"Carlton House Journal 1795 & 1796"
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"Carlton House Journal 1795 & 6 By William Linklater"


July 17 1795
" Friday At 10 AM left the Factory and arrived at Little Seal River at 8 PM where we slept."

July 18
" Saturday Entered the River and paddled about 400 Yards then handed nearly the same distance up a stony Ripple, after that paddled and poled? a mile, and came to a Carrying place where Mr Auld left the Men for the Factory with Jn Break?, then we commenced 2 miles of shoal stony Ripple at the upper end of which we came up with the Men & Canoes - And put up for the night."

July 19
" Sunday at 5 AM got our Canoes underway and soon came to a strong Ripple where we handed 1/2 Mile at the head where oblidged to hand the Birch rind Canoes and Cargo also the Batteaux's after paddling a mile we came to big Seal River where was easy current. I judge we went 12 Miles this day."

July 20
" Monday Start at 4 AM paddled 3 miles of easy Current and came to a stony point on Nth side where we handed and Tracked a Mile of strong Ripple and came to a fall where we carried over smooth Rocks. we tracked about 2 Miles and came to another fall 1/4 Mile long the Canoes and Cargo was carried that distance the Batteaux's where handed up. I judge the great quantity of Water occasion'd this fall making such high swell."

July 21
" Tuesday Very strong Current where oblidged to hand past points for swell. before we had gone 2 Miles our Pilot (by a misunderstanding between him and the Englishmen) unfortunately lost his ? Batteaux and Cargoe by good Providence the Men were saved. the Indian by swimming ashore and William Rowland by the Activity of two Englishmen at the expence of breaking their Canoe to add to this Misfortune. the Wind then blowing so strong I could not preside? on the Indians to crofs the River, to look for what might have been drove on the opposite shore we directly went down on the North shore in search of the lost goods, but return'd without Succefs."

July 22
" Wednesday A Continual storm of Wind and Rain the whole Day."

July 23
" Thursday Do. W. Went along shore and found 3 big Kegs of Brandy the Canteen and two Oars."

July 24
" Friday A Violent storm of Wind and Rain could not do any thing."

July 25
" Saturday Do. W. the fore part of this day clear in the Afternoon, Employed drying Goods that got wet during the bad Weather."

July 26
" Sunday Sent John Budge, William Rowland and 3 Northward Indians to the Factory to acquaint the Governor of the unfortunate affair that happen'd last Tuesday the rest of the Men looking along shore for lost Goods."

July 27
" Monday Went about a mile up strong Current & Ripple some places Tracked & some handed, then came to a carrying place 1/2 mile long. the Batteaux was handed up light then paddled 2 Miles & put up to wait for our Pilots return from the Factory. sent a Canoe for the remainder of the Goods we left at the place we started from this Morning. Set 2 fishing Nets. received 2 Geese from Indians."

July 28
" Tuesday Calm W. caught no fish in our Nets set Yesterday."

July 29
" Wednesday do. W. no Fish to be got. set our nets in different places without Succefs."

July 30 Thursday
July 31 Friday
" Do. Weath. sent some of the people along shore as formerly, found the Batteaux sail."

Aug. 1 1795 Saturday
Aug. 2 Sunday
" Do. W. Now being very Anxious of our pilots return not a bit of fish or any other Animal food, also the Season very far advanced, make me think of going to the Factory to know the reason of the pilots delay."

Aug. 3 Monday to Aug. 5 Wednesday
" These three days a Continual Gale with Rain could not proceed as intended yesterday."

Aug. 6
" Thursday fine W. to my great disappointment the Indians got drunk on Brandy they had from the Factory with them. could get none of them to accompany me to the Factory. I not thinking it practicable without them."

Aug. 7
" Friday do. W. Set off for the Factory with 2 Englishmen & an Indian in a Canoe. got to the Bayside at 3 1/2 PM the tide being out could not proceed further."

Aug. 8
" Saturday do. W. Carried our Canoe 1/2 Mile amongst large stones too? meet? the? Tide?. then paddled till we came to N? River shoals where we met two Canoes from the Factory with two Englishmen our Pilot and four more Nwd Indians. Receiv'd a letter from the Governor and returnd to Seal River. As soon as we arrived there sent the laughing Philosopher & Nal che che nehaw to the Factory."

Aug. 9
" Sunday Start at 4 AM and handed the Canoes up little Seal River shoals. after we commenced the big River, paddled 10 Miles & put up."

Aug. 10
" Monday Start early. when We came to the stony point saw the Bottom of the lost Batteaux keel up on a large Rock. hauled it ashore and found two Kegs of Brandy in it. got a little above the Rocky fall and put up."

Aug. 11
" Tuesday Dark W. at 2 PM got to where the Men were laying by. we directly loaded the Batteaux and Canoes and proceeded Inland, but had not gone 6 Miles till James Mowat had the Misfortune to break his Canoe were oblidged to put up for the night."

Aug. 12
" Wednesday fine W. Repaired the Canoe and paddled about 18 Miles of easy current, then strong Current for 1/2 Mile which we handed, then Track'd a mile and put up."

Aug. 13
" Thursday a gale at S. track'd a mile and came to a strong ripple with deal of swell were oblidged to carry nearly 1/2 mile then tracked a mile and came to a fall where we carried 3/4 Mile & put up."

Aug. 14
" Friday From 3 o'Clock in the Morning till 9 loud claps of Thunder & Lightinings with Hail, rain the rest of the day. lay by."

Aug. 15
" Saturday Cloudy a strong Breeze paddled a mile & came to a point with a deal of Swell. took out half Cargo & handed up 260 yds. 1/2 Mile above another such handing place were oblidged to put up at 2 PM the wind increasing."

Aug. 16
" Sunday Clear Windy W. tracked 10 Miles some of which was handed past points. at 3 places took out half Cargo, the last of which the Rats Canoe was nearly swamp'd. were oblidged to put up at Noon to day some Goods got wet."

Aug. 17
" Monday a strong breeze a head. I imagine we paddled about 27 Miles and came to a fall were we carried 100 Yds and put up at 7 1/2 PM."

Aug 18
" Tuesday 2 miles of strong stony current sometimes were oblidged to take out half Cargo & hand after paddling 9 Miles of easy current came to A fall where we carried 120 Yards & put up."

Aug. 19
" Wednesday Paddled 1 1/2 Mile and came to a fall. Carried 120 Yds of high sandy Banks. this is where Mr Auld return'd from last fall, we paddled up two Miles Middling Current then came to a carrying place 1/2 Mile long good Walking. paddled 5 Miles and came to a Fall where we put up for the night."

Aug. 20
" Thursday a Gale with rain. lay by this Day."

Aug. 21
" Friday A frosty Morning. Carried 1/4 Mile good walking. had it not been for the Ice in the Banks, we needed? not have had 60 Yards to carry. paddled about 15 Miles and put up."

Aug. 22
" Saturday A Cold dark Morning tracked 5 Miles of sharp current oblidged to put up at Noon by reason of Wind and Rain."

Aug. 23
" Sunday This Morning the ground cover'd with a foot deep of snow. Gale with Rain throughout the day. lay by."

Aug. 24
" Monday Tracked 17 Miles and handed past points John Budge's Canoe greatly damaged on a stone. put up and got it repaired."

Aug. 25
" Tuesday Tracked and paddled 22 Miles and put up in an Island in the She? thany? Lake."

Aug. 26
" Wednesday Ely Gale with rain. sail'd 5 Miles & put. too much swell in the Lake."

Aug. 27
" Thursday Saild to the Extent of the Lake were we entered a River and handed 1/2 Mile on the S shore. soon after had another handing place. then crofs'd a small Lake and entered another river which we paddled up except about 1/2 Mile at the head where we handed. then Entered a large Lake put up on the S shore, and set our Nets. I judge we went 30 Miles this Day."

Aug. 28
" Friday a Dark Morning caught 7 Gwiniads in our Nets after paddling 2 Hours our pilot angled some fish in about an hours time he killd 50 Trout. Our scarsity of provisions made this very Acceptable. we Landed the Goods and all hands to Angling got about 60 Trout."

Aug. 29
" Saturday a frosty Morning Paddled about 14 Miles then entered a River where we saw Numbers of Deer Crofsing, we landed our Goods & in about 4 hours Time our Pilot killed 14 Deer."

Aug. 30 Sunday
Aug. 31 Monday
" Employed drying Venison."

Sept. 1 1795
" Tuesday Paddled 18 Miles the Rat broke his Canoe were oblidged to put up to get it repaired."

Sept. 2
" Wednesday Fine W. paddled 35 Miles had 3 handing places put up at 8 PM."

Sept. 3
" Thursday Do. W. went about 6 Miles in which we had three Carrying Places, between small Lakes, two of a Quarter the other 1/2 Mile long. put up at 6 PM."

Sept. 4
" Friday Went about 3 Miles had 2 Carrying places one of 1/2 the other a Mile long. put up at 7 PM."

Sept. 5
" Saturday A rainy Morning paddled about 24 Miles this day. we are now in a Crooked river with the Current with us put up at 7 oClock PM."

Sept. 6
" Sunday Rainy Morning this Day very much impeded by Wind felled trees laying acrofs the River which took us some time to clear a Ripple at the lower end of the River where the Rat broke his Canoe. entered a small Lake & paddled 6 Miles. we came to 2 Tents of Nd Indians where I heard Mr Charles and Men were safe arrived at Granville House. put up at the Indians Tents."

Sept. 7
" Monday A Gale of Wind with Rain got under way 2 1/2 PM paddled 10 Miles. The Wind still increasing, oblidged us? to put up. we being 16 Miles in the Indian Lake."

Sept. 8
" Tuesday A Storm of Wind and Rain lay by."

Sept. 9
" Wednesday A Gale & Cloudy weather Sailed about 15 Miles and came to a long point. the Wind increasing greatly were oblidged to put ashore."

Sept. 10
" Thursday A strong Breeze a head paddled 15 Miles and came to a long point where we had a Carrying place 200 yds then ? 10 Miles & put up."

Sept. 11
" Friday A Gale the whole Day paddled about 5 Miles."

Sept. 12
" Saturday Still a breeze a head paddled 25 Miles & put up the extent of the Lake."

Sept. 13
" Sunday Paddled 25 Miles had a carrying place of about 100 yds & put up."

Sept. 14
" Monday After paddling 20 Miles we arrived at Granville House were we had a kind reception with Mr Charles."

Sept. 15 Tuesday
Sept. 16 Wednesday
" These 2 days a Gale with rain. Three Englishmen also 3 Nd Indians furnished with provisions &c for their return to the Factory according to order"

Sept. 17
" Thursday Start from Granville House with Nine Men in the Batteau and 2 birch rind Canoes. paddled about 10 Miles and came to a fall where we Carried 100 Yds and put up."

Sept. 18
" Friday A Snowy morning got underway at 10 AM paddled against a Breeze. Easy current till we came to a fall carried acrofs & put up. I judge we went 15 Miles to Day."

Sept. 19
" Saturday A dark morning and a good deal of rain through the day, paddled a mile and came to a fall where we carried 110 yds then proceeded about 22 Miles. Our Pilot going daily a hunting detains us very much."

Sept. 20
" Sunday fair W. our Pilot again set off a hunting. He sent a Lad to Conduct us to the three points where after about 15 Miles paddle we arriv'd."

Sept. 21
" Monday Do. W. Waiting for our Pilots return."

Sept. 22
" Tuesday Our Pilot came to us at Night whith 6 Whole & 2 Half Beaver And told me the Winter was just coming on. that it would be impofsible to get to Deer River. Also he having a large Family to provide for which he could neither leave behind nor furnish with provision in going so quickly up the river."

Sept. 23
" Wednesday fine W. I went to see Julet and begged he would conduct us to the place appointed. He told me he could not get there in fewer than 30 days And that we could not get half the distance before the rivers and Lakes would be fast with Ice. Also that if he went out of his known ground he could not procure Provisions for his own Family and surely we would starve.
Were? oblidged to content myself and got? to clear some Ground where we laid the foundation of a House. Three Canadian Canoes came down the South river going to the Northward a Mr McKay Master. set our Nets caught 3 Pike."

Sept. 24
" Thursday Employed falling Wood and Building caught 5 Pike."

Sept. 25 Friday
Sept. 26 Saturday
" Rainy W. Employed at the House caught 7 Pike."

Sept. 27 Sunday to Sept. 30 Wednesday
" Employed building. These 4 Days caught 13 Pike and 1 Gwiniad."

Oct. 1 1795 Thursday to Oct. 4 Sunday
Employed as above Our Pilot who left us the 24th ult. returned with the flesh of a Moose & a Swan which I Traded. caught 7 pike."

Oct. 5 Monday to Oct. 9 Friday
" These 5 days frosty W. Employed at the House. Friday traded the flesh of 2 moose & 2 Swans. The fish now falling entirely off."

Oct. 10
" Saturday Employed as before. two Indian Men with their Families came here from whom I traded the flesh of 2 Moose and a swan. also gave them several Articles to encourage them to come here with their Hunt."

Oct. 11 Sunday
to
Oct. 17 Saturday
" During this Week I traded the flesh of 3 Moose 5 Beav. and a Swan got our House roofed & mudded caught five Gwiniad."

Oct. 18 Sunday
Oct. 19 Monday
" Four Indians came here with the flesh of 2 Moose 4 Beav. & a Swan which I traded. Caught 2 pike & 2 Gwiniad."

Oct. 20 Tuesday
to
Oct. 24 Saturday
" Cold frosty W. Employed at Different jobs After using every endeavour. no fish to get."

Oct. 25 Sunday
to
Oct. 31 Saturday
" Dark W. the Carpenter employed making Window frames. the rest of the men making and mending fishing Nets. Caught 10 Gwiniads this Week."

Nov. 1 1795 Sunday
to
Nov. 7 Saturday
" During this Week four Indian Men came here with the Flesh of 1 Moose 8 Beaver and a Cat also 20 Skins which I Traded and the Indians return'd to their Tents. Were Oblidged to take up our nets on Occasion of the ice coming down the river in great Quantities. Saturday an Indian came here who informed me of Moose meat being at his Tent."

Nov. 8 Sunday
Nov. 9 Monday
" Monday the above Indian returned to his tent with whom I sent 5 Men to fetch meat and Indian arrived with the flesh of 20 Beaver & as many skins which I traded."

Nov. 10
" Tuesday the Above Indian return'd to his tent. The Men sent Yesterday to fetch Meat return'd this Evening and told me their Guide went slyly from them at dusk last night. they waited till about 10 OClock this morning could see nothing of him so were oblidged to Return empty. tho I have been at a great expence in showing the Indians every favour in my power I fear I shall not be able to procure a livelihood for us. we have now more than ever reason to bewail our being left here."

Nov. 11 Wednesday
Nov. 12 Thursday
" Set 3 nets under the ice & caught 3 gwiniad. an Ind. came here with 80 lb beat Meat and fat which I Traded."

Nov. 13 Friday
Nov. 14 Saturday
" The Carpenter employed partitioning the Trading room. these two days caught 2 Gwiniads."

Nov. 15 Sunday
to
Nov. 21 Saturday
" Most of the time snowy W. Employed trying our nets in every place near us where we think fish to be. Also Angling, but all to no purpose. Out of 322 Yds of net have caught only 15 Gwiniads these seven days past."

Nov. 22 Sunday
to
Nov. 28 Saturday
" The Carpenter employed putting up Mens bed places. the rest setting fishing nets & Rabbit snares. Caught 14 Pike & 3 Gwiniad."

Nov. 29 Sunday
to
Dec. 5 1795 Saturday
" Went about 7 Miles from the House to a small lake where we set our nets this Week caught 3 Rabbits 11 Pike 32 Gwiniads and a Sturgeon that weigh'd nearly a Hundredweight. Had the pleasure of receiving the Packet from the Factory."

Dec. 6 Sunday
Dec. 7 Monday
" Monday the Indians return'd to the Factory with an account of our situation. also sent 3 Men to Granville to be supplied in provisions. caught a small sturgeon and 4 Gwiniad."

Dec. 8 Tuesday
Dec. 12 Saturday
" These 5 Days caught 40 Gwiniad & 7 Pike."

Dec. 13
" Sunday Rec'd a letter from Mr David Thomson who informed me that him & 4 Men were by scarsity of Provisions oblidged to seperate from Mr Rofs at Duck Portage where they built a House. Mr Rofs going 4 Days farther on. both of them are in the middle of Churchill Indians hunting ground, the Chepaywyans in particular who can very easily be supplied from Churchill up Seal River. caught 10 Gds."

Dec. 14 Monday
to
Dec. 19 Saturday
" An Indian came with the flesh of a Deer & 12 Beav. Skins which I traded. Caught in our Nets 128 Gwiniad 26 pike & 2 Sturgeon."

Dec. 20 Sunday
to
Dec. 23 Wednesday
" Two Chepaywyan Men Arrived here from whom I traded 30 Beaver Skins and a small bladder of fat. after being furnished with necefsaries the Above Indians returnd to their Tents. caught 4 Pike & 102 Gwiniad."

Dec. 24 Thursday
Dec. 25 Friday
" Four Chepaywyan Men came here from whom I traded 16 Beaver Skins. Caught 40 Gwiniads."

Dec. 26
" Saturday The above Indians return'd to their Tents. by these Indians I hear several of their Countrymen will visit Duck portage in the spring all of whom are due? debt to Churchill. As the Distance from here being short I think is incumbent on me to station Men there with some articles of trading goods for the purpose of retrieving those Debts. for the forwarding of this plan I mean to pay Mr Charles a visit where I hope to Meet with his approbation & afsistance. Caught 20 Gwiniads."

Dec. 27 Sunday
to
Jan. 2 1796 Saturday
" Wednesday arrived at Granville House. after staying there three days Mr Charles accompanied me to my House. also 2 of his & 3 of my men sent there the 7 ult. Mr Charles furnished the Men with 120 lb beat Meat for the forwarding of our project."

Jan. 3 Sunday
to
Jan. 8 Friday
" Tuesday we arrived at the three points. during my absence were Caught in the Nets 14 Pike & 73 Gwiniads. we now Making Preparations for going to duck Portage."

Jan. 9
" Saturday As some Indians are expected here. I defer going to Duck Portage this Time. Mr Charles taking upon him to accompany the Men and Conduct affairs as he shall see most proper when arrived there. Our men now being Equipt with Trading Goods, Nets, and a small supply of Provisions this day they set off for the above mentioned place on purpose to Collect the Churchill Credits. no fish to get in our nets, nor can we get any for Angling."

Jan. 10 Sunday
to
Jan. 16 Saturday
" Saturday Mr Charles returnd, very few fish to be caught at Duck Portage. Mr Thomson as afsisted our Men with the Loan of a Leather Tent untill a log Tent can be built. the want of Provisions again oblidges me to send two Men along with Mr Charles to be supplied with fish."

Jan. 17 Sunday
Jan. 23 Saturday
" Mr Charles and Men sett of for Granville. this week Caught 9 Pike."

Jan. 24 Sunday
Jan. 30 Saturday
" All hands angling. also a Chepaywyan Lad who has greatly contributed in getting fish. Caught 24 Pike this Week."

Jan. 31
" Sunday An Indian arrived here who told me to send to his Tent for some meat. sent three men."

Feb. 1 1796 Monday
to
Feb. 6 Saturday
" Friday the Men returned with the flesh of 6 Beaver and 40 Skins accompanied with an Indian who had the flesh of two Moose at his Tent. this week caught 8 Gwiniad."

Feb. 7 Sunday
to
Feb. 10 Wednesday
" The above Indian returnd to his Tent with whom I sent 3 Englishmen to ? ? meat. 2 Indian Men with their families came here with 500 lb of Moose flesh & 20 Skins also our Men returnd with 300 lb of flesh."

Feb. 11
" Thursday The above two families returnd to their Tents with whom I sent two Men for Meat."

Feb. 12 Friday
Feb. 13 Saturday
" Saturday the Men returnd with the flesh of 10 Beaver."

Feb. 14 Sunday
to
Feb. 20 Saturday
" five Indians came here with 500 Green Meat & 90 lb of pounded Do. also 30 Skins. Employed this week in shifting our Nets."

Feb. 21 Sunday
Feb. 26 Friday
" Some Chepaywyans came here with the flesh of 80 Beaver and ninety skins, also 100 lbs Moose flesh."

Feb. 27
" Saturday My Men arrived here from Granville with Mr Charles's Taylor to make Indian Cloaths."

Feb. 28 Sunday
Mar. 5 1796 Saturday
" This week I traded 530 lb of green meat and 30 Beaver Skins. Caught 4 Gwiniad."

Mar. 6 Sunday
Mar. 12 Saturday
" Monday sent 3 Men to Duck Portage with 200 lb Green meat and some Hatchets, Chifsels &c for Mr Thomson."

Mar. 13 Sunday
to
Mar. 19 Saturday
" Our People arrived from Duck Portage with news of those staying there being very scarce of provisions. A Chepaywyan came here with 100 lb of Moose flesh and a few skins which I Traded. Saturday a S? Indian traded 108 lb green meat & a few Furrs."

Mar. 20 Sunday
Mar. 26 Saturday
" Two Indian men and their families came here from whom I traded 300 lb meat and a few furrs."

Mar. 27 Sunday
Mar. 29 Tuesday
" A Chepaywyan Man traded 9 Beaver skins and 30 lb Beat Meat."

Mar. 30
" Wednesday This day took up all our Nets to get them mended. Thomas Linklater arrived here from duck Portage for a supply of provisions. Unluckily for our Men no fish to be caught there but? just in a narrow where Mr Thomsons Nets Occupy that whole space. I received a letter from Mr Thomson the contents as follows.

March 1796 From Mr Thomson
to W. L.
Duck Portage March 29th 1796
Mr Linklater
Your Brother having just this Minute inform'd me that he intends setting off to Visit you this day prevents me from writing you the Letter I intended. I shall however on the Character of a Trader give you a few of my thoughts without farther Preface. When your people arrived here with Mr Charles in January to settle here I thought the motive for so doing Feasible & was glad to see an attempt to stop the Rascality of the Natives. But you must long ago have been well convinced that no Debts could be collected here belonging to you. however in hopes of your personal arrival which I constantly expected. I said nothing. When your people last arrived I was surprised to see an additional Quantity of Trading Goods arrive. Good which I already had a sufficient stock of. and such as I could not tell what you intended to do with ? without? under the Mask of collecting Debts you had come to Trade. Two Traders from the Honble Company on one spot is not allowable nor will I permit it. It is such an imposition as no one of the least Spirrit can put up with. If Mr Stayner only intends by this Measure to have to say in home letters that he has had people Wintering where I was &c &c I can very easily shew the folly and Ridiculousnefs of such a show?. Is it with a view to keep any Indians from below Visiting us. As much as to say to them If any of you go there I shall know it. and you shall be treated Accordingly. I could ? several other reasons for their Stay. but as they with? these are suppositional I shall let the matter starve? till I hear from you, or which I should much ? ? you.

Hitherto I have dealt generously with your People, they have been Accomodated and afsisted as far as lay in my Power And shall for my own Reputation be still supplied with what I can afford them.
When the snow thaws and drizzling showers &c begin to fall. As this House is by no means in the least Water tight. Necefsity will compel me to Require the Tent. to procure dry the Goods Furrs &c. and with regard to fish at present Tom will state you how we are, as also other Matters.

In relatining the Occurences of the Year to the Honble Company I shall be at some lofs to afsign Particular Reasons with to your People and I am affraid it is an affair which will sound very odd in the Ears of the Company. I shall leave you to make your own Reflections on it. And conclude this harsh Letter with afsuring you I am as much as ever
Your humble Servant
And Friend to Command
(signed) David Thomson

Had a public letter came? on the above head this letter would never have been wrote.

From W L to Mr Thomson
Three Points 31st March 1796
Mr Thomson
Sir
Late last night my Brother Arrived here. Am sorry to find by your letter that our first endeavours to recover Debts long since Contracted by Northward Indians should be looked on as encroachment on you, or any of the York traders. Tho I am thoroughly convinced you cannot trade one skin from a Northern Indian but who is due Debt to Churchill. This you also certainly know. tho your measures to prevent the Natives deceit are backward.

The Quantity of goods sent both first and last to Duck Carrying place is about 100 Beaver in Trade which I think requisite in case an Indian paying some or all of his debt he may again be furnished with real necefsaries.

As you being deficient of several Articles of Trading Goods I think it would look'd as Feasible if you'd encouraged this Step. and with our joint endeavours Monopolize all furrs that came to Duck Portage, or at least Trying to leave the Canadians no chance.

I must beg leave to tell you your remarks on Mr Stayner are ill grounded. I am certain it would never enter the thoughts of an Honest Man to accquire personal applause at the Expence of his Neighbour. And as for having to say our People winter'd on the spot with you is nothing at all, for had not Barring Accidents happen'd, we would have been far enough beyond you.

In your relating the occurrences of this Year to the Honble Company, I hope you will afsign this affair just as it Actually is. I have done nothing but what is Just and incumbent on me. Indeed I would be very deficient in my duty did I not try to get in Debts as well as Trade. tho' would be sorry to do either at the Expence of York.

As the time for Indians bringing in their furrs is but now coming I cannot think of taking our Men from Duck Carrying place. I hope you will not Trade the furrs that are justly the Churchill Credits, but strive for the Advantage of our Honourable Masters and Deter the rascality of the Natives.

I return you many thanks for the time our People have had your tent. also for your kindnefs to them in every shape. If it ever can lay in my power to retaliate your kindnefs will give great satisfaction to
Sir
Your real Friend
And Obedient Humble Servt.
William Linklater
PS. a Public Letter might certainly have been wrote on our People's first setting off for Duck Portage, but we being willing to do our duty without Ostentation. for as such I look upon a Public letter. But to shew me? hate Clandistine dealing I beg you will make this publick as also yours will be without your Exprefs orders to the Contrary. let it never have to be said that People from Churchill are either asham'd or afraid to publish their proceedings..
W L"

March 31
" Thursday Got our nets mended."

Apr. 1 1796 Friday
Apr. 2 Saturday
" Saturday Thomas Linklater set off for Duck Portage with 100 lb Beat Meat."

Apr. 3 Sunday
Apr. 9 Saturday
" This week Caught 13 pike and 4 Gwiniads."

Apr. 10 Sunday
to
Apr. 16 Saturday
" This week Traded 50 lb Meat & 10 Skins Saturday James Robertson & Joseph Spence return'd from Duck Portage not being able to procure provisions for themselves. this scarsity has put a stop to my Efforts in Collecting the Churchill Credits at that place. Thomas Linklater going along with the Indians to encourage them to build Canoes."

Apr. 17 Sunday
Apr. 23 Saturday
" This week caught 13 pike and 5 Gwiniads. Received from Indians 1 swan and 2 Ducks."

Apr. 24
" Sunday Received a letter from Mr David Thomson please to read as follows.

From Mr Thomson to W.L.
Duck Portage April 6th 1796
Mr Wm Linklater
Sir
On the third Instant I receiv'd your Letter: in which I find nothing to Justify the long Detention of your Men here. Instead of which you have retorted the Charge of unfair dealing on me. but I hope this my answer to your letter will convince you that such an Accusation is not only groundlefs, but Ungenerous.

Your attempt to Collect the Churchill credits I never thought an encroachment. it is the manner Sir in which your Men have been settled and Determin'd? there?, and which I shall hereafter Notice. If you are convinced that there are no Northern Indians but what are Debtors to your Factory the Churchill Trade must be far more Extensive than ever I was given to Understand it was. I will relate an Instance which may perhaps shake your Convictions -
A Chepaywyan Chief named the Rabbit and his young Men from whom I ? had the greater part of the furs now in the House. Mr Charles told me he did not think were in Debt to Churchill. for they have been till this year staunch Adderents to the Canadian Interest. the last sentence of your first Paragraph I shall notice in another part of this letter.

The Quantity of Trading Goods first sent here your Brother must long ago have well convinced you was more than sufficient to furnish real necefsaries to every Indian that will pay any part of your credit here. Indeed if I am not Mistaken a Single Yard of Cloth & a pound of Ammunition will be found enough for that Purpose.

It is true I am Deficient in a few Articles of Trading Goods and it is Equally true that I have wrote to you several Times for a supply of those Articles. the weight of the whole at farthest would not have exceeded 20 lb. From early in fall you promised me a supply, and every Letter and Mefsage Repeated the Promise which you took care not to fulfill altho you had many opportunitys. till fortunately for me Mr Rofs from the Deers River supplied me with flints &? you about a Month ago wanting Gartering, Ordering your Brother to supply me to the Amount of Gartering I could spare.

Has? such been the Conduct of York towards Churchill you in Power was liberally supplied from York. Mr Charles the last Winter from Mr Sinclair and when I heard of your Want of steels from your Men altho you never communicated such want to me. I directly sent you all I could spare.

As to Monopolizing all the furrs & leaving the Canadians no chance. if Experience has not taught you better. listen to the Voice of Fame. it will report to you their extensive local Knowledge, Perservarence and Succefs & every Trader who has begun his Career with that piece of Quixiotism? has often? very soon been oblidged to relinquish such a vile project. you can easily monopolize all the furs that come to the three Points for you have no opponent and as yet do not know what an Opposition is.

With regard to Mr Stayner I had intimation at York that such was to be his Conduct & I have heard from those who came from Churchill that one of Mr Stayners orders ran thus: Let the People from York be where the ? Men are to be sent thereto. You will this Summer Doubtlefs have it in your Power to prevent barring Accidents, however, even then, you may not find it so easy as you imagine, to go beyond us.

When I write the Occurrences of the year to my Masters I will relate nothing which is not true. and never give my oppinion without adding my reasons for having such an Oppinion.

You hope I will not trade the furrs that ought to be given as Debt but who your Debtors are you have not as yet design'd to inform me. You have it is True told me that all the Northern Indians are your Debtors, if so your hope amounts to a Prohibition of Trade on my part. had you ask'd Mr Charles he could have inform'd you that unlefs an Indian is willing you can get no payment from him. for if he suspects that you intend to force him to pay his Debt he will go to the Canadians. Indeed most of the Nd Indians here are strongly attach'd to the Canadians although several of them have been Goose Hunters at Churchill. they have often been in with Meat since your people came, but never once offer'd to trade a morsel with them. much lefs to pay any of their Debts. You tell me to strive for the advantage of Our Honourable Masters and deter the Rascality of the Natives. have I in the least been remifs in any part of my Duty. No, Sir, I have not, but you sat down to write, you must say something, these hackneyed Terms came uppermost and without Considering wether they were applicable, you wrote them.

I will here remind you of the case of a Chepaywyan well known to us both and one whom you have employed as a Guide great part of this Winter. in the latter end of Sept. he came in to me, and I fitted him Out with Ammunition Tobacco &c for Hunting in the beginning of Nov. He came in again with a trifle of Provisions and to get a few goods in Debt? I trusted him to the amount of 8 1/2 B. which was all he wanted and indeed all I could offer from my small stock. The first time I saw him again was as Guide to your people here. I then reminded him of his Debt and told him if he did not intend to hunt near me to pay it to you. I also wrote to you on that head, but you gave me no answer. the next opportunity I again wrote to you about it requesting you to oblidge him to pay me the Goods out of the Earnings of his being Guide. you then wrote me that he was gone towards Churchill but not the least Intimation that you had endeavoured to oblidge him to pay me or would send word to the Factory for that Purpose. On the above I leave you to make you own comment.

I accept your thanks for all my kindnefs to your party. Whatever I have done for them flowed from motives purely Humane.

Public letters on trifling occasions are certainly unecefsary and had you paid me a visit as you repeatedly promised to do, these harsh Epistles would never have been wrote. I know my last letter to you is very inacurate in Gramatticall? Construction, I had only 6 1/2 Minutes To write it in, which was while your Brother was tying his Sled, but you are welcome to make it Publick.

I now proceed to Notice the Manner in which your People were settled and Detain'd here to collect the Churchill Credits. & here I think it Necefsary to inform you that the Method found to be the most Elligable and that which is universaly adapted by all the parties all over the Country is for the Creditor to send a list of his Debtors with their Debts to those of the same Concern, and when any Extraordinary Instance of Knavery happens, even to those of a different Interest If ever the Creditor himself or any acting immediately under him wish to be at the place where they suppose the Debter will come, the Greatest care is always taken to prevent the Indians having any knowledge of it untill he actually arrives with his furrs. By this Method the Indian is detected and his Debt seized when he thought himself perfectly secure. and this you very well know it is the Practice of the Factories on the Sea Coast. As this Method is safe and politic it always to be used where the Traders of the same Concern are Honest Men (and an Honest Man I trust you & every Man who has in the least had any thing to do with me have ever found me) Recourse therefore to the ? you have employed ought to have been used as your best? Resourse?: and only when you had good Reason to suspect the Honesty of the Power in ?. Mr Charles early in the fall sent me a list of his Southern Indian Debtors, but you, sir, did not think proper to transmit to me any such list or even give me the least intimation that you had a Debtor in the Country.

Without the least previous Notice without Provisions or even the Necefsary tools for Building in the Depth of Winter your people came to settle here and erect a log Tent. from me no protection was ask'd, nor Afsistance requir'd. they were deem'd all sufficient. and where to Act as totaly Independent of me as the Canadians. the whole of their Tools for Building were no more than an adze, and a few small Hatchets which in that very inclement Season could not have stood the work of one Day. - Struck with pity at their forlan? Condition. I offered to Accomodate them with a good leather Tent for their Habitation untill the warm W. came; which was at length accepted. they had not been long here till from the improbability of their getting even a single skin of Debt: from their very poor Succefs in fishing. and almost continual dependance? on me for Food: they wished to return but as you promis'd to be here to see them and settle affairs they waited your arrival till their patience was nearly Exhausted. your Brother then went off to you and brought up a small? supply of Meat with another promise of your being here the first Opportunity. their Situation was now at times more distrefsing than before. wearied with waiting for you at length another went off to you. and came back with some trading Goods, another supply of provisions, and Promises of Private reward to each Man if they would stay. altho by this time the Representation of your Brother and the Men must have well convinced you of their being a burthen upon me. without any Probability of Attaining the end for which they were said to be sent here.
Thus Matters stood till your Brother again set off to represent their Affairs and the little likelihood of succefs to you. Having now given up all hopes of the personal interview you promised and resolving? in my mind the whole of your proceedings. I wrote that letter with a view to force you to the Explanation which you had so long eluded by repeatedly promising to be at this Place. but you sent your Brother as an Inmate, with a little Goods, or even with none at all. your succefs would have been more probable none? of your Debters who came here would then have had the least knowledge of your intentions until their furrs were actually on the spot. But the very impolitic Method you have taken by Publickly avowing your Purpose has made the Indians desert the Place. the Chepaywyans come near our Doors with the greatest reluctance, and very often not at All, whereas in the past we had much more of their Company then we wanted.

It now remains for me to defend my Character, in which the last Sentence of your firt Paragraph makes direct attack: I will use your own words " This you certainly know, that your measures to prevent the Natives deceit are Backward". No, Sir, I know no such thing: quite the reverse has been my Behaviour at all times. besides Sir, did you ever, by letter or Mefsage in the? least request my Afsistance. No you never did. But my character shall not be equivocal, nor will I rest my Defence on more Afsertion. I will relate facts for the truth of which it will appear to all the People here, and which in this case I think are demonstrative arguments, but I will not particularize every good little turn for that in me would be Ostentation. I will only speak of those which I think most Material. When your people arrived here I Accomodated them to the utmost of my Power. and not only then but ever since. I furnished them with a little Provision to enable them to set their Nets. they had the same chance tho not the good fortune we had. whenever they were in want which was often, seldom did I give them time to tell me of their fortune?. I gave them as? they requested as I did not wish to add to the Misery of want the pain of being oblidged to ask Charity, for with whatever view they were settled here I considered them as my fellow Servants & therefore in duty bound to supply them. Whenever Indians came in I reminded them of the Promise they made to pay your Debts or they were trusted with such Debt. and the want they said they were in when they requested the Loan. which was all I could do. For furrs to pay with they had none. indeed there is not an Indian here who is able to pay the Debt he Contracted the last Fall only.

Is this the Behaviour of him who is Backward to prevent Deceit. If I had wished in the least to Countenance that Vice I should have Added to the distrefs of your Men, or at least left them entirely to themselves, which had I done, they must long ago have all return'd and permit me to tell you, that if it was you who sent them, it was me who enabled them to stay here.
I am
Sir
Your very humble Servant
(Signed) David Thomson
April 11th P.S. This day Tapahpahtum paid 5 Beav. of Mr Charles's Credit and he promises to your Brother 4 Moose Skins on the same Account. Mr Rofs will be down at your place as early as pofsible."

Apr. 25
" Monday An Indian arriv'd with a few furrs. for the forwarding of Canoe Building I sent James Mowat along with the above Indian. Also to prevent some Indians there to trade their furs with the Canadians."

Apr. 26 Tuesday
Apr. 30 Saturday
" These 5 Days caught 7 Pike and 6 Gwiniad."

May 1 1796 Sunday
to
May 7 Saturday
" Getting now as many fish as we can use. Receiv'd 12 Geese. Wrote a letter to Mr Thomson, to be sent to Duck Portage the first opportunity. the Contents as follows.
Three Points May 4th 1796
Mr David Thomson
Sir,
Yours of the 6th Ult. I received by return'd of our Men from Duck Portage. where you say you find nothing to Justify the Detention of our Men there. If I remember right I told you I could not think of removing them therefrom as the Season for Indians bringing in their furrs was but then Commencing. which was intimating that it was also the properest Season for Collecting Debts. Nor have I retorted any thing on you but what your former letter indicates in the most striking Colours?. I shall also endeavour to answer this your long, Unjust, and Litigious Epistle, and Vindicate the Justnefs of my proceedings from the first to the present.

Our reasons for Settling our men as you saw were these. Our sole Motive was for the purpose of Collecting the Churchill Credits for the forwarding of this plan, they were furnished with a few articles of Trading Goods for supplying those in Necefsaries, who were willing to pay their Debts. As also in supplying themselves in provisions during their stay there. In having a log tent they could dry and mend their Nets without incommoding anyone. I again tell you Sir that you can not trade a Skin from a Chepaywayan Man but who is due debt to Churchill. the very man you make an Exception to is due 36 - Your Knowledge of the Churchill Territories I find is very limited. but in my oppinion it is more feign'd than real, for you need not be surpris'd when I tell you that the Indian Lake, with Mifsinippe, Duck Lake, Deer River & Lake, also Hatchet and Athapiscow Lakes. all of which places Constitute the above Mention'd Factories Trade. I look upon it that Neither Mr Thomson, nor my Brother could have have known the Quantity of goods Sufficient for supplying Indians who would have been willing to discharge their Debts, had any Number come there.

You surely wrote to me for some Articles of Trading Goods. And it is equally true, that Prior? to Mr Rofs's assistance I supplied you in Hatchets, Ice chissels, and Flints. tho you are so generous Sir, in? to say my reported Promises were never fulfill'd at the same time I sent those articles I requested of you their Value in Gartering. As such Trifles were not worth bringing to account on the Books. - But you have represented this in quite a different Manner but I appeal to our former Epistles for the Afsertion of what I say. And at the same time hope you will reflect on your unfair, as well as Ungenerous Accusation. You are also pleased to say that the weight of those Articles you sent for at farthest would not Exceed 20 lb &? Here again I must put you in mind of your Error. for more than that weight was mention'd in Ball and Duck Shot only. Your Steels I gratefully receivd, tho I was supplied before that time by Mr Charles.

In my Oppinion it is the engaging manner of the Canadians that ? their Perservarence with Succefs. but the voice of fame will never prevent my Exertion. And I think every Don? that makes use of such an Argument greatly Needs at least Ten grains of Quoxiatism to every Scruple of such a Donism. Then something may be expected from such a Trader. Nor can I see any Vilenefs as you are pleas'd to call it, if pofsible to excell an opponent.

Whatever Intimation you may have got at York Concerning Mr Stayner, I think it would be of some Advantage to our Honorable Masters, did the Directors at that place work upon as Honorable a plan as Mr Stayner doth. I shall here give in some Reasons. - What time did Mr Stayner Countenance the York Indians or send Traders on the York Territories. No Sir Mr Stayners sole motive is to recover the Trade Justly belonging to Churchill which was dwindled away before Mr Stayner had the Command of that Factory but in the execution of so Laudable a proceeding He is obstructed greatly by the York Traders who intice the Chepaywyans to their Factory. when some of them were drefsed in what is commonly called Captains Rigging And also other presents for the inducing of the above Indians - Such Conduct must be attended with a far greater expence than let those? Indians choose for themselves where they shall trade their Hunt. But after all of those Indians were not Intercepted they are prepofses'd in favor of Churchill to which I shall produce instances hereafter.

Whoever he may be that told you that Mr Stayners Orders were to go to the York Traders I say he is a false Man for no such order came from Churchill. But still I think Myself Justifiable in what I have done. And was I so situated another Year Excepting of stronger Orders than from York I should be apt to proceed in the like manner. But it is to be hoped that the Honble Company will take it into their Serious Consideration, and prohibit the York Encroachments, which will be a means of making the Chepaywyan Trade flow in the in the proper Channel.

I sincerely wish every honest endeavour may be free from Accidents.

Dear Sir, I never advised you to tell stories to any one.

As Thomas Linklater having a Copy of the Churchill Credits, who knowing many of the Chepaywyans personally. and in the? Spot with you I did not think of sending? you any such list. As it is Natural to suppose that on the arrival of an Indian Thomas would bring the said List for your Inspection. you may firmly rely on the justnefs of my telling you that all the Chepaywyan Men are Debtors to Churchill. As also do your selves the? justice in acknowledging that there ought to be a Prohibition of Trade on your Part, When churchill Traders are amongst those? Indians In common there is no occasion to force those Indians to pay their Debts. but are glad when they have the opportunity Unlefs Necefsitated for real Necefsaries which often is the case owing to the Cold as well as to the poornefs of the Country they Inhabit -

Here I shall produce an instance of Indians who have been at York and Cloathed? there have this this? Winter paid Their Churchill Debts. prefering it to Trading with York or the Canadians; this with many other such proofs which I could produce, was it not for swelling this beyond the bounds of a letter, Will confirm the Chepaywyans Attachment to Churchill were they not intercepted.

You say the Indians have often been in with Meat but never offer'd our Men a Morsel. Here I must beg your pardon, for our Men were told to come to the Indians Tent for the purpose of trading Meat. and shall appeal to your Men if James Robertson & Joseph Spence were not as kindly receiv'd and as well supplied as your men Were. Also after one of your Men, bringing into your House, an Indians sled loaded with Meat, the said Indians have taken Meat off the said sled for supplying our Men with.
The Indian you Mention who was pilot to Duck Portage is due 70 B. to Churchill. I hope you will not ask any further Comment on this head. . I surely designd you a Visit, and with a supply of Provisions to our people at your place, was a days March towards Your House, Where I was met, by my Brother, and as they were then Scarse of Provisions, I thought it most proper to return to my House, to get ready another supply. Which I also design'd to Accompany to Duck Portage. But this by Indians not coming in was delay'd some time. And when such a supply was got I found I could not leave the House. As Indians were expected daily. I should have been very happy to have seen you. tho at the same time I do not Value your harsh Letters.

I have already given my reasons for settling our Men as you saw. And as scarsity as oblidged them to return so very soon. My Efforts and Sanguine Expectations are Frustrated - I very well know the practice of Collecting Debts of the Sea Coast. it is my Knowledge there that made me take this Method, for many are the Letters that have been wrote from Churchill to York on that head, but as yet the first 100 Skins have not been Stoppd.

I deny any Private Reward being promised here. No Sir it is from York that Men have out of the Warehouse to the Amt. of some four some five Pounds. Exclusive of the Advanced Salaries for Encouraging them to Accumulate Trade at the Expense of their Neighbour. But we flatter ourselves that People from Churchill Merit Wages equal to those who hold the like Stations from York. And it is to be hoped our Honble Masters will Advance us also.

It is & ever was far from my Inclination to stain any Mans Character. I surely said thus, You certainly Know that all the Chepaywyan Men are Debtors to Churchill tho'your measures to prevent their Deceit are Backward. the Justnefs of which I shall appeal to every Judicious Reader. for just about the time of the Indians bringing their Furrs you began & found fault with the People from Churchill telling? them you would not permit their being on the spot with you at the same time a Canadian Opponent who is no doubt better supplied in Trading Goods than Your self. This is not minded. But the same as to Say. those articles I am Deficient of let the Canadians Trade. which I prefer to letting the People from Churchill having any Chance.

Now Sir, upon the whole I leave you to make your Own Remarks. and tell me if your letter did not Cause? such an Answer as you got. I trust you never found me Ungrateful in Acknowledging your Kindnefs to our Men. But as you say it was only for the sake of Self ?, that induced you to so supply them. In my oppinion lefsens the Obligation, And makes me think how very Providential it is for the Necefsitous, that when every other feeling fails, Ostentatious views promps on some people to do Charitable Acts.
I Remain
Sir
Your Obedient Humble Servant
(Signed) William Linklater"

May 9 Monday
May 14 Saturday
" Fish as last Week. Receiv'd 5 Geese."

May 15 Sunday
May 21 Saturday
" The Men employed gathering Pitch. Friday Mr McKay & Men in two Canoes pafsd this place from Granville with seven small packs of furrs."

May 22 Sunday
May 28 Saturday
" James Mowat returnd with an Indian who told me the Indians could not build Canoes larger than their Common size, No birch rind to be procured. Traded 4 Sturgeon."

May 29 Sunday
to
May 31 Tuesday
" Twelve Families of Sd Indians here from whom I traded 90 Skins. Tuesday in the Afternoon Tho. Linklater arriv'd from Duck Portage. Also 3 Families of Southern Indians from whom I traded a big Canoe. Receiv'd 6 Sturgeon from Indians."

June 1 1796
" Wednesday Getting things in readinefs for going to the Factory. at 10 AM Mr Rofs from York with 10 Men in three Canoes came down the Churchill Track, who have been near Deer River, but have very few furrs."

June 2
" Thursday this Morning Mr Rofs and Men set off for York. Also after Appointing Thomas Linklater to the Charge of the House all Summer & John Isbester? to bear him Company. We set off for Granville with 22 small packs of B. & one of Moose leather. 10 Men in three Canoes. Mr Thomson sent a Letter by Mr Rofs to me the Coppy of which is as follows.

May 28th 1796
Mr Linklater
I have rec'd your Letter. You say all the Chepaywyan Men are your Debtors. Pitiable Ignorance. two thirds at least of them never saw Churchill. your Idea of the Churchill Territories is like some of the Eastern Princes, calling themselves Lords of the whole Earth. Whose Authority does not extend 100 square Miles. Mr Rofs' People where gone from my house 14 Days before Your People came, with the Order for a supply, but before this time your Brother has no doubt undeceivd? you not only in this but in every other Circumstances, I would willingly have answered your Letter If I had time in a more Ample manner. But alafs you write so much at Random that I am at a lofs to guefs your Meaning. and such is the fate of those who depart so widely from the Truth as you have done. and who are guilty of such wilfull self perversion. You pour out your abuse on all those to whom you ought to do? knowledge yourself, much oblidged, and you have given to the Gentlemen at York a fine speciman of Churchill gratitude, but what would induce you to so Notorious falsehood Nothing else Sir, but the Expectation that your Letter which you sent by Mr McKay would never reach me. for it is well known that all of you Expected to have left my house before Mr McKay could arrive. had you thought otherwise you would no have dared to have sent such a Scurrilous Letter. But I yet have the hopes of meeting You. When the Indians first came in it was for the Men to fetch Meat. Your Men were not in the least bidden. And your Brother was oblidged to make a present of Goods to a young Man to permit your men only to accompany him to tent, it there, as for the Meat you say that was taken off the Sled. all the Meat was in my house and had been there some time. I told the Indian to give part of it to your Men. And of the truth of this your Brother will convince you. You deny any reward being offer'd your Men by you, to stay at Duck Portage. How can you with Such a falsehood, when the Letter wrote by your own hand, and sign'd with your Name was produced by your Men Publicly to those at my House. And James Robertson, the Person who rec'd the letter & who mentiond the present to be made hin, said often that During the little time he had stay'd at Churchill Factory in Presents from Mr Stayner. and by Means of Private Trade, he had made already upwards of 30 £. But what you know your Conduct to be at Churchill you think is Practis'd at York also. I shall not Trouble myself any farther about it but will send the Original Letter to the Honble Committee. Otherwise they would not believe you had wrote such Perversion. even the good done to your party so self evident you place in a which the most, most Profligate I ever knew would not do. But Virtue is its own reward.
your humble Servant
(Signed) David Thomson"

June 3
" Friday Start early. this day we carried past 2 falls, at the last of which were plenty of Sturgeon. We paddled this day about 30 Miles. in the Evening receiv'd 10 Sturgeon."

June 4
" Saturday Carried past one fall. this day arrivd at Granville House were we were Kindly receivd by Mr Charles. from this date to June the 26th I refer the reader to Mr Charles's Journal."




B.29/a/1

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