" Nottingham House Athapescow Lake 1805 a 06"
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" Nottingham House Athapescow Lake Journal, also Astronomical and Meteorological Observations made at the same Place by Peter Fidler 1805 a 6"

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Aug. 6 1805
" Tuesday at 9 AM Myself with Mr James Sutherland Jun. Embarked for the Isle ala Crofse, with four Canoes and Sixteen Men. Mr Sutherland is to winter at the Green Lake in Beaver river with 2 Canoes and the other 2 is for the Athapescow and the Slave Lake Establishments; No more Men could be engaged to go to these last places - which the number that are going there is much the same as if none went at all - by the very unfair Methods the Canadians use toward us particularly in that Quarter, which their great numbers in comparison of us but to well enables them to do - the 9th Arrived at Beaver Lake & found a Canadian & his woman with a small Canoe, they are appointed to accompany us, to see that we do not build in any place in a private manner.
on the 24th [Aug.] at 9 1/2 PM arrived at the Isle a la Crofse & found all well; the Green Lake House, the Churchill people had withdrawn their Men from in the Spring, for want of Men: before they left it they set the Gardens with Potatoes with the Intent of some of the Hudsons Bay Co. people wintering there again - in the Summer 2 Men went there to hoe the Gardens, but found them totally destroyed and all the buildings belonging to us burnt to ashes by the Canadians. So that Mr Sutherland will have a new House to build-, ever since the junction of the 2 Canadian Cos. in particular they have done every bad thing they could in order to drive out the Hudsons Bay Company servants from these Northern Settlements - such conduct in the Canadians intimidates our Men very much who are so very few - and is a principal cause of so very few agreeing to go to these parts - They told here last spring that they would burn our Canoes upon the Methy Carrying place if we returned - The 25th Fourteen Canoes of Canadians pafsed here for the Athapescow being very early & I expect that they will get all the Indians fitted out & sent quite out of our way to their winters Quarters before that we can arrive there - There are 24 Canoes yet unarrived for these Northern posts - every canoe 6 Men & some more, besides a great Number whom remained Inland all Summer - so that our Chances of getting any skins will be very slender, also considering the unjustifiable methods they make use of to attain their Ends - On the 26th Myself and 2 Canoes with 8 Men left this for the Athapescow - Left Mr Sutherland here who is to remain until Mr Linkletter arrives who is expected in a few Days to receive instructions and afsistance from him with respect to the Building at the Green Lake - On the 30th at 2 1/2 PM Arrived at the East side of the Methy carrying place & on the 6th Sept. we Got all over and left it - and on the 9th pafs the first Canadian Settlement beyond the Methy Carrying place, where 2 Canadians was immediately sent away a little ahead of us to get any Indians out of the way that might be in the River."

Sept. 11
" Wednesday - at 3 PM arrived here and found all well thank God, but no provisions in the House & very few furs. Mr Swain tells me that the Canadians had built a small house within 200 yards to keep away Indians from coming to our House, but that they still suspected some came privately in the night to Trade with us. - They then came and pitched a Tent within 4 Yards of the Corner of our Dwelling house & near the window - with a determination of keeping any? Indians away from us which had but too well succeeded, as since that time viz? about a month ago not a single native has ventured to come near our House; Last month nearly 40 Canoes of Jepewyans got Credits at the French House, and when they went away, a Big Canoe full of Canadians with Mr Jas. McKenzie Master here came to the NW Corner of our Island all armed - another party on Shoar garded the S side - & Mr Black in another Quarter on purpose to prevent any of the Indians from coming near us - We had a fine Canoe that Mr Swain sometimes went after Indians with in the forepart of the Summer - but when they found that we had been at Indians, they destroyed it privately - When our Men caught fish in the Summer the Canadians were watching to keep away Indians also - and when our People went to hunt Ducks when the Fish was scarse - a Mr Black a Clerk of the Canadians - would follow them in a Canoe the whole Day & shout & hallew in order to prevent our Men from killing any thing - all this was not enough they thought, but as I suppose it was their determination to starve our People out. They robbed & pulled up the principal parts of our Garden - & their fire they had that Tented close to the Corner of our? House was in danger of setting the House on fire - Such very unjustifiable beheavour in the Canadians has so much intimidated all our Men here that none would remain here they say another summer if their wages was doubled to run the risk of being starved & perhaps the House burnt about them - Not a single Indian is here either Crees or Jepewyans as the Canadians has got them all out of the way to prevent our Seeing them - nor do I expect to see any this winter - as we are so very few - & the Canadians so numerous - besides the Indians being much afraid of the Canadians - we hear from a Canadian in a private Manner that they had been in our House at the Slave Lake The Master & 7 Men & took away an Indian that came in to Trade with us - and that they had burnt down our small fishing House - and also our Canoe our Men had to crofs over any Indians from the Main to the Island where our House is situated - They had also been tenting close to our House the greater part of the Summer, & endangered it with Fire & our Men was more than once? obliged to get up in the night & put out their Fire which was very near our Houses - In the Summer Mr Black came into our House here & examined the Skins Traded in the Summer - The Conduct of the Canadians both here & at the Slave Lake has been such this Summer that I believe a Man cannot be engaged to remain upon any account."

Sept. 12
" Thursday As no Indians is about this place, nor none likely to be seen by us this Winter. Mr Swain & self went over to the French House & proposed to the Proprietors that in consideration of their paying all our Indian Credits at this place & the Slave Lake amounting to 500 MB we would withdraw all our Men from those two places for two years which they at last agreed to on the following particulars - Viz. To pay us in the Spring 5 days before Embarkation 300 large Beaver Skins & 200 MB in other furrs in proportion that the Indians kills about here this winter - all to be Good Skins - That they will furnish us with the lone of a Large Canoe & 6 bags of Pemmican - & 10 Moose in the winter - also a small Canoe to fish with - & we are not to molest or disturb any Indians we might see on this Side the Methy Carrying place - which was in their power compleatly to keep us from seeing a single one. The 10 Moose at Each place - we are to pay for it at the same price they give the Indian - We are so very few of us, & the Canadians so numerous - besides their very unjustifiable ways they take, that it was not in our power to have got any thing this winter - and none of our people ? remain they say in the Summer - was the reason of our making this Agreemant. - when it was made - Mr McLeod told us that had not this agreement taken place, that the proprietors present (5) had determined that none of our people should proceed to the Slave Lake. - and I have not the least doubt but that they would have done it as they are capable of any thing but good. The Canoe & Pemmican is to be returned either at the Isle ala Crofse or at Cumberland House next Summer - The Small Canoe to fish with we was obliged to borrow as we had none to visit the nets with as they had destroyed ours - Had not Mr Swain remained here all Summer and gone to the Indians himself in the early part of the Summer & got a little meat then - our Men woud have been all starved - as very few fish was to be caught owing to the very great Quantity of water - which was so exceedingly high as has never been seen before by the Oldest Indian here - Our Man came home from the Fishing Tent with 25 fish."

Sept. 13
" Friday Our Men putting thing in readinefs to go to the Slave Lake."

Sept. 14
" Saturday Mr Swain & self went over to the French House to conclude the Agreement as mentioned on Thursday - one of our Men came home with 3 Geese, & the fish he was obliged to throw away as our Canoe was so very bad that he could not crofs over to the House with safety."

Sept. 15
" Sunday At 9 AM Mr Swain with One Canoe & 4 Men went away for the Slave Lake - They have taken very little Goods with them as it will not be required as I suppose the Canadians will not suffer an Indian to come near our Houses this winter any more than they did in the Summer - Sent over to the French House to get the Small canoe to fish with - as ? ? our Men are in danger of being drownded it is become so very bad and past all repairs - Cleaned out the Warehouses - Mr Alex McKenzie & Henry went for the Slave & Bears Lakes - the former who lately was in the New Concern is made director of McKenzie River & Bears Lake Settlements - he is now one of the proprietors."

Sept. 16.
" Monday The Men repairing our Old Large Canoe to go up the River to hunt Geese with - In the Evening sent 2 Men to attend the nets about 5 miles off - no fish can be caught any nearer in the Summer - Gave the Men a little Ammunition to Kill Geese with."

Sept. 17
" Tuesday Early this Morning Sent away 3 Men up the Athapescow River nearly 2 days paddle to P. Ponds old House to Kill Geese. Eight Canoes of Canadian went for Peace River - 5 or 6 had gone there before my arrival - & to winter within the Rocky mountains or Beyond - All those Canoes for Peace River have 7 Men Each - One Man came home with 30 fish of Sorts, Tickameg, Jack, Perch & Succors - The Men at home employed collecting drift wood. A Mr McDonald one? of the New Co. Clerks of Late who shot one of the Old Co. Masters at the Bears Lake Last November & another Canadian Man are still watching to keep away Indians. Close at the Corner of our House, where they have been above a Month past. They have now 2 Tents here for that Purpose."

Sept. 18
" Wednesday Mr McLeod went away for Peace river in one Canoe and Ten Men - Men as yesterday."

Sept. 19
" Thursday One Man came home with 34 fish - The others as before - The water falling very fast in the Lake above 1 Inch perpendicular pr Day."

Sept. 20
" Friday Men collecting drift wood around the Island to serve as firewood in the Winter."

Sept. 21
" Saturday In the Evening our 2 Men came home with 40 Fish of Sorts. We have no provisions of any kind but what we get from our nets to live upon - sometimes our allowance is small."

Sept. 22
" Sunday Our 2 Men went to the Nets."

Sept. 23
" Monday One Man came home with 38 Fish - also our 3 Men Sent to Ponds House returned with only 26 Geese. They brought down with them two good pieces of Birch to make Sledges."

Sept. 24
" Tuesday Sent one Man to the Fishery with 2 more nets - they have now 4 to put down - The Men helving Axes to fall firewood."

Sept. 25
" Wednesday Three Men cutting down Green wood for fireing & 2 collecting drift wood. - Mr Black came here with 4 Canadians & took down their watch house they had all summer near here, & rafted it over to our house, and he insisted on putting it up before the Door & within 10 Yard of it - went over to McKenzie about their building so very near us - he now say that they will build it close to the end of my room and directly opposite the Window. Mr Black or some of the Canadians here tore a large piece of Bark from the roof of our dwelling House & put it upon the Top of our Chimney which soon took fire and was very near setting the whole House on fire - had this happened when none of us chanced to be out it would have burnt down the House - This Mr Black is the most mischevious, malicious person I ever saw ? only obeying the instructions of his Employers. - One Man came home with 39 Fish - & another returned."

Sept. 26
" Thursday This Morning Mr Black & 4 Men came over & put up their House within 4 yards of My Eastern window & directly opposite it - Surely? our Honble Company will never pafs over such imposing practices of the Canadians - as by such proceedings an Indian will never be suffered to come into our Houses - This is a beginning of what Mr McLeod told me last Spring that the NWCo. would not suffer an Indian to enter into the Hudsons Bay and before that they would permit it, that the Servants of the Hudsons Bay Company should walk over their Bodies. I used every endeavour to persuade them that it was much too near, & to build it further of but to no purpose. and the Canadians being so numerous here we have no chance in compelling them to build it but where they think it proper - I hope such conduct in the Canadians can never be pafsed over by the Honble Committee if it is, none of their servants will be permitted by the Canadians from Building in any new Quarter, and making any Trade? with the Indians."

Sept. 27
" Friday All hands collecting drift wood. Yesterday & this day - One of our Men came home with 63 fish of sorts - and left some behind - as the Canoe was too small to carry all."

Sept. 28
" Saturday These 2 Days past the French has not been working at their House - on Thursday they made it ready for plastering - Men as before - One Man brot home 32 fish."

Sept. 29
" Sunday Several Canoes of Indians went to the Other House Yesterday but they would not suffer one to land & come to our House. Sent the following note over to Mr Ja. McKenzie the Canadian Master proprietor here
Dear Sir,
I am under the disagreeable necefsity of troubling you about Your small House built here by Mr Black within 4 Yards of my Eastern window and directly opposite it - which entirely obscures my view - but above all its being so very near us that it would be almost impofsible to keep our House from being set on fire by sparks falling from Your Chimney & lighting in the dry bark on the roof of our House, which woud instantly be in a flame - I therefore hope you will give orders to its being removed to a more proper distance from our buildings to prevent any danger of that kind.
I remain
Dear Sir
Your Obdt. Servt.
P Fidler.
Sunday 29th Sept. 1805
Nott. Ho. Athap. Lake
To Mr Ja. McKenzie Prop?
Our Man came home with with 37 Fish of Sorts. Received no ans'r to the above note."

Sept. 30
" Monday The Men finished collecting all the drift wood about the Island - We are in all only 7 Men here - Another Canadian & his wife came here to watch & keep Indians from Bringing any thing to the House - before there was a Mr McDonald & one Man ."

Oct. 1 1805
" Tuesday In the Afternoon Mr Tompson? a Proprietor went away up Peace River to the Falls, with 3 Canoes - all the Crees I understand are to winter there & only 2 Men to hunt for the other House to remain here - Mr McKenzie came here - he is no inclined to remove his small house farther way. Men variously Employed."

Oct. 2
" Wednesday Three of the Crees pitched on a small Island near here as they left the French House and wished to come into our House but the French would not suffer them to come in with a bit of Leather they had - on the Frenchmans resisting the Indians took out their Bayonets and was near Stabbing McDonald - however he persisted & kept them from bringing us anything - One Man came home with 6 Ducks 9 Swans & 4 Partridges and 39 Fish. - Men rafting home some firewood."

Oct. 3
" Thursday The old Co. took down their House & carried it about 80 Yards and put it up ? on the SE point of our I'd & opposite the front of our House - here it is at a very good distance from us that we have no cause to complain on that head. - All hands falling Green wood."

Oct. 4
" Friday One Man brought home 50 Fish of Sorts & the Rest rafting home firewood."

Oct. 5
" Saturday Our Man brought home 34 Tickameg & 1? Partridge. Men variously Employed - The last of the Inds. went away from the French House - since the agreement was made they permit the Inds. to their House - had it not been made they would not have suffered one of them to come near."

Oct. 6
" Sunday Nothing particular."

Oct. 7
" Monday Our Man came home with 56 Fish. those at the House employed cutting down fireood for the Winters use. A Jepowyan went to the Old Co. house."

Oct. 8
" Tuesday Receiv'd 1 Thigh & 1 side of Ribs from Mr McKenzie to be deducted from the 10 Moose they are to furnish us here - he also gave us 4 Large Axes. before we receiv'd 2 more also two bags of Pemmican in Lieu of many Stores &c left in care of Mr Rodric? McKenzie by Mr Malchom Rofs when we wintered here in 1791 - I had several times asked those Stores to be returned but could never get them, & the above is all we have received for them - Our Men repairing Sledges to hawl fish upon & from Goose Island."

Oct. 9
" Wednesday One man came home with 50 Fish of Sorts and 1 Swan - The rest falling firewood - I believe that we have nearly enough for the whole winter."

Oct. 10
" Thursday Men digging up Earth to plaster the Houses."

Oct. 11
" Friday One Man brout here 44 Fish 1 Swan & 1 Duck & those at home plastering the Walls of our Houses."

Oct. 12
" Saturday Men finished plastering the House without."

Oct. 13
" Sunday Snow all Day - no fish remaining in the House."

Oct. 14
" Monday Sent 3 Men with the Large Canoe away to get Grafs to Lay it up with and to bring home the Fishermen as few are now to be got there - they met them coming with every thing except one Dog? & all returned. Set a net here & made every thing ready for our People to go to the Goose Island about 12 miles off to fish."

Oct. 15
" Tuesday Sent away Four Men to the Goose Island to fish - They have with them Seven nets of 72 fathoms each: Received from the french Master 1 Shoulder & 1 side of Ribs - Taylor at his Duty. Overhauled our net at the House & only got 3 Tickameg & 1 Jack."

Oct. 16
" Wednesday Men at the House variously Employed - 5 Fish."

Oct. 17
" Thursday Only Three men at the House the Cook & Taylor included? - Only 6 fish from our net here."

Oct. 18
" Friday Men variously employed - Made 40 Candles - 8 Fish."

Oct. 19
" Saturday Mr McDonald who has been watching here to keep Indians from coming to us went away to the Fishing Island to Remain all the winter - he appears much dejected at that accident happening last November - he is to go down to Montreal next summer to stand his trial. Overhauled our net here which is all we have to depend upon until Fish are brought from the Goose Island - and got 12 Tickameg 5 Perch 2 Succors & 2 Jack. Our Men went about 4 miles & brought home the largest half of a Poor Buck moose - That McKenzie told us to fetch. One man made 30 Candles & the other filling up the cracks in the walls."

Oct. 20
" Sunday Only 4 Fish from our Nett."

Oct. 21
" Monday Made 36 Candles. Taylor at his duty. Strong Gales."

Oct. 22
" Tuesday Overhauled our net & took it up to repair. got 18 Fish of Sorts. - Repairing old nets - & put 1/2 a one down."

Oct. 23
" Wednesday Men repairing old nets. Six Fish."

Oct. 24
" Thursday Men as before - only 4 Fish."

Oct. 25
" Friday Put new Windows into the House - Channel driving full of Ice - altho no Ice yesterday. 28 Fish."

Oct. 26
" Saturday Lake full of Ice & froze over at the Island - Shot a young Swan - being very late in the Season - 16 Fish & the Men variously Employed, Tayloring, Net mending &c."

Oct. 27
" Sunday McKenzie sent over 1 side of ribs. The Ice in the night drove away two old 1/2 nets of ours & 2 whole & 1 1/2 belonging to the Frenchman that remains in the Little House to watch us along with his woman; he is to be hear all the winter for that Purpose - Mr Sayer? one of the Canadian Clerks came from home with a little meat he had been away for at some Southern Indians or Crees - up the Peace River - he had much difficulty to get here by the Ice being so much."

Oct. 28
" Monday Put down 2 other old 1/2 nets and took them up again in the Evening and got 4 Tickameg. much Ice driving out of the Lake."

Oct. 29
" Tuesday Men variously Employed - could not venture? a net down."

Oct. 30
" Wednesday Put down an old 1/2 Net. 4 Fish."

Oct. 31
" Thursday Very cold. Lake nearly all froze over - lost our old 1/2 net put down yesterday under the Ice - which in the night broke up again there. Taylor at his duty working for me & the Men."

Nov. 1 1805
" Friday Put down 1 1/2 Nett under the Ice. - 3 Fish."

Nov. 2
" Saturday Put down another 1/2 net & got out of those set yesterday 39 Tickameg & 6 Methy."

Nov. 3
" Sunday Ice broke up in the night by a Gale at NW & we unluckily lost our 2 1/2 nets, & got the Long new one a little damaged - but found our 1/2 net that was lost some time ago and got 7 Fish."

Nov. 4
" Monday Set a net in the open water and took it up again in the Evening for fear of the Ice and got 14 Tickameg & 3 Methy. Two of our Men came here over the Ice from the Goose I'd They have about 200 Fish in Stock there. They were also so unlucky as to lose one net when the Ice set in - The Men at the House repairing Netts."

Nov. 5
" Tuesday One Man returned to the Goose Island with Six Sledges & Dogs & to bring Fish here in 5 Days time as at Present the Ice is too rough for the Sledges before some snow falls - Laid up our Large Canoe here."

Nov. 6
" Wednesday Another Man went to the Goose Island to remain there - Put down two nets under the Ice; Sent to the Island 14 Skains of Twine to make 2 new netts. - in the evening overhauled our Nets and got 17 Fish."

Nov. 7
" Thursday 56 Fish of Sorts. we overhaul our 2 nets here twice a day - & will do until the Fish is nearly all gone away which will be in about 20 Days - according to those? Years past - Taylor as usual."

Nov. 8
" Friday 66 Fish - Men as before."

Nov. 9
" Saturdy 62 Fish - Men variously Employed."

Nov. 10
" Sunday 60 Fish - & put down an old 1/2 net yesterday - 2 Canadians came from the Old house acrofs the Lake over the Ice - They was near starved to death in the fall before the Ice compleatly froze over - & could neither put nets down in the open water nor under the Ice Now they catch 25 Fish pr net."

Nov. 11
" Monday 70 Fish of Sorts. The greater part Tickameg - took up one net to repair & put it down again in the Evening."

Nov. 12
" Tuesday 122 Fish - Took up the other net & repaired it & put it down again - we also took up the old 1/2 net."

Nov. 13
" Wednesday 100 Fish - 2 Men came home from the Goose Island with 100 Fish of Sorts in 6 Sledges - The say there is about 500 there yet - Repaired the Big sledge to haul Firewood."

Nov. 14
" Thursday 67 Fish - Men variously Employed."

Nov. 15
" Friday 83 Fish - Took up a net to repair and put it down again in the Evening - Three Men hawling home firewood with the Big sledge and the Dogs."

Nov. 16
" Saturday Two Days ago the Canadians came over the Ice from the Fishing Island - they were also nearly starved to death in the Fall before the Ice compleatly froze over - 77 Fish - Men as yesterday."

Nov. 17
" Sunday 105 Fish."

Nov. 18
" Monday Took up a net broke by either Sticks or Ice driving under the Ice - 63 Fish - Men hauling home firewood."

Nov. 19
" Tuesday In the morning put down the net taken up yesterday? 58 Fish - obliged to take it up again being much broke - Mr Ja. McKenzie went to the Peace River on a visit to see Mr McLeod. - Men hauling home firewood."

Nov. 20
" Wednesday Put the net down again a little farther from the shoar. we have now two nets now down and a very bad 1/2 net - 2 Men hauling home firewood every day with the Dogs & Big Sledge. - 28 Fish of sorts."

Nov. 21
" Thursday 90 Fish - Obliged to take the net up again that was put down last night. it is much broke by the Ice driving underneath - Men hauling firewood."

Nov. 22
" Friday Magnus Duncan badly - 30 Fish - One Man came from the Goose Island for Twine to line a net with - he says that they have upwards of 1000 Tickameg there besides a few of other sorts."

Nov. 23
" Saturday Put down the other net a little farther out - 59 Fish - Men hawling firewood as usual."

Nov. 24
" Sunday Overhauled the nets only Once; 22 Fish."

Nov. 25
" Monday 44 Fish - Magnus Duncan got well & hauling firewood. Taylor at his duty."

Nov. 26
" Tuesday Got 3 Rabbits out of the Snares - Took up a net to repair and put it down again - 35 Fish - Men as yesterday."

Nov. 27
" Wednesday 25 Fish - Men hauling firewood - took up a net to repair."

Nov. 28
" Thursday 4 Rabbits - 20 Fish - Men putting? more flatt Sledges in order to hawl fish. 11 is now ready for that purpose."

Nov. 29
" Friday 34 Fish - Men making 2 New Sledges & Snow Shoes."

Nov. 30
" Saturday 2 Crees arrived at the French House yesterday & This day they returned with 3 Canadians & 5 Sledges to fetch Meat from the Hunters 40 Fish - Taylor at his Duty. finished hawling firewood."

Dec. 1 1805
" Sunday 1 Rabbit and 31 Fish."

Dec. 2
" Monday 36 Fish and took our old 1/2 net - Sent 2 Men with 11 Sledges and Dogs to haul fish from the Goose Island."

Dec. 3
" Tuesday 21 Fish - two nets constantly down - fish now falling off much - Men variously Employed."

Dec. 4
" Wednesday 24 Fish - Took up a net yesterday to repair & put it down again - also one this Day - our 2 Men came home from the Goose Island with 320 Tickameg & 3 Trout."

Dec. 5
" Thursday 2 Rabbit - 21 Fish - The 2 men returned to the Island."

Dec. 6
" Friday 27 Fish - Taylor at his Employ. the others at various jobs."

Dec. 7
" Saturday 32 Fish - at 7 PM two Jepowyan men came here in a very private manner and it luckily happened that the Canadian man who stays here to watch us was away at the Time. They brought 52 1/2 MB - besides a little Meat. they was in great haste to get them Traded. before that could be done the Canadian Man came to his house? here and they was so very much afraid that they went away leaving part of their property behind; they came 6 Days Journey off down this Lake. in their haste in going away the Canadian saw them, but as it was night, & he alone, I imagine he durst not pursue them to know who they were - The Jepowyans or Northern Indians was all very much afraid of the Canadians before, but since some of the Canadians were killed by them 2 years ago they have been still more afraid than before. - Our Men came home with 300 Perch - Took up one net - only one now down."

Dec. 8
" Sunday 20 Fish - Sent James Morrowick with 3 Dogs & Sledges to fetch home 1 Buffalo; I also ordered Magnus Duncan to go with him, as there 1/2 a Buffalo More to fetch from the Hunters Tent: but he absolutely refused going - I called him into the room & he now promises never again to refuse duty - after I had severely reprimanded him - Ja. Morrowick went in company with a Canadian."

Dec. 9
" Monday 27 Fish - The Men falling Poplar to burn to make Soap with - Yesterday The Taylor went to the Island for fish & this Day he returned with 150 Tickameg on 5 Sledges."

Dec. 10
" Tuesday 16 Fish - Men repairing Old Snow Shoes."

Dec. 11
" Wednesday 11 Fish - the Tickameg is now nearly all gone away to the deep water - so that we only catch now mostly Perch & Pike - The Man returned for fish - Mens Employ as on Monday."

Dec. 12
" Thursday Ja. Morrowick returned with the Meat of 1 Buffalo. One man came home with 6 Sledges of Fish - 160 Tickameg, 70 Perch & 3 Trout. - They only caught 18 yesterday in 4 nets. 8 fish from our net at the House. The Men brought home the Poplar Ashes & made lye for Soap."

Dec. 13
" Friday Sent Mag. Duncan along with a Canadian to fetch the 1/2 Buffalo remaining there for us - The Man returned to the Iland - made Soap - 16 Fish."

Dec. 14
" Saturday One Man Came home with 210 Tickameg & 80 Perch - A Jepewyan accompanied by a Canadian went to their House. they came from the Birch Hill - I suppose for the Canadians to fetch Skins & Meat - 14 Fish."

Dec. 15
" Sunday The Man returned to the Goose Island for fish. got from our net here 11 Fish of Sorts."

Dec. 16
" Monday One Man came home with 10 Sleges of Fish - 208 Tickameg and 72 Perch - 10 Fish from our net here - Our Men only caught 10 fish yesterday in 4 nets at the Goose Island. The water is now become shoal there - Men variously Employed."

Dec. 17
" Tuesday The Man returned back to the Island. and Mag. Duncan came home with near 1/2 a Buffalo. Men as before."

Dec. 18
" Wednesday Weighed 52 lbs of Pemmican & 80 lbs of Beat Meat for part of 2 Men's & Dogs Allowances to go to The Isle a la Crofse with Letters. we left 60 lb of Pimmican well laid up by the way as we pafsed down here in the Summer - James Morrowick & Magnus Duncan getting their Sledges & Snow Shoes in order & to go for the Isle ala Crofse - 3 Canadians In company with the Indian that came 14th Inst. went away to fetch Skins &. They slept 4 nights coming here. one of our Men came home with 208 Tickameg & 52 Perch - 12 Fish."

Dec. 19
" Thursday 12 Fish, one Man returned to the Island to bring home the remainder of the Fish - Took up our nets to repair - Men variously employed."

Dec. 20
" Friday Put down the net in the Morning - one Man came home with the last of the Fish from the Goose Island 70 Tick'g 20 Perch & 40 large Pike - one of the Dogs lost his Slege - being a thick snowy day."

Dec. 21
" Saturday 15 Fish - Sent the Taylor Magnus Loutit away to the Goose Island with the Dogs & Sleges - he is to assist them to remove every thing from thence to the Fishing Island about 18 miles off to the NE where fish can be caught all winter as the water is deep there. our 2 Men got every thing ready to set off tomorrow Morning for the Isle ala Crofse."

Dec. 22
" Sunday at 6 1/4 AM James Morrowick & Magnus Duncan with 2 dogs and Sledges set off for the Isle ala Crofse with Letters - on the appointment of Mr McNab - sent the Following Letter to the Governor at York Factory."

" Nottingham House Athapescow Lake
December 23rd 1805
Dear Sir,
I now send Two men to the Isle ala Crofse with Letters for the Saskatchewan River &c which gives me this opportunity of writing to you.
We left Cumberland House 8th August and arrived at the Isle ala Crofse the 24th Inst. where I left Mr Sutherland with two Canoes for the Beaver River, and I proceeded forward to this Place with the other 2 Canoes where we arrived the 11th Sept. and found all well thank God but no provisions in the House and only 75 MB - The Canadians during all the Summer had used the most unjustifiable means to prevent our people from getting any thing from Indians and since last Spring none has been here in an open Manner - The Canadians privately destroyed our Canoe that we had to go after Indians - pulled up our Garden Stuff - came into the House and examined every Skin Mr Swain Traded here. Pitched 2 Tents within 5 yards of our House - and would not suffer a single Indian to come near us - even the sight of a Canadian is sufficient to keep them away, They are so very much afraid. - at the Slave Lake they have forcibly taken Indians out of our House who came in to Trade - when ever our Men went on duck hunting for their livelyhood they were always accompanied by some of the Canadians who hallowed and frightened every thing away and it has been their determination to starve our people if pofsible - Our Men had such a very disagreable summer, that not a man would remain another if his wages was doubled - we shall therefore be under the necefsity of leaving this in the Spring - so very few of us and situated as we are against such numbers of the worst actions & designs. That we are not able to do anything here advantageous for the Company - and in order to make the most for the Company Mr Swain & myself told the Canadian Proprietors here, that if they would pay us all our outstanding Credits amounting to 500 MB we would withdraw all our people away from this next Spring which they at last agreed to.
Mr Swain went away for the Slave Lake 15th Sept. with one Canoe and we have not heard any thing from that Quarter since - Thank God our fishing here has been fortunate we have now 3000 in Stock - The Weather has been mild hitherto, and but little Snow and there is the appearance of a fine Winter.
We shall be pretty heavily loaded in the Spring in taking every thing out, that it will be at least the 15th July before that we shall be able to reach Oxford House.
Wishing you a happy Spring - and better prospects to the Companies Affairs than is in this Quarter & remain
Dear Sir
Your Obedient Servant
P. Fidler.
Got from our net here 12 Fish."

Dec. 23
" Monday The 2 Men here cutting firewood & attending the nets 12 Fish."

Dec. 24
" Tuesday Men as before - 14 Fish."

Dec. 25
" Wednesday 11 Fish - Gave the Men an Allowance of Brandy."

Dec. 26
" Thursday 11 Fish - Men as usual."

Dec. 27
" Friday 12 Fish - & took up the Net to repair."

Dec. 28
" Saturday Put down the net in the Morning."

Dec. 29
" Sunday 13 Fish."

Dec. 30
" Monday 11 Fish - One Man came from the Fishing Island with 95 Tickameg & 34 Trout - Six nets are now down there."

Dec. 31
" Tuesday The Man returned to the Island, sent those there an Allowance of Brandy - The 3 Canadians returned from the Birch Hill with Meat & but few Skins - Mr Sayer? came over here & told us to fetch 2 moose from thence, there is 4 killed & they are to fetch the other two. it is a long way off, they Slept 6 nights coming here those that arrived this Day - overhauled our net here & only 6 Fish of Sorts mostly Jack."

Jan. 1 1806
" Wednesday The Canadians came over here and fired according to the Annual Custom - gave them 2 drams each and they went away."

Jan. 2
" Thursday 19 Fish - Men variously Employed."

Jan. 3
" Friday 13 Fish - One man came home with 5 Sledges of fish from the Fishing Island about 18 Miles off & brought 112 Tick'g & 20 Trout."

Jan. 4
" Saturday Early this Morning Sent 2 Men away with 7 Sledges & Dogs to fetch 2 Moose - 3 Canadians accompanied them they are also gone for 2 Moose - 10 Fish & took up the net as there is now only One Man at the House - Observed the Lunar Eclipse, very clear."

Jan. 5
" Sunday"

Jan. 6
" Monday At 3 PM Mr Ja. McKenzie returned back here from his Journey up Peace River - he went away 19th November."

Jan. 7
" Tuesday "

Jan. 8
" Wednesday Mr Black & 2 Men came here & cleaned away a place to pitch a Tent upon within 4 Yards of my window - I remonstrated with them about its being much too near - but they said it was McKenzies orders - I immediately sent over a note to him about their encroaching much too near us & that the Tent so nigh would be very disagreeable & a mere nuisance - & telling him of the Consequences of their being so near - He returned for answer that he did not mind the Consequences & that it was his intent to prevent a single Indian from entering the Hudsons Bay Company House - I have always made it my study to live upon a friendly footing with the Canadians as far as was consistent with the Companys Interest being well convinced that by so doing it was to their advantage - but now that the NWCo & they have joined they are so exasperated that any of the Hudsons Bay people should be in these parts that they will not stick at any thing in order to expel us from hence - at the Isle ala Crofse they have behaved also in a most unjustifiable and shameful manner these years past in order to drive them from that Place - and unlefs the Honble Committee take notice of such Practices of the Canadians - nothing ever can be done any way advantageous to the Company, whilst we are so very few & things are now taken by the strongest hand without any regard to right or Justice."

Jan. 9
" Thursday Bad Snowy drifting weather."

Jan. 10
" Friday Bad, cold drifting weather."

Jan. 11
" Saturday The same."

Jan. 12
" Sunday Mr Black & 2 Men came over & cleaned away a spot near our fish Shed within 3 feet of it & within 5 yards of our Warehouse & near the Mens Door - Wrote another note over to McKenzie hoping that he would have the Tent put up at a more proper distance from our buildings & not to endanger them by Fire - but got no satisfactory answer."

Jan. 13
" Monday The Frenchmen put up their Tent in the same spot they cleaned away snow from Yesterday - & they left their Small house built here last fall & slept in the Tent - such proceeding I hope the Honble Committee will never look over - as I now find that it is their Determination that not a single Indian shall bring any thing into our House."

Jan. 14
" Tuesday McKenzie came over here quite unexpected I told him about the Tent being so very near - & he agreed to remove it farther off in a few Days."

Jan. 15
" Wednesday"

Jan. 16
" Thursday"

Jan. 17
" Friday"

Jan. 18
" Saturday At 7 1/2 Our 2 Men returned that went to fetch meat in company with the Canadians which they could not find, therefore returned without any thing - Mr Black forced himself into our House and would insist on knowing what was upon one of the Sledges that contained only the Mens Bedding, Shoes &c - we would not untie it - but he immediately did - I ordered him out of the House twice but he would not Go, and behaved in a most insulting Manner - before he thought proper to go out after he had rummaged the Sledges."

Jan. 19
" Sunday Early this Morning 3 Canadians came over here & began to take their small House down - I suppose they mean to put it up close to us."

Jan. 20
" Monday The french Men carried over their small House & cleared away snow? close to my room window & opposite it I again wrote over to McKenzie, he returned for Answer that it was his orders - and as we are so very few of us here, that we cannot use their methods to compel them to remove it by main strength. The men laid up 700 Tickameg in the Snow for Spring use."

Jan. 21
" Tuesday The Canadians put up their small House - & our 2 Men took down 2 Ribbands of the Stockades from the Garden to fix up at the end of our House to keep the Canadians from pafsing close by our Door, which they have in an insulting manner ever since they have pitched their Tent at our Provision Store."

Jan. 22
" Wednesday Our Men putting up the Stockades in the Snow as the Ground is too hard froze to dig now."

Jan. 23
" Thursday Yesterday obliged to block up my room window close to which the Canadians had built their House - & I cut out another on the other Quarter of the House - Men as yesterday."

Jan. 24
" Friday Finished putting up the Stockades at the East Quarter of our House."

Jan. 25
" Saturday All hands cutting firewood."

Jan. 26
" Sunday Frenchmen busy finishing their small House. they go on but very slowly as the weather is so very severe."

Jan. 27
" Monday The men getting small pines for railing to enclose betwixt the Provision Store & ware house, also from the Provisions Store & Mens House - to keep the Canadians from Listening at the Mens windows - but we cannot put them up until they move their Tent, as it is within the intended inclosure, they are so very near. - A wolf has been running about these 2 Nights & the Dogs barked much - the Canadians surrounded our House armed thinking that it was Indians coming here."

Jan. 28
" Tuesday Sent one Man to the Island with all the Dogs and 7 Sledges to fetch fish - Frenchmen hawling the Logs of one of the NWCo old houses here with a Horse - perhaps they mean to put up another House close by us."

Jan. 29
" Wednesday The frenchmen hawling Logs & began to clear Snow away to build another House - within 10 Yards of the Mens Door & opposite it - I spoke to Mr Black about removing it farther off as it would endanger our house with fire. he swore that he would build it where he pleased and that our Company might Kifs his A-se - Such proceeding? I hope never be pafsed over by the Honble Committee."

Jan. 30
" Thursday Our Man came from the Island with fish - he brought 146 Tickameg & 42 Trout - he says there are upwards of 1500 fish there in store. - Mr Black when he arrived examined every sledge & even the Mens Buffalo Coat; thinking perhaps that Indians had been at our Fishing House at the Island with Skins - I suppose this is also done in order to give all our Men a thorough dislike for this place - That they will never return to it again - it is realy greeving to see how the Canadians behave towards us and it is not in the power of us here to prevent such proceedings."

Jan. 31
" Friday Sent one man to the Island for Fish."

Feb. 1 1806
" Saturday The Frenchmen slept in one of their Houses last night. & they plastered the walls of the other one."

Feb. 2
" Sunday A Canadian came from the Hunting Tent with word to fetch 3 Moose - & McKenzie sent over a note for us to fetch the half of it."

Feb. 3
" Monday The 2 Men at home cutting firewood their usual employ."

Feb. 4
" Tuesday The Last night some of the Canadians stole some of our split dry wood for fireing - The Man came home with 150 Tickameg."

Feb. 5
" Wednesday Sent away 2 Men for Meat - only one Man remains at the House - The Hunter came here."

Feb. 6
" Thursday The Hunter says there is 6 Moose now at his Tent."

Feb. 7
" Friday Our 2 Men returned with the Meat only of one very poor Buck moose - altho McKenzie said we was to get 1 1/2 - the Canadians there said they had no orders to give us any more. Mr Black came to our very door & examined in an insulting Manner every Sledge & the Mens Bedding."

Feb. 8
" Saturday Our Men cutting firewood & finished the Last of that Collected in the Fall."

Feb. 9
" Sunday."

Feb. 10
" Monday The 6th Inst The Canadians removed? Their Tent & live in their Houses - our Men putting up railing betwixt the two Stores."

Feb. 11
" Tuesday Men as yesterday."

Feb. 12
" Wednesday Men as before and putting up railing between their House & the Victual Shed."

Feb. 13
" Thursday Men finished what they was at yesterday & are now putting up railing before the House - to shut up the front? of our House - to keep the Dogs from being killed by the Canadians. Several Indians arrived at the French House - from down this Lake - but they would not suffer any to come near us."

Feb. 14
" Friday Our Men compleated the railing and and every thing compleat? except making & hanging the Doors. at 3 PM our Men returned from the Isle ala Crofse having been obliged to throw away their Sledges as the Snow was so deep the Dogs could not hawl them. brought all our European Letters - in the Evening the Canadians stole the Fattest & best dog we had - & eat him. this we learn from one of the Canadians women in a private manner - When our Men arrived Mr Black came in according to his wanted custom and insisted on seeing & examining what our Men had brought."

Feb. 15
" Saturday Cleaned Snow out of the Yard: The Canadians here never sleep in their 2 Houses but some one is constantly upon the watch, and they frequently make loud shouts & noises every night whch alarms & disturbs everyone of us - This is done I suppose that our Men may be heartily tired of this place, & not to return back again should it be Companys wish - They are capable of any black action. - James Morrowick got one of his Toes froze that he is now scarsely able to walk - Two Indians went to the French House."

Feb. 16
" Sunday The Indians returned but was not permitted to see us."

Feb. 17
" Monday Sent one Man to the Fishing Island for fish & those here made two Doors for the Yard."

Feb. 18
" Tuesday Hung up the Doors in the Yard."

Feb. 19
" Wednesday One Man came home with 135 Tickameg & 40 Trout. McKenzie sent word for us to fetch 1 Moose. A wolf very near killed one of our Dogs in the Sledges as the Men came home from the Fishing Island."

Feb. 20
" Thursday Sent 2 men away to fetch one moose."

Feb. 21
" Friday Men variously Employed."

Feb. 22
" Saturday Men as before & made a new Gate."

Feb. 23
" Sunday Our 2 Men returned with the meat of a Poor Buck Moose."

Feb. 24
" Monday Weighed the whole Moose brought home yesterday it weighed 330 lb bones & all - One Man went to the Iland with all the Dogs & Sledges to fetch fish. Wm Harper badley."

Feb. 25
" Tuesday Men variously Employed, getting firewood &c."

Feb. 26
" Wednesday Men as before - at 4 PM 6 of our Dogs came home 3 with sledges & three without - without any thing upon them. I imagine that the Man was lost as the weather became bad awhile after he went away from this."

Feb. 27
" Thursday Sent one Man to the Fishing Island to see if the Man is there or not - he took the Dogs & Sleges with him, those at home variously Employed."

Feb. 28
" Friday Men cut firewood."

March 1 1806
" Saturday Two of our Men came from the Fishing Island with 5 Sledges of Fish - 140 Tickameg & 6 Trout. - They found 2 empty Sledges upon the Lake as they came home - Our Man we was afraid was lost got safe to the Island the Day after he left this - very well - The weather becoming bad he made for the land where he made a Fire & remained all night. 2 Indians went to the French House."

Mar. 2
" Sunday Sent 2 Men to the Fishing Island for fish."

Mar. 3
" Monday Taylor making Cloathing for myself & the People Cleaned the Snow out of the Yard & otherways employed."

Mar. 4
" Tuesday Men as yesterday - Sent a note over to Mr McKenzie desiring that he would for the future prevent his people here from hallewing & beating upon the walls of our Dwelling House in the Night either with Axes or Billets of Wood - of Late they have beat several times on the walls of our House & Knocked out the Plaster - heard by almost every one in it - he returned for Answer that he would prevent a continuance of Such Practices for the Future."

Mar. 5
" Wednesday Mr Black came into our House and ill used me? very much - by my sending the note over to Mr McKenzie yesterday acquainting him with the malicious tricks of his people - & he utterly denied it as also the Man who is in the House along with him - altho every one of our Men has frequently heard it - & he insisted that I should send over another note mentioning that no Knocking had been heard but that we had all been dreaming - & if I did not do this he would behave worse for the time to come - I told Mr Black to behave himself like a man & not do any mischief - he told me that he did not care a Dam for either me, Mr McKenzie or both Companies - This is the most malicious & impudent man I ever saw - Mr McKenzie came over here & he told Mr Black before me not to hallew & shout in the nights as he has usually done - & beat upon the walls of our House - whether or not this is all true? time will determine - Our Men came home with 150 Tickameg & 26 Trout. Mr McKenzie sent over a note giving me liberty to send Letters to our People at the Slave Lake - ? carried Letters for ? to the Isle ala Crofse for him."

Mar. 6
" Thursday This Morning 2 Canadians went away for the Slave Lake - & I sent our Mens European Letters by them. they are expected to return here again over the Ice - Taylor at his duty & the others variously Employed. one man went for fish."

Mar. 7
" Friday Men as Yesterday. - One Man came home with 180 Tick'g 18 Trout & 200 Trout heads - the bodies we mean to dry to serve us out in the Spring."

Mar. 8
" Saturday Men as before & cutting down dry wood acrofs - John Davey in Company with a Canadian arrived from Slave Lake; They are all well there. & both sides are very good neighbours & live there in the greatest harmony - but it appears that they have a particular spite against me because they know that I am the only person who knows the way thro' these Northern parts - indeed they told me last spring, that they would ill use me in particular on that account to deter me as they thought from ever returning here again."

Mar. 9
" Sunday Mr McDonald came to remain along With Mr Black in the House close at my window - There is now 3 Men in that House & 2 Men & 2 Women in the other next to the Men's Door. McKenzie sent over a note for us to fetch 2 Moose."

Mar. 10
" Monday Sent 2 Men away with the dogs & 7 Sledges to fetch the 2 Moose - Taylor at his duty & the others cutting down dry wood for fireing acrofs about 1/2 mile off."

Mar. 11
" Tuesday Some of the Frenchmen for mischief sake took away the Style out of the Dial? - One Man hauling wood others as before."

Mar. 12
" Wednesday About day light or a little Before Mr Black or his Man fired a shot close at our window & hallewed a good Deal -This shows that McKenzie was not in earnest when he told Mr Black to behave himself in a quiet manner and they have hallowed loud every night ever since I sent over the Note notwithstanding McKenzie said in his Answer that he should prevent? the like for the future. - Men as before."

Mar. 13
" Thursday About the Middle of the night another shot was fired close at the End of my room attended with loud hallowing as usual - Mens Employ the same."

Mar. 14
" Friday Our Men returned with the meat of nearly two Moose - 2 Jepowyan & 1 Cree went to the French House - indeed they will not let any one come near us. Men as yesterday."

Mar. 15
" Saturday At 4 1/4 AM Mr Black I suppose fired a heavy Shot close to our house Which shook a good deal of Plastering out of the Walls of our Dwelling House - Such like practices I never heard of before - on purpose to disturb & alarm people. I really dread that they will set fire to the House when the Snow thaws away - as I believe my neighbours capable of any bad Action - Men laid up 300 Tick'g more for the Spring use. One Man went for fish - & the others laid up our meat & otherways employed."

Mar. 16
" Sunday"

Mar. 17
" Monday One Man came with 160 Tickameg & 40 Trout. very few fish are to be caught now - only 20 of all sorts out of 6 nets Yesterday - Mr Black came to the Gate to examine the Sledge - this is the first time that he had not come within the Yard & examined every thing - Mens Employ as last week."

Mar. 18
" Tuesday Taylor at his Duty & the others cut firewood."

Mar. 19
" Wednesday At 3 AM Mr Black (as I suppose any others of the Canadians would do the like) fired another Shot out of a Gun or Pistol as usual - with loud hallowing. Our Men acrofs cutting dry wood. - & Taylor at his Duty."

Mar. 20
" Thursday One Man went to the Island for fish - very bad weather these 2 Days past - with much Snow - Men as before."

Mar. 21
" Friday Cleaned Snow out of the Yard. McKenzie sent over a note for us to fetch 1 moose - Men the same."

Mar. 22
" Saturday 2 Men falling dry wood acrofs - Taylor at his work."

Mar. 23
" Sunday 3 Indians went to the French House - & I suppose the Indians had laid up some for us - but the french went after their Tracks & found about 30 MB - which was intended for us - this I learn from one of the Frenchmans women but as a very great secret. - Sent 2 Men for the Moose."

Mar. 24
" Monday Taylor at his Duty - & the others cutting & collecting dry firewood."

Mar. 25
" Tuesday One Man came from the Island with 60 Tickameg 3 Trout & 150 Troutheads - Mr Black came in to examine the sledges & went into our Store & saw the few Skins we had, but as they was laying loose he imagined them to be many more than they really are. Men as usual. The Man brot home 3 Nets."

Mar. 26
" Wednesday Mr Black came into our house & would almost insist on knowing from what Indians & when we had got the Skins he saw yesterday - but he went away as he came in - without knowing any thing more - Men cutting down dry wood."

Mar. 27
" Thursday Sent one Man to the Island for fish. - & the others at their respective Jobbs."

Mar. 28
" Our 2 Men returned with the Meat of a pretty Good Doe moose wanting the Briscit - Men as yesterday."

Mar. 29
" Saturday One Man came home with Fish - Sent Hooks & Lines for our Men to angle Trout, as very few are to be got now in the nets - & for them to take up the Whole of the Netts"

Mar. 30
" Sunday McKenzie came over here to examine his watch Men in both houses, to know whether they watch well every night to prevent Indians from coming to our House - as he is alarmed to hear that we have got a great many furs according to Mr Blacks account. - Told McKenzie he might have from our fishing Island 500 Tickameg as we have more than 1000 we shall have no use for. - but we was obliged to keep the nets down, on account of catching Trout to split & Dry to serve us in part for our Provisions out to the Isle ala Crofse."

Mar. 31
" Monday Taylor at his duty & the rest cutting firewood."

Apr. 1 1806
" Tuesday Mr Black (I suppose) called 3 times very loud betwixt 2 & 3 oClock in the Morning & threw something against the end of our House. 1 Man came from the Island with 190 Tickameg & 16 Trout. 5 Jepowyans went from the French House towards the Birch Hill. Men as before."

Apr. 2
" Wednesday Men variously Employed."

Apr. 3
" Thursday Sent 2 Men to fetch 2 Moose & in the Evening they returned could not find the Track. Mr Black came into the Yard & as our Men was not in a hurry to untie their bedding he seased? the Sledge & untied it himself or rather pulled it to pieces to examine within the Blankets & nearly broke the Sledge."

Apr. 4
" Friday Sent the Taylor as he knows the road along with one of the others; Men Yesterday & this day clearing snow out of the Yard - This has been the greatest fall of Snow in ? day I ever saw."

Apr. 5
" Saturday Last night some of the French Men here took several of our Rabbit Snares that was set - Men falling dry wood."

Apr. 6
" Sunday"

Apr. 7
" Monday 2 Indians wished to come here but was met by the Frenchmen & sent to their own House. Mr Black fired 2 shots close to the walls of our House at 8 PM - one Man putting up a Prefs to tye up our Furs &c - & the others variously Employed."

Apr. 8
" Tuesday Mens Employ the same."

Apr. 9
" Wednesday Men variously Employed."

Apr. 10
" Thursday Our 2 Men returned with the meat of 2 moose except the briskit, Ridge Bone & part of a Shoulder - Men as before."

Apr. 11
" Friday All hands hawling home the Dry firewood - One Man came from the Island for the Dogs & Sledges."

Apr. 12
" Saturday Sent 2 Men for fish. one Man began making boxes to put Trading Goods in - as we are scarse of stuff to cover bundles with - Taylor at work for the Men."

Apr. 13
" Sunday 3 Canadians came home from 27 Jepowyan Men from Slave river (Merlaw the Chief) - who is very badly."

Apr. 14
" Monday One Man came home with 125 Tickameg & 50 Trout. Mens Employ as last Saturday."

Apr. 15
" Tuesday Men as before & the Man returned to the Island & to get the 500 Trout & 300 Tickameg dried as soon as pofsible. This is to serve us as part of our Provisions out to Isle a la Crofse."

Apr. 16
" Wednesday Men as before - & covered our Canoe over with Pine branches to keep the Sun from melting the Pitch."

Apr. 17
" Thursday Taylor began to make Clothing for Mr Swain the others as before - One man came from the Island with 215 Tickameg - Mr Black has not been in our Yard these 3 last Times to Examine our Sleges."

Apr. 18
" Friday Thawed a little, the first we have had this year."

Apr. 19
" Saturday Taylor & the Carpenter Jn Davey at their respective jobs - the others variously Employed."

Apr. 20
" Sunday"

Apr. 21
" Monday Men as before - 2 Indians went to the French House. & afterwards came to ours but the Canadians would not suffer one to come in, Southern Indians."

Apr. 22
" Tuesday Cut a Drain around our Warehouse & the Tradesmen & others as usual - 2 Inds went to the French House."

Apr. 23
" Wednesday Men as before Observ'd the Sun? ? at ? ? apparent time."

Apr. 24
" Thursday Canadians came home with birch rind & wood to make 3 Canoes - All the Canadians at home from the fisheries, except one Man who watches our Men at the Island - Men as usual. Saw 2 Geese Yesterday as the Canadian Man here says - being very late in the Season. 4 Swans pafsed our house this day."

Apr. 25
" Friday Packed up 5 Bundles of Furs & Trading Goods. Also 2 Boxes of Small Articles - Jn Wars? came here for Dogs & Sledges."

Apr. 26
" Saturday The Man returned to the Island with Dogs & Sledges. part of the Trout is already dry. Mens employ as usual."

Apr. 27
" Sunday Merlaw the Jepowyan chief with 26 Men went to the Canadian house - he is yet very ill - a Canadian hauled him ever since he has been badly. They have now nothing with them as the Canadians was lately at them & got all they had."

Apr. 28
" Monday About 20 Jepowyan Men, the Old Rabbit Chief arived at the French House from the Birch hill - Taylor at work for the Men belonging the Slave Lake. The others as before."

Apr. 29
" Tuesday Yesterday an Indian came here & also one this day but the French would not let them come into our House. This Morning the Cree Hunter & 4 others went to the french House - & came over here at night to sleep - all their Sledges was examined, & they would not suffer any of the women to come into our House, as they think that they might have some furs concealed for us - The Men traded one drest moose Skin - McKenzie sent over a note telling me that as one moose was yet due us, that we should take geese for it - but as 16 Geese is the Value of it I would not accept of them as they are far short of being equal to a Moose Deer."

Apr. 30
" Wednesday Gave the Indians a measure of Ammunition & 1 Foot of Tobacco each. Taylor & Jn Davey at their respective Duty."

May 1 1806
" Thursday Mr Black hallewed very loud at the middle of the night - Men as before."

May 2
" Friday Men as before - 4 or 5 Jepowyans went to the French House from acrofs the Lake."

May 3
" Saturday One Man came home from the Island with the Greater part of the Dry Trout & Tickameg - Mr Black came into our Yard and saw every thing taken off the Sledges - & examined the Bags containing the Beat Trout - Several Jepowyans pitched away to build Canoes - some came here but was not suffered to come to us - one man was within the yard but they took him away instantly - such beheavour in the Canadians I hope will never be pafsed over by the Honble Committee, if it is never any thing can be made here by us as we are so very few in Numbers against our opponents - where every thing goes with them by the Strongest hand without the least regard to Justice - They told all our men last Summer, both here & at the Slave Lake, that it was their determination to drive us all away from this Quarter by force. & since I must own they have done a number of very dirty actions since, then in particular. & all our Men are so much intimidated that none would remain here again on any account - as it is intirely uselefs so few of us to stand up against such numbers who has not the least regard to right, decency or Justice."

May 4
" Sunday The Man returned to the Island; much water came down the Athapescow River & ran over part of the Ice in the Lake - imagine the river to be broke up the? Ice?"

May 5
" Monday Sent 2 Men to the Goose Island for our small fishing canoe - but they returned not being able to get there, by water all round the Island - Mens Employ as before."

May 6
" Tuesday Six Jepowyans went to the French House & Mr Black kept hallewing nearly the whole night & fired 2 Shots at midnight - & kept every person in the House from Sleeping - Men as before."

May 7
" Wednesday All hands (being 4 Men) came from the Fishing Island with every thing. Men as before."

May 8
" Thursday Two Jepowyans came here but the French would not suffer one to come into our House - Men making Paddles."

May 9
" Friday Men as before."

May 10
" Saturday A Chepewayan Chief came here with 7 others and very much wished to come into our House - but was stopped by the Canadians: Killed 2 Geese, the first we have got yet. Many Jepowyans Pitched away to build Canoes. Men as before."

May 11
" Sunday Thick Snow nearly all Day. 4 frenchmen came over? here? to put up one of their Chimneys which was fallen down - & they was so bold as to go into our Garden and take Earth out of it - I spoke to the Men about it & they left off - much against their will."

May 12
" Monday 4 Men getting Splinters & Timbers to repair our old Fishing Canoe. Got 3 Geese. Others variously Employed."

May 13
" Tuesday Mr Black this Morning insisted on my telling him whether or not I had prevented the Canadians from taking Earth out of the Garden. and if I did not tell him he would give me a beating - he also abused all our Men & ran to his house for a large Cutlafs & drew it upon all our Men & insisted on their keeping within our House - Such beheavour was never seen in a man before . We wish to be quiet but they are always imposing on us: Men variously Employed - Got 2 Ducks."

May 14
" Wednesday Repaired our Fishing Canoe. 2 Geese."

May 15
" Thursday 13 Geese - Water rising fast - Men repaired our other small Canoe to hunt with."

May 16
" Friday 17 Geese & 1 Swan - The Ice broke a little in the Channel here - Pitched the small Canoes, & put them within the Yard as the Frenchmen might not break them as they watch every opportunity to do us mischief. French pitched a Tent close to our Stockades & opposite the Door."

May 17
" Saturday Much Ice drove into the Lake from the Rocky River - Cleaned out the Yard. & variously Employed."

May 18
" Sunday Mr Tompson with 4 Canoes of the NWC arrived here from the falls in Peace river - The channel from Peace river only cleared in the night - all the lake as white as 2 Months ago."

May 19
" Monday Men variously Employed Making Paddles &c."

May 20
" Tuesday The Frenchman left his Tent pitched at our Stockades & went into his House opposite the Mens Door. in the Afternoon Cleared up - it has been a continual rain both night & Day ever since the 17th Inst. - which has wasted the Snow much."

May 21
" Wednesday Set a net as our old Fish is now become bad. got 48 fish mostly Tickameg - Mr McLeod arrived here from Peace River in 1 Canoe - Ice driving fast out of the Lake - Men Making Paddles, Poles &c &c as usual. 1 Swan 1 Goose & 2 Ducks."

May 22
" Thursday 13 Canoes of Canadians arrived from Peace River. In the Evening 1 Canoe of them went to Slave Lake with Provisions for their Canoes to come here with. Repaired our Large Canoe - 62 Fish."

May 23
" Friday 34 Fish - Last night & this day Muskettoes rather plentiful - Ice driving out of the Lake Men as before."

May 24
" Saturday 4 more Canoes & 1 Batteaux arrived from Peace River - Split our Little meat as the water is now got into the Cellar with the late continual Rains - ? Men on Hunting on Thursday - & came home with 18 Geese - Mr Black went away to the French House. 24 fish."

May 25
" Sunday A Man came here for Mr McDonald who shot the old Co. Master last year at Bears Lake. Measured the exact distance betwixt their small House & my window & find it 4 Yards & 6 Inches. Employed drying the Meat. Got 6 Geese from the Frenchman here in a private manner. he has given us before several for a little Ammunition."

May 26
" Monday Our 2 Men came home from hunting & brot 27 Geese & 1 Crane - finished drying our Meat - just 90 lbs - only 6 Fish - 2 Canoes of Jepowyans went to the French House - & Yesterday another - they never look near us - They are so very much afraid - Men variously Employed."

May 27
" Tuesday Pitched & repaired our Canoe - 1 Canoe of Canadians arrived from Peace river. Our hunters came home with 45 Geese."

May 28
" Wednesday Sent 2 Men away 4 miles off to set netts as no fish are to be caught near our House - 16 Canoes of Jepowyans went to the Canadians House."

May 29
" Thursday Early this morning Mefs McLeod & McKenzie went away for the Great carrying place, and 19 Loaded Canoes for the same place - they have made good returns this Year - Two Inds landed near our House bringing us some Meat &c but was met by Mr Black & who beat them very much & drove them away - Sent 3 men away to fish - Cleaned out the Warehouse - & weighed all our stock of Dry meat only 100 lb."

May 30
" Friday Several Canoes of Jepowyans went away to the westward from the Canadian House - but they are so numerous that they would not suffer one to come near us altho they wished."

May 31
" Saturday One Man came home with 36 Perch. no tickameg to be caught. Mr Black & the Frenchmen going round our House every night all thro it & making very loud noises & beating on the walls of our dwelling House repeatedly - which alarms & disturbs every one within."

June 1 1806
" Sunday Yesterday Mr Daniel McKenzie arrived from the Slave Lake in one Canoe - 11 Canoes of Jepowyans went to the Canadian House - they are all too much afraid to come to us on account of the very severe beatings & threats the Canadians constantly employ."

June 2
" Monday Snow nearly all Day - The Canadian Clerk here made the whole night - the most loud noises - & danced close to our House & frequently beat on the walls - never the like was ever known before - Men variously Employed every Day."

June 3
" Tuesday One Man came home with Fish."

June 4
" Wednesday Men variously Employed."

June 5
" Thursday At 10 AM Mr Swain & 6 Men arrived here from the Slave Lake and brought every thing - he left it the 27th May - Him & me went over to the Canadian House to conclude the agreement made between both Companys last fall - They would neither fulfil it or give us a Copy of it - altho we was to have had one in the winter - Several Indians went away - 38 Fish mostly Perch."

June 6
" Friday Myself & Mr Swain went again over to the Canadian House and took with us James Kirknefs & John Stephen as witnefses concerning their giving us up the 500 MB according to the agreement which they would neither do or give us a Copy of it. - We could never have supposed that last fall when the agreement was made that they would have withheld giving us a Copy of it. we on our part have strictly adhered to it as every man can witnefs & both the Athapescow & Slave Lake House - but Mefs Daniel McKenzie & John Tompson who was now present agreed to fulfil every article on their part except the 500 MB - & the Copy of the agreement - thinking I suppose by so doing that the Honourable Hudsons Bay Company would not be able to pursue for the penalty contained in it of 5000 Beaver - The Articles inserted in the agreement now sent is exactly the same as in the original one - only the Formality of drawing it up & signing it. - Mr Swain & self are certainly very blameable for not getting a copy signed at first - but then we never supposed they would act in the rogish manner they have done - but would give us at least a Copy as also the Skins - Paid the Canadian Master for the Animals - & they lent us a large Canoe & 6 Bags of Pimmican, all which we returned again at the Isle ala Crofse this Summer - & every thing is rigorously fulfiled on our part except delivering up a Copy of our unpaid Ind. Credits - which is to be done at the time of the Skins being paid to us pr agreement. - The 9th Inst we all left this Quarter - as we are much too few to do any thing at all advantageous for the Company - but a great pitty such a fine Country should be abandoned for want of Hands - Arrived at Isle ala Crofse 27th June & left all our Trading Goods in our House there.
P. Fidler"



B.39/a/5a

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