[ Drawings and diagrams and lists which I'm going to let you figure out and then a note dated 1952]

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Aug. 3 1803
" Wednesday Myself with only 3 Canoes & 9 Men embark'd for the Athapescow Lake - no more men could be found to agree to man any more Canoes - Sail'd thro the Lake & put up on the carrying place in the Sturgeon Weir River - at 6 PM. Embarked at 8 1/2 AM - Ja. Rofs remain'd at the Mouth of the River pitching his Canoe, very high water in the river - Mr Tomison arived at Cumberland from Oxford Ho. the 27th July - bad rainy weather could not get the Canoes in readinefs to Embark sooner than this Day from Cumber."

Aug. 4
" Thursday At 7 AM Ja. Rofs came to us and we Embarked & obliged to put up at 4 PM at a fine up putting place on the N Side for Thunder & heavy rain - Ja. Rofs broke a hole in his Canoe on the side by a Stick projecting from the bank which detained us 1/2 hour."

Aug. 5
" Friday Embarked at 4 1/4 AM & Entered Beaver Lake at 8 AM put up at the lower end of the Bad Rapid at 7 1/4 PM - pitched & watered Ja. Rofs Canoe at the Eagle carrying place which detaind us 1 1/2 hour - 3 1/4 hours paddle acrofs the Lake (Beaver)."

Aug. 6
" Saturday Got away at 4 1/2 AM & went up the rapid in 3/4 of an hour. got to the Birch Portage at 1 1/2 PM & found the Old Stone a Canadian of New Co. with his Wife & Son - They are to accompany us to the Athapescow Lake, put up 8 miles beyond the Birch Portage."

Aug. 7
" Sunday Embarked at 4 1/4 AM & pafsed 6 Carrying places & put up on the last of the 4 that are near together. very strong at the discharge."

Aug. 8
" Monday Embarked at 4 AM & put up at the Athake a sake e pit che con at 6 PM. heavy shower of Rain - found the Old hair & another Canadian of Old Co. looking after Indians. Gave the Men an allowance of Brandy."

Aug. 9
" Tuesday Repaired Ja. Rofs Canoe - Obliged to lay by till 5 1/3 PM very heavy gale with Rain at W. Then embarked at put up just below the grand Rapid at 8 3/4 PM."

Aug. 10
" Wednesday Got away at 4 AM & put up about 2 miles above the carrying place that is below the Rapid River at 7 PM. Ja. Rofs broke 2 small holes in his Canoe in coming to the unloading place at the Grand Rapid which detained us 1 hour repairing it - we were 2 hours in carrying things over that Portage."

Aug. 11
" Thursday at 4 AM got underway & put up on the Carrying place into Otter Lake at 3 PM. Strong Gale at W. could not proceed which retarded us a good deal in the Day, Shot 4 partridges. Pitched and dried the Canoes."

Aug. 12
" Friday At 3 1/2 AM got underway & carried over the Otter & Devils portages & put up 2/3 thro the Second Lake above the last carrying place - at 8 PM - Saw the Paunch, Snake Ind. & a few others making Canoes, they had no victuals of any kind. Traded from them 4 1/2 MB & 4 drest moose Skins - also gave the Snake Indian 3 pints of Liquor on Credit for Beaver Skins - carried one Canoe over the Otter Portage, but the Track is very bad for carry'g The Canoe owing to the closenefs of the Woods - handed up the other 2 - got 1 Partridge."

Aug. 13
" Saturday at 4 1/4 AM got underway at put up at 7 1/2 PM about a 1/4 of the way thro Black bear Island Lake. Very high water in every place."

Aug. 14
" Sunday Got off at 4 1/2 AM & put up beyond the Moose Lake - at 8 1/4 PM. arrived acrofs the Bears Lake at 1 PM."

Aug. 15
" Monday Heavy Wind at NE with rain all night & till 3 PM when we embarked & saild to the narrow of the Snake Lake when we was obliged to put ashore for very heavy Rain & Thunder - which cont'd nearly the whole night. The Old Stone could not keep up with us for the heavy swell."

Aug. 16
" Tuesday Rain till Noon when we embarked & pafsed the Snake Rapids remarkable easy & quick owing to the great quantity of Water. put up at 7 PM at the lower end of the very crooked creek. - The Old Stone came up to us before we embarked."

Aug. 17
" Wednesday Embarked at 5 AM & arrived at the mouth of the Knee Lake at 9 1/2 put up a little above the carrying place below primos Lake - at 7 PM."

Aug. 18
" Thursday Heavy Gales of Wind & rain the whole Day lay by. John Rofs bad with a pain in his breast."

Aug. 19
" Friday John Rofs rather better & got underway & put up at 7 PM near the upper end of Grafs River. I am badly troubled with the tooth ach which strikes a pain in my Ear that I cannot sleep. found 2 Tents of Indians in Primos Lake from whom we Traded 30 lb of Fatt. 100 lb of dry meat 40 lb of Beat Meat & 1 Moose Skin - The Men not at home. all Liquor - Met a Canadian & his Wife a little after going there to get it."
[In the margin " got 4 1/2 MB from these Women"]

Aug. 20
" Saturday Got away at 4 1/2 AM - John Rofs not able to do any thing - & I supplied his place - very bad with the Tooth & ear ach - put up at the entrance of Isle ala Crofse? Lake at 5 PM - could not proceed further for the Wind which retarded us greatly most part of the Day."

Aug. 21
" Sunday Got to the Sandy Point but one next the House & put up, too much Wind - to proceed, obliged to keep my mouth full of water the greatest part of the day for ease - & at night when I did not do it I had for 1/4 hour the most excruciating pain in my Jaws & neck immaginable."

Aug. 22
" Monday Embarked at 3 3/4 AM & saild to the Isle ala Crofse House & arrived there at 6 AM - & found all well. Mr Linkletter had been up at the Green Lake most part of the Summer - but no provisions are yet got there - and none at this place a very bad fishery all this Summer - as ever known."

Aug. 23
" Tuesday Took the pitch off Ja. Rofs Canoe & the Splinters up to dry as it was constantly very leaky - in the ev'g pitched it again & had every thing ready for embarking for the Athapescow Tomorrow - Gave all hands an Allowance of Brandy."
[something in the margin and "Mr Linkletter"]

Aug. 24
" Wednesday at 7 AM got underway & put up at Cleaver Egg? Lake at 7 PM - 2 Canadians accompanied us of the Old Comp'y they are to get what Indians may have that may be in the road."

Aug. 25
" Thursday Got away at 4 AM & put up at the entrance of the Methy River - at 5 PM - Saild most part of the Day - the Old Stone behind."

Aug. 26
" Friday Got away at 4 AM & put up at the head of the lower rapids at 7 PM - water shoal in this River that we were obliged to make 2 trips up them."

Aug. 27
" Saturday Got away at ? AM & put up at the entrance of the Methy Lake at 6 PM - got 3 Ducks - carried 1/3 of the cargo at the upper rapid the whole way & handed up the canoes with the rest."

Aug. 28
" Sunday Embarked at 4 AM & arrived at the Methy carry'g place at 10 - & carried every thing at one I fell just beyond the Creek so bad that I can scarsily walk. The old Stone came up to us just as we embarked this Morn'g, he hav'g been lost a little time."

Aug. 29
" Monday Got one spell? short of the 3 mile Stick - Since the 20 Inst. to this day I have not been able to eat in the whole a Single meal & with great difficulty swallow any thing - by a gathering in my Throat which broke this day at noon - in the Evg Eat and a great deal better. I have not slept these 5 nights past."

Aug. 30
" Tuesday Got one Shell beyond? the 4 mile Stick. gave the Men an Allowance of Brandy."

Aug. 31
" Monday Got one Shell short of the 6 mile Stick."

Sept. 1 1803
" Thursday I went acrofs to the Little Lake & the Men put up 1/2 mile short of the 8 mile Stick. I gave them an Allowance."

Sept. 2
" Friday Got all to the Lake at noon & crofsed it & put up. 6 Partridges."

Sept. 3
" Saturday I went quite acrofs the Portage & the Men slept at the top of the Bank but the goods 1/2 mile or more in ? found the Rat, Neliu? & The Partridge head here - they are going to the Isle ala Crofse to winter - They tell me that the greater part of the Jepowyans are afflicted with a disorder that has killed a great number of them & that the Survivors I doubt will do but little This Winter in hunting Furs. - got from these Inds 35 MB part of my Credits - 30 lb of Pimmican - 15 lb of Beat Meat 8 lb of Fatt & 100 lb of Dry Meat. also one green beaver & a little bit of fresh meat. The Old Stone & family assists us much in carrying."

Sept. 4
" Sunday Got all the Goods to the waters edge - & gave the men an allowance - very hot weat. these several days past."

Sept. 5
" Monday Brot all the Canoes down the Bank pitched them & Embarked at noon - wrote a few lines to Mr Linkletter put up at 6 PM at the head of the 2d portage."

Sept. 6
" Tuesday Got over all the carrying places & put up at the Crooked Turn 1/3 of the way to the Forks."

Sept. 7
" Wednesday Rain in the night - got off at 6 1/2 AM & put up a little below the great Forks at 7 1/2 PM - Saw 3 heards of Buffalo this day - viz 15-25-&2, fired one? but got nothg."

Sept. 8
" Thursday Got away at 4 AM & put up at 6 PM 2 mile below the French house in Athapescow River."

Sept. 9
" Friday At 2 AM pafsed by us a Canoe of the Old Co. with Mr Ja. McKenzie & Tompson - got away at 4 AM - & put up at Noon at a fine Stony point on N side for rain - the gale at NW great quantity of geese Yesterday fly'g."

Sept. 10
" Saturday Lay by all Day - very heavy rain & wind all night & this Day at NW - which split my Tent all to pieces."

Sept. 11
" Sunday Dryed the Leather &c & Embarked at 7 AM - & put up a good way below Ponds house in the west branch. at 6 PM. Muskettoes very troublesome in the eve'g."

Sept. 12
" Monday The Late heavy gale on Friday & Saturday has broken down a number of Large Pines & Poplars - got away at 4 1/2 AM & ent'd the head of the little embarra's river at 11 1/2 AM arived at our house at 6 3/4 PM & found all well - we was detained a long while in this lake for wind, indeed we shipped a good deal."

Sept. 13
" Tuesday Mr Leith & Kennedy came over - this has been the worst summer known for fish. we left here 12 nets & they have been under the necefsity of using the greater part of them - & rend'd them nearly uselefs? - Mr Swain had again the bad luck to leave peace river for want of Provisions & came down here the 8th July."

Sept. 14
" Wednesday Gave the Men their Articles out of the Books & packed up goods to send down to the Slave Lake - the Men brot home fish they have brot none these 8 Days past. 3 Canoes of Old Co. arrived."

Sept. 15
" Thursday Got every thing ready for embarking tomorrow, sent 2 Men to the fishing Tent, went to New Companys house."

Sept. 16
" Friday 15 Canoes of Old Co. Arrived - at 7 AM Sent Mr Swain with 2 Canoes & 8 Men to the Slave Lake to build, on my arrival here there was only 15 lb of Dry scraps in the House. they have 4 1/2 Bags of Pimmican that we brot from the Isle a la crofse as we took in 3 Bags pr Canoe there & 2 1/2 at Cumberland - The Men came home with fish - Last night 2 Jepowyan Men brot 14 Ducks & 2 Geese. Strg breeze at SE Clear - Cleaning up the Warehouse & shed & stowing by the Goods & taking the water out of the 2 Cellars in our dwelling house."

Sept. 17
" Saturday Last night 2 Inds came in & brot 13 Geese & 14 ducks also at 10 PM Mefs Alex McKenzie, Rochblave & La Motte of the New Company arrived in 2 Canoes from the great carry'g place also 3 Canoes of Old Co. arrived this day - in the Evg Mr Haldane & Young? Chestillain arrived they have 10 Canoes in all blging to the new Company - They killed 3 Buffalo the only ones they saw. Salted 15 Geese & 13 Ducks."

Sept. 18
" Sunday Sent Stephen with 2 Jepowyans to kill geese - yestdy? the Men brot home fish."

Sept. 19
" Monday Stephan came home with Geese & Ducks from the 2 Men also 2 men came with fish Tickameg. Jack. Perch & Succors. 2 Canoes & last of Old Co. arrived from the great Carry'g place - Stephan returned with Ammunition & a little liquor to those 2 hunting Geese - & the fishermen also returned - got 3 geese & 1 Duck from Thomas Goucher - his boil is broke & is mending fast - 2 Men the Taylor & Jn? Kirknefs began to make new nets as those here are all destroyed nearly in the summer by the mud grafs &c driving into them when set."

Sept. 20
" Tuesday Mefs Rochblave Leith La Mott & Chestellain embarked in 6 Canoes for Peace River - also Mr Kenzie of New Co. for Slave Lake with 3 Canoes."

Sept. 21
" Wednesday Stephan came home with 13 geese & 26 Ducks & returned - Went to Mr Haldanes - 9 Canoes of Old Co. embarked for peace river in the Eve'g. Mefs Fraser & Stewart they went ahead in 2 Canoes & the other 7 put up at the back of our Island - & killed & eat one of our Dogs - Robbed the Garden of Turnips & carried of a part of a Tracking Line tyed to the Saw pit. - Salted the Geese & Ducks - 8 Canoes of Inds arrived at NWC House."

Sept. 22
" Thursday 2 Men came home from the fish Tent they have but not a Single fish & got 3 small & 3 Large Ducks from Thomas Goncher. 3 Canoes of Old Company Embarked for Peace River - put a glafse into Mr Haldanes Watch - Stephen came home & the Inds with him & brot 26 Geese & 11 Ducks. gave them little Liquor also 2 more men came & brot us 26 Geese & 1 Swan - upwards of 20 Canoes arrived at Old House from acrofs the Lake - but brot nothing with them but a few Geese killed some time since - 5 Canoes in the Evg with Daniell McKenzie for the Slave Lake - & 4 or 5 with Mefs Findlay? ? for the peace river - part of them put up on the little Id near our house."

Sept. 23
" Friday Rain & Thunder in the night - the Men came home with 2 Tickg - 6 Jack & 2 Perch. & 7 Geese & 2 Ducks from Tho. Goucher - & sent him 2 of powder & 9 of Shott & 4 Flint - also 4 Tick & 3 Jack from our Net at the House. finished Saltg Geese in 6 Kegs contg 98 Geese & 49 Ducks. Mr Kennedy of New Co. went away with one Canoe to the Clear Lake to build for the Crees The old Stone accompanies him - Our Fishermen returned - Stephen began to make nets - I got a bad Cold."

Sept. 24
" Saturday Rain & Strong Wind at WNW the greater part of the day. Mefs McDonald & Findlay passed by here & called in. the former is to winter at Clear Lake with 3 Canoes with the Crees & Findlay to go up Peace river - Also Daniel McKenzie & Thompson in 2 Canoes went for Slave Lake - 8 Canoes there in all & 15 up Peace river - 5 Tick 3 perch 2 Jack & 1 Methy. Ki chen na brot 6 small sides of ribs & 2 lb of Beat meat here - Sent Mr McDonald an old Chisel."
[In the margin "Paid Mr Haldane all we are due him except 2 large Axes."]

Sept. 25
" Sunday Gave 3 Inds Ammunition & they went away to Kill geese - Geo. Stanger & Rob. Garroch got upset in the Canoe near the House, but fortunately it was not deep - Geo. Stanger had the misfortune to lose his bedding & a Gun - Mr McKenzie got the lent of our Jack plane - only 2 Tickameg - Strong Gale at SE - in the Afternoon - ? moderate - Set another net 2 now down - Tho. Goucher & Rob Flett came home with 2 Geese - all hands at home now & nothing to eat - lost the Tent in the Lake when the Canoe upset & other? things?"

Sept. 26
" Monday Strong breezes at NW - the Men could not go to the Goose Id to fish - 2 of the Old Cos. Men came here to tent on the little Island to watch Indians - Taylor making a leather Jacket & Trousers for Tho. Goncher."

Sept. 27
" Tuesday Snow in the night & several Showers this day - Men as before - Strong Gale at NW - fishermen could nether go away nor could we overhaul the 2 nets at the House these 2 Days - Sent a note over to Mr McKenzie to know whether he had sent his 2 Men that are now tenting here to pilliage Indians indiscriminately or not - he retd for answer that he did not - time will prove the assertion.
2 Inds came in with 9 Geese & 4 Ducks also in the Eve'g they brot 19 Geese & 10 Ducks - An Indian took 17 on Credit & went away towards the Slave Lake."

Sept. 28
" Wednesday The Inds brot us the Geese this day instead of yesterday - Sent 5 Men to fish at the Goose Id - they have 6 nets overhauled & took up our 2 nets at the House 11 Tickg 2 perch 2 Jack & 2 Methy - put one down - Taylor repg nets & Ja. Kirknefs net making - Fresh breezes at SE on Monday Buffalo Head with 1 Canoe went to the bottom? of this Lake with Goods."

Sept. 29
" Thursday Some few of the Indians taking credit & are going away towards the birch hill - put down 1 new net 2 Tickg & 2 Jack"

Sept. 30
" Friday Indians busy taking Credits & going away in 2 largish bands & one Small one - ? Birch Hill - Slave River & Peace River - 3 men came home with fish 30 Tickameg 4 Jack 5 Perch - 1 Trout & 2 Tickameg got at the House."

Oct. 1 1803
" Saturday Engaged a Jepowyan to take John Stephen for the Winter. gave him for Nothing about 30 Beaver in Trade - also made up 40 more to send to Sar cub by eggy? Feather to keep Robert Garrock all winter also gave our 2 Men each [blank] Beaver on trade - Sent 3 Men to fetch Robt. Garrocks bedding from the Goose Id - They also brot 7 Tickg with them - our 2 men and The Willow went away at 5 1/4 PM - our 2 men has a small Canoe each as 1 was too small for them - gave Credits to several Inds and they all went away for their Winters Quarters - no more to be in this fall."

Oct. 2
" Sunday At 11 1/2 AM John Stephen & Robt. Garrock came back - Mr McKenzie in the night went with 7 Men to make the Indians send our men back - which they did by the frenchmens ill using our 2 Men, & very near breaking their Canoes, because they were unwillg to return. such beheavour of the Old Co. is not bearable, as they think no one has any right to send men with Indians but themselves - the men brot back the things that? I had given the Inds for taking care of them also a Gun from our Young Hunter - I immediately embarked with 3 of our Men in a large Canoe - & Mr Haldane of the new Company with 2 men of his accompanied us - also our two Men that I had sent before with the Indians. We go to find them & leave them to accompany them all winter - took the things with us - Those Indians have now got 180 MB in Credit from me - Paddled & put up 2 reaches short of the Slave river at 5 1/2 PM - we suppose that we have missed the Indians in the The Lake near the House - Killed 2 Geese - Rain in the night."

Oct. 3
" Monday Returned back & met the Indians going down the River at 11 AM near the House - they were very much pleased at our going in search of them. - gave them the things & Sar cully egg? father was much pleased at his present for Keeping Robt Garrock. The Inds now throws? away their Canoes to ? quite near here - & goes in a parallel direction with this Lake about 8 or 10 Miles to the Northward - got to the House at 4 1/2 PM - Left only Wm Leith at Home - Put 2 Men on the Little P to watch all night to see if the Old Co. Men do not again go to ill use our 2 Men & endeavour to get them back to the House again - Should they go I & 2 men will immediately follow them."

Oct. 4
" Tuesday Nobody stirred all night - Went in Company with Mefs Haldane & Tate to fix on a place for their building on this fall near the Old Co. House - Spoke to Ja? McKenzie about his ill using our 2 Men - & threatning to break their Canoes if they proceeded with the Indians he said that he would do worse than he had hitherto done - I wished? him to go again to endeavour to get our 2 Men back from the Inds. & I would accompany him - but he declined it. - 11 Tick 2 Perch from our 2 nets at the House & changed them - also sent 3 Men for fish to Goose Id - they brot us 54 Tick. 20 Suckers - 5 perch & 1 Jack - They also brot about 150 fish of Sorts for the New Co. - one net came home as not worth repairing. "

Oct. 5
" Wednesday On Monday all the Old Co Men went to Park? point to fish- Paddy's 2 wives? came here this Morning with 2 Beaver - 1 Heart 1 plate? bone - 1 brisket 1 bladder of fatt & a little dry meat - paid part of their old Debt & traded the rest all in Powder. 3 of Mr Kennedys Men came here from Clear Lake in a big Canoe with oars - 2 net makg & Taylor finished Mr Haldanes Trousers - Put 2 Windows into my room - put handles &c to 2 new ? ? dryed our little dry meat - as it is become rather mouldy - also dryed some feathers. - Very hot fine Wea. yest. & this day."

Oct. 6
" Thursday Put glafs in the Windows - Cleaned up the Warehouse &c - Tyed up all the Skins we have got here this Summer & what I traded on the Road on this side Isle ala crofse. [In the margin " Whole Beav. 56, Half 32, Bear 1, Otters 7, Muskrat 23, martins 7"] only 2 fish yesterday & 1 this - The 3 Men that came from Clear Lake says that the Inds are expected to do but little this Winter - McDonald has 53 pieces of Goods - he had built a Store & the ridge pole broke & hurt 2 Men very much - Little Game & fish to be got there. New Co. here got sufficient stuff to build their new house of 38 by 18 feet - hung up our little meat in the Shed - Men net makg as before - & Taylor finished Tho. Gouchers Leather waistcoat - Weighed all our fatt." [In the margin "Fatt 40 lb"]

Oct. 7
" Friday Finished the 2d new net - took the water out of the Cellars - put feathers in my bed - all we had.[In the margin "90 lbs"] 4 Tick - 2 Perch & 1 Jack."

Oct. 8
" Saturday Mr Haldane laid the foundation of his new House - Sent 3 Men for fish late at night they retd with them & upwards of 250 for New Co. - ours are Tickg - Jack Perch Suckers 1 Trout - our nets they say will scarsely hold fish - fine Calm Weather nearly all this Week. 3 Tick & 2 Perch."

Oct. 9
" Sunday 4 Tickg 3 Jack 3 Perch & 2 Suckers."

Oct. 10
" Monday Sleet & rain all Day - nearly - took up our Turnips about 1 bushel - Cleaned out my Cellar & put the potatoes in a big Keg - full - 2 Men repd our small fishing Canoe."

Oct. 11
" Tuesday One of the New Co Men came down peace river from the falls in a Canoe - he says that Mr Findlay winters there in his old small house - in the Evg - 2 more of there men came home, they were to have remained with the Indians all Winter, but Mr McDonald debauched The Plover? to send them back by giving him 1 big Keg - a Gun - rigging for himself & wife - all hands clearing the brush into piles to burn about the House. Gave Mr Leith a Moose Skin - & began to bind Mondays? Tables along with ? Method of finding the Latitude from a Single Altitude."

Oct. 12
" Wednesday All hands makg nets - Tho. Goucher badly with a pain in his back - put a blister on - 2 Tickg - "

Oct. 13
" Thursday New Co. & Men brot us from our fishermen at the Goose Id - 37 Tickg - 9 Perch - 6 Jack & 32 Suckers - forged screws & handles & nearly? made them for the cutting prefs to bind Books - 3 Tickg - 2 Jack & 1 Sucker. fine warm weather - & rain - very calm weather in general & fine this 3 weeks past."

Oct. 14
" Friday Wm Leith building Mr Haldanes Chimny in his new house - Blanc his man came here to cut wood but went home as he came - 3 Tickg & 1 Jack - Men net makg - 3 already made."

Oct. 15
" Saturday Mr Leith as before - Tho. Goucher better & at work at nets - our 2 men & Blanc cutting firewood - Stowed by our turnips in the Cellar - 4 ? 1.23.4 - the fish is the largest & the others respectively - finished my Prefs for Books &c."

Oct. 16
" Sunday 19 Tickg & 1 Perch."

Oct. 17
" Monday 12 Tickg - 2 Perch & 1 Methy - One Man burning the brush - & the other 2 & Blanc cutting firewood - Mr Leith began the foundation of New Co. Stove in Mens Room - Made a screw to cutting Machine & finished the Prefs."

Oct. 18
" Tuesday 27 Tickg & Perch 1 Methy - Men cut firewood."

Oct. 19
" Wednesday Yesterday 2 of the Old Co. Men came home in a Canoe from Indians - they were along with those our 2 men are with. they came home we suppose thro starvation - as the Inds told us they would not give them any thing to eat - 2 yet remain with them - New Co. got on the Roofing Sticks on their house - & Mr Leith finished building their? 2 Chimney - Blanc cut firewood - & our 3 men got grafs to lay up the Canoes with - Yest Strng Wind at S - that drove the water out of this end of the Lake - that in the afternoon when it calmed the water rose more than 2 feet Perpendicular -
New Co. Men brot us fish from Goose Id - Tickameg 50 Perch 14 Jack 8 & 14 Sucurs - 8 Tick & 1 Trout at the House."

Oct. 20
" Thursday Very fine Wea. - Old Co. began to build a small house 9 foot Square - close to our house above the bank to watch us that we dont go to Indians Slyly - Men cut firewood - Blanc also came over - finished the Iron Work for all my bookbinding instruments. 7 Tickg 1 Jack 1 Trout."

Oct. 21
" Friday Yestdy & this day Men cut firewood - went over & Spoke to Jacko LaCaille about ill using our 2 Men with Inds. - 9 Tickg - Demouchele went on beaver huntg - on Wednesday he brot 2."

Oct. 22
" Saturday Men cut firewood - 9 Tickg - very warm wea."

Oct. 23
" Sunday Very fine wea. & warm +48 70 Tick - 6 Jack - 2 perch 1 Trout."

Oct. 24
" Monday 20 Tickg 1 Jack 1 Perch - Strg Gale at NW - water fell very much - Men cut firewood & I sharpened the X cut Saw."

Oct. 25
" Tuesday 3 Men brot home 6 logs for my floor - took up the nets, 20 Tick 2 Perch & 2 Jack - much Ice alng shore - which has damaged the 2 of our Old nets."

Oct. 26
" Wednesday 2 men gettng Wood ready to saw - Taylor badly & I sharpened the Pit saw - New Co. came from goose Id with fish - much Ice drivg? in the Lake & alng shore - very cold & strg Wind at NE."

Oct. 27
" Thursday 2 Men sawing 2 Inch plank for my floor. Taylor badly."

Oct. 28
" Friday Pretty warm - Men as Yest. - Myself at work plaining & edging the flooring."

Oct. 29
" Saturday The Old Co. 2 Men who constantly remain here put windows into their small house & put up the door. finished Sawy'g? the Plank 6 Logs - 23 boards - Taylor as before - Mr Haldane came over for planes &c to make their Doors - he says that they have eat all their fish - I told him to keep? those they brot for us. Lake Clear of Ice except where shoal -There it is quite solid - very warm Wea. -"

Oct. 30
" Sunday Mr Haldane & myself paid a visit to the Old Co. House - I told them that we should build a little house near them - as they had done here."

Oct. 31
" Monday 4 Men began to build a small house 8 foot square within, near the Old Co. House - & after we had it half up, we found that we were within their limmit as they had marked 2 years ago - & they asked us to remove it; 2 of Mr Haldanes Men assisted our People."

Nov. 1 1803
" Tuesday Our 4 Men took down that part of the small house, & removed it to the West side of the Old Co. house - near the lake without the limits of their marking - they got up the ridge pole - altho we had previously built within their marks it was at such a distance from their house that they can make no use of the Place ? within their Stockades - That it must have been mere spite for McKenzie to wish? us to remove it - Yesterday Mr Haldane fnished muddg his Store - The house has been done some time ago - This day 6 of his Men went to the Goose Id to live - & those at home transplanted the greater part his Goods to his new House in a Canoe - Very fine Weather; Made a new Key to my Tellescope box. bad with the tooth ach these 3 days - Washed the little fresh meat we have as it was become mouldy."

Nov. 2
" Wednesday Ice driving that our men could not crofs over to work at the little house - took up my floor & laid a part of it myself & woman only - 2 put down a net - 2 Tick & 1 Sucor - Tho. Goucher bad with his back."

Nov. 3
" Thursday Nearly finished layig my floor - Men variously Employed - 5 Jack & 1 Trout - Snow all yestdy & part of this day."

Nov. 4
" Friday went to overhaul our net & found it broke all to pieces by Ice & wood drivig under the Ice - & not a fish in it - ? put down a net under the Ice - we also put one down - finished layig my floor & the frame about the hearth- showers of snow. Tho. Goucher doing nothing."

Nov. 5
" Saturday 4 Tickg & 1 Perch - put down another net. Sent a note to Mr McKenzie for him either to remove his little house here to a greater distance or abandon it altogether but to neither would he consent to - so that we must in the spring build as near his dwelling house as he has near our own."

Nov. 6
" Sunday Robt. Flett came from Goose Id for nets, Chisels?, &c &c - few fish are to be got there. Mr Haldane had 2 men came from there they brot 25 fish of Sorts."
[something in the margin]

Nov. 7
" Monday Robt Flett ret'd Sent 3 Men to mud & finish the little house - gave them 2 Salt geese & some dry meat. Tho. Goucher rather better he laid up his Canoe."

Nov. 8
" Tuesday Myself & Woman overhauled the 2 nets & got 3 Tickg 4 perch & 3 Methy - Tho. Goucher cut firewood."

Nov. 9
" Wednesday at 2 PM our Men returned havig mudded the little house - the Roof, & put up a Chimney - the corners want yet cuttig - & the door hanging - they have not mudded the wall within - Berreboo & 1 Man came from Mr Kennedy at Clear Lake - They are starving there."
[In the margin "lent Mr Haldane 5 boards for a Door"]

Nov. 10
" Thursday Ja. Kirknefs & Tho. Goucher went to goose Id for fish - Taylor rep'g nets - 6 Tickg & 1 Perch."

Nov. 11
" Friday Do.? fish - Taylor made a door for our little house ? "

Nov. 12
" Saturday Lake froze over a little beyond the Old Co. Houses at the Island - but open betwixt the 2 Places - our Men retd from Goose Id with 130 Tickg being the first we have got since the Ice set in from Thence - they say the water is shole there - one of our dogs ran away from the Goose Id to the Old House acrofs the Lake after a bitch & Ja. Kirknefs went for him which kept them from comig to the house yesterday - Taylor loosing Mud in the outer cellar in case we should require any in the winter also put down our Brandy & Tobacco. 7 Tick & 1 Perch 1 Sucker - a good deal of snow in the Eveng."

Nov. 13
" Sunday Yesterday Mr Haldane removed to his new House - & this day he crofsed over the Ice with Mr Tate to our House - being the first persons that have crofsed over the Ice this year. Ja. McKenzie came to his little House but did not call in here."

Nov. 14
" Monday Sent Mr Haldane 20 Tick & 2 old Jack - Tho. Goucher & Ja. Kirknefs put the lock in to the door hung it & cut the corners square of our little House - Taylor cut out a Coat Blue for me - he made a pair of leather trousers? for Robt Flett. Began to make a Table - on Wednesday last began to copy all my old Journals into 2 large bound vellum books."

Nov. 15
" Tuesday Taylor makg my Coat - Sent Ja. Kirknefs & Tho. Goucher for fish - at work at the Table."

Nov. 16
" Wednesday ? Mr Haldane on Monday sent 2 sledges of Fish to Mr Kennedy at Clear lake he's? starving there. only one Man at home besides himself - Taylor as before. our Men retd with 110 Tickg & 40 Perch - & 1 large Trout."

Nov. 17
" Thursday 2 Men at the nets here - but the line being left under the Ice a not being taken up - it got froze - & could not get it away. finished the Table - & Tho. Goucher hewing wood for a Chair."

Nov. 18
" Friday Tho. Goucher hewing stuff for a Chair - 2 Employed the whole day & Tho. Goucher the latter part before they could get the hauling line from under the Ice that was froze to it in several places. they cut in in 2 places - got it loose & overhauled the nets - 7 Tickg & 4 Methy."

Nov. 19
" Saturday Sent 2 Men for fish to Goose Id - Taylor finished my Coat. Blanc of New Compy retd from Clear Lake where he has been with fish - as they were starving there - Got a Candle mould made of Tin 3 at a time & 1 Lanthern made by Demouchel of the New Co. Snowy bad weather on friday."

Nov. 20
" Sunday Ja. Kirknefs & Geo. Stanger came home with 73 Tickg 55 perch & 2 Trout - one of the Dogs they could not catch at the Tent & he ran home without any sledge - Geo. Stanger has not been at the House Since he went to the Goose Id about 28 Sept. he came for a few of his Things at the House. Snow all Day."

Nov. 21
" Monday Made a Chair - plaind the wood & glued it together - Ja. Kirknefs makg Candles - Geo. Stanger & Geo. Cromerty went to Goose Id."

Nov. 22
" Tuesday finished the Chair & went over to ask Mr Haldane for the lone of a Leather Tent for our Fishermen to stay in - he was so obliging & lent us it for the Winter - Tho. Goucher & Geo. Cromerty returnd with 160 Tickg & 20 Perch - very bad haulg the dogs nearly laid up - ? light Snow & warm - Ja. Kirknefs making Candles."

Nov. 23
" Wednesday Finished making the Candles 128 weighing 22 1/2 lb - Sent Tho. Goucher & Geo. Cromerty for fish."

Nov. 24
" Thursday Thick rime all Day - Men retd with 130 Tickg & 20 perch. Ja. Kirknefs in the Evg began to copy my Thermometer - Took up our net at the House - none new down - scarse a fish is to be caught here."

Nov. 25
" Friday Sent 2 Men for fish - Taylor cut out a blue Cloth Jacket for me."

Nov. 26
" Saturday The Men returned with 110 Tickg & 40 Perch."

Nov. 27
" Sunday Robt. Flett & Ja. Kirknefs went to fetch the last of the Fish - & then to remove to the Fishing Island - as the water is now become too shoal at the Goose Island - All the Old Co. Men have left the old House & gone to Fishing Island as they could catch few there. The most part of the New Co. Men still remain there except 3 men who went there? to Fishg Id 2 days ago - Old Co. have had fish from there 16 days ago - Over the Ice - 2 of Mr Kennedys Men came here, starving, all the Inds at Clear Lake are doing nothg & can scarse maintain Themselves. - They have been lost 3 days & had only the head? of a dog to eat."

Nov. 28
" Monday Taylor finished my Jacket - Men came home with fish 66 Perch. 25 Tickg & 13 Jack none are now remaining - Mr McKenzie paid us a visit the first - & Mr Haldane accompd him. exchanged a ? Thermometer for a Mercury one made in Montreal by F. Donagany an Italian from +212 to -70
Very rimy thick foggy wea. of late."

Nov. 29
" Tuesday Bad drifting weather our people could not go to the Goose Id - Laid up our Old Large Canoe - & backed a new net the 3d - of fine twine we have no more of that kind."

Nov. 30
" Wednesday Tho. Goucher Geo. Cromerty went with all our dogs & sledges to the Goose Id to assist our 2 fishermen to remove their things to the Fishing Island & to keep them to put down 6 nets & to remain there until they can load 5 Sledges of fish & then 2 to come home with them."

Dec. 1 1803
" Thursday These 2 days very sharp - Lake froze over nearly at the Little Id in the Channel - Borrowed? 3 Vols of the dictionary of Art & Science - 1 vol of Rollins Belle Lettres from Mr Ja. MeKenzie - lent him on Monday of Janes? Geography & Tablet of Memory"

Dec. 2
" Friday Ja. Kirknefs net making - & Mr Leith got firewood. in the Evg Set a steel trap to catch a dog of the New Co. - & in offering to take him out of the Trap he bit Mr Leith in the Ancle. I went over to Mr Haldanes to fetch Blanc to take him away. much snow & dark bad crofsing the Ice - got him out of the Trap after we had killed him apparently - & he was hauled here? only got him out of the Trap at 1 AM."

Dec. 3
" Saturday Mr Leith cannot walk from the bite last night. Ja. Kirknefs as before - Much Snow & drift."

Dec. 4
" Sunday paid a first visit to Ja. McKenzie in company with Mr Haldane - & found 4 Jepowyans There - we dont know where they are come from - & the Old Co. keeps them up? that we cannot speak to them - McKenzie says they are come from their own Lands - & brot only 6 sides of meat."

Dec. 5
" Monday One man makg nets - the other cut firewood."

Dec. 6
" Tuesday The same."

Dec. 7
" Wednesday Berrebo returned from Mr Kennedy at Clear Lake - he has got 1 Bull killed the first meat he has got this winter."

Dec. 8
" Thursday Late in the day our 2 men retd from the Fishing Id with 100 & 14 Trout - clear sharp wea. - the overflow is upon the Lake very much - hindered our people a good deal coming here."

Dec. 9
" Friday Sent 2 Men for Fish & Tho. Goucher to remain at the Island to assist attending the nets - Very severe wea."

Dec. 10
" Saturday Remarkable thick drift & snow all Day."

Dec. 11
" Sunday Snow - on Thursday 4 Jepowyans arrived at the Old Co. House from their own Land, but they never came near us or the New Co."

Dec. 12
" Monday Clear & Sharp - our 2 Men came from the fishing Island with 100 Tickg - much over flowing upon the Ice - all the large bay beyond the Fishing Id not yet froze over. I suppose occasion's it when the Wind is fresh Easterly - 3 Days ago news came from the bottom of the Lake hble Co. says that few fish are to be got there - few Indians in that Quarter & doing little or nothing - also that several died this Summer of the same Complaint as those about here - a pain in the head? &c - Sent Mr Haldane 2 pair of Snow Shoe frames."

Dec. 13
" Tuesday 2 Men backing a Net."

Dec. 14
" Wednesday Yesterday Demouchell & 2 of New Co. Men went to the Burnt wood Island to watch Indians - 2 Men mudded my room."

Dec. 15
" Thursday Sent 2 Men for fish - to the Id - mud?"

Dec. 16
" Friday White washed my Cabbin - lent Mr Haldane 45 fm of Trackg line."

Dec. 17
" Saturday Washed ? Cabbin floor & our 2 Men retd with fish. 2 of the Dogs having ran from them at the Id & came home with nothing."

Dec. 18
" Sunday Sent 2 Men for fish - went to the Old Co. house."

Dec. 19
" Monday 3 of New Co. Men went acrofs the Lake to Point de roche?"

Dec. 20
" Tuesday Our Men came home with 260 Tickg."

Dec. 21
" Wednesday Our Men went for fish."

Dec. 22
" Thursday On Monday arrived at New Co. House William a half Indian & 1 Canadian. They have been up the River that comes by the Methy Carrying place & has made dry provisions for 14 Bags of Pimmican - & 50 MB."

Dec. 23
" Friday Our men came with fish & brot home 3 nets that Geo. Stanger says are uselefs - altho they have stood only part of last Winter & not any this summer."

Dec. 24
" Saturday The 2 Men went for fish - on Thursday 2 of Old Co. Men went with Letters for Peace river."

Dec. 25
" Sunday Dined at Old Co. House."

Dec. 26
" Monday Nothing Particular."

Dec. 27
" Tuesday Our Men came home with fish."

Dec. 28
" Wednesday Sent the 2 Men for fish - & gave them to give our 3 men at the Fishing 1 Qt of high Spirits 1 pt Rum - 1 peck of Turnips - 1/4 lb Chocolate - 1 1/2 Salt Geese - a bit of fresh & a bit of dry meat."

Dec. 29
" Thursday Very warm Wea. yesterday. Mr McKenzie sent me over 1 Qt Saskettun berries & with a note that he would give me a little fresh meat or fatt for our New Years dinner if we required it - Which we do not."

Dec. 30
" Friday Our Men retd with fish 160 tickg? & cold Day - some of New Co. Men came from fishing to keep New Years Day - no more Tickg at the Id - only 29 Perch & about 40 or 50 Trout."

Dec. 31
" Saturday Men cut firewood."

Jan. 1 1804
" Sunday Mefs McKenzie, LaCaille, Haldane & Tate dined here."

Jan. 2
" Monday Taylor making a door for a small house at the fishing Island that we are now going to build for the fishers to remain in - Sharp wea.- counted all our fish."
[In the margin " Remains 1286 Tickg 160 Perch 25 Trout 7 Jack"]

Jan. 3
" Tuesday French men from both houses returned from Keeping new years day to the Fishing."

Jan. 4
" Wednesday Taylor clean'd a net that was taken up in the fall - & Ja. Kirknefs collectg the Accounts - Wm & one Canadian went to the Small athapescow River to hunt he came here from Thence a few days before Christmas."

Jan. 5
" Thursday Sent 2 Men to the Id for fish - & to come here on Tuesday next - they remain there to assist buildg a small house to fish in? - Yesterdy Ther. -51."

Jan. 6
" Friday Cold Bad Wea."

Jan. 7
" Saturday Began to copy the 2d Volume of my Journals &c"

Jan. 8
" Sunday Snow - & warm - Strg wind at NE - finished the last of our Greens - Yesterday LaCaille & one Canadian went as they say to their Hunter for Meat."

Jan. 9
" Monday The Men at Home constantly hauling & cuttg firewood."

Jan. 10
" Tuesday LaCaille & Man returned - from where they have been late in the Evg - McKenzie & Haldane came over here."

Jan. 11
" Wednesday Nothg Particular - very bad with the tooth ach."

Jan. 12
" Thursday Our Men retd from the Fishg Id with fish - They have built a house 13 by 11 feet - to remain in? to fish. - they also brot home Mr Haldanes Tent? - Rob Fletts dog unluckily got killed by 3 large Wolves that remain? at the Tents."

Jan. 13
" Friday Went over with our 2 Men along with Mr Haldane & 2 of his Men & put up a Tent near the old Co. House to watch when any Indians arrives - That we may follow them. Ja. Kirknefs in the Eveng took his Bedding to remain there - along with Payee a man of the New Company - only Geo. Cromerty to haul fish with 2 Dogs - Ja. Kirknefs keep the last one here to follow Inds in case any comes to the House."

Jan. 14
" Saturday Yesterday Morng early LaCaille & Mr Sayer & one Man went to the Strong Man for Skins they say he has only 10 - Geo. Cromerty went to fishing Id for Fish."

Jan. 15
" Sunday One Indian from the White fish & 1 Canadian arrived at Old Co. House with 15 Skins - the Inds all? dying - 3 men there & 1 Tent & only killd 15 Skins."

Jan. 16
" Monday Geo. Cromerty retd with fish."

Jan. 17
" Tuesday This ? - 2 frenchmen & the Inds retd up the athapescow River. Geo. Cromerty retd - to Tents - Blanc went to Clear Lake."

Jan. 18
" Wednesday One of the Frenchmen returned - being badly."

Jan. 19
" Thursday Geo. Cromerty retd with fish. one of his dogs ran home empty. at Dusk in the Evg - LaCaille Sayer & Kadra? retd fom Inds with 3 sledges loaded - of Skins & meat - Mr Haldane came over with the ? - tyed up the goods in the Margin to send with Ja. Kirknefs & 1 of N. Co. Men to follow LaCailles Track & find out Inds? & our ? if possible. They are to go away a little before day light to be out of the sight of them that watch us here - They took with them fish & a little dry meat."
[In the margin
"Tob. feet 18 1/2, lbs 3 1/2
Flints 15
Ball 120
Powder 5 pints
Knives 4 Yew
Do. 8 ?
Worms 4
Awls 4
Steels 3
Gartg rolls 2 large
Brandy 7 pints
Cloth Blue 2 cord
red 1 1/2 cord."]

Jan. 20
" Friday at Day light J Kirknefs & Canadian man went away with 2 dogs & 2 sledges - one of our Dogs also followed them - Geo. Cromerty went to Id for fish - & to remain there 2 days to finish a new net 36 fm is already made. on Wednesday Woman cut out 4 Mens Coats of 1 3/4 yd each - 5 of 1 1/4 - 5 of 3/4 - & 10 of 12 yd each - Mr McKenzie put up a Tent - to watch us?"

Jan. 21
" Saturday Yesterdy Mr Henry & one Canadian arrived in 3 days from Mr McDonnell at Clear Lake - they are living prety well on Buffalo - But the Inds are killg very few Skins."

Jan. 22
" Sunday Warm Wea. Went to Mr McKenzies."

Jan. 23
" Monday Went to Mr Haldane - late in the Evg Mr Kennedy & 3 men arrived here on a short visit from Clear Lake - he says that the Inds in all have not killed 2 packs of Beaver that they have all been hunting for both Houses - & are all now gone away to kill Beaver - Mr McDonald has little fresh meat in his House - brot a Tolerable quantity of Beat Meat - he brot a little Meat & fat to Mr Haldane."

Jan. 24
" Tuesday Mefs McKenzie - Henry - Haldane - Kennedy & Tate dined here."

Jan. 25
" Wednesday In the Forenoon Mr Kennedy & 1 man retd to Clear Lake - & Mr Henry & 1 Man with 2 sledges with small empty kegs also retd there - Geo. Cromerty came home with fish - Gave Mr Haldane 100 Tickg to bring from our Tent. Several Wolves remains about the fishg Id. - Gave Geo. Cromerty 1 Qt? of Salt for our Men at the Id - he took a little net line with him to finish lining a net at the Id."

Jan. 26
" Thursday Geo. Cromerty retd to Id - Repd Mr Haldanes & Mr McKenzies Watches. very warm weather this 3 days."

Jan. 27
" Friday Nothg Particular - very warm wea."

Jan. 28
" Saturday Geo. Cromerty came with 3 Sledges of fish 3 Dogs."

Jan. 29
" Sunday Our Man retd to Id - Went to Old Co. House - & heard of the death of Saint Germain - 65 years of age died the 16 Inst. he has been nearly 40 years in this country - a lingering disorder of 58 Days - he was master at the bottom of this Lake - last Nt 3 Inds arrived at Old Co. House - slyly with 3 Sledges of Meat & a few Skins. cannot learn where they are gone to - a Man accompanies them."

Jan. 30
" Monday The Old Co. Hunters family & 1 Canadian Came to the House with 3 Sledges of Meat."

Jan. 31
" Tuesday at 4 PM - 2 Canadians & Mr Strager? of New Co arivd here from Peace river - out 16 days from Mansfield House. They are all living well there - Latest news from above at? Forks? 13th? ?"

Feb. 1
" Wednesday Went over with Mr Haldane to Old Co. house & severely reprimanded their ? LaCaille - as he said that he would put there? out of our Tent that was the occasion of its being put their? - Called in at James's & he told us that 2 of their men arrived here on Thursday last at noon from Slave Lake - & that they met Ja. Kirknefs & Canadian Man at the Big stony P. about 1/2 days Walk above the Falls - & that our 2 men who went with Inds from hence last fall are gone to that place about Christmafs - That ours & the Old Co. are livng well & the New Co. very badly - & that we are supplying them."

Feb. 2
" Thursday Geo. Cromerty came home with fish - Courtway went to Mr McDonald at Clear Lake with letters from Peace River."

Feb. 3
" Friday Man went to Id."

Feb. 4
" Saturday finished copying all my old Journals."

Feb. 5
" Sunday Geo. Cromerty came home with Fish & the Tools"

Feb. 6
" Monday Fine warm wea. - Cleaned the Snow from the ?"

Feb. 7
" Tuesday Yestdy Geo. went for Fish."

Feb. 8
" Wednesday Geo. came home with fish - also 2 of New Co. Men from Clear Lake & Courtway from Mr Macknenilds? there?"

Feb. 9
" Thursday Geo. Went for fish at 3 PM. Ja. Kirknefs & frenchman retd - from Inds - but only 7 half & 4 whole Beaver Skins. they have been lost up Peace river 8 Days - They found the Inds 10 miles on this side the falls."

Feb. 10
" Friday 2 of New Co. Men went with Letters to Peace River & with Letters to Clear Lake."

Feb. 11
" Saturday Geo. Came home with fish."

Feb. 12
" Sunday Geo. Went away to the Id with 4 Dogs."

Feb. 13
" Monday Wrote Letters to Mefs Linklater Charles &c. - & told Mr Linklater to give the New Co. a bag of Pimmican."

Feb. 14
" Tuesday Sent for Tho. Goucher - to watch at Old Co. house - Demouchell & Blanc - 2 of new Co. Men went with Letters 2 Sledges & 2 Dogs to Isle ala crofse."

Feb. 15
" Wednesday Ja. Kirknefs & Mr Taite of New Co. went away to Indians (9 men) a little above the falls in Slave River - Geo. went for fish - The two that went to Inds have 1 Dog & sledge each & took the Goods as in the Margin."
[In the margin
" Tob. 4 fm -- 4 lbs
8 pints of Powder
200 Ball
3/4 pint Shott
20 flints
4 Awls
4 worms
4 Steels
2 Rolls Gartg
1 1/2 red cord Cloth
4 fish hooks
4 mens Knives
8 womens Knives
1 Pint Spirits."]

Feb. 16
" Thursday New Comp. Men returned from Peace river That went away the 10th Inst - the Snow being deep & much overflowing on the river - La Caille came from Inds up athapescow river with 48 MB - 2 Inds only - the Chief died 10 Days ago."

Feb. 17
" Friday Geo. Came home with fish & in the Afternoon J. Kirknefs & Mr Taite retd back ? should have gone to Inds. They have not been more than 3 hours walk from here - they say that the Snow is deep & that their dogs was too heavy loaded with fish - French left off watching here yesterday."

Feb. 18
" Saturday Geo. Retd to the Id - Gave J. Kirknefs 18 lb of Pimmican 5 lb beat meat & 8 lb of dry meat for himself & dog. he is to Take also a few fish with him - A Canadian Man of New Co. accompanies him - Mr Tait declined going again."

Feb. 19
" Sunday Early this Mg J. Kirknefs & Man went away - they have the same food that is wrote down in the Margin above - Bad Snowy weather all day - & much Drift."
["at Id - 1 Qt Spirits 1/2 pt Tea 3 Ducks"]

Feb. 20
" Monday Old Co. brot back our pit Saw & borrowed our X Cut Saw - Fine Wea. - ? ? Tho. Goucher came home - also 4 Inds came to Old Co. - with meat & in the Night they retd with 2 Canadians with them (Courtway) They slept 10 nights in coming - on Thursday Tho. Goucher went to Watch at Old Co. House in a Tent with Berreboo of New Co."

Feb. 21
" Tuesday Geo. Came from the Id. with 4 Sledges of fish."

Feb. 22
" Wednesday Old Comp. built their small House up the high Rocks near their Houses? - Geo. retd to the Tent - Berreboo went to Point du roche."

Feb. 23
" Thursday Set a Trap for a Wolf - They are also very trouble some at the Id."

Feb. 24
" Friday Geo. Came home with 4 Sledges of Fish - Playd a Rubber of whist at New Co. - McKenzie - Haldane - Fraser & self - the first game this Winter."

Feb. 25
" Saturday at 1 1/2 AM Geo went to fishing Id - very severe wea. - Mr Haldanes Chief & 5 more men came to his House they had not 20 B & a middlg quantity of meat - his men met them and got all at the Burnt Island."

Feb. 26
" Sunday Killd the Wolf in the Trap that goes about here."

Feb. 27
" Monday Geo. Came home with fish as above in the Margin."
["160 Tickg"]

Feb. 28
" Tuesday Mr Haldane came here to settle about going to Indians - Geo. retd to fishing Id - Berreboo retd from thence & says our men killd a Wolf at a Gun last night - very few fish to be got only 12 at a haul of all sorts."

Feb. 29
" Wednesday Put up the Goods in the Margin for Tho. Goucher & Geo. Cromerty to go to Inds in compy with Mr Taite of New Co."
[In the margin
" Ball 240 -
Shot 1 1/2 lb?
Powder 11 pts.
Flints 25
Tob. ? 15fm lb 3 1/4
Tob. role? 21 1/2fm lb 4 1/2
Comb Ivory 4
Steels - 6
Worms - 6
Awls - 5
needles? 10
Rings? - 23
Gartg yd 22
Beads com. 3/4 lb
Band wrist ? 3
Bayonet sm.? 5
Kettles 1/2 pt? ?
1 Qt 3 ?
Knives Man 4
Women 12
? 4
Cloth ? 1 1/2"]

Mar. 1 1804
" Thursday Sent Tho. Goucher & Geo. Cromerty to Indians 7 days Journey off in Company with Mr Taite, Berreboo & 1 Man Geo. Cromerty to return with a load as soon as they get it - at night Ja. Kirknefs & Frenchmen retd that went to Inds 19th Inst. - they could not find them. Geo. retd with 160 Tickameg."

Mar. 2
" Friday Tho. Goucher & Co. went away & Ja. Kirknefs retd."

Mar. 3
" Saturday Sent Ja. Kirknefs in place of Geo. Cromerty & to remain with the Indians - he took Ammunition with him - Yesterday Bashe? came from Clear Lake with his family - he says all? the Jepowyans are come in there"

Mar. 4
" Sunday Warm Wea."

Mar. 5
" Monday Geo. Cromerty came home with 3 Sledges of Tickg - we have now enough to last us all spring - he says that Tho. Goucher & Mr Taite went away last night at day set - 2 of Old Co. Men came from the upper Settlement in Peace River - they hear from the Little Slave Lake - Jn? Mc? & Mr Campbell there."

Mar. 6
" Tuesday Went to show Mr Haldane to place his boards for a Cupboard &c - Killd 1 Wolf - LaCaille went went with 5 Sledges for Meat - this is the first their Hunter has killed since the 1st Feb. - now 2 Moose - Stowed by 2000 Tickg 1400 & 600 in 2 places - also ? 330 Tickg 60 Perch 15 Trout & 2 Jack."

Mar. 7
" Wednesday Went on Hunting with Mefs Haldane & McKenzie - killed nothing - LaCaille retd with meat - also 4 Inds arriv'd at Old Co. yesterday - covered the fish over? up with Snow - & finished them - The Old Co. 2 Men retd with Letters to Peace River - Thawed a little."

Mar. 8
" Thursday 3 Jepowyans & 1 Canadian arrived at the Old Co. House from their own Lands - little with them - one Canadian 1 Jepowyan & wife went to the Hunters Tent."

Mar. 9
" Friday Yesterday Taylor cut out 3 Shirts? of yellow Cloth for me - Mr Sayer went to Bottom of this Lake - Mr Fraser & 1 Man went to Peace river with Letters - went to Old Co. house & made a Jaw for a Steel Trap."

Mar. 10
" Saturday Old Co. Hunter came home for good - also 4 Men & 1 Chepowyan woman arrived at Old Co. House from their Lands. they met Tho. Goucher & Co. - beyond the burnt Island. Edged & Joined the 3 Doors for Mr Haldanes cupboard."

Mar. 11
" Sunday Mefs McKenzie Haldane & their Women came here - made a good Dinner - Yestdy McKenzie gave me 2 sides of ribs 1 Brisket of a Moose & 1 piece of Back fatt to make the Saskutun pudding - One fox - Gen ath Aul la came here slyly with 5 1/2 MB - 1 heart - 1 half Beaver & 2 small bits of fresh meat - his credit - at 8 1/2 PM & retd - to his comrade at Id."

Mar. 12
" 2 Indian Men with their families went to Old Co. House - Taylor as usual making my 3 ? - on Saturday Mr Haldane people brot them 100 Tickg I gave them - This is now 300 he has had from us."

Mar. 13
" Tuesday Taylor finished my 3 ? - Took up the Tent at Old Co. House."

Mar. 14
" Wednesday Sent George Cromerty with 2 Dogs to fetch Trout from the Island - Sent the New Co. 1 of our Dogs to go to clear Lake - in the Evening one of the New Co. Men came from where Tho. Goucher & Ja. Kirknefs are with a letter from the latter saying that they have Traded upwards of 100 lb of Beat Meat & a very little fatt - that the New Co. had got 14 1/2 MB & 200 lb of Beat meat - Tyed up the following goods as in the Margin & sent to Geo. Cromerty at the Id with the New Co. Man & 2 Letters one for J. Kirknefs & 1 for himself tellg him to take the goods to them & bring back what they have Traded."
[In the margin
" Knives 12
Flints 40
Ball 100
Brandy 225 1/2 pt.
Powder 8 pt."]

Mar. 15
" Thursday The New Co. Man retd with the things."

Mar. 16
" Friday 4 Jepowyans arrived from acrofs the Lake had nothg to old Co. House."

Mar. 17
" Saturday Drifting wea."

Mar. 18
" Sunday The Willow arrived late in the Evg with 10 Skins & 5 pieces of meat he has Slept 6 nights - about 40 miles below the falls in Slave river - gave him the goods as in the Margin - he is going to his own Land & not to return till next November - 3 more accomp him to the French House - They went away at 2 PM - LaCaille is away up toward Ponds house for Skins - in the night he retd - with Skins - from 2 men - Observed an ? "
[In the margin
" Brandy 2 Gall
50 Ball
3 pt Powder
4 flint
1 hook
3 Knives
2 fm Tob.
2 fm Gartg
1 Awl
1 Worm
12 Shott."]

Mar. 19
" Monday In the Evg those? Inds come in acrofs the Lake that LaCaille was at lately - All the Men from Both french? houses met them on the Lake - & Mr Haldane & McKenzie quarriled severely & struck each other - the Inds had nothg with them. - went over & settled the dispute which was very near ? very serious - every thing was amically settled - There 3 other Inds that accompd our Willow Mr Haldane after some struggle with them got them into his House as they passed by his house altho they were going to the Old Co. - ? from them 39 MB & abt 14 in meat & fatt."

Mar. 20
" Tuesday The Inds went away that came yesterday - Thawed a good deal."

Mar. 21
" Wednesday Thawed much & Calm & Clear."

Mar. 22
" Thursday Do."

Mar. 23
" Friday Some Inds arrivd at Old Co. House & LaCaille went to where our people are along the Lake with his wife? & 3 Men . There are 4 of them already there - Thawed very much."

Mar. 24
" Saturday Mr Henry & 3 Canadians arrived from Clear Lake with Skins - from Mr McDonald - the rocks bare of Snow in places."

Mar. 25
" Sunday went to Old Co. House - & McKenzie told me the particulars of Ja. Rofs leaving Mr Swain - but nothg new - Geo. Cromerty arriv'd from Tho. Goucher."

Mar. 26
" Monday Mr Haldane McKenzie & Henry came over here in the evening - & Our 2 Men here makg ready to hunt pitch."

Mar. 27
" Tuesday Geo. Cromerty & Wm Leith went for pitch gave them 7 sides of ribs & the remainder fish for 10 Days - they have 3 Dogs with Sledges with them - Mr Haldane came over & told me that Catara one of Old Co. Men came to his House last night & that he says Ja. Rofs is at Clear Lake & that he came with him from Slave Lake about the middle of Jan. - Mr Haldane took over to his house our best dogs for his men to take to the Id & to take 40 Tickg for Tho. Goucher as they have nothg to eat there haulg? & can catch no fish - 3 Inds arrived at Old Co. House."

Mar. 28
" Wednesday Driftg wea."

Mar. 29
" Thursday Henry & 2 men retd to Clear Lake & 4 more came from thence - also Mr Haldanes Men from the Id & brot 216 Tickg for himself of ours - & 11 Trout for myself. 2 men with 3 Sledges left the Id with fish for Tho. Goucher this Mg."

Mar. 30
" Friday The Clear Lake people retd."

Mar. 31
" Saturday Mr Taite Berreboo Co. arrived from the Indians along the Lake they have got now 30 MB - 45 lb of fatt & 230 lb of Beat Meat. - Our People will be here tomorrow."

Apr. 1 1804
" Sunday At Noon Tho. Goucher & Ja. Kirknefs returned from Inds - they say that they are all gone to their own Land & to war upon the Esquimaux - They have brot 100 lb of Beat Meat - 7 lb of fatt & 4 MB - also a little fresh meat 20 sides of small deers ribs - Thawed much - Mr Sayer & 2 Men with 3 Sledges arrived from Fond? du Lac - Goods our Men brot back as in the Margin - the first time & are the Last came as sent."
[In the margin
" Powder 7 pints
Tob. 3 lbs
Shot 10 lb
Ball 112
Flints 11
Cloth 1 yd
Knives 7
Kettles ?
Worms 4
Steels 4
Awls 2
Beads 3/4
Bay't? 5
Combs 4
Rings 22
Needles 10
Hooks 4
? wrist 2
Gartg 22
Brandy 2 1/2 pints"]

Apr. 2
" Monday Mr Haldane finished Sawying."

Apr. 3
" Tuesday Tho. Goucher & J. Kirknefs cleaned up the Shed &c."

Apr. 4
" Wednesday The 2 Men getting pitch."

Apr. 5
" Thursday at 8 AM Geo Cromerty & Wm Leith returned from hunting pitch - about 12 Gallons - 2 Swans seen here yesterday - J. Kirknefs & Tho. Goucher went for our fishing Canoe at Goose Id - Wrote Letters to Mr Swain at Slave Lake - & furnished 27 lb of dry Provisions for a Man & 9 of dry meat for the Dog - Yest. Ja. McKenzie came from the Fishing Id - An Indian came from Clear Lake (supposed) to Old Co."

Apr. 6
" Friday 2 of New Companys Men went to Slave Lake with Letters - Old Co. sent away 2 days ago - J. Kirknefs ? over the Thermometer Journal - Sent the following letter to Mr Swain at Slave Lake.

Nottingham Ho. Athapescow Lake
4 April 1804
Dear Sir,
as Two of the New Company men are going down to the Slave Lake gives me the opportunity of writing you.
As no men were engaged by Mr Tomison at Cumberland House last Summer to remain at Slave Lake & this place during this Summer & as it is absolutely necefsary for a few people to remain at both places, according to the exprefs wish of the Honble Company I therefore hope that you will not fail to appoint three men to remain at your place all this Summer - John Stephen will be the most proper person to leave in charge of your House.
The worst Canoe of the two you have you may leave behind to fish with, crofs the River &c &c and bring up the other one with the remainder of the Men after leaving those to take care of the Companys property &c - & to be up here as soon as pofsible in the Spring that we may have time to go to Oxford House for Trading Goods &c to be enabled to return here next fall as early as pofsible.
Very few Indians are about this place this Winter & what few are they have killed very few furrs principally owing to the great number of Deaths amongst them here last Summer to the amount of 37 Hunters.
Every obstacle right or wrong are thrown in our way by the Old Co. & they use every unfair method to keep any Indians from giving us a Skin by their always piliageing any Indians they see or meet with whether they are owing them any thing or not - They have such a great number of Men, that we have but very little chance with them - they being about 5 to 1; besides they both threaten & beat any Inds they know or even suspect who may visit us - & the Inds are such very great cowards that the very look of even one of the common men of the Old Co. intimidates them to such a degree that scarce a single man has the courage to go where he would meet with better usage & more kind treatment besides purchasing his goods at a far more reasonable rate than of the Old Co. - But I hope the Inds can not continue so long under the great dread of the Old Co. - as they have at present - our fishing has been very fortunate this Winter - having already caught a sufficiency to serve us till the rivers open.
Sincerely wishing better succefs to the Comp. Affairs
& I remain Dr Sir your obed. hbl Serv.
P Fidler."

Apr. 7
" Saturday Went over to Old Co. - Sent Tho. Goucher & Geo. Cromerty to stay at the Goose Id to dry fish."

Apr. 8
" Sunday All Old Co. Men came from Point de Roche & Buffaloheads widow & family came to remain here - 4 Inds came to the Old Co. they had given their provisions to some of the Old Co. men who they found where our people is lattely come from."

Apr. 9
" Monday Sent by the New Co. the Goods in the Margin to Tho. Goucher at the fishing Id. - to accompany Berreboo & with a dog. - to endeavour to find out LaCaille whom we suppose is way laying Inds expected from Isle ala Crofse over land - they are to go 3 days along the Lake & if no findg him to return back - Mr Henry & 3 Men arriv'd from Clear Lake."
[In the margin
" 6? pint powder?
200 Ball
2 mens knives
4 womans knives
4 awls
4 Steels
20 flints
2 fm Tob. ?
4 Hooks fish?
1/2 pint Shott"]

Apr. 10
" Tuesday 3 Men & their Families came Monday from Clear Lake with methy - they are one & all going to their own Land."

Apr. 11
" Wednesday Mr Haldane & Taite came over & paid us 5 boards they had from us last fall - heavy rain."

Apr. 12
" Thursday McKenzie came over here with a bad tooth to draw - drying part of the fresh meat brot by J. Kirknefs when away last. - Henry & 1 Man retd to Clear Lake & the Inds went away from old Co. House - several Geese seen on Tuesday."

Apr. 13
" Friday -"

Apr. 14
" Saturday ? ? went to Goose Id for their Canoes & could not get there the Ice being weak."

Apr. 15
" Sunday Mr Henry & Man retd from Clear Lake he could not get there the swamps & small? ? being all open & full of water."

Apr. 16
" Monday Geo. Cromerty came home with our Black? Dog - he has ? sore place on his back - he says the greater part of the Trout is dry."

Apr. 17
" Tuesday Geo. Cromerty retd to the Id."

Apr. 18
" Wednesday Robt. flett & Geo. Cromerty came home with 5 Sledges & 5 Dogs with 420 dry Trout. 100 of which weighs 120 lbs in an average? of size - Mr Stanger? & Henry came over here."

Apr. 19
" Thursday The 2 Men retd to the Id - for the remdr of the fish & all to come home - as the Ice begins to be very bad here - also New Co. Men made a 2d attempt to bring their Canoes from the Goose Id but could not succeed - Went to Old Co."

Apr. 20
" Friday New Co. killed 2 Geese being the first killd this year at the 3 houses - went there & got a Share - very hot wea. & Muskettoes pretty numerous - being very early in the Season - on Tuesday McKenzies Men who went for Slave Lake with Letters lately met 2 men from thence 2 days on this side - They changed letters & each retd to his own House - except ? who came here - They met Mr Haldanes Men a little below the falls - They also say that in March 2 of our Men came to the falls & retd back to Slave Lake - with Letters from thence & here - which I very much doubt."

Apr. 21
" Saturday Lent the New Co. a ? - & 1 piece of Leather to cover their Things in their House - all our Men came home with every thing from the fishing Id - & brot 30 large dry Jack & 80 do. Trout - all the New Co. Men came home 13 in number - 2 ? Men ? ? Mr Haldane Taite & Berreboo - I believe all the old Co. Men came home also - rain all last night - McKenzie built 2 mens houses this week & put up his Prefs Yesterday - Mr Haldane invited McKenzie to eat the first goose but he would not go over."

Apr. 22
" Sunday 5 of old Company Men came with Furrs & Provisions from Font du lac - & we gain the truth that LaCaille is away about the head of the Falls in Slave River with the 2 Ind Hunters they had here to kill meat for? those from Slave Lake - Mr Haldane men again went to Goose Id to fetch their Canoes - opened our Canoe - quite broke with the frost."

Apr. 23
" Monday At Noon Debois a guide? & 1 Man of New Co. arrived here from Slave Lake with Letter from Mr Swain - Slave Lake 2 Canoes very much broke by the frost.

Chiswick House April 16th 1804
Dear Sir,
as the New Company are sending men to the Athapescow Lake gives me the opportunity of writing to you & to know your intentions concerning this place for the ensuing summer - I am sorry my last Packet did not reach to your place - as I sent Will. Tomison & John Rofs with it & they left this place 2d March with 20 days provisions & did not arrive here until 7th of this Month. - They told me that they returned from the falls - and stayed with the Indians they saw upon the Road ever since - They have behaved very bad - and I am much disappointed & am affraid I will not be able to hear from you before the river breaks up. I am sorry to tell you I have got no furrs from the Indians this Winter as the greatest part of them were at their lands when I arrived here last fall and did not return till the middle of winter and the old Company prevented any of them to come to our House by the bad storys they tell them which frightened them to come near us until now that they are beginning to get the better of their fright but too late for us as they have no Skins - The few Indians I saw here last fall I gave Credit too & two of them has behaved very well (the Ratt & his Brother) and I got about 75 MB from them which is the only Indians I got any Skins from - except 16 MB I received of your Debts 5 1/2 of which John Stephen & Robert Garrock brought when they came here on the 20th Decembr - They starved a great deal as the Indians all seperated except the two they was with who did nothing at all and only killing one half Beaver all the time they were with them - I would have sent them back to you - but Robt Garrock has been lame with a very bad hand and not able to do any duty this two months past and the other I detained as he is a good Man to run after Indians in case I required him.
James Rofs deserted the Honble Hudsons Bay Company Service and agreed to the NW Co. who debauched him on New Years Day when he was drunk and visiting there - they are so hurt at our being in this part of the Country that they do every thing they can to hurt us & they have tried all they can to debauch more of the Men to leave the Service and engage with them to afsist to Convey their Goods thro' the low Country. That they say they have coming in by way of Hudsons Bay - there was one of their Men came here & wished to agree - he stayed here about 2 Months & then he returned again to the Old Company - Having nothing more to Communicate I conclude wishing you a good Trade & a pleasant spring & Remain
Your Obdt humble Servt
J. Swain.

2 Men washing the walls of my room - 1 reping nets & 2 Sawying Boards - New Co. Men came from the Goose Id with all their Canoes."

Apr. 24
" Tuesday 2 men repaird the Chimney - & the Walls in the Kitchen - the rest as yesterday."

Apr. 25
" Wednesday New Co. Men came here for mud, found it too hard froze & returned without it - 3 men took the water out of my cellar & cut the Snow & Ice about our fishing Canoe & put it on the Id."

Apr. 26
" Thursday finished repairing the nets - 5 new ones & 9 old ones - 2 Sawying & 3 got 3 logs of 7 feet from the Id to saw it into boards - Finished making our pitch 1 big Keg. Cold weather & windy - On Tuesday Courtway & 3 Canadians who have been remaing with Inds J. Kirknefs was with came home."

Apr. 27
" Friday 3 men got about 30 Timbers to repair our fishing Canoe - & 2 at the Saw - A part of the Lake open at the Id here - & below towards the Slave River."

Apr. 28
" Saturday 3 men made a bench & 2 sawying boards - 6 logs - & finished them - 5 of ? Co. Men went away over the Ice this morng toward the Little embarras river with a Canoe to fish & hunt. ? with berreboo."

Apr. 29
" Sunday Ice gave way in the channel opposite the french houses & stoped at the Id - here also nearly clear at the back of this Id."

Apr. 30
" Monday Ice as yesterday - 1 Man made a saw box & a ladder, cleared? out the Warehouse within? & Repaired a Spade - Taylor cut out a Coat for Mr Swain."

May 1 1804
" Tuesday Ice clear'd in the channel on both sides the Id - & Mr Haldane came over in a Canoe - The New Co. have had nets set since Sunday on N side along the edge? of the Ice - Went over in a small Canoe - & left it acrofs. went to Old & New Co. Houses? - William & 3 of new Co. Men arrived from up above the forks in the Athapescow river where they have been hunting all Winter. They have brot down 16 bundles of Dry Meat - Beat Meat & fatt of 100 lb each as? they have killd 50 Animals part of which was lost for want of getting it properly dryed - LaCaille & Bashey? - have been up there also - with Goods &c to debauch him & get his Meat from him without succefs - we all along understood that he ? down the Slave River - William has also killd about 25 MB in furs - Althapescow River opend at the forks 22d April & Pelican River 9 April - LaCaille found a large band of Indians at the Tompsons? old forts & got from them 6 small bundles of furs amounting to about 200 or 300 Skins - These? Inds got Credits at the falls in Peace river last fall & crofs'd our Land there with 2 french men in Company with them all Winter - The water is very low in the River - & the geese only came ? plentiful yesterday there - very few yet to be seen about the Houses - Old Co. began to pack furs. a Man of Old Co. came from Clear Lake with an Ind - in a Canoe - All the Inds are gone to Isle ala crofse as they are afraid to come here - so many died last summer."

May 2
" Wednesday ? the fish first about? to be mouldy a little - all Hands went to cut down wood for a new House - in the Sandy bay on this Side the new Co. House - Much rain from 9 AM till 2 PM. Mr Taite came over - the other Canoe belonging? William came this Morng - & last night la Croix pitched his Tent on our Id to fish - Channel driv'g full of Ice on the N side all night - & this day in general."

May 3
" Thursday Sewed some Cabbage Seed - in a box - several of Old Co. Men came to fish at Point au chein - got 2 good Tickameg from La Croix - Berreboo retd with 38 Geese from Ponds old house - plenty of Geese there."

May 4
" Friday Channel driving full of ice ever since our Men has been away - except a little this Morng which choaked up at the Id - 4 Tickg from LaCroix - Repaired 2 Ind Canoes - brot one from a Crofs the Channel I left 4 Days ago."

May 5
" Went over to see our Men & they finished cutting down all the above wood & got it to the Banks edge - a great distance to carry it Now greater number of the pieces is much too small only 4 3/4 In. at the small ends of several - They had 16 lb? Beat Meat & the rest fish. 3 Days ago McKenzie debauched William Henry & is at their house for a daughter of Buffalo head - Lacroix 3 Tickg - 2 Canoes of Old Co. went to Slave Lake with 10 Bags of Pimmican for their Canoes to ?"

May 6
" Mr Haldane came over here - He gave us 2 Geese Yesterday - 6 of Old Co. Men fishg at our Id - Ice drivg down much every day - Lacroix ? a net - & gave us 4 Tickg."

May 7
" Monday Sent all hands to cut down more wood for the House &c - as many of the last were too small also roofing sticks - Began to copy my Journals."

May 8
" Tuesday In the Evening our Men came for fish & returned immediately"

May 9
" Wednesday Traded a Tent from Bushey? The Guide gave him 6 pints of high Spirits & 1 fm Tobacco for it - also 1 Looking Glafs 1 Clasp Knife 3 fm Gartg - 1 Ivory Comb & a little medicine. one Man came down Peace river in a small Canoe says that the water is very shallow - that Mr Findlay will be here soon & that his wife is dead. - William & LaCaille came home."

May 10
" Thursday at 1 PM all hands came home having finished cutting down all the Logs & in the margin above - very hot & lake clear of Ice a considerable distance from the Shore - plenty of fish the? french has got this day - only this the first. Bushy? brot me 2 Geese - & gave him 1 pt of Powder as their's is very bad & 2 ft of Tobacco - he is to bring me a few Geese for it. Water rising in the lake these 3 days past but not much - channel on S Side the Id clear this day. Yesterday much Ice driv'g down from the Athapescow River in the Channel of the Lake."
[In the margin a list of the lumber with sizes. I think]

May 11
" Friday Men Emp'd repairing one of the fishing Canoes."

May 12
" Saturday At Noon Arrived 3 Canoes from Peace river of the Old Co. David Thompson - Wintzel & Bill Guards Sent over all McKenzies Books - also every thing belong? to New Co. on Thursday found our white Dog that was stolen from here last fall - now very poor. we hear that the Old Co. have had him at the Bottom of the Lake - These 2 Days plenty of fish to be taken - & no Ice driving. Men finished repg? the Canoes - & made ? for my small Tent?"

May 13
" Sunday Early this Morning Arrived Mr Leith of the New Co. in one Canoe - & at Noon 3 more of their Canoes with 62 Packs & nearly 15 bags of Pimmican."

May 14
" Monday at night Tho. Goucher & Rob. flett went over to see Ja. Rofs at the French House who run away from Slave Lake on New Years Day. in the Mg? Mr MacDonnel with 2 Canoes arriv'd from Clear Lake. he has burnt his house there & a little after Mr Kennedy arrived in 1 small Canoe from the Same place - he has a bad hand by an awl running thro it. - Pitched the Canoes ready to use. - Taylor rep'd my old Tent to fish with in the Summer. Mefs Leith & Haldane came over here."

May 15
" Tuesday at Noon 1 Canoe of Old Co. Embarked - for Isle ala Crofse - the clear the Coast? of any Indians that May be on the road - Put down the first net as our fish is now become rather bad - in the afternoon 1 Canoe arrived from PR Old Co. & in the Evg Mr Findlay & Clark with 3 Canoes - only 2 Trout & 1 Sucor."

May 16
" Wednesday 8 Canoes of Old Co. & ? arriv'd from PR - Put down 3 half nets only 6 fish of sorts.

May 17
" Thursday at 2 PM Mr McKenzie of New Co. arrived from Slave Lake in one Canoe - no provisions - & little furs. Mr Swain left the same day 11th May - Made a box for Papers &c - & the rest cleared a garden - 7 fish of sorts - Yest'y recd 26 Geese from Inds Crees. Traded a Canoe from the Brae casse. a cree? for 10 pints of Liquor - Yesterday Packed all our furs in 3 Bundles contg 136 MB & weighing 210 lbs - also made our little Pimmican 75 lb & 25 lb having no more fatt."

May 18
" Friday Empd repairing 2 fm of the Bottom of Tho. Gouchers Canoe - at 7 PM Mr Swain & 6 Men arrived from Slave Lake with 186 MB - 17 fish."

May 19
" Saturday Men Pitching & working at their Canoes - Went over to the New Co. - 19 fish."

May 20
" Sunday Shared out our little Provisions - of Pimmican - Beat Meat. Dry meat & dry Trout - also made every thing ready to Embark tomorrow - Old Co. Batteaux with 2 horses arrived from Peace river - never before having Horses at this Lake - In the Evg one of our Mens women ran away to the New Co. House."

May 21
" Monday Went over to the New Co. House about the woman but could not find her - Early this Morning the other Canoe of the New Co. arrived from Slave Lake with 13 men - 33 Men Masters included wintered of that Co. in the Slave Lake & River. at 10 AM Embarked for Cumberland House with Mr Swain & 2 Canoes with 4 men each - left James Kirknefs in Charge of the House with Mr Dunnett to follow the Crees for Provisions this Summer - John Rofs & Robt Flett - the Latter to have the same wages as last year viz. 18 £ - had difficulty in finding the right channel out of the Lake by the Goose Id - as the Umbarras river is too shoal to go that way - put up at 7 1/2 10 miles from the Lake."

May 22
" Tuesday Embarked at 3 1/2 AM & put up at Ponds House at 8 PM lay by for rain 3 hours above the entrance into the Jack Lake - strong wind ahead the remdr of the Day - little water in the river."

May 23
" Wednesday Embarked at 4 AM & saild the Greater part of the day & put up at the fine? stony flat point on the North side where we did last fall where we remnd 2 days for wind & rain - pafsed by 4 or 5 Cree? Men with their families going up to the forks to hunt Meat this Summer - got from them with difficulty all they had viz. 17 MB - a little fatt - Beat Meat & a little fresh moose meat."

May 24
" Thursday At 3 1/2 AM Embarked - & saild the whole day - & put up at the upper end of the long reach above Thompsons House on the South side at 8 PM - Pafsed by 2 small bands of Jepowyans - from whom we got a little fatt - 1 Unskinned Beaver - 3 geese 1 Swan a few dry beaver Tails - & about 78 MB - a small part of which was Credits & the rest we paid for in 2 Blankets - Ammunition Tobacco & Liquor - & gave a note to 2 Men to receive 30 & 18 MB each at Isle ala Crofse where they are going. we had much trouble in making them part with their Skins as they are so much afraid of the Old Co. altho they are probably owing our people at Churchill double the Number of skins gotten from them."

May 25
" Friday at 5 AM Embarked - & saild with a strong wind all day & put up at 8 PM in sight of the big forks about 4 miles below it - Rain in the Mg before we started."

May 26
" Saturday at 4 AM Embarked & stoped a little at the forks made a fire to warm ourselves - as the wea. is very cold - Ther. in the Mg +20 - put up about 12 Miles up the other forks? at 7 1/2 PM - which we entd at 3 PM."

May 27
" Sunday Embarked at 3 1/2 AM & put ashore at 8 & tyed up two Bundles of furs Traded from Indians on the passage. John Moore? badly with a gravelly complant - Mr Swain & self took his place to assist that Canoe forward - put up on the lower portage at 7 PM - a strong wind ahead."

May 28
" Monday at 4 1/2 AM Embarked - & put up on the West end of the Methy Carrying place at 8 1/2 PM handed up the Whole way at the 2 middle carrying places with every thing in the Canoes. John Moore - able again to work - Broke a Gun? - over the Womans head - & left? it ?"

May 29
" Tuesday at 4 1/2 AM began to carry & got every thing nearly? to the small Lake & hill up there."

May 30
" Wednesday Stopt? at? 4 1/2 Mile water fall? & our Men Slept? at 5 1/2 one heard a shot on the west side the Car'g place from the small Lake - suppose the french to be nigh."

May 31
" Thursday Our Men got to the 1 1/2 Mile - in the Evg Mr Lochblain & Lisk in 2 light Canoes ? & ? they Slept on the Carrying place below - & put up at the entrance of Methy Lake - they have 8 Men pr Canoe & left their place 26 Inst. 15 loaded Canoes of Old Co. with from abt 20 packs each. amtg to in all about 300 or 310 Packs - from every place - also 3 light Canoes not yet come up . all the Loaded Canoes of Both Co. on the Portage these 2 days past - also one Canoe of New Co. with 5 Men & 2 Iroques with little in it put up here. we slept acrofs - & got 7 Ducks & no fish - Old Co. Canoes from Slave Lake arrived 22d at the Lake with 92 Packs in all from that Quarter - New Co. broke a hole in one of their Canoes - with a stump? in sailg & wet all the Packs - in the athapescow river."

June 1 1804
" Friday Early this Mg the Canoe with the Iroques embarked & at 9 AM our Men got every thing over the Carryg place. Rain last night & in the Mg."

June 2
" Saturday At 4 1/2 AM Embarked from the Methy Caryg place & put up at the Barrier the lower rapids in Methy River (rather shoal) at 8 PM."

June 3
" Sunday at 4 AM Embd & arrived at the Buffalo lake at 8 AM - very shoal rapids above it - pafsed the buffalo Lake the wide part in 6 hours paddle & put up at the entrance of Egg Lake at 8 3/4 PM. Jepowyans have built many Canoes here this spring - found 3 Tents of Crees here. only got from them 1 otter & 2 half Beav. Skins for a little ? I had. also got about 1 Peck ?"

June 4
" Monday got away at 3 1/4 AM & arrived at Isle a Crofse at 5 PM - Mr Raymond master - Mr Charles & Linkletter gone down - only 10 Bags of Pimmican sent acrofs here for us - & the Churchill people have taken 5 from the 10 as they had none of their own. (a head wind)"

June 5
" Tuesday at 8 1/2 AM got underway & put up a little beyond the Crofs Lake at a part of narrow on right side at 8 1/4 - rather? hard? winds ?. Took from here 3 Bags to the Canoes & 1 betwixt Mr Swain & self. one remaining only."

June 6
" Wednesday at 3 1/2 AM embarked & put up at the Knee in Knee Lake at 8 PM - a fine little Sandy bay. - bad shooting the crooked fall & rock carrying place - cut my toe on a Stone - lost all my Keys (4) Sandy? hurt? his Canoe & we pitched it at the lower end of rocky Portage."

June 7
" Thursday at 3 1/4 AM got away & put up at the 2d narrow in Snake Lake at 5 PM where the Thunder & Lightning had split & shivered a poplar tree into mere? fibres - Calm all the way to fish Narrow & very hot afterwds a strong Gale a head & cold - obliged to put up sooner for wind - lay by 1 hour for it at the fish narrow."

June 8
" Friday Strong wind as yesterday afternoon at NE could not embark before 10 AM - arrived at the 1st portage at about 2 PM & put up 5 Miles (?) Thro the Bear Lake at 9 1/2 AM? - came the old ? road? ? fish? ? - the north way - found? about 12 Tents ? ? of Jepowyans upon an Id - a little while before we put up from whom we got about 400 lbs of fresh meat split? as? usual? - ready to dry & about 3 MB in furrs - also on the 6th in the upper end of Primos Lake found a few of this Same tribe from whom we got 3 geese - 2 or 3 ? & 3 MB in furrs - after we put up 2 men in 2 Canoes came near us passing to fetch 3 moose they have upon an Id a little way off - we have as much already as will Keep while it will last."

June 9
" Saturday At 3 AM Embd & put up 3 Carryg places below Trout Lake at 8 PM at ? carryg part on N side 130 yards - headwinds."

June 10
" Sunday at 3 1/4 got away very thick fog 2 hours - breakfasted at Devils Portage - put up on an Id half way down the long North reach in the ? of otter Lake - got confused a little in otter Lake pafsing perhaps 1/2 hour out of the way. water pretty high."

June 11
" Monday Embd at 4 1/2 AM & put up near the Frog carrying place at Sun Set - we keept too near to the right & got our of our way 1 hour - got again into the right track & put up at 8 1/2 - saild a little at times."

June 12
" Tuesday at 3 1/2 AM got away - very high water at height of land here in the Creek that we went ? the Stoney Carrying place in it with The Canoe & every thing in - over the high Stones - put up at old french house in Pelican Lake sandy bay at 8 1/2 PM - Strong wind ahead the latter half of the day."

June 13
" Wednesday Remarkable high water from the frogg Portage to Pelican Lake - ? bad to come down. Embarked at 4 AM & put up a little below the Birch Portage at 7 PM remarkable storm of wind - Rain little - Thunder & Lightning - much. a very strong wind ahead all day - found 2 Carryg straps on this portage."

June 14
" Thursday at 6 AM embkd - rain at times all night & this morng - & put up at the head of the Sturgeon weir river at 8 PM. laid up 1 & 1/2 bag of Pimmican on an Id a the head of the River - The half is ? & the other belongs to the other 2 Canoes - fine calm eveng."

June 15
" Friday at 4 1/4 AM embarked & put up at the end of the first big openg in Cumberland House Lake at 10 PM. lay by at the mouth of the river from 2 PM till 7 1/2 for wind at SW - pretty good water in the river."

June 16
" Saturday at 3 1/2 AM embkd & arrived at Cumberland house at 11 AM & found all well - Peter Kirknefs died of the Jandice here the 3d ? about stopt where Hawkland is fishing & got a little with him - Mefs James Sutherland & Alex Kennedy both here - also found 6 men here ? 2 Canoes for the Northward - poor trading in this river every place & scarsely any provisions - on our arrival at Isle ala Crofse 4th Inst. we all received our English Letters besides a few from our friends in the Saskatchewan."

[no entry]

June 19
" Tuesday Mr Bird left this with 2 boats the 4th Inst. & new & Old Co. the 6th. These 2 days past the Men resting themselves - packing over a few bundles & some feathers to send down - at noon got away & put up at the elbow below the fishg weir at 8 PM. take down 2 bags of feathers of 70 lb each & 2 bundles of furs from here - Geo. Cromerty rems here & Ja. Morrowick goes down in his place."

June 20
" Wednesday Embarked at 4 & put up 3 hours down the S Branch near 1/2 way - at 7 1/2 many Young Geese in it - only shot 1 old one - saild part of the day - pafsed by a few low Country Inds & the Irroque Tawvisks? husband at Pasquia got from them the next to nothg of meat - got breakfast there."

June 21
" Thursday Embd at 3 1/4 muskettoes very numerous put up at the narrow of Cedar Lake at 8 PM - Strong heavy Sail wind the ? part & a head wind the latter part - very Smoaky airs."

June 22
" Friday Wind NE as yest. afternoon got ? at 2 places yest. in Cedar Lake - embarked at 4 AM & pafsed the big fall at breakfast time - found? a Canadian man ran away from Mr McTavish 7 days ago - he wished to accompany us gave him 5 lb of Pimmican, fish hooks, Steel, flint, line - ? wood - Shoes - Knives &c &c - pafsed the Egg Id at 7 PM & got many. went on Shore at the point 1 hour & boiled them & got supper then hoisted sail & went under an easy breeze."

June 23
" Saturday ? 10 AM this Mg - too much wind to proceed - & too ? - 1 1/2 mile on W side the big Stone."

June 24
" Sunday at 3 1/2 AM got underway - saild a little & put up near the head of Sea river at 8 PM - got several Egg in the Play green Lake - a head wind in that Lake till Evg Cold?"

June 25
" Monday At 3 3/4 got underway breakfastd 5 miles below? Sea river Carrying place. little water on the Big fall and below? here - pafsed thro the Jack river where Ja. Halcro wintd ? last Winter - The Canadians from Crofs Lake has pafsed here since he left it & has burnt it to ashes - damned rascals. put up a little below the Stony Beaver Dam in Each au way mamis at 9 PM - very Shoal in this river - Carried at 2 or 3 places."

June 26
" Tuesday at 3 1/2 AM got away & put up 3/4 of the way from the White fall to the Hill carrying place - strong wind ahead all day. Laid up Pimmican at white fall 2 1/2 Bags."

June 27
" Wednesday Got away at 3 1/2 & put up fall? half way thro the holy Lake at the head of the Big Island. at 7 PM a little rain & Thunder."

June 28
" Thursday at 4 AM embarked & arrived at Oxford House at 8 AM & found Mr McNab here?, Mefs Bird, Hallett, Whitford who wintd at Id Lake & Mr Sinclair here - also my Children & father & Mother in law all well. The Boats & Canoes have made a trip up here - reced all our Books &c from England - very few fish to be got here."

June 29
" Friday Mr McNab called in all there men that came from the Nwd. but not one would agree then to go except Wm Tomison - so that 2 Canoes are only to go there to fetch out the People & Goods from the Athapescow Country."

June 30
" Saturday Mr McNab went for the factory in 1 Canoe - with Thos. Goucher, Alex Birston, Garrock & Wm Leith."

[no entry]

July 6 1804
"Friday These days past packing up a few necefsary Goods & for the Northwards - On Wednesday - old Jepanish? & boy? George? went away for the factory gave him a handsome present - No Biscuit Salt Raisons - little Butter & Bacon - Mr Bird to bring it after us when it arrives from below - 2 Canoes of us 3 men each - left the House at 5 AM & put up at the mouth of the Rabbit Ground river at 8 1/2 PM - very hot."

July 7
" Saturday Arrived at the Hill carrying place at 9 AM (Embarked at 4 AM) could not leave it for heavy Rain & Thunder all day - a Man who killed a Canadian last winter or winter 1802 with his wife & Daughter in 2 Canoes - & an old woman pafsed us with a few furrs for Mr Sinclair - traded from him 4 dry swans - & quarriled severely with him."

July 8
" Sunday Strong Gales at W with frequent Showers of heavy Rain - only got over the White fall - & took up our Pimmican laid up as we went down."

July 9
" Monday at 4 AM Embarked - arrived at the Painted Stone at 11 - went down it to the Stony Beaver Dam & put up at 9 1/2 PM - rather dark - remarkably shoal - met some Inds in 2 bands going to Oxford House but they had no meat at all - but about 40 Skins."

July 10
" Tuesday Embarked at 4 1/2 AM & got out of the Each a way mam mis at 4 PM - carrying every thing & Canoes & all in 4 Places - also dragged her along over the mud in 2 or 3 places - put up at the end of the Black water at 7 1/2 PM - Wm Buges? Canoe detains us a good deal they go so very slow."

July 11
" Wednesday Embarked at 4 AM & put up at the Play Green at 8 1/2 PM - Pafsed Sea river Carrying place at 9 AM. Strong wind ahead."

July 12
" Thursday Got to the entrance of the Big Lake & obliged to remain all Day for wind at NW."

July 13
" Friday Embarked at 4 AM & obliged to put up 2 miles below the Big Stone for wind at 11 AM - wind at NW."

July 14
" Saturday at 4 AM got underway - & tracked a good deal along the Shore to the upper Carrying place - & saild from the end of the long point? - nearly 2 points? & put up at 9 1/4 PM - Calm? & clear?"

July 15
" Sunday Embarked at 4 1/2 AM - went 1 mile & retd having left 2 Books behind - arrived at the Big fall at 3 PM - went up it & put up at the upper ? - carried nothing."

July 16
" Monday Got all over & left the Carrying place at 10 1/2 AM & put up acrofs the crofs Lake on the Id - Wm Budge? broke a hole in his Canoe."

July 17
" Tuesday Got underway at 4 AM & stoped at the narrow of Cedar Lake 4 hours - for wind. Then paddled & saild to the Boyer? Island - with a very strong Gale at SE - & obliged to put there? at 7 PM - altho a sail wind."

July 18 & 19
" Wednesday & Thursday Lay by here - too much wind could not proceed - ballanced my account book &c."

July 20
" Friday at 6 1/2 AM Embarked & put up at the entrance of the South branch - found the Stabed Bungee & 4 more men on the Devils ? Id - from whom we traded 3 fresh Swans - & the dry meat of 2 Moose 1 Moose Skin & a few dry Sascuttun berries - & a little fatt. These Inds say that they are going towards their own country."

July 21
" Saturday Muskettoes very troublesome - embarked at 4 AM & got to the Burnt wood at 2 PM went up the Saskatchewan & put up at 7 1/2 AM - on N. S - water fallen 2 feet perpendicular in the river - no Swans or Geese to be seen. went up the South Branch. as the Inds told us 2 more was there with a quantity of meat & a few Skins - but we was not so fortunate as to find them."

July 22
" Sunday Embarked at 4 AM & put up at Pasquiau at 6 1/2 PM - heavy showers of rain in the afternoon."

July 23
" Monday Embarked at 3 1/2 AM & put up 2 reaches below the Fishing weir at at 8 PM on N side - very wet."

July 24
" Tuesday at 3 AM embarked & pafsed the Fishing weir at 5 1/2 arrived at the little river at 11 & arrived at Cumberland House at 5 PM - all well."

[no entry]

July 30
" Wm Flett with 4 men in one Canoe arrived in the Eveg with 40 lb? of Biscuit for self & Mr Swain - he says that the Boat will be here to morrow - John Moore is taken bad with the rheumatism in his shoulders - & unable to accompany us - we are therfore under the necefsity of waiting here until Mr Bird Arrives - to get another Man in his room - or other ways we would have been away yesterday if he had been well."

Aug. 1 1804
" Wednesday at 8 AM Mefs Bird Hallet Howse & Whitford arriv'd in 3 boats.these days past employed writing Letters for England & making every thing ready to Embark for the Athapescow."

Aug. 2
" Thursday Engaged Alex Birston in room of John Moore at his old wages - altho to act as Bowsman."

Aug. 3
" Friday at 10 AM Embarked with 2 Canoes but obliged to put up at the entrance of the big opening strong wind at SE - put up at 6 1/2 PM - got 4 Sturgeon from Wm Hawkland & Jn Brough? at the Fishing place - 4 Men pr Canoe - Viz. Alexander Birston James Morrowick - Ed Brown - Magnus Loutit - Wm Tomison John Wars - John Davy & John Manson - Mr Swain accompanies me."

Aug. 4
" Saturday at 5 AM Embarked & went about 3 miles & obliged to put up at the Large opening. too much wind at SE to proceed. lay by till 5 PM & embarked & arrived at the Mouth of Sturgeon Weir river at 7 1/2 PM & put up - pretty good water in the river."

Aug. 5
" Sunday at 4 1/2 AM got underway and put up at the entrance of Beaver Lake at 6 1/4 PM - fine Calm wea. - woods on fire at the SSW - Pitched the Canoes."

Aug. 6
" Monday at 5 AM Embarked & went to the Little Id near? the rivers mouth & took up the bag & 1/2 of Pimmican laid up as we passed down - found it in good condition. pafsed the Eagle Portage at 10 AM & put up at the Little hill Carrying place at 7 3/4 PM - water very high here."

Aug. 7
" Tuesday At 5 AM embarked & arrived at the Birch Portage at 9 AM. carried all over - & remained here for rain till 2 PM & again embarked & put up at the Pine Portage at 8 PM - showers of rain in the afternoon."

Aug. 8
" Wednesday at 5 AM got underway pafsed over the 4 Carrying Places together & put up at the entrance of the Woody Lake at 6 PM - too much wind to proceed - got Breakfast at Tu ran gos House on Pellican Lake. Sailed a little part of the Day."

Aug. 9
" Thursday at 4 AM Embarked & got acrofs the Lake at 9 & breakfasted arrived at the Frog Portage at noon found a Jepowyan Man here & his Son - from whom we traded 2 lb of fatt & 20 of Dry meat also a Cookg of fresh meat for all hands - Mr Linkletter with 2 Boats had pafsed here yesterday for the Isle ala Crofse - got away again & went over the Grand Rapid & put up. gave the Men an allowance of Brandy - The Jepowyan Man accompanied us - he says that the greater part of his countrymen in the low country are gone to their Lands."

Aug. 10
" Friday at 5 AM Embarked & arrived at the Kettle Portage at 10 1/2 AM & breakfasted - a little below found one Tent of Southern Indians belonging to the ? from whom we got only 1 Porcupine - Mr Linklater left a note here for me saying that he had traded a quantity of meat from them yesterday - found here 2 frenchmen who had come to get the Indians meat - but they come too late - put up on the Small Portage above the Rapid river at 7 PM - sailed part of the Day."

Aug. 11
" Saturday at 4 1/2 AM got underway a very thick fog in the morning that we could not see 20 yards any way which rather bewildered us - arrived at the Sugarloaf Portage at 9 AM & found Mr Linkletter here with 2 Boats & only 3 men in each to pull them along - They have 4 women which afsists them - helped them over these 2 Portages with their Boats - got breakfast together - & left them at the upper one at 1 PM. he says that Mr Auld hurt himself much by falling thro' the hatch at the factory in June - & that Mr Charles stays in the low Country - & that he & the above person have taken a Canadian Clerk prisoner & sent him down to Churchill in a Boat with 8 Men Ironed on the Hands - to be sent to England - for taking between 40 & 50 Skins from out of one of our Tents in charge of one of the Co. apprentices - last year - put up at the entrance of the Devils rapid river at 8 PM - Mr Linkletter put up at the Head of the otter Portage where we again saw him - he gave us about 12 lb of Dry meat - he has been fortunate in getting a good Quantity from Indians below the Frog Portage."

Aug. 12
" Sunday Took a letter from Mr Linkletter to Mr Raymond at Isle ala Crofse - Embarked at 4 AM & got over the Devils Portage at 10 - where Mr Linklatter again over took us & parted here for the last time - put up at the bad Crooked fall in the Creek at 6 1/4 PM - Thunder & Rain prevented our farther proceeding This Day could not find water to go up on the N side the Small Island - carried every thing here - Alex Birston carr'd? the long way & us over the rocks? after tracking up."

Aug. 13
" Monday at 5 1/4 AM got underway & pafsed over the fine? rocky Portage - & arriv'd at the Trout fall at 9 AM & carried over - & lay by till 5 PM with a strong gale at SW - a bundle fell into the water here - opened & dryed it - put up at the end of Trout Lake at 7 3/4 PM - Killed a Porcupine in the Lake."

Aug. 14
" Tuesday at 5 AM Embarked and pafsed over the Portage which we left at 11 AM - lay by here 2 hours for rain - a strong wind ahead - preceeded Mr Swain ahead thro' the Black Bear Id Lake & put up about 3/4 of the way thro it a little beyond the 2 rapids together a NNW Course on S side & at? a point of rocks & left here a pint & a half ? ? ? - showers of rain ?"

Aug. 15
" Wednesday at 4 1/2 AM embarked and went the old way & came to a very shoal place in the lake & obliged to carry every thing along shore 150 yards stones very sharp and bad - carried over the 3 Portages & left the upper one about 2 PM & put up at the first narrow in Snake Lake at 7 PM - where the Lightning had last fall split a large Poplar all to pieces - caught 12 small Jack with the Hook at the Portage into the Bears Lake."

Aug. 16
" Thursday at 4 3/4 AM got underway thro the Snake Lake at 8 1/2 & 2 hours over the Snake Rapids - found a fire? in the Sandy bay at the head of them? in the Lake & 4 small Tent ? of Jepowyans - overtook them a little beyond the Crofs Lake & got from them 4 lb of fatt - & 10 lb of Dry Meat & 13 Ducks - put up at the Head of the small crooked creek at 7 1/2 PM - The Inds come up with us & gave us 4 more Ducks & 3 Beaver Skins - & one Otter one of which belongs to Mr Linkletter for Credit - They are all going to the Isle ala Crofse house - 2 men & 1 old & 2 young lads with women & Children having 9 Canoes. They say that they have the Dry meat of 7 Moose laid up a good way from the Water near the Knee Lake killed by them in the Spring as they pafsed down here - Killed 1 Porcupine - head? of? Creek?"

Aug. 17
" Friday at 5 AM embarked & got thro the Grafs River to entrance of Knee Lake at 8 1/4 AM - breakfast & arriv'd acrofs it at 2 PM - quite calm - & fine - carried over the Small Rock & went over the bad rapids above it & put up at the entrance of Primos Lake at 7 1/2 PM. at the Portage below met 3 Canoes - 2 of Canadians & one of 2 Ind. Boys who we imagine are going to meet those Jepowyans we left this morning - all the rest proceeded forwards except one Canoe. Mr LaRock & Battist who return with us in company - Tremendous Thunder & Lightning - The early Part of the night from SW? to NE - with heavy rain a little while."

Aug. 18
" Saturday Lay by all Day - a very heavy gale at W - could not proceed."

Aug. 19
" Sunday at 4 AM got underway & arrived at the Portage acrofs Primos Lake at 10 AM. left it at 11 1/2 & put up on the last Portage to Isle ala Crofse at 6 1/4 PM - Heavy Thunder Lightning & Rain the beginning of the Night - The 2 Canadians still in company with us."

Aug. 20
" Monday At 4 1/2 AM got underway - rain in the Morng. Paddld & Saild & put up at a gravelly Point on the South Side opposite to the large Pine Hammock at 6 PM - showers of Wind & Rain - about 16 Miles from the House."

Aug. 21
" Tuesday a Strong Gale at S with cold cloudy wea. could not Embark - got a number of nuts - they are now pretty brown."

Aug. 22
" Wednesday at 3 AM Embarked still a heavy swell & paddld close along the South shore opposite to the house then saild to it & arrived at the Isle ala Crofse house at 9 1/4 AM - all well - but no provisions - & the Garden indifferent."

Aug. 23
" Thursday Remaind here all day. Pitched the Canoes & got every thing ready to Embark for the Athapescow tomorrow - 4 Days ago 2 Indians Crees & an Irroque arriv'd here from the Athapescow Lake - which place they left about a month ago - they say that the Jepowyans have killed 4 Canadians & 2 Children - & have pillaged one of their Houses at Font du Lac of every thing - they say that there is remarkable little water in the Methy River. - News? from the Beaver River says that they have got a very ? Quantity of Dry Provisions - the beat Meat is lefs than the fatt & that the New Co. have got the best? share? as they had of the furrs last winter - Jn. Forbert? & 1 frenchman comes from the Green Lake Late at Night 24th Inst - the water in Beaver river at the Rapids is so little as scarsely to float a small Indian Canoe."

Aug. 24
" Friday Got the Canoes Loaded & ready to Embark at 6 AM when Mr Linkletter with his 2 Boats arrived here which detained us all Day - Got a supply of Potatoes here Mr Linkletter is to get me a Box & Desk made by Jn Robertson Carpenter."

Aug. 25
" Saturday at 7 AM Left Isle ala Crofse - Yesterday the Blacksmith & his Wife left here of the Old Co. to go before us to get any thing Inds may have should any be in the road - put up at the entrance of Buffalo Lake Narrow at 7 PM - Saw the Rat Partridge head & one more Jepowyan at the Entrance of Egg Lake at 5 PM - from the former we got 8 lb of fatt - 40 lb of Dry meat & 20 lb of Pimmecan - & 2 small shoulders of a young Moose - for Liquor - he was very troublesome - The Blacksmith was here & got every thing the other 2 Men Had - in his Canoe - the rat had 33 MB - which we counted & directed to Mr Linkletter besides put on the Co. Mark HB - & sent a note to him about it - The Blacksmith returned to his house - gave the Ratt Liquor for all we got from him - he goes for the House tomorrow - 7 Canoes of them."

Aug. 26
" Sunday Thick drizzling Rain in the Morning only. Embarked at 6 AM saild acrofs the first opening & paddled the remainder of the Day & put up at the Mouth of the Methy River at 7 PM - water shoal not so much as reported by the Indians - pretty calm all thro the Large part of the Lake."

Aug. 27
" Monday At 4 1/2 AM embarked & arrived at the lower end of the lower rapids at 9 AM - took out 1/2 Cargo & proceeded up with 3 men each Canoe - 2 remd below taking Care of the rest. - in 4 1/2 hours they got to the upper part of them & returned back & slept below with 2 Men - 2 remains here. Mr Swain & self & Co. went along shore on the South Side 2 hours walk altho only about 4 miles - the road the upper 2/3 is very Thicketty & swampy with much wind fall wood - fine wea."

Aug. 28
" Tuesday At 9 1/4 The Men with the Canoes came to us with the remainder of our Cargo - left it at 11 1/2 Rain pretty smartly for 3 hours - put up at the head of the upper Rapids at 8 PM - 2 Men carried 12 Pieces & the other 2 Men each Canoe went up with it with the remainder of the things."

Aug. 29
" Wednesday Rain in the night - Pitched the Canoes & Embarked at 7 AM enter'd Methy Lake at 9 a heavy swell in the Lake shipped a deal of water near the entrance - wind right? ahead - breakfasted at the point only 1 3/4 hours in going to it all paddling - 1 1/2 hours to the point beyond & laid up our poles & Paddles Mast Yards &c - got to the Methy Carryg place at 3 PM & tied up ready to carry tomorrow morning. Mr Swain Set a Trap (steel) for a Beaver in the small Creek - tomorrow."

Aug. 30
" Thursday Our Men got to the 2 1/3 Mile."

Aug. 31
" Friday Mr Swain killed a large Beaver - put up at the Well at 4 1/2 Miles."

Sept. 1 1804
" Saturday Mr Swain & self went to the Little Lake & the Men put up near 6 1/2 Miles - Many Geese flying to the Southwards - 1 Goose - Cold windy wea. NW strong."

Sept. 2
" Sunday Our Men put up at 8 1/4 Mile - 1 Goose."

Sept. 3
" Monday Our Men came to us at 6 AM & we crofsed the Small Lake & went acrofs the Portage - The Men slept 1/2 way to the top of the Bank - 4 partridges & 2 Ducks - Great many Geese flyg to the Southward. a very cold night - Cold windy wea. & showers."

Sept. 4
" Tuesday Our Men got the Goods below the ?. Ice on the Kettle last night 1/3 Inch thick - the first frost we have had this Season - 8 Partridges."

Sept. 5
" Wednesday 2 Short Spells & brot down the Goods to the waters edge - last night they brot down the Canoes & pitched them - & at 8 AM embarked & the Men slept at the upper end of the 3d Portage & I at the bottom - water shoal - saw a heard of 15 Buffalo opposite the 2d Portage on the N side went after 1 bull fired at & did not kill it."

Sept. 6
" Thursday at 9 3/4 Got to the lower end of the fall & carried over the last one & left it at 12 - & put up within 2 hours of the Mouth at 6 PM - at 3 of the New Co. Irroques - who has Trapped about 70 or 80 MB in this river below the Portage - Traded from them self & Men about 12 MB - also the flesh of 3 small beaver - & a little half dry in the eveng - mostly all for Liquor - they got very drunk 2 of them & fought much."

Sept. 7
" Friday a very thick fog & had frost in the night & has been these 4 nights past - embarked at 5 1/2 & in 2 hours got out of this river & 2 miles below the junction. found 7 Men Jepowyans with their families - 2 men when they was assured that we were the English called to us - to come on shore to trade meat - all the Women & Children being sent away with the woods - as they are much afraid of the french killing them - on account of their Countrymen killed 4 Canadians & 2 ? one? of 17 & the other of 22 years old - Their Canoes & every thing was hid in the woods close along a Creek on the N side - Traded from them above 500 lb of dry meat good - 120 lb of fatt - & 100 lb of Beat Meat & about 25 MB - for 10 lb of Powder 9 of Shott 20 flints - 6 lb of Tob. - 2 Qts of Spirits - a Gun & 2 1/2 yds of Cloth - got also from them a ? ? the part of 2 Moose - gave them a few lines to take to Mr Auld at Churchill - as they say that they will all go there - next spring - put up opposite the big fork at 4 PM & tyed up our meat? &c - the Canoes are so full that we can scarsely paddle them without upsetting them - fine day."

Sept. 8
" Saturday left this at 6 AM rain last night & this Mg - went 2 miles & found the Laughing Indian a Cree with 2 Tents of them on an Id - from whom we traded about 50 MBeaver worth of Provisions principally dry - just as we had traded it a Mr Norman Mcleod of the Old Co. arrived in one Canoe with 8 Men & 3 women. he has only been 5 Days says he left Isle ala Crofse - besides a few hours this Mg - he came purposely forward fast to get any thing the Indians might have - he got nothing here - gave him 2 sides of ribs - & he embarked in 10 minutes. Obliged to get the lent of 2 of the largest of these? Indian Canoes for 5 1/2 pint of Liquor each to assist to carry down to the house the Provisions Traded - as our Canoes are piled high - to send these 2 Canoes back - after we return to the Lake. Left the Inds at 9 AM. Mr McLeod left the Rainy Lake 4? Aug. - Mefs Leith & Rochblave of New Co. he says are on the Portage LaLeche? with 6 Canoes - put up about 15 Miles above the Pipe Stone late at night - on N side - met several Crees going up toward the forks & Traded from them a few Skins & a little Beat meat & fatt: small rain at times - 6 Inches Snow at Methy Carryg Place."

Sept. 9
" Sunday Embarked at 5 AM & put up at the fine Stony point on N Side at Sun set - flying showers."

Sept. 10
" Monday at 5 AM embarked & pafsed Ponds House at 2 PM went down the west branch & put up at the head of the first large Id which is 1/2 way from Ponds to the head of the Little umbarras river - few Geese to be seen."

Sept. 11
" Tuesday at 4 1/2 AM embarked & got to the entrance of the little Umbarras river at 10 left it at 11 & in 2 1/3 hours got to the lower end of it - went up the west branch towards peace river as we think the Lake too shoal - found a few Inds New Co. Chief from whom we got meat of one Moose & 2 Moose Skins - arrived at the House at 5 AM & found all well. Mr Swain with Ed brown in a small Canoe went the short way & arrived before us - showers of rain - in the night the New Co. Chief sent his woman & the Shining Rocks with some beat meat & fatt & 1 Parchment Skin which they Traded for Liquor - also a few Geese - neither old nor New Co. have had either Liquor or Tobacco this Summer here. Traded here this Summer [blank] MB - Dry Meat [blank] lb - Beat Meat lb Fatt lb & Moose skins [all blank]"

Sept. 12
" Wednesday Rob Flett came home with 5 Tickg - Mefs Porter? & Thompson arrived from Slave Lake with 4 large Canoes & Packs? - went over there they say that all sides has left their former Houses & are now buildg at the Moose Id in Slave Lake at the old fishing Place."

Sept. 13
" Thursday The above Gentlemen came over here along with Mr Wintzel - & at 10 AM Mefs Leith & Rochblave arriv'd in 2 Canoes - Making things ready to send Mr Swain away."

Sept. 14
" Friday Mefs Leith Haldane & Rochblave came over here & paid us what they borrowed from us the Spring 12 months past - a big Keg of Brandy & one of Powder."

Sept. 15
" Saturday Sent away 5 Men Yesterday with a big Canoe & the Inds 2 small ones - with Trading Goods they are to go up to the forks & Trade Provisions & to get the Laughing Indian if possible to come down here and hunt for us - The 2 Men also brot home the Nets from the big rock where they have been fishing all Summer - Strong Gale with Rain at N - our Canoe for Slave Lake could not Embark in the Mg - Mr McKenzie of New Co. in a small Canoe from Slave Lake with 2 Men arriv'd & brot a letter from Jn Steven - who began to build 15th July."

Sept. 16
" Sunday at 7 AM Mr Swain with 2 Canoes & 4 Men Alex Birston - Mag. Loutit - Jn Davy & Jn Manson set off for Slave Lake - went over to the New Co. - & got the Line of News Papers from ? as late as 17th March & Cabbots? Register. 4 of the New Co. Canoes arrived with 2 Clerks Mr Black & McDonald - also a Mr Grant along with Mr Leith. 3 Men at home - drying the dry meat over again &c - all the Old Co. Officers at Jack Lake fishing for themselves - as they have little Provisions - yestdy Mr Clark & 6 Men went up Peace river in a large Canoe in the Morning."

Sept. 17
" Monday Employed Drying meat - The last of the New Co. Canoes arrived (5) - fine wea."

Sept. 18
" Tuesday Finished drying all our meat - one man making a small bed for the 2 boys & the other 2 digging up all our potatoes 7 1/2 big Kegs - also took up A big Keg of the largest of our Turnips the others still down - Mr McKenzie of New Co. went away for Slave Lake with 4 Canoes - and 23 Men 2 ? included & Mr McDonald - also an Indian Cree to hunt for him - Very fine wea."

Sept. 19
" Wednesday fine hot Wea. - Stowed by all our dry Provisions [In the margin "800 lb Dry mt, 400 Bt meat, 230 Fatt, 3 bag of Pimmican"] & cleaned within the House & about the Door - Finished the bed & put down one net here - gave our 2 men 1 pt of Powder & 8 ? of Shot to Kill Geese & they went away. at night Shining Rocks Son brot 13 Geese & a little beat Meat - gave him ammunition for more & to be in in 4 nights ? - gave the New Co. Chief 3 Qt liquor & ammunition to bring Geese in a few days."

Sept. 20
" Thursday Shining Rock brot us 5 Geese & 4 Ducks for Liquor. our Men came home with 17 Geese & 8 Ducks. got 6 Tickg & net full of Grafs - Made Pasteboard for Bookcovers. at 8 PM 2 of the New Co. Canoes? went for Peace river - & slept at our Island - Kept a watch all night to prevent their robbing the Garden or Stealing our Dogs."

Sept. 21
" Friday Early this Mg Mr Rochblave of the New Co. went away with 1 Canoe for Peace river - Gave our 2 Men 2 Qts of Powder & 16 measures of Shott & they went away to kill Geese - 1 Tickameg."

Sept. 22
" Saturday 2 Tickameg - only 1/2 a net down. made books ready for Binding - Tables & Vinces Astronomy - Shining Rock brot us 3 Geese & 5 Skins Part of an old Tent 1 Moose Skin - & a little fatt & Deer Skin - also gave him a little Ammunition to kill Geese for us."

Sept. 23
" Sunday Mr Ja. McKenzie came over here in a big Canoe - & got the lone? of 3.3.1 p? of high Spirits - 36 lb of G G Shott - 27 ? of Powder - bags? included - he says that they have all come from the Jack Lake & are now at the Goose Id where they arriv'd yesterday - In the Eveng Mr Leith of the new Co. went away for Peace River with 4 Canoes - 7 now there - also Mr Black & Grant gone there - our men came home with Geese 23 & 8 Ducks - went to New Co. House."

Sept. 24
" Monday Salted a Keg of Geese - tyed up our Skins 76 MB Repg nets & cleaned out the warehouse. 13 old Co. Men came all armed with Guns to New Co. House to Take a Woman away which they got. Last night 8 of the Old Co. Canoes arrived at the Goose Id. - William Henry a half breed arrived from Peace river & paid us his debt [blank] MB - & went into the New Co."

Sept. 25
" Tuesday Mr Kennedy with 1 Canoe & 5 men went to build in the Bark river - also 1 Canoe of Old Co. went for the Slave Lake - also one for the Bark river - ? Mr Tate came over for Tools to make Bellows."

Sept. 26
" Wednesday at 3 PM our 5 Men returned in the big Canoe from the forks - & brot down which they have traded 120 lb of fatt 140 lb of Dry Meat 20 lb of Pimmican & 100 lb beat Meat - 2 Parchment Skins - 1 Moose Skin - also the Meat of 1 1/2 Moose - which our Men Killed one in going up & the other just above Ponds House as they came down - The Laughing Man would not come down to hunt for us alone - Traded 10 MB. 13 Canoes of Old Co. Passed them as they went up - as they Passed the french house at the Pipe Stone the Canadians abused our People much with the tongue for their going to Trade with the Crees - 1 Tickg from our Net at the House - Stitched Maya? & Halleys tides."

Sept. 27
" Thursday Stitched Vinces Astronomy - Sent Rob Flett & Ed Brown with nets to set at the Gros Cape - & the rest of our men making their Hatchets in readinefs to Cut firewood tomorrow - Salted a Keg of Moose Meat. Ribs, Belly Piece - Sinnew pieces & the meat of the rump - Women cleaning the 2 Green Skins to make Line &c of. 6 of the Old Co. Canoes went to Peace river - Strong Wind at NE & Cold - Mr Fraser went up Peace river with 2 Beaver Inds."

Sept. 28
" Friday Rain nearly all Day with strong wind at NE - Men took the water out of our Cellars - & 2 makg Nets - 2 Southern Inds arrived at NCo. House."

Sept. 29
" Saturday 4 Men cut firewood at the Point & one Makg nets. - Ed Brown came home with 6 Waweys & 5 Jack."

Sept. 30
" Sunday Berreboo & 2 Men went away with the 2 Crees that came on Friday - to go to the forks to Winter - 2 of Old Co. Canoes went for Peace river with the other 2 Beaver Indians."

Oct. 1 1804
" Monday Rain nearly all yestdy & this Day. great Quantities of Geese flying to the Southward - 2 Men Cut firewood & 2 getting up mud to plaster our Houses - Tom? began to write - New Co. paid me 2 fm Calico for medicine to ? at Cumb. Ho. - Bob flett came home with 12 Tickg & 3 Jack also 4 Waweys - The 3 Men of New Co. came back as the Inds would not accompany them to the forks."

Oct.2
" Tuesday Mr Porter with 2 Canoes went away he is to winter at Bears Lake & Mr Wintzel at the forks in McKenzies river - - & in the Evening 3 very light loaded Canoes with 4 Men each went for the Slave Lake - 2 Canoes of Crees Crooked fingers arrived at the New Co. - & gave us 2 Geese & a good Bladder of fatt as they passed. Mens employ as yesterday - Showers of Snow the first we have had this Season."

Oct. 3
" Wednesday Ed Brown brot home 14 Tickg - 16 Jack 2 Perch & 3 Geese - Mr Dunnett unwell - one cut firewood - 2 mudded the back of our house & Ja. Kirknefs drying the dry meat ? he brot down - 2 Canoes of Old Co. for Slave Lake Slept on the Island - Kept watch all night."

Oct. 4
" Thursday Early this Morning Mr Thompson in 1 Canoe & ? went for the Slave Lake - There is 9 Canoes gone there - 3 to winter in McKenzies River & Bear Lake & the other 6 at the Moose R? & Mountain De Leisle. Mr Stewart with the 3 last of Old Co Canoes also arrived from the Portage - They left Cumb. House the 5th Sept. - Late in the Evg Ja. McKenzie came over for me in a large Canoe - went there & retd at 2 AM - Mr Haldane was also there. Men as before & Mr Dunnet at work."

Oct. 5
" Friday Yesterday Mr McLeod & all the people? for other places left the Goose Id where they have been fitting out the Canoes. - this Morning 2 Canoes of Old Co. went for P. River. - and at 5 PM Mefs McLeod & Stewart went off with 2 Men to the Same place - they have they say 16 Canoes there in all - finished Mudding our House - & the other 2 Men Cutting firewood - Rob flett came home with 8 Tickg & 16 Jack & 2 Perch - & 1 Goose & told them to come home with the nets to morrow."

Oct. 6
" Saturday Our 2 fishermen came home & brot 4 fish & all the nets - went to Old Co. & got the Ephemeris Nautical for 1799 - belonging to Mr Stewart. Mudded the out side of the Shed - & 2 Made a Door for a fishing house at the Goose Id. - Our Women found a Gallon Keg of High Spirits on the little Id here belong to the Old Co. - They have lost 8 by falling into the water in the nt?"

Oct. 7
" Sunday Gave out 5 nets for our Men to take to the Goose Island."

Oct. 8
" Monday Sent Rob. Flett Edward Brown & 3 more Men to the Goose Id to fish the 2 former to stay there & the 3 others to assist to build a small house for them to remain in & the other 3 to return with fish on wednesday night. They took a large? & Small Canoe with them. our 3 Men here Mudded all within my Room & the Chimney."

Oct. 9
" Tuesday The 2 Men plastering in the Kitchen."

Oct. 10
" Wednesday Yesterday Joseph Noe another Canadian & 1 Woman went for Isle ala Crofse in a small Canoe. Men Came home with 108 Tickg 25 Jack 14 Perch 12? Suckers - & have built the height of the wall? a Small House 10 by 12 within? fort?. - went over to Old Co. to Dinner. Our Men plasterg & filling up the Cracks all without the House - Upset the Canoe very strong Gale came on all at once - just after I crofsed over the Channel."

Oct. 11
" Thursday Sent Ja. Kirknefs & Wm Dunnett to kill Geese & Ducks - They have Dry meat with them to save what they? Kill - 2 filling up the Cracks without - & one Plaining Boards for Cuting? against the Table - Changed a new 3 1/2 ft Gun for another 3 ft one a fine Gun with Mr? Taite?"

Oct. 12
" Friday Took up my floor edged the Plank & laid it down again except 2 boards - two men at it & myself - our 2 Hunters came home with only 1 Wawey - altho plenty of Geese - Mr McKenzie & La Caille came over with the Ammunition &c borrowed from us this fall - They also took over 3 of their Dogs who has been here."
[Something in the margin]

Oct. 13
" Saturday Sent 3 Men to the Goose Id - for fish & brot 42 Tick. & 27 Jack - finished laying the floor & put up the boards behind the Table also put windows into the Mens House - Kitchen & My Room & filled up the cracks in my room."

Oct. 14
" Sunday fine Calm wea. Ja. Kirknefs on hunting & Got 3 waweys & 1 Duck."

Oct. 15
" Monday Strong Gales at NE - 2 Men took earth out of the hill - 2 made the Kitchen Chimney 1/2 yard higher on account of Smoak - & the Others put up 2 Kegs of the Smallest of our potatoes for seed - also 4 More in Kegs & a half still remains - the Others cut firewood."

Oct. 16
" Tuesday Sent 3 Men for fish - & they took earth with them to make the Chimney at the Goose Id - 1 Cut wood & J Kirknefs on hunting - finished binding the last of my books - 4 vols of Reverus? & 3 of Alm. Naut. for 9 years - 40 Tickg & 16 Jack from the Goose Island & brot home Wm Dunnetts Dog who has eat there 24 Tickameg - Mr Haldane Piling up their Charcoal to burn."

Oct. 17
" Wednesday 1 Man Sharpening the Crofs cut Saw & afterwards went with the Cook & cut firewood at the Island the others cleaned out my Cellar & stowed by the Potatoes 6 Kegs & 1/2 in all - The Men also repaired their ? ? - Ja. Kirknefs came home in the Evg with 11 Ducks & 2 Geese - yestd put a new touch hole in a Gun for William Henry a 1/2 breed of New Co."

Oct. 18
" Thursday Mefs Haldane Andr. McKenzie & James McKenzie came over here - cold wea - 3 Men cut firewood - one Washing? the Walls of my Room - & J. Kirknefs putting by Nets &c to take to the fishing Id tomorrow. - took up the last of our Turnips - a big Keg of them."

Oct. 19
" Friday Sent 3 Men to the Fishing Id with James Kirknefs & the 2 Boys to remain their - & the other 3 to return with fish - cold wea. - slided the Canoe over the Ice a considerable distance from the Shore - The 2 Men at home employed cutting & collecting firewood - intended to send one man away to kill a few Ducks but could not get from our Island for Ice."

Oct. 20
" Saturday Much Ice in the Lake. Men as before."

Oct. 21
" Sunday Strong Wind at S & broke up a part of the Ice - William Henry & Courtway with their Families come here from the Gros Cape - with their 2 Canoes over the Ice - went over to Old & New Co. - very bad crofsing."

Oct. 22
" Monday At 2 PM our 3 Men came from the Goose Id with the Canoe - having had much difficulty to reach here for the Ice - as the Lake was nearly all frozen over thick when the strong wind yesterday nearly broke it in pieces again - yesterday the Ice stoped at the Id above on S side - Our Men brot home no fish - as they could not put down nets. Jn Wars overhauling all our old nets here to put down 1 or 2 here & only found 2 for any use whatever."

Oct. 23
" Tuesday Mefs Haldane & McKenzie came over here & gave the Latter a lefson in Astronomy - Ice shut up on N Side the Id & opened on S S in the Evening - William Henry & Courtway went away down Slave river in 2 Canoes to where the Salt is found above the Rapids - 2 Men rpg an old fishing Canoe - 3 Cut firewood & set 1 net under the Ice - A wolf came near the House - Gave the 4 men here 1 bag of Pimmican to use at times."

Oct. 24
" Wednesday Overhauled our net Twice - Mg & Eveng & got 37 Tickg & 6 Perch - & 23 Tickg & 1 Perch & 1 Jack & 1 Carp - much Ice driving in out of the Lake - backed part of a net & found it very badly made - & let it alone - made net sticks &c "

Oct. 25
" Thursday Overhauled our net & got 43 Tickg 1 Perch 3 Methy & 1 Jack - took it up & put another down - wind changed & blew hard at NW - that drove the Ice over the net that we had difficulty to get it again - Men as yestdy - & repg nets - old ones - put in 2 windows into the Trading Room."

Oct. 26
" Friday Rain Snow & Sleet all Day - 2 Men repairing 10 Sledges - 1 repg nets & one Making 4 Dogs Traces - Cleaned out both warehouses - Much Ice driving down."

Oct. 27
" Saturday Men as Yesterday - Ice driving - Warm Wea. - Frenchmen went to Goose Id for fish."

Oct. 28
" Sunday Thick fogg - frenchmen retd from? Goose Id with fish - little Ice in the Lake except in the Shoals."

Oct. 29
" Monday Repaired the Kitchen Chimney & lowered the hearth - one repg nets - little Ice driving - 3 Swans pafsed here from Slave Lake way - very fine calm Afternoon."

Oct. 30
" Tuesday Put down one old net. Men cutting firewood & one repg old nets."

Oct. 31
" Wednesday 50 Tickg 1 Methy & 1 Perch - & put down another 1/2 a net - Men gathering the firewood in a pile they have cut lately."

Nov. 1 1804
" Thursday 68 Tickg 4 Jack & 3 Perch - only 1 1/2 old nets down - 2 men making a Big Sled to haul firewood on. much Ice driving out of the Lake. Haldane & McKenzie came over - finished burning their Charcoal - 5 Days from the time they lighted it to the time it was sufficently burnt. 10 Chords of wood."

Nov. 2
" Friday 49 Tickg 3 Perch & 2 Methy - laid up our 2 large Canoes in the woods - & cut firewood - thawed a little - very much Ice driving down - & choaked up S side the Island."

Nov. 3
" Saturday 50 Tickg 3 Perch 3 Methy & 2 Jack & 1 Trout. - finished laying up our 2 Large Canoes - men cut firewood - put down another old net in place of the old half - Much Ice driving. in the eveng nly? Clear?"

Nov. 4
" Sunday 55 Tickg 5 Methy 2 Perch 2 Jack & 1 Carp."

Nov. 5
" Monday 39 Tick 5 Methy & 3 Perch - Men cut wood for legs & barrs for a Table."

Nov. 6
" Tuesday Men cutting down dry firewood 40 Tick - 11 Methy 6 Perch & 2 Suckers - Put down a 1/2 net more."

Nov. 7
" Wednesday 45 Tick 3 Methy & 8 Perch - 1 Man makg Snow Shoes in ? - & the woman netting them - & Cut Dry firewood - Ice stopt at the Id - both Channels no Ice coming down."

Nov. 8
" Thursday 1 man makg & repairg Snow Shoes - & the others cut green wood - 44 Tickg - 6 Methy 3 Perch 1 Trout & 4 Jack."

Nov. 9
" Friday only 10 Tickg & 8 Methy - all the nets got froze to the Ice - [In the margin "Bitch"] & obliged to cut the 1 1/2 entirely out from end to end - the other in place - The water was not more than 2 feet deep - Moved 1 1/2 net further out to deep water the only ones we have now down - no more water to put any more down - went to New & Old Co. - & brot home all our Tools."

Nov. 10
" Saturday 2 Men makg Candles - & the other cut firewood - 24 Tickg & 2 Perch."

Nov. 11
" Sunday Mefs Haldane & McKenzie crofsed over the Ice here the first any has crofsed as yet - 40 Tickg ? Methy & 2 Perch."

Nov. 12
" Monday One Man finished the 2 Sledges for haulg firewood & the others cut firewood - McKenzie brot over his watch to repair & 3 Quire of writg Paper. 32 Tickg - 2 Perch & 2 Methy. 3 of Old & 2 of New Co. Men came from the Goose Id - the first any has come from there over the Ice - few fish there."

Nov. 13
" Tuesday 2 Men hauling firewood with the Dogs in the big Sledge - 16 Tick 1 Sucker & 2 Perch - yesterday finished makg 131 Candles - 30 lbs of fatt - gave the Men 20 Candles."

Nov. 14
" Wednesday Robt. Flett came from the Island for nets & gave him 2 new & 1 old net - 2 Chisels - 1 file - 1 hauling line - 1 piece of Tent to put round the net holes - 1 Quart of Spirits - They have 6 nets now down & got 80 fish this Mg - They have 300 in Store - The Old Co. are starving - McKenzie went over to the Id - The Ice is so very rough that we cannot? haul fish till Snow comes - only 4 Tick 2 Methy & 1 Perch."

Nov. 15
" Thursday Sent James Morrowick Along with Bob flett to afsist to back & put down 2 more new nets - The men here hauling firewood upon the Dogs - at 1 this Morning The Catt an Indian Woman to Sir Alex McKenzie formerly died - at the Old Co. House - She has been lingering ever since the middle of Sept. - they buried her this eveng."

Nov. 16
" Friday Remarkable fine clear calm & warm weather three? days past - Men hauling firewood."

Nov. 17
" Saturday Men hauling firewood - & overhauled the nets - 18 Tickg - 1 Perch 1 Jack & 2 Methy."

Nov. 18
" Sunday Mefs Haldane Tate & McKenzie came over here to dinner - a Bluefly on the Window flyg about."

Nov. 19
" Monday 28 Tickg & 1 Methy - Ja. Morrowick & Tom came from the Goose Id - with 20 Perch - They say that on Friday night - The Ice broke there & they nearly lost their? nets - The New Co. lost 2 & old Co 4 - They have about 600 fish or? upwards mostly Perch - Men haulg firewood."

Nov. 20
" Tuesday Finished haulg all our Dry wood except 2 small piles - Ja. Morrowick planed stuff for chairs? & became badly with a Pain in his back - Ice broke up a little here yesterday - & took over 4 Old Axes to repair to the New Co. - crofsed in a Canoe."

Nov. 21
" Wednesday Sent Mr Dunnet & woman to snare Rabbits Trap, hunt Partridges &c Went? 1 mile from the House - Ja. Morrowick badly - Jn Rofs afsisting the french Smith the repair 4 of our falling Axes - & he brot them home. 21 Tickg 1 Perch & 2 Methy."

Nov. 22
" Thursday On Sunday? night Ja. McKenzie had 3 men come here from Grants old House where they have built & the New Co. also, - in case any Inds pafses that way - but as the Jepowyans have done mischief this Summer here - there is 10 to 1 against their any of them coming here this Winter. Jn Rofs over afsistg the french Smith to make a small ax for my self & screws for a cutting prefs for books - 8 Tickg & 2 Jack - Ja. Morrowick well & making a frame for a Table - The other 2 cut a Track to haul green wood Thro'."

Nov. 23
" Friday Men makg the big Sledge ready for fetching fish - Finished the Table - Men cut firewood."
[something in the margin]

Nov. 24
" Saturday A Wolf near the House - Woman killed a few rabbits on the Id. - Sent 2 Men with the big Sledge to haul fish - & Ja. Morrowick went with them to afsist to overhaul the nets."

Nov. 25
" Sunday Snowy bad wea. - Wm Dunnet only killed 2 rabbits & 2 Parts."

Nov. 26
" Monday bad weath. - nobody at home but the Cook."

Nov. 27
" Tuesday our 2 Men came home with the big Slege & 138 fish of sorts from the Goose Id. - mostly Perch. - on Monday last they was obliged to take up all the Nets being drove full of small Ice - on friday They got the last of them down again - Ed Brown badly."

Nov. 28
" Wednesday Sent 2 Men with all the Dogs & flatt sleges for Fish as there is a good quantity of snow - took up our old net at the House & 1/2 net & got 25 Tickg 4 Methy - 3 Jack & 1 Perch - went to Mr Haldanes womans Snares? Snares? she came home with every thing."

Nov. 29
" Thursday on Tuesday Mg Mr Sanger & 1 Man of the Old Co. went for Peace River with Letters - several of their Men at the Goose Id are near starving - & comes often to beg fish from our Men - & pick up the Methy thrown? away - Thick fog - men retd with 9 Sledges of fish."
[In the margin " 140 Tickg 110 Perch"]

Nov. 30
" Friday Our 2 Men went for fish - went & dined in compy with Mr Haldane & McKenzie of Old Co."

Dec. 1 1804
" Saturday Our 2 Men came home with 10 Sleges of fish - very heavy Snow & warm - Ther. +34 - The wolf that was about here has nearly killed our young bitch at the Id."
[In the margin" 160 Tickg 120 Perch"]

Dec. 2
" Sunday Sent our Men for fish."

Dec. 3
" Monday Our Men retd with fish - they say that one of our Men at the Id has killed the wolf in a Steel Trap."

Dec. 4
" Tuesday Our Men returned to the Island."

Dec. 5
" Wednesday They returned with 10 sledges of Fish - & went back to the Id again."
["160 Perch 140 Tickg"]

Dec. 6
" Thursday ? ? ? ? ? - & Ja. Kirknefs came home."
[list of fish]

Dec. 7
" Friday Ja. Kirknefs & man returned to the Goose Island for the last of our fish."

Dec. 8
" Saturday 3 of our Men came home with the last of our fish from the Goose Id - Ja. Kirknefs & Charley remains a while here until the fish House at the Island is fixed up - & 6 nets put down."
["45 Jack. 1595 in all from Goose Id over the Ice"]

Dec. 9
" Sunday Courtway & 1 Man of the Old Co. comes from William towards? the falls in Slave river They are near starved to death - & people is to be sent to them with Provisions - Our 2 Men retd to Goose Id with all the dogs & sledges to get every thing away from there to the fishing Id - & remain there until fish is ? to load all the Sledges."

Dec. 10
" Monday Wm Dunnet came to stay at home with Tent & every thing as he cannot kill any Rabbits altho plentiful - Bad drifting Wea."

Dec. 11
" Tuesday Sent one Man on hunting Partridges but got nothing - The other Man & Woman put up some snares for Rabbits - Wm Dunnet only killd 8 all the time he was away."

Dec. 12
" Wednesday One on hunting as Yesterday & got nothg & the other put down a few more Snares & got 3 Rabbits."

Dec. 13
" Thursday Men as yestdy - No Partridges & 3 Rabbits."

Dec. 14
" Friday Neither Rabbits nor Partridges - on Wednesday 2 of our Dogs came home after the french ? from the Id."

Dec. 15
" Saturday William Henry & one Canadian with their 2 Women went for the Pelican River to hunt Buffalo. 1 Partridge & no rabbits."

Dec. 16
" Sunday A wolf came about here."

Dec.17
" Monday french Smith made us a pair of fire tongs of 3 Ice Chissels - & Wm Dunnet blew the bellows."

Dec. 18
" Tuesday Wm Dunnet over at french house getting a fallg Hatchet & Steel Trap repaired. 2 Rabbits."

Dec. 19
" Wednesday Our 2 Men came from the Fishing Id with the first fish from thence - 2 Partridges."

Dec. 20
" Thursday Got another fallg Ax repd - 1 rabbit."

Dec. 21
" Friday Men cut firewood 1 Rabbit."

Dec. 22
" Saturday Sent 2 Men for fish with all the dogs. They have taken small pines? for? beacons upon the Lake - very warm weather - Wm Dunnet made a Pair of Snow Shoes - Stitched Wistens? Astro. Lectures along with the Key to the Nautical Ephemeris."

Dec. 23
" Sunday Fine warm weather - 2 Rabbits."

Dec. 24
" Monday 1 Rabbit - Wm Dunnet makg Snow Shoes."

Dec. 25
" Tuesday 1 Rabbit - dined at Mr Haldanes."

Dec. 26
" Wednesday Men came home with fish"
["280 Tick 20 Trout"]

Dec. 27
" Thursday Men retd to Id - 1 rabbit."

Dec. 28
" Friday 2 rabbits."

Dec. 29
" Our Men retd from the Island with fish."
["293 Tickg 7 Trout"]

Dec. 30
" Sunday Our 2 Men retd to the Id for fish - sent for the fishermen for new years day. 3 fresh & 3 salt Geese - 2 fresh Ducks 30 lb of Dry Meat 1 bladder of fatt 15 lb of fresh meat - 1/4 lb Chocolate & 1/2 Pint of Tea - 1/2 pt Spices? - 6 rabbits, 6 Partridges & 2 lb of Bacon - also about? 4 Galls of Turnips & Potatoes 1 Qt Wine 1 Qt high Spirits & 1 pint of rum & 1 Qt of Butter."

Dec. 31
" Monday Very bad driftg Snow weather."

Jan. 1 1805
" Tuesday Mefs McKenzie & Haldane dined here - a wolf got into the Steel Trap & broke the chain & went away with the Trap - 4 wolves at the fishing Id - which has killed 1 & nearly another of the New Co. Dogs there."

Jan. 2
" Wednesday 2 Men after the Wolf & killd it on the Big Island - over? ? house "

Jan. 3
" Thursday Laid up 580 old? Tickg - caught at the Goose Id - in the ? - there is 520 Perch & 600 new? Tick left 25 Trout & about 30 Jack - bad drifting weather."

Jan. 4
" Friday Much Drift men cut firewood."

Jan. 5
" Saturday Men cut firewood."

Jan. 6
" Sunday Our Men retd with 274 Tickg & 6 Trout - there are about 150 at the Tent yet - Mr Sayer retd from Peace river with letters all well there."

Jan. 7
" Monday Made 98 lb of Pimmican - 75 of which is for our 2 men to go to Isle ala Crofse - our Men retd to the Id with the Dogs & sledges & to remain in Place of Ja. Morrowick & Ed Brown - who is to come here on Wednesday to go to Isle ala Crofse."

Jan. 8
" Tuesday Men as usual cutting firewood."

Jan. 9
" Wednesday Ja. Morrowick & Ed Brown arrived from the Island to go for the Isle ala Crofse with Letters. & brot home all the Dogs & a few fish. Mr Haldane came over here & says that Mr Clark has taken Mr LaMotte Prisoner in the fall at the Vermillion fort? & sent him up to the forks & got Irons made for him but some time after he got a file & cut them off & got away - but was again secured & more heavily Ironed than before - ? this account of his shooting Mr King winter? 1802 at the Saskatchewan."

Jan. 10
" Thursday Sent Wm Dunnett with all the Dogs but 2 to the Fishing Island for fish - & making preparations for our men going for Isle ala Crofse."

Jan. 11
" Friday Wrote Letters to Mefs McNab - Bird, Hallet, Pruden, Whitford - Longmoor Howse, Sutherland, ?, also Mr Linklatter, Raymond? and Wills? - got every thing ready for their going away early tomorrow morning if weather permits."

Jan. 12
" Saturday Bad weather our Men could not go to the Isle ala Crofse."

Jan. 13
" Sunday Early this Morning our 2 Men went for the Isle ala Crofse with 2 dogs & Sledges - gave them 76 lb of Pimmican & 85 lb of Beat meat for the dogs - in the eveng one Man came from the Id with 6 Sledges of fish - Ja. Kirknefs went with our 2 Men to the mouth of the Little dembarras? river. Wrote the following Letter to Mr McNab.
Nottingham House Athapescow Lake
12th Jan. 1805
Dear Sir,
According to your Desire I send 2 Men to the Isle ala Crofse to receive your Letter in order to know Your Determination concerning whether or not we are all to leave this next Spring & abandon the Athapescow country entirely - or whether we are to remain - This I wish to know as soon as pofsible that I may communicate the intelligence to Mr Swain at Slave Lake over the Ice, that he may make every necefsary preparation in time in order to our getting out as early as pofsible in The Spring as soon as the Rivers & Lakes are clear of Ice.
A very serious affair happened here early in June last, the Jepowyans or Northern Indians killed 4 of the Old Companys men within 5 Miles of their house & another party attacked & plundered one of their settlements at the East end of this Lake & reduced it to ashes & murdered every person at it - since which not a single Indian of that tribe (which are the only ones that trade here) have made his appearance & there is every pofsiblility that not one will visit here this Season - so that it will be impofsible a single Skin can be got here by any of the Three Companies - but I hope that great numbers of them will visit Churchill next summer in (consequence of the above affair & as they will be affraid for some time to come near any of the Canadian Settlements in these parts) with their winters hunt & that they will in some measure pay the lofses that will inevitably fall on the Company by us there?.
This Treatment the canadians has ? met with they have richly merited these 2 or 3 years back on account of their very harsh & barberous treatment to the Jepowyans as they have since that period taken every thing from them by force they could meet with & being so numerous it was a very rare chance to escape their Avaricious vigilance.
We arrived here All well 11th Sept. - & 4 Days After Mr Swain went for Slave Lake with one Canoe who winters upon one of the Moose Id in that Lake where all parties built last Summer - & have not heard any news from that Quarter since but I am doubtful that none of the Jepowyans of consequence will go their any more than come here.
Our fishing has been pretty fortunate having now near 3000 Tickameg before hand while our Neighbours are barely from hand to mouth particularly the Old Co. whom one cannot sincerely pitty.
Wishing better succefs to the Companys Affairs than is in this Quarter & I remain
Dear Sir
Your Obdt Servt.
P Fidler."

Jan. 14
" Monday Men cut firewood - obsevd the Eclipse of the Moon on Thursdy? - McKenzie here."

Jan. 15
" Tuesday Sent one Man to New Co. to blow the Bellows to get 2 Axes & a Steel Trap repaired."

Jan. 16
" Wednesday Sent the Man to the Id for fish - found a Wolf beyond the Island near here - & all the Dogs ran home - Very bad drifting weather."

Jan. 17
" Thursday McKenzies Man coming from the Id Yest. Evg lost himself & one of his dogs came home loaded with fish late at night - however at Sun rise he got home. he walked on an Id near the House to keep himself warm as he could make no fire - & the weather was so very bad with drift that he could not leave the Id - 2 Dogs & sledges of fish are lost - Sent Wm Dunnett for fish - on Tuesday Mr Sayer & Poltrat? of Old Co. went to Peace point to kill Buffalo."

Jan. 18
" Friday French smith brot over a few drills he made &c."

Jan. 19
" Saturday Gave the Chepawyan woman at the new Co House 6 fish as they have but few."

Jan. 20
" Sunday Wm Dunnet came with fish 6 Sledges."
["100 Tickg 22 Trout"]

Jan. 21
" Monday Sent the Man away for fish."

Jan. 22
" Tuesday Men cut firewood who remains at home."

Jan. 23
" Wednesday Wm Dunnet came with fish 6 Sledges they only caught 20 in Six nets yesterday - & the New Co. only 2 in the same number - a few days before only 4 - yestdy again gave the old Chepwayan woman 12 fish."

Jan. 24
" Thursday Wm Dunnet cut firewood - Mr Haldanes Smith went to the Id - to remain."

Jan. 25
" Friday Wm Dunnet went for fish."

Jan. 26
" Saturday Men cut firewood."

Jan. 27
" Sunday Fine weather."

Jan. 28
" Monday Wm Dunnet retd with fish - leaving not one of any kind at the Island."
["200 Tickg 24 Trout"]

Jan. 29
" Tuesday Men cut firewood."

Jan. 30
" Wednesday one Man finishing a pair of Snow Shoes - observed? the Solar Eclipse at ? ? ? which continued little more than 1/4? of an hour."

Jan. 31
" Thursday On Saturday last Mr Sayer & Polterch? returned from their hunting excursion up Peace river - The latter having got a bad cutt in his Leg - with a Knife - Men as usual variously Empd."

Feb. 1 1805
" Friday Finished the Snow Shoes."

Feb. 2
" Saturday Sent Wm Dunnet to the Id - to fetch home fish."

Feb. 3
" Sunday Nothing Particular."

Feb. 4
" Monday Mr McKenzie went on his Survey - & retd in the Evg Snow blind."

Feb. 5
" Tuesday Wm Dunnet retd with fish - Men at home as usual cutg firewood."
["160 Tickg 5 Trout"]

Feb. 6
" Wednesday The Man went for fish."

Feb. 7
" Thursday Retd with fish."
["160 Tickg 16 Trout"]

Feb. 8
" Friday Man went for fish."

Feb. 9
" Saturday Nothg particular."

Feb. 10
" Sunday at 8 PM Wm Dunnet retd with fish."
["140 Tickg"]

Feb. 11
" Monday He retd for more fish. laid up more Tickg - what this day & what before there is 1511 laid up of Tickameg."

Feb. 12
" Tuesday Men as usual."

Feb. 13
" Wednesday Man retd with fish - & in the afternoon 2 Men of the Old Co. came from Grants fort Starving - They will all leave there in 10 Days - as not an Ind has been seen."

Feb. 14
" Thursday Man went for fish - Old Co. are catchg pretty well now - & has near 900 beforehand - & New Co. very few."

Feb. 15
" Friday Wm Dunnet retd with fish & Bob Flett accompanyd him - to take back the Dogs to the Island to live there - There is only 60 Tickg their remaining - very bad weather."

Feb. 16
" Saturday Rob flett retd to the Id gave him 10 lb of Pimmican - 6 Ducks & 1/2 pint of Tea - late in the Evg 1 Man & an Indian came from Mr Kennedy at Bark river - The Ind are doing very little owing to one of them shooting himself with a Pistol about Christmafs."

Feb. 17
" Sunday Nothing Particular."

Feb. 18
" Monday Yestdy Old Co. Men went to Grants fort to bring home their goods from thence as no Inds are there - New Co. Men went away for Meat - & to Mr Kennedys."

Feb. 19
" Tuesday Wednesday & Thursday Men at home cut firewood."

Feb. 22
" Friday Jn Rofs came from the Id with 130 Tickg &c - with 7 Sledges - a bad fishing of late - only about 100 fish their remaing."

Feb. 23
" Saturday Jn Rofs retd to the Id gave Bob 4 feet of Tob. & 1 Qt of Spirits."

Feb. 24
" Sunday Nothg Particular. Tomorrow New Co. sends for their Men at Grants fort."

Feb. 25
" Monday On Saturday Evg New Co. Men came home with about 150 lb of Dry provisions - the meat of 1 Cow Buffalo - & 6 Skins - two of the Old Co. Men Sayer & Cutera went to the Indians Tent to get a little fresh meat - & to wait until it is killed."

Feb. 26
" Tuesday Jn Rofs came from the Id - with fish - the greater part of the Dogs ran home before empty. Men at home cutting firewood."
["70 Tick 30 Trout"]

Feb. 27
" Wednesday The Man retd to the Island - & an Ind (Cree) came to the New Co. - without any thing he is going to join his Countrymen at the Forks Athapescow River."

Feb. 28
" Thursday Men as usual."

Mar. 1 1805
" Friday at 2 PM our 2 Men retd from the Isle ala Crofse - with European Letters - They arrived there 20 Jan. - our people got there 1 Feb. - & remained there till the 12th - brought letters for both Old & New Co. - from thence."

Mar. 2
" Saturday Jn Rofs arrived with fish. There is only 1 single Jack at the Id - besides 100 Tickg intended for the New Company. Made a little Pimmican for our 2 Men to send to Slave Lake about Tuesday next. Bouchen a Canadian of the Old Co. came home with 9 Sledges of ? - he has about 400 lb of Provisions dry & 5 MB in furrs."
["180 Tickg 30 Trout"]

Mar. 3
" Sunday Sent Edward Brown & Ja. Morrowick to remain at the fishing Island - They took with them 2 big Kegs to make small ones of - with all the Coopers Tools."

Mar. 4
" Monday John Wars came home with the Things belonging to John Rofs - as he is to go to the Slave Lake & remain until the Canoes comes up in the Spring."

Mar. 5
" Tuesday 3 Canadians came from the Pierre au Calamet with 4 sledges of meat. all the Inds have been in there 20 feb. & paid all their Debts of last fall - at 7 AM Wm Dunnet & John Rofs with 2 Dogs & sledges went for the Slave Lake. They have 60 lb of Pimmican for themselves 35 lb of beat meat & 31 Tickameg for the Dogs - also one Dog went with them we could not catch - early this Morning 2 of the New Co. Men went with Letters for Peace river - also 1 Man and an Indian with Letters to Mr Kennedy at Bark river - & Berreboo & 1 Man went to the Forks in the Athapescow river - to get what provisions they can from William Henry a Man of the Old Co. - driftg weather & Cold - Sent the following Letter to Mr Swain at Slave Lake.
Nottingham House Athapescow Lake
5th March 1805
Dear Sir,
I now send down two men to your place with European Letters &c which I hope you will receive safe - The 13th January I sent 2 Men to the Isle ala Crofse who returned back here 1st Inst.
I am sorry to inform you that not a single Jepowyan has been here ever since June Last - & there is every probability that none will approach this place this Season, on account of the Autrocities committed by them early in the Summer by killing Six of the Old Company Men & plundering & burning one of their settlements at the East end of this Lake - But I hope that the Prospects with You are more promising & that you may be enabled to make up some of the deficiencies incurred at this place - as it is impofsible a single Skin can be got here by any of the Three Companys by the above cause - I expect that a Large number will visit Churchill in consequence - as they will be afraid for some time to see the Canadians in these parts.
Our fishing has been pretty fortunate having laid up a sufficient stock some time ago - - I wish you to be up early in the Spring with 1 Canoe & 4 Men (& to leave the other 3 Men for the Summer to take care of the House &c) that we may be enabled to reach Oxford House as early as pofsible - The Winter has been remarkably mild with little Snow & hope that the river Ice will give way as soon as last year to enable your being soon? up here
Wishing you health & Plenty - & much better succefs to the Companys affairs at your place than is here.
I remain
Dr Sir
Your Obdt Servt
P Fidler."

Mar. 6
" Wednesday drift & Cold - Men cut firewood as usual."

Mar. 7
" Thursday Sent the Man to the Island for a few Trout."

Mar. 8
" Friday Yestdy gave Mr Haldane 108 Tickameg as he has only 2 Trout 1 Tickg & 124 Perch in his house."

Mar. 9
" Saturday Early this Morning one of the Old Co. Men went with Letters for Isle ala Crofse - & to take shirts & some hatts to the Pierre au Calamet - to rig the Crees."

Mar. 10
" Sunday Mr Sayer & Bushey? came home with 3 Sledges & Dogs but got nothing - Catara remains at the Tent - Also Mr Tate Gullerno & Bourevafs? went to find the Same Inds but the heavy Snow filled up the Tracks - & they returned back."

Mar. 11
" Monday Old Chepowyan Woman went to the Island & Gullerno to fish - Jn Wars came home with 33 Trout he says there are not more than 50 Tick at the Id? Tent."

Mar. 12
" Tuesday Our Man retd to the fishing Island for fish."

Mar. 13
" Wednesday Last night 2 Men Jock LaCaille & went away privately somewhere towards Peace river probably to hunt as there is only 2 Crees? - near here - & doing nothing."

Mar. 14
" Thursday Mr Taite, Gullernow & Bourevafs? went away after the 2 frenchmen - to see where they have gone."

Mar. 15
" Friday Went over to ? ? Haldane before? me."

Mar. 16
" Saturday 2 of Old Co. Men came with fish - little to be had."

Mar. 17
" Sunday Jn Wars retd with fish - light Snow - Mr? Haldane & woman here."

Mar. 18
" Monday Jn Wars went away - to the Id - he with Ed Brown & Ja Morrowick to come home on Thursday to go gather pitch - Made Pitch bags & shoes ready & also 30 lb of Pimmican - to be away 12 Days or until the Bags are filled."

Mar. 19
" Mr Taite & Gullerno came from the Crees - leaving one Man there - Jack LaCaille is there also - They brot here the dry meat of 2 Moose."

Mar. 20
" Wednesday Nothg Particular."

Mar. 21
" Thursday Ed Brown Ja. Morrowick & Jn Wars came here to go for pitch - They brot with them 30 Tickg & 14 Trout - Ja. Kirknefs also went to the Id to remain along with the 2 boys until these 3 men return from pitch hunting."
["New Co. 160 Tickg"]

Mar. 22
" Friday Only one Man at home cutting firewood."

Mar. 23
" Saturday In the Eveng very badly - with a sore throat & fever."

Mar. 24
" Sunday Very badly."

Mar. 25
" Monday Much better."

Mar. 26
" Tuesday Nearly well."

Mar. 27
" Wednesday Well."

Mar. 28
" Thursday at 10 PM a Jepowyan called Thoo too came here with a Sledge - containg 44 MB mostly martins & 9 Ribs of Deers Meat & about 15 lb of Beat meat - he came very privately here - keeping out far in the Lake & was in a great hurry to Trade & go away which he did at 1/2 past 2 PM - paid his Credit of 20 Skins & took the same number again."

Mar. 29
" Friday at Sun Set our 3 Pitch came home with pitch to the amount of about 1 1/2 big Kegs & wood for 5 pair of Snow Shoe frames - they have been at the entrance? of Peace river - 3 Crees with nothing arrived at the Old Co. House."

Mar. 30
" Saturday Tyed up Goods as in the margin - to send to Trade as the Jepowyan says that there are 6 More about 5 Days walk away at the edge of the Lake - & he is to tell them to meet our 2 men at Grants Old fort 2 days Journey beyond the fishing Id. where Ja. Kirknefs & Ed Brown is to meet them. - Mr Taite brot over the box he made me for the parallel rule. The 3 Southern Inds returned back."
[" Powder 184? ?
Ball 450
Shott 6
Flints 4
Knives 12
Awls 8
Worms 6
Gartg 20
Cloth 5 3/4
Tob. fm 2 1/2
Pimmican 31 lbs."]

Mar. 31
" Sunday Ja. Morrowick Jn Wars & Ed Brown went to the Id. the former 2 to remain there & the other to accompany Ja. Kirknefs to Inds along the Lake."
["140 Tickg New Co."]

Apr. 1 1805
" Monday at 11 1/2 PM Wm Dunnett arrived from the Slave Lake - out 10 Days - he came in company with one of the New Co. Men - & brot Letters for the Old Co. & the following one from Mr Swain -
Cheswick House Slave Lake 23d March 1805
Dear Sir,
I received yours by William Dunnett & John Rofs dated the 5 March on the 17th Inst - the former I now send back with this which I hope you will receive safe - he returns in company with one of the New Co. Men as they are sending Letters to your place.
I am sorry to tell you there is no prospect of making any Trade at this place this Season altho' the Jepowyans are numerous about us - the reason of their not huntig Beaver this winter is occaisioned by the autrocities committed by them last Summer, which prevented them from making their appearance till too late in the Season to hunt furs - and as the Beaver hunting ground belonging to the Natives of this place is near the Beaver Indians lands they are afraid to go to it as the latter natives made war upon them last Summer and killed two men at the head of the Grand River in sight of the NorthWest Co. settlement there. - The Indians of this place are not going to their Lands this ? So that there is every expectation of a good Trade from that Quarter next Season - I am informed that there are a good many Jepowyans gone to Churchill & hope that they will take a good quantity of Furrs to that place.
Our Fishing has been very unsuccefsfull all winter & if I had not got an Indian to hunt for us we would have been short of Provisions - I sent 2 Men away the 14th Feb. to Tent with some Natives and to procure what furrs they could & I do not expect them until the Geese makes their appearance. - I ordered John Davey to go & Tent with Indians that got their supplies from me as they wanted a man to stay with them & get what furrs they might kill, but he absolutely refused and of course these Indian hunts are lost as I had no other men at the House at that time to saw - wishing you health & plenty with better succefs to the Companies affairs - I remain
Dr Sir
your obdt Servt
T. Swain."

Apr. 2
" Tuesday at 8 1/2 AM 2 of the New Co. Men who went with Letters to Peace river 5th March returned - Great disputes between the Old & New Co. - Mr LaMotte at Liberty but Mr Rochblave under an agreement of 2000 £ to deliver him up this Summer at the Portage - Indians are hunting there pretty well."

Apr. 3
" Wednesday Bad weather - The news from Slave Lake is that Mr Tullock & 1 of the New Co. Men with 3 Natives got drownded in padling acrofs the Grand river - & the rest left their place thro hunger about Christmas - 2 of New & 1 & 1 woman of Old Co. unfortunately got froze to death on the Slave Lake - That John the Duchman was shot by Mr McDonel of the New Co. at Bears lake about taking a sledge from an Indian - poor prospects of Trade there."

Apr. 4
" Thursday Mr Haldane came here & told me that he had 2 Men at the Isle de brule to watch Indians - 2 of Old Co. Men went for Peace river with Letters from Slave Lake - Mr McKenzie sent me down Mr McDonells Letters that came from Slave Lake - Jock LaCaille retd from South. Inds."

Apr. 5
" Friday at 10 AM John Wars arrived from the Island with only 9 Trout & 8 Tickg - no fish to be caught there this week past - New Co. in 9 nets only got 3 fish - Ja. Kirknefs & Ed Brown went away for Grants fort on Monday Night at 10 PM - they took with them 4 Dogs - Thawed Much - Rocks bare in many places - Early in the Morng Wm Dunnett & Gaulernecuve? of New Co. went to the entrance of the Rocky river near here privately to watch some Jepowyans that are expected to come here from the Slave Lake."

Apr. 6
" Saturday Thawed much. The man could not return to the Id - cut up the Ice before the Door & cleaned it away - made 24 Candles of Cawl? fat - sent things for keg making - Hoops, Staves &c - Ja. Morrowick is to make 6 Kegs - 3 of nearly 3 Qts & 3 of 2 Qts each?"

Apr. 7
" Sunday Fine wea. dined at Mr Kemper?"

Apr. 8
" Monday"

Apr. 9
" Tuesday Early this Mg - 1 of the Old Co. Men along with a Northern Indian Boy arrived from the English Chief & band some where near Slave River - Dunnet & New Co. man saw them at this end of the Rocky river - & they went in search of the Inds with 25 fish. The woman came home with the Tents."

Apr. 10
" Wednesday Jn Wars came from the Id with fish - about 60 Tickg remaining there - Mr Sayer & 1 of Old Co. Men pafsed here going toward the rocky river perhaps to look for those Inds who are expected here - Thawed much - at 10 1/2 PM Dunnett & Gullerneau came here having been down the Rocky river as far as the fall & saw no Traks - 3 Swans seen."

Apr. 11
" Thursday Sent Jn Wars & Wm Tomison to fetch home our fishing canoe from the Goose Id - they retd with it at 2 PM."

Apr. 12
" Friday Jn Wars went to the Id - and all to come home about the 20 or 24th Inst. - Gaulerneau came down in the Eveng - to accompany Dunnet to the Rocky river to watch Inds, Kill Geese & make Snow Shoe frames - James & Mr Taite ? ? made a ? & the other I put a new touch ? into a new Gun - McKenzie says that Sayer & the man only went away as a trick expecting some after? them - they retd the same afternoon. Boucher & family came home from the Id - They say he & 2 Men has been down the Lake lookg for Barreboo. - brot home our old Canoe from acrofs at Point au Chien."

Apr. 13
" Saturday Dunnet & Gaulerneawe with their Families went away. They have got from us 73 Tickg - Gave Dunnet 1 Pint of Powder & 6 Measures of Shot besides his Horn full with shott before - New Co. has only about 300 fish in all & can barely live at the Id - altho 9 nets down & 30 hooks - made 3 Kegs - to the Chest - Box & Sextant - yestdy morng 3 Ducks seen."

Apr. 14
" Sunday McKenzie Haldane Tate & Andrew arrived? here."

Apr. 15
" Monday 2 of Old Co. Men began to make Batteaux at the Point au Chien - of the Large Pine."

Apr. 16
" Tuesday Numbers of a Kind of rat or Mole or ? ? found upon the middle of the Lake - 6 Inches long besides the Tail of 2 Inches a kind of light red nose - & fine grey couler on the back & white in the belly - never seen here before - on Sunday night Ja. Kirknefs arrived here with the 2 boys from the Id - he saw no person at Grants fort where he was 7 Days - Old Chepowyan woman came home."

Apr. 17
" Wednesday Mr Haldane here learng about the Sector? & a Mercator chart - at 7 AM all our 4 Men came home from the Id & brot every thing with them no fish to be caught there of any consequence these 14 days past - New Co. has only 150 fish in the House - & Old Co. ? 1000 - very little. 7 of Old Co. Men came home in the Morng & went again back to the Id in the Eveng."

Apr. 18
" Thursday Snow rain & Sleet all Day - Jn Wars at New Co. House getting a hand hammer - 100 Nails & the head of an Ax repaired - 1 making Nets of the 4 1/2 Inch Mesh for the Summer of only 2 Skains each net to set in the Creeks - 1 Keg Making - & the other repairing the nets brot from the Island - Ja. Kirknefs working at the Account Book."

Apr. 19
" Friday New Co. has only about 80 fish in the House. Men as yesterday - Mr Haldane here mapmaking. Jn Wars went over there with 2 old Axes to make into Garden hoes - he got 2 of the New Co. ones ready made for them - Snow rain & Sleet all Day."

Apr. 20
" Saturday Bob Flett on hunting - killed 1 Duck - Wm Dunnet & Gaulerneau came here for fish - as the Ice is bad told Wm Dunnett to come home as no Indians can be expected here until the rivers clear of Ice at the soonest - Men as before."

Apr. 21
" Sunday Wm Dunnett Sent home all his things - & the Frenchman & another remains there - to fish &c as they have nothing to Eat at the House - 5 of New Co. Men came home from the Fishing Id Yesterday - they could not kill sufficient to live - 3 of their men yet remain at the Burnt wood Id - LaCroix & 3 Men went this Morng to the Mamowe? to fish for themselves - Went to New Co. House."

Apr. 22
" Monday 5 Men cutting down 100 Stockades each of 7 feet long for a Garden - Sent over all Mr McKenzies books Slate &c - also Vinces Astronomy & ? Tables as ? ? Longitude &c - put out our beat meat to dry."

Apr. 23
" Tuesday 5 Men cutting Stockades & finished the number - 2 digging? the digging? the Trench - Gave the Men a White Jacket to shoot for - Ja. Morrowick got it - Gave them an allowance of Brandy - Gelded? all the Dogs."

Apr. 24
" Wednesday Old Co. put down a net at their House - 5 Men carrying in Stockades - 2 hoeing the mofs & rubbish from the surface of the ground in the Garden."

Apr. 25
" Thursday Men finished carryg out the 500 Stockades."

Apr. 26
" Friday Water ran on the S Side the Id & Ice drivg there - Old Compy has down 4 nets at their house under the Ice. 4 Men pointing Stockades - & 3 working in the Trenches - & finished hoeing all the Mofs out of the new Garden - 1 Duck."

Apr. 27
" Saturday New Co. put down a net opposite Old Co. House - Ice filld? on N Side the Id - in the Evg - & ran down the S Side the Id - with great force - finished pointing all the Stockades - & 2 Men got ribbands for them - Took the Water out of my Seller - Gave Bob flett 2 Measures of Powder 3 of Shot & 1 flint - made 18 lb of Pimmican - the fish bad in the Store; - Pitched a small Canoe - put Earth into 2 Boxes - to sew Cabbage Seed tomorrow."

Apr. 28
" Sunday At 6 AM Ed Brown & Robt Flett went away on their own Pleasure on hunting in a Canoe towards the Willows - the river was stoped with Ice near the forks - They wished to go on? there - Bob flett stepped out of the Canoe on to a piece of Ice which immediately broke off & he fell into the water which was very deep & up set the Canoe in which the other person was - they held by it a moment when Ed Brown saw a piece of Ice near him which he made for - & luckily got to it which turned round in an eddy & ? him near the Shore when he got to land - Which was not more he thinks than 5 Minutes after they upset - he then saw the Canoe floating down the river a little below him - ? his? own hatt, but saw no signs of Rob flett - who unfortunately sunk - and was never more seen. Ed Brown made a small raft & came to the house in - and was very near perished with cold before he got to the House - Sent 3 Men in a Canoe to where they got upset - which is about 4 miles away - to see if they could not find any thing of him driven? on shore - Sewed Cabbage seed - in 2 Boxes one Isle ala Crofse Seed & the other from Mr Hallets relations - Ice broke up a little opposite the french House - & much drift wood came down the river last night."

Apr. 29
" Monday Our 3 Men returned with the Canoe - having seen not the least sign of Rob Flett - I saw their Canoe drive down full of water with the Bottom downwards about 1 1/4 hour before Ed Brown arrived here - which got smashed to pieces by the Ice stopping at the ? Channel - gave Ed Brown a Sweating Powder which made him sweat very much - he is much easier & only complains of strong pains in his ankles which was benummed by drivg down upon the raft - Man sat up all night with him."

Apr. 30
" Tuesday 4 men hewing ribbands for Stockades - Ed Brown mending - Ice cleared away a little more opposite the french House."

May 1 1805
" Wednesday 3 Men making Treenails? for the Stockades."

May 2
" Thursday Men as Yest. - Wm Tomison making Lie but found it bad - much drift wood came down from the little? River above - LaCroix & 1 of New Co. Men came here from the big Rock - with 25 fish of sorts for Mr Haldane - but they could not crofs over - & they gave them to us - Water coming into the Lake from the Rocky River - Ed Brown bad with pains in his Ancles - Ice moved a little."

May 3
" Friday These 2 Days Ja. Kirknefs writng - Men began to lay the stockades & finished 2 Ribbands - at this end - water rising gradually - very cold weather ever since last Friday & constantly clear with strong breezes at NE."
["2 Geese"]

May 4
" Saturday In the afternoon all the Ice cleared away in the Channel - & a clear way to go for the Slave River - Men digging the Trench for the Stockades - Mr Haldane came here."

May 5
" Sunday Went to Old & New Co. House."

May 6
" Monday 4 Men boring & fitting Stockades - & 2 burng poplar acrofs to make soap - at 8 AM 2 Men arrived from Peace River in a small Canoe - one belonging to Each company with a Circular Letter dated Montreal 17 Oct. 1804 - & signed by Mr McTavish & Sir Alex McKenzie to every proprietor of both Companys informing them that a junction of Companys then took place - hoisted their flaggs here & fired - Not a Single private letter was brot by them for any person - The New Co. Man had the misfortune to lose one of his fingers & very near another by his Gun going accidentially of as he was crawling to kill some ducks - 8 days ago - went over to drefs his wound - Old - Co. hewing wood for watch house - & they have taken they say 3 of our pieces that we cut down last year. Gullerneau came here with 11 Geese - LaCaille came here from Pack? Point - he killed a Cow Buffalo at the edge? of the Lake about 5 Miles from our House - 2 of New Co. Men on Sunday came down to the point to fish - 3 Southern Inds came with about 50 Geese to Old Co. - they wintered with Mr Henry up the Athapescow river."

May 7
" Tuesday Men as Yest. - & the 2 Men came home havg burnt they think a sufficient quantty of ashe - they are now digging in the Trenches - Pitched the Old french Canoe - a Man from each Compy went away in a Canoe for the Slave Lake with the ? Circular Letters concerng the junction of the Companies."

May 8
" Wednesday Ja. Kirknefs & self went to examine our wood cut down for building last spring & find that the Old Co. has taken 19 Pieces - they are hewing logs of 8 feet long for 4 Watch houses 250 pieces - they are to cut down the same number again. Men boring the Stockades. Made the Lye for Soap. 2 1/2 Kegs."

May 9
" Thursday Much Ice drivg out of the Lake these 2 Days - 2 Men makg Soap - 4 Gals & about 12 lb of hard soap - The rest finished boring the Stockades - & repaired Ja. Morrowicks Canoe - ready for Pitchg - 2 Irroques came to New Co. with 3 packs of Beaver from Peace river."

May 10
" Friday All hands settg up the Stockades."

May 11
" Saturday Went over & got a pair of handles for a Box - & Mr McKenzie & me had a dispute - about the number of logs cut down by our Men - & used by his - Berreboo came from Williams with 6 bags of Pimmican - channel very full of Ice."

May 12
" Sunday 12 Canoes of Indians arrived at the Old Co. house with only a few Geese? they wintered up the Athapescow River. Bilguard & family arrived - Haldane & McKenzie went to meet him in the night - In the Evg some person burnt down our little house - & the small house here - Kept watch myself for fear of the fire all night."
["Nootuck
Baluah
12.13.20"]

May 13
" Monday Channel very full of Ice all yestd & this day pretty clear - went over to Mr McKenzie to speak about our small house burnt down - he says that he did not do it or order any one else - Men at the Stockades - & nearly put all up - a Canoe of Old Co. arrived from the ? fort? in Peace river with 6 bundles & 6 Men. They have had only one meal pr Day these 15 Days before they left the House - & intirely depended on their Hunting Guide? for their pafsage down - in the Evg also another Canoe arrived from the Bark river Nicholas Andrews 5 Packs - Old Co. began to make a Garden at their old fort."

May 14
" Tuesday 3 Canoes arrived from P. River - 2 at Old & one at the New Co. House - finished stockading the Garden - & timbering up the Canoe - 2 Men making a frame for a Window - & one repg old nets to sett. Numbers of Swans flying from the NEwd. Took an account of the Remains - & began to copy the Journals. Mr McLeod & Fraser of Old & Mr Rochblave of the New."

May 15
" Wednesday Tyed up our few furrs. & made 274 lb of Pimm. for the Passage out - only 4 Bladders of fat now in the House - 40 lb of Beat Meat & 40 of Dry meat - Ja. Morrowick made a shifting window frame & put it in - Set 2 old 1/2 nets & 1 whole one - 7 fish of sorts - Repg the old fishing Canoe."

May 16
" Thursday Getting up roots in the Garden. early this Morng 7 of Old Co. Canoes arrived with Mr? Dace? - & at Noon Mr Black & Chetlain of New Co. with 5 Canoes 31 fish of Sorts - Yestdy 6 of New Co. Men set nets here - & this Day 2 of Old Co. Men came here & did the same - finished taking the remains."

May 17
" Friday Finished gettg up the Stumps in the Garden - and Cleaned the Chips & rubbish & burnt them - 19 fish - in the Evg Mr Leith in one Canoe arrived from Peace River - In the Morng sent Ja. Kirknefs & Wm Dunnett to go to some Crees at the Maypole - with a Little Liquor & Ammuntion?"

May 18
" Saturday Men hoeing up the Ground in the Garden & the small Roots - 12 fish - very heavy Gale these 2 days - Evg Calm & put down a net & took all the others up - Mr Taite - Nicholas Andrews & 4 Men in a Canoe went I suppose to the Crees our Men are gone to. Bill Gards boy brot over a Young? black Bear - to trade? - but I would not - it? is so mischeevous? - at 11 1/2 PM Ja. Kirknefs & Dunnett Came here with 50 Geese a small bladder of fatt, 7 bundles of Roots - & 3 MB."

May 19
" Sunday The Old Co. Officers sent over for me in the Evg to Drink tea. only 4 fish - 3 Inds brot us 26 Geese for Liquor."

May 20
" Monday Several of the Old Co. Canoes went away for the Great Carrying place. and in the Evg. 7 Canoes - Sent J. Kirk. & Dunnett for the Kegs the Inds had the liquor in - Mr Kennedy arrived in one Canoe & 2 packs of Skins. Men gettg up the small roots & stones in the Garden - 8 fish - & took up the Nett."

May 21
" Tuesday Several of the Old Co. Canoes went away this day - & at 11 5 of the New Co. - & kept at the Id near here - too much wind - 2 Large Canoes supposed from Peace River arrived with Nicholas - at 4 PM Mr McKenzie from Slave Lake arrived in one Canoe - 2 Men cut the Large tree in the upper Garden & put it on inside?. the others hoeing in the Garden - The Old or New Co. set fire to our wood that we had carried down to the Bank to build with - Several Inds arrived at Old Co. House."

May 22
" Wednesday Men made a Door for the Garden - & finished hoeing up all the Roots & Stones - at 5 1/2 PM Mr Sayer with alex Birston - Mag. Loutit, Wm Corrigal - Rob. Rowland & Jn Rofs - they left or embarked with? Canoes - 15 Inst - yestdy - Mr Black & 2 Men tenting in the NW? corner of our Island to keep Inds away from us."

May 23
" Thursday The 5 New Co. Canoes on the Id near here Embarked - Men pitchg & watering? the Canoes - & tyed up the remainder of our furrs - & made every thing ready to embark tomorrow - Engaged Mag. Loutit Taylor & Bowsman to remain here - Jn Wars as fisherman both at the same wages as last year - Wm Corrigal to have 18 £ for one year - & to go down next if he thinks proper Jn Stephen again remains as Master for the Summer at the Slave Lake at the same wages as last year viz 18 £ also Jn Davy & Jn Manson the latter to be fisherman - Mr Swain remains at holly? House."

May 24
" Friday At 11 AM 2 Canoes of us Embarked for Cumberland house with 7 Bundles of furrs - 4 got at the Slave Lake & 3 here - 8 Men - 4 pr Canoe Viz. Jn Morrowick, Alex Birston - Ed Brown - Rob Rowland - Wm Dunnett - Ja. Kirknefs - Wm Tomison & Jn Rofs. Saw the New Co. Chief at the entrance of the Lake & got from him a bladder of fatt & a little beat meat. also pafsed several Indians (Crees) they have just been at the french house & are going to summer & kill meat above the pipe Stone - told them to get some provisions for us as we return in the fall - went up the umbarras river & found it shoal - all the other Co. Canoes went by the Rock point - put up at 7 1/2 PM at the one Pine & saw a few Crees a little before we put up from whom we got 11 Geese 2 Bladders of fatt & a little beat meat. gave them Liquor for the Whole."

May 25
" Saturday At 3 AM Embarked - paddled & put up 4 miles above Ponds House at 2 1/2 PM for heavy rain."

May 26
" Sunday At 3 1/2 AM Embarked Sailed most? of the Day & put up about 4 miles above the fine gravelly point on the North side at 8 1/2 PM - rain at times in the afternoon."

May 27
" Monday Embarked at 6 3/4 & put up 2 reaches above the Pipe Stone at 8 1/2 PM - rain in the Mg could not Embark sooner - Pafsed 4 of New Co. Canoes with about 12 Packs in each - They have little Provisions - & 7 & 8 Men pr Canoe. a few Men now remain at the Pipe Stone - Showers thro the Day - Saild all Day."

May 28
" Tuesday Embarked at 3 3/4 AM & paddled the whole Day & put up opposite the forks on N Side at 8 PM Rain at night - Saw the laGrain & gave him 20 Ball & Shot & Powder."

May 29
" Wednesday Embarked at 6 AM - rain all night & till this time - entered the Little Athapescow river at 2 1/2 PM & put up at 8 PM."

May 30
" Thursday Got underway at 4 1/2 AM a heavy frost in the night - arrived at the lower Carryg place at 3 1/2 PM - & Slept at the upper end of the 2d one which we hauled all up & put up at 6 1/4 PM - good water."

May 31
" Friday Strong frost in the night - Embarked at 5 AM & handed all up the 3d Carry'g place & got to the top of it at 9 AM - left the last Portage at 11 1/2 & arrived at the West End of the Methy Carry'g place at 4 1/2 PM carried up the bank one Canoe - & tyed up all the small parcels into larger ones - gave the Men a Dram."

June 1 1805
" Saturday Got every thing acrofs the Little Lake & put up - at 5 PM - each man has each 2 Loads besides the Canoes which is 3 trips each."

June 2
" Sunday Got every thing to the 4 mile Stick & put up. 4 of New Co. Canoes arrived yestdy at the West end of the Portage - with 98 Packs from Peace river. - also the last of the Old Co. Canoes left the Portage in all 20 Canoes with 8 working men pr Canoe - 17 with furrs & 3 light."

June 3
" Monday At 2 PM Mr Haldane in one Canoe came over the Portage - he has 10 Men in his Canoe? - Mr Kennedy & Chetlain? here with 1 Canoe & 12 Men - Got every thing over the Carrying Place & pitched the Canoe in the Evg."

June 4
" Tuesday Embarked at 4 AM & put up at the lower end of the lower rapids at 8 1/4 PM - good Water - ? a little in Methy Lake."

June 5
" Wednesday Embarked at 4 AM & put up at 6 1/4 PM at the entrance of Egg Lake - a head wind."

June 6
" Thursday Rain nrly all night & till 9 AM when we got under way & arrived at the Isle ala Crofse at 8 1/2 PM. The last of the Canadian Canoes went away from this this Morning - Mefs Haldane & Fraser."

June 7
" Friday Heavy Rain & strong Gale all night & this Day at NE could not Embark - received a Desk & Box here made by Ja. Robertson - Clouston Dickson Master & 3 Men rem. here all Summer - Isle a Crofs Trade is 14 Bundles they have taken down in all - including Parchment Skins. The Total of Furs is between 5 & 600 - Mr Venables joined? the french."

June 8
" Saturday at 4 1/2 AM Embarked for Cumberland House & paddled & put up at the first Portage at 7 1/2 PM - Took with us 3 bags of Pimmican - 17 Remains there for ?"
[" Mr? Linklater Embarked ? ?"]

June 9
" Sunday At 4 AM Embarked & paddled a head wind & strg & put up 2/3 thro the Knee Lake at a Sandy bay - caught a few Jack at the last portage into the Knee Lake - Showery."

June 10
" Monday Embarked at 5 AM & put up at the Entrance of the Moose Lake at 8 3/4 PM - saw 9 Canoes of Jepowyans at the Snake Rapids they are going to winter at the Indian Lake towards Churchill - got from him the the thigh of a Young? Moose & a small ? of other fresh meat - The Trout the Chief of the Band who was much burnt last year."

June 11
" Tuesday At 3 1/4 AM Embarked & put up on the Carrying place at the East End of the Bear Island Lake at 7 3/4 PM - caught several Jack at the entrance of the Lake - strg head winds every day."

June 12
" Wednesday Embarked at 3 1/2 AM & put up on the Devils Portage near the lower end at 8 1/2 PM - Alex Birston ran on a stone & hurt his canoe that we was obliged to take out all the Splinters & line 2 fathoms of the Bottom - which detained us from 2 to 6 oClock."

June 13
" Thursday Got all over the Portage & left it at 6 AM & put up on the Kettle Carryg place at 8 3/4 PM - sailed some parts of the Day - French men stayg at the Mouth of the Rapid River."

June 14
" Friday Embarked at 3 1/2 & pafsed the Frog Portage at 1 PM & put up at the East End of the Woody Lake - at 9 PM - calm the greater part of the Day - very little water in Churchill River - & past? the hight of Land pretty good."

June 15
" Saturday Embarked at 4 AM & put up on the West end of the Birch Portage - pretty good weather & nearly calm."

June 16
" Sunday Got away from the Portage at 6 AM & put up at the high Point of Rocks acrofs Beaver Lake at 7 1/2 PM. a very strong gale the last 3 miles in the Lake - at night a great storm of Wind Thunder & Rain - pafsed by 6 Canoes of Canadians - 3 was drying furs - gave one Canoe we found at the Eagle Carryg place 12 lb of Pimm. as they have eat nothg these 2 Days - Mr Fraser in Company with their Canoes. & Longruel? as Guide."

June 17
" Monday Embarked at 5 AM & entd Sturgeon weir river at 6 - 6 hours work to the fishing weir & 2 to the Carryg place & 1 hour from thence to ? Lake - stoped at the Entrance for wind from 5 to 8 & crofsed the openg & put up at 10 PM - calm crofsing - Mr fraser & 2 Canoes pafsed us after we put up - good water in the River."

June 18
" Tuesday Embarked at 4 AM & arrived at Cumb. Ho. at 10 - Mr Howse Master - he says 4 of the Old Co. Men was killd in coming down the South branch. a little below the Elbow on N side by as its supposed Blackfeet & lost 60 Bags of Pimmican & 7 Packs of furs Thrown over board - The Inds also took 4 or 6 pieces of Goods mostly Ammunition & Clothing - heavy gale in the Afternoon at NE - Mr Faser Embarked - David Thompson arrived here from Rat River 2 Days ago. he remains Inland."

June 19
" Wednesday Heavy Gale at SE with rain."

June 20
" Thursday Heavy Gale at S could not Embark."

June 21
" Friday at 7 AM Embarked for Oxford House - 2 Canoes the Men takes 5 1/2 Bags of Pimmican for themselves & 1 for me - Stg Gale at SSW - Sailed part of the Day - & put up at Pasquia at 7 1/2 PM - on Thursday wrote a letter to the Gent. of the Old Co. at the Rainy Lake - about their bad behaviour toward us at the Isle ala Crofs & Athapescow."

June 22
" Saturday Embarked at 3 3/4 & put up at the Id in the Cedar Lake at 10 PM - heavy gale we could not proceed further - 6 Canoes with Mr fraser put up 6 miles behind us they left the? House 2 Days before us - water very high in the Saskatchewan river - Shot 1 Goose & 1 Duck."

June 23
" Sunday Strong Breezes at SW could not Embark until 5 3/4 PM - went & put up near the narrow of the Cedar Lake - 8 Canoes of Old Co. pafsed us."

June 24
" Monday Embarked at 3 3/4 AM & Got every thing over the big fall - & Obliged to stop at the Entrance of the Big Lake at 1 PM for wind - Mr Fraser & ? Canoes of the Old Co. here - in the Afternoon Three of Mr David Thompsons Canoes with Carte the Guide came here - Mr Thompson remains Inland."

June 25
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes at NE could not Embark untill 5 2/3 AM? when we & all the 11 French Canoes got underway paddled & put up at 9 1/4 PM at the N End of the Long Id near the Egg Id."

June 26
" Wednesday Embarked at 4 AM Paddled & Saild & carried over the lower Carryg place on the Long Point & remaind there from 6 1/2 to 9 PM - then again embarked and paddled 2 Hours & saild all the way to the Mofsy Point & paddled to the Entrance of the Lake & arrived there at ["June 27"] 9 AM - put up at the Head of Sea River water remarkably low - got about 10 Gallons of Gull Eggs mostly pretty Good - pafsed one Tent of Play Green Inds Mr Whitfords relations in? the Play Green Lake - put up at 7 PM - went all night."

June 28
" Friday Embarked at 4 1/2 AM - & put up at the half way Creek in Each away mammus at 8 3/4 PM - very little water in this river - & exceedingly shoal at the Entrance of it & into the Hairy Lake."

June 29
" Saturday Got underway at 4 AM & put up in the NE end the White fall - at 9 1/2 PM - Laid up Pimm. 1 bag each? Canoe - 5 Hours Paddle from Painted Stone to White fall - water the lowest ever Known."

June 30
" Sunday Embarked at 5 1/3 AM & paddled & Saild & stoped at an Id in the Holy Lake at the 2 Lopt Sticks from 12 to 3 1/2 - enterd the Lake at 5 1/3 PM."

July 1 1805
" Monday Left the 2 Lopt Sticks in the Narrow at 3 1/2 AM & arrived at Oxford House at 7 AM - all well - our Men went from this with? Goods to the Rock 26th Inst. Mag. Spence - brot down a mare? & horse from Cumb. House to this place."

July 3
" Governor arrived from the factory & on Sunday 7th he again embarked for the Rock. Mr Bird & Dr Calder? with Mr Pruden came here 5th - neither Goods up here nor men engaged to go to the Athapescow Country - obliged to wait until the last Canoes comes up before we can get away - the 17th they Came in? & on the 19th Friday embarked 4 Canoes with 5 Men in each - along with Mr Sutherland 2 Canoes are? for the Beaver river & only 2 for the Athapescow & Slave Lakes - ? ? ?"

July 19
" Friday at 5 AM Embarked & put up at the side pine - water shoaler then when we went down."

July 20
" Saturday Got to the ? Portage at 6 AM - & arrived at the White fall at 10 3/4 & put up at the Painted Stone. gave the men allowance of Brandy. muskettoes very troublesome at night."

July 21
" Sunday Put up at 7 PM about 5 miles below 1/2 way creek for very heavy rain - to dry the things - water in 1/2 way Creek remarkable shoal & all below it - the Beaver Dams above keeps it in very well."

July 22
" Monday Embark at Sun rise the usual time & put up 1 mile up the Jack River - a strng ? wind most part of the Sea River & above - water in it remarkable shoal, perpendicular height of the fall there? where? is a steep? fall is 5ft 9 In. - Put up at 7 PM Cold wea."

July 23
" Tuesday Embarked at 3 3/4 & enterd the Big Lake at 2PM & put up for wind about 1/2 way between the big stone & the Birch? at 9 PM - sailed most of the way since 4 PM. Pafsed a Tent of 4 Inds. Friday & Going? in the Play Green Lake - they have traded with the french last winter in the Jack river & now almost afraid to show their face to us. gave them a Letter to take to Mr Sinclair to induce them to go to oxford House - Traded from them a little Bear Mear & fat & 20 lb of Dry meat & 5 ? Broaches?"

July 24
" Wednesday Fresh Gales at SW could not embark - the bank took fire & spread with great rapidity to the Eastward."

July 25
" Thursday Embarked at 5 AM & got to the Id opposite the long Point & obliged to put up at 11 for wind - 1/2 way from the Point to the Id - the 3 Canoes returned & we proceeded in as the waves was very high - we shipped much water."

July 26
" Friday Fresh breezes at S could not Embark."

July 27
" Saturday at 6 AM got underway & arrived at the Big fall at 3 PM & tracked up it & got to the Basin? at 8 PM - Joe broke his Canoe a little - water very high here - & we had a good deal of difficulty to pafs the 2 Big stones. very hot in the Evg with Lightning - gave the men allowance of Brandy."

July 28
" Sunday got all over & dryed a Bundle of Furrs & ? Joes Canoe - & got away at 10 1/2 & put up at the narrow of the Cedar Lake at 8 PM."

July 29
" Monday Embarked at 4 AM & ? up the Bargoo? Id? & found Cock kaw sue a Bungee from Whom we got the Dry meat of 1 Moose & one large ? of Beat meat & fatt all for Liquor & a little oatmeal. put up for heavy rain at the Entrance of the Drum? Lake at 6 1/2 PM."

July 30
" Tuesday Embarked & saild thro the Lake & put up at the entrance of the Saskatchewan river at the Burnt wooda little above it on ? side - water falling about 12 Inches Perpendicular - had some difficulty in getting out of the Lake."

July 31
" Wednesday Embarked & put up 3 miles below Pasquia at 9 PM."

Aug. 1 1805
" Thursday At Pasquia found a number of Low Country Inds with a few Bungees from whom we traded 80 lb of Dry Mear 60 of Beat Meat & fatt 4 Moose Skins & about 23 MB mostly in Swan Skins - put up a little below the Elbow at 7 3/4 - stoped with the Inds 4 Hours."

Aug. 2
" Friday Embarked at 3 1/2 & arrived at Cumb. Ho. at 11 PM & found all well."

Aug. 5
" Monday Early this morng Alex Birston Rob Garrock & Rob Rowland embarked in 1 Canoe for York factory - with Letters for England - 7 Bundles of furrs & some feathers; Got every thing packed for the Athapescow & Beaver River ready to embark tomorrow. 4 Canoes -"

Aug. 6
" Tuesday at 9 AM Embarked Self & Mr Sutherland with 4 Canoes & 15 Men went to the lower fishing place & stoped until we got Taw wish, Ja. Luis's wife, she ran away from him this Morng & went to the french house."

Aug. 7
" Wednesday Late in the Eveng sent 8 Men in one Canoe to Cumb. House for the Woman in case she is there - they surrounded the french house & some went in along with Mr Howse & they found her there."

Aug. 8
" Thursday at 8 AM they returned with the Woman - also Jn Corrigal who I sent for as there was only 3 Men in Joes Canoe - They also brot 1 keg of brandy - we are now 4 Men each Canoe - embarked at 9 1/2 & put up at the first carrying place up Sturgeon Weir river at 7 PM - good water in the river - shipped a little water in crofsing the last openg? in Cumb. lake."

Aug. 9
" Friday Embarked at 4 1/2 AM & got to the Entrance of Beaver lake at 6 1/2 PM - broke our Canoe a little in the river - in 2 places - Lost a bundle of Newspapers at an old Beaver House just below the upper carryg place where we met a Canadian Man & Woman - They keep Company with us - to see we do not build slyly in any place."

Aug. 10
" Saturday Got underway at 5 AM & put up on the Pelican Carryg place at 7 PM water rather low here Thunder & rain in the nt - a strong wind ahead all day nearly."

Aug. 11
" Sunday Embarked at 4 1/2 AM & put up on the ? Portage at 6 1/2 PM - at the small Id carrying place we had a very heavy shower of rain & Hail which filled the Canoes 4 Inches deep - dryed the Leather &c."

Aug. 12
" Monday Embarked at 9 & only went to the entrance of the Stone Lake & put up where we remained until 5 PM & then embarked & put up at the Old french House in Pelican Lake at Sun set - Strng wind at NW all Day - till eveng then Calm - David Thompson in a small Canoe 2 Ind Boys & 1 Canadian pafsed us just before we put up - we did not speak together - he is going to Cumberland House."

Aug. 13
" Tuesday Embarked & saild & got over the 4 Carryg places together at 8 1/2 AM - Then rain which kept us until 3 2/3 & we embarked, paddled to the Entrance of the woody lake then saild thro it & put up at 8 1/4 PM very dark & heavy rain - heavy rain all the way thro the Lake."

Aug. 14
" Wednesday Dryed the Leather & Embarked at 8 AM & put up at the upper end of the Grand Rapid Carryg place at 7 1/2 PM - none of the Churchill people is yet pafsed - gave the Men an allowance of Brandy."

Aug. 15
" Thursday Embarked at 4 1/2 AM & put up on the Carryg place above the Rapid River - at 7 PM saw Mr Robertson & 1 Canadian on the Carryg place below waiting till the Churchill people pafs to watch them - Saw Paw she mo & wife - & got from them 2 ? of Beat meat & fatt also a little dry meat - The Canadian Man & woman who has accomp'd us staid at Rapid river - he Traded a ? of Beat Meat & fatt from the same Indian."
[page of astronomical observations]

Aug. 16
" Friday Embarked at 5 AM & broke a large piece of Bark in our Canoe a little after which detained us 1 1/2 hour - got over the Otter Portage carrying 8 pieces each Canoe & handed up the Canoe with the rest - carried every thing 100 yards at? the lower end - Wm. Budge also carried every thing the whole way put up just below the Devils Rapids - found 3 Tents of Crees 5 Men from whom we Traded a midling Quantity of Dry Provisions of Diff. kinds - 5 Parchment Skins & 2 Drest ones they troubled us the whole night - they are going down to the ?-House at the Rapid river."

Aug. 17
" Saturday Embarked at 4 AM. Led up the rapids - carried every thing at the lower end of the Portage then carried 8 pieces each Canoe & led up the remainder. Left it at 10 1/2 & put up in the Trout fall at 7 1/4 - Sailed a good deal this day."

Aug. 18
" Sunday Embarked at 4 1/4 AM - left the next portage at 10 & got acrofs the Black Bear Id Lake & put up on the Carryg place at 8 PM - saild a good Deal in the Lake."

Aug. 19
" Monday Embarked at 4 1/2 & got over the last portage into the Moose Lake at 9 1/2 & put up after sun set at the head of the Snake rapids in the Sandy bay."

Aug. 20
" Tuesday Just as we were ready to Embark 1 Canoe of Jepowyans came to us from whom we got a little dry provisions - traded? principally for Liquor - got underway & went 5 miles & put up for heavy rain - & rem'd till 2 PM - Then went 3 miles further & again put up to dry the Leather &c."

Aug. 21
" Wednesday Went to the Entrance of Grafs river a little above the Crooked creek & opened every bundle & dryed every thing well. strng Gale at NW & clear could not go on - in the Eveng went to the Entrance of the Knee Lake & put up."

Aug. 22
" Thursday Embarked at 4 AM & put up a little in Primos Lake at 6 1/2 PM - strong head wind in Knee Lake - Mr McLeod pafsed us in a light Canoe with 8 Men from the grand? Portage - breakfasted together - & he is to leave me to read a bundle of the latest newspapers - handed up the Carryg place on the South side - broke a small hole in our Canoe poling up a little below it."

Aug. 23
" Friday Embarked at 3 1/2 AM & got over the portage & left it at 11 AM - Mr McLeod left me some newspapers - put up on the last portage - very few berries this year."

Aug. 24
" Saturday Embarked at 6 AM & arrived at the Isle ala crofse House at 9 1/2 PM - Sailed nearly all the lake - found all well but very few fish - Our Men tell us that the Green Lake House is burnt down & the Gardens all destroyed by Jn Forbert?"

Aug. 25
" Sunday 13 of Old Co. Canoes arrived for the Athapescow & went away again in 1 1/2 hour after - Pitched the Canoes & dryed a bundle of Goods which was wet."

Aug. 26
" Monday Early this Mg Mr McLeod Embarked for the Athapescow - he is now Agent for that Department & received the Letter I wrote to the Agent from Cumberland House - at 7 1/2 AM I along with 2 Canoes embarked for the Athapescow & Slave Lake - with 4 men Each - Mr Sutherland with 2 Canoes remains here until Mr Linklatters Arrival - he is Expected in 3 Days - with 2 Boats. Mr Sutherland is to winter at Green Lake - very heavy rain here all Summer - rain succefsively for 38 Days ? & water in the lake very high - put up at the entry? of the narrow? near Buffalo Lake at 7 PM."

Aug. 27
" Tuesday Embarked at 5 AM & only went 2 Miles to the entrance of the Buffalo Lake & could not proceed further for wind until 2 PM - then got away & put up at Sun Set on the West? side the Lake near the Mouth of Buffalo River."

Aug. 28
" Wednesday At 4 AM Embarked & entered Methy River at 9 AM - put up at the Head of the rapids. with half Cargo the other 1/2 at the bottom of them to fetch up tomorrow Morng."

Aug. 29
" Thursday Got up the other half Cargo & left here at 11 AM - & put up at the head of the upper Rapids at 6 PM - Heavy Thunder & rain in the Night."

Aug. 30
" Friday Got underway at 5 1/2 AM & arrived at the big Carrying place at 2 1/2 PM. shipped a great deal of water in crofsing over the Methy Lake - Tyed up every thing ready to carry."

Aug. 31
" Saturday Got every thing to the 2 1/4 Mile."

Sept. 1 1805
" Sunday Put up at the 4 1/2 Mile at the Well? - I go off early every Morng to take care of the Canoes - & sleep with them."

Sept. 2
" Monday Got every thing to the 6 1/2 mile - pafsed us 3 Jepowyan Men going acrofs the Portage - nothing with them."

Sept. 3
" Tuesday Got everything to the Lake - except the Goods 1 small Spell? behind."

Sept. 4
" Wednesday Got every thing acrofs the Lake & car'd 3 Spells? beyond - 1/2 way to the top of the bank - Rain in the Mg - one of the Jepowyan Men retd back with a small Canoe."

Sept. 5
" Thursday Got every over the portage at 5 PM - 5 Canoes of Old Co. overtook us - pitched the Canoes - ready to Embark tomorrow - mifsed my Ink stand which I lost at the Little? Lake a frenchman found it & I gave him 2 pipes - gave the Men an allowance of Brandy 3 times in the Caryg? place?"

Sept. 6
" Friday Embarked from the Portage at 4 1/2 AM - & put up in the lower Carrying place - water rather lowr here - in the Methy river it was pretty Good - or rather ?"

Sept. 7
" Saturday Embarked at 6 AM & put up 5 Miles below the entrance of the river at 6 PM - Rain in the evg."

Sept. 8
" Sunday Rain until 10 1/2 AM & Embarked & put up on S Side below where we saw Inds the first year - the 5 Canoes of Canadians pafsed us at 6 AM."

Sept. 9
" Monday Embarked at 4 AM - a very thick fogg - & pafsed the Canadian House at 11 AM - put up on the fine Stony ? point in the North side at 7 PM - 2 Canadians accompany us from the french House to get all the Inds out of the way."

Sept. 10
" Tuesday Embarked at 5 AM & put up 3 hours paddle below french fort in the West branch - 4 miles above the first Island - Muskettoes very numerous & Troublesome - The Canadians went down the East branch - Saw 2 Southern Ind Men & ? Canoe going up to the pipe Stone - got from them 17 Geese - 2 lb of fatt - 2 lb of Beat Meat - They are very much afraid of the Canadians."

Sept. 11
" Wednesday Embarked at 4 1/2 & arrived at our House at 3 PM - & found all well heavy rain & thunder 4 hours in the Morning & Muskettoes remarkably troublesome - & numerous - The french has destroyed our Garden - Stolen a Canoe - & made a house to watch us - & put up 2 vittery Tents close to our house not 4 yards from it - to keep every Indian away. Got here this Summer 80 MB - & traded the Dry meat of 8 Moose but at a very heavy expense."



B.39/a/5b

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