"Journal by James Bird No. 8 YF. 1816/17"
[Cover]


Sept. 27 1816
" Having finished my Letters and other papers as far as the extreme latenefs of the Ships Arrival would permit, and closed the principal packet Box (two being necefsary to contain all the Account Books &c): Having perfect confidence in Mr Cook for the packing up and directing to your Honors such books and papers as cannot be at present finished; and on Mr Swains attention to the speedy unloading of the Ship, the shipping of the Furs &c; and having given such general orders to Mefs Swain and Sinclair as I thought requisite relative to the disposal of the new Hands not yet landed &c I proposed to embark, for the interior, and about 2 PM set off accordingly with five Men in a wooden Canoe (constructed by Mr Swain) and at seven PM put up for the night at the poplar Fall in company with Mefs Robertson, Finlayson, Henry, Todd and Rofs who with twenty Men in two Boats (carrying fifty five Rolls of Tobacco for the Trade of Winnipeg and Saskatchewan Departments and a few pieces of other Goods) left the Factory a few Hours before me."

Sept. 28
" Embarked very early in the morning and in a Short time lost sight of the Boats which will, I am fearful be much retarded by the shallownefs of the Water, even in this River.
About 9 AM we found two new hands whom Mr McDonnell (who left YF two days ago with a Boat heavily laden with Oatmeal & other Grain for the use of the Settlers) had left with ten bags of Oatmeal (850 lbs) to lighten his Boat in consequence of the shallownefs of the Water. I directed these Men to wait there till Mr Sinclair arrived, who will take them with him if pofsible."

Sept. 30
" At seven PM we arrived at Mr McDonnell's fire (a little above Hill River House) and remained with him all night. Mr McDonnell has found much inconvenience from the shallownefs of the Water in Hayes and Steel Rivers, and in Hill River he has been under the necefsity of going up one particularly Shoal rapid with part of his Cargo only and of returning the Boat to fetch the remaining which has occasioned much delay."

Oct. 2 1816
" At 10 AM I arrived at the White Mud Creek (above the Rock) where Mr Calder with two Men have prepared a good deal of wood which will considerably accelerate the building of Houses by Mr Linklatter and party who are to Winter here. An Indian who was at this place with Mr Calder, but whose relations are living at the Lake south of this place Afsured me that a great number of Tickameg may be taken there (the Lakes are distant about twelve or fifteen Miles from the spot where the buildings are to be made) and I have therefore left a note for Mr Linklatter again directing him to pay every attention to the procuring of Fish and other Country Provisions to enable him to support his Men without any material consumption of English Provisions. I also left a note for Mefs Robertson & Finlayson urging them to make every expedition that circumstances will admit of."

Oct. 4
" At 6 PM I arrived at the Depot at Swampy Lake where Mr Logan is busily employed in making winter Habitations for himself and his Men; Those will soon be finished and as he will have as many new hands at his Disposal as he can maintain (the latenefs of the Ship's arrival not admitting of a more advantageous employment of them) and as all the wood collected at Knee Lake is here on the spot there is reason to conclude that Mr Logan will by next July have the necefsary Buildings ready for the convenient transaction of the Athabasca Businefs. Mr Logan is at present taking in Nets, a good number of Tickameg, and has hopes of being able to make a good Fall Fishery. - I requested Mr Logan to examine the ground bordering on Jack River with a view of acertaining the practicability of making a Summer Cart Road to the head of the Rapids; and, if he did not find the Country such, as to render all hopes of such an improvement being made fruitlefs to mark the Trees where such a road could be most advantageously formed so as to admit of a further examination should such a step be thought worth the troble. If ever a regular transport of Goods (from York Factory) to and from Red River takes place during the whole Summer a cart road past the rapids of Jack River will be found not only convenient but necefsary."

Oct. 7
" Arrived at Oxford House about 3 PM. Here I left notes for Mefs Sinclair, Robertson and Finlayson; requesting the former to examine the Country bordering on Trout River (for the same purpose that Mr Logan is to examine Jack River) and to render every afsistance in his power to enable Mr Logan to feed as many Men as he can advantageously employ in building, or in clearing ground, as Mr Logan is of opinion (and he appears to pofsefs considerable knowledge of the Subject) that the soil in the Neighbourhood of the Depot is sufficiently good for the production of the common garden Vegetables, and good Hay. The Latter (Mefs Roberston and Finlayson) I have again urged to be expeditious and I have desired them to give the Men a few Glafses of Rum (at proper times) if that Measure, on trial produces any good effect."

Oct. 12
" Arrived at Norwegian Point, where Donald Lewiston and five Men left with him have made a House (of sixty feet by twenty five) nearly ready for the Roof. At 8 AM I pafsed Jack River where the principal part of the Settlers are to pafs the Winter: Some of them have pofsefsion of the Houses belonging to the Company and others have built Cottages for themselves and as they are taking plenty of Tickameg which are good and, to them, agreeable Food there seems to be little doubt of their pafsing a comfortable Winter.
I have still desired Donald Lewiston to make one large Gun Boat seeing that if it should not be required for hostile purposes it cannot fail to be useful on many other occasions. At this place I overtook Mr Halcro who left York one day before me for Swan River, and, as his Indians are unwilling to accompany him further, he proposed trying to perform the remaining part of his Journey with two Englishmen and to accompany me as far as the Cedar Lake. I left with Mr Kirknefs a Letter for Mr G? Sutherland directing him to examine the Waters between the big Fall and Island Lake, to ascertain the most easy way of communication between York Factory and those Waters, and to collect all the information he can relation to the Country between Island Lake and Osnaburg the number of Indians who inhabit it, the number of Canadians who winter in it, and the best places for settling &c &c."

Oct. 13
" At 8 AM embarked with Mr Halcro in Company but the wind blew so violently that we were obliged to go on shore, about two Miles beyond the Mofsy Point where we remained for the Night. In the evening Mr Kirknefs arrived at our Tents and delivered me Letters, from Lord Selkirk and Mr Vincent, addrefsed to the late Mr Semple which I thought necefsary for me to open. These Letters Mr Thomas McNab (whom I sent from Jack River on the 10th of August last) received in Lake Sal from a Mr McAulay who had fortunately preserved them from the Canadians and who (after the shameful apprehension of Mr Keveny by Archibald Norman McLeod of which your Honors are already informed) was then returning to Osnaburg. I gave a note from Mr Spencer, on the subject of the Red River Accounts, and other papers relative to the Businefs of the Colony to Mr Kirknefs to deliver to Mr McDonnell, and instructed the former to inform Mr McDonnell and the Settlers, of Lord Selkirks sentiments regarding them."

Oct. 14
" The Wind becoming a little moderate I embarked at 5 AM but at 9 AM was again obliged to go on Shore. Mr Halcro whose Men are quite unexpert in the Management of an Indian Canoe did not leave our late encampment."

Oct. 15
" The Wind continuing too violent to admit of my proceeding on, I took extracts from Lord Selkirks Letter on the subject of extending the Gardens at the Company's Settlements, and from such parts of your Honors Letter as I thought Mr Sutherland ought to be made acquainted with, and made them part of a Letter to him which I am preparing to send to Swan River by Mr Halcro who will I hope there by his resolution and experience to be able to render important Services to the Company."

Oct. 16
" At 1 AM I embarked and proceeded on till 3 PM when the Wind once more obliged us to land near the first rocky point.
About 12 AM I met my Son James (who was detained last May a prisoner by Mr Alexander McDonnell because it was reported that he had said that if the North West Company made any Attack on the Settlement where he was that he would himself kill three or four of the Canadian Half-Breeds) George Sinclair and Germain Mocheneux sent by Mr Sutherland from Swan River to inform me of a piece of important News which he has heard there. According to this news (which is so strongly corroborated as to appear to have some foundation in truth) Lord Selkirk about the 20th of August last, took pofsefsion of Fort William, made seven proprietors three Clerks and a great number of Canadians prisoners and prevented and Canoes of the North West Company proceeding to Red River. Two Half breeds Alexander Frazer and Primo (who were made Prisoners but who succeeded in making their escape) brought an account of this event to Red River, with a report that Lord Selkirk had left Miles McDonnell Esq. with sixty Soldiers to keep pofsefsion and was himself on his way with sixty more, and Men to work them, to Red River, at which place Alexander McDonnell had lately arrived and had distributed a Canoe load of Goods among the Half-breed for their Meritorious Exploits in the Months of May and June last. John Spence (a native) son of Magnus Spence was at Red River (to which place he had gone to fetch away his Father who remained there last Spring) at the same time this alarming news was brought to McDonnell who as soon as pofsible reengaged all the Half-Breeds and Canadians who were near him, added to them eighteen Bungees, which together amounted to sixty Men and with this band of Savages set off as he told Spence, to interupt Lord Selkirk and his party and take them prisoners or destroy them; or to retake Fort William; but said McDonnell If I should not be able to recover our Fort William I will return and destroy all the Hudson's Bay Company's Settlements without pity to those of any age or sex that I may find at them, and don't let me catch you (said he to Spence) at Upper Swan River for if I do I will have no mercy on you. McDonnell accordingly left Red River with his horrid band, in two Canoes and one Boat with three Flags flying, singing war songs and uttering the most hideous Yells and Shrieks. - such are the Allies and horrid Instruments which the North West Company have dared in defiance of all laws and the common feeling of human nature, to employ for the destruction of their Countrymen and fellow Subjects and to such a degree of brutality has the cruel policy of that Company reduced in one short year, many young Men (of the Half breeds) who before that period had conducted themselves with propriety, and abhorred the Idea of murdering a white man, but who now, as they were about to embark, said, with a mixture of boasting and contempt, in Spence's hearing that they were going to kill some more english flesh for their Dogs which were hungry!! This they said with reference to a circumstance, in itself, sufficient to call forth the public indignation against Alexander McDonnell and the North West Company, which is, the Dogs, about the Forts of the Forks having dug or attempted to dig up some of the bodies of the Men who were cruelly butchered last spring.
The threats of McDonnell seem to have had too great effect on Mr Sutherland who instead of benifiting by the absence of his Enemy, to collect a body of Half-breeds and Indians, and put himself in a state of defence seems to despond, and to be disposed to trust intirely to his mercy. Germain Mocheneux I sent to Jack River to acquaint Mr Kirknefs and Mr McDonnell when he arrives with the news received from Swan River the former I have directed to get Stockadoes put up around his Fort and Block Houses built and to retain a few Indians about him and keep himself strictly on his guard directly the Ice of Lake Winnipeg breaks in case Alexander McDonnels should make any attempt in that quarter."

Oct. 17
" Embarked at 7 AM, the Wind which is still blowing hard having varied to the Westward, and at 8 PM arrived in the River at the foot of the Grand Rapid."

Oct. 18
" Proceeded up the Rapid carried over the carrying place and encamped there. There being now no probability of Mr Halcro's overtaking us before we pafs the Cedar Lake. I determined on leaving my Letters for Mr Sutherland in the care of some good Indians who are tenting near the bottom of the Rapid (that belong to Jack River) with a view of their delivering them to Mr Halcro as he pafses. In these Letters I have endeavoured to prevail on Mr Sutherland to rouse himself, if it is not too late, and to collect a few Half-breed And Indians and with the afsistance of Mr Halcro to endeavour to defend himself and the property intrusted to his care at Swan River, as also to render any afsistance in his power, by timely notice or aid of any kind that can be useful to Mr Pruden at Carlton House.
I also left Letters with those Indians for Mr Alexander McDonnell and Mr Kirknefs, suggesting to them the propriety of being on their guard against attempts of the North West Company till they hear from us, that such a measure is unnecefsary."

Oct. 19
" Arrived at the Entrance of the Muddy Lake and encamped with a few Indians who are here, to whom I have given a few Lines for Mr Joseph Cook (who is Master of the Settlement at Moose Lake) directing him to provide Sleds, Snow-shoes and as much Provisions as pofsible to aid in the conveyance to Cumberland of the Tobacco the Boats behind me have on board in case they are stopt as will probably be the case in the Neighbourhood of Cedar Lake."

Oct. 20
" Late yesterday evening we entered Cumberland House Lake with hopes of being able to get to the House but the night being dark and the Channel intricate we found ourselves under the necefsity of sleeping in our Canoe in the Lake all night. In course of the night a Gale of Northerly wind came on with thick Snow which quickly congealed in the water, and it was with difficulty we reached the Shore though only one Mile distant from it, at eleven this morning when we landed at Cumberland House where I had the pleasure to find Mr Kennedy and his Men well, and to hear that the Canadians both at this place and Moose Lake behave towards our people in a peaceable manner; indeed they appear not to be either here or at Moose Lake sufficiently numerous to act on any other system - they are even weaker than last year and apparently worse furnished with Goods, from which it would appear that the North West Company are determined to make sacrifices in other quarters to enable them to carry every thing with a high hand in Athabasca. - I found here Letters from Mr Pruden which confirms the account given by Mr Sutherland of the dreadful Ravages made by fires in the plains and of the consequent poor prospects of procuring large quantities of dry Provisions in the Saskatchewan."

Oct. 27
" The Gale of wind still continues with snow and severe cold which has covered the Lake with one vast sheet of Ice and destroyed all hope of my being able to proceed further by water. The Boats I left behind are also most probably unable to proceed, since the 25th instant when I should imagine they ought to have been in the Neighbourhood of the Grand Rapids."

Nov. 7 1816
" The River having frozen over on the 5th Inst. I desired Mr Kennedy to prepare two parties to start to morrow. one of which consists of James Bird Jun., William Tate, Duncan Cameron and George Sutherland who are to go to Carlton House as a reinforcement for Mr Pruden and to convey to him the news from York Factory and the account received from Red River, as also a roll of Tobacco which I brought with me from Oxford House but which on opening here I find to be so bad as to be scarcely worth carriage which was the case with three fourths of the Tobacco brought by the Ship 1815 and which rendered the scarcity of that Article more severely felt. The other party Viz. Mr Heron and William Ballendine are to go to Moose Lake and if no accounts are received at that place when they arrive there of Mefs Robertson and Finlayson, they are afterwards to go on towards Jack River till they find the Boats, and then take such Measures as may appear practicable to get the Tobacco and the Men of the Boats to Moose Lake."

Nov. 8
" The two parties mentioned yesterday set off on their respective Journies."

Nov. 9
" Seeing that the conveyance of Tobacco &c will so completely occupy the time of the Men of this place and Moose Lake I have agreed with Mr Kennedy that it is expedient for him to come to terms with the Master for the North West Company at this place Mr Counolly, whereby neither party are to interfere with the Indians of the other. This Agreement Connolly seemed quite disposed to enter into as he apprehends a good deal from our apparent superiority of numbers (not knowing how fully those Men must be employed on businefs not immediately connected with the trade) and is desirous of making a greater profit than his predecefsor who had a much more amply supply of Goods and Men than himself. - William Connolly is a young man of about thirty years of age has a good deal of information and a tolerable addrefs. In a conversation that I had with him he spoke with disapprobation and regret of the violent proceedings of Alexander McDonnell in Red River and exprefsed a determination never to commit an action himself in this Country that he should blush to have known in his own. He has been fifteen years in the service of the Northwest Company and is perhaps now to come in for a Share. The only disgraceful action hitherto laid to his charge is his concealment of Mr Clarkes deserter last year at this place and his denying the Fact. A circumstance which he is ashamed of (contrary to the custom of his afsociates) and which he attempted to excuse by saying "You know the Northwest Company, Mr Clarke, and what they expect of their Clerks.""

Dec. 1 1816
" Mefs Robertson, Heron, Todd and Henry arrived from the Moose Lake. Mr Robertson and party were stopped by the Ice at the Grand Rapid from whence they have walked to this place. They brought three Rolls of Tobacco with them, nine more were already at Moose Lake when they left that place, and it is hoped that the whole quantity will be got there about the middle of this Month. The above Gentlemen brought me a Letter from Mr Sutherland who informs me that Mr McKay and the rest of your honors Servants who remained with him at Quipelle, had left that place and rejoined Mr Sutherland, at Swan River. McKay confirms the intelligence we before received of Lord Selkirk having taken pofsefsion of Fort William and of his Lordship having there apprehended several partners of the Northwest Company. Alexander McDonnell had returned to Red River, and the Saskatchewan Half-breeds had returned to their homes; but Mr Sutherland was still unable to form an opinion on the probable conduct of the adherents of the Northwest Company and was therefore Keeping in a regular state of defences.
Three Men start tomorrow to fetch six Rolls of Tobacco from Moose Lake to this place."

Dec. 4
" Sent off Mefs Robertson and Henry and two Men, with the three Rolls of Tobacco received on the 1st inst. for Nippoe and Carlton Houses. - I have directed Mr Pruden to forward all this Tobacco, that is not immediately necefsary to him, to Edmonton, unlefs he has received information which convinces him that a short delay will occasion no inconvenience to Mr Carswell: in which case I have directed Mr Pruden not to send above till we get more Tobacco to Carlton and are able to send a sufficient number of Men to protect it from Indians or the Servants of the Northwest Company.
Mr Robertson is instructed to remain at the Nippoe if there is a probability of his services being useful in promoting any measure than can enable us there to procure provisions."

Dec. 5
" George Sanderson and Angus McLeod arrived from Carlton House with Letters from Mefs Pruden and Carswell and with Dogs and sleighs to afsist me up to Carlton.
At Edmonton and Carlton all remains quiet between us and the Northwest Company. The Half-breeds belonging to the Saskatchewan arrived there some time ago and have so far remained quiet - indeed they are not sufficiently numerous to attempt much alone. These people confirm the Account before received of the taking of Fort William by Lord Selkirk - but if this report is true we hope soon to hear a confirmation of it from his Lordship himself as well as instructions regarding the measure he wishes us to pursue in consequence of that Measure."

Dec. 8
" Set off for Carlton. I take Mr Heron with me in case that, Northwest McLeod should have arrested Mr John McLeod as report says will be the case, or that his services should be otherwise required above."

Dec. 11
" Arrived at the lower Nippoe an outpost from Cumberland - Great part of the original Cumberland House Indians are in the neighbourhood of this place and have made tolerable good hunts of Beaver. These Indians saw a short time since six Indians who trade with the Canadians at Lake la Ronge to whom our people are gone with goods in hopes of being able to get their hunts."

Dec. 13
" Arrived at the Upper Nippoe an outpost from Carlton in the neighbourhood of which place most of the Carlton House indians have retired for safety after their war exploits of last Summer. They appear to be doing very little in the fur way and our Men can scarcely get sufficient Meat for their present subsistance.
The Southward Indians after destroying last summer a great Number of Women and Children of the blood Indians; fled to this place to conceal themselves, and they intend to pafs the winter in this neighbourhood, but according to appearances they will do very little indeed, either in the way of Provisions or furs.
Mr John George McTarvish the Northwest Proprietor who is in charge of this district, visited this place a few days ago when he spoke in the most friendly way to our people, he afsured them that, no half-breed should dare to commit any acts of hostility on them while he was in this River, exprefsed his grief at what had already happened congratulated himself that he had no share in it (he wintered in the Columbia last year) and concluded with exprefsing a hope that I would call at his House (which is situated about a Mile below the forks of this River) on my way to Carlton. - In consequence of this invitation I wrote the following Letter to Mr McTarvish."

"John George McTarvish Esq.
My Son acquainted me with your very polite invitation (to call at your house on my way up to Carlton) which I beg leave to afsure you, nothing but the equivocal posture of affairs, between our two Companies, and the calamitous occurences of last Summer could prevent my accepting with considerable pleasure.
You will feel that it must be extremely unpleasant to me, to be entertained as a visiter, at the same house and pofsibly in the same room, where some of the murderers of the late Mr Semple, and his unfortunate companions, are not only inmates, but are treated with regard, and that consideration will I trust sufficiently excuse any apparent neglect of attention on my part which most afsuredly is not owing to any want of personal respect for you.
I believe that you Sir lament equally with myself the disgraceful and shocking event I have alluded to, and under this opinion I cannot forbear mentioning the unjustifiable conduct of your Clerk Mr McLean, (in September last) who accompanied by armed Men, and himself armed, forcibly took from John Howrie two Dogs the property of the Hudson's Bay Company. Mr Hughes appears also to have acted towards the same Man in a similar Circumstance with little lefs impropriety than Mr McLean. But, I forbear to dwell on those disagreeable subjects as it cannot escape the observation of any discerning Man that the time is fast approaching when all acts of injustice committed here will be brought into public notice and very probably meet with the punishment they deserve.
I conceive it to be unnecefsary for me to add that I earnestly wish for a speedy reestablishment of that concord and friendly intercourse which formerly subsisted between us and that I shall always be ready so far as depends on me to promote so desirable an event.
I am Sir
Your very hble Servant
James Bird."

" The Affair of the Dogs mentioned in this Letter is according to the testimony of John Howrie as follows.
In September last he bought two Dogs from an Indian named Muskeggo, a canadian trader, some time afterwards Mr McLean arrived at Howrie's House, with one half breed and a Canadian all armed, and demanded the Dogs which Howrie had purchased saying that he (McLean) had promised last spring that he would take the two Dogs in question in lieu of twenty skins of Debt which the indian owed him. Howrie refused to diliver up the Dogs and McLean therefore took them by force.
The Affair of the Horse is according to the same mans account as follows. Hourie bought a Horse (for the Company) from the indian named above. A few days after the purchase was made Mr James Hughes arrived at the Nippoe and being informed that the indian had sold his horse said to him "what a fool You were, if you had reserved your horse for me I would have given you four times as much as you have received for him", and added so much that the Indian took back his Horse from Hourie (who was alone) and by force gave it to Mr Hughes who told Hourie that he would return? a Horse for the one he had thus received, at Edmonton. - I hope to see this indian myself and to be able to discover the real truth of these circumstances."

Dec. 14
" There being no meat in the house I am under the necefsity of remaining here till some meat is brought from the hunting Tent.
The Canadian Master of this place Battoch is father of the young Halfbreed who was killed in Red River. Having heard that the old Gentleman always disapproved of his Son's joining in that affair, and that he had reproved Mr. Hughes, even in the hearing of our people with all the bitternefs of parental grief, for having occaisoned the death of his Son, I sent for him with a view of ascertaining his real sentiments regarding that event, and of the cause in which his son had fallen. He did not sit long before he adverted to the subject in Question loading Mefsers Hughes and Halden with the severest reproaches. It was them said the old Man with great warmth who deprived me of my Son: By flattering promises and artful insinuations they induced him for the first time in his life, to disregard my advice and to act in direct opposition to my wishes: I never, continued he, would consent to his going to Red River because I believe the businefs he was to be engaged in to be both cruel and unjust, a sufficient proof of which was, the Northwest Proprietors themselves refraining from taking a part in it. Who was it, he exclaimed, that sent for my Son. Mr. Alexander McDonnell and Mr. Duncan Cameron I answered. it is on one of those if I ever see them, said he, that I will be revenged. I praised the old Gentlemans discernment and liberality and afsured him that the day is not far distant when he will have reason to congratulate himself for having acted with such regard to the duties of a civilized being and for having scorned to be made a wretched tool of the Northwest Company. He seemed pleased, said that it was true he had not the advantages of education but that he had sense enough to know right from wrong, and that he early formed a determination to commit no action that he thought unjust; and this determination I have always adhered to, said he, in spite of several solicitations from the Northwest Company to act otherwise; and for the truth of this, continued he, I may appeal to yourself - It is but justice to Battoch to say that, tho' he has always exerted himself for his employees with the greatest activity and the deepest interest, I never heard of his having at any time acted in an unjustifiable manner.
Here then I believe is a proof of certain Partners of the Northwest Company having, to serve their own cruel purposes, induced young Men to act in direct opposition to the will of their parents whom they have loaded with sorrow or involved in their guilt."

Dec. 15
" Having received the meat of two red Deer last night from the hunters. we recommenced our journey towards Carlton and at 12 AM pafsed Mr McTavishes House near the mouth of the South Branch."

Dec. 17
" Late in the evening we arrived at Carlton and found Mr Pruden and Men all very well."

Dec. 18
" Mr Pruden has already received a good quantity of provisions from the Stone Indians and prospects at this place are not quite so gloomy as I had been led to believe for, if the Indians of this quarter are not disturbed by the Slave Indians, we may I think venture to hope that we shall procure 200 bags of Pemican here: And this quantity with what may reasonably be expected from above, afsisted by the barley &c we have, and salt Geese that I hope Mr Kennedy will be able to procure at Moose Lake, and Cumberland, will enable us, I trust, to conduct the summer businefs with the usual ease and expedition."

Dec. 25
" A band of Stone Indians, consisting of about sixty Men with their women arrived, apparently well loaded with Provisions. Many of these Indians are accustomed to trade with the Canadians and it appears that we are indebted to our advantageous Situation for their coming to us at present. This requires an explanation. - - Last Spring the Canadians determined to abandon this place, partly from apprehensions of the Slave Indians and partly from an opinion that a Settlement in the South Branch would be more beneficial to them. Mr Pruden being of a different opinion, with regard to our affairs prefered remaining here, which I permitted him to do. - The Canadians accordingly left this place last May and built a House near the mouth of the South Branch. When their Canoes arrived in the fall they built another House, exactly? opposite the old House in the South Branch formerly occupied by Mr Walker, and a third at the Nippoe where we had Settled in preference to the Mouth of the Branch. - Mr Pruden, at this place they left unopposed, Now the plains on the South Branch River having been all burnt in the month of September there are no Buffalo in that quarter, in consequence of which the Stone Indians are, nearly all of them, living on the borders of this River and? are of course nearest to this House - a Circumstance that we hope to benefit by considerably."

Dec. 27
" The Stone Indians finished trading and went away apparently well pleased with the treatment they have received - for feeling the urgent necefsity there is for our procuring a large quantity of Provisions at this place, I desired Mr Pruden to pay them better for their Provisions than he has been accostomed to do, altho' he has always paid them a high price.
These Indians brought us 3,000 lb Fat and 1700 lb of pounded meat. which we find has cost us much dearer than usual on account of the largenefs of our Tobacco. One fathom of our present Tobacco weighs one pound whereas one fathom of our Tobacco of last year weighed no more than half a pound. now the Indians attend much more to the length of Tobacco they receive than to the weight, and large Tobacco is therefore extremely disadvantageous."

Dec. 31
" Four Men arrived from the Nippoe with five Rolls of Tobacco which is all that Mr Kennedy was able to forward from Cumberland after my departure from that place. These Men have also brought me Letters from Jack River, and from Mr Fidler who winters at the Partridge Crofs. Mr Fidler informs me that he was obliged to leave Mannetowappew on account of the information he received of the hostile intentions of the Canadians who, after Mr Fidler had left the Settlement at that place in the care of two or three Men, actually arrived there under Seraphin Lemar and robbed the House of Goods &c to the value of about 200 £ (exclusive of cost and charges on inland conveyance) which they carried of to the Forks of Red River. - Mr Fidler further informs me that four Canadians arrived at his House (at the Partridge Crofs) in October last on their way to Swan River, who told him, that, a part of them were freemen and the remainder engaged to Lord Selkirk who they said (agreeably to the Accounts we have before received) is in pofsefsion of Fort William and intends pafsing the winter there; that Captain McDonnell with Archibald McDonnell Mr Chettain and fifty Soldiers are in pofsefsion of the Northwest fort at Rainy Lake and that Mr Pembrin, with several Canoes, winters at, or in the vicinity of, Leech Lake from whence he is to proceed to Red River in the Spring &c.
It is no small mortification to see that we cannot place implicit belief on the information given us by these? Men since it seems almost impofsible to suppose that Captain McDonnell should send them from Rainy Lake and not send a Note by them informing us who they are and the purport of their Journey, how he was himself situated and what line of conduct he expeced us to pursue; since he must be fully aware that the important measures Lord Selkirk and himelf have taken, cannot fail to require the adoption of particular, or rather corresponding measures on our part to prevent the Northwest Company retaliating on us. The Men in Question had it is true a Note apparently written by Mr Chestellean requesting the Hudson's Bay Company's Officer to supply them with any little things they might be in want of - but we are not even sure that Mr Chestellean is in the Service of the Hudson's Bay Company.
The want of certain information in the present state of affairs is extremely embarrafsing to us and gives our adversaries incalculable advantages - but I hope that we shall in short time receive certain information of the events which have taken place towards Fort William as well be made acquainted with the nature of the Conduct we are expected to pursue.
It is certainly in the power of Mr Sutherland to open a communication with Mr Pembrin or even with Captain McDonnell if they are in the situations afsigned them; and if he finds the information of the Men mentioned by Mr Fidler worthy of belief I hope he will at any rate make the attempt."

Jan. 5 1817
" Four Men arrived from Edmonton House for Tobacco they brought Letters from Mefs Decoigne, McLeod And Carswell: Thomas Costello and John Favell arrived also from Swan River with Letters from Mr James Sutherland, which relate the arrival at Swan River of the Canadians, mentioned by Mr Fidler, who appear to have give the same Accounts regarding Lord Selkirk and Captain McDonnell to Mr Sutherland as they did to Mr Fidler.
Mr Carswell informs me that his prospects of trade are as good as last year and that he has hopes of being able to obtain as much dry Provisions. The Northwest Company's people at Edmonton conduct themselves in the usual way."

Jan. 7
" Sent off the four men who arrived from Edmonton and with them John McRitchie (a young hand who is to pafs the next summer at that place) with seven Rolls of Tobacco. - I have again directed Mr Carswell to make use of every means in his power to procure as much provisions as pofsible and to get eight or ten Canoes made, for the making of which he has Birchrind sufficient, that was procured in the Summer."

Jan. 8
" I called in Thomas Costello who gives the following Account of what occured within his Knowledge from the time he left Albany Factory in June last till he left the North West Company's House at Queppelle in the latter end of October or beginning of November"

" Thomas Costollo being duly sworn deposith that on about the fifth of June 1816 he left Albany factory in company with Mr Owen Keveney, McCauley and several Men amongst whom were Cornelius Hoy, Thomas Seveny John Kennedy, John Corrigle, Patrick Cavener, John Tierney, Hugh Linklatter, David Saunders; and Joseph Brown and William Donald (who were going to settle in Red River), in a Boat, and two small Canoes, in which they had on board two young Cows and two young Bulls to go to Red River. Mr Keveney treated the Men on the way very harshly and in consequence when he arrived at Osnaburgh House, two men Viz. John Corrigle and Patrick Cavener deserted from Mr Keveny and concealed themselves in the woods. Mr Keveny pursued his Journey from Osnaburgh without his deserters but he had not proceeded far till they were brought to him, when Mr Keveny obliged every Man of his Crew to give them many severe blows with a large willow, Mr Keveny standing near during the operation with loaded Pistols in his hands and a sword by his side to enforce severe punishment on the delinquents. When the flogging was over the two men were hand-cuffed and obliged to row in the boat and do other work in that state (except when they were employed carrying over portages) till they proceeded on about twenty day's Journey from Osnaburgh when Patrick Cavanier concealed himself in the woods on a carrying place and as he could not be found he was left there by Mr Keveny who continued his Journey with the boat and the rest of his crew till they came to Skibbuchewan Lake where they heard certain accounts of the destruction of the colony by the North West Company and the death of Govenor Semple:
this news terrified the whole crew and induced Brown and Donald to Exprefs to Mr Keveny their determination to return to Albany, which Mr Keveny opposed, threatening Brown and forcibly taking from him his Nets which alone could procure him food for his subsistance on his return to Albany: he was therefore obliged to accompany Mr Keveny who the following night encamped on portage des Lisle, in Winnipeg River, where in the course of the night, Joseph Brown, William McDonald, Hugh Linklatter and David Saunders got on board two small Canoes, the property of Brown, and left Mr Keveny to return as deponent believes, to Albany Factory. Mr Keveny with the men who still adhered to him pursued the deserters but they were not overtaken and Mr Keveny resumed his Journey towards Red River. The day after these men deserted a few Canoes of the North West Company, of which a Mr Grant seemed to have the charge pafsed by Mr Keveny who was informed by Mr Grant that Lord Selkirk was on his way to Red River, but that his Lordship would be unable to reach his destination from a scarcity of provisions.
Mr Keveny and party still continued their Journey when one morning in the White River Mr Keveny ordered deponent to cut willows with which Seveny was severely beaten for having slept too long in the morning (Mr Keveny had before beaten Seveny and stabbed him slightly in the thigh with a Bayonet); The whole party afterwards proceeded on to the Bonnet Carrying place in Winnipeg River where ten of the North West Canoes pafsed them and encamped on a portage quite near to the Bonnet where Mr Keveny and party remained for the night. There in the evening, Mr Keveny perceived after the other men had done work, Hoy going over the carrying place and asked what he was going after, Hoy answered 'a Keg Sir' (Hoy had let a keg fall and broken it and afraid to let Mr Keveny know what had happened intended to get the keg over in the dark without Mr Keveny seeing it) You rascal replied Mr Keveny you never do your work in time and he cried out to deponent "Costollo mind you get willows ready in order that we may give Hoy a good beating to morrow which I have long intended for him." Hoy heard what Mr Keveny said and in course of the night following, deserted and went to the Canadians who were encamped near Mr Keveny, who with the men who remained with him again proceeded on till they came to a carrying place called the Silver Falls. The bank of this portage was high and the few men Mr Keveny now had were unable to take the Boat up it, tho they exerted all their strength and tried every method their ingenuity could suggest, the boat therefore remained about half way up the bank and Mr Keveny, seeing that he could not get further said to the deponent "well I see I must remain here" and they all accordingly pitched their Tents. In the evening Deponent and Kennedy were examining their Cloathes and going to put on clean shirts, when Mr Keveny called to Deponent saying "Costollo what are you doing" Deponent answered "we are going to put on clean Shirts Sir" You lie you rascal replied Mr Keveny, I know that you are preparing to desert to the Canadians deponent insisted on it that he had no such intentions and added that nothing lefs than even worse wages than he had yet received would induce him to leave the Hudson's Bay Company's Service: some further altercation ensued and Mr Keveny struck deponent, still however he persisted in refusing to go away till Mr Keveny gave him, John Corrigle, John Kennedy and Seveny positive orders to go to the Canadians House at Point aux Foutre to morrow, and ordered McCauley to server them out two days allowance of provisions for their Journey to the French Fort which was only about half a days Journey off. Deponent accompanied by Corrigle, Kennedy and Seveny fearing that Mr Keveny would inflict some severe punishment on them if they remained, set of the next morning and arrived at Point aux Foutre where they found Hoy, who had left them as before mentioned. McCauley and Tierney remained with Mr Keveny on the carrying place at the Silver Falls. Deponent and party were well treated by the Canadians at point aux foutre and Mr Archibald McLelland frequently told them that if they wished to have any satisfaction of Mr Keveny they should soon obtain it as Mr Archibald Norman McLeod who is a Magistrate would soon arrive there. Mr McLeod arrived a few days afterward When Hoy, Seveny, Kennedy and Deponent were succefsively called before him and depositions (regarding the treatment they received from Mr Keveny) by Mr McLeod taken of all except deponent who was told by Mr McLeod that he had not time to take his. The following morning Mr McLeod sent for Deponent (who had been sworn in Constable at Albany) and one Reynard or Rainaird, Mr McLeod first spoke to deponent saying "Costollo I have heard that you have been sworn Constable at Albany and you can therefore have no objections to go and arrest, in virtue of a lawful warrant that I will ifsue, McKeveny, who had used you and your companions so Shamefully." Yes Deponent answered "I have objections, Mr Keveny is my Master and it would be a disgrace for me to take him in the distrefsed situation in which he now is". Oh replied McLeod you must not be backward for if the Half-breeds here know that you have still a regard for the English (meaning the Hudson's Bay Company) they will not hesitate to take your life - they think no more continued McLeod of the life of a man than they do of a pin. - Deponent still persisted in exprefsing an unwillingnefs to seize Mr Keveny. Mr Mcleod advised deponent to engage with the North West Company to which deponent answered that he could not as he had very lately signed a Contract to serve the Hudson's Bay Company for three years. Oh that is nothing at all replied McLeod we will engage you and pay you well! and he again threatned deponent with the vengance of the Half-breed when deponent thought it would be but prudent for his safety to afsent to accompany another Constable to seize Mr Keveny and deponent was accordingly sworn in Constable by Mr Mcleod as was Rainard, a few minutes afterwards in presence of deponent. The morning deponent was sworn as Constable he, accompanied by Rainard, Primo, La Sarte, Hefse, Baptist, Michelle Martin, Francois Melville and another Halfbreed named Francois (the six men last named are all Half-breeds) went according to their orders to seize Mr Keveny.
They arrived accordingly at Mr Kevenys Tent when Rainard tapped him on the shoulder saying he was his prisoner upon which Mr Keveny attempted to take his Gun but one of the half breeds seized Mr Keveny who then abused them all, which occaisioned Primo to attempt to shoot him but he was prevented. Mr Keveny soon submitted and was conveyed to point aux foutre. The half breeds who accompanied deponent plundered Mr Kevenys Tent of every thing that was loose and Mr Kevenys desk and papers were conveyed to Mr Archibald McLellan at Point aux Foutre. After Mr Keveny had been two days at point aux foutre Deponent and a half breed young man were sent by Mr Archibald McLellan with orders to inform McCauley that McLellan wished to speak to him at his House. While Deponent was at the carrying place with McCauley five Half breeds arrived there in a Canoe with Mr Keveny who there, in presence of Deponent, abused a good deal the Half breeds who had him in charge one of whom named La Sarte them put hand-cuffs on Mr Keveny and when he was Ironed put him again in the Canoe which set off towards Fort William. Not one of the Half breeds who had Mr Keveny in custody could either speak or understand English, so that he could not understand them or be understood by them. Soon after Mr Kevenys departure several Canadians sent by Mr Archibald McLellan arrived at the carrying place and they and deponent took Mr Kevenys Boat, the four Calves, and all other property belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company which was there and proceeded with the whole to Point aux Foutre where it was delivered to Mr Archibald McLellan.
While Deponent remained at Point aux Foutre news was brought there that Lord Selkirk had taken pofsefsion of Fort William, and about a week after the arrival of this news Mr Alexander McDonnell accompanied by about thirty Halfbreeds and about twenty-two Seauteau Indians arrived at point aux foutre to go, as deponent understood, to meet Lord Selkirk who was supposed to be on his way to Red River.
But the Half-breeds would not go on this Expedition unlefs Mr Alexander McDonnell accompanied them which he would not do and the proposed expedition was dropped. Soon after this Mr Alexander McDonnell with nearly all his adherents left point aux foutre and proceeded to the Forks of Red River where they remained a few days. Whilst they were there deponent heard Seraphin Lemar call the Canadians and Half-breeds who were there together and ask them who would go to plunder Mr Fidler (who had charge of a post in Manetowappew for the Hudson's Bay Company) of his Goods. Several immediately volunteered to perform what was required of them, and a large party set off accordingly, among whom Deponent recollects the names of the following persons Viz. Seraphin Lemar, Francois Duchamp(both Canadians), Francois Duchamp Jun., Gros Tete, Pirish Peltier, Charles Peltier, Hefse, Roderick McKenzie, Alexander McKay, Afsinniboine Moostoos, and Primo all Halfbreeds, Angus McDonald, Belguard, and Chartier, three Canadians and three Seauteau Indians. After a few days the party returned with only a small quantity of Goods, and deponent understood that Mr Fidler had retired with the most of the property under his care to an Island where the Canadian party could not discover him. After these people returned, deponent heard Mr Alexander McDonnell say "so the coward Fidler has run away but we will catch him yet and then the half breeds will pay him".
About this time William Shaw a half-breed read a paper to deponent, which he, deponent, was told was drawn up by Alexander McDonnell by which the Half-breeds were informed that they had a right to plunder wherever they found it, the property of the Hudson's Bay Company in retaliation for Lord Selkirk having captured Fort William.
During Deponents stay at the Forks he saw part of the Cloathes which Mr McKeveny was accustomed to wear on an Indian, which made deponent suspect that Mr Keveny was destroyed. and on making inquiries he, deponent, was told that Mr Keveny was Stabbed in the breast with a sword by Reynard (who first apprehended him) and that a Half-breed put an end to his existance by shooting him through the head.
In the month of October (1816) Mr Alexander McDonnell accompanied by a large party of Half-breeds, a few Canadians and deponent, Seveny, Hoy and Kennedy arrived at Queppelle. A short time after their arrival at that place Mr Alexander McDonnell set off to the Mifsoirie to make peace, as deponent was told, with the Mandal Indians in case Lord Selkirk should arrive in such force to render it necefsary for Alexander McDonnell and his band of afsafsins to seek a retreat to the United States. In Mr McDonnells absence deponent was urgent with Mr McLellan to let him go to the settlement of the Hudson's Bay Company and Mr McLellan at length reluctantly allowed him and Thomas Seveny to depart from Queppelle (Kennedy and Hoy prefered to remain with the Canadians) Deponent and Seveny set off accordingly, and after travelling ten days (being unacquainted with the road) arrived at Fort Hibernia. Deponent sayeth that while he was at Queppelle he heard Cuthbert Grant (the leader of the half-breeds) say that he would go with a party in course of the winter and plunder Fort Hibernia - Deponent further sayeth that while Mr Alexander McDonnell and his half-breeds and Indians remained as aforesaid at point aux foutre the four Calves brought from Albany were all killed, three of them were shot by Michelle Bourafsa (a half-breed) and the other was killed for Mr Alexander McDonnells table by his orders. Deponent also further sayeth that while he was at point aux foutre he saw the Canadians taking one brafs cannon lately belonging to the Colony to conceal it in the woods where he believes it was concealed.
(signed) Thomas Costollo
Sworn before me
James Bird"

Jan. 10
" Thomas Costollo and John Favill set off on their return to Swan River, Mr Heron accompanies them to explain some little circumstances to Mr Sutherland which I am unwilling to mention in a Letter to him in the present situation of affairs in that Quarter. - Sent of also an Indian to Green Lake desiring the Master at that place to send here direct for a few Rolls of Tobacco which Mr Clark may pofsibly send to Isle a la Crofse for."

Jan. 12
" An Indian arrived, sent by a relation of his, to inform us that when he left Mr McTarvish's House (about the 7th of January) McTarvish was on the eve of starting to go to our House at the Nippoe to demand skins, which he said George Bird had got from his Indians contrary to an agreement George had made with Battoch, and if they were not given up to him, McTarvish told the Indian that he would take George's House and Goods. The Indian says that the Half breed were engaged for this new piece of violence."

Jan. 15
" James Bird Jun., George Sandison and Hugh Craigie arrived (after having been absent nineteen days) from some Indians to who they were sent by Mr Pruden to trade furs. They saw living with the Indians of this place three Southward Indians who usually trade with the Canadians at Lac La Ronge one of whom who appeared to be a Chief, informed James Bird that all the Indians of Lac la Ronge were called together last fall at the House of the North West Company at that place and requested by the Master of the House whom the Indians called Yellow head, and whom I believe to be Mr Frobisher, who proposed to them that they should take up Arms and forcibly drive away all the Servants of the Hudson's Bay Company from Isle a la Crofse and its neighbourhood, and told them that if they succeeded in doing so they should be well paid by the Northwest Company. The Indian further told James Bird that he would hear of our people who are about Isle a la Crofse being attacked before the spring by a combined force of Indians and Canadians, as many Indians had consented to perform the service required of them by the emifsaries of the NorthWest Company. ----
James Bird and George Sandison saw in course of their Journey Muskeggo and as I had instructed them seperately enquired of him if he had at any time previous to his selling two Dogs to John Hourie last fall, promised sold, or given, those Dogs to Mr L McLean a Clerk of the Northwest Company. To which enquiry Muskeggo answered no, and added that the two Dogs in question were his own property and that he had not disposed of them to anybody but to John Hourie. They (James Bird And George Sandison) also asked the same Muskeggo in the same way what induced him to take back by force, a Horse he sold last fall to the same John Hourie, to which he answered that he was induced to take back the Horse by Mr James Hughes a proprietor of the Northwest Company who gave him (Muskeggo) a nine gallon Keg of grog for taking back the Horse, and paid him sundry Goods to the value of thirty skins besides, for the Horse.
The Indian above named Muskeggo, is the Man who sold two dogs to John Hourie which were afterwards claimed and forcibly taken away by Mr L McLean a Clerk of the Northwest Company under pretence that he had previously got those Dogs from the Indian. He (Muskeggo) is also the Man who sold a Horse last fall to John Hourie at Nippoe, and a few days afterwards forcibly took back at the instigation of Mr James Hughes a partner of the Northwest Company, as related in this Journal under Date 14th December 1816. -"

Jan. 16
" Sent off two Men to the Nippoe for Tobacco and to see if there is any truth in the Indian report above mentioned."

Jan. 21
" Mr Pruden taking a ride in the plains southward of the House saw Mr McTarvish accompanied by Mefs Shaw and Frazer, La Tour, Bourafsa, Mikkeshits, & Jifset? (all half-breeds concerned in the late deplorable Events at Red River) and seven Canadians, who were, according to Mr McTarvish's Account, on their way to Edmonton House."

Jan. 23
" Sent off George Sandison and Peter Whitford to go by land to Edmonton House to inform Mr Carswell of Mr McTarvish and parties Journey to that place that Carswell may be prepared in case McTarvish and his colleagues should have any hostile Measures in view."

Jan. 24
" The Men whom I sent to the Nippoe on the 16 inst. accompanied by two other Men from that place arrived with four Rolls of Tobacco. - By the Letter I have received from Mefs Robertson and Bird it does not appear that Mr McTarvish has acted towards them in a way to make them suspect that he had any intentions of acting with violence towards them."

Jan. 27
" John McDonald and three Canadians arrived from Green Lake with Letters from Mr Clarke and Mr John McLeod from which it appears that Mr Archibald Norman McLeod has at Athabasca Lake availed himself of the number of his adherents and his commifsion of the Peace to distrefs in a variety of ways the Company's Servants in that quarter and to prevent their being able to have any share in the trade with the Natives."

Feb. 2 1817
" Thinking it important that Lord Selkirk should receive early information of the tyrannical conduct of Archibald Norman McLeod in Athabasca towards the Company Servants as well as the Indians. I send off two Men to the Nippoe with a Copy of the Letter lately received from Mr Clarke under a hope that Mr Sutherland may as I have urged him to do, find means of forwarding it to Captain McDonnell at Rainy Lake."

Feb. 12
" Two young Southward Indians arrived from two different Camps of Indians on the South Branch River. Both these Young Men agree in stating that Primo (the same that has been already spoken of in this Journal) arrived a few days ago at a large Camp of Southward and Stone Indians with some Tobacco which, he told those Indians, he was deputed by the Mandans to carry to them for them to smoke preparatory to a peace which the Mandans wished to establish with them, a ratification of which it was proposed, should take place next spring in the neighbourhood of Brandon House, where the Mandans were desirous to meet the Southward and Stone Indians and make them a present of a number of fine Horses. The two young Men add that the Southward Indians Smoked Primo's Pipe of peace and promised to give the desired meeting but that the Stone Indians refused to listen to any pacific proposals from the Mandans.
This attempt of Primo's seems to be almost a convincing proof that Alexander McDonnell (of the Northwest Company) has formed no lefs a project than to afsemble, in the neighbourhood of Red River, a considerable Number of three different nations of Indians, under an Idea that if they were once collected, it would be in his power to induce some or all of them to act against Lord Selkirk.
A scheme wild as it is barbarous, and which I hope it will be easy for us to defeat."

Feb. 13
" The two Men who went off for the Nippoe on the 2nd Inst. arrived and brought two and a half Rolls of Tobacco. Mr Robertson informs me that he dispatched my Letters for Swan River on the 9th inst; and that he has lately been informed by some Cumberland House Indians, who are living near the Nippoe, that they lately saw some indians of Lac La Ronge by who they were informed that the Canadians last fall endeavoured to induce all the Indians of Lac La Ronge, and that neighbourhood, to attack and plunder the Servants of the Hudsons Bay Company who Winter towards Isle a la Crofse; but that the Indians would not agree to the cruel proposal. This account agrees so perfectly with that which James Bird Jun. received in course of his Journey in January last, from other Indians from Lac La Ronge, that there is little room to doubt of the Canadians having made an attempt to prevail on the Indians of that quarter to offer violence to Mr McLeod and party at Isle a la Crofse."

Feb. 16
" Robert Sandison, William Gibson, Donald McDonald and George Ward arrived from Edmonton House for Tobacco. The Men who left this on the seventh of January arrived safe at Edmonton with the Tobacco sent by them. Mr Carswell in his Letter mentions nothing worthy of particular notice. the Indians visit him in great numbers and he is still in hopes of being able to procure as much dry Provisions as last Year."

Feb. 19
" Sent off Robert Sandison, William Gibson and Donald McDonald with four and a half Rolls of Tobacco for Edmonton. George Ward I detain here, to accompany two Men from this place to Edmonton as soon as we receive more Tobacco from Cumberland House."

Feb. 25
" Two bands of Stone Indians have visited us since the 19th inst from whom we have traded upwards of three hundred pounds of dry Provisions and we have reason to hope that we shall still get a good quantity.
James Bird Jun. accompanied by two or three Indians arrived from a large camp thirty Tents of Southward Indians who are tenting about thirty Miles from hence. At this Camp Jame Bird saw a Canadian and a Northwest interpreter called Nomme both from the South Branch River. Nomme had been informing the Indians that when the Snow is nearly thawed away, Mefs McLeod and Hughes with a number of Men are to Kill us, or take us prisoners, and take pofsefsion of this House (and all the property in it), which the North West Company intend to occupy during the summer. when we are to be totally excluded from the River &c &c. - Such are the threats those Scoundrels dare to hold out, but which would not deserve a moments consideration had not similar threatening been realized last Spring in the dreadful events of Red River."

Feb. 27
" Mr Lewes and Pierre Matte arrived from Lefser Slave Lake and brought us the disagreeable intelligence of Mr Decoigne with all his Men having been taken prisoner and the property that was under his care seized by Alexander Stewart of the North West Company.
Mr Lewes gives the following Account of the astonishing outrage."

" About eight oClock on the evening of the second of December last Mr Francois Decoigne, myself and the Little Pegion our interpreter, being then sitting by the fire in our House at Lefser Slave Lake, nine Canadians, all servants of the North West Company suddenly rushed into our room seized us all three (Viz. Francois Decoique, Myself and the Little Pegion) and forcibly dragged us out of our House, at the Door of which I saw about eight armed Men, among whom were Alexander Stewart a partner of the North West Company, Mitchell Flyne and Robert Henry two Clerks in the service of the North West Company drawn up in two files, which I was made to pafs through, several cocked Guns being pointed towards me on each side as I pafsed. When the three men who had seized me, Viz. Andrew Saint Querque, one du Chene, and one Longtin, had dragged me without the outer Gates of our House, Saint Querque took off his sash and tied my Hands, du Chene and Longtin holding me till Saint Querque had affected his purpose after which they pulled me away to the House of Alexander Stewart refusing, though I repeatedly requested them to allow me to put on my Coat and socks in consequence of which one of my Feet was severely frozen the night being cold and the distance from our House to Stewarts House being about half a mile. I was put into a room in Stewarts House with the Little Pegion who was also dragged over by three Canadians and a guard placed over us during the night. After I had been in Stewarts House about ten minutes Mr Francois Decoigne was forcibly brought into the room where I was by several of Stewarts Men. Mr Decoigne asked Alexander Stewart on what account or by what Authority he had taken us Prisoners to which Stewart answered "I have seized You because I heard from some free Canadians and Indians that you intended to seize my House and Property"; but soon after Stewart told us that we were made Prisoners by way of revenge for what happened in Red River last spring; and indeed it is quite evident that our Apprehension was determined on before Stewart arrived, in October last at Lefser Slave Lake, as contrary to the custom of the North West Company Stewart after his arrival did not take any active Measure to procure furs or to prevent the Natives, most of whom were trading with us, giving us their furs and Provisions. The Day after I was taken Prisoner as above related Viz. on the third of December last, Alexander Stewart sent his Men with Horses and Sledges to our House and in course of the Day they brought over and dilivered to Stewart all the Property of the Hudsons Bay Company which we had in our House and partly destroyed the Buildings - only five of our Men, Canadians, were at home when we were seized and these Alexander Stewart prevented from coming to our afsistance by Standing at the Door with his party of Armed Men and desiring them not to come out. Our Men who were absent at the time of our being seized gradually came to Stewarts House and they asked Mr Decoigne what they were to do when he told them to live in their own House and receive Provisions from Stewart to whom they were Prisoners. Stewart refused to feed our Men unlefs they lived at his House, and he tried every means in his Power, but with little Succefs to induce the Men to desert and engage in the service of the North West Company. Alexander Stewart detained Mr Decoigne, myself, and the Little Pegion, Prisoners till the ninth of December last when he told us that we might go whither we pleased. Mr Decoigne chose to remain at Stewarts House, several of our Men dispersed in different parties to provide food for themselves. I went away with Antoine Desjarlais (a Native of this Country and a good Hunter) Pierre Matte and Joseph Francour we moved on gradually to Red Deer's Lake and from there to Moose Lake where we arrived on the fifteenth of February last and from whence I set off on the eighteenth of February following with Pierre Matte for the place where I arrived (as you know) on Friday last. Mr Decoigne informed me that he was seized first by Charles Delorme, Stewarts guide, la Batte, a half breed, and one la Frinier; that when about half way between our house and Stewarts House he extricated himself from them and ran towards our House but being surrounded was retaken and forced into Stewarts House as I had seen. Mr Decoigne further informed me that when he broke away from the Men who first held him, Charles Delorme called out,"fire at him", "fire at him" and that he saw one Appishahsish accordingly kneel down to take aim, but a Canadian interposed and prevented his firing. Mr Decoigne had his Feet and Ears frozen.
I declare the above to be the truth.
(signed) John Lewes."

" Mr Lewes says that Archibald Norman McLeod was expected at Lefser Slave Lake and that it was rumoured amongst Stewarts Men there that the Furs procured at Lefser Slave Lake and the Athabasca were to be taken acrofs, next summer, to the Columbia. This rumour by agreeing so exactly with that mentioned by Mr Clarke in his Letters of December last appears to have some foundations in fact; and the mysterious manner in which Mr Donald McKenzie (lately an agent of Jacob Astor and Company of New York) pafsed through these territories, by some Persons being called an agent of Astors, by others (partners of the Northwest Company) an agent of the North West Company, leads me to suspect that Astor is connected with the North West Company and that they mean to attempt, if necefsary, jointly to carry on the Athabasca trade by the Columbia; and to transport the furs the North West Company procure this season acrofs the Rocky Mountain if their usual channel of communication with Lake Superior should be closed against them.
The report mentioned by Mr Lewes of McLeod's being expected at Lefser Slave Lake, renders it in no small degree probable that the threat made use of by Nomme, as mentioned on the 25th Ulto. has also some foundation in reality, at any rate it will have the effort of putting us on our guard, and inducing us to keep a regular watch hereafter."

Mar. 2 1817
" James Gaddy, Norman McDonald and Magnus Spence arrived from Swan River with a few Articles of Goods that Mr Pruden had requested of Mr Sutherland and with Letters from that Gentlemen who informs me that he had received? accounts through our opponents that he believed may be depended on of the arrival of Captain McDonnell with a strong party of Men in Red River, but that he had not yet received any news from Captain McDonnell himself."

Mar. 3
" Two Men arrived from the Nippoe with three Rolls of Tobacco. John McDougald also and two Canadians arrived from Isle a la Crofse and delivered me the following Letter from Mr Mcleod.
Isle a la Crofse 18th Feb. 1817
Sir
Hoping this will come to your hands with lefs struggle than what I received from your Quarter. I venture once more.
The manner that Dechamp and Party were taken with the Letters in their charge I refer you to my letter of 14 Instant - It was my Justly suspecting it was a scheme of theirs to get hold of my Person that made me not comply with Thompsons request at first but send off to inform you of what had taken place and to caution those who were coming from Edmonton. About ten miles from here, the People I sent off in the morning Met Patt Cunningham and the others coming? with the Packet and both Parties returned back here together. but they scarcely had turned about when they met Ogden and six men, he and party returned to their Fort and when within hearing fired and alarmed their people they all turned out in a body and Mr Black at their head of which there is a list Enclosed. on seeing them turned out I immediately Turned also with a few that followed me and came to them upon the Lake but to my Grief found them between me and my People who were coming with the Letters - Black and Ogden advanced towards me and I towards them. I asked them what did they mean by his manoevers to day did they intend to begin the Butchering work again. If he did to give us Man for Man. he then replied it was my fault by not complying with Mr Thompson's request. They both put the question to me If I would go and see Mr Thompson. I answered in the negative they then returned to their main body or Party who were blockading our people who were coming with the Packet. our people made a motion to come on but were immediately surrounded and after a great deal of resistance and struggle our People were disarmed. on seeing my People thus used I ran to their aid and found them still struggling. Ogden attacked me with a Cocked Pistol. I immediately prepared mine and was just in the act of taken aim when he desisted and said he only want to speak to me, at the same time he offered to seize my Arms but I kept him off and told in French before all his Men him and I to decide the affair he and Black replied again and put the question to me if I would promise to go and see Mr Thompson to day. Seeing my People and letters in their hands I consented to go on Condition they would restore their Armes to my Men and let them home to the Fort to which they agreed but they still kept Dechamp and Party in Confinement. Without waiting to open any of the Letters brought by the last Party I went to see Mr Thompson and with no expectation of coming back soon but I was resolved neither to open any letters in the Fort nor give any Goods whatever Might be the result. I was no sooner in his Fort than Thompson gave me the Letters and wished me to open them. I told him I would not in his Fort but I would take them with me and made a move to go off but I was immediately arrested. I then told him that he certainly must have formed a very silly opinion of me indeed to think I would devulge any Secrets intrusted to me. He found on examination that I had more to say against the North West Company than they had against me. he then proposed to bind myself and Servants to the peace for a twelve Month. I consented to bind myself only and that on Condition I should be justified in taking up arms in defence of self and property intrusted to my charge in case I should be attacked or insulted. To relate You all that pafsed would fill up a few more pages. I as well as McDougald were kept from noon 15th till 1 AM 17th Inst. during which time I can afsure you that they insisted hard to obtain goods as a security for my future Conduct - and particularly Black finding at last they could not obtain the goods they all said they would follow Lord Selkirk's plan. I put them to the Test. After we had agreed and settled for 1st Article in the Agreement the second was proposed finding they had all the men that Knew the road that way? in their pofsefsion as well as Mr Clarkes Letters in their hands and McDougald informing me at the same time that the News was sent Mr Clarke by Slave Lake I agreed not to send towards the North. Mr Thompson suggested to me privately if it was himself Matters would be much easier with me but that he was obliged to act as he did, and whither I would consent or not, not to send any letters that way they were determined not to allow any to go. The third Day after I had sent off Mr Clarkes letters towards you the North West People who followed Dechamp from atthabasca arrived here by whom we learned that a North West Clerk with a strong party were sent after Dechamp but finding they could not overtake him they returned - and now at this place they are watching as close as ever they were so that it will be in vain to attempt sending this way until the Navagation - for the way they wrought at me to obtain the Goods I refer you to McDougald who was detained prisoner as well as Me.
On the event you will not approve of the arrangement I made with Mr Thompson you have only to call me from here and all is void and null. I can afsure you if I had not made such Arrangements it would have cost Blood shed and property and I think their principle motive was to obtain Goods which they did not accomplish - Black and Ogden did not seem well pleased with the agreement. To day I was just on eve of setting off to speak to you in person but Black objected to my going at present. Say I was the only security they had for the agreement made between us.

I do not think it safe to bring any of the Pemican lower than Green Lake except what will be sent to Mr Clarke and what may serve me out. I likewise intend removing all the Goods from here before the North West comes out in the Spring. I think I shall be able to be at Cumberland House before my adversaries comes here in greater Number than they are.

I have made enquiry about getting the Pemican brought here by Perch River which I am told it is impofsible as the River is not practicable. ? but I rather doubt it as I have seen where it discharges itself into the Beaver River below Green Lake and it appears very large however I shall enquire more minutely about and if thought navagable with either large or small Canoes I shall send towards you very soon.

The North West seems to have a Claim against Mr Decoigne for engaging their prior engaged Servants last Year so that it will be as well for him to go out your way than to come this way as I shall be off before he comes here. In fact we have to be on our guard for if the North West will hear no Confirmation of these reports in circulation we may rely on an attack. I think three or four of the Half breeds here will go and afsist in protecting the Pemican in the Spring.
I think I shall be able to get six Canoes made I am to send Marchard to Green Lake in a few days to begin to prepare Wood for them. You mentioned that our People does not gain any Ground at Green Lake which is owing in a great measure to mismanagement of our people in the first place their whole time is taking up with hauling of Provisions to so many uselefs invalids - where as they might have made a fall fishing some of the people that wintered there told me they used to put from 3 to 4000 Fish by in the Fall.

You justly accused me for engaging so many of these Sloths I mean Freemen not even those who were here but likewise those brought from Red River. They are a set lazy, saucy, Proud, Indolent People before I received your Letters I had three months ago wrote to Ducharme to send Bourie about his Businefs - I can shew You Mr Logan's recommendation and wishes to engage Bourie and Ducharm told me last fall that Boorie was worth half of his Men, Old Michel, Mr Clarke had engaged him before my arrival, and Marchand I have made no final agreement with I merely kept him for the sake of making Canoes which if not done he is to receive no wages - Mr Logan mentioned in his last Letter hoping I had engaged Boorie. - There are so many recommendators and those so very officious that they are apt to lead any young Man astray. -
In my present situation I am not able to Judge how I may arrange for the summer. If time and Businefs will admitt of without any detriment to the concern. I shall endeavour to see you before the snow is off the Ground. You will please to let me know what wages I may give Patt. Cunningham. I am sure you cannot exceed his expectations. If he agrees for another Year he wishes to remain inland to be employed in searching for Indians &c. There are a great number of our Canadian Servants whose times are nearly expired. I suppose the Depot will be the best place to reengage them - It is a hard case to be involved in such troubles as we are but I hope it will soon terminate.
I think it rather strange that those People who came to Mr Sutherland to carry Letters for the North West and now for their Employers but still there is a something appertaining to truth in it - Whenever the Navagation is open I shall send Dechamp and the others that came from that Quarter to meet Mr Clarke which will enable me and my people to learn this sooner than I otherwise would.
To search for Indians the summer certainly is the best season while the main force of our opponents are away.
Mr Frobisher of the North West that hired the Indians to attack me in the going out, of which I am not in the least dread. I met a few of these Indians and found them remarkable kind but I make not doubt but Frobisher will urge them to do so.
It was purposely to attack us here that the North West Converted all their Officers in the English River. Say Frobisher from Lac La Ronge, Ogden from Green Lake and several of their Men from those Posts besides what force they had here. Their Men were very unanimous. Mr Thompson tells me that the news brought has a very bad effect on his Men. If it was only the Masters we had to contend with it would not be a hard matter for their Bodies are not made of Iron more than ours. - I wrote Mr Carswell to send if pofsible 40 or 50 bags Pemican to Beaver River as the conveyance you mentioned is not certain. I cannot committ to paper at present what I would wish. I principally send to inform you of the State of Affairs here. I am still in hopes to get safe out with all Party in Mean time Conclude with best respects
Sir
Your most Obt. Servant
(signed) Jn McLeod"

Mar. 4
" Took the information of McKay against Peter Skein Ogden for the apprehension of whom I drew out a Warrant and delivered it to John McDougald (who was sworn in as Constable of the Northern Department) to be by him executed with the approbation of McLeod the first favourable opportunity."

Mar. 5
" James Gaddy and John McDougald with their companions set off on their return to Isle a la Crofse and Swan River. Copies of my Letters to Mefs Sutherland and McLeod are entered in the correspondence book. I have desired Mr McLeod to send Charles du Ford to this place in order that I may examine him respecting the outrage committed on him by Ogden, as I conceive that the evidence of McKay, who is a halfbreed, although it is fully corroborated by Mr McLeod and John McDougald, may not be considered quite satisfactory, as better is to be had. McKay saith that on the eleventh day of February last as he Francois Dechamp and Charles Duford were pursueing their Journey to Isle a la Crofs and had arrived within a few Miles of that place, they were afsaulted by Peter Skein Ogden, a Clerk of the North West Company, and five armed Canadians, who took from them their Sledges containing their bedding and a Packet of Letters which they were conveying to Mr McLeod, and forced them to go to the House of John Thompson Esquire a partner of the North West Company where they were forcibly detained several days. - The first notice McLeod had of the Seizure of his Men was by the following note of Mr Thompson.

Isle a la Crofse 12th Feb. 1817
Mr McLeod
Sir
I am sorry that the vast occurences at present existing in the Indian Territories between the contending parties, obliges me to truble You with this note. - Your Men Francois Dechamp &c with the Letters in their pofsefsion are now in this Fort - an Amicable accommodation may be entered into between us and for this purpose I shall be happy to see you over as soon as convenient.
I am Sir
Yours Sincerely
(signed) John Thompson"

Mar. 8
" George Sandison and Peter Whitford (whom I sent to Edmonton to warn Mr Carswell of Mr McTarvish's approach) arrived. Mr Carswell informs me that Mr McTarvish brought with him to Edmonton Letters for Mr Hughes from Mr Johnson of the Sault St. Marie's, and several printed copies of a proclamation ifsued by the Governor of the Canadas forbidding all persons resident in the Indian Territories to commit any acts of violence &c, and commanding all the Justices of the Peace resident in those Territories to search after and apprehend all persons committing any crime or offence whatever &c. - One copy of the Proclamation above mentioned Mr Carswell has sent me, he having received it, for that purpose, from Mr Hughes. - Before the receipt of this Proclamation Mr Carswell says that Mr Hughes frequently exprefsed an opinion that they (the North West Company) had a right to retaliate on us any violence or injuries they suffered from Lord Selkirk, but that now all his discourses is of a pacific nature and he frequently exprefses his regret that a knowledge of this Proclamation had not reached Mr Archibald Norman McLeod some time ago: He tells Mr Carswell also that the North West Company are now disposed to divide the whole trade equally with the Hudson's Bay Company and that he expects that an amicable arrangement on that basis will Speedily take place between the two Companies."

Mar. 19
" Mr Heron arrived, by way of Cumberland House, from Swan river and delivered me two Packets of Letters one of them from the Earl of Serlkirk and the other from Miles McDonnell Esquire. That from his Lordship contains a duplicate of your Honors Letters of March last, addrefsed to the late Governor Semple, and a few lines from his Lordship, noticing the inclosure just mentioned, desiring me to concert with Governor McDonnell the necefsary measures for the future management of the Company's affairs, and refering me to Mr McDonnell for an Account of the events which took place last Autumn at Fort William. The Packet from Mr McDonnell contained a Letter from himself informing me of his arrival in Red River, of his having retaken Fort Douglafs and that he will require a supply of Leather and Pemican and refering me for an account of the occurences at Fort William to the Letter of Lord Selkirk; also the opinon of several eminent Lawyers on the Validity of the Company's Charter &c, which have not failed to give very general pleasure and to create universal confidence amongst all clafses of the Company's Servants."

Mar. 25
" Mefs Joseph Cook, George Bird and William Tate accompanied by John Ballenden, William Ballenden, and James Sandison arrived, agreeable to instructions I gave Mr Kennedy &c, to afsist in the defence of this place, should the North West Company as it is rumoured they will, make an attack on us; and to protect our Pemican during its conveyance from hence to Cumberland."

Apr. 1 1817
" Joseph Rocque accompanied by two Men from Swan River arrived and delivered me Letters from Miles McDonnell Esquire Mefs Sutherland Halcro and Fidler. These Letters contain very little that is either new or important. Rocque is come for his Wife and family, whom he intends taking with him to Red River when the Lakes &c open, where he is engaged to fill the Station of interpreter for the Sioux language."

Apr. 3
" Joseph Rocque accompanied by an indian lad set off for the Canadian House at the South Branch to fetch his Woman who is residing there."

Apr. 4
" Having written so prefsingly to Mr John McLeod of Isle a la Crofse, to come himself, or to send to this place that I am convinced no ordinary Circumstances could have prevented his complying with my instructions long before this time. I this morning sent off William Tate and Malcolm Rosie to endeavour to find their way to Green Lake and to ascertain if pofsible the situation of our people there relative to the Canadians, and the cause of my not hearing from Mr McLeod.
In the evening the indian lad who accompanied Rocque arrived and informed me that he left Rocque and his Wife on their way to this House. This lad was sent with Rocque to bring us information in case Mr McLean should attempt to detain him or his Wife.
Two or three Indians who have lately arrived have in their pofsefsion a Soldier's coat and a horse Pistol with the tower Mark on it, which were, they say, given to them by some of the Canadian Half-Breeds of this District who were concerned in the cruel transactions of last June at Red River."

Apr. 6
" Joseph Rocque arrived from the South Branch with his Wife and family. He says that Mr McLean gave up his Family without hesitation, but told him that he had better let them remain where they were as in all probability he (Rocque) would soon be brought to that place by Mr McLeod &c. And Rocque says further that the Canadians at McLean's House told him that McLean frequently said "let the English get all the Pemican we will take it by and bye" they added that they (the common Men) were determined to take no part in any acts of violence towards us that might be meditated by the North West Company. - On his way a few miles from this House, Rocque met two Canadians who lately left Edmonton House. They told Rocque that Mr Archibald Norman McLeod was expected there every day when they left that place and that it was reported he was coming to take all the Settlements of the Hudson's Bay Company in this River, but they added that, Mefs Hughes and McTravish had resolved not to take any part in such a Measure, and that these Gentlemen said, if Mr McLeod was determined on acting so violently he shall act alone. - It would be imprudent to rely on this latter part of the information given to Rocque, yet from my Knowledge of the Character of Mr Hughes and the nature of his conversation of late with Mr Carswell I am inclined to think that it is not altogether without some foundation in truth."

Apr. 13
" Two Southward Indians arrived from the Jack Lake. they inform us that on the 8th inst. five of their Tent mates returned from Green Lake, (whither they had been on a visit to the Company's Settlements) and reported that they found the Company's Houses there abandoned, and were informed by Mr Peter Ogden, and other Servants of the North West Company, that all the English who were at that place were lately taken by them and sent prisoners to Isle a la Crofse. This News (our informants add) so enraged the indians in general, many of whom had lately been particularly well treated by the Company's Servants at Green Lake, that they determined to go immediately in a body and retaliate on the Canadians by taking all their property from them; and a party of upwards of forty Indians were all ready to set off for that purpose on the eleventh instant. Who can help exprefsing a wish that these Indians may persevere and that the Canadians may from them receive the punishment due to their outrageous conduct I am sorry however to be obliged to add that that is too much to hope from the indolent, carelefs, and flexible disposition of the Southward Indians."

Apr. 16
"An Indian who accompanied William Tate and Malcolm Rosie on the fourth instant on a reconnoitering excursion towards Green Lake, arrived. He relates that as he and his companions were pursuing their journey they saw, within a days walk of Green Lake, an Iroquoy who traded, during the winter, with Mr Ducharme, and by whom they were informed that some of the Company's Servants had a few days before been at his Tent for furs and that Mr Ducharme was at that time, of course undisturbed by the Canadians. This information induced Tate and party (contrary to instructions I had given them) to proceed in open day and on the open Lake towards Mr Ducharme's House, and the consequence was that, when they had reached the middle of the Lake they were overtaken and surrounded by about twenty Canadians, with Ogden at their head, who conducted them prisoners to the North West Company House there. Tate and Rosie having been disarmed were soon sent off towards Isle a la Crofse escorted by two armed Canadians. After having been a few hours absent Tate and party returned to Green Lake accompanied by John McDonald and two more Servants of the Company, who, the Indian understood, had left Isle a la Crofse privately but meeting Tate &c the whole five allowed themselves to be led prisoners by two Canadians to Ogden's House. The evening after McDonald's arrival at Green Lake, three armed men, two Half Breeds and one Canadian, arrived in pursuit of him. John McDonald took an opportunity to whisper to the Indian that McLeod and all his people were prisoners at Isle a la Crofse and that it is the intention of the partners of the North West Company to take all our inland Settlements and, when the Navagation opens, to proceed to York to capture that place also. Ogden confined the Indian three days and then allowed him to return to his Tent under a promise that he would not come to this place to acquaint us with what had happened."

Apr. 18
" Two Indians arrived from the Canadian Settlement at the South Branch which they left this morning. They say that Yesterday Mr McLean received Letters from Swan River informing him that all our Settlements and all the Company's Servants in that district were in the hands of the North West Company. This occurence proves how necefsary it was for Governor McDonell to have taken Quappelle and subdued the north west force there before he proceeded to adopt any strong Measures in the lower part of the Red River. Had that Settlement and the Ruffians stationed at it been captured the North West Company would have had no rallying point nor any means of procuring provisions to support a large number of Men, in Red River, in short they could have made no serious opposition whatever to Governor McDonell. Whereas with Quappelle in their pofsefsion and the means it affords them for Attack for defence or retreat they may long annoy the Servants of the Company in all the neighbouring district and at last make their escape if necefsary. - The events of last Spring fully exposed to every observing person the bad policy of commencing hostilities at the Forks. There can be no reason to doubt that if Governor McDonell had proceeded straight from Rainy Lake to Quappelle and Captured that place and secured the Ruffians who were at it, he would thereby have acquired a permanent superiority in Red River."

Apr. 26
" A few Southward Indians arrived from the neighbourhood of the Jack Lake (where they and the Stone Indians are afsembled determined to await any attack that the Slave Indians may dare to make on them) These Indians inform us that a party of young Men actually intended to go and plunder the Canadians at Green Lake; but that they were difsuaded from carrying their design into execution by their old Men who said "You had better not interfere in the quarrels of the white people. You cannot know what party will ultimately prevail, should you afsist the weaker You will not fail to be long punished for such interference by the conquerors; whereas tho' the party you afsist should prevail, the Services You may have rendered it will soon be forgotten so that you may injure but cannot permanently benefit yourselves." Five Young Men however left their Tents about the fifteenth instant to go and steal the Canadians Horses at lake a la Crofse - Some of the Indians above mentioned afsured me however that, if I would send two or three of the Officers of this place at their head, they would raise a party and take Ogden and his Men prisoners. I did not however think it prudent to accept of their offer at present from a consideration that such a step, even if attended with complete succefs, would not effectually reestablish our affairs, while the adoption of retaliative measures on our part would not fail to render the violent proceedings for the North West Company lefs striking lefs calculated to excite general indignation, and consequently more unlikely to draw forth speedily on the authors of them the punishment they so richly deserve."

Apr. 27
" William Tate and Patrick Quin arrived from Isle a la Crofse and delivered the following Letter.

Isle a la Crofse 18th April 1817
Sir
Yours of the 3rd Ultimo came to my hand the sixth day after it left you wherein you mentioned that the conduct of my opponents unjustifiable as it was would not bear a Comparison with Alexander Stewart at Lefser Slave Lake; but I think when you peruse the following lines you'll find it very little deficient and I am sorry to inform you that these depredations are not altogether Confined to this place and Lefser Slave Lake. They have likewise disarmed Mr Clarke and party in Athabasca.
Conformed to your request I with two Men left here on the fifteenth of March with the intention of paying you a visit - I was followed by Samuel Black and four of his Men. we proceeded on untill we came to the South end of this Lake which is about eight miles from this Fort and there we met lying in ambush eight more men under Arms whom John Thompson had sent for the purpose of apprehending me, we were immediately Seized and brought prisoners to Thompson's Fort where I and the other two men were kept in close confinement for fifteen days-
Sunday the sixteenth of March which was the next morning after I was taken about four AM Black with all his and Thompson's Men Broke into our Fort when he found all the People asleep and Seized and disarmed them and returned to his Fort with our Arms. In a few hours after Black accompanied by Thompson returned to our Fort and entered into the house where in presence of and with desire of John Thompson Black broke open the warehouse Door and seized all the Hudsons Bay Companys property which I saw afterwards brought to Thompson's Fort and put into his ware-house -
Black left here on the eighteenth following with a Party and on the night of the nineteenth he seized all our people at Green Lake and took pofsefsion of all the Hudson's Bay Company's property there, took all the people to this place, even the Women and children who were not able to walk were draged down here, Some of the Women and Children who were not able to keep up with Black and the Men were left along the Road and none of the Men were allowed to remain along with them till they were afterwards fetched and it is really cruel how they behaved here.
It is vain for me to attempt to describe what a disagreeable Situation we are placed in, it is grieving to me to see so many as there are here of Men deprived of their liberty and of course of great lofs and detriment to their employers. They are prevented from going where they can be of service and perform their dutys : We are told that we are to be kept behind the north west people going out in the spring and that we are to be detained at some fishing Place till such time as the whole of the North-West will get out first - for my own part I am informed that I shall be brought to some remote Quarter where I can bear no testimony against any person - Black told me some days ago that they are not done with seizures yet - I am informed they are determined upon going to York and seize all the Property there. As for the tyrant Black he sticks at nothing for he will not attempt to go down himself - they had it in agitation all the winter to have gone to your place and brought you to Green Lake. At the time I was allowed to join the rest of our people which was on the twenty ninth of March Thompson promised me before witnefses that none of us should be detained after the eighth of April, on the ninth John McDonald and two others went off to endeavour and get to your place; but no sooner Black missed them than he immediately made a search for them and not finding them about the house he sent some of his half-breeds after them who came up to them at Green Lake from whence they were brought back to this place. Whatever may be the consequence I am fully resolved not to lend them a single scripe of a Pen - They seem quite regardlefs of the laws of their Country and they most undoubtedly know that they act contrary to any thing contained in the English Constitution. They even? confefs themselves that they have no room to complain of my conduct since I came here - I have not been hitherto commanded by any of my Superior officers in the Hudson's Bay Company's service to do any illegal action nor shall their concern sustain the least injury on my account. If I have committed myself anyways let them (the North West) bring me before a Court of Justice and if found Guilty let me suffer accordingly. This I have already told them here.
Should there be nothing against them in this Quarter but the stopping of my sending in due time to you or Mr Carswell for Provisions, it is a serious affair that such a number of People as what there are here and with Mr Clarke should run the risk of being starved for the want of these provisions on which we all depend.
I have already advertized them before witnefses that the Hudsons Bay Company would not be answerable for any supplies they may give as they prevented us from providing for ourselves in due time - If it can be done it is most needful that Mr Carswell would send lefs or more Pemican say fifty or sixty bags to Cold Lake Portage. You cannot be too much upon your guard - with no hopes of seeing you - I conclude with best respects
Sir
Yr mo obt Servant
(signed) John McLeod
P.S. I have a great deal more to add but I must refer it till a future period.

William Tate says that he was taken by Ogden and sent for Isle a la Crofse, nearly in the manner related by the Indian who arrived here on the sixteenth instant. When he arrived at Isle a la Crofse he was taken before Mr John Thompson (the North West partner there) who asked him a number of questions regarding the purport of his journey to Green Lake, and at length desired him to go and remain with Mr John McLeod till he, Thompson, permitted him to return to Carlton District. - On the eighteenth instant Samuel Black (a North West partner) sent for Tate and after uttering in his presence many threats, against Lord Selkirk, Miles McDonnell &c, and informing him that the proclamation ifsued in August last by the Governor of the Canadas was of no more value than Spittle &c &c, told him that he had liberty to return to this place. Tate was accordingly sent off from Isle a la Crofse by McLeod.
The cause of William Tate's being permitted to leave Isle a la Crofse was as follows. Mr McLeod and William Tate afsured Thompson that, acquainted with the situation of McLeod, I had sent Letters to Edmonton early in April desiring Mr Carswell to send no Pemican, to Cold Lake, for the Isle a la Crofse, and therefore suggested to him the necefsity of sending some Person to this place to request that I would still send Pemican to Cold Lake for Mr McLeod's use, which proposal was agreed to by Thompson. - Mr McLeod suspecting that Black would open his Letter sent by Tate in it requests me to send Pemican &c; but desired Tate to acquaint me with the reason of his writing that request Viz. that if the Letter should be opened by Black, Tate might still be permitted to proceed.
William Tate says that Mefs Thompson and Black have at Isle a la Crofse about fifty five Men, Canadians and Half-breeds; and that Ogden has about twenty-five Men at Green Lake. Mr John McLeod has about forty three Men."

Apr. 29
" Three Indians arrived from Edmonton which they left about the third of April, at which time the Canadians had made no attempt on that Settlement. These Indians hunted for Mr Hughes during the winter; but, about the first of April last they availed themselves of a favorable opportunity which offered to kill near Edmonton two young blackfeet Indians, and immediately afterwards decamped and fled to this place. This circumstance added to the Mafsacres committed by the Southward Indians last Summer will certainly cause a very general War amongst the Indians of the plains, during the present Summer, and the consequence may be, if the Southward and Stone Indians stand their ground, that no white Men will be permitted to go higher up this River next fall then this place. An event which has been expected to take place these two or three Years past."

May 2 1817
" A Southward Indian arrived from Jack Lake who informs us that a party of Stone Indian Horse Stealers lately arrived at his Tent from the Moose Hill where they (by their Accounts) Met with Mr. Hallett and about seven Canadians conveying on Horses Goods, Furs &c from Moose Lake to this River. one of whom they killed and the rest they robbed of all their property including their Clothes and Horses. Mr. Hallett they stripped naked and in that condition sent him back to his House at Moose Lake. Our informant adds that there is little room to doubt the truth of the above account as several of the Stone Indians had Handkerchiefs and other fineries on their heads which it is not probable that they could procure in any other way. - This event has perhaps been in some measure, occaisioned by the violent proceedings of the North West Company at Red River, Green Lake &c. The Indians are not unconcerned Spectators, of the conduct of the North West Company towards us; many of those who are attached to us feel some inclination to revenge on our adversaries the wrongs we suffer from them, while the ease with which these have seized large Quantities of the Company's Goods seems to have produced in the minds of the Indians who adhere to them a desire to follow their example but all have hitherto been prevented from taking an active part in our difsentions by the fear of its leading to serious quarrels among themselves: in short should the present contentions between the two Companies be of long duration there can be little reason to doubt that the southward indians will take a part in them; and when they have once tasted the sweets of plunder they will not fail again to satisfy their wants in the same easy way whenever favorable opportunities occur. These Indians from long habit have become fond of visiting the Houses frequently and of living with white People on terms of reciprocal confidence and familiarity; but if they once generally commit any acts by which they feel that that confidence must be destroyed they will certainly become the most audacious and the most mischievous of all the Tribes that inhabit this part of the Country."

May 7
" Mr John McLeod accompanied by Francois Deschamp, William Flett, McKay, & Jacco, (all half breeds) arrived from Isle a la Crofse which they had left privately on the night of the twenty fourth Instant. - Mr McLeod says that he was induced to leave Isle a la Crofse by information (which he had reason to think might be depended upon), according to which Mefs Black & Thompson had determined on removing him from his own House and on sending him to Remain in a State of confinement at some remote Settlement of the NWC, that he might not have it in his power to give evidence during the ensuing Summer against any of the persons by whom he had been so cruelly treated. - Several other men had intended to accompany Mr McLeod but as they did not join him in the given time, at the rendesvous he had appointed, he concludes that they were discover'd & Stopt by the Servants of the NWC. - Mr Ducharm is appointed by Mr McLeod to do what he can in order to bring out the residue of the Companys Servants (of Isle a la Crofse) to Jack River. -
Mr McLeod afsures me that we are indebted for our present Safety, here, to our having early adopted measures of defence, & particularly to our having kept a regular night Guard, of which Black was informed, and which alone prevented his paying us a visit ("to take me to Green Lake"), as he was fearfull he said, of not being able to take us prisoners without losing some of his men; a consideration which he also told William Tate, alone prevented his attacking this place after he had taken Green Lake."

May 9
" George Sandison whom I had sent on the 30th Ult. to Nippoe returned from that place Accompanied by George Rofs and brought two Rolls of Tobacco. - On the 4th Inst. Mr Robertson forwarded a letter (which I sent by G Sandison) to Mr Kennedy, in which I informed this Gentleman of the late conduct of the Canadians at Isle a la Crofse. And desired him to keep a Regular guard at Cumberland. - I also desired Mr Kennedy to endeavour to send two Indians by way of Moose Lake with Letters to Mefs Swain Sinclair & Kirknefs informing them of the late events in this quarter, of the probability there is of their receiving a hostile visit from the Canadians & pointing out to them the Necefsity of putting their several Settlements in a respectable State of defence, or removing the goods which may be under their Care to a place of Safety. I had before written those Gentlemen to that effect, but I have found it so difficult to rouse the Masters of Settlements to a true sense of their danger that I have thought a second warning to Mr Swain &c to be absolutely required - Had strict precautionery measures been timely adopted on our parts the adherents of the NWC would not have seized all the Settlements of the Company which are now in their power."

May 22
" Mr Lewes with five Men arrived in a large Canoe from Edmonton with the pleasing intelligence, that we may expect Mr Carswell and all the Boats &c of Edmonton, to arrive here in a few days - This agreeable news is however accompanied by other of the most distrefsing nature, which is the death of Henry Hillier who was shot about the 19th of April last by a party of Horse Stealers.-
Mr Lewes gives the following account of that melancholy accident. - He says that he became so lame, on his way to Edmonton, as to be under the necefsity of remaining in the plains (about fifty miles above Buckingham House) and of sending forward, two of the Men, who accompanied him from this place to fetch a Horse from Edmonton to carry him to that settlement. A few days after those men had left him Mr Lewes went from his hut to shoot at some Buffaloe which were near - & during his absence, it appears, a party of Stone Indians (Horse Stealers) killed poor Hillier, and plundered the hut of every thing that was in it including Letters & other papers that I had sent to Mr Carswell. Pierre Matte was at the hut with Hillier but perceiving the Stone Indians coming he threw himself into a Bush where he lay, concealed & from thence saw the Death of his Companion. After shooting at the Buffalo Mr Lewes returned to his hut which he soon found had been robbed, & not finding his men there he ran, Calling them as he went, to the top of a little hill where he saw four Stone Indians who approached him, but on his presenting his Gun at them they rode off. - He again returned towards the hut in search of his men but not finding them he took the Road, & set off alone in the direction of Edmonton. - At Eight Oclock in the evening he put up, and about two hours afterwards was joined by Peirre Matte and informed of what had happened - The following morning they together pursued their Journey but were so very unfortunate as to meet with another party of Horse Stealers, consisting of about Twenty five Men, by whom they were Robbed of every thing they had except their Shirt & trowsers and in that half naked state left without anything to make a fire with, without any thing to eat, And at three days Journey distant from Edmonton; fortunately however for them they were soon overtaken by three Canadians who furnished them with food & Blankets as well as fire - The two Men Mr Lewis sent off before him arrived safe at Edmonton.
It is the unfortunate and shocking occurences that I have just related, which gave birth to the information received, & which I have mentioned at full in this Journal under Date the Second of May, for Mr Hallett has not been stripped nor has any Canadian been lately killed, though two were Robbed of twelve Horses and completely Stripped by a party of the same Indians who killed poor Hillier. - Mr Lewis resembles Mr Hallett sufficiently to be taken for him by persons not intimately acquainted with him & Hillier was drefsed like a Canadian. It must not however be understood from this that if Mr Lewis had been known, he or his men would have escaped unhurt, for the Stone Indians are now become so numerous & daring that they often ill treat all, without distinction, who are so unfortunate as to meet with them in the plaiins; And there is every reason to suppose that if measures cannot soon be taken that? will make these Indians put their dependance on us, it will be impofsible to convey Goods in safety higher up this River than this place. Last fall a party of this same restlefs tribe Robbed a party of Canadians who were conveying Goods on HorseBack to Moose Lake of twelve Horses & a considerable quantity of Goods & Shot one of the men through the hand - The Murder of the unfortunate Hillier was an act of the most wanton cruelty, as he was surrounded by about ten Stone Indians and not having a Gun in his hand could make no serious resistance; by the account of Matte, who saw all that pafsed, Hilliers death was immediately Occaisioned by his persisting to hold a handsome Canadian Belt (the property of Mr Lewes) which a Stone Indian seized, & in vain tried to take it from him by mere strength.
Sent off the young half breed I had called up here from Cumberland, to convey to that place in the Canoe that arrived this morning, Canada, one of Mr Decoigne's Men who is in a deplorable State with the venereal disease, in hopes that Mr Todd may be able to render him some afsistance."

May 25
" Mr Carswell arrived with Eight Boats And Six large Canoes carrying the Trade of Edmonton which I am sorry to find is rather inferior to last year & more particularly so in the Article of Provision a circumstance which appears to have been occasioned by the Death of Two Young Blackfeet who were killed near Edmonton as mentiond in Journal under Date 29th April -
Mr A N McLeod did not arrive at Edmonton as report said would be the Case, and Mr Carswell Says that Mr Hughes invariably gave him the most positive afsurances that no insinuations or commands of McLeod or any of his afsociates Should induce him to commit any unjustifiable acts towards either the servants or property of the Hudsons Bay Company."

May 28
" Embarked for Cumberland with all the Boats &c And the trade of Carlton & Edmonton, The quantity of Pemican procured in this River amounts to no more than 365 Bags of 80 lbs each of Pimican and about 1200 lbs of Loose fat; which is about 100 Bags of Pimican lefs than were procured last year. - Afsured that a unusual quantity of Provisions will be required this present summer, and there being a prospect that a considerable quantity may be procured at Carlton early enough to be of considerable service. I have left Mr Pruden to pafs the summer at that place although there is a considerable risk of his being visited, & perhaps attacked by war parties of Slave Indians, on which account more men are left with him than usual - Mr Pruden now has with him Mr Whitford, James Sandison Sen., Robert Sandison, Richard Colen, James Spence, Edward Simmons, Oman Norquay, George Rofs & Mr John Harriott"

May 30
" Met James Morwick & a Canadian in a Small Canoe who delivered me, for my perusal a Notification from the Comifsioners, (Appointed by his excellency the Governor in Chief of the Canadas &c to enquire into the disturbances existing in the Indian Territories &c &c), An open Letter from the Governor in Chief to the Earl of Selkirk & another open Letter from Captain Miles McDonell Esquire to myself, Relative to to the appointment of the Said Commisioners, & a Sealed Letter from the Secretary of the Governor in Chief, revoking my commifsion of the peace; also an open Letter from Mr McGillvery? to the NW Proprietors & other papers of the same nature.
The Canadian proceeded on with the papers above mentioned to meet Mr Hughes. Morwick I took back with me to Cumberland, as the Canadian could go on alone without danger or inconvenience."

June 1 1817
" Arrived at Cumberland where I had the pleasure to find Mr Kennedy & Men well, And to learn that the Trade of that District, in amount, is not inferior to last year, though there is an astonishing dimunition in the Article of Rats which little Animals are almost now exterminated in this neighbourhood, by the Indians & the Shallownefs of the Waters. - According to the information Mr Kennedy has been able to obtain, the notification lately mentioned has had the Effect of putting a Stop to all hostile proceedings on the part of the Canadians who, both here, at Swan & Red Rivers now, exprefs a determintation to submit without reserve to the decisions of the Commisioners, appointed to inquire into the Conduct of the Servants & adherents of the Two Companies."

June 4
" Embarked for York Factory with sixty four men & Thirteen Officers in Ten Boats & Two Canoes Loaded with the Furs & most of the provisions procured in the Sascatchewan Department.
Mr Kennedy with five men remain at CH in addition to the number of men usually required there in Summer to guard the House till the Canadians, arrive & pafs, from the Northerd, & to be ready on the first notice to go with a Canoe load of Pimican to meet Mr Clarke & party. Should Mr Kennedy have reason to think that such a measure will be advisable or necefsary; In short I have desired Mr Kennedy to act as he may think requisite, as well with regard to taking a supply of Pimican to meet Mr Clarke, as to the endeavouring to get any of the Company Servants who may arrive at Cumberland in the NW Canoes. I have further desired Mr Kennedy to keep two Active Indians in readinefs to Carry with all pofsible expedition, to Jack River an account of the Effect which the Notification lately mentioned seems to produce on A N McLeod and the manner in which he & Mr Thomson have lately treated the Company's Servants at Isle a la Crofse And Athapuscow or any other news that he may think it requisite for us to be made acquainted with. Met, a few miles below Cumberland, Tho. Isbister & Donald McMillan in a Small Canoe from Moose Lake who delivered me Letters from Moose River, York Factory and Jack River, by which I was Sorry to hear that the Companys Ships have again been under the necefsity of wintering in the Bay and that Country Provisions are so scarce at York And at all the Settlements between that place & Lake Winipeg as to occasion the most Serious inconveniences. - Left at Cumberland 140 Bags of Pimican, Three Bundles of Dry Meat (All 80 lbs each) Six new Canoes & about Fifty fathoms of Birchrind."

June 7
" Arrived at Cedar Lake which we found to be so full of Ice as to render it impofsible for us to Pafs through it. A circumstance that will be productive of most serious evils as it will not only occasion lofs of time but an unecefsary consumption of Provisions also."

June 9
" A Breeze of Wind from the SW moved the Ice a small distance from the Western Shore of the Lake which we coasted round & in the evening arrived at the narrow where we found a few Indians who informed me that plenty of Sturgeon can be speared at this place in consequence of which information I propose remaining here a couple of days as there is no reason to hope that we can effect a pafsage thro' Lake Winipeg these several days to come, for the season is evidently much more backward making every allowance for the difference of Climate as we advanced to the Eastward, And Lake Winipeg is never navigable till several days after the Cedar Lake has been clear of Ice."

June 10
" The Indians brought us fifteen Sturgeon today & a little Moose Meat which together made a dinner for our whole party."

June 11
" The Indians brought us only four Sturgeon today So that tomorrow I intend moving to the Big fall to be ready for any opportunity that may Offer for pafsing Lake Winipeg."

June 12
" Left the narrow of Cedar Lake & arrived in the evening at the entrance of Lake Winipeg which we found Still covered with one vast Sheet of Strong Ice."

June 13
" A Breeze of Easterly wind drove the Ice Still nearer to the mouth of the River. Set a net which produced nothing but a few Jack Fish. The Indians we left at Cedar Lake joined us; George Robertson also arrived from Swan River. He says that he left Mr Sutherland in Winipegoshis Lake, but that he does not know by which route Mr Sutherland intended to go to Jack River."

June 14 & 15
" The Wind & Ice Still remain as Yesterday. I sent the Indians to the Rapid to endeavour to spear some Sturgeon but they brought us only one & say that there are none to be seen - Got a few Jack fish from our nets but not enough to prevent a very considerable expenditure of Pemican."

June 16
" The Wind & Ice much the same as yesterday nor can we hope to be able to leave this place till a strong westerly wind removes the Ice from the Shores."

June 18
" A Strong northerly wind having broken the Ice a little we embarked & with much difficulty succeeded in getting about four miles thro' the Lake after which we found the Ice so Strong as to prevent our further progrefs."

June 20
" A Westerly Breeze having Sprung up we hoisted our Sails & breaking our way through the Ice finally succeeded in getting to open water and we encamped about 12 PM on the Small Island Above the Carrying place. - This afternoon I met Thomas McNate in an Indian Canoe who delivered to me Letters from Miles McDonell Esq. & from Mr Alex. McDonell informing me of the State of affairs in Red River, And containing a handsome offer from the latter of any afsistance that he was capable of affording & that the Comp'y affairs might require."

June 21
" Arrived about 3 PM at Jack River where I had the pleasure to see Mr Tho. Thomas & Mr Fidler from Mannitowappew. - The Settlers who were engaged to build here have performed very little work indeed, owing in some measure to scarcity of food but in a much greater degree to a want of Industry and inclination on their Parts to do what they could. And the principal advantages obtained by engaging them has been their being thereby induced to remain in the Country last fall."

June 23
" Sent off all the Saskatchewan Boats Accompanied by Mr Fidlers men for the Rock House & York Factory."

June 25
" Mr Carswell embarked in a Canoe manned with four Men (Canadians) for York Factory. I have given him every instruction that I thought to be necefsary as well as regarding the preparing an afsortment of Goods for the Saskatchewan as the dispatching of Goods from the Rock to the Depot for Supplying the Northward.
Mr James Sutherland arrived with five Boats carrying the Trade of Swan River District which, as to furs, is much more considerable than that of last year, but Mr Sutherland has not brought any dry Provisions."

June 27
" Mr Sutherlands Boats went off. they are to carry on Trip of Goods from the Rock to Swampy Lake then go to the Factory and return with a Cargoe for Swan River.
Mr Decoigne arrived with all his people (except one who engaged with the NWC) in four Canoes three of which Mr Decoigne found means to get made at Red Deers Lake. It appears that Mr Steward did not attempt to detain Mr Decoigne or his men, nor even endeavour to prevent their taking measures to enable them to proceed to York Factory in proper time. Mr Archibald Norman McLeod & Mefs Black & Thomson had arrived at Cumberland before Mr Decoigne left that place, but they could not be prevailed on to give any satisfactory account of the Company's Servants who were made prisoners in those Districts; at one time they said that they were on their way to York Factory, at another, that they were all dispersed & sent to fishing places, to live, without the means of removing themselves to any great distance and that none of them would reach Cumberland before September. Mr Kennedy informed Mr A N McLeod, that he was going in a Canoe with provisions to meet Mr Clarke; McLeod endeavoured to persuade Mr Kennedy from going on such an expedition & at length told him that if he went all his Provisions would be taken from him, & himself made prisoner, as he, (McLeod) had left orders with his men to prevent any person's pafsing in towards Isle a la Crofse without his permifsion. - Mr Kenney in consequence of this information determined on Remaining at Cumberland. All the NWC's loaded Canoes arrived there from Athapuscow & to regulate his future Conduct by the information he might then obtain."

June 28
" Sent off Mr John McLeod, Mr John Lewis, William Tate, James Bird Jun., Francois Deschamp, Patrick Quin, William Flett & Three of Mr Decoigne's Men, in a large Canoe for Red River to give Lord Selkirk every information he may require regarding the conduct of the NWC at Lefser Slave Lake, Isle a la Crofse & Athapuscow & to lay their complaints before the Commifsioners appointed to enquire into & Settle the disturbances of this Country."

June 29
" Mr Decoigne with all his Canoes Embarked for the Rock from which place they are to return with a load of goods to the Depot where Mr Decoigne is again to fit out his Men &c for Lefser Slave Lake."

July 1 1817
" Three Canadians (who accompanied Mr Sutherland from Swan River but being in a Canoe were unable to follow the Boats thro' the Ice in the Winnipegooshis Lake) arrived. - They say that they were informed by Indians, whom they saw in Lake Winipeg, that Allen McDonell (a partner of the NWC), pafsed their Tents, on his way to the Big fall, in a Canoe maned with Eight men, about the 24th Ult., & told them that the NWC had retaken Fort William, Rainy Lake, & Point au foutre by that time, that they were comming in, in greater force than ever, that there would be peace in the Country, & that the Indians would receive plenty of Goods at a Cheap Rate. - The Commisioners, Allen McDonell said, he, left at Fort William."

July 2
" Sent off the Canadians who arrived Yesterday to fetch a few articles of Goods, that are required at this place from the Depot. - Mr McDonell embarked with the Settlers for Red River. - The latter are to proceed in gently remaining Occasionally for some time at good fishing places, till they hear again from Red River."

July 4
" Leutenant Graffhenried and Mr Duncan Graham arrived with Thirty two Men in four Canoes from Red River & delivered me a letter from Lord Selkirk desiring my presence at Red River."

July 6
" Leutenant Graffhenried with twelve men of the Meuron Regiment embarked in two Boats to fetch Goods from Oxford for the use of Red River Settlement, Mr Graham likewise Embarked with the rest of his party for York Factory to fetch an afsortment of Goods for the Settlement he Occupied last year; And in the evening I, Accompanied by Mr Tho. Thomas Mr Peter Fidler & five Men Embarked for Red River."

July 13
" Arrived at Red River & had the pleasure to see Lord Selkirk in perfect health."

July 27
" Mr Lewes Accompanied by Several Canadians embarked with a letter from the Commifsioners, (Addrefsed to the Proprietors, Clerks, &c of both Companies ordering a restitution of all property taken &c &c) And with Letters & instructions for Mefs Clarke & McKenzie."

July 29
" Having finished such businefs as Lord Selkirk deemed it proper for me to Settle with the Commifsioners, And received such instructions from his Lordship as I thought requisite, I, with Mr Thomas embarked for Jack River."

Aug. 4 1817
" Arrived at Jack River where I found seven of the Company's Athapuscow Servants who have just arrived from that district, And who inform us that about Thirty Eight of their fellow Servants will arrive here in a day or two. - No Boats or Canoes have yet arrived here from York Factory. Mr Graffhenried & party left this place for Red River with two boat loads of Goods several days ago so that I must have pafsed him in the Lake, Winipeg, near Red River."

Aug. 5
" Six Canoes containing the men above mentioned arrived from Athapuscow but without any Officer of Consequence - The Officers being all detained in Athapuscow by the NWC; but in what situations these Men seen to be ignorant."

Aug. 7
" The Canoes above mentioned embarked to go to the Depot for Goods with a view of their returning to the Athapuscow this season if pofsible - By Mr Stitt? who accompanies them I addrefsed a Note to Mr Decoigne (who I suppose to be on His way from Depot to this place)(according to instructions I received from Lord Selkirk) requesting him to go to Athapuscow & making him an offer of a considerable Advance of Salary if he will undertake the Charge. - Sent, also, away a Boat well Manned for York Factory to fetch part of 4000 lbs of Flour & 576 lbs of Pork which we have undertaken to deliver at Red River by the 20th of September for the use of a party of Soldiers who are to be Stationed at that place. - Four Canoes arrived from the Depot loaded with Goods intended for Lefser Slave Lake - they left Mr Decoigne at the Depot but he is expected here today or tomorrow."

Aug. 8
" Mr Decoigne arrived from the Depot and informed me that one of the Saskatchewan Boats in Sailing was overset by a sudden gust of wind within about 3 Miles of Oxford House and about fifty pieces of 80 lbs each of Goods unfortunately lost, the Value of which is upwards of Six hundred pounds."

Aug. 10
" Mefs Sutherland & Carswell arrived from York Factory. - Leutenant McDonald arrived from Point Au foutre with part of the Packs of Furs which had been detained there by the NWC; but which they have now delivered up in pursuance of an order, to that Effect, from the Honorable W. B. Coltman.
The number of Packs detained was originally forty of which Thirty Three have been restored. the remaining seven have been kept by the NWC (agreeably to the Order of the Commifsioner) in lieu of Six Packs of their Furs, sent, in May last, by Lord Selkirk to Moose Factory."

Aug. 12
" Having no proper person to accompany the Canoes mentioned on the 7th Inst. to Athapuscow &c &c - I have thought requisite to engage Mr Decoigne for that purpose and I have not been able to obtain his Services without agreeing to give him 300 £ per the Year, & a promise of 100 £ more if he succeeds in establishing the Company's affairs in Athapuscow. -
The Lefser Slave Lake Canoes went off for their winter quarters, Mr Lewes is appointed to take Charge of that Settlement."

Aug. 13
" The Saskatchewan Boats Embarked for Cumberland. engaged Mr Kennedy to return to Cumberland at a Salary of 100 £ pr Annum."

Aug. 14
" Made such arrangements with Mr Sutherland & gave him such instructions regarding the future businefs of this place as appeared to me to be necefsary particularly respecting the disposal of the men & Canoes expected to arrived from Canada, as there is no prospect of my Seeing them at this place, the time drawing so near when my presence will be necefsary at York Factory."

Aug. 15
" Mr D Graham arrived from York Factory after a very long pafsage owing, as he says, to the bad State of his Canoes which he leaves at this place intending to embark his men & Goods in a Boat for Red River. He has about 88 pieces of Goods (of 80 lbs each) besides supplies for his men, which unexpected demand has considerably deranged the Afsortment of Goods intended for other Settlements. This points out the necefsity of provision being made for any new undertakings that may be desired. - It has been the custom at York to make the Indent for Goods as nearly equal to the Known demand as pofsible, any new call on the Store must therefore create considerable inconvenience.
After Settling some little affairs with Mr Graham I embarked in the evening, in a wooden Canoe for York Factory."

Aug. 20
" I arrived at Oxford where I found the Athapuscow Canoes on their return to Jack River; the men are in very good Spirits, tho' very poorly off for food (having nothing but a little Flour & Fat to live on), and prepared to return to Athapuscow. in the evening I continued my Route towards York."

Aug. 22
" I arrived at the Depot, informed Mr Logan that Arrangements are made for his wintering at Rainy Lake with Three or Four of the Canoes expected from Canada & gave him such instructions as I thought requisite, and afterwards continued my route to York Factory."



B.27/a/6

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