This is a virtually complete transcription of the Churchill Factory Journal from 1796-97 by Alex Nicol


"Churchill Factory 1796-7"

August 30 1796 Tuesday
" Early this Morning the Ship got underway with a fair Wind. the Shipwright Boatbuilder Blacksmith Craftmaster & one Sailor at work on the Shallop preparing her for going to Seal River to fetch home some Timber pieces that are laying there & to pull the House down & bring to the Factory it being of no further use there now. the rest of the people employed making Hay & stowing the Sheds."

Aug. 31 Wednesday
" Early this Morning sent 8 Men to raft Wood acrofs the River in the afternoon hauled the Shallop off from the Launch & worked her out to the Channel of the River. sent 2 Men in the Marsh to cut Hay & 2 Men to Mosketoe point to pull down the House there it being now of no further use as the Whalers live on board the Shallop during the Whale Season. the greater part of it will be of Service in building a distillery - sent some Indians off in 2 Canoes to kill Deer up the River."

Sept. 1 1796 Thursday
" Sent a Carpenter early this Morning to afsist in taking down the House at Mosketoe point - fitted out 20 Nd Ind. with Guns & Ammunition to kill Geese. in the Eveng the Shallop sailed for Seal River with 8 Men on board to fetch home a quantity of Timber laying there & to pull down the House & bring here."

Sept. 2 Friday
" In the afternoon sent Mr Donald with 2 Englishmen 3? Nd Indians & their Families in 2 large Canoes to build a Log Tent at Beaver River about 100 Miles from hence where the Deer are in great plenty. it will serve to lodge some Goods in that I intend sending up this Fall to be in readinefs for forwarding to the Inland Settlements next Summer. - in the Evening the Men sent to pull down Mosketos point House returned to the Factory & brought a part of the wood work with them in a Boat."

Sept. 3 Saturday
" Sent 4 Men with 2 flat Boats to bring home Hay. they returned with one Boat Load. 2 Men from the Rafters came home in the Cobble for Provisions."

Sept. 4 Sunday
" Fine pleasant W."

Sept. 5 Monday
Sept. 6 Tuesday
" Carpenters fitting up bed places in the Mens House. Bricklayer & afsistants fixing the Still. Blacksmith making Awls Taylors sewing flour & Oatmeal Bags for Inland the Rest wheeling up Lime Stone &c."

Sept. 7 Wednesday
" Sent a Boat & 6 Men to afsist in getting the Rafts acrofs the River in the afternoon they returned & informed me they were unable to move the Wood without more help."

Sept. 8 Thursday
" Sent Mr Flew with 6 Men in a Boat to 12 mile point. Mr Flew & one Man will continue there to supply the Ind. with ammunition during the Goose Season. 2 Men came home from the Rafters for Provisions & informed me that they had got all the Wood made in 20 1/2 Rafts but were unable to bring them acrofs the River without further afsistance from the Factory as the principal Men who can tow are now with the Shallop at Seal River. I have therefore ordered the Rafters to bring home the Remainder of Mosketos point House."

Sept. 9 Friday
" Wind Variable in the forenoon the Boat returned from 12 mile point at Noon the Shallop brought up a little below the Factory having left Seal River Yesterday at Noon. she had the whole of the House on board & a good deal of ? Timber. the Rafters came home with the Remainder of Mosketos point House at Midnight got the Shallop into the End of the Launch."

Sept. 10 Saturday
" Light breeze NW & fine W. sent 14 Men in 3 Boats to fetch the Rafts home. some Men employed getting the Timber out of the Shallop. in the Afternoon the People returned from the Rafts not being able to get them above 2/3 acrofs the River by the time the Tide was spent."

Sept. 11 Sunday
" Cloudy W. a great many Geese flying this day."

Sept. 12 Monday
to
Sept. 14 Wednesday
" Cool W. got the Rafts to the Factory."

Sept. 15 Thursday
" A Mod. breeze NW & cloudy cold W. fitted out 8 Men & sent them in 2 Batteaux to Beaver River loaded with Brandy, Bristol Shot, 2 peices? of Guns & some Flour & Oatmeal to be in readinefs against next Year for conveying to the Inland Settlements. 1/2 past 6 AM they left the Factory. Mr Atchley accompanied the above to take Charge of the Goods as Mr Donald is to return to the Factory as soon as the frost sets in."

Sept. 16 Friday
" Bricklayer finished fixing the Still."

Sept. 17 Saturday
" Bricklayer building the Mens Chimney. 10 Men Employed carrying firewood from the Water side, the rest at various duties."

Sept. 18 Sunday
" Fine W."

Sept. 19 Monday
Sept. 20 Tuesday
" finished carrying up the FireWood. some Men employed clearing the Ground for building a Foundation to Still House."

Sept. 21 Wednesday
Sept. 22 Thursday
" Fine W."

Sept. 23 Friday
" Wind Ely sent 6 Men to 12 mile point in a boat to fetch home the? Geese Tent &c about 9 at Night they returned. all the Hunters came to the Factory for payment."

Sept. 24 Saturday
to
Sept. 27 Tuesday
" Cloudy W. paid the Indians for their Hunt & entrusted them Goods on Credit 2 Men brewed Table Beer.
from the very rotten state of the quartering of the House I have been obliged to knock part of it down. Bricklayer rebuilding it with Stone."

Sept. 28 Wednesday
" Mod. Breeze Nly PM sent Mr Auld & 4 Men in a flat Boat up the River to build a Log Tent at Churchill Creeck & procure Poplar Timbers for Batteaux."

Sept. 29 Thursday
" Gloomy W. & a fresh Gale from the S. between 7 & 8 Mr Auld returned to the Factory not being able to pull against? the Wind & Current towards Evening the 2 Batteaux returned from Beaver River."

Sept. 30 Friday
" Hauled up all the Boats except the 2 Batteaux & stowed them away there being no further use for them this Year."

Oct. 1 1796 Saturday
to
Oct. 5 Wednesday
" Gloomy W. dispatched Mr Auld & 4 Men in a Batteaux to Churchill Creeck to build a Log Tent for the use of the Partridge Hunters. frosty Nights."

Oct. 6 Thursday
to
Oct. 8 Saturday
" Do. W. Mr Auld returned having finished the Log Tent."

Oct. 9 Sunday
" Clear warm W. Wind Sly."

Oct. 10 Monday
" Do. W. sent 2 Men to the old Factory to collect drift Wood & put it in a pile, some Men employed digging Turnips out of the Ground. PM sent 4 Men in a Batteaux to build a log Tent 5 mile from the Factory."

Oct. 11 Tuesday
Oct. 12 Wednesday
" Mod W."

Oct. 13 Thursday
" Wind NW a sharp frost PM sent 6 Men in a flat Boat up to the Woody Islands with 5 Months salt provisions for 7 Men whom I intend to send as soon as Winter sets in to procure Timber &c."

Oct. 14 Friday
Oct. 15 Saturday
" Sharp W. all the ponds about set fast & Ice along the shores."

Oct. 16 Sunday
" Do. W. PM the people returned from the Woody Islands having been much impeded by the Gale of Wind that blew Yesterday & obliged to cut their way through the Ice this day."

Oct. 17 Monday
" Do. W."

Oct. 18 Tuesday
Oct. 19 Wednesday
" Milder W. & Clear."

Oct. 20 Thursday
" Mild W. sent 12 Men in a flat Boat a Batteaux & Cobble up to Churchill Creeck with 5 Months Provisions for 8 Men (to be employed there felling fire wood during Winter) & Rafting Rope &c."

Oct. 21 Friday
" The above Men ret'd with the Boat. 8 Men preparing to go to hunting Tents & 9 Men to fell Wood."

Oct. 22 Saturday
" Sharp frost during last Night the above left the Factory in 2 Boats at Noon they ret'd again not being able to proceed up the River for drifting Ice."

Oct. 23 Sunday
" Milder W."

Oct. 24 Monday
" Ice gathering fast along the Shores which prevents the pofsibilty of the? Wooders or Hunters leaving the Factory by Water. therefore sent 4 of the latter by Land to Churchill Creeck."

Oct. 25 Thursday
" Cloudy W."

Oct. 26 Wednesday
" Charles Seymour (Joiner) refused to take away a Ladder from the side of the House when ordered to do so by Mr Auld. & when Mr A insisted on his Compliance he gave him very insolent Language nor would he obey untill I myself orderd him for which Behaviour I directed him? to keep the first Watch during the remainder of the Week - as a punishment this he would not submit to. - in consequence of this denial the Council is of Opinion that he Charles Seymour ought to be Mulet? £1. 10. - & he is fined Accordingly."

Oct. 27 Thursday
to
Oct. 30 Sunday
" Mild & clear W. an Indian came in with a few Deer Skins. 2 Men came from Churchill Creeck with some Partridges & Fish."

Oct. 31 Monday
" Sent 9 Men to Churchill Creeck to fell firewood."

Nov. 1 1796 Tuesday
" Mr Atchley, Tho. Garson & an Indian arrived from Beaver River with an Account that Mr Donald had procured upwards of 7000 lbs of Venison & that he was in want of some more Stores which the above will convey to him."

Nov. 2 Wednesday
" Fine mild W."

Nov. 3 Thursday
" Sharp frosty W. dispatched Mr Auld, an Englishman & 2 Indians to the Woody Islands having received Information that Deer are very plenty there. sent 4 Men about 5 Mile to kill Partridges."

Nov. 4 Friday
to
Nov. 8 Tuesday
" Sharp frosty W. Received a few Partridges & some Fish from Hunters."

Nov. 9 Wednesday
" Received a Note from Mr Auld inform'g me that there was not any prospect whatever of getting Deer where he was having all pafsed by."

Nov. 10 Thursday
to
Nov. 12 Saturday
" a small party of Indians arrived with a few Martins, Deer Skins & some Venison. received a few Fish from Churchill Creeck. Mr Auld returned to the Factory."

Nov. 13 Sunday
" The above Indians left the Factory."

Nov. 14 Monday
Nov. 15 Tuesday
Nov. 16 Wednesday
" Clear W."

Nov. 17 Thursday
" a party of Nd Ind. arrived with a few Deer Skins & some Meat & informed me that the Deer were very numerous near the Factory. dispatched Mr Auld immediately & one Man with the above & a small quantity of ammunition to supply the Indians with to kill deer."

Nov. 18 Friday
" In the Evening 3 Indian Lads arrived with 2 Deer. one of which was unskined."

Nov. 19 Saturday
" Received the best part of 2 Deer killed by the above Indians near the Factory."

Nov. 20 Sunday
" Received a Note from Mr Auld informing me that he had several sled loads of Venison at the Tent & requested that it might be sent for immediately as the Indians were on their way to the Factory for Payment. dispatched 3 Men with Dogs & sleds to fetch it home. in the Evening part of the Indians arrived with Deer Skins & Meat. Mr Auld returned to the Factory."

Nov. 21 Monday
" The Men returned with the Meat. emp'd trading with the Indians."

Nov. 22 Tuesday
" All the above Indians left the Factory."

Nov. 23 Wednesday
" Clear fine W. Mr Flew, Tho. Garson & Robt. Flett preparing to depart to morrow for Beaver River. also the Carpenters & 5 Men preparing to leave the Factory to morrow for the Woody Islands to fell Timber."

Nov. 24 Thursday
" Fresh breeze Wly & mild W. all the above left the Factory."

Nov. 25 Friday
Nov. 26 Saturday
" Two Men came home from the Lake & Churchill Creeck with Partridges & Fish. an Indian & his Family came in with a few Deer Skins."

Nov. 27 Sunday
to
Nov. 30 Wednesday
" Rimy W."

Dec. 1 1796 Thursday
to
Dec. 3 Saturday
" Fine Mild W. 5 Nd Indians came in with a few Martins, Deer Skins & Meat. 2 Men from the hunting Tents came home with some Partridges & Fish."

Dec. 4 Sunday
to
Dec. 7 Wednesday
" Do. W."

Dec. 8 Thursday
" Two Nd Indians arrived with a few Furrs. Mr Flew & the 2 Men sent to Beaver River a Fortnight ago returned not having been above halfway where they lost themselves in the Woods but at length found their way on the River again & proceeded to the Factory not chusing to venture further without a Guide. 3 more Ind. arrived with Meat & Deer Skins."

Dec. 9 Friday
" Charles Seymour (Joiner) pofsitively refused to grind two Hatchets when ordered for the use of 2 Men going to Morrow to Beaver River. when Mr Auld reprimanded him for refusing it he behaved in a very insolent manner & among other exprefsions swore he would not grind the Hatchets that Evening for all the Devils in Hell. in consequence of his repeated Misbehaviour the Council is of opinion that he ought to be fined £ 3.-.- & he is accordingly fined."

Dec. 10 Saturday
" Rimy W. again dispatched 2 Men to Beaver River with an Indian for their Guide. 2 Men came home from the hunting Tents with Partridges."

Dec. 11 Sunday
to
Dec. 17 Saturday
" Three Indians came in with a few Deer Skins & some Meat. one of the hunters came home with some Partridges."

Dec. 18 Sunday
to
Dec. 21 Wednesday
" Mr Donald arrived at the Factory from Beaver River & had a Sd Indian for his Guide."

Dec. 22 Thursday
to
Dec. 24 Saturday
" The Men from the different Tents came home agreeably to Order to spend their Christmafs Holidays."

Dec. 25 Sunday
" performed divine Service."

Dec. 26 Monday
" Rimy W."

Dec. 27 Tuesday
" Robt Flett & the Indian sent to Beaver River returned to the Factory. in the afternoon Mr Edward Jarvis & his Servant with 2 Englishmen & 3 Indians hauling Mr J. arrived from York Factory."

Dec. 28 Wednesday
to
Dec. 31 Saturday
" People at times grinding OatMeal & clearing Snow out of the Yard."

Jan. 1 1797 Sunday
Jan. 2 Monday
" Sent away Mefs Flew, Atchley & 4 Men 27 Miles to the Eastward to hunt Partridges. fitted out 8 Men including the Carpenters, 4 of them to saw & 4 to fell Timber. also 8 Men to fell fireWood. 3 Men unable to leave the Factory from Sicknefs. the Taylors making Cloaths for Mr Jarvis."

Jan. 3 Tuesday
" Paid the YFactory Indians for haul'g Mr Jarvis here & furnished them with provisions &c to serve them back to York."

Jan. 4 Wednesday
" The Carpenters & Crew & Woodfellers left the Factory with the Big Sled. the 2 Englishmen & the 3 York Indians left the Factory."

Jan. 5 Thursday
to
Jan. 9 Monday
" Ingeneral Rimy W. & mild."

Jan. 10 Tuesday
" Five Men came home from the Woodfellers for Fresh Provisions & informed me that 2 of the People had froze themselves when they left the Factory with the big Sled so as to disable themselves from doing duty since."

Jan. 11 Wednesday
" The above returned to their Tent with Orders to haul Wm Inkster (who had frozen his Foot) to the Factory & to send Wm? Loutit in Company with him on foot as he had only frozen his Fingers."

Jan. 12 Thursday
" The above were brought to the Factory."

Jan. 13 Friday
to
Jan. 16 Monday
" Two Men came home from the E. with Partridges & returned again."

Jan. 17 Tuesday
to
Jan. 27 Friday
" Ingeneral sharp windy W. & excefsively cold. Thermometer at times -41."

Jan. 28 Saturday
to
Jan. 30 Monday
" Milder W. 2 Men came home from the E. with Partridges."

Jan. 31 Tuesday
" Dispatched a Sd & Nd Indian to Portland? House with a Letter to Mr Charles & likewise one to be forwarded by him to Carlton House with directions to clear all the Portages & lay ? as they come down to the Factory."

Feb. 1 1797 Wednesday
to
Feb. 4 Saturday
" A Man came Home from the E'd with Partridges. the Patroon came to the Factory to acquaint me that the fire Wood within some Miles of the Tent was allmost all hewed down. that what remained would not employ the Men above a Week. - ordered him to make Paths for hauling the wood to the Creeck side."

Feb. 5 Sunday
to
Feb. 18 Saturday
" Clear sharp W. Quicksilver having been frequently froze. two Men came home from the E'd with Partridges. sent the Taylors to the big Sled."

Feb. 19 Sunday
to
Feb. 28 Tuesday
" Do. W. - a Man came Home from the E'd with Partridges."

Mar. 1 1797 Wednesday
to
Mar. 8 Wednesday
" Do. W. two Men came home from the big Sled for Provisions. - 2 Nd Indians arrived from a Party that is to be here in a few days. they complained of being in great want of Victuals which indeed their Countenances confirmed. after Having received a supply of Oatmeal &c they departed - a Man came Home from the E'd with Partridges & likewise Mr Flew & Halcro Smith returned agreeably to Order."

Mar. 9 Thursday
" Sent Mr Flew, Halcro Smith & James Smith? to the Lake to hunt Partridges. PM the two Indians sent some time since with a Packet returned with an answer from Mr Charles informing me that he was well supplied with Provisions but had very small expectations of Trade. 3 Indians from two different Parties also arrived with the disagreeable News of their having for some time pafsed been exceedingly prefsed for Victuals. that not being able to endure want any longer were making the best of their way to the Factory in hopes of obtaining that relief which their utmost Exertions in hunting could not procure them."

Mar. 10 Friday
to
Mar. 13 Monday
" a Man came Home from the E'd with Partridges. the Families of the above Indians arrived in the greatest want & were reduced to mere Skeletons. I shall now be obliged from Compafsion to furnish them with Victuals untill the Geese come about. they brought but few Furrs."

Mar. 14 Tuesday
" Three Nd Indians arrived from a party that is to be here in a few days. they complain of hav'g been in the greatest distrefs most of the Winter for Victuals. gave them a tolerable Supply of Oatmeal & some Ammunition to kill Partridges."

Mar. 15 Wednesday
to
Mar. 23 Thursday
" A Man came Home from the Lake with Partridges & another from the E'd."

Mar. 24 Friday
" Some distrefsed Families of Nd Indians came to the Factory with a few Martins. their Meager looks & wretched appearances were self evident Truths of their Poverty. therefore from mere Motives of Compafsion I shall be obliged to supply them with salt Geese & Oatmeal &c untill the Goose Season & likewise a little Ammunition to kill Partridges for nothing else is to be got nigh hand the Factory."

Mar. 25 Saturday
" Fourteen Men came Home with the big Sled agreeably to Order having hauled out all the fire wood to the Bank edge at Churchill Creeck. a Man came Home from the Lake & two from the E'd with Partridges."

Mar. 26 Sunday
" Four Nd Indians & their Families came in with a few Furrs & in as much distrefs for Victuals as others that came before them. traded their Skins which in the whole amounted to little more than 150 MB."

Mar. 27 Monday
" E'd hunter returned to his Tent traded 45 MB from an Indian. people emp'd clearing Snow out of the Yard grinding Oat Grots &c."

Mar. 28 Tuesday
" Traded a few Skins from some Indians that came in this day. a Man came home from the E'd with Partridges. 11 Men emp'd 1 1/2 Mile from the Factory at the Bay side felling fire Wood for present use our stock on the Plantation being nearly Expended & not more Coals remaining than will be wanted for the Forge."

Mar. 29 Wednesday
to
Mar. 31 Friday
" Variable W."

Apr. 1 1797 Saturday
" The Carpenters came Home agreeably to Order. two Men came Home from the E'd & Lake with Partridges."

Apr. 2 Sunday
" Two Indians arrived from a party that is to be here in a few days. supplied them with a little Ammunition & Oatmeal &c."

Apr. 3 Monday
" Twelve Men felling fire Wood Shipwright & Boatbuilder procuring Batteaux Timbers. - gave Charles Seymour (Joiner) a Mahogany Chair to repair. the Tenons hav'g shrunk from the Morteus - in the tightening of which he split every joint & broke the back of the Chair acrofs. he had the insolence to tell me that it was now stronger than ever it had been before. - from the peculiar manner in which he conducted himself I have every reason to believe that he purposely broke the Chair."

Apr. 4 Tuesday
" Shipwright & Boatbuilder building a small fishing Boat."

Apr. 5 Wednesday
" Twelve Men beating Tracks to haul the Wood Sled on. a Number of Indians haul'g firewood with a big Sled up the Rocks?. the E'd Hunters all returned to the Factory agreeable to Order and brought 200 Partridges with them Cooper making small Kegs."

Apr. 6 Thursday
to
Apr. 8 Saturday
" 14 Men emp'd at the big Sled."

Apr. 9 Sunday
" Two Indians arrived from a party that is to be here in a few days. in the afternoon a Nd Indian Women arrived with an old Man that she was hauling who was in the last stage of Life & the most miserable Object ever I clapped my Eyes on. scarcely any Flesh on his Bones & one of his Feet Mortified."

Apr. 10 Monday
" some Indians arrived with a few Skins. Wm Carr preparing a Keel for a Batteaux. Hugh Gray Snow Blind."

Apr. 11 Tuesday
" Three Nd Indians arrived with Furrs & on? Sd Indian. 18 Men hauling Wood to the Factory. 3 Men in the sick list."

Apr. 12 Wednesday
" Traded 100 MB with the above."

Apr. 13 Thursday
to
Apr. 17 Monday
" Twenty one Men at the big Sled & 15 Ind. at another Sled."

Apr. 18 Tuesday
to
Apr. 20 Thursday
" Brewed small Beer."

Apr. 21 Friday
" Boatbuilder preparing a Keel for another Batteau. Bricklayer repairing the Mens Oven."

Apr. 22 Saturday
" Mefs Flew, Atchley & Magnus Randall returned to the Factory agreeably to Order Partridges being very scarce at the Lake now."

Apr. 23 Sunday
" a NE wind accompanied with Snow & drift."

Apr. 24 Monday
" Yesterday being St. Georges day but being the Sabbath defered firing at the Target as was usual untill this afternoon."

Apr. 25 Tuesday
" Four Indians arrived from a party that is to be here in a few days. in the Eveng they departed having received a supply of Oatmeal &c for themselves & Friends. sent 2 Men ? 1/2 mile to bury an Indian who had departed this life."

Apr. 26 Wednesday
to
Apr. 30 Sunday
" Boatbuilder laid the Keel of another Batteau. Craftmaster & ? making Batteau Cover'g of Russia Duck - people emp'd sawing fire wood & clearing the snow out of the Yard. a party of Nd Indians arrived with Furrs traded upwards of 240 MB from them."

May 1 1797 Monday
" Brewed small Beer."

May 2 Tuesday
to
May 4 Thursday
" Sent 4 Men to fell fire Wood at 12 mile Point for the use of the Goose Tent."

May 5 Friday
" A party of Indians arrived with Furrs."

May 6 Saturday
" Another small party arrived with Furrs PM the Relatives of an Old Man who departed this Life in the Morning brought him to the Factory that the Englishmen might bury him."

May 7 Sunday
" Wind & W. variable."

May 8 Monday
" Sent 17 Men with the big Sled to haul some Raft Rope & a small Boat to Churchill Creeck to be ready against the River breaking up to raft fire Wood. they returned again in the Evening with a few setting poles on the Sled - 2 Men dug a Grave & buried the deceased? Indian."

May 9 Tuesday
" Cloudy W. fitted out several Indians with Guns &c to kill Geese - 3 Men returned from 12 mile Point having procured sufficient fire Wood."

May 10 Wednesday
May 11 Thursday
" A small Party of Indians arrived with Furrs. sent 8 Men to tent at the Stone Fort & break up the Wall of Cape Merry? for building a Magazine, 2 Men painting Batteau Coverings."

May 12 Friday
" Traded 250 MB with the before mentioned Ind. in the Evening a diceased Indian was brought to the Factory to be buried by the Englishmen. he was a young Man & had been tenting near the Factory upwards of a Month during which time he received every Medical afsistance from Mr Auld."

May 13 Saturday
" Entrusted the above Indians Goods on Credit. 2 Men dug a Grave & buried the deceased. - some Men came home from the Stone Fort for Provisions."

May 14 Sunday
" Performed divine Service."

May 15 Monday
to
May 21 Sunday
" Mr Donald & afsistants packing trading Goods for Inland. fixed the Worm Tub & prepared every thing in Readinefs for distilling next Week - - - people came Home from the Old Fort for Provisions."

May 22 Monday
" Strong Gale Nly & thick W. with snow & drift PM Sleet & sometimes Hail."

May 23 Tuesday
" Overcast W. & Snow. began distilling. took the 2 Batteaux off the Stocks & got 2 others on to alter the Ends by making them fuller?"

May 24 Wednesday
" Do. W. the Men returned from the old Factory having finished their Job."

May 25 Thursday
" Thick Snow at times sent 2 Men with Powder & Tobacco to 12 mile Point having seen 3 Geese to day the first Noticed this year. PM Mr Auld & one Man left the Factory for the Goose Tent to serve the Indians out Ammunition."

May 26 Friday
" Received 3 Geese the first killed this year. two Men brewed Table Beer."

May 27 Saturday
" Cold frosty W."

May 28 Sunday
to
May 31 Wednesday
" The Nd Indian Women came to the Factory with Geese. packed 10 bundles of Beaver & 1000 Martins."

June 1 1797 Thursday
June 2 Friday
" Packed 2000 Martins Nd Women came to the Factory with Geese."

June 3 Saturday
" Sent 13 Men to Churchill Creeck to raft fire Wood. finished distilling having procured 332 Gallons of Sp'ts ? from 675 Gallons of Brandy."

June 4 Sunday
to
June 11 Sunday
" Nd Women came to the Factory with Geese. packed 250 Deer Skins. Craft Master Emp'd painting the Batteaux."

June 12 Monday
" Took the Batteaux off the Stocks packed the small Furrs in Casks. Nd Women came to the Factory with Geese."

June 13 Tuesday
to
June 15 Thursday
" Some of the Indians returned from the Goose Hunt."

June 16 Friday
June 17 Saturday
" Mr Auld & Wm Irvine returned to the Factory. some of the Indians with their Families left the Factory."

June 18 Sunday
to
June 22 Thursday
" The Remainder of the Indians left the Factory four only excepted (who are detained to go up with the Batteaux for want of a sufficient Number of Englishmen to man them) & a few aged & infirm unable to walk."

June 23 Friday
" It thundered & lightened towards Evening with smart showers of Rain."

June 24 Saturday
" Cloudy W. & thick Fog at times. at 7 PM the Tide serving Mefs Atchley, Flew, 8 Englishmen & 2 Indians left the Factory in 2 Batteaux loaded with trading Goods to the amount of near 4000 MB."

June 25 Sunday
" Do.W."

June 26 Monday
" Do. W. Mr Stayner set off for Inland with two Batteaux being obliged to steer one of them himself for want of able Hands."

June 27 Tuesday
" Sent off 3 Men to Churchill Creeck in order to know whether the wood could be brought down to the Factory."

June 28 Wednesday
" The Men returned this Morning from Churchill Creeck with an account that it was impofsible? to bring the Rafts to the Factory for Ice which is drifting down in immense Quantities."

June 29 Thursday
" Clear W. This Morning a Boat arrived from Mr Stayner informing me that he had overtaken the other 2 Boats at the Woody Islands 26 Miles from here where the River was yet unbroke up which he expected would detain him several days. - This Morning the River was clear to the Bay which is a very uncommon Circumstance whilst so much Ice is still up the River."

June 30 Friday
" Foggy W. 3 Indians arrived with some Venison & an Account of the River clear of Ice as far up as the Rafts which induced me to send two Englishmen in the little Boat to know whether they could be brought down or not."

July 1 1797 Saturday
" in the middle of the Night the Men returned with an account of the river being still much Choaked with Ice. - the last Nd Ind. set off this day in 2 Canoes about Noon Mr Stayner arrived at the Factory the River above not being yet broke up."

July 2 Sunday
" Clear W. Wind NE. Mr Stayner left the Factory again this day. received some Venison from 2 Nd Indians. In the Evening the Wife & family of one of the Indians who is now in company with Mr S. returned to the Factory - her Husbands Mother being a very old Woman she left her about 4 miles from here intending to go for her in the Morning."

July 3 Monday
" Wind SW very sultry W. received some Venison from 2 Nd Ind. - The Woman who came here Yesterday went off to fetch her Mother in Law but could not find her. I immediately sent off 3 Men & all the dogs that they might trace her foot Steps. in the afternoon they returned with the News of having tracked her in the Mud directing her Course straight for the Factory which Inevitably has cost her her Life as the undertaking was too much for the Youngest Man instead of an old Woman who could scarcely Crawl & was very dimsighted.-
The Indians informing me that there were plenty of Deer up the River sent off the Steward & one Man to trade the Meat from them upon the Spot."

July 4 Tuesday
" Sent off 10 Men to fetch home the Rafts from Churchill Creek. painted the Whaling Boats."

July 5 Wednesday
" Cloudy W. wind NE this Evening the People returned having found it impracticable to bring down the Rafts. they were obliged to Wade the Boat for several Miles on account of the Shoalnefs of the River."

July 6 Thursday
" This day sent off the people to raft part of the fire wood as we have none at the Factory. - In the Evening a Boat arrived from Mr Stayner which required to be mended having been broken by the Ice & Mr S. was in want of several Articles. in his Letter he says there is no pofsibility of getting up for the Ice yet. He sent down 300 lbs of Venison."

July 7 Friday
" Foggy W. wind NE. This Morning dispatched Mr Stayners Boat with the requisite things at 4 AM."

July 8 Saturday
" Carpenter repairing the Jolly Boat. received some Venison from Indians."

July 9 Sunday
" Wind & W. as before. This day the People returned from the Rafts not having been able to bring down even the ground Tier? on account of the increasing Shoalnefs of the River."

July 10 Monday
to
July 13 Thursday
" Fine W. & calm. sent off 7 Men to the Woody Islands to raft Timber. several Indians came to the Factory with Venison a considerable part of which must be salted for want of fuel to dry it."

July 14 Friday
" Sent 3 Englishmen & 5 Indians to the old Factory for old Iron with which they returned the same Tide. during the Night a little Boat drifted out of the River from the Launch. Commenced the Overhaul agreeably to the request of Mr Jarvis."

July 15 Saturday
" In the Night the people returned from the Woody Islands having brought down 250 small Timber pieces & 200 Boards within 3 Miles of the Factory. sent off all the people to tow them into the Launch. - In the afternoon 4 Englishmen arrived from Mr Stayner & brought Mr Charles's Furrs. one Sd Indian accompanied them. Received some dried Meat from Indians.
This day could not continue taking the Overhale as Mr Jarvis was unable to attend."

July 16 Sunday
" Pleasant W. the Sd Indian left the Factory with some things belonging to Mr Stayner."

July 17 Monday
" This day were obliged to desist taking the overhale at 1/2 past 12 OClock on account of Mr Jarvis not being able to attend."

July 18 Tuesday
" Continued the Overhale sent 3 Men a Whaling the rest of the people afsisting in the Warehouse. Received some dried Venison from Indians."

July 19 Wednesday
" Sent 4 Men to the old Factory to raise the Platforms from the Rubbish for fire wood & the Spike Nails for using at a new Building in Order to prevent the Consumption of Coals by the Blacksmith in mak'g new ones. emp'd at the Overhale. received some dried Venison."

July 20 Thursday
" In the Afternoon Mr Linklater arrived with 7 Sd Indians & one Englishman. he brought the unfortunate account of 2 Men having been drowned on one of the Rapids coming down."

July 21 Friday
July 22 Saturday
" Emp'd packing bundles for Inland the Nd Ind. arrived at the Factory from hunting Deer - Whalers brought one Whale."

July 23 Sunday
to
July 28 Friday
" Sent 7 Englishmen & 8 Nd Ind. to the old Fort to raft some fire wood which they brought to the Factory. packed some Deer Skins for England."

July 29 Saturday
" The Whalers brought 2 Whales. all the Sd Indians left the Factory loaded with trading Goods for Inland. - much pains has been taken to settle the disputes between this Tribe & the Nd Ind. & to reconcile them to each other."

July 30 Sunday
" Hugh Gray having conducted himself in a carelefs & improper Manner I therefore sent (Robt. Person) in his Room to the Whaling."

July 31 Monday
" Making preparation to distill tomorrow."

Aug. 1 1797 Tuesday
Aug. 2 Wednesday
" Brewed Table & small Beer. emp'd at the Still. 2 Nd Indians arrived from a party that is to be here in a few days. Whalers brought 3 Whales."

Aug. 3 Thursday
to
Aug. 6 Sunday
" Five Nd Indians arrived with Furrs. Whalers brought 2 Whales - 3 Canoes of Sd Indians returned from Nth River finding it so shoal as to make it unnavigable."

Aug. 7 Monday
to
Aug. 12 Saturday
" Employed packing furrs for England. Carpenters Rigging the Shallop. several Men bringing Mud & Stones for building the Foundation of Still House. Whalers brought 5 Whales to the Factory. Received some Venison, Young Geese & Ducks from Indians. the Whalers returned to the Factory their Services being absolutely requisite on account of the Rafts. - some Esquimaux arrived at the Factory with Furrs & Deer Skins."

Aug. 13 Sunday
" Late last Night Wm Carr behaved in a very noisy & insolent Manner. as Brandy was the cause care shall be taken to prevent the like happening in future by stopping his allowance in that Article. - this afternoon traded with some of the Esquimaux. killed a Bear at the Factory."

Aug. 14 Monday
" Do. W. finished trading with the Esquimaux received from them 857 MB. - 4 Men cutting Hay in the Marsh. all the Esquimaux left the Factory. at 4 PM Mr Stayner arrived with 2 Batteaux having left their Cargo at the Indian Lake."

Aug. 15 Tuesday
to
Aug. 18 Friday
" Two Esquimaux came in & traded between 80 & 90 MBeaver."

Aug. 19 Saturday
" At 7 AM observed the Ship in the Offing about 9 she brought up abreast of the old Fort & warped in to her old anchorage birth a little before Noon. sent a Boat down for the Captain in the Evening he came up to the Factory."

Aug. 20 Sunday
" Fine W."

Aug. 21 Monday
" Sent the Shallop & Long boat down to the Ship. they came up in the Evening Tide."

Aug. 22 Tuesday
" Fresh Gale Nly & cloudy W."

Aug. 23 Wednesday
" In the Afternoon Capt. Turner went on board."

Aug. 24 Thursday
" Sent Wm Carr (Shipwright) on board for England. notwithstanding his Allowance of Brandy has been stopped ever since the Ship came into the River. yet he has continued to be constantly Drunk & not only neglected his own Duty but stops the other Carpenter who is preparing two Batteaux for going Inland this Fall as it is impofsible to keep him Sober while he remains on shore the people having so much Liquor among them that they bought in Winter & saved untill this time I therefore judged it best to pack him on board the Ship where it is impofsible he can get Drunk without the Connivance? of the Captain or Officers. - late in the Evening Capt. Turner sent him up to the Factory again in defiance. the Council came to the Resolution of sending him back again & signed an Order for Capt. Turnor to receive him on board."

Aug. 25 Friday
" This Morning Capt. Turner came up to the Factory & brought Wm Carr up with him & positively refused taking him on board untill the Ship was cleared. thus in defiance of the Council this Man is to stay at the Factory untill it is Capt. Turners pleasure to permit him to go on board."

Aug. 26 Saturday
" Sent on board the Homeward bound Cargo."

Aug. 27 Sunday
" Fine W."

Aug. 28 Monday
" A fresh Gale from the Eastward prevented Mr Linklater leaving the Factory for Inland."

Aug. 29 Tuesday
" Showery in the Morning. at Noon Mr Linklater with 7 Men & 3 Indians left the Factory in 2 Batteaux to proceed to the Indian Lake."

Aug. 30 Wednesday
" One of the Batteaux that left the Factory yesterday returned again this day being so excefsively leaky that it was impofsible to proceed further. as it was likely to take up much time fitted up another that was of larger dimensions. PM Capt. Turnor & Mr Jarvis took their leave in the Evening Sealed the Packet.
Tho. Stayner."



Reel 1M33 B.42/a/123

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