This is a virtually complete transcription of the Buckingham House Journal from 1792-93 by Alex Nicol


" Journal of Occurences and Transactions
in 1792 - 93 by William Tomison."

July 25 1792
" Wednesday Wind SW a fresh breeze first part clear latter part cloudy with heavy rain. - At noon embarked for the upper Settlements with 4 Canoes in company . Padled and Tracked till 8 PM then put up 16 miles from the Factory."

July 26
" Thursday Wind Northerly a stiff gale with rain at times. at 7 AM we embarked and Tracked till 6 PM & put up 4 miles short of Steel river. met 2 Canoes of Bungee Indians on their journey to the Factory."

July 27
" Friday Wind Southerly fresh breezes hot weather. at 6 AM got underway & Tracked till 6 1/2 PM and put up 16 miles up Steel river."

July 28
" Saturday Wind SW weather as yesterday. at 5 AM we Embarked and Tracked till 7 PM and put up 4 miles up the Hill river. the water very low with a strong rapiddy current."

July 29
" Sunday Wind SW a stiff breeze till noon afterwards cloudy with Thunder and rain - at 6 AM we embarked and Tracked till 4 PM and put up."

July 30
" Monday Wind NE a fresh gale with Thunder and Rain all day, could not proceed. a few Deer crofsing the river but the badnefs of the weather prevented us for getting any."

July 31
" Tuesday Wind Southerly a moderate breeze clear weather. at 6 1/2 AM we proceeded and Tracked till 3 PM then carried over the first carrying place, here we found 7 Canoes waiting for us, the other 6 having gone a head this morning we went a little way and put up."

Aug. 1 1792
" Wednesday Wind SW a stiff gale clear weather at 6 AM 6 Canoes went ahead so as not to encumber one another upon the Carrying or handing places, John Ballenden being lame of a sore hand obliges me to wait the arrival of Mr Sutherland & Rofs which arrived at noon, did not embark as it blowed very hard."

Aug. 2
" Thursday Wind in the West quarter moderate with clear weather. at 4 AM we proceeded handed, Paddled & Carried till 7 PM and put up above the Hill or Chauk-et-en-naw. Put Malchom Grott to steer John Ballenden's Canoe he being rendered unfit for that duty."

Aug. 3
" Friday Wind Northerly a small breeze cloudy with small rain till noon, afterwards clear. at 4 AM we proceeded Paddled handed and carried till 6 1/2 PM and put up upon the Swampy carrying place water very shoal."

Aug. 4
" Saturday Wind variable with clear weather till noon afterwards heavy rain - at 5 AM we proceeded as yesterday till noon then obliged to put up upon the last carrying place in this river. "

Aug. 5
" Sunday Wind variable from N to SSW light breezes clear fine weather. - At 4 AM we embarked Paddled and handed till noon then got to the Swampy Lake, here we put up to dry our Canoes as also to wait for 3 Canoes that is behind. 5 Canoes went from here this morning and the others arrived 2 hours before us, at 4 PM those behind came up all well Thank God."

Aug. 6
" Monday Wind NW b W a strong gale with rain at times. could not embark blowing too hard."

Aug. 7
" Tuesday Wind SSW a fresh breeze clear and cloudy alternate. at 3 AM we embarked Paddled, handed and Carryed till 2 1/2 PM and put up at the Mouth of Maskeech e-quan or Knee Lake. 6 Canoes went from here this morning sett a small fishing Net but had no Luck."

Aug. 8
" Wednesday Wind NE a fresh gale with rain all last night and most part of this day. at 3 PM we embarked Paddled till 10 PM and put up about 20 miles thro' the Lake. at 6 1/2 PM parted with Mr Sutherland and Rofs."

Aug. 9
" Thursday Wind SbE light breezes fine weather. at 4 AM we proceeded at 3 PM carried over the Trout fall and put up upon the carrying place above."

Aug. 10
" Friday Wind variable with Thunder and rain at times. at 4 1/2 AM we embarked and at 5 AM obliged to put ashore it rained very hard. at 9 again got underway, Paddled & handed till 6 PM then put up at the Pee-thee-paw-win-na-pee Lake, here we joined those that went ahead several of them Lame."

Aug. 11
" Saturday Wind variable from W to ESE light breezes cloudy weather. - at 3 AM we embarked, Paddled & Saild till 6 PM & put up, had 2 handing & 2 Carrying places this day. 6 Canoes did not come up."

Aug. 12
" Sunday Wind NE light breezes cloudy with rain from 9 last night untill 4 this morning. at 5 AM we embarked, Paddled & carried till 8 PM & put up upon the white fall. the Canoes that was behind came up but did not carry over. a few Indians tenting from which I got 50 lbs of Provisions."

Aug. 13
" Monday Wind Northerly fresh breezes clear and cloudy alternate. Lay by to dry wet things, also on account of the Sick man as the Surgeon gave him some Medecine."

Aug. 14
" Tuesday Wind Southerly light breezes clear weather. at 4 1/2 AM got underway & at 11 AM came in to Each-e-wa-mam-is & paddled till 7 1/2 PM and put up. 4 Canoes did not come up. Wm Tate in a very bad situation cannot put his cloaths on or off and carried out and into the Canoe."

Aug. 15
" Wednesday Wind WSW fresh breezes weather as Yesterday at 4 AM we embarked & went till 6 PM and put up in the Sea River, had 1 Carrying place this Day."

Aug. 16
" Thursday Fresh gales from ESE cloudy weather. At 4 AM got underway Paddled till noon then put up at the Rendevouze Lake to wait for the Canoes that is behind, in the evening they came up. Wm Tate no better than before."

Aug. 17
" Friday wind variable from SE to WNW first part a Thick fogg Latter part Stormy with rain. at 4 AM we embarked at 9 AM obliged to put ashore as the wind & swell Increased with heavy rain which seperated the Canoes in 2 & 3 in a place."

Aug. 18
" Saturday Wind variable from NW to NE with a continuance of wind and rain till the afternoon then pretty moderate and at 5 PM we embarked and paddled with a help of the sail till 11 PM then put up. 7 Canoes did not come up, the other 8 a little way behind."

Aug. 19
" Sunday Wind variable from E to SE and blew fresh. at 4 AM we embarked, Paddled and saild till 8 AM then Obliged to put ashore as the wind and swell increased. Wm Tate still unable to help himself."

Aug. 20
" Monday Wind SSE a strong Gale clear weather could not proceed."

Aug. 21
" Tuesday Wind variable cloudy with rain in the afternoon. at 6 AM with some difficulty got the Canoes loaded & got underway went till 2 PM then obliged to put up as it rained very fast, at 3 PM the other Canoes came up."

Aug. 22
" Wednesday Wind NE fresh breezes cloudy with rain at times. at 7 AM embarked, Paddled & saild till 6 PM then put up at the Great Rapid."

Aug. 23
" Thursday Light airs from the North cloudy weather. at 5 1/2 AM we proceeded up the Rapid finding it practicable and for safty of the men and the Companies' property I ordered six men to each Canoe but unfortunatly William Allen Lost hold of the Canoe, and James Morrwick caught him by the arm and head, he again took hold of the Canoe, and the others told him to keep his hold, as he was obliged to let him go to save the Canoe, but he again Let go and was seen no more. at 7 PM got all carried over and put up. 3 French Canoes laying here waiting the arrival of 17 more for the Northward."

Aug. 24
" Friday Wind Southerly light breezes clear fine weather. at 4 1/2 AM we embarked and at 7 PM put up at the Ceader Lake."

Aug. 25
" Saturday Wind SE a stiff gale clear weather. at 4 AM got underway went 'till 8 AM then obliged to put ashore as the wind blew hard with much swell in the Lake. passed by us 20 French Canoes, 3 of which contains the Masters with their lumber, 7 or 8 men in each."

Aug. 26
" Sunday wind veer'd from SE to WSW first part cloudy with Thunder and rain Latter part blew hard. at 3 AM we embarked and Paddled till 7 PM and put up upon a very small Island not being able to get to the main shore as the wind shifted to WNW and blew very hard."

Aug. 27
" Monday Wind WbN a strong gale clear and cloudy alternate with flying showers could not proceed. Wlliam Tate still continues helplefs."

Aug. 28
" Tuesday Wind WNW weather as Yesterday could not proceed."

Aug. 29
" Wednesday Wind & weather as before till 3 PM at 6 PM we embarked and paddled 'till 1 AM then enterd Saskechewan river."

Aug. 30
" Thursday Wind SE fresh breezes cloudy with rain in the afternoon. Paddled till 5 PM then put up as it rained hard."

Aug. 31
" Friday Wind NW a strong Gale with flying showers of rain. at 5 AM embarked and paddled 'till 7 PM and put up, very much tired with paddling against wind & current."

Sept. 1 1792
" Saturday Wind as Yesterday but more moderate. at 4 1/2 AM embarked went 'till 8 AM and came to U-pas-qui-aw where we stoped 'till 2 PM waiting for those behind, then put off again paddled untill 6 PM and put up. Traded some shoe Leather and a small quantity of Provisions from the Bungee Indians."

Sept. 2
" Sunday Wind SW fresh breezes clear weather. at 2 AM we proceeded and paddled 'till 7 PM then put up at the Fishing weir."

Sept. 3
" Monday Wind & weather as Yesterday. at 4 AM we embarked and paddled 'till 4 PM then arrived safe at Cumberland house Thank God, found all well but little provisions all owing to the want of Brandy. The few Indians that did not go down, and was to hunt for the house, has not been seen or heard of since June 6th."

Sept. 4
" Tuesday Wind variable with rain the most part of the Day. 2 men at the Netts got 1 Sturgeon & 8 Tick ameg. Magnus Twatt and myself opening packages, in the evening 6 Canoes arrived all well. James Flett Jun. is not as yet arrived as also 2 Indian Canoes."

Sept. 5
" Wednesday Wind NW a strong gale cloudy with flying showers. sent 2 men to the Nets got 4 Sturgeon & 18 Tickameg. The rest with myself opening packages and repacking those articles not wanted at this place. the bad weather prevents us getting the Canoes repair'd."

Sept. 6
" Thursday Wind and weather as Yesterday. sent the men to the little river below to bring Provisions as the Indians could not come by water too great a swell in the Lake. they brought a good quantity considering the few of them, gave them some Brandy & they got Drunk."

Sept. 7
" Friday Wind Westerly fresh breezes cloudy weather. sent 25 Men to the Point to carry in Logs for the building, the rest repairing Canoes & packing goods for the upper Settlements. 3 Sturgeon and 17 Tickameg from the nets this Day."

Sept. 8
" Saturday Wind SW light breezes fine weather. sent 16 men to carry Logs to the building, the rest pitching Canoes in readinefs too embark tomorrow. in the evening Jas. Flett Jun., John Ward & Jas. Gaddy Jun. arrived who have given me & every man here much concern for their safty as we did not know where to go in search of them."

Sept. 9
" Sunday Wind variable Northerly light breezes clear weather. at 6 AM embarked 6 Canoes for the Upper settlements. the rest getting ready to set of tomorrow. in the evening arrived 7 Canoes from the Northward, brought a little provisions part of which they Traded for Liquor and got Drunk. at noon went over to the building, the Walls has been rais'd 6 1/2 Foot this Summer great work for 2 Men!!!"

Sept. 10
" Monday Wind ENE fresh breezes cloudy with rain till 2 PM at 3 embarked 4 Canoes for Manchester house & the rest pitching Canoes. 2 Sturgeon & 2 Tick ameg from the netts this Day."

Sept. 11
" Tuesday Wind variable a Thick fogg in the fornoon, Latter part of the Day clear. at 6 AM embarked 4 Canoes for Manchester house, being obliged to wait myself for the arrival of 2 Indian Canoes, took up the nets & set others in their room."

Sept. 12
" Wednesday Wind southerly fresh breezes clear & cloudy alternate. - 2 Men at the Nets got 14 Tickameg. cleared up the Warehouse. - paid Indians for bringing up goods and gave them a little credit. in the evening 1 Canoe arrived brought a few summer Beaver which they traded for Ammunition and other necefsaries."

Sept. 13
" Thursday Wind NW a strong gale cloudy with flying showers. the men repairing nets."

Sept. 14
" Friday Wind Westerly light breezes cloudy weather sent 2 men to the Nets got 18 Tickameg the rest repairing nets, in the evening 14 French Canoes went by to the northward. these with those that went before makes 34 the greatest number they have ever had in that part."

Sept. 15
" Saturday Wind NNE a strong gale cloudy with snow the most part of the Day. Men employ'd withindoors. William Tate very ill."

Sept. 16
" Sunday Wind NW fresh breezes cloudy weather. at 6 AM Embarked for Manchester house having waited days for 2 Indian Canoes that has got 6 bundles of Trading Goods, Stores &c &c the season being far advanced and likely to be an early fall induces me to proceed without them. I have left Magnus Twatt in charge of Cumberland house Wm Hackland, Magnus Spense Jun. and Wm Tate who is Left on account of his Illnefs. John Ballendin and Jn? Davey returns from the South Branch to winter here. Paddled 'till 6 PM then put up."

Sept. 17
" Monday Light breezes from the Northward weather as Yesterday at 5 AM we embarked went till 7 PM & put up."

Sept. 18
" Tuesday Wind WSW fresh gales clear and cloudy alternate. at 5 AM got underway Paddled and Tracked 'till 6 PM and put up. pafsed by a Canadian House built this summer about 60 miles from Cumberland house which will cut that place of for having any trade."

Sept. 19
" Wednesday Wind Westerly light breezes clear hot wea. at 5 AM we embarked paddled & Tracked till 7 PM & put up."

Sept. 20
" Thursday Wind Easterly fresh breezes cloudy with small rain embarked at 5 AM Tracked 'till 6 1/2 PM & put up."

Sept. 21
" Friday Wind WNW light breezes weather as Yesterday. at 5 1/2 AM embarked Tracked till 7 1/2 PM and put up."

Sept. 22
" Saturday Wind Westerly fresh breezes clear & cloudy alternate embarked at 6 AM Tracked till 7 PM and put up in the North branch."

Sept. 23
" Sunday Wind NW fresh breeze clear weather. at 5 AM we Proceeded & Tracked till 7 PM and put up. rapid & strong current all day."

Sept. 24
" Monday Wind and weather as yesterday. at 5 1/2 AM we embarked, Paddled & Tracked till 7 PM and put up."

Sept. 25
" Tuesday Light breezes from the SE cloudy warm weather. embarked at 5 AM Paddled and Tracked till 6 1/2 PM and put up 14 miles above Hudson House."

Sept. 26
" Wednesday Fresh gales from the South clear weather. at 5 AM embarked paddled and Tracked till 9 AM and came up with our people they have been waiting 2 Days for the return of Mr Thomas & Bird that went to the S. Branch according to order. James Spense informs me they saw 1 Tent of Indians below the Branch from which they traded 800 lbs of Provisions of sorts, also some Shoe Leather. at 4 PM Mr Thomas & Bird return'd accompanied by 2 men with the provisions left there Last spring. they inform me that Mr Walker is in a very low Condition and but little expectation of recovery. they also say that James Owman was cutt of very suddenly by a disorder in his head."

Sept. 27
" Thursday Wind variable from S to W fresh breezes clear weather. embarked at 7 AM Paddled & Tracked till 7 PM and put up. sent Mr Thomas to the S. Branch to see if any thing can be done for Mr Walker."

Sept. 28
" Friday Fresh breezes from SW clear weather. at 5 AM got underway Paddled and Tracked till 7 PM and put up the Grafs on fire upon both sides of the river."

Sept. 29
" Saturday Wind variable in the West quarter fine wea. at 5 AM embarked Proceeded as before till 7 PM and put up."

Sept. 30
" Sunday Strong breezes from the Westward clear weather. at 5 1/2 AM embarked, Tracked most part of the Day not being able to paddle against Wind and current."

Oct. 1 1792
" Monday Wind variable in the South quarter fresh breezes clear weather. at 5 AM Proceeded Paddled & Tracked till 7 PM and put up at the Turtle river. have not seen any of the other Canoes these 3 Days past."

Oct. 2
" Tuesday Strong gales from the NW clear & cloudy alternate, embarked at 6 AM Paddled and Tracked till 7 PM and put up 4 miles below the House."

Oct. 3
" Wednesday Wind SW light breezes clear weather. at 6 AM embarked paddled till 7 1/2 AM and arrived at Manchester house, found all well Nichol Allen excepted who was drowned by his own head strongnefs in offering to crofs the river upon horsback, he was thrown off and dragged ashore by the horse but he immediately mounted the horse again, notwithstanding Robert Linklater did all he could to perswade him to desist from making a second attempt, but he Plunged the horse into 15 Feet water and was seen no more."

Oct. 4
" Thursday Wind variable fresh breezes clear weather. at noon 8 Canoes arrived, also 2 Indians from the Beaver hills, brought nothing but one Black bear skin. opened some of the Packages to be left here."

Oct. 5
" Friday Wind Easterly fresh breezes foggy weather. at noon the rest of the Canoes arrived, sent 2 men along with 2 Indians on hunting acrofs the river. the Smith making hinges for Doors, the rest with myself opening & repacking Goods. in the evening 2 Indians arrived brought a few Beaver Lately killed."

Oct. 6
" Saturday Wind variable cloudy weather. the men employed Pitching Canoes and fitting bundles for Land carriage. in the evening our hunters ? brought the most part of 3 Cowbuffalo, gave them some Liquor and they got Drunk. also traded 30 Beaver from them that came Yesterday."

Oct. 7
" Sunday Wind Westerly light breezes cloudy weather. got 6 Canoes ready for going up the river as the Canadians has built a Large House near to the Moose hills. got all ready for going by Land with the Horses to convey some of the drygoods as the Water in the river is very shallow and the Canoes can only take half cargo. at 3 PM Gilbert Laughton, Robert Garson, Robert Linklater with myself set of by Land the others not willing to embark as it's Sunday. went till 8 PM and put up."

Oct. 8
" Monday Fresh gales from the SE cloudy weather. at 7 AM set off travelled till 7 PM and put up above the red Deers hills. - The Grafs all on fire which I suppose is done by the Canadians purposely as they have just gone before and no Indians hereabouts."

Oct. 9
" Tuesday Wind WNW a fresh gale weather for the most part cloudy at 7 AM we got off & travelled 'till 6 PM & put up. Saw a great number of buffalo and killed one, a little rain in the night but not enough to quench the Fire."

Oct. 10
" Wednesday Wind WSW a stiff gale clear weather. at 6 1/2 AM got of travelled till 6 PM and put up in sight of the Moose hills, saw many buffalo to day."

Oct. 11
" Thursday Wind variable clear and cloudy alternate. at 7 AM we sett of travelled till 7 1/2 PM and put up on the bank of the river. the waterway very shallow and not more than 200 Yards wide with a strong rapid current."

Oct. 12
" Friday Wind WSW light breezes cloudy weather. at 7 AM we sett of and travelled till noon then we arrived at the place where we Intend to build about 1/4 mile above the Canadian House what makes it inconvenient being far from the River and a very bad bank to ascend."

Oct. 13
" Saturday Wind variable fresh breezes cloudy weather. the 3 Men with myself getting Hatchet helves and digging a well for Water. in the evening an Ind. came for Tobacco."

Oct. 14
" Sunday Wind Easterly light breezes clear weather. at 8 AM the men arrived with the Canoes brought the goods up on horses. at 2 PM 7 Men arrived by Land with goods and provisions. those that came by water say that the river is very shallow and the Stones very sharp which have damaged the Canoes much."

Oct. 15
" Monday Wind WNW fresh gales clear weather. sent 2 Men to fetch a little meat that an Indian killed Yesterday the rest falling and carrying in Logs for building."

Oct. 16
" Tuesday Wind NW light breezes clear weather. sent 2 men to fetch birchrind taken in the summer. 2 Men hewing sleepers 2 men digging for them and the rest falling Logs and carrying in for building."

Oct. 17
" Wednesday Wind Southerly light brezes clear weather. Men employ'd as Yesterday. in the evening 3 Tents of Ind. arrived from wither, brought little or nothing with them."

Oct. 18
" Thursday Wind NW fresh breezes with snow at times. 4 men hewing logs 6 laying the sleepers and the rest falling wood for building. at 2 PM arrived 2 Indians brought a few skins."

Oct. 19
" Friday Wind Westerly light breezes clear weather. 4 men digging Stones for the Chimneys and the rest carrying in Logs and building the Walls. one Tent of Indians arriv'd brought little or nothing."

Oct. 20
" Saturday Wind Easterly fresh gale clear and cloudy alternate. 5 men hawling in Stones with horses for the chimneys 2 men digging a Cellar 4 men falling small sticks for roofing the House and the rest building. Traded a little Provisions & 30 Bea. from those that came Yesterday."

Oct. 21
" Sunday Wind and weather as yesterday. Sent 5 men down to Manchester House. 2 of them to return with necefsaries wanted. in the evening arrived 1 Tent of Indians from wither, brought a few beaver part of which they traded for Liquor and got drunk. Those that went for birch rind returned brought 17 Rolls part of which is damaged by a villain that set fire to the Grafs where is was lade up."

Oct. 22
" Monday Wind and weather nearly the same as before, the the men employed as sundry branches in the building way. 3 Tents of Indians arrived brought a few beaver & some provisions part of which they traded for Liquor and got drunk."

Oct. 23
" Tuesday Wind variable light breezes cloudy weather. The men employed as Yesterday Traded with the Indians and most of them went away and 1 more came brought a few beaver which he traded for Iron work & ammunition."

Oct. 24
" Wednesday Wind NW weather as Yesterday 2 Men at the Pittsaw 4 Building the Chimneys, 2 went with the horses to fetch home grafs to Lay the Canoes up with and to cover the House, all the rest employ'd in the building way. fitted out our Hunter and sent him away and 2 more came."

Oct. 25
" Thursday Wind Southerly Light breezes clear weather. People employ'd as Yesterday. Trusted Indians a little Debt and they went away. Late in the evening arrived 5 Young men from war? brought 30 Beaver, several Indians pitched away as also those that came Yesterday."

Oct. 26
" Friday Wind and weather as yesterday with a strong Frost in the night. Men employ'd as before the Ind. that came last evening weny away."

Oct. 27
" Saturday Wind variable Light breezes clear weather 4 men digging a cellar and the rest as before. at noon Wm Corrigal and Robt Garroch returned from Manchester house. 1 Tent of swampy ground Stone Indians arrived brought a few furrs."

Oct. 28
" Sunday Wind WSW fresh breezes clear weather Gilbt Laughton and 4 more finished the side walls and the rest laying up Canoes. necessity obliges us to work on a Sunday the season being so far advanced."

Oct. 29
" Monday Wind variable light breezes fine weather. men variously employ'd in the building way, last night arrived 2 Tents from acrofs the river being part of those that went from here a few days ago. the Indian that brought the birchrind is stabbed in 4 different parts of his body which will render him uselefs for some time. had he been very drunk they undoubtably would have kill'd him. at 5 PM the Hunter came home brought one Cow & 1 Beaver?"

Oct. 30
" Tuesday Wind Westerly fresh breezes clear weather. 6 men working at the Chimneys 2 men at the pitsaw the rest getting roofing for the House. at 8 AM our hunter went away."

Oct. 31
" Wednesday Wind and weather as Yesterday. the men employ'd as before. sent 2 men in a Canoe 1 Days Journey down the river to crofs the Hunter over to the S side there being no Cattle upon the North side."

Nov. 1 1792
" Thursday Wind Easterly light breezes cloudy weather. the men finished roofing the house and covered part with Turf and grafs. - at noon arrived 1 Indian brought a few Beaver."

Nov. 2
" Friday Wind and weather as Yesterday. 2 men at the PittSaw 2 men working at the Chimneys, the Smith & John Irvin making doors, and the rest employ'd mudding the inside of the House, in the evening Wm Flat? and Benjamin Bruce return'd brought part of 2 Buffalo. the Indians pitched above that came from the other side."

Nov. 3
" Saturday Wind WSW clear and cloudy alternate. Men employ'd as Yesterday at 4 PM finished the outside of the House 63 Foot long & 26 wide. - traded with the Indian that arrived the 1st Inst. & he went away."

Nov. 4
" Sunday Wind variable clear fine weather. at 8 AM 3 Muddy river Indians came for Tobacco which they got for 5 Leading men and went away. - at 5 PM they arrived with furrs to trade but no provisions. the hunter also came home for men to fetch meat, he having killed 10 Buffalo and 1 red Deer."

Nov. 5
" Monday Wind SE and blew fresh clear weather, 4 Men hewing stuff for Partitions. 2 men at the Pit saw. sent sent 3 Men with horses to fetch meat from the hunting Tent and the rest cleaning the rubbish from about the House. at noon Mr Thomas Thomas, Mr Jas. Bird and John Irven Jun. arrived with the Packet from England also brought the Disagreeable news of the Death of Mr Walker. Traded with most of the Indians."

Nov. 6
" Tuesday Wind Easterly fine weather. the men variously employed. at 1 PM Mr Thomas & Bird set of for Manchester house this place being very inconvenient & no accomodations for them. finished trading with the Indians and they went away Except 1 Man and his Family whom I have detained as I intend to send Peter Fidler (to make some observations at the Rocky Mountain) under his care as he is one of the Principal Indians from that Quarter."

Nov. 7
" Wednesday Wind NE fresh breezes cloudy weather. 3 Men putting up a Log partition in the middle of the house. 2 at the pitsaw 2 men ailing and the rest falling Stockades. in the afternoon those that went for meat return'd brought 4 Buffalo, sent 3 men to fetch more."

Nov. 8
' Thursday Wind and weather as Yesterday with severe frost in the night. the men employ'd as yesterday. fitted out Peter Fidler and put him John Ward and the Indians acrofs the river, had some difficulty in crofsing the Horses being much Ice in the river. I procured him 2 horses, one to ride upon and the other to carry his Things none of the men was willing to accompany him but Jn Ward."

Nov. 9
" Friday Wind and weather as before. John Wood & John Irvin still ailing and the Men employ'd as before. in the evening those return'd that went for meat brought 3 Buffalo also sent 3 more away. at noon an Indian man and his wife arrived brought a few skins and the flesh of 10 Beaver."

Nov. 10
" Saturday Fresh gales from the Eastward cloudy weather. Gilbert Laughton finished the doors and hung them, 2 men at the pitt saw and the rest carrying in Stockades. Traded with the Indians and they went away."

Nov. 11
" Sunday Wind WNW fresh gales clear weather. at 9 AM sent of John Irvin for the South Branch accompanied by Magnus Spense & Donald Mowatt who are to return with sundry articles of Stores & Trading goods from Manchester house. also those returnd that went for meat."

Nov. 12
" Monday Wind variable light breezes clear weather sent 2 men to fetch meat one Man nailing Parchment on the windows the sick men as before the rest carrying in Stockades."

Nov. 13
" Tuesday Wind Northerly light breezes thick hazy wea. occasioned by the Grafs all round being on Fire. Gilbert Laughton and myself laying the foundation of a Provision house and Smith shop. the rest employed as Yesterday."

Nov. 14
" Wednesday Wind NW fresh breezes clear weather Gilbert Laughton and 5 Men building the provision house and the rest employed at various duties, in the evening those came home that went for meat, brought 3 horse Load and sent 2 more away. 4 Assinnuepoiet Indians arrived & brought a few Beaver Skins."

Nov. 15
" Thursday Wind variable light breezes cloudy warm wea. The men employed as Yesterday. Traded some Liquor with the Indians and they got Drunk."

Nov. 16
" Friday Wind NE fresh gales cloudy inclinable to Snow. Men as on the proceeding Day. Traded with the Indians and they went away, in the evening 1 Tent of Indians arrived brought the Disagreeable news of 1 of our best Indians belong'g to this place being drownded a few Days ago going to hunt Beaver. This is the first Instance I ever knew of the kind, he had 20 Beaver upon Credit from me Oct. 25th the greatest part was Lost with him when he fell thro' the Ice where he Lay all night and was taken out the next day."

Nov. 17
" Saturday Wind Northerly fresh breezes first part cloudy with snow, Latter part clear - the men variously employ'd. at noon 2 Men came home with meat from the hunting tent."

Nov. 18
" Sunday Wind variable murky weather gave the Indians a supply and they pitched away."

Nov. 19
" Monday Wind NW light breezes murky weather. 2 Men at the pitt saw, 2 Men Laying the floor, 6 working at the building and the rest setting up Stockades. at noon 3 Men return'd from Manchester house with Stores & Trading goods, also, 2 Indians arrived brought a few furrs."

Nov. 20
" Tuesday Wind NE fresh breezes clear weather - the Men employ'd as Yesterday in the evening 2 Tents of Sussue's arrived with a midling good Trade, gave them some brandy and they got Drunk."

Nov. 21
" Wednesday Wind variable clear weather. 3 men at the pitt saw, 6 men roofing the provision house & the rest pointing and collecting Stockades. Traded with part of the Sussue Indians."

Nov. 22
" Thursday Wind Westerly light breezes clear weather. the men employ'd as Yesterday finished trading with the Indians and they went away. these have brought 550 parchment Beaver which is the most I ever saw this Tribe bring. I had 28 Guns when they came but now they are reduced to 18."

Nov. 23
" Friday Wind WNW weather as Yesterday the men employ'd about the Stockades. traded with some Indians that arrived in the night and they went away in the evening, erected a flagg staff, 62 Foot above ground & 6 underneath."

Nov. 24
" Saturday Wind Northerly weather as before, the Smith and 3 men building a forge. 6 men thatching the provision house, 3 Men at the pit saw and the rest fitting Stockades to the Ribbands. in the evening arrived an Indian with 2 horse Loads of meat which he Traded for ammunition."

Nov. 25
" Sunday Wind Easterly light breezes clear & Cloudy alternate a little snow last night."

Nov. 26
" Monday Wind Easterly fresh breezes cloudy cold weather. the Smith and 3 Men finished the Forge the rest at the pittsaw and fitting stockades to the Ribbons. John Wood still continues Ill of an inward complaint. in the evening our hunter came home brought a few Buffalo Tongues."

Nov. 27
" Tuesday Wind variable clear weather men variously employ'd. at noon 4 men came home with meat from the hunting Tent also 3 Sussues came for Tobacco."

Nov. 28
" Wednesday Wind NW a stiff gale clear sharp weather. John Irvin Laying the lower Floor. Gilbert Laughton & 1 Man making the Gates and the rest digging a Trench for Stockades. st noon the Sussue Indians arrived."

Nov. 29
" Thursday Wind Easterly light breezes clear and cloudy alternate. sent 4 men to fetch meat, 4 men to cutt wood to make charcoal of for the Smiths use. the Taylor and 1 man making Indian cloathing rest employed variously."

Nov. 30
" Friday Wind variable fine warm weather. Sent 5 men down to Manchester house, 3 to stay there and the other 2 to return. sent 4 men to the hunting Tent with the horses and the rest putting up Stockades. in the night several Swampy Ground Stone Indians arrived and brought a few furrs. - Traded with the Sussue Indians and cloathed 3 of them much against my propensity but was obliged to do as my Rivals had done."

Dec. 1
" Saturday Wind SE light breezes warm weather. Gilbert Laughton making a door for the Provision house Taylor making Indian clothing and the rest putting up Stockades. Traded with Indians and they all went away."

Dec. 2
" Sunday Wind WNW a strong gale cloudy with snow."

Dec. 3
" Monday Wind NW light breezes clear weather. 3 Men at the pittsaw, Taylor making leaders Clothing and the rest putting up Stockades. John Wood something better he was so bad that he could neither walk or Stand but now Thank god he is upon the recovery."

Dec. 4
" Tuesday Wind and weather as Yesterday. the men employ'd as before. in the evening 2 men came home from the hunting tent with meat, have been 2 Days on their Journey."

Dec. 5
" Wednesday Wind Easterly light breezes cloudy weather. The Men employed as Yesterday."

Dec. 6
" Thursday wind variable clear fine weather. the men employ'd as before John Wood on duty the 2 men returnd back to the hunting tent also 4 more accompanied them with horses to fetch flesh."

Dec. 7
" Friday Wind NW light breezes fine weather 2 men making the North Gate and the rest putting up Stockades."

Dec. 8
" Saturday Wind and weather as Yesterday 1 man ailing Smith sharpning the Whip & Crofs cutt saw. 2 men sawing Quartering and the rest digging the remainder of the Trench and put the Ribbons up."

Dec. 9
" Sunday Wind variable light breezes fine weather in the evening returnd those that went for meat on the 6th."

Dec. 10
" Monday Wind Westerly light breezes cloudy mild wea. 2 men sawing plank for flooring the Taylor making Leaders cloths the rest putting up Stockades and at 4 PM got them finished 100 Feet square late in the evening arrived 3 men and 6 women brought a few furrs."

Dec. 11
" Tuesday Fresh gales from the WNW clear weather. Sent 4 men with horses to fetch meat and the rest laying the Lower floor. Traded with the Indians and made them small presents as they have brought very good furrs to the amount of 400 Parchment Beaver."

Dec. 12
" Wednesday Wind as Yesterday with clear sharp wea. the Smith & 2 more digging a pitt to burn charcoal in. Taylor as before the rest employ'd Laying the Lower floor and at the Whip Saw. at 8 AM the Indians went away."

Dec. 13
" Thursday Light airs and variable clear fine wea. Smith and 2 men burning charcoal for Smiths use & the rest employ'd as Yesterday."

Dec. 14
" Friday Wind Westerly light breezes wea. as before. the Smith and John Irvin making the Gates the rest as before. in the afternoon those came home that went for meat brought 8 Cow Buffalo."

Dec. 15
" Saturday Wind & weather as before men as Yesterday."

Dec. 16
" Sunday Little wind variable weather as before at noon 6 men return'd back to the hunting Tent."

Dec. 17
" Monday Wind variable from E to NW clear & cloudy alternate, 2 man making the gates, 3 men at the Pitt saw, Taylor making Leader cloths and the rest variously employ'd."

Dec. 18
" Tuesday Wind WbN a stiff gale weather as Yesterday Taylor at work for the Men, others as Yesterday."

Dec. 19
" Wednesday Wind Easterly light breezes cloudy wea. Finished the Gates and put them up, 3 men at the Pitt saw the others variously employ'd."

Dec. 20
" Thursday Wind Westerly fresh breezes clear weather men putting up their cabbins a Stone Indian man & his wife arrived brought 44 made Beaver 20 of which he would Trade for nothing but Brandy."

Dec. 21
" Friday Wind WNW a strong gale clear and cloudy alternate. Men as Yesterday. - at 9 AM the Ind. went away."

Dec. 22
" Saturday Wind WNW fresh breezes cold weather. 2 men making a Carpenters bench, Taylor making clothing for the men and the rest employ'd as before."

Dec. 23
" Sunday Wind NW a stiff Gale cold freezing weather."

Dec. 24
" Monday Wind and weather as Yesterday 3 Men at the Pittsaw - Taylor as before rest employ'd in the Carpenter way."

Dec. 25
" Tuesday Light airs and variable clear sharp wea. Christmas Day did not put the men on duty. in the evening 2 Indians arrived brought a few furrs."

Dec. 26
" Wednesday Wind Easterly light breezes clear fine weather. Sent 3 men to the hunting tent and the rest putting up their Cabbins. Traded with the Indians & rigged 1 of them. These inform me of one of our Leading Indians being killed last fall when drunk another that was wounded has recovered but has since been bit by a Dog which still renders him uselefs."

Dec. 27
" Thursday Wind Westerly a strong gale clear wea. sent 2 men to fetch meat and the other variously employ'd."

Dec. 28
" Friday Wind as Yesterday part clear & part cloudy. the men employ'd in the Carpenter way and Cutt Fire wood."

Dec. 29
" Saturday Wind variable fresh Gales with rain in the evening. The men employ'd as Yesterday."

Dec. 30
" Sunday Wind variable all round small rain most part of the Day. at 2 PM 7 Men came home with 20 horse Loads of meat but very poor."

Dec. 31
" Monday Wind westerly cloudy thick weather with a little snow towards evening, 6 men cutt firewood and the rest employ'd in the Carpenter way."

Jan. 1 1793
" Tuesday wind variable thick rhimey weather."

Jan. 2
" Wednesday Wind Eastward light breezes wea. as Yesterday. sent 10 men to the hunting Tent for meat, the Smith & 1 man making hinges for doors out of bad Ice chizzels which Indians has refused and gone without and would not take them for nothing. by sending such bad articles to this part of the Country is a means to deminish the Trade in the Room of promoting it. John Irvin and John Flett making cabbin Doors for the men and the rest as before."

Jan. 3
" Thursday Light airs from the eastward morning cloudy latter part clear men employ'd as Yesterday."

Jan. 4
" Friday wind variable clear fine weather 3 Men at the pitt saw Smith & 1 man making hinges for cabbin Doors the rest cutt firewood in the evening 1 Tent of Stone Indians brought a few beaver traded some Liquor & got Drunk."

Jan. 5
" Saturday wind Easterly light breezes fine weather. the Smith repairing an Indian Gun the rest employ'd as before traded with the Indians and they went away brought only 50 made Beaver."

Jan. 6
" Sunday Nearly calm and variable clear weather at noon 3 men came home from the hunting Tent with meat."

Jan. 7
" Monday Wind SE cloudy inclinable to snow. the Smith and 1 Man making Aul blades out of what was sent up for beaver Hooks but unfit for that purpose. Taylor making Leaders clothing 3 men sawing plank & the rest pitching a Tent to cook their Victuals in."

Jan. 8
" Tuesday Wind NW fresh breezes cloudy weather. men as Yesterday 2 men went back to the hunting Tent and at 3 PM 5 came home with 14 horseload of Buffalo meat."

Jan. 9
" Wednesday Wind westerly fresh breezes cloudy weath. Smith filing up Aul blades, Taylor making Indian clothing 3 Men sawing plank for flooring the rest employ'd in the Carpenter way & cut firewood."

Jan. 10
" Thursday Wind Easterly fresh breezes thick rimey weather, the Smith & 1 man making firesteels. sent 5 Men to the hunting tent to fetch meat the rest as before."

Jan. 11
" Friday Wind Westerly fresh breezes clear weather Smith making a Key for a drawback Lock. John Irvin plaining bords Taylor making Indian clothing & the rest as before."

Jan. 12
" Saturday Wind and weather as Yesterday the Smith and 1 man putting up partitions the Taylor as before - Robert Garson ailing of a sore back and the rest bringing Birch for Sledges. at 5 PM 2 Indian women arrived brought the Disagreeable news of the Death of their husband which is the Man that came here wounded last Autumn but did not die of his wounds but from other Causes that is not yet known. these also informs me of an other Indian died lately in all 3 of our best Indians both for furrs & birch rind for Canoes these had above 60 Bea. of Goods upon Credit."

Jan. 13
" Sunday Wind NW light breezes clear sharp weather. at 2 PM 5 men return'd with meat. Gave the women that came Yesterday a supply of sundry articles & they went away."

Jan. 14
" Monday Wind variable weather as Yesterday. the Smith employ'd in the Carpenter way and the rest variously employ'd."

Jan. 15
" Tuesday wind Westerly fresh breezes clear weather. Smith & 1 man at carpenter businefs. sent 3 Men to the hunting Tent and the rest made a Track to the River."

Jan. 16
" Wednesday Wind NW a strong gale thawing wea. the men employ'd as Yesterday. in the evening a Black Foot Ind. came for tobacco which he got & set of immediately."

Jan. 17
" Thursday Wind as Yesterday cloudy with flying showers of rain the Smith repairing Trading Guns & the rest as Yesterday. at noon 1 Tent of Black Foot Indians arrived brought little or nothing. of all the Different Tribes these are the most indolent in Procuring furrs."

Jan. 18
" Friday Wind WbS fresh breezes part cloudy part clear. the Smith repairing an Indian Gun that was left here last Autumn, 3 Men at the pittsaw the Taylor making Indian clothing and the rest employed in the Carpenter way and cutt wood. Traded with the Indians and some of them went away. 5 able men only brought 60 Beaver in Wolves and Foxes and a small quantity of provisions."

Jan. 19
" Saturday Wind ENE fresh gales cloudy inclinable to Snow. the men employ'd as Yesterday. at 11 AM the Indians went away & 3 of our men returnd from the hunting Tent with meat."

Jan. 20
" Sunday Wind Westerly light breezes clear thawing weather. at 5 PM 1 Sinnuepoiet came for Tobacco which he got and went off Immediately."

Jan. 21
" Monday Wind WNW a strong gale weather as Yesterday. the men employ'd as under, 3 Men Sawing plank 2 edging Do. 3 employ'd in the carpenter way, Taylor making boys coats for Trade and the rest about various Duties. at noon 1 Tent of Assinnuepoit Indians arrived brought a few furrs."

Jan. 22
" Tuesday Wind Southerly Light breezes weather weather as before 3 Men return'd to the Hunting Tent, Smith making nails for hinges & the rest employ'd as Yesterday. traded with the Indians and they went away brought 60 Fine Beaver."

Jan. 23
" Wednesday Wind variable cloudy warm weather. Smith repairing Trading Guns Taylor as before 2 men at work in the carpenter businefs and the rest Fell & carried in Wood for Plank. at 7 PM 2 Blood Indians came for Tobacco Robt. Garson something better but not fitt for Duty."

Jan. 24
" Thursday Wind Westerly light breezes clear fine weather. Men variously employ'd at noon 2 tents of Blood Indians arrived very poorly Gooded."

Jan. 25
' Friday Wind NE light breezes part cloudy part clear. 3 Men Sawing Plank for the upper Floor & the rest employ'd withindoors. Traded with the Indians and gave them all the encouragement that the Trade will allow which is more than they deserve having brought no more than 80 made beaver in wolves foxes and beaver which is a very small quantity for 5 able men. they also brought a little provision. in the evening 3 Sussue's arrived here for Tobacco which they got and went away directly."

Jan. 26
" Saturday Wind NE a fresh gale cloudy with snow. Men clean'd out the Yard and did other necefsary duty withindoors. at noon 2 Tents of Sussue Indians arriv'd with provision and a few wolves also 1 Tent of Blood Indians arrived brought little or nothing."

Jan. 27
" Sunday Wind NW light beezes cloudy weather. Traded with the Indians and they went away all but one Tent, in the evening 6 men and the hunter came home brought 14 Horses loaded with meat."

Jan. 28
" Monday Wind WSW fresh breezes clear weather. the Smith repairing Trading Kettles that was damaged on the pafsage up. Taylor making Indian clothing 2 Men working at Carpenter work and 3 Men at the pitt saw the rest cutt firewood. at noon the other Tent of Sussues went away they brought 70 Wolves & 400 lbs of provisions."

Jan. 29
" Tuesday Wind Westerly fresh breezes clear sharp weather. sent 3 Men to fetch meat and the others variously employ'd in the evening 1 Tent of Assinuepoiet Indians arrived with Provisions."

Jan. 30
" Wednesday Wind ENE fresh gales with drifting Snow most part of the Day. the men employ'd within Doors traded with the Indians they had no more than 6 Wolves 1 Badger & 400 lb of Provisons of sorts. at 10 AM sent of 2 Men for Manchester house to assist Mr Thomas Thomas to this place."

Jan. 31
" Thursday Wind NW fresh gales clear sharp wea. Taylor making Leaders clothing, the smith and 1 man Laying the upper Floor, one man plaining bords and the rest cutt firewood, at noon the Indians went away."

Feb. 1 1793
" Friday Wind and weather as Yesterday. 5 men employ'd within doors. 3 Men at the pittsaw and the rest Falled and carried in Logs to the Saw Pitt. at 2 PM 6 men came home from the hunting Tent with meat."

Feb. 2
" Saturday Wind Easterly light breezes clear weather the men employ'd at various Duties."

Feb. 3
" Sunday Wind variable in the SE quarter weather as Yesterday. the men returnd to the hunting Tent."

Feb. 4
" Monday Wind Easterly light breezes cloudy wea. the Smith and 1 man Laying the upper floor 2 men making a Trading room Door and the rest variously employ'd."

Feb. 5
" Tuesday Wind NW fresh gales with Snow most part of the Day, men employ'd within doors."

Feb. 6
" Wednesday Wind NNW light breezes part cloudy part clear 2 Men at Carpenters work, the Smith and 1 man edging Plank, Taylor mak'g Indian clothing & the rest cutt Firewood."

Feb. 7
" Thursday Wind and weather as Yesterday & the Men also. in the evening 3 Men came home from the hunting Tent with meat."

Feb. 8
" Friday Wind SW fresh breezes clear sharp weather the men employ'd as before."

Feb. 9
" Saturday Wind ESE light breezes cloudy inclinable to Snow. the men employ'd as before."

Feb. 10
" Sunday Wind EbN light breezes clear fine wea. at 10 AM arrived Mr Thomas Thomas accompanied by 3 men who brought 200 and odd Beaver in sundry articles of Trading goods."

Feb. 11
" Monday Wind NW light breezes part cloudy part clear. Smith and 2 men laying the upper floor Taylor making Indian clothing 2 men plaining Boards and 3 men sawing plank rest cut firewood."

Feb. 12
" Tuesday Wind WSW fresh gales clear weather. sent 8 Men for Birch wood to make Mallets & Wedges for the Beaver prefs & the rest employ'd as before."

Feb. 13
" Wednesday wind variable from W to ESE fresh gales clear warm weather Men as Yesterday."

Feb. 14
" Thursday Wind Westerly light breezes clear weather. Smith repairing a Trading gun, 4 men Laying the upper Floor in the Mens apartment and 3 at the pitt saw and the rest cutt firewood."

Feb. 15
" Friday Wind Easterly fresh gales cloudy with a little Snow. the men employ'd as Yesterday. at noon 1 Tent of Indians arrived from the Beaver hills 2 men with the hunter came home from the hunting tent with meat. gave the Indians some Liquor & they got Drunk."

Feb. 16
" Saturday Wind EbS fresh breezes clear & cloudy alternate the Smith making aul blades and the rest variously employ'd. the Indians still Drunk."

Feb. 17
" Sunday Wind WbN a stiff breeze clear weather. Traded with the Indians and clothed one of them and presented him sundry articles having brought a tolerable good trade."

Feb. 18
" Monday Wind WSW fresh breezes clear weather. sent 9 Men to fetch meat. Taylor making Indian clothing. Smith repairing an Indian Gun and the rest employ'd at various duties. paid off our hunter and he went away as also did the other Indians."

Feb. 19
" Tuesday Wind NW a stiff gale clear weather. Smith repairing trading Guns, 3 Men sawing Plank and the rest cutt Firewood."

Feb. 20
" Wednesday Wind and weather as Yesterday. the smith making hinges for Doors Taylor making Indian clothing. 2 men ailing the rest cutt and carried in firewood at 4 PM 1 Tent of Indians arrived brought some Furrs. this evening an Indian was killed at the Canadian house and another wounded, there was but 3 of them, one of which had not been there half an hour before he was murdered by the other 2 they were all drunk."

Feb. 21
" Thursday Wind NW a fresh gale clear weather. the Smith cleaning Guns for trade and the rest employ'd as Yesterday. at noon those came home that went for meat brought 6 Buffalo, traded with the Indians and made them presents as usual having brought a tolerable good Trade."

Feb. 22
" Friday Wind WNW a stiff gale clear & cloudy alternate. Smith & 1 man employ'd in the carpentr way. - 3 Men at the pitt saw and the rest about various Jobbs in the evening one tent of Indians arrived brought some furrs, gave them Liquor & they got Drunk."

Feb. 23
" Saturday Wind Easterly light breezes clear weather men as Yesterday traded with some of the Indians & rigged one."

Feb. 24
" Sunday Wind variable from E to NW fresh breezes with drizling snow. finished trading with the Indians and made them small presents as usual. in the afternoon 2 Tents of Blood Indians arrived, 2 of which I rigged & gave them some Liquor & they got a little Drunk but very peaceable."

Feb. 25
" Monday Wind NW a stiff gale clear weather. the Smith and John Irvin making Keggs, 2 Men sawing plank, Taylor making Leaders clothing, the rest cutt wood and carried in Water & Ice into the provision house. traded with the Blood Indians and they went away they brought 190 made Beaver in Wolves, Foxes and Beaver and a little provisions."

Feb. 26
" Tuesday Wind ESE fresh breezes clear weather. the men employ'd as Yesterday. at noon 5 Men came home with meat, at 3 PM the Indians went away. being in great want of Birch rind has induced me to give 2 horses to the Indians on a promise to bring some."

Feb. 27
" Wednesday Wind variable from S to W clear weather. Men as yesterday. in the evening 3 men came home with 8 horse loades of meat."

Feb. 28
" Thursday Wind SW fresh breezes clear thawing weather. the men variously employ'd."

Mar. 1 1793
" Friday Wind NW light breezes cloudy with a little snow. 2 men making Keggs and the rest finished Laying the upperFloor, in the evening 5 men came from the hunting Tent have brought all away."

Mar. 2
" Saturday Wind Easterly fresh gales cloudy weather. 2 men making Keggs 3 Sawing Plank & the rest cutt Firewood."

Mar. 3
" Sunday Wind NW fresh gales clear weather."

Mar. 4
" Monday Wind NW fresh gales part clear part cloudy. Smith making rivets and repairing a broken hatchet, 2 men edging plank and the rest cutt firewood."

Mar. 5
" Tuesday Wind NNW fresh breezes cloudy cold weather. 2 men sawing boards, Taylor making clothing for the men, 2 men employ'd in the Carpenter way and the rest cutt firewood."

Mar. 6
" Wednesday Wind Northerly fresh breezes cloudy Inclinable to Snow. 2 men Laying the floor of the provision house 2 men plaining boards, smith repairing a gun. Wm Rich & Robert Garson who has been ailing for some time is now upon Duty. rest cut Wood."

Mar. 7
" Thursday Wind ESE fresh gales with snow most part of the Day. 2 men sawing plank 2 men laying the provision house floor and the rest made 1050 lbs of Pimmicon for the passage Down. at 2 PM 1 Tent of Indians arrived brought a few furrs and some provision, gave them a little liquor & got Drunk."

Mar. 8
" Friday Wind NW fresh gales clear & cloudy alternate. Smith and 1 man making firesteels out of wore out files & those broken in the Packages. Taylor making Indian clothing and the rest fell and carried in Loggs to the the Saw pitt. Traded with the Indians & gave him all the incouragement I could, to take some Birch rind for Building and repairing Canoes."

Mar. 9
" Saturday Wind and weather as Yesterday. sent 5 men away with the Indians to get pitch and look for birchrind for Canoes. Smith & Taylor as before, the rest clean'd out the Yard &c. at noon the Indians went away."

Mar. 10
" Sunday Wind westerly fresh breezes morning cloudy afternoon clear."

Mar. 11
" Monday Wind and weather as Yesterday. the Smith & 1 man repairing Hatchets, 3 men at the pitt saw and the rest employ'd at various duties."

Mar. 12
" Tuesday Fresh gales from the WSW clear warm weather the Smith & 1 manas Yesterday, 3 men at the pitt saw, Taylor making cloths for the men the rest cutt firewood. at 1 PM 4 Blood Indians came for Tobacco which they got and went off & at 4 PM one more came from the same band for Brandy. as the Canadians had sent Liquor to debauch them away I was obliged to comply with their request or loose them."

Mar. 13
" Wednesday Wind asYesterday with very warm weather. sent 6 men to gather Pitch. Smith as before and the rest cutt firewood. at 10 AM 2 Tents of Blood & 1 of Blackfoot Indians arrived poorly gooded."

Mar. 14
" Thursday Wind NW fresh gales clear sharp wea. Smith repairing a Gun, 3 men sawing Plank and the rest attending the House to prevent the Indians from theft. traded with them and gave a many small articles as they was not able to purchase them, They being the poorest I ever saw them. they say it is owing to the mild Winter and want of snow, They have brought no more than 300 Made Beaver. in the evening most of them went away those that went for pitch returnd sufficient for 3 Canoes."

Mar. 15
" Friday Wind Westerly fresh breezes weather as Yesterday, Sent 6 Men to gather pitch, 1 man mak'g the prefs, 1 man making wedges for Do. three men at the pitt saw, the rest cleaned out the Yard & did other necefsary jobbs withindoors, at 9 AM the Blackfoot Indians went away."

Mar. 16
" Saturday Wind EbS fresh breezes clear weather. the Smith & 1 man making all blades, 2 men falling Timber, 3 Men Sawing plank, 1 man edging Do. John Irvin making the prefs, in the evening arrived 4 Indians from above, brought a few furrs."

Mar. 17
" Sunday Wind Westerly light breezes cloudy warm weather. traded with the Indians that came Yesterday. in the evening 1 Tent of assinuepoiets came but like all the rest very poor."

Mar. 18
" Monday Wind variable from the S to E fresh breezes cloudy with Snow & Thunder in the afternoon, sent 3 men down to Manchester house for what spare articles of Trading Goods. 1 Man making the Prefs 3 men at the pitt saw and the rest falling firewood for the next winters use. Traded with the Indians and gave them small presents as the furrs they brought are very good."

Mar. 19
" Tuesday Wind Easterly fresh breezes part cloudy part clear. the Smith making the 8 Gallon kegs smaller and the rest employ'd as Yesterday. at 10 AM John Sabbiston, James Davey & an Indian boy came for provisions, there being nothing to be got where they are and the weather does not permit to take Birchrind. at noon the Indians went away. at 6 PM Peter Fidler accompanied by 4 Muddy river Indians came for Tobacco for 9 Leading men."

Mar. 20
" Wednesday Wind variable cloudy cold weather. Sent Wm Flett and Wm Corrigal with 4 horses to fetch furrs from Indians 2 Days journey from here, and the rest employ'd as yesterday. at 1 PM 4 Tents muddy river & 1 of Assinuepoiet Indians arrived but poorly gooded, of these I was obliged to clothe eleven to prevent them going to the Canadian House."

Mar. 21
" Thursday Wind NW fresh breezes clear sharp weather. the Smith and 1 man making kegs and the rest attending the House, Taylor excepted who is making Indian Clothing. Traded with part of the Indians and gave them many small articles they being very poor, this I did on account of their good behaviour to the 2 men with them all Winter."

Mar. 22
" Friday Wind and weather as Yesterday. the Smith and John Irvin finished the Prefs and set it up in the evening. taylor & 1 Man making Indian clothing and the rest attending the house to prevent Theft. finished trading with the Muddy river Indians and they went away, the have brought 550 made Beaver which was not 30 per Man."

Mar. 23
" Saturday Wind Westerly light breezes clear weather, 3 Men sawing boards Smith & 1 Man employ'd in the Carpenter way, the rest clean'd the Yard & cutt Firewood. Traded with the Assinuepoiets and they went away they brought 110 good Beaver."

Mar. 24
" Sunday Wind WNW fresh gales first part cloudy latter part clear thawing weather. at 5 PM Wm Flett & Wm Corrigal return'd brought 150 parchment & 24 lbs of Castorum."

Mar. 25
" Monday Wind Easterly light breezes clear weather. People employ'd nearly as before, at 7 AM 3 Blackfoot Indians came for Tobacco which they got & went away. at 2 PM 2 Tents arrived very poorly gooded."

Mar. 26
" Tuesday Wind and weather as Yesterday 3 Men at the pitt saw, Smith sharpning the Crofs cutt saws & the rest cutt Firewood. traded with the Indians and they went away brought 80 made Beaver & 200 lbs of provisions of Sorts."

Mar. 27
" Wednesday Wind SW light breezes clear warm wea. Sent Gilbert Laughton, John Irvin, Wm Corrigal, John Mowatt?, Donald Mowatt & Mag. Beaston to Split wood for Canoe work. 2 men sawing Birch for necefsary uses Mag. Yorston not fitt for duty by a strained ancle and the rest making Wedges for the prefs. at 2 PM 2 Women arriv'd brought a few furrs."

Mar. 28
" Thursday Wind SE light breezes weather as Yesterday. sent 6 men to gather Pitch and the rest variously employ'd. in the evening 3 Blood Indians arriv'd brought little or nothing."

Mar. 29
" Friday Wind WSW? fresh breezes thawing weather. the men cutt firewood, traded with the Indians and they went away. the Blood Indians brought 18 Wolves & the others 110 made Beaver in sundry Furrs."

Mar. 30
" Saturday Wind variable light breezes very warm weather. Men bringing home splinters for Canoes and doing other necefsary Jobbs at the House, those that went for Pitch return'd in the evening with 1 horse load, those that went for Canoe work came home, they have got 200 Splinters which will be nearly enough for 4 Canoes."

Mar. 31
" Sunday Wind WSW a fresh breeze weather as Yesterday."

Apr. 1 1793
" Monday Wind SE fresh breezes weather as before. sent 6 Men as before to splitt Canoe work also sent Peter Fidler to make some Observations further up the Sascatchawan River and by Mr Thomas's desire he accompanies him with Wm Flett & John Ward, the rest brought home 90 Timbers and hewed some Timber for necefsary use."

Apr. 2
" Tuesday Wind Westerly a strong gale clear weather. Men employ'd at the Prefs packed 20 bundles of furrs toDay."

Apr. 3
" Wednesday Wind WSW fresh gales clear weather. the Taylor making Indian clothing and the rest employ'd bringing home Splinters & Timbers for Canoes. in the evening those came home that went for Birchrind brought 19 Rolls a great part of which is very thin, the Indian that assisted them will be here tomorrow."

Apr. 4
" Thursday Wind NW fresh breezes clear and cloudy alternate. Men employ'd at the prefs packed 24 Bundles of Furrs. at 2 PM the Indian man & his family arrived that was with our Men taking birchrind gave him some Brandy & he got Drunk."

Apr. 5
" Friday Wind NW weather as Yesterday. 5 Men bringing home timbers for Canoes and the rest employ'd Packing furrs, 24 bundles - at 7 PM arriv'd those Indians that the Furrs was brought from gave them some Liquor & they got Drunk."

Apr. 6
" Saturday Wind Northerly fresh breezes clear and cloudy alternate & rather cold weather. 5 Men bringing home Timbers and Stuff for Gunwales for Canoes, the Splinters also came home having got enough more than we have got Birchrind for at present."

Apr. 7
" Sunday Wind variable light breezes clear weather. Traded with those indians that arrived on Friday and was obliged to give them more than I wished to doo on account of my Neighbours wishing to engrofs the whole Trade to themselves by the great quantity of Good they have upon hands. at 8 AM John Ward arrived having on Thursday gone after some red Deer missed the people, and after the fruitlefs search of 1 whole day, he shaped his course for the house having eat nothing scince Wednesday."

Apr. 8
" Monday Wind variable from S to W fresh breezes clear weather. the men variously employ'd. at 4 PM 1 Family of Indians arrived from the Beaver hills brought a few furrs."

Apr. 9
" Tuesday Wind NW fresh breezes clear cold weather. 2 Men hewing stuff for gunnels for Canoes the Smith cutting a GrindStone and fixing it ready for use. - the rest employ'd at the prefs packed 28 bundles of Furrs."

Apr. 10
" Wednesday wind & weather as Yesterday. 4 men brought home stuff for gunnels & the rest employ'd at the Prefs Packed 28 bundles of Furrs."

Apr. 11
" Thursday Wind Northerly fresh breezes first part cloudy with a Little Snow latter part clear & cold. 1 man Plaining Timbers for Canoes, 2 Men sawing Gunnels for Do. and the rest employ'd at the Prefs, packd 17 Bundles - at 5 PM Mr Thomas, Peter Fidler & Wm Flett return'd all well thank God, but the horses scarsly able to walk home thro' fatigue. what was supposed to be a branch is no more than 2 small rivers that falls into the Saskechawan river about 12 miles distance from each other."

Apr. 12
" Friday Wind variable light breezes clear fine wea. sent Mag. Annel & John Ward with 4 horses to fetch furrs from Indians that Mr Thomas & Those with him saw 2 Days ago, by these I sent 2 Gallons of Brandy & 2 lbs of Tobacco for them, also sent John Flett Wm Corrigal and Benj Bruce and 6 horses with the Indian that arrived on Monday to take birchrind for mending and making Canoes. 2 men sawing gunnels and the rest collecting firewood for next winters use."

Apr. 13
" Saturday Wind Easterly fresh breezes clear wea. 3 men working at Canoe work, the rest collecting firewood 'till 9 AM afterwards all hands employed to save the House and Canoes from being destroyed by the woods being set on fire to the windward which burnt with great fury and it was with difficulty we could save the Property from being destroy'd. - This bad action was done purposly by Mr. Shaw and his men, they also set fire to a Large quantity of wood we had collected together and consumed the whole, it is therefore humbly requested by all here that something may be done in England to protect your honours servants from the Insults of those Law lefs rabble in this Country."

Apr. 14
" Sunday Wind as Yesterday cloudy with light breezes traded with an Indian that arrived last eveng and he went away."

Apr. 15
" Monday Wind as before with thick cloudy wea. sent 2 Men to attend the horses that they should not be burned with the fire - 4 Men working at Canoe work and the rest cleaning away the brushwood and rubbish from about the House, late in the evening Mag. Annel and John Ward return'd brought about 200 Parchment Beaver."

Apr. 16
" Tuesday Wind variable Light breezes part cloudy part clear - 4 men at Canoe work the rest variously employ'd."

Apr. 17
" Wednesday Wind Southerly fresh breezes clear wea. 2 men plaining Timbers for Canoes, 2 Men bending Ditto - sent 6 men to gather Pitch and the rest getting roots for sewing Canoes."

Apr. 18
" Thursday Wind and weather as Yesterday men employ'd as before. - In the afternoon one Tent of Indians arrived being those that the furrs was brought from. I clothed one of them and gave him some Brandy it being his third time in since my arrival here last autumn and having brought above 300 Parchment Beaver at sundry times."

Apr. 19
" Friday Wind variable light breezes clear hot wea. men as before, in the evening those came home that went for pitch brought 2 horse loads - Traded with some of the Indians and made the Leader a present."

Apr. 20
" Saturday Wind WNW fresh breezes clear hot wea. 4 men at Canoe work & the rest variously employ'd finished trading with the Indians and they went away. in the morning those came home that went for birchrind brought 10 Rolls some of which is very indifferent - gave the Indian some Liquor & he got Drunk."

Apr. 21
" Sunday Wind Easterly and blew a fresh gale clear weather the men obliged to attend the Fire, and took up the Canoes for fear they should be consumed in the Flames."

Apr. 22
" Monday Fresh gales from the Eastward cloudy wea. the Men employ'd at Canoe work and the Prefs, Packed 14 Bundles of Furrs to day which nakes the Trade above 7000 made Beaver."

Apr. 23
" Tuesday Wind NW squally with flying showers - 5 men making Canoe work and the rest making paddles. early this morning a Young Indian arrived who informes me of another Indian being murdered and he narrowly escaped having been shott at three times and the bullet hit him twice but did not wound him."

Apr. 24
" Wednesday Wind NW fresh breezes cloudy weather - 4 Men sawing stuff for use in Canoe building, 4 men making Canoe work and the rest employ'd getting Roots for sewing Canoes."

Apr. 25
" Thursday Wind Easterly fresh breezes cloudy with small rain towards evening. Men variously employ'd - at 6 PM one Tent of Indians arrived brought a few beaver skins, these? are come from the same place where the Indian was shot. they say it was not done thro' drunkenefs but insanity."

Apr. 26
" Friday Wind Northerly fresh breezes cold cloudy wea. 4 Men at Canoe work and the rest collecting stuff for fencing in the Well. at 6 PM Mr Bird with 8 men arrived from Manchester House with the Boat & 1 Canoe brought the remains of Trading goods & Stores as we are obliged to abandon that House for want of men to take care of it during the summer."

Apr. 27
" Saturday Wind and weather as Yesterday men employ'd as Yesterday . in the afternoon 1 Tent of Indians arrived brought nothing, still flying from where the late murder was committed - the son of him that did the horrid deed id here and appears to be insane - I kept him in the house and the surgeon bled him but he refuses any kind of Medicine."

Apr. 28
" Sunday Wind NW light breezes cloudy weather."

Apr. 29
" Monday Wind Easterly light breezes cloudy with a little snow - 2 men plaining splinters for canoes 8 men getting Timbers and splinters for repairing the old Canoes with - and the rest variously employ'd."

Apr. 30
" Tuesday Wind NE light breezes cloudy weather. 6 men bringing home Juniper for head Timbers and Stems for Canoes. 2 men plaining splinters and the rest carrying earth to make a bed for building canoes on."

May 1 1793
" Wednesday Wind WSW light breezes part cloudy and part clear. 4 men working at Canoe work, 3 men getting roots for sewing Canoes and the rest fell and brot? in 100 Stockades. - the Young Indian that was out of his mind is sensible and went away with some others."

May 2
" Thursday Wind Northerly fresh breezes clear weather. 5 Men working at canoe work & the rest collecting Stockades, getting roots and repairing Canoes - at noon the Indians moved away one old man excepted who has got Lame when in liquor."

May 3
" Friday Wind between E and SE fresh breezes clear weather. The men building and repairing Canoes, packed 4 Bundles of Furrs."

May 4
" Saturday Wind SSE fresh gales clear warm wea. took one Canoe of the bed and put another on - at noon embarked 2 Canoes for Manchester House loaded with furrs and provisions."

May 5
" Sunday Wind NW fresh gales cloudy & clear alternate. Gilbt Laughton and Robt Garroch Sen. putting stems to Canoes - Jn Irvin ailing, Jn Flett got hurt by an awl that ran into his back."

May 6
" Monday Wind NW squally weather with rain at Times. 4 men clearing some ground below the bank to sew garden seeds, above being ? Dry sand, and the rest assisting the Canoe builders. - at 7 PM John Butler?, Grout, and Antony Godda engaged into the Canadian Service by the delusions of a Mr Shaw, who is one of the worst principaled men his Country ever produced, this I can proclaim by experience and not by here say. - he has ever since last autumn deluding the above persons away from this Service as also Charles Tuffledelare and at last has accomplished his Wish - their complaints chiefly arise from there not being paid in mony in lieu of bills, - their offers has been great which they say will be near one hundred pounds per Year, with these wages and other privaledges, this Your Honours will please to observe is tempting for one Year - Last autumn they solicited to go to the Barren ground to hunt during the winter, this Liberty I granted as soon as Timber was cut down for the building, such liberty would not have been granted but thro' an intent of not giving them any disgust to the service - 28th of October 1792, they went out & did not return till 25th of April 1793, still keeping it close that they were to enter into the Canadian Service which they had left in Disgust. a few Days since they wished to have The bills for their Wages. I informed them they would be paid till the 28th of October which was the Time they went out to the Barren ground, but could go no further until other orders from your Honours. for reason for not thinking myself authorized so to doo as the Furrs they killed was appropriated to there own use and not to the Companys. They said that there was some Errors in there accounts which made me Decline giving them bills for their Wages till next Fall."

May 7
" Tuesday Wind Easterly fresh breezes clear weather the Men employ'd as Yesterday."

May 8
" Wednesday Wind variable from E to WNW with snow in the afternoon - Men at Work at the Canoes."

May 9
" Thursday Wind NW fresh breezes with rain and sleet most part of the Day no working without doors."

May 10
" Friday Wind NW fresh breezes clear weather, 4 men digging gardens, 4 men repairing Canoes - the Canoe builders finished one & took another of the bed."

May 11
" Saturday Wind SE fresh breezes clear weather, men employed as Yesterday."

May 12
" Sunday Wind WNW fresh breezes clear weather at 4 PM embarked 2 Canoes for Manchester House one of which I was obliged to steer myself for want of Men to work the Canoes. I cannot raise 2 men to a Canoe including those that came up Last Year - and how we are to get the Furrs & provisions down I know not. we padled till 9 PM and put up."

May 13
" Monday Wind Easterly fresh gales clear weather at 4 AM embarked & padled till 6 PM and put up."

May 14
" Tuesday Wind as Yesterday cloudy & blew hard with a little rain. at 4 AM embarked and padled till 8 then being obliged to put ashore not being able to paddle against the Wind."

May 15
" Wednesday Wind Variable with heavy showers of rain at noon. at 4 AM embarked padled till 4 PM and arrived at Manchester house where I found all well Thank God."

May 16
" Thursday Wind NW fresh breezes clear weather, the people employ'd pitching & repairing Canoes - George Gun, Hugh Beaky and Robt Linkletter making ready to go up to Buckingham House with the Horses to stay all summer with James Gaddy, John Ward, Robert Garson and Magnus Yorston, in the evening Packed 4 bundles of Furrs also packed up several small articles of Stores &c."

May 17
" Friday Wind ESE light breezes warm weather. at noon sent of 3 for Buckingham House with the Horses also at 2 PM embarked 5 Canoes and no more than 10 Men to work them to Cumberland House myself included, Mr James Bird steers one of them - we padled till 9 PM & put up."

May 18
" Saturday Wind ESE fresh gales cloudy weather at 4 AM got underway padled till 8 then obliged to put ashore too much wind to proceed at 1 PM the wind rather abated again got underway went till 8 PM and put up."

May 19
" Sunday Wind W a strong gale cloudy weather. at 4 AM embarked padled and sail'd at Times till noon then put ashore and lay by till 4 PM then again got underway and went till 8 PM and put up."

May 20
" Monday Wind as Yesterday with showers of Hail and Snow all day - at 4M embarked padled till 8 PM and put up. a sharp frost in the night."

May 21
" Tuesday Wind NE fresh breezes clear weather. at 4 AM we embarked padled till noon and arrived at the Crofsing place where the Packet men left their Canoe last Fall and no person has been looking at her since Laid up, at 3 1/4 PM set of for the South Branch on foot accompanied by Mr Bird & Malcm Grott. at 9 1/2 arrived there found all well. - John Forbest, John Paplah and John Rofs excepted the former both ailing and the Latter had the misfortune to break his Collar bone a few Days ago firing at geese."

May 22
" Wednesday Wind Easterly fresh breezes clear weather. Inspected the Stores and Trading Goods remaining and at 3 PM returnd for the Canoes where we arrived at 7 accompanied by 2 Men with horses in order to Lighten the Canoes as the water is surprisingly shallow."

May 23
" Thursday Wind variable with Thunder Lightening and rain in the morning, afterwards fair weather, did not proceed as the Water is very shallow and the Canoes ill mannd. in the evening Mr Thomas returnd from the Branch House having gone there Yesterday accompanied by John Sabbeston."

May 24
" Friday Wind SW fresh breezes clear hot weather. at 5 AM the 2 men returned back to the Branch House having sent 420 lbs of Pimmecon and 1 Bundle of Furrs. - did not proceed. - there being a small rise of water Last night and This Day."

May 25
" Saturday Wind Easterly with rain till 7 AM afterwards cloudy and blew fresh. at 8 AM embarked went till 8 1/2 PM & put up water rose in the river 5 Inches within these 48 hours."

May 26
" Sunday Wind as Yesterday cloudy with rain at times at 3 AM embarked & padled till 3 PM and put up having gone a head of the Water - and the rappids so very shoal that we are obliged to carry part of the Cargo."

May 27
" Monday Wind SE light breezes clear and cloudy alternate. at 4 1/2 AM embarked handed & padled till 4 PM & got over the Rapids with great difficulty to save the Canoes from being Damaged at 8 PM put up."

May 28
" Tuesday Wind and weather as yesterday at 3 AM embarked padled till 7 1/2 PM and put up."

May 29
" Wednesday Wind as before weather cloudy with rain at times. at 3 1/2 AM got underway padled till noon then arrived at Mr Rofs house where we found him all alone having sent 3 Men Down to Cumberland House and the other 2 he sent of this morning to fetch some Beaver 9 miles from this, he has had a poor, expensive Winter, at 2 PM we put of again and padled till 8 PM and put up."

May 30
" Thursday Wind SE a stiff gale cloudy weather, at 3 AM embarked padled till 8 1/2 PM and put up - at noon pafsed by one Tent of Cumberland House Indians who are to build Canoes here - These had collected a few Skins which I took & put into our Canoes to prevent them from falling into the hands of the Canadians as they are coming hard after us."

May 31
" Friday Wind and weather much the same as Yesterday at 3 AM got underway padled till noon & arrived at Cumberland House found all well thank God."

June 1 1793
" Saturday Wind variable light breezes warm weather. 2 men sett 3 Netts and the rest employ'd at the prefs packed 1800 made Beaver then the prefs broke which prevented us to Pack any more till another one is repair'd - in the evening got 4 Sturgeon from the Nets."

June 2
" Sunday Wind variable sultry hot weather. at noon arrived 7 Canoes from the South Branch and 3 more from the upper Settlements also in the evening received 1 Moose & 2 Beaver from the Indian hunters."

June 3
" Monday Wind Northerly fresh gales part cloudy part clear - Magnus Twatt & John Ballendin making a Prefs. at 3 PM got it finished and Packed a few bundles of Furrs. Got 2 Sturgeon and 5 small fish from the netts. the rest repairing canoes - The blowing weather prevented the Swan river men from getting away that came for Provisions."

June 4
" Tuesday Wind NE fresh breezes weather as Yesterday, men employ'd at the Prefs and repairing Canoes - at 9 AM Mr Rofs arrived and has brought all away, the Swan River men went back with a supply of 420 lbs of Pimmicon which is more then I could conveniently spare, not being able to bring any more down for want of water and men to work the Canoes."

June 5
" Wednesday Wind Southerly light breezes warm weather. Men employ'd as Yesterday. Packed 34 bundles of Furrs this Day - 2 Sturgeon & 5 Small fish this day."

June 6
" Thursday Wind Easterly fresh breezes clear weather. Men employ'd pitching & repairing the Canoes in the evening sold the effects of Mr Wm Walker & Wm Allen."

June 7
" Friday Wind NE light breezes clear weather men employ'd as Yesterday in the evening arrived 4 Families of Indians part of which traded with Mr Rofs and part with the Canadians - brought nothing but 4 Beaver & 1 Swan."

June 8
" Saturday Wind in the East Quarter fresh breezes clear hot weather - embarked 7 Canoes for York Factory with only 2 Men in each. at 2 PM also Alex Flett and 2 more arrived with John Wood who has had his left hand very much shott by a Gun bursting in the Double Fortifying last evening."

June 9
" Sunday Wind Easterly light breezes cloudy with a little rain at 8 AM - the other 3 Canoes arrived, the men getting Canoes readinefs for embarking tomorrow. Embarked 5 Indian Canoes with 21 Bundles of Furrs."

June 10
" Monday Wind Northerly fresh breezes clear and cloudy alternate. at 8 AM Embarked 4 Men in 2 Canoes gave a Supply of ammunition to several Indians and they went away."

June 11
" Tuesday Wind as Yesterday clear weather - at 9 AM embarked 16 Canoes for York Factory, and have left 2 more for want of men to work them - have left Mag. Twatt in charge of the House, with Wm Hawkland and Mag. Spense Jun. - having not been able to embark the Furs collected this Year not by near 50 Bundles which gives little hopes of getting the old stock down - Padled till 8 PM and put up a little below the weir."

June 12
" Wednesday Wind variable fresh breezes morning clear afternoon cloudy with a little rain. at 3 AM embarked padled and sail'd at Times till 7 PM and put up."

June 13
" Thursday Wind WNW fresh breezes clear weather embarked at 3 AM Padled and sail'd till 7 1/2 PM and put up 10 miles thro' the Ceadar Lake where we came up with the 2 Canoes that embarked on Monday."

June 14
" Friday Wind variable easterly fresh breeze clear and cloudy Alternate. at 3 AM got underway went till 9 PM and put up at the Crofs Lake."

June 15
" Saturday Wind Easterly forpart clear afternoon cloudy with flying showers of Rain - at 5 AM proceeded to the great Rapid and at 5 PM got all carried over but could not proceed down the remainder of the Fall as the Wind blew too fresh - Mr Thomas cut off one of John Woods fingers by the upper Joint."

June 16
" Sunday Wind NW fresh breezes clear weather, at 4 AM we proceeded down the Fall with 6 Canoes and crofsed over to the South side and handed for 2 miles - the water 2 feet lower than I ever saw it - we made 3 Trips up and down which lay hard on the few capable hands as we handed most part of the way down. at 2 PM got all down safe thank God, did not proceed thro' the Lake as the Bow and Steersmen where much fatigued. in the evening 3 Canadian Masters passed by us in 2 Light Canoes & 9 men in each."

June 17
" Monday Wind W b N stiff breezes hazy and clear alternate. at 3 AM got underway Padled and sail'd till 8 PM and put up. here we found the 7 Canoes that went a head having got here in the Night."

June 18
" Tuesday Wind NE a stiff breeze cloudy with rain at times, could not proceed, the men with myself employ'd building a house to rest part of the Furs in as the men is not able to work the Canoes down."

June 19
" Wednesday Wind Northerly fresh gales till the evening finished the House and put 41 Bundles of Furs from the South Branch into it - it is well covered with Bark of the pine Trees we are obliged to leave 4 Canoes and still there is 7 Canoes with only 2 Men in each, never was such a poor set of men Inland for many Years back, we have had nothing but the refuse of men these last 2 years - and if continued they furs will rest at C.H. 'till they rott. I hope Chatham & Swan River Houses will make great returns with much lefs expenses than the upper settlemts as there is so great attention paid to men having better encouragement to go to those places than to the upper Houses."

June 20
" Thursday Wind NW fresh breezes clear weather. at 2 AM we embarked Padled and Sail'd till 7 1/2 PM and put up in the Randevouze Lake."

June 21
" Friday Wind Northerly fresh breezes clear weather at 3 1/2 AM embarked Padled till 9 PM and put up in Etch-a-wa-mam-mia?-um?."

June 22
" Saturday Wind NE light breezes cloudy weather. at 3 AM got underway Padled handed & carried till 9 1/2 PM & put up - had it not been for the few Beaver in this River that has damed the water in, we should not have been able to get through."

June 23
" Sunday Wind NE fresh breezes clear Weather. at 3 1/2 AM we Embarked at 10 AM arrived at the White Fall and by 3 got all over, then proceeded to the Hill carrying place, and carried till 9 1/2 PM and put up - a very hard Days work."

June 24
" Monday Wind variable light breezes clear hot weather. at 4 AM got underway Padled handed & carried till 8 PM and put up the water very Shallow."

June 25
" Tuesday Wind SE weather as Yesterday, at 3 AM embarked padled & Sail'd till noon and put up to repair some Canoes."

June 26
" Wednesday Wind Easterly fresh breezes cloudy with Thunder and Rain - at 4 AM embarked Padled till 6 then obliged to go ashore for the Rain which continued off and on the remainder of the day."

June 27
" Thursday Wind NW fresh gales part clear part cloudy at 11 AM embarked Padled & handed and carried till 9 PM & put up 12 Miles thro' the Knee Lake."

June 28
" Friday Wind Westerly fresh breezes clear weather at 3 AM embarked Padled and Sail'd till 2 PM, afterwards Padled handed and carried till 10 1/2 PM and put up at the Swampy Lake."

June 29
" Saturday Wind NW light breezes clear weather. at 5 AM embarked padled and handed till noon then detained till 4 PM on account of 2 Canoes being much broke put of again & proceeded as before till 8 1/2 PM & put up."

June 30
" Sunday Wind Westerly fresh breezes with showers of rain afternoon more serene, at 4 AM embarked Padled handed & carried till 8 1/2 PM & put up a Little below the Hill."

July 1 1793
" Monday Wind Easterly light breezes clear weather. at 3 1/2 AM embarked Padled and carried and got over the Last carrying place at 9 AM and proceeded on till 1 PM then met a Boat Load of Goods from York Factory, the Shallownefs of the water detain'd them a Long time upon their Journey."

July 2
" Tuesday Wind variable cloudy with Rain in the evening. Divided the Boats cargo amongst 3 Canoes Mitchel Oman, James Tate, James Morrowick Steersmen. John Rofs, Nichol Allen & John Papla Bowsmen. Peter Sebbeston, Robt. Garroch Jun. & Nichol Leith middlemen. Garroch & Leith objected going but I told them that the Laborious part of the duty did not belong to them and if they refused going they should go to England - all the rest went without any objections and were at last oblig'd to Comply."

Sept. 3
" Wednesday Wind Northerly fresh breezes clear weather, at 3 AM embarked as also those that returns, they are to proceed to Cumberland house. we put 2 Canoes cargoes into the Boat Which is full enough for her as she draws so much water when light, we Padled 'till 8 Pm and put up in Hays River."

Sept. 4
" Thursday Wind betwixt NE & E fresh breezes part cloudy & part clear - at 3 1/2 AM embarked Padled till 4 1/2 PM and arriv'd safe Thank God at York Factory.
William Tomison."


"Copy of a Letter from Mr William Tomison to Mr Malcm Rofs
Cumberland House 14 Sept. 1792
Mr Rofs
Sir,
Having waited from the 3rd Inst to the present Time and uncertain where I shall Winter induce me to Embark without those Articles I waited for as I find the Season is already too far advanced for the Distance I have to go. - Should the Indians arrive I have been waiting for, you will please to convey by the first opportunity those articles Nominated in the Account left at Cumberland - But at the same time should those (Articles and) Number of men Accompany you that I expect, You will in the first place endeavour to secure the Trade at this place - either by going your self with 4 or 5 Men or sending Magnus Twatt with the same number, but should that take place the building will not be carried on should he go from here. - There is a house built just above the first Tracking ground which is intended to cut this House off for every thing - But, I hope, should you arrive in time your exertions will prevent them in some part of their intentions, and that by going up Saskechawan River to the Carrying place above the high bank and carry into the Sturgeon River and proceed 2 Days Journey above the Canadians, which is according to the Account I have received from Brafsy who wants men to go with him - but I was hard put to it to find men to send with goods to the upper Settlements owing to some of the Young Hands being uselefs and thrown upon hands here that none would take. Indeed I am sorry to say there is several more of the same stamp and In general the poorest hands I ever saw come into the Service.

John Ballenden and John Davey is to return from the South Branch on account of the building - the latter to be employ'd at the pitt Saw and the former to work at the House when opportunity serves - Those is to be stationed at that Duty with as many more as can be spared to get the building in readinefs with all dispatch - having nothing more to add I conclude with wishing you a safe arrival with Succefs to the Companies affairs and Remain

Dear Sir
Your most Obedient and
humble Servt.
William Tomison."


"Letters"



"A Letter from Mr Tomison to Mr Colen,
Swampy Lake Aug. 25th 1792
Kind Sir,
By the arrival of Mr Sutherland and Rofs the 1st Inst. I was duly honoured with your kind favour of the 26th July. as also the necefsaries you was pleased to send, for which be pleased to except of my most grateful thanks for the same and shall ever hope to attain a due sense of your kindnefs on all past occasions.

I am sorry to find you are so much perplexed by the obstinacy of the Men denying their Duty which they certainly know must tend to their own hurt, but, there is some of them when they come to the Factory that studies nothing but to set a great Value upon themselves, gives their Superiors much trouble and shew bad Examples to others. - asto the steps you had taken in regard to Wm Flett & Ja. Linkleter, is in my oppinion what you can abide by when they are so regardlefs of themselves as to bid defiance to their Superiors. some method must be used to bring them to a sense of their duty, and no terms what ever ought to be complied with but that of being Embarked for England, the offender being one of the first that had the cause of this great confusion which we now experience, should any others comply with the Honble Companys terms it will be necefsary to employ them to bring in some of the young hands, but no advance of wages without the concurrence of the Honourable Board.

You will please if pofsible to send up the following men, Mr Rofs, Malchom Grott, Hugh Leask, Peter Brown with 4 more Young hands & to be pleased to send by them the following articles Viz. Cloth blue corded 120 Yards, Blankets 3 point 8, Shot low India 56 lb, hatchets large round eye 20, Ice chizzels broad 16 - Tobacco brazil 4 Rolls, Brandy English 40 Galls., Powder 1 keg, Guns of 3 1/2 foot 8, Kettles of 4 Gall. 2, as the above articles will be short at Cumberland house, should there be a conveyance for any more you will please to let it be cloth of the above kind as the quantity already sent of that sort is not sufficient for Manchester house alone. - so conclude with wishing you a safe arrival of the Company's ship, succefs to the Companys affairs, health and happinefs to you and all under your command and remain

Dear Sir Your humble Servt.
Wm Tomison."


"From Mr Colen to Mr Tomison
York Factory 28th August 1792
Dear Sir,
It is with pleasure I acquaint you of the safe arrival of the Honble Companys Ship Sea Horse Capt. Hanwell, the 20th Inst. - You will herewith receive a Packet of Letters with list of Goods &c now sent under the charge of Mefs Rofs and Oman. the men who accompany them are Mal. Grot, John Strickler, John & James Park, Jas. Byas and Peter Sebbeston - Only 2 Canoes could be sent you, I wished to have sent more purposely to have gotten a number of Young Hands Inland this fall, but could not accomplish it for want of Steersmen, to whose terms I could not with propriety comply.

Hugh Leask & Peter Brown? are appointed to go up Nelson River and to accompany Mr David Thompson to the Mifs a nippee, the leading Track into the Athapescow country - The Honble Company have sent many good looking young men, if they answer their apperence, bids fair to make good servants. - All the old Hands left down (except Jas. Linkletter) accompanied Mr Turnor up Nelson River soon after your departure and returnd three Days ago - Mr Sutherland gives it as his opinion the South Track (he was sent to examine) will never answer the purpose of taking up Boats, he & party return'd two Days before the Ships arrival.

Jas. Linkleter with all those men who occasioned so much unhappinefs at the Factory last Winter goes to England pr the Ship

I hope to have a house built at the lower fall on Hill river next spring, where a qunatity of goods will be deposited against your arrival, but doubt I shall have sufficient to load all the Canoes - as a mistake in building the Boats was made in England, the one finished will be of little service in this shoal river.

The Captain with my Officers join me in compliments to you, Mefs Thomas Thomas, & Bird
with wishing you every comfort the Season & Natives can afford you
I remain Dear Sir
Your very humble Servt.
Jos. Colen
PS In compliance to our Honble Employers Instruction? for having a good Canoe builder fixed at Swan river, the Council are of an Opinion that it is necefsary one should have orders to bring his Things & family down next season and remain there - And to prevent the Northern Expedition from being stopt I wish Mr Mal. Rofs to come down here next Summer to take charge of the Goods & Canoes next Fall."


"From Mr Isham to Mr Tomison
Swan River Sept. 21st 1792
Dear Sir
I now take this opportunity of sending you these few Lines by the 2 Men I sent to await the arrival of Fall Packet at the narrow of the Ceader Lake to inform you I arrived at Swan river with my several Cargoe? all safe on the 18th Instant - on the 6th of Sept. one large Canoe arrived at the Canadian House with goods and have Traded all the provisions, which has distrefsed me very much. I shall be very much obliged to you if you can pofsibly spare me a supply of Provisons in the Spring for my pafsage down to York Factory. I shall send two men from the Ceader Lake to Cumberland house to fetch what you can spare - I conclude with wishing you a good Trade and a plentiful Winter
Dear Sir
I remain
Yours sincerly
Charles Thomas Isham."


"From Mr Rofs to Mr Tomison
Cumberland House Oct. 7th 1792
Mr Wm Tomison
Sir,
I have the pleasure of Informing you of the safe arrival of the Companys Ship Sea Horse Capt Hanwell at 5 Fathom hole the 20th of August, 36 passengers some of them good looking men.

I embarked Sept. 1st in company with Mr Mitchel Oman in two Canoes & 6 other hands Viz. Mal. Grott, John Strickler old hands - John & Jas. Park Peter Sebbiston & Wm Fea, all young hands, we embarked 8 Large pieces of Goods in each Canoe, also 4 3 1/2 foot Guns and two Bundles of Cloth we took in at the Pike river that the Indian belonging to the play Green carried up one of the Bundles I sent to the Swan river & a Keg of Brandy by order of Mr Colen we arrived here the 4th Inst.

Sir on perusing your Letter on the 14th Sept. last - I am now getting ready with an asortment of abt half the Goods at this place, and leaving Magnus Twatt in charge of this place according to your Wish for forwarding the building but the hands being few something must fail. - I am taking 5 men with me to your order as far as my abilities will serve but, I am informed there is not water in the Sturgeon River to go Light and if so be I am at a lofs what to do, as that is the only method you have been pleased to observe - I do not like to proceed of my own head as it may not answer according to your wishes.

I have packed up the most of the articles in two Bundles niminated in the account left here. - and put them in charge of Mr Mitchel Oman whom as I understand is employ'd to superintend the Charge of the Canoes up and down. he is to forward the Packet to you this fall by order of Mr Colen and also the above articles. I conclude with wishing you every happynefs you can wish for, with Succefs to the Companies affairs.

I am
Dear Sir, with Due respect
your most Obliged and humble Servt.
Malchom Rofs."


"From Mr Jas. Sandison to Mr Tomison
South Branch house Oct. 20th 1792
Mr Tomison
Kind Sir,
I take this oppertunity to enquire after your state of health which I hope you enjoy and all under your command, as we do here at present.

I am sorry to acquaint you with our state at present which is by the Death of our Master, who departed this life the 13th of October. I took charge of the House on the 14th and is to continue till you please to give further Orders. Mr Mitchel Oman arrived at the Crofsing place on the 17th Inst. and is to winter here, - but as for any thing to do with the companys affairs, he will not till I receive your Orders. I am to send 3 horses to convey the Bundles and other things, along with Mal. Grott, the young hand is to stay here till further orders from you. - The Canoe is to be laid up at the crofsing place, they could proceed no higher up, Ice driving in the River.

The Trade made here this fall does not exceed 50 Beaver, I here of a great many Indians coming from the Southwards - as for bad Skins I shall not take any - as for Provisions it is very scarce with us.
I conclude wishing you health and every felicity to
attend you and all under your command
with succefs to the Companys Affairs
and am your humble & Obediant
Servant
James Sandison."


"Mr Tomisons' Answer
Moose hills Nov. 14th 1792
Mr Jas. Sandison
Sir
On the 5th Inst. I received the diagreeable news of the Death of Mr Wm Walker which I am very sorry for but shall say nothing on that subject but that our Employers has lost a faithfull servant for their Interest, but gods will be done. - As you have been with Mr Walker for some Years past and no stranger to his method of dealing with the Natives, you are there fore to keep charge of the South Branch house untill further orders from the Council, and as you have been a faithful Servant to your Employers, it is hoped you will not forget your Duty to God and them - You are to use the men with discretion and kindnefs and they will do the Same to you in your turn - You are to give true attention to Canoe Building and get as many as you can and not to build on that Chesty? form as usual, which has causesd many words amongst the Men - you are to make them broader on the thafts?, and not so much sheer in the middle. we are Shockingly of here for Canoes, most part of them being destroy'd before we got here, some was left at the House below and could come no farther. so conclude with wishing succefs to the Companys affairs, health and happinefs to You & all under your Direction and Remain
Your Wellwisher
Wm Tomison."


" From Mr Tomison to Mr Jas. Tate
Moose Hills Nov. 11th 1792
Mr James Tate
Sir,
Being in want of Sundry articles obliges me to send the following persons for them Viz. Mag. Spense, Donald Mowatt who accompanies John Irvin that came from the south Branch . you will please to send up the two bundles that was left & the two brought up by the Packet. I have no Flints no Broad Ice chizzels, Guns, Cloth, Brandy not half enough, you are to send up the Smiths bellows & all things belonging to the Smith, should those now sent should be insufficient to bring the things up, you will send one up with them as I cannot spare any more at present being busy with collecting Stockades, you will dispatch the two men for the South Branch as fast as you can, on the 9th Inst. - I sent of Peter Fidler & John Ward to the Rocky Mountain with Sak e too the Muddyriver Indian who has promised to conduct them there and back again - So conclude with wishing you health and happinefs and all under your Direction and remain your
Wellwisher
Wm Tomison.
PS My best respects to Mr Thomas & Mr Bird."


" Mr Jas. Tates' Answer
Manchester house Nov. 14th 1792
Dear Sir
By the arrival of Mag. Spense Donald Mowatt & John Irvin on Tuesday last I received you letter (as also the Books &c enclosed) which mentions of your being short of Sundry articles of Trading Goods &c. I have therefore sent by the bearers two Kegs of Brandy, No.7 & 72, Guns of 3 1/2 Feet 2, of 4 Foot 2, Chizzels Ice broad 7, Flints 200, Trunks large 2, small 1 containing sundry small articles with remains of the two bundles left here in the fall, the two bundles now brought up, two small parcels and the Smiths things I could find. - I have sent Alex Gun to assist the Men up but could very Ill spare him as we are so very few here and Hugh Beaky unfit for Duty, Rob. Linkleter is taken ill of a Bloody flux, Mal. Grott is also lame so that we have only 3 men to Cook, Taylor & cutt firewood &c.

Should you not send more men to Winter here there will be no occasion for to keep a hunter any longer, as Andrew Flett could kill sufficient for the few that are here.

There has been two Stone & four Fall Indians here for Tobacco since my Last - I shall dispatch John Irvin & Nich'l Leath for the South branch tomorrow - The Knives & cloth they are almost gone of, Brandy there is 7 Kegs remaining. I have nothing more to relate but conclude with wishing you a Good Trade &c and remain your very humble
Servant Jas. Tate."


"From Mr Rofs to Mr Tomison
Pet a hagan asseppy, Jan. 3rd 1793
Mr Wm Tomison
Sir,
I embrace this opportunity of informing you a little how the state of affairs is and was at this place. I arrived here Oct. 13th accompanied by 3 Young hands from the Ship and also John Strickler & John Davey which is not any better than the Young hands.

I found Mr Thoburn here in a good House accompanied by eighteen Canadian men and two Interpreters with goods to trade more furrs then twice the number of Indians that is hunting Beaver for this Place is able to kill, they are no more then 12 Indians hunting Beaver - the Canadians have Six Indians for meat hunting and I have no lefs than two and with all can hardly subsist. I have been more than once on the point of sending the People down to Cumberland House to live - myself to stay by the goods as long as Life would have permitted me.

I am obliged to pay an exorbitant price for the trifle of provisions I do get besides presents - They run all upon that pernicious article Brandy that is not the worst of it, all those hard ships I could put up with if there was any returns coming in for the Honble Employers to lesson that extravagent expense, but there is nothing or will be here this year no more than 340 made Beaver in furrs at present and only 26 Beaver of Debt received or? do I think one third of the Debts will come in this year all the Indians belonging to Cumberland House only Chee ac & Belvered had taken debts from Mr Thoburn before my arrival here, notwithstanding the Debts they had at Cumberland House which was a sufficiancy for any Indians that intended to do any Good but they are turning vagabonds, I have done every thing that the Companys goods and my own abilities can do and all to little or no purpose.-
If I had any man that I could trust the charge of the House to, I would go and pafs the remainder of the Winter with them to try for part of the Debts if pofsible, but, none of those with me is fitt for leaving the Charge of the House to or fit to go out with the Indians, as they do not understand a word of the Language, but otherways a set of the best and willingist men I have been in Company with this Winter or in any part of the Country.

I sent for John Ballenden the 17th Dec. for that purpose of taking charge of the House, he was on his way coming here but was obliged to turn back one Days Journey from Cumberland House on account of Sprain he got in his back at the building in the Fall of the Year.

When I arrived at the high bank carrying place 12th October I found that there was not water in sturgeon river for one of the Large canoes empty which forced me from executing my orders very much against my will. when I came here I found Mr Thoburn in readinefs with two Canoes Loaded of Trading goods & twelve men & an Interpreter to follow me where ever I should go, I had none to consult with, I thought that it was best not to give them a chance of two Houses so I put up here. so I conclude Dear sir with wishing better succefs to the Companys affairs, in all other Quarters then with me, and greater happinefs to You & all under your Command then I have at present which is the Sincere wish of Your most Obliged

and Humble Servt.
Mal. Rofs."


" Mr Tomisons' Answer
Buckingham house March 1st 1793
Mr Rofs
Sir
Your favour of Jan. 3rd came safe to hand 26th Feb which gave me pleasure to here that you and all under your direction was in good health, but I am sorry to find you are so distrefsed for food. - I never ment that you should have built a house on that spot where you are at present, because it only serves to drain the Indians from Cumberland House and debauch them from doing any good for the future, which was your neighbours principal motive for building a house on that spot, to debauch those few Indians.

My neighbour has no better principals for he is doing all in his power to draw every Indian off by the great qunatity of Liquor given which he well knows I am not able to give, he has already told me If I build a house in every place where he builds he will make me divide the Goods in small Quantities, and so he may well tell me so when he arrived here with 375 pieces of Goods, which is a very unequal match for my 70, in short we are only a Laughing-stock to them - My Trade at present amounts to 4000 parchment Beaver and 500 Wolves with very little of any other kind, and there has been no? Muddy river Indians in since the fall, and very few Blood Indians - and what I am to do with them for want of Guns I know not, as I have but 5 left. it grieves me to loose Indians for want of goods. So I conclude with wishing Succefs to the Honourable Companies affairs health and happinefs to you an all under your direction and remain with due respect,
Yours sincerely
Wm Tomison."


" Mr Tomison to Mr Jas. Tate
Buckingham house Jan. 30th '93
Mr Jas. Tate
Sir
On this occasion I have sent Robt. Garroch and Benj. Bruce, to assist Mr Thomas to Buckingham House, I would have sent for him much sooner, but I had not a whole ? horse to send Down till the other day, I bought one for that purpose, the Horses here are all cutt with bringing meat so far off. - all owing to want of Snow and there is not at this time 1 1/2 Inch on the Ground - You will please to let me know what quantity of Pimmicon you will be able to make, as what I may be able to procure, here it is uncertain as my goods is so very short, there has been in some Blackfoot & Blood Indians, but very poor.

The fatt Blood Indian man was here the other day, brought 14 Skins and provisions, the former he traded, but the latter he only brought two small pieces for which I gave him two Knives and a piece of Tobacco, he thinking himself not sufficiently paid he Loaded his horses and went of with the rest, you will also let me know what goods You have remaining, for I suppose there will no Indians visit you except the Fall Indians, and what goods you have will be conveyed up to this place in the Spring. please to send by the bearer what Bracelets you have and any thing else you may not want, I have only 6 guns left and they would have been Traded had I not put them by for Indians that spoke for them in the Fall, I am sorry to inform you that the Blood is dead, and Longfoot died of his wounds he received when quarreling with others, the Straighthorn was drownded - by the above Indians have lost 64 Beaver in goods. of which 2 Guns and the rest in Cloth, Ironwork and ammunition - so conclude with wishing succefs to the Company's affairs, health and happinefs to you & all under your Direction and remain

Your
Wellwisher
Wm Tomison.
PS My best respects to Mr Thomas & Mr Bird. have sent down 9 Dozen of Awl blades & 3 Doz. of Fire steels."


" From Mr Colen
New York 14 June 1793
Dear Sir,
Mr Donald will deliver you the Invoice of Goods sent pr Boat, sufficient for 3 Canoe cargoes besides provisions &c for the Men during their Journey being the same Quantity of every article as used to be delivered at the Factory - The fitting out these Canoes will enable them to return in time for the Ship with many bundles of the furs which has remained Years at Cumberland House to a very great lofs to our Employers.

The rundlets of Liquor are considerably stronger than any before sent Inland - the Corks of them are sealed with the Honble Company's Cypher Seal. - Mr Donald will deliver a sample by which you will know its strength.

A much larger quantity of Goods would have been sent but the indisposition of the Boat builder prevented the Boat brought out in frame being set up. - The Poor Man landed with the Scurvy upon him, has been confined ever since and is now unable to remove from his bed without assistance - That dreadfull Disorder raged with violence thro' the Factory this season occasioned by the great scarsity of Country provisions - poor Nich'l Spense fell a Victim to it the 15th of April last, Robt. Tonnant? died the 15th of Feb.

The Honble Company has prohibited any more than one Steersmen going in one Canoe.
Hoping that you have experienced health and happinefs wishing it to ever be your attendant
I remain Dear Sir,
Yours &c
Jos. Colen.
PS All the men who go up with the Canoes and return with furs by Ship time will be recommended to the Honble Committee for an additional advance of bounty as trip money and in case any refuse to go up with Goods they will be dealt accordingly.-
J.C."



Reel 1M18 B.24/a/1

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