"Buckingham House Journal 1796-97 by Peter Fidler"
Oct. 20 1796
" Thursday At 1 1/2 PM Arrived here from Cumberland House with 4 Canoes, found all well here James Gaddy being left in Charge of this House all Summer. 4 Men brought the flesh of 2 Cow buffalo to the House. Light breezes and variable with Snow part of the day."
Oct. 21
" Friday Three men preparing to set off tomorrow with the Packet to Mr Sutherland at Edmonton House - 4 Men arrived in a Canoe from the above place who has been up with Goods - Nichol Spence boatbuilder & John Davey, his mate got Keels for two Boats - and the Men brought them home - the rest variously Employed. Light breezes at NW Overcast cold weather. Thirty Three men at the House."
Oct. 22
" Saturday Fresh breezes at NW flying Clouds and something warmer than Yesterday - 5 Men getting ready to go to kill Buffalo as there is not not an Indian near this Place to employ to hunt - Sent 3 Men with the Packet to Mr Sutherland - two of which is to stop above. Men variously Employed."
Oct. 23
" Sunday Fresh breezes at ESE overcast cold weather. Much Ice driving in the River - The men went to fetch the horses home but could not find them which prevents the hunters from going away."
Oct. 24
" Monday Sent 4 Men to kill meat for the House - The Carpenter & his mate getting boats timbers, the rest laid up some Canoes - Light breezes at SE weather as yesterday."
Oct. 25
" Tuesday Took up the lower floor, repaired the Cellar and finished it - the rest brought home Grafs to lay up the rest of the Canoes with. Very sharp frost last night with thick rime & fog this morning - middle of the day thawed a little with fresh breezes of wind at SE."
Oct. 26
" Wednesday Fresh Gales at ESE overcasst cold weather. Sent 2 Men to look for Canoe wood, in the Evening they returned having found very little - the Men brought home more grafs and finished laying up the Canoes. Boat builder & his mate sharpening their tools - Taylor at work for the Men."
Oct. 27
" Thursday Those men that came up with the Canoes did nothing since their arrivall - this day set all hands to work - Sent 6 men to hunt pitch - Seven getting ready to go to get Canoe wood tomorrow - The rest brought home Timbers for the Boats and carrying up birch from below the bank to make Mallets & Wedges of in the Spring to pack furrs with - Taylor making a Coat for Wm Rich - the pitch hunters returned with 8 Gallons of good pitch. The Carpenters sawing wood for the Boats - Wind variable light breezes clear warm weather - river froze over."
Oct. 28
" Friday Seven men went away to take Canoe wood 12 miles up the river - 4 went to hunt pitch and the Carpenters as yesterday - all the rest carried home firewood except the Taylor who is at work for the Men making them winter Cloathing. Nichol Allen incapable of duty he has both his heels very sore - also Geo. Gun is unfit for Duty by a severe pain in his head. One Man Came from the hunting Tent with word to fetch Eight Buffalo. the pitch hunters returned with about 8 Galls of pretty good pitch. Light breezes at East fine warm pleasant weather for the Season."
Oct. 29
" Saturday Sent 4 Men with 16 Horses to fetch meat as we have not a bit in the house at present. Taylor & the Carpenters viz. Nichol Spense, John Moore who is now come up with the fall Canoes & John Davey? their? ? at their respective duty the rest cut firewood & cleaned out the Yard - Wind and weather nearly as yesterday - several flocks of Geese flying to the Southw'd."
Oct. 30
" Sunday Light breezes at E with flying showers of Rain."
Oct. 31
" Monday Light breezes at W Overcast & thawed much. 3 Men picking Oakam from the fettles of the Kegs to caulk the boats with when built - 6 getting ready to go to hunt pitch - One looking for Horses - Carpenters at their duty. Taylor making small Coats for the Indians for Trade. Men returned with the flesh of 8 Buffalo, There are six more killed at the Tent."
Nov. 1 1796
" Tuesday Sent 2 Men with Meat to the Men that are taking Canoe wood - in the evening they returned - Carpenters laid the Keel of one Boat. Taylor making Indian cloathing - sent 3 Men to fetch home the rest of the Meat from the hunting Tent - at 2 PM Mr Sutherland with 2 men arrived here from Edmonton house - the rest variously Employed - Fresh breezes at South Overcast warm weather. Sent 6 Men to hunt pitch."
Nov. 2
" Wednesday Sent 2 Men with 2 horses to fetch home Canoe wood - 2 looking for horses - Carpenters & Taylor at their respective duty - in the evening the Men came home with the flesh of Six buffalo - 2 opening the Packages brought up by the fall Canoes - and making up bundles of Blankets Iron work &c to send to Edmonton house. a Stone Indian came here for Tobacco - 2 Men picking Oakam - Fresh breezes at WNW overcast warm weather."
Nov. 3
" Thursday Three men digging Sods to cover the Charcoal pit - The Stone Indian man went away, the men ret'd that went for Canoe wood & brought home Splinters & sent two more to fetch home Canoewood. the rest variously Employed - Wind & weather as Yesterday."
Nov. 4
" Friday Sent one man for Canoe wood & the others returned that went Yesterday - Mr Sutherland & 8 men went back to Edmonton House taking 2 bundles of Trading Goods with Them - The Hunters all came home, there are no buffalo where they have been - they brought the flesh of two Buffalo with them - Taylor & Carpenters at their respective duty as usual - the rest variously Employed. Wind and Weather as before."
Nov. 5
" Saturday Wind and weather nearly as yesterday. The Men returned with Canoe wood - one digging Sods one picking Oakam - and the rest as before - a small band of Stone Indians arrived here with a few furrs and a little dry provision."
Nov. 6
" Sunday Sent 2 Men to fetch home Timbers & Splinters and take some meat to those that are there - Traded with the Stone Indians and they all went away. Light breezes at West hazy & warm."
Nov. 7
" Monday Tradesmen as last week - and the rest cut firewood - wind and weather as Yesterday."
Nov. 8
" Tuesday Heavy Gale at NW afternoon Clear - sent 4 Men for Canoewood - One picking Oakam Carpenters & Taylor as before & the rest did necefsary jobs about the house - the pitch hunters returned that went for Pitch the 2nd Inst. with about 6 big Kegs of tolerable pitch."
Nov. 9
" Wednesday Light breezes and variable Easterly, overcast & cold - Men as before, part of the people ret'd having got a sufficient quantity of wood to build 6 Canoes - Three remained at the Tent until it is all brought home."
Nov. 10
" Thursday Snow fell in the Night 1 Inch - Fresh breezes at NW flying showers of Snow & cold weather. 4 Men making themselves ready to go to Kill buffalo for the House - 6 making ready to go to Edmonton to fetch down all the Smiths & Armourers stores - 6 getting ready to fetch Canoewood tomorrow, one Picking Oakam, Taylor & Carpenters at their respective duty the other men that stopped at the wood Tent came home."
Nov. 11
" Light breezes at SE light Snow - evening clear and pleasant. Sent 6 Men to Edmonton House - Sent six for Canoewood one picking Oakum & the rest cut firewood - Two Stone Indians came for Tobacco."
Nov. 12
" Saturday The Men Returned with 6 Sledges of Canoe Timber, sent 4 Men to kill Buffalo for the House, the rest as yesterday & cleaned the Yard. The Stone Indians got tobacco & went away
Fresh breezes at NW Overcast & cold."
Nov. 13
" Sunday Wind & weather as Yesterday."
Nov. 14
" Monday Light Airs at NE Clear fine weather
Sent 7 Men to fetch home the last of the Canoewood. The rest of the people as last week - & took down the Flag staff to put haulyards to it."
Nov. 16
" Wednesday Fresh breezes at NW Overcast. Snow fell last night 1/2? Inch. People as Yesterday - Two South'd Indians arrived with 150 MB."
Nov. 17
" Thursday Fresh breezes & variable Southerly Clear & Cloudy Alternate - Taylor making Cloathing for the late Jas. Spence's Children - Carpenters as before - the rest brought home birch to make sledges - Traded with the Indians & they went away."
Nov. 18
" Friday Fresh Gales at NW with Snow till Noon then Clear & Cloudy alternate - 2 men making Carrot Tobacco one picking Oakam & the rest cut firewood."
Nov. 19
" Saturday Wind & weather nearly as Yesterday
2 Men sawing stuff for Sledges The rest as before."
Nov. 20
" Sunday Fresh breezes at W Clear sharp weather."
Nov. 21
" Monday Light breezes & variable clear sharp weather.
One Man repairing Kegs - Sent 3 Men to kill Buffalo & the rest as last week."
Nov. 22
" Tuesday Light Airs and variable overcast & cold.
Smith made a small cupboard to put the medecines in to keep them from freezing - the three Men that went to hunt Yesterday returned with 2 Bulls. also 2 Men came from the Hunting Tent with 2 Cows - the rest as Yesterday."
Nov. 23
" Wednesday the Men that came from the Hunting Tent returned with One Man more along with them. Nichol Allen got Thoroughly well and at work with the rest of the people collecting firewood - hitherto he has been employed picking Oakam. Tradesmen as usual - Light Airs at N overcast and pretty warm."
Nov. 24
" Thursday wind & weather nearly as Yesterday
The rest finished collecting the firewood that was fallen in the Summer."
Nov. 25
" Friday Wind & weather as before - Carpenters falling wood for boards for the Boats & the rest helped them to the sawpit with it - Taylor as before."
Nov. 26
" Saturday Light Airs & variable with a gentle thaw - Carpenters sawing boards for the Boats the rest cut firewood & Cleaned out the yard."
Nov. 27
" Sunday Wind & weather nearly as yesterday
the Men returned from Edmonton House with all the Smiths stores - two of whom are to return - One man came home from the Hunting Tent with word to fetch 2 Cows & One Bull."
Nov. 28
" Monday Fresh breezes at NNW Overcast & cold weather.
Sent 4 Men to fetch meat & he that came yesterday went with them. - Carpenters sawing boards - Smith and One Man putting up the Bellows, Vyce &c in the Shop - Taylor making cloathing for the men - the rest cut wood to make Charcoal off for the Smiths use."
Nov. 29
" Tuesday Fresh breezes at NE with light Snow
Three men picking Oakam - the Men came home that went for meat - Tradesmen as before & the rest as yesterday."
Nov. 30
" Wednesday Fresh breezes at SW fine weather
2 Men cutting up fatt to melt down to make Pemmicon of - The Men hauling sods to the Charcoal pit - The two Men returned to Edmonton that brought the Smiths stores."
Dec. 1 1796
" Thursday Fresh breezes at NE dark cold overcast wea.
Smith making Rivets for the Kegs, One man cutting Kegs the rest cut firewood & making sledges."
Dec. 2
" Friday Light Airs and variable overcast and warm
Smith making Iron work to repair the Gates, 6 Men got stuff for ? & the rest variously Employed."
Dec. 3
" Saturday Fresh breezes at NE overcast - Smith making a small pair of Scales - finished cutting up the fat & the rest cleaned out the Yard. Carpenters finished sawing boards to finish the 2 Boats."
Dec. 4
" Sunday Fresh breezes at NW Cold & cloudy - One man came from the hunting Tent with word to fetch 5 Cows."
Dec. 5
" Monday Light Airs & Variable clear sharp weather
One Tent of Stone & several Southern Indians arrived here but brought very little with them. Sent 4 Men to the Hunters Tent for meat & he who came yesterday accompanied them, Carpenters at work at the Boat & the Taylor making cloathing for the Men, Cooper cut kegs & the rest hauled home firewood."
Dec. 6
" Tuesday Traded with the Indians & they all went away. the people as Yesterday - in the Evening the men returned with 5 Buffalo and says there are 5 more & 1 Red Deer to fetch - Light Airs & variable clear weather."
Dec. 7
" Wednesday Light breezes at W light snow
Smith doing necefsary Jobs, repairing Falling hatchets &c. The Cooper, Carpenters & Taylor at their respective duties the rest cut Firewood."
Dec. 8
" Thursday Sent 5 men for Meat & the rest as before. Fresh breezes at WSW pleasant weather - A Bungee Ind. came here for Debt."
Dec. 9
" Friday Tradesmen as before the rest carried Snow & Water into the Victual shed to preserve the meat in the Spring Light Airs at NE clear fine weather - The Men ret'd with 5 Buffalo."
Dec. 10
" Saturday Fresh breezes at WSW & thawed a good deal. Tradesmen as before & the rest brought home the Charcoal & Cleaned out the Yard."
Dec. 11
" Sunday Overcast & warm weather light airs variable."
Dec. 12
" Monday Wind & weather as yesterday with a little Snow. Sent 6 Men for meat. Tradesmen as last week - The rest hauled home firewood."
Dec. 13
" Tuesday Light airs at WSW drizzling Rain and thick fog. The Tradesmen as before - the rest cleaned the Snow out of the Yard - the men came home with the flesh of Six Buffalo - three more still at the Tent."
Dec. 14
" Wednesday Fresh breezes at N overcast & cold much Snow fell in the Night - 5 Men picking Oakam - Tradesmen as before and the rest cleaned the Snow out of the Yard - A Stone Ind. Arrived here for Tobacco."
Dec. 15
" Thursday Sent 3 Men to fetch meat from the hunting Tent as usual - Smith repairing the Lock of the Gates. Men cut firewood the Tradesmen as before - Fresh Gales at NW with much drift & cold."
Dec. 16
" Friday Fresh breezes at NW Clear sharp weather. The men returned with the flesh of three Buffalo Smith repairing falling hatchets and the other Tradesmen as before - the Men carried home dry wood. A Packet arrived from Mr Finlays - out 25 Days."
Dec. 17
" Saturday Light Airs at NW Clear & very sharp Thermometer 40 below the Cypher - People as yesterday."
Dec. 18
" Sunday Wind & weather as yesterday - Thermometer 45 below the Cypher - at 2 PM 4 Men arrived from Edmonton House with 6 horses, they are come for Trading Goods - They brought the following Letter."
" Edmonton House 12th Dec. 1796
Dr Sir
Since my last a number of Slave Indians have been in here with Furs & Provisons which has reduced my stock of many articles of Trading goods, particularly Guns, Hatchets & Ball - of the two former articles not one in the House and of the latter only half a bag. - this has obliged me to send down sooner than I intended for a supply as pr list inclosed. The Buffalo are still very scarce, the few our hunter kills are very poor being chiefly Bulls - Mr Shaw & myself have told the Blackfoot tribe not to bring their Wolves & Provisions here, but carry them down to Buckingham where Goods are left for them - we ever told them that if they came here they should not have the value of a Pipe of Tobacco, their answer was - that they were afraid of the Stone Indians who are pounding Buffalo in the road - they add that they intend going to War against the above Indians next Spring. its needlefs to say I endeavoured to diswage them from this barberous expedition - I have therefore very little hopes of your having a great trade at Buckingham.
I beg you will pay every attention to gett the Boats forwards - Trade here at present upwds of 4000 MB."
Wishing you health & Plenty
I am
Dr Sir
Yours &c Geo. Sutherland
PS. Have sent 3 Gun Locks to be repaired by Gilbert Laughton - which I wish you to send up by the Men I also wish Gilbert to make a Ladle as I intend converting some shot into Ball."
Dec. 19
" Monday Light Airs at West Clear & excefsive sharp Thermometer 60° below Cypher - The lowest I ever knew it these 8 Years past. Packed up goods to send to Mr Sutherland and made every thing ready for their going away tomorrow if weather permits."
Dec. 20
" Tuesday Fresh breezes at NW Clear & very sharp Cooper making small kegs Carpenters at work at the Boat - Taylor making cloathing for the Men - Smith rep'd the Lock of Mr Sutherlands Gates & the rest variously employed."
" Copy of a Letter sent to Mr Sutherland
Buckingham House 20th Dec. 1796
Dr Sir,
Your men arrived here all safe the 18th Inst. and have sent as much Trading Goods as loaded the six horses (which was all they brought down) as pr list inclosed. The Awls, Steels, Worms &c shall be made as soon as the cold weather is over which of late has been so intense (sixty below Cypher) that the Smith could not get any thing made of the small Articles, hitherto he has been employed repairing falling hatchets (as there was not any fit for use here) and making Nails for the Batteaux.Shall pay every attention in getting the boats as fast forward as pofsible - one is nearly finished and the Carpenters will go to the Woods after Christmas to saw stuff for the other one.
Am Glad to hear you have made such a Trade already so early in the Season and hope if your Goods be sufficient to last 'till the Spring hunt comes in it will far surpafs any of the former Years - There are but few Indians about this place but by 2 Blackfoot now arrived they say all their Countrymen will be here with their spring hunts.
We are but middlingly of for Provisions having only three weeks stock before hand but hope the Buffalo will soon be nearer by than before by reason of the severe weather that has of late prevailed.
Wishing You health & a happy New Year
& remain
Dr Sir
Your obdt hble Servant
P Fidler.
PS. The Gun Locks &c &c shall be done as soon as pofsible."
Dec. 21
" Wednesday Fresh Gales at NW Overcast light Snow and cold weather with much Drift. - The people could not set of to the other House owing to bad weather. Smith making Gun Worms - the men hauled home & cut firewood - The Carpenters, Cooper & Taylor at their respective duty."
Dec. 22
" Thursday Fresh breezes at NW overcast & warmer
The 4 Men returned to Edmonton with six horses loaded with Trading Goods, Smith making Iron work for the Boats & the rest as before."
Dec. 23
" Friday Fresh breezes at SW clear pleasant Wea.
The People as Yesterday - one Man came from the huntg Tent with word to fetch 10 Buffalo"
Dec. 24
" Saturday Light breezes at E Clear fine weather
Tradesmen as before & the rest cleaned out the Yard."
Dec. 25
" Sunday Wind & weather as Yesterday."
Dec. 26
" Monday Wind and weather as before, Men did nothing."
Dec. 27
" Tuesday Wind NW fresh breezes weather as before.
Sent 5 Men to fetch meat and the man that came with word accompanied them - The rest did nothing."
Dec. 28
" Wednesday Light Airs at NE with small Snow
Smith making awl blades and the rest as on Friday. The Men returned with 5 Sledges of Meat."
Dec. 29
" Thursday Light Airs at NW Clear pleasant weather
Sent 5 Men for more meat. Tradesmen as before and the rest put Snow into the Victual Shed."
Dec. 30
" Friday Sent 6 men to fetch Meat. Tradesmen as before & the rest cut firewood - wind & weather nearly as Yesterday - John Irvin badly this 3 Days past with a severe pain in his bowels. The 5 Men returned with Meat."
Dec. 31
" Saturday Light Airs at NW Clear sharp weather
All hands as Yesterday and cleaned out the Yard - The Men returned with 7 Sledges of meat."
Jan. 1 1797
" Sunday Moderate breezes at SW Clear sharp weather
A Stone Indian came for Tobacco."
Jan. 2
" Monday Fresh breezes at NW? Clear moderate weather
Smith finished and forging the Awl blades - Carpenter at work at the boat. Cooper making small kegs - 5 Men looking for Horses to fetch meat tomorrow - and the rest picking oakam - Taylor making cloathing - The Stone Indian got Tobacco & went away."
Jan. 3
" Tuesday Light Airs at SW with light Snow
Sent 6 men for meat 5 to return & 1 to stay at the tent in room of another - Smith & One Man making Awl blades. The Tradesmen as before & the rest cutfirewood."
Jan. 4
" Wednesday Fresh breezes at NE with thick Snow most part of last Night & this day. Men as Yesterday. 3 men returned with Meat & left the other 2 at the Tent."
Jan. 5
" Thursday The 2 men arrived from the Hunting Tent with meat. - Men as before- Fresh Gales at NW & light Snow."
Jan. 6
" Friday Light Airs at NE clear pleasant weather. Sent the Carpenters & 1 Man to saw boards to finish the Boats - Men as Yesterday - John Irvin has been unfit for duty these 5 Days past."
Jan. 7
" Saturday Wind as Yesterday overcast weather
Smith repairing 2 Gun Locks for Mr Sutherland - the rest as before and cleaned out the Yard.
A Large band of Stone Indians came here & one Sd Ind. but brought very little with them besides Provisions."
Jan. 8
" Sunday One Man came home from the Hunting Tent with word to fetch 3 Sledges of meat. - Employed the whole Day Trading with the Stone Indians - Traded the undermentioned Provisons & furs from them. Viz. Fatt 820 lbs - Dry meat 615 lbs - Beat Meat 1601 lbs and 130 MB - Light breezes WSW clear & warm."
Jan. 9
" Monday Early this morning all the Stone Indians went away - Traded with the Sd Indian & he went away. Taylor Cooper & Smith as on Saturday - The rest stowed by the Provisions - Light airs at NE overcast weather."
Jan. 10
" Tuesday Fresh breezes at WSW Clear & warm. Tradesmen as before and the rest hauled home firewood. Sent 3 Men to fetch Meat - and the Man that brought word accompanied them - a Blackfoot Ind. Came for Tobacco & went away."
Jan. 11
" Wednesday Light breezes at NE Overcast weather
the Men returned with 3 Sledges loaded of Meat - Wm Isbester came home he has got his Toes froze. Three Tents of Blackfoots came here, and brought very little with them - Smith has a swelled hand can do no duty - & the rest as before."
Jan. 12
" Thursday Traded with the Blackfoots and the Men as Yesterday - Fresh Gales at the SW with thick Snow."
Jan. 13
" Friday Light breezes at NW Clear pleasant wea.
All hands as before. The Blackfoots went away."
Jan. 14
" Saturday Light Airs at SW weather as Yesterday
John Irvin getting rather better - Wm Isbester unfit for duty - Tradesmen as before & the rest cut wood & cleaned out the Yard - Went to the Sawyers, they have sawed nearly half enough."
Jan. 15
" Sunday Light airs & variable clear pleasant wea."
Jan. 16
" Monday Fresh Gales at NW with Snow most part of the day & much drift - Smiths hand mending fast - Cooper & Taylor at their respective duty - Wm Isbester who hath got froze toes making fettles for Bundles and all the rest cut up back fats."
Jan. 17
" Tuesday Fresh breezes at NW Clear sharp wea.
Smith repairing the hand saw, Tradesmen as before & the rest cleaned out the Yard One Man came from the Hunting Tent with word to fetch 8 Cows."
Jan. 18
" Wednesday Light breezes variable clear & very sharp
People as before & hauled home firewood."
Jan. 19
" Thursday Smith repairing Falling Hatchets and all the rest as before - 2 Blackfoots came for Tobacco & went away with it - Wind & Weather as Yesterday. Sent 8 men for meat."
Jan. 20
" Friday 2 Tents of Blackfoots arrived here - Smith making Iron work for the Boats - Tradesmen as before & the rest carried home firewood - Wind & weather as Yestdy."
Jan. 21
" Saturday Traded with the Indians and they all went away - The Men came home with 8 Sledges of Meat. Tradesmen as before & the rest cut firewood & cleaned out the Yard. Fresh breezes at NE Clear weather."
Jan. 22
" Sunday Fresh breezes at NW Clear & pretty sharp wea."
Jan. 23
" Monday Wind as Yesterday & overcast weather
Taylor making Coats for Trade - Tradesmen at their respective duties & the rest hauled home firewood."
Jan. 24
" Tuesday Light breezes at ENE overcast & pretty warm. One man making 5 fettles every Day as usual. Jn Irvin recovering fast & the rest as before."
Jan. 25
" Wednesday Light Airs at NW overcast & warm.
Men as Yesterday - Two Southern Indians arrived pretty well gooded."
Jan. 26
" Thursday Sent 7 Men for boards for the Boats and they returned with them and Oars - Men as before. Traded with the Indians that came Yesterday. Fresh Gales at NNE with Snow & drift most part of the day."
Jan. 27
" Friday Fresh breezes at W overcast weather. Smith doing necefsary Jobs - The others as before and cleaned the snow out of the Yard. Indians went away."
Jan. 28
" Saturday Light breezes at NE Clear pleasant wea.
Smith stocking a Gun - the Tradesmen as before and the rest carried home firewood & cleaned the Yard."
Jan. 29
" Sunday Light breezes at SE Clear warm weather.
a band of Stone Indians arrived here with a few furs and provisions. a South'd Indian came for Tobacco."
Jan. 30
" Monday The South'd Indian got Tobacco and went away. Tradesmen at their respective duties - and the rest variously Employed - Traded with the Stone Indians - Fresh breezes at SW Clear pleasant wea. 2 Men came from the hunting Tent, nothing killed."
Jan. 31
" Tuesday Wind & Weather and Mens Employ as Yesterday - all the Stone Indians went away."
Feb. 1 1797
" Wednesday Fresh breezes at WSW Clear & Thawed
Smith finished Stocking the Gun, Tradesmen as before. 2 Cut out 32 Pimmican bags and the rest hauled in firewood. the 2 Men returned to the Hunting Tent."
Feb. 2
" Thursday - Smith Stocking another Gun - Tradesmen at their duty & the rest beating beat meat and melting down the Blackfoot fatt. Light breezes at WSW."
Feb. 3
" Friday Wind & weather nearly as Yesterday - Tradesmen at their duty - and the rest made 26 bags of Pimmicon."
Feb. 4
" Saturday Fresh breezes and variable Westerly with Snow in the Morning. People cleaned out the Yard and cut firewood."
Feb. 5
" Sunday Fresh breezes westerly clear fine weather."
Feb. 6
" Monday Wind & Weather nearly as yesterday.
Wm Isbester got well of his froze toes he is now hauling firewood with the rest of the Men - Taylor finished making Coats for Trade & laced some hats - Smith and Cooper - one Stocking Guns & the other making small kegs."
Feb. 7
" Tuesday Light Airs & as Yesterday. Tradesmen at their duty & the rest beating beat meat - 2 Men came from the Hunting Tent & brought one Cow There is another to fetch."
Feb. 8
" Wednesday The Men cut wood and brought home all the Boards Oars &c to finish both Boats - the Carpenters also came home & brought every thing with them - Taylor making Cloathing for the Men and the rest at their respective duty. Light breezes at NW clear and rather sharp."
Feb. 9
" Thursday Smith making Awl blades, Taylor & Cooper as Yesterday - the Carpenters getting a few more Boat timbers. The rest made 25 bags of Pimmicon - Fresh breezes at NW with snow most part of the Day."
Feb. 10
" Friday Tradesmen as Yesterday & the others hauled home firewood - Sent 2 Men to stay at the Hunters Tent - A Southern Indian arrived & brought a few furrs. Carpenters came home having got timbers sufficient to serve - Light breezes at N overcast, sharp weather."
Feb. 11
" Saturday Light breezes at WSW clear sharp wea.
Traded with the Indian and he went away - Sent one Man to stay at the Hunters Tent - all the Men cut wood & cleaned out the Yard."
Feb. 12
" Sunday One Man came home from the Hunting Tent to stay at the House, he brought word of 7 Buffalo being killed. wind & wea. as? Yesterday."
Feb. 13
" Monday Wind & weather as before, Tradesmen at their respective duties, all the rest hauled home timbers for the boats except John Irvin who is still unfit for duty."
Feb. 14
" Tuesday Sent 5 Men to fetch meat - Smith making Iron work for the Boats. Carpenters took the first boat off the Stocks ready for Caulking &c. Cooper finished making Kegs - Taylor making Cloathing for the Men. the rest hauled home firewood. Sent 5 Men for Meat."
Feb. 15
" Wednesday Light Airs at E Clear Sharp weather
Carpenters took the ? boat off the Stocks - Smith & one Man making 40d? Nails for the Boats - Taylor as Yesterday & the rest cut wood to make Charcoal."
Feb. 16
" Thursday Wind & Weather as Yesterday - the Men came home? with meat & one Man came from the Tent to stay at the House - Carpenters put on the other Boat on the Stocks - Taylor as before - & the rest burnt Charcoal."
Feb. 17
" Friday Wind & weather the same - Smith & one Man making Iron work for the Boats. Taylor as before & the Carpenters at their respective duty - the rest cut firewood."
Feb. 18
" Saturday Clear calm weather - all the Men as Yesterday & cleaned out the Yard - Sent 2 Men to look out for buffalo as there are very few where our hunters are Tenting."
Feb. 19
" Sunday Light breezes at E morning Clear - Evening overcast."
Feb. 20
" Monday Fresh Gales at WSW in the forenoon & thawed much & clear - afternoon N a strong Gale & overcast. The 2 Men returned having found no Buffalo - one Man came from the Hunting Tent for people to fetch meat. Tradesmen at their respective duty & the rest hauled home the Charcoal."
Feb. 21
" Tuesday Fresh breezes at N Clear weather & cold
Tradesmen at their respective Duty & the rest cut down firewood."
Feb. 22
" Monday Fresh breezes at NW Clear Cloudy alternate, cold weather, Smith making Gun worms. Tradesmen as before - and the rest as Yesterday."
Feb. 23
" Thursday Fresh breezes at WSW Clear sharp weather - Sent 3 men to fetch meat from the Hunting Tent. Tradesmen as Yesterday & the rest hauld home & Cut firewood. An Indian Man & 2 Women arrived here & brought a few furs."
Feb. 24
" Friday Light breezes at NW Clear sharp weather. Men as Yesterday Traded with the Indian & he went away."
Feb. 25
" Saturday Smith stocking a Gun - The rest of the Tradesmen at their respective duty - the rest made pimmecan & Candles - Sent one Man to the Hunting Tent to tell 2 of those there to come home - as there are no buffalo to be got there - The 3 Men came home with meat - Fresh Gales & variable with thick snow all day."
Feb. 26
" Sunday Light breezes at NW Clear fine weather at 3 PM John Pruden & 6 Men arrived from Edmonton House with horses - they are come down here for Goods several of which died on the road owing to the great depth of the Snow."
" Mr Sutherland to Peter Fidler
Edmonton House 16th Feb. 1797
Dr Sir,
Several tribes of Indians have been in since my last, most of which have brought good Trades, which has reduced my Trading Goods very low, particularly Guns Tobacco, Kettles, Knives & Ball - I have therefore dispatched 6 men with 10 horses for what Goods you can by any means spare - Twine excepted - Indeed all the goods that came from York Fort this Season into this River would have been barely sufficient to serve this House only - I make no doubt but you will be surprized when I tell you that the Trade here at this early season - surpafses the last Years Trade altogether at this Place being 10,000 MB altho' scarsely any of the South'd Indians have been in - I also expect a large Tribe of Fall & Southern Indians every day - & what to do for Tobacco I know not - having only one roll in the House - add to this - since I have began this Letter the Black feet Tribe have been in for Tobacco according to custom. this makes matters still worse.At any rate I wish you not to trade any more dry provisions as we have got sufficient already to serve ourselves & to afsist our fellow Servants who go to the northward.
I have sent down all the Birchrind for Canoe building as also a Gun Lock to be repaired by Gilbert Laughton, with some pinning wire to made into Gun worms - I beg you will return our men as soon as pofsible
Wishing you health & plenty
I remain
Dr Sir
Your obdt hble Serv't
Geo Sutherland."
Feb. 27
" Monday Fresh breezes at W Clear & pretty warm
Smith repaired a broad Ax for Mr Sutherland & made 60 firesteels. Carpenters at work on the Boat as usual. Taylor making clothing for the Men. - Men cut down firewood."
Feb. 28
" Tuesday Smith made a new main Spring for a Gun Lock & did other necefsary jobs. Tradesmen at their respective duty. 4 Men packing up Goods to send to Edmonton House. the rest carried home and cut firewood - in the afternoon 3 men came home from the Hunting Tent with word to fetch meat - Fresh breezes at NE with light Snow most part of the Day."
Mar. 1 1797
" Wednesday Fresh breezes at N thick snow in the morning - afternoon clear - Tradesmen at their duty & the rest cleaned out the Yard."
Mar. 2
" Thursday Sent three Men for Meat & to tell all the rest to come home if there are no Buffalo to be got - Smith Stocking a Gun for Mr Sutherland - the Tradesmen as before - The rest carried home and cut firewood - Sent John Pruden & Geo Goucher away to Edmonton house with dogs & Sledges with Trading Goods. the rest loaded their sledges ready for setting off tomorrow for Edmonton."
" Peter Fidler to Mr Geo Sutherland
Buckingham House 2nd March 1797
Dr Sir,
Your people arrived here the 26th Inst after a very tedious Journey of Ten days - they were necefsiated to leave all the Birchrind & 2 horses more than 60 Miles from this House of account of the great depth of the Snow and it was with the greatest difficulty they got the rest of the horses down here - I should have dispatched your men back sooner but it was necefsary to let the Horses rest themselves a few days before they returned.There are but very few Indians about this place (save Bungees) therefore have sent you nearly all the Trading Goods here (excep Brandy & Powder) as pr list inclosed. There are only 1 1/2 yards of Red Corded Cloth 5 Yds of Blue corded and half a roll of Tobacco left here of those articles.
It surprised me to hear that you had made such an extraordinary Trade so early in the Spring - which is double what was procured there the last Year at this time - and I make no doubt but you will be able to accumulate 2 or 3 thousand more if your Goods be sufficient when the Spring hunts come in
The Gun lock is repaired and Sent also the Broad Ax with 70 Firesteels, 100 Gun worms & 100 awl blades.
Wishing you health and Plenty
I remain
Dr Sir
Your obdt hble Servant
Peter Fidler."
Mar. 3
" Friday Sent 4 Men to hunt Buffalo up the River - also the men that came down returned to Edomonton House with 5 Sledges loaded with Trading Goods with 2 pieces on each Sledge & upwards - John Irvin at work making a Boats sail This is the first job he has done since Christmas - he is now pretty well recovered from his long and severe illnefs - Wm Rich also at work at the Sail - Smith & Carpenters & Taylor at their duty. The rest hawled home & cut firewood. Light breezes at NE with light Snow most part of the Day."
Mar. 4
" Saturday People as yesterday & cleaned out the yard Light breezes & variable rather hazy."
Mar. 5
" Sunday Fresh breezes at E Clear sharp weather
The Men returned with Meat & all the Men came home from the Hunting Tent from below - no buffalo to be seen there."
Mar. 6
" Monday Snow & Drift most part of the Day with fresh breezes at NE - all hands as on Friday - in the Evening one Man came from the Hunters Tent up the River with word to fetch 3 Cows."
Mar. 7
" Tuesday Fresh breezes at NW in the forenoon - afternoon light Airs and clear weather - People as on Saturday."
Mar. 8
" Wednesday Fresh breezes at the NE morning Clear and pleasant, afternoon rather hazy - Sent 2 Men to join the Hunters up the River - also sent 3 Men for Meat & the Man that came with word accompanied them, all hands as before."
Mar. 9
" Thursday All hands as yesterday - Light breezes at NE clear pleasant weather."
Mar. 10
" Friday Fresh breezes at ENE Clear fine weather
People as before - The men returned with the Meat & the Hunters hath moved higher up the river."
Mar. 11
" Saturday Wind as yesterday & thawed much. tradesmen as before - & the Carpenters finished the last Stroke of the 2d Boat - all the rest as yesterday - a Packet arrived at the Canadian House from where Mr Bird winters, out 19 Days."
Mar. 12
" Sunday Light airs & variable clear fine weather."
Mar. 13
" Monday Myself & One Man set off to go to Edmonton House, - left James Gaddy in care of the House - Tradesmen at their respective duties - the rest falling firewood - One Man came from the hunting Tent with word to fetch 11 Buffalo - an Indian came here with a few furrs. Fresh breezes at NE Cloudy weather."
Mar. 14
" Tuesday Fresh breezes at W with Snow - Smith making nails for the Boats. and the rest as yesterday."
Mar. 15
" Wednesday Light breezes at N Clear weather
8 Men went to fetch flesh - The Indian went away the man that brought word for to fetch meat returned to the Tent - The rest as before."
Mar. 16
" Thursday Light breezes at WNW Cloudy weather
People as yesterday."
Mar. 17
" Friday Light breezes at NE flying Clouds - Men cleaned the Snow off the Canoes - Tradesmen as before."
Mar. 18
" Saturday The Men returned with the flesh of 12 Cows - Wm Flett came home with our people - he is to stay at the house to assist in Canoe building - Tradesmen at their duty & the rest cleaned out the Yard - Light breezes at NW & clear."
Mar. 19
" Sunday Fresh breezes at SW Clear warm weather Sent 5 Men for meat."
Mar. 20
" Monday Wind & weather as yesterday - in the Morning Men hauled home firewood - afterwards putting Snow & water into the Victual shed to preserve the Meat in warm weather - Carpenters at their Duty and the Canoe builders Viz. Gilbert Laughton, John Flett, Peter Sabeston, John Mowatt & Wm Flett cleaned out the Carpenters shop putting their plains &c in order to begin to plain Canoewood tomorrow."
Mar. 21
" Tuesday Light breezes at N Clear weather - The Canoe builders plaining Timbers. Carpenters as usual & the rest hauled home firewood."
Mar. 22
" Wednesday All hands as yesterday - The Men came home with 8 Cows - Fresh breezes at ENE with thick snow most part of the day."
Mar. 23
" Thursday Wind & weather nearly as Yesterday
People as before - An Old woman came to the House with a few skins which she traded for Liquor."
Mar. 24
" Friday Fresh breezes at NE with Snow all Day - Three men overhauling the Birchrind - the rest as before - & collected firewood. Tradesmen at their Duty."
Mar. 25
" Saturday Fresh breezes at NW Clear weather.
Tradesmen as before & the rest hauled home firewood."
Mar. 26
" Sunday I arrived from Edmonton House and the Man that accompanied me there - also 2 of Mr Suthlds Men came with us for Brandy, with Dogs & Sledges. Light breezes at NE Clear sharp weather."
Mar. 27
" Monday Sent the 2 Men that came with me Yesterday away back with four Kegs of Brandy - 2 Men making Gunwails for Canoes - the other three Canoebuilders plaining the Timbers - John Irvin & William Rich at work at the Boats sails - Carpenters at their duty & the rest collecting firewood. Fresh breezes at NE clear sharp weather."
Mar. 28
" Tuesday The Tradesmen as Yesterday & the rest cutting Ice in the river to put into the Victual shed. All our Hunters came home as there is no buffalo near hand - they brought the flesh of three Cows with them. Wind & weather as before."
Mar. 29
" Wednesday Fresh breezes & variable clear & thawed a little. All hands as yesterday."
Mar. 30
" Thursday Fresh breezes at SW Clear & thawed Much
The Canoebuilders finished plaining all the Gunwails & Timbers for Six Canoes - Carpenters as before - The rest hauling up Ice from the river to put into the Victual shed."
Mar. 31
" Friday All the Canoe builders got Shafts & Juniper for Timbers for the Canoes - Carpenters making Oars for the Boats - 4 men making Mallets & Wedges for the Prefs - & the collected firewood - Wind & weather as Yesterday - in the evening heavy rain."
Apr. 1
" Saturday Fresh breezes at W flying Clouds and Thawed a little - a good deal of water on the Ice in the River - Sent 6 men to bring home the Shafts & Timbers - & they returned with them in the evening - 2 Men making mallets & wedges - Carpenters at their duty. the Canoe builders plaining splinters - the rest variously employed - Smith making shoes for setting poles."
Apr. 2
" Sunday Fresh Gales at N clear sharp weather."
Apr. 3
" Monday Wind & weather as Yesterday Smith as on Saturday - & all the rest also."
Apr. 4
" Tuesday Fresh breezes & variable cold freezing weather.
Smith at his duty also the Carpenters & Canoebuilders. The rest variously employed."
Apr. 5
" Wednesday Wind variable with light Snow most part of the Day - Tradesmen at their respective duty & the rest packed 22 bundles of furrs in the Inner prefs."
Apr. 6
" Thursday Fresh breezes at NNW Cloudy weather
2 Men turning the Juniper Timbers for 6 Canoes - Canoe Builders as before - Carpenters caulking the boats - The rest packing Furrs."
Apr. 7
" Friday Fresh breezes at NW with flying showers of snow & cold weather - All hands as Yesterday - and finished packing all the furs in the house. An Indian arrived with a few Skins - Traded them & he returned."
Apr. 8
" Saturday Tradesmen as Yesterday & the rest cleaned out the Yard & before the Gates. Light breezes & variable Southerly, clear & cold for the season. an Indian came for us to fetch meat from his Tent."
Apr. 9
" Sunday Sent 6 Men with horses to fetch the Meat. Fresh breezes & variable - thawed a good deal."
Apr. 10
" Monday Wind & weather as Yesterday. Tradesmen at their respective duties, Carpenters finished caulking one Boat - the rest variously Employed - in the afternoon the men came home with the flesh of three Cows."
Apr. 11
" Tuesday Light airs at NE hazy & sultry - in the evening gentle rain - Carpenters put the last Iron work to the 2nd Boat & finished painting the Oars. - Tradesmen as before - & the rest various ly employed. Smith cleaned 7 Trading Guns."
Apr. 12
" Wednesday Wind & Weather nearly the same
Finished plaining all the Splinters. Carpenters caulking the Boat. The rest cleaned the plantation. 2 men put 3 pair of Gunwails together - One Tent of Black foot Indians came here & brought a few Wolves - they say most of their Countrymen will be here in a few days."
Apr. 13
" Thursday Fresh breezes with a variety of winterly Weather - all the Canoe builders Turning Timbers - Carpenters as yesterday and the rest brought home wood to pitch Canoes - Traded with the Black foots & they went away."
Apr. 14
" Friday Fresh breezes at NE with thick Snow most part of the Day - People as Yesterday."
Apr. 15
" Saturday Fresh breezes and variable cold Weather - Canoe builders finished turning the Timbers & the rest as Yesterday."
Apr. 16
" Sunday Fresh breezes & variable cold weather."
Apr. 17
" Monday Strong Gales at NE Clear & Sharp
a Blackfoot came for Tobacco for 4 Men, got it and went away - Sent 4 Men for white mud to send to Mr Sutherland. in the evening They returned with it. Canoe builders made the Canoebed & made every Thing in readinefs to begin to build Canoes - The Carpenters at their duty & the rest variously Employed."
Apr. 18
" Tuesday Wind as Yesterday with thick Snow most part of the Day. Tradesmen doing trifling jobs within doors & the rest carried home a little firewood."
Apr. 19
" Wednesday Wind as before with Thick fog.
The Blackfoots arrived & brought a Good Quantity of Woves & Foxes - Tradesmen as yesterday & the rest variously Employed."
Apr. 20
" Thursday Wind & weather as yesterday - Traded with the Blackfoots and they all went away - Carpenters caulking the Boat & the rest as before."
Apr. 21
" Friday Wind & weather as before. Smith repairing a Trading Gun - Carpenters finished caulking both the Boats & put the Ceiling into one - made 22 small bags of Pimmecon of 38 lb each. The rest as before."
Apr. 22
" Saturday Wind and weather the same - Smith as yesterday - Carpenters at their duty & the rest cleaned out the Yard."
Apr. 23
" Sunday Fresh breezes at N cold weather."
Apr. 24
" Monday Sent 12 Men to hunt pitch & they ret'd with some excellent stuff - Carpenters finished one Boat ready for Painting - Canoe builders collecting Stones for their use - Taylor making Clothing these 4 Days past. Smith repaired a Key for a Padlock. Fresh breezes & variable clear weather."
Apr. 25
" Tuesday Fresh breezes at NE overcast warm weather - Smith made the Company's Mark to burn on the Horses belonging to them - Boats ready for painting - the rest cut firewood."
Apr. 26
" Wednesday Sent 2 Men with all the Horses about 9 Miles from the house to take care of them as there is but little grafs near the house. Put a Canoe on the bed - Carpenters painting the Boats. & the rest variously employed. Fresh breezes at N & cloudy."
Apr. 27
" Thursday Clear warm weather with squalls of wind at WNW. Took the first Canoe off the bed all the rest as Yesterday. in the evening 2 Canadians arrived from the upper house & brought the following Letter."
" Edmonton House 24th April 1797
Dr Sir,
The backwardnefs of the Spring will very much retard the building of Canoes and consequently will occasion a late embarkation - at the same time I find it will be impofsible to Man our Boats & Canoes for York and leave a sufficient number of Men to protect both Houses in the Summer - I have therefore determined to abandon Buckingham House for this Summer.Mr Shaw having a great number of spare hands, intends leaving some there and Officers to prevent as far as in his power our house from being distroyed by the natives in our absence - You will therefore send up all the Trading Goods and Tradesmens Stores by the Boats & Canoes, keeping the house Stores till my arrival, as I intend leaving them in the French house during the summer
The River Ice has given way opposite the House, but remains fast both above & below - yet the water falls off fast - Send all the Men up with the Craft except the Canoe builder - I will dispatch 20 Men in the 4 Canoes from here as soon as the Ice gives way with what furs & provisions they can take - If the Boats are finished - Nichol Spence Boatbuilder may come up the first Trip as he is to Summer here - he being unfit for the pafsage and John Moore goes down with the Boats in case of accidents - let him keep what tools he thinks will be necefsary for the pafsage - Send up all the Plank cut for the Boats by the Boats as that article will be difficult to get at this place - the Canoes can take up all the Trading Goods and Stores - If you have any spare Line for tying bundles, I beg you to send it, as we are short of that article
The Indians have told me often of the Great scarsity of Beaver, many of them have been in but, brought very few.
Wishing you better Succefs
I am Your's &c
Geo. Sutherland."
Apr. 28
" Friday Fresh breezes at NW hazy weather.
Canoebuilders took the Canoe off the Bed and rep'd 4 Old Canoes - Carpenters got masts and yards. One Man killed a Bull near the House and the people brought it home - Ice gave way a little above the House."
Apr. 29
" Saturday Put a Canoe on the Bed and took it off in the evening. pitched an old Canoe & cleaned out the Yard. Light breezes at NW clear weather with Snow in the morning."
Apr. 30
" Sunday Fresh breezes at WSW? clear & hot."
May 1 1797
" Monday Wind & weather nearly as Yesterday
Ice moved a little - Canoe builders at work at the Canoes - Sent 13 Men for Roots to sew the Canoes & they returned with a sufficiency to serve. Carpenters finished the Boats masts. The rest variously Employed - Wm Rich unfit for any duty by reason of his swelled Knee."
May 2
" Tuesday Wind & weather the same - at 1 PM the River Ice gave way - Tradesmen at their duty & the rest variously Employed."
May 3
" Wednesday Wind and weather as before - all hands carried both Boats down to the Water's edge - the Canoe Builders at their duty & the rest variously Employed."
May 4
" Thursday Heavy Squalls of Wind at W Clear hot weather. River driving full of Ice all last night & small pieces driving all day. Canoebuilders took the 4th Canoe off the Bed - Smith made 230 Nails for the Boats in case of accident on the Pafsage. The rest making every thing ready to go with the boats to Edmonton House to afsist bringing down the furs &c from thence - at 3 3/4 PM 4 Canoes of ours? & 12 men arrived from Edmonton House with Furs & Provisions.
Edmonton House 1st May 1797
Dr Sir,
The last of the River Ice pafsed this place Yesterday - I have therefore dispatched 20 Men in 4 Canoes with furs & Provisions as pr list inclosed. The extra men are to afsist up with the Craft - The water falls of very fast & the season is far advanced - I therefore hope you will dispatch all the Men in the Boats & Canoes that can pofsibly be spared immediately on the receipt of this? - Have sent you all the Tracking Lines, Crocus? & Raw pitch I had here, have also given each Man 4 pair of Shoes for tracking up the Crafts - Send me all the Tobacco you can spare as I have not 6 lbs in the House. - As the Stone Indians are all gone towards the Stony Mountain I wish you to send up all the Horses on the South side of the River as soon as pofsible in order to be drove to the Westwards where they are to be kept in the Summer As I understand there are a number of Vagabond horse stealers from the Touchwood hill intends visiting this quarter in the Summer with a view of taking away all the Horses they can find.
I am
Dr Sir
Yours &c
Geo. Sutherland."
May 5
" Friday Early in the Morning sent away the 2 Boats for Edmonton house with different? Stores &c belonging to the House - The Men that came in the Canoes making things in readinefs to return tomorrow - Canoe builders at their duty and the rest variously Employed - The 2 Men that went to keep the Horses came home as all the Grafs is on fire - an Indian Man arrived with a few furrs. Heavy Gale at WNW Clear weather."
" Buckingham House 5th May 1797
Dr Sir,
Your men arrived safe yesterday in the 4 Canoes with all the things sent - have dispatched them back & shall fit out 3 more Canoes in a day or two. The Boats left here this morning & Nichol Spense Boatbuilder accompanied them. They have taken up all the Boards and line at this place.The river did not clear of Ice 'till Yesterday and there is a great deal left on the Shores which will make it very bad Tracking - The cold weather that has of late prevailed has very much retarded the Canoe building however we have built 4 & hope if weather permits shall get all the rest made and the others repaired by the time you arrive here.
There is not more than 6 lbs of Tobacco in the house & Indians has come in from two different quarters this day for that article, so that there will not be a bit to spare at this place and indeed it will not be half enough.
Shall send up all the Horses in a few Days on the South side the river with 4 Men along with them.
Wishing you a pleasant pafsage and an early sight of you
& remain
Dr Sir
Your Obdt hble Servant
Peter Fidler."
May 6
" Saturday Wind & weather nearly as Yesterday
Canoebuilders at their work - at Noon 8 Men arrived over Land from Edmonton House - Sent off the 4 Canoes that came from the upper house."
May 7
" Sunday Fresh Gales at W? clear hot weather.
Sent away 3 Canoes to the upper house to assist down with furrs &c They have taken most part of the Trading Goods up with them - Canoebuilders at their duty."
May 8
" Monday Wind Variable clear & cloudy alternate.
Crofsed all the Horses to the South side & 4 men set off with them to the upper house. Canoebuilders as before - The Men are all away up above in the Craft except the Canoebuilders & Wm Rich. An Indian arrived with a few Skins."
May 9
" Tuesday Heavy Gales of Wind at NW & cold Wea.
could not work at the Canoes."
May 10
" Wednesday Light breezes at N clear weather Repaired 2 Canoes."
May 11
" Thursday Light breezes & variable, morning cold afternoon warm, took the 5th Canoe off the bed - An Ind. Arrived & brought a few furs."
May 12
" Friday Traded with the Indian Man & he went away - Put the 6th Canoe on the Bed, Wind as Yesterday & warm weather."
May 13
" Saturday Fresh breezes at N Clear & cold.
Sewed the Canoe & cleaned out the Yard."
May 14
" Sunday Wind & weather as Yesterday."
May 15
" Monday Light breezes at NE clear & warm
Repairing Canoes - Several Mowhawk Inds. arriv'd here."
May 16
" Tuesday at 9 AM 2 Boats & 2 of our Canoes arriv from Edmonton House loaded with furs & Provisions. one of the Boats met with an accident a little above the House & wet 44 bundles of Furs - Light breezes & variable pretty warm weather. Employed in rep'g the Canoes."
" Edmonton House 12th May 1797
Dr Sir,
Our 4 Canoes only arrived here yesterday the other three are not yet come - however I have dispatched 30 Men in the Boats & 2 Canoes well loaded with Furs & Provisions as pr inclosed list - I expect to get every thing down this Trip, as it would be to late to make a second - I think leaving this place on Monday - Got all the Canoes mended and every thing ready as soon as pofsible.
I am
Dr Sir
Yours &c
Geo. Sutherland."
May 17
" Monday Light breezes at NE cloudy weather
at 1 1/2 PM Mr Sutherland arrived here with five Canoes Loaded with Furs & Provisions. John Moore & John Davey repairing the Boat. Canoe builders at their duty and the rest drying Furs. Several Towow? Indians arrived & traded a few furrs.
Peter Fidler."
1M18 B.24/a/4