Point House. very warm weather the Ground now bare of snow in many places on the hillocks - Mr McDermont has taken 7 Quarts of Spirits out of the only keg we have between this post & Beaver Creek tho' he has near one 10 Gallon keg of Spirits at his House alone?. Mr Greill met our Men & got from them 20 fathoms of Tobacco."

Mar. 9
" Monday Thawed much the plains almost entirely bare of snow. heavy rain yesterday afternoon - Snow on the Ground on the level this winter 7 Days ago only 6 1/4 Inches which is the least I have ever observed these 30 years past. The Inds. say it is deep 1/2 way between this & the Mandan Villages. Yorstons Guide went back yesterday. Men variously employed, could not hawl any firewood for want of Snow. Old Peltier our hunter came here and made him a small present according to agreement when he left off hunting - he & some other freemen are going to pitch near our Old House 3 Miles below."

Mar. 10
" Tuesday Very thawey weather so soon in the Season - ground almost all clear of Snow except in Deep Creek & the woods - Men cut firewood - in the evening Snow fell 1 1/2 Inches & froze hard - Much water on the River Ice."

Mar. 11
" Wednesday 2 Men hawling firewood acrofs the river & 2 cutting it - Sent Pisk to his Fathers Tent with a Keg & Letter to McDermont to return us the Rum he took out of our keg in passing: at 8 PM 7 Crees came here who have lately been at the Mandans they brot very little with them coming principally for Ammunition to shoot Beaver with in the Sooree river when it break up of Ice. Vivier, Fallerdeau & the two Azures? freemen pitched to the French House & going away soon to hunt Beaver. On Sunday 2 NW men came from the Forks with 4 kegs Salt"

Mar. 12
" Thursday The 4 Men here employed as yesterday: Traded with the Indians what little they had & advanced them a little Credit. Those who went to Oxford House for Goods resting themselves. In the afternoon Mr Laidlaw, Currie came here from Beaver Creek House. they had been at the NW House at Riviere Qu'Appelle to claim any of the Colony property, but they found none, most probably the NWC had concealed it - they brot me down 5 odd volumns of Books the NW plundered from Mannetobaw Lake house 22d Sept. last year or 1816."

Mar. 13
" Friday - 2 Men hawling wood acrofs the river. made 483 lb Pimmican? for Mr Laidlaw to take down to Fort Douglas. That the Plowers may be certain of having provisions. George McRae one of our Men he very much wishes to have as he is a very good plowman, let him have him & he is to send us up anothr man in his place. Paid Jack Spense off for hunting for us 5/6 each cow at the Invoice price & find the Ammunition."

Mar. 14
" Saturday Early this Morning Mr Laidlaw & 2 Men went away for Fort Douglas & took the Pimmican with them. They are to go by Manetoba house to get a Horse from there. a very cold morng? & Strong wind at NW & Clear. The men variously employed."

Mar. 15
" Sunday. James Rofs & John Easter came from Charles Fidlers House with 2 Sleds & brought all the Furs traded there - Charles had sent these two Men on Pitch hunting but they found none? after being away 3 days."

Mar. 16
" Monday Sent away 5 of our Men with those who came here yesterday to hawl here the provisions at Charles Fidlers house as we cannot get it here by water. 2 Men here hawling firewood."

Mar. 17
" Tuesday Men here as yesterday. Marceau & Francois two of our Beaver Creek men came here from Jack river with Goods they left there 5 Days after our Men. another Canadian of ours came here from Mannetobaw to send him back again as we have already more than the Trade will support. at 8 PM 3 Men came from Beaver Creek House in two Days for Goods."

Mar. 18
" Wednesday Sent the Canadian back & 1 Man with him to bring the 1/2 Roll Tob. At the Mannetobaw Hunting Tent & our Man met Papin the Smith with it. he has been at the Doctor at Pambina. & his hand is a great deal better to put him to work to make Charcoal - the kiln was built up last fall - only one Man home in the Morning. Learnt that most part of the Goods we left with Mr Nolen at the Forks last fall - had part been used by him & the rest transferred to Mr Graham."

Mar. 19
" Thursday Sent away the Smith & one Man to burn charcoal. The Beaver Creek men went back with Goods. The Man at home cut firewood."

Mar. 20
" Friday Poitras the Canadian Master here came over with Pierro he said Mr Leith had written him to tell me that Pierro knew where the Cannon was hidden & I was obliged to promise him 10 Skins to shew us the place when the Snow goes off the Ground."

Mar. 21
" Saturday at 2 PM 7 of our Men came from Charles Fidlers Ho. with 1200 lb Dry provisions. Charles has lately traded a considerable? quantity of Dry provisions in all 4358 lbs. Joseph Rough a Man I sent in Company with Mr Thomas Thomas for Norway House returned having been no further than Halketts House & had been lost 8 Days & eat up their provisions & could not go further."

Mar. 22
" Sunday. Sent the Men back again to Curling river House to get the provisions hawled here before the Snow goes away also sent a Man to fetch some things he left at the Manetoba hunting Tent yesterday."

Mar. 23
" Monday The Man here hawled firewood & Rough ? with the goods."

Mar. 24
" Tuesday The 2 Men here hawling. the Canadian Northern exprefs arrived from Riviere Qu'appelle being later than usual. generally come here about the 12th."

Mar. 25
" Wednesday. Men as Yesterday. NW exprefs went away to Forks."

Mar. 26
" Thursday. 4 Freemen went away to hunt Beaver at Sourie."

Mar. 27
" Friday The 2 Men here always hawling wood acrofs the River."

Mar. 28
" Saturday The last of the Beaver Creek House Men came here from Oxford House with very little with them - they have been very dilitory on the Journey. 7 Murons came up with them who were in the Ship to go to England & all gone to the Colony from Big point House. 2 of them remains at Norway House. Men as before."

Mar. 29
" Sunday"

Mar. 30
" Monday Our Men came home from Curling River House with Provisions. James Rofs remains alone with Charles. all the others came here. They have got the remaining half of the Dry provi'ns? half way to the edge of the Plain. The 2 Men here hawling firewood & 2 at the Coal kiln."

Mar. 31
" Tuesday Sent back the Men with all the Sleds & Dogs to fetch here the remainder of the Provisions. Charles & Rofs to remain till the Indians return from Hunting Beaver. & then come here by water about the 10 May. The 4 Beaver Creek men went to their House with Tobacco &c. Old Dechamp & Son went away it is said to conceal themselves for fear of being apprehended as they both are very bad people and very deeply concerned in the Mafsacre at Fort Douglas 1816 - & in the plunder of all our Houses. Rain & the Snow ? very much. Several Crees from half way bank came here on their way to the Sourie to kill Beaver."

Apr. 1 1818
" Wednesday. Supplied the Indians in Ammunition & Tob. & some other articles. Smith repairing Indian Guns &c. The Ground bare of Snow in many places. Mag. Spense & Son came here from below for some of their things also the 2 Men sent sometime ago to Pambina for Salt. The Ground being nly? clear of snow they only brought 36 lb & 23 lb Powder. Mr Perran lost all his Salt coming up. Mr Greill & Kerleer at Pambina & cannot get a Guide to conduct them to Red Lake to trade sugar. he got 2 Galls Spirits from Mr Still & 21 fm Tobacco from Pisk on the way. also Ammunition at the Forks. Ice broke up in Red river at Fort Dair being very early in the Season."

Apr. 2
" Thursday. Our Men came home with the last of Charles Fidlers provisions in all 4358 lb. Magnus Spense went down to the Forks. The 2 Men home variously employed."

Apr. 3
" Friday Geese first seen here. The Men drying the provisions brot home lately. Cut nose Son came in only 5 Skins."

Apr. 4
" Saturday. Sent away Mr Perran & 1 Man to Beaver creek Ho.? with the most of the Salt we have. The Indian returned. 2 Men came here from Beaver Creek House 2 Hours after Mr Perran went away; the Smith is now come that I sent for sometime ago to go down to the Colony as they have no person there who can work Farming Work - and he was at Beaver Creek House without Tools & was not required there - and he will be very necefsary for the Colony till Spring the Boats goes down from this."

Apr. 5
" Sunday. Marceau our Man from above returned: Most all the Snow gone."

Apr. 6
" Monday - The men employed cutting & carrying out to the River stuff for a Garden fence."

Apr. 7
" Tuesday Sent 2 Men down to the Forks with the Smith as they very much require him there - Sent 2 Men away to see the place where the Cannon & box of Ball is concealed to give the man 10 Skins for showing it as he demanded that before he would go with our Men. all the rest of the Men quenching the Charcoal Kiln. The Cooper busily employed hewing staves for 10 Gallon Rundlets as there is plenty of wood here for that purpose. the whole may be made in the Country & the expense saved of having Kegs from England."

Apr. 8
" Wednesday. The Men got the Charcoal all acrofs the River.Mr Greille & P? Pace? came here the former could not proceed to Red Lake to Trade sugar &c as the Snow was off the Ground. Gerber remains at the Forks he has a swelled Knee. Pisk & Man returned having been shewn the Cannon 1 Mile below the old Pine fort. covered with brush wood Mr Stitts? & Colony men has just returned from Norway House."

Apr. 9
" Thursday - Two men busily employed splitting Iron & drawing it out into rods to make Nails for our Boats above. 2 Pulling Oakum. & the others made Pimmican 31 Bags. The Frogs began to croak - Much water on the river Ice"

Apr. 10
" Friday Made 75 Bags of Pimmican This 2 Days. little beat Meat now left - Engaged old Peltier to take down the Cannon to the Forks for 15 Skins."

Apr. 11
" Saturday. Cooper & 2 in the Forge daily employed there. The rest of the men packed 16 Bundles of Furs. water very low & no Snow"

Apr. 12
" Sunday. a very hot day & Strong wind at South. Ice in the river moved a little. being about a Week sooner than usual."

Apr. 13
" Monday. Finished packing 22 Packs all we have at present procured. 2 Men cleaning out the yard. Smith & Coopers work as last week."

Apr. 14
" Tuesday. One of our Horses died this morning. finished packing our furs in the outer prefs, 871 £ Value."

Apr. 15
" Wednesday. Men variously employed. Joseph Azure came home he was up the Soorie River to hunt Beaver but I suppose that he was afraid of the Indians to the Southward."

Apr. 16
" Thursday. Men as before & finished making Pegs for the Stockades as they must be reput up again being in very bad order, many wanting & the infilling pieces all burnt by the NWC & Freemen last year."

Apr. 17
" Friday. Pisk caulked our old small Boat but have no pitch or Tar to put on her. Ice moved a little. Men variously employ'd."

Apr. 18
" Saturday. Ice driving. Men as yesterday. finished making 1550 Batteaux nails 25 lb? and every scrap of Iron we have worked up for that purpose. water rose about 2 feet perpendicular this last week."

Apr. 19
" Sunday. Our 2 Men came back from the Forks & brought up the Mens Debts to enter in our Book here. & they brought 12 3/4 lb old Iron from Mr Still."

Apr. 20
" Monday. Men variously employed & Caulked the Large Boat. Mr Perran & one Man came from Beaver Creek House for Nails to finish their Batteaux they have built 4 & require two More yet. Mr Sutherland has returned from Cumberland Ho. & is expected here about 10 May. a Large Packet of Letters has lately come from Albany addressed to Mr Bird. & Mr Still keeps them all at the Forks instead of sending them up here to be expeditiously forwarded to Their addrefs. - The News from the Northern Settlements are from the following extract of a Letter to me now received - "Mr Clark has at last got out of the hands of the Philistians, he was carried up Peace River Prisoner by the infamous Black, but soon after the Ice took Jn McGillivray liberated him and sent him to the Athapescow Lake, on passing the NW House there, he called in, and Keith again made him prisoner for about a Month our people tried to bail him out but without effect, Keith at last sent him to Isle a la Crofse, where Thompson liberated him, he then got some of our People & Proceeded to Mr Prudens where he now resides - Mefs Decoygne, R. McVicar & McAwley got to the Athapescow late in the fall, & built houses at the old Place alongside the fishing place; Black & a party of 24 Men was immediately sent to build alongside and they closely watch all their Motions; our people cannot go to shoot a Partridge but they are escorted by a party of the NW consequently they have not seen an Indian nor will they see any. Mr McAwley was the bearer of Letters from thence now remains at the Moose Lake - Mr McKenzie is at the Isle a la Crofse with about 30 Men but has not got a particle of Goods, even short of the Necefsary Articles to support themselves. They are also closely watched by the NW. yet McKenzie says he could get a few Skins if he had any goods to give for them. Mr McFarlane is at Green Lake neighbor to the infernal A. McDonell. little or nothing is to be done there but from the plain Indians & McFarlane gets his share. McDonell has got about 15 Halfbreeds about him it is reported he intends to come down through the plains with them this spring. he has been through? Primo the Interpreter trying to engage some Indians to accompany him & told them he had still some little businefs to settle in this River it is uncertain whether he intends more mischief or? is he afraid of his person & wishes to have an escort to convey him to the Missourie River so as he may be able to escape to the Americans. - Mr Lewis winters at Red Deers Lake & Smith & Young Sinclair proceeded to lefser Slave Lake, no news has been heard from them, nor is it known whether the goods taken at that place has been given up or not. Stewart? on passing Cumberland House said the whole should be restored, but I think it is not likely as nothing has been given up at the Athapescow or the Isle a la Crofse - Mr Heron is at Edmonton House & made an excellent Trade in furs & Provisions in the fall but very little since - Mr Pruden has got in the fall a considerable quantity of Provis. the Buffalo has been scarse with him consequently he has consumed a great quantity of Dry provisions, still the returns of Provisions from the Saskatchewan will be abundant. at Cumberland House they are living very poorly and I doubt they will starve in the Spring as they have no Stock under hand. Their fur trade will also be far short of the usual Quantity. Mefs Holmes & Chestellain are at Pelican Lake with about 30 Men. They are merely living on fish & procuring very few furs + early in the Winter the NW Master Fobisher came to their Indians & tied them hand & feet & lashed them on their Sleds & Hawled them off. Mr C. Thomas with 12 or 15 Men is at or near the Cranberry Lake doing very little. Mr J. Cook is at Moose Lake has thro' negligence starved most part of the winter & will not make 3 Packs." "

Apr. 21
" Tuesday. 6 Men began to take down our Stockades to put them up better & make the yard smaller. Much Ice driving down the River & many drownded Buffalo. The other men variously emp'd."

Apr. 22
" Wednesday. Mr Perran & man returned to Beaver Creek Ho. with 1550 Batteaux Nails. Pisk also accompanied them he is to return soon. The Men at the Stockades & 3 Men these 3 Days cutting down infilling pieces - Lafrane & 8 Indians arriv'd very little with them - Several freemen came to French Ho. from Sugar making - Yesterday 3 Canadians & 3 Carts came here from Riviere Qu'apelle with Bark Pitch &c? to repair their Canoes at the Forks."

Apr. 23
" Thursday. The 6 Men at the Stockades - 2 in Smiths Shop - 1 at Staves & 3 cutting down wood for the Stockades - a very strong gale at SW - Indians traded what little they had & went away. gave the Frane a Chief a 6 qt Keg of Rum as he has paid off all his Credit - also gave 3 Indians 3 Skins each on credit."

Apr. 24
" Friday. Men at the Stockades & the Murons finished their part, 3 Men cutting down infilling pieces: Cold weather & the water falling fast: The 6 Crees on Beaver hunting has now been away 32 Days & they expected to be 48 before they came to the House, up the Soorie river."

Apr. 25
" Saturday The NW Canoe & 2 Men went down to the Forks with Birch rind, Pitch & Roots to repair their Canoes there: The 3 Men came home from the woods they have cut down 700 Short Stockades for a Small Garden. others as before."

Apr. 26
" Sunday. on Friday Gerber & a Canadian Came here from the Forks in 4 Days with a Letter from Albany to Mr Bird but it is now impofsible for him to get it till the Navigation is open. Mr Still should have sent it here long since as it has been at his House at the Forks of this River."

Apr. 27
" Monday Smith making cealing Nails for the Boat to put in at the Forks. The 3 Scotch men only finished their equal side of the Stockades. 3 Men boated home wood for Garden fence & Kegs. ? Indians came here from Charles Fidlers house. They left him 8 Days ago & have killed very few Beaver coming down the river and obliged to thro' away their new Canoe broken to pieces in coming down the Rapid River so very shoal. Charles is to leave his House as soon as the other Indians arrive who is building a Small Canoe for him. Water falling off 3 Inches daily.

Apr. 28
" Tuesday Loaded & sent away the Selkirk with 170 pieces of Sundries; before the water becomes very shoal. Benj Gun now refuses to steer his down & Mr Greill must do it as there is only Young hands here. They got down 1 mile with some difficulty & then obliged to send our other Boat to carry part of her cargo. 7 Men now with the 2 Boats. Sent down the Cooper to finish the Keg wood at the Forks - Tom Kipling came here from Mannetobaw. says the Indians are killing one another there about a Woman. also recieved a Letter from Mr Halcro at Fort Dauphin 2d Inst."

Apr. 29
" Wednesday. Mr Greill came here this morning short of the Old House & sent with him two More Men to assist down with the Boats. Cleared way the Rubbish about the House."

Apr. 30
" Thursday. Strong Gale at N & very cold - Plain all on fire last Night. a Cree came here for us & the NW to fetch Beaver skins about 20 Miles off. as? the first crees are left off Killing beaver They say for want off ammunition - The 2 Murons took down the SE bastion to put up in another place as the Stockades has been removed from it in contracting our Yard."

May 1 1818
" Friday. Sent 2 Men away in Company with the NW Men 2 Horses & Carts to fetch the Skins - Pisk also came here from Beaver Creek House in 3 Days & brot us down a Horse from there. He reports that 12 Mandan Indians had been at the Canadian House at Qu'Appelle river a few Days ago & say that the great body of them is coming to war when the new Grafs is about 2 Inches long. Sent one Man down to the Soorie to speak to the people in the Boats that they may leave the Keg wood but he did not see them they having passed: Smith made 300 nails for a small Batteaux to crofs the river in. cold weather: 2 Murons putting up the SE Bastion."

May 2
" Saturday. at 9 AM our People the NW & Indians came here with about 200 Beaver Skins. we got 126 of them. gave the Indians 2 Quarts Spirits. Men as yesterday. Yorstons Guide the NW Chief is a very troublesome quarrelsome fellow. Traded only 4 skins in Liquor; The Indians wishing to Trade Cloth Blankets &c for their Families."

May 3
" Sunday Wrote & sent a Letter by a freemans wife who says our people are not yet 10 miles down the River to leave all the keg wood to lighten the Boats. very Cold weather. Indians drinking a little. Lafrane an Indian came here with 1 otter skin."

May 4
" Monday. Sent back Tom Kipling to Mannetobaw with one of our Horses to fetch some Goods to trade as I soon expect a few Indians here with a few Beaver Skins. Dugald McDonald came here from our 2 Boats for a saw having broke a hole in one of them. Sent Pisk Kipling with him to repair her & accompany them to the Pine Fort over the first shoals. Men finished the Watch House & carried up wood for Garden fence."

May 5
" Tuesday. Part of the Indians pitched away & 4 young Men went to the Canadian House with a few Skins they have killed up the Soorie River. The other 3 Men expected in a few Days. Men fencing in the Garden 3 Rails high - Charles Fidler & Jas Rofs an Indian & his wife came here from Curling River House; they have been 5 Days on the Journey. Jn Lyons & family remain at the House he is soon expected here. Charles Traded? a Canoe & brot here - Water very shoal in the Rapid river."

May 6
" Wednesday. Men as yesterday. & packed 3 more packs of Furs. All the Indians pitched away about 5 miles off where there is an encampment of near 200 tents of Stone Indians besides several of Crees. Made up Charles Fidlers Account and find he has cleared 73 £ besides paying the 5 Mens wages for the whole Year. - Pisk returned having repaired the Boat left the principal part of the keg wood which greatly lightened the Boat. & he went below the pine fort with them . John Lyons & an Ind. came here yesterday - proposed? to him to steer a Boat down to Martins fall for 12 £ & his family & Horses to be taken care? off here all summer Gratis."

May 7
" Thursday. Lyons & the Indian returned - 2 Men in the Garden & sowed various kinds of small seeds no potatoes here. Smith repairing Axes &c. water falling regularly now about 1 Inch daily. The other men variously employed."

May 8
" Friday. Men employed about the Garden."

May 9
" Saturday. The 4 Men making wood hinges &c for West Gates. 2 Cut sods to cover our House: The 3 other Beaver Hunters arriv'd got from them a few Beaver. Their ammunition they said was out very soon - or they would have killed more."

May 10
" Sunday Traded with the Inds. & they paid their Debts. at 10 AM Mr McDermont & T Kipling came from Big point Ho. with a little Goods for us. he says he has 500 & Mr Halcro 600 £ worth of Furs Traded & expect to make no more this spring. The Indians he says are making a deal of Sugar but that Mr Halcro will not allow him to give more than 14 Skins in Ammunition about 14/ value for one Cwt?. - Mr Monkman & family lately gone for the Forks to settle."

May 11
" Monday Men employed cutting sods & laying them on the Houses & an Indian came here with some drest leather & dry provisions. he says an Indian has come from Riviere Qu'Appelle yesterday & that the NW had then embarked but not any of our people & as the water is becoming shoaler daily I fear they will have a bad job in coming down - The Stone Indians near here are quarreling among themselves & have killed 13 Horses. also 1 Cree is wounded. Packed our last Bundle the 26 of furs the whole value is 1125 46.4 [I think this is 1125 pounds 46 shillings and 4 pence] being the greatest by nearly half there has been got here these several years we have 7 2/3 Packs of Beaver skins. Charles & Pisk at Pit saw, cutting wood for Watch Houses &c."

May 12
" Tuesday. these 2 Days 2 Men hanging & the west Gates. others cut sods & laying them on the Houses. The Indian went away - Yesterday 2 Canadians came from the Forks. warm weather these 2 days."

May 13
" Wednesday. Finished covering the Houses with sod - Smith doing various jobs - & repaired 2 Axes for an Indian - & a Gunlock & Hatchet for old Kipling. Charles & Pisk finished the Stairs & platform of the SE watch house & 2 Murons the NW one. watered the Gardens & cut wood to saw for Covering for NW watch House. Old Peltier & other Freemen going away for the Forks, he cannot get back any of the 5 horses the Stone Indians Stole from Him - Mr McDermont & G. Kipling went back Tom Remained here to meet Mr Sutherland who is daily expected."

May 14
" Thursday - Thumby & several Crees came here & returned to their Tents at rapid about 9 miles from this above. Men variously employed."

May 15
" Friday - Finished sawying Roofing for the NW bastion & put it on. 12 Stone Indians slept here. They I imagine are going on some thieving excursion for Horses &c.: heard that 9 French Batteaux had arrived at the rapid above with above 20 Horses & 4 Carts from Riviere Qu'Appelle."

May 16
" Saturday - Men variously employed. Mr Haldane with one Batteaux came to their House here from Riviere Qu'Appelle, all the rest of their Batteaux below the Rapid: he says our Batteaux are loaded at Beaver Creek House 6th Inst. waiting the arrival of Mr Sutherland from Swan River - The Canadians came from our House 8th Inst. & find the River very shoal - All the Crees pitched here."

May 17
" Sunday - All the Crees crofsed the river & went to the Sooree to Fish - & make a weir."

May 18
" Monday - I understand the French Batteaux has upwards of 90 Pieces each - & they are large. I am afraid our people will have a bad job as they are heavier loaded & the Batteaux smaller - Sent 8 Men acrofs the River to saw wood to make a crofsing Batteaux. & to get wood for Carts to be made in Summer if James Inkster comes here to carry up Goods in the fall by hand as I fear very little will be got up by water - These 2 last Years the river has been very shoal - these several latter years deep. The 2 Men at Home planted abt 1 pint of Indian Corn all we had here: The Stone Indians about 120 Tents are pitching NE towards Pine Creek. The English Lad an Ind. came here from Curling River. the Stone Ind. has stolen one of their Horses. The Canadian Batteaux all came here. They are 33 feet long & 5 feet 9 Inches wide & have about 95 pieces each. They have left 300 Bags of pimmican at Qu'Appelle. could not bring it down for want of deeper water."

May 19
" Tuesday. 8 Men as yesterday & 2 home variously employed. they? Planted Indian corn - Canadians repaired their Batteaux."

May 20
" Wednesday. The 9 Canadian Batteaux embarked early this Morn. for the Forks. about 1 AM some Stone Indians set fire to the French stockades, on purpose to thieve their Horses confined there in the night; but luckily one of the Mens wives went out soon after and discovered it when 4 Pickets was burnt and got it put out: they now keep watch at night & we do the same. two men in each of the two Bastions. Men as yesterday - set fire to the Grafs near the House to make in summer better feeding for them - a very hot Day. The Horse we lately received from Beaver Creek died suddenly being quite well yesterday. This is the 4th Horse we have lost in this Manner. one the Indians stole & one left at the Mandan Villages last fall; so that we have lost more horses this year than? we? have done for these last 5 years here - many of the Canadian horses died in this Sudden Manner the Summer 1816 at the Forks below."

May 21
" Thursday Mr Haldane the Canadian Master & 10 Men went by Land with Carts & Horses to the Forks. They have 10 Men Summering at their House at Riviere Qu'Appelle & 6 Here with Poitras the Master. The NW put all their Horses on our side the River to keep them from being stolen by the Stone Indians & 4 or 5 Men constantly keep watch over them with their Guns. 8 Men at the woods as usual the other 2 here employed about the House."

May 22
" Friday. Smith & the other Man put up a Coal house. The others at the woods as usual. Water rising a little. Wednesday & Thursday a Strong wind."

May 23
" Saturday Men as before & came home at 2 PM for Rain."

May 24
" Sunday. Strong Gale at SW & flying showers of Rain. Traded 6 Sturgeon from Indians."

May 25
" Monday Very heavy Gale at WSW. 2 Men rafted here some Cart wood - 6 at the Woods collecting cartwood &c - 2 here finished mudding the Coal House & cleand out the Stable and the Smith afterwards repairing old Scythes & making furniture for them. Canadians still always keep their Horses between 30 & 40 on our side the river."

May 26
" Tuesday. Mefs Sutherland & Finlayson arrived here from Swan River. Their 5 Boats left a few Miles above, expectd here tomorrow. The Beaver Creek 6 Batteaux they left near that House."

May 27
" Wednesday. In the Afternoon the Boats arrived here."

May 30
" Saturday. The 5 Boats embarked for the Forks."

May 31
" Sunday. at 10 AM Mr Sutherland & Self went away for the Forks. The Men left here for the Summer are James Inkster, Charles Fidler, James Anderson - Peter Henderson: Finlay Murray & a half breed hired for the Summer Carts to be made and a Dwelling House to be put up. The Stone Indians 120 Tents pitching away. The Beaver Creek Batteaux got down to the Rapid 9 Miles off - Pimmican much wet - water falling daily."

June 8 1818
" Monday - Arrived at the Forks, and learn that the whole of the Settlers have sown 150 Bushels wheat. 40 of Barley & planted 450 Kegs of Potatoes. The Murons have worked well."

June 13
" Saturday A Canoe of ours arrived with letters from Montreal principally manned by Irroque Indians."

June 14
" Sunday The Canoe Letters, Newspapers &c was dispatched for Mr Bird the Governor at Norway House late Jack River. Mr Graham returned safely from the Sioux Country some time ago leaving no person at the House. but the Bungees here don't like any of the Traders should go up there again."


"P Fidler"

1M17 B.22/a/20

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