" A Journal of Occurrences at
Churchill Factory
1797 & 8"


Sept. 3 1797 Sunday
" This morning about 4 OClock Mr Stayner repaired on board in consequence of the Wind being fair upon which (ther tide serving) the Ship got under way & was clear out of the River at half past 5 OClock but at Mid day the wind became foul & heavy rain.

Our Complement of Men consisting as follow. A Craftmaster a Steward a Cook who cooks for all heads as well as me - Eight Tradesmen and Eleven Labourers. Of these 2 have broken legs 1 a broken Arm and a fourth is an Idiot?
This day 6 Eskimaux arrived with deer & fox Skins."

Sept. 4 Monday
" Clear Weather. Tradespeople emplayed at their respective duties Labourers working at the Hay. Gave a few of our Nn Indians some necefsary articles up in debt upon their setting off inland for their winter Quarters. Also sent acrofs the Sn Indian Man who arrived here a few days ago from his friends who are upon their way from York to this place.
Traded from the Eskimaux 250 MB in Deer Skins & furrs."

Sept. 5 Tuesday
" Do. Weather. sent of a small boat with 4 Men to see whether it was pofsible to bring down the fire wood which has been laying in Rafts the whole summer. they returned in the Evening with the disagreeable news that so far from being able to get the wood down they could scarcely get up with the light Boat for shoalnefs. This of consequence will derange our plan for this season for previous to Mr Stayners departure we had agreed in case the rafts could be got down to dispatch two loaded Batteaux to little Churchill River as a supply for Inland next year & to leave two Men there to take care of the Goods & who were to procure provisions for the Men working in the River next summer but shall now be obliged to keep them at the Factory to afsist in procuring firewood from other places."

Sept. 6 Wednesday
" Pleasant Weather. Preparing Hatchets for some of the people for falling wood immediately. Also getting a Batteaux in readinefs to go to Little Churchill River to bring some Goods left there by Mr Stayner in summer to prevent them falling into the hands of the Natives as the quantity is too small for 2 men staying there all winter to take care of them yet too much to lose."

Sept. 7 Thursday
" Do. Weather. Sent off 8 Englishmen accompanied by as many Nn Indians to afsist them in cutting & carrying the wood to the River side. Also sent 4 Men to little Churchill river. Shallop master making Batteaux Coverings. Boat builders repairing a Boat. 1 Joiner making a table the other unable to work having had a nail run up thro' his foot during Ship time. At times working at the Hay."

Sept. 8 Friday
" Do. Weather. Boatbuilders & Joiner laying a floor in the Cow House the rest making Hay."

Sept. 9 Saturday
" Do. Weather employed as before Set the Wives of the Indians to afsist in Haymaking."

Sept. 10 Sunday
" Disagreeable foggy Weather a few Geese flying to day."

Sept. 11 Monday
" Do. Weather employed in preparing Rafting Ropes for the fire wood."

Sept. 12 Tuesday
" Do. Weather filled & set fire to the Lime Kiln Boatbuilders and joiner at Cow House."

Sept. 13 Wednesday
" Do. Weather. Boatbuilders finished Cow House. Magnus Randal also finished four Batteaux Coverings."

Sept. 14 Thursday
" Clear pleasant Weather. this day four Englishmen & all the Indians came to the Factory from falling the Wood. kept the Bricklayer & sent off the Boatbuilders & Joiner to afsist the others in Rafting. The Bricklayer began laying the foundation of the Still House. the Taylor & two remaining Labourers alternately working the Hay & afsisting the Bricklayer. M. Randal fitting the Longboats Main Sail."

Sept. 15 Friday
" Do. Weather employed variously."

Sept. 16 Saturday
" Do. Weather Several Nn Indians went away to their Winter quarters. In the Afternoon the people returned from little Churchill River having accomplished the businefs they were sent upon. People employed as before."

Sept. 17 Sunday
" Do. Weather several Geese flying."

Sept. 18 Monday
" Overcast & rainy weather. Shallop Mr. making Nets. Labourers afsisting Bricklayer at the foundation of the Still House."

Sept. 19 Tuesday
" Clear pleasant Weather employed as yesterday."

Sept. 20 Wednesday
" Do. Weather. This forenoon people arrived at the factory with the news of the Rafts having got aground about 5 miles from the Factory. went off immediately with all our hands and got 23 Rafts safe within 3 miles of the factory. This day got home the last of the Hay."

Sept. 21 Thursday
" Do. Weather got the Rafts to the Factory."

Sept. 22 Friday
" Sent 4 men to the old factory to dig out some wood from the rubbish for fuel. This day Stacked the Hay. - Slaked the Lime & got some stones out of the quarry for the Bricklayer who is employed as before."

Sept. 23 Saturday
" Pleasant Weather. Men employed carrying up the fire wood. Blacksmith straightening Staples for rafting some timber for building the Still House of. Men returned from the Old factory."

Sept. 24 Sunday
" Blowing fresh but clear Weather."

Sept. 25 Monday
Pleasant Weather. Carried up the last of the fire Wood. Brought a boat from the Sloops cove which had been stove in ballasting the Ship had her mended. Cooper making 8 gal. Kegs for Inland."

Sept. 26 Tuesday
" Do. Weather. sent off the Patroon & 6 Labourers to the Woody Islands to raft timber from thence. I took the opportunity to send up a sufficient quantity of Salt Meat to supply the Englishmen in falling Woody during the Winter to save hauling it being 26 1/2 miles from the Factory. Also sent off 6 men to the Old fort to procure all the firewood they pofsibly can there abouts."

Sept. 27 Wednesday
" Overcast & disagreeable Weather. Blacksmith straightening Spike Nails. Shallop Mr. & one joiner who is not yet able to stand making fishing Nets."

Sept. 28 Thursday
" Overcast & disagreeable Weather. This day went to the Old factory to see how the people were employed & on my return sent off every one who could work to finish the businefs before the Winter can set in."

Sept. 29 Friday
" Pleasant clear weather. the three lame men covered the Hay stack."

Sept. 30 Saturday
" Overcast & rainny weather. People returned from the old fort. Jas. Robertson (the Joiner) making nets."

Oct. 1 1797 Sunday
" Do. Weather. this evening the people arrived from the Woody Islands with the timber Rafts."

Oct. 2 Monday
" Mild but overcast weather. Sent off 2 Boats with 14 Men to the Old fort with rafting Ropes for the wood there. This day J. Robertson afsisted the Bricklayer in building the foundation of the Still House."

Oct. 3 Tuesday
" Blowing a strong breeze at E. a man arrived from Old factory with an account of having finished the rafting & of their having set off with the flood tide but am afraid it blows too hard."

Oct. 4 Wednesday
" Blowing a very heavy Gale All the Men arrived by land with a shocking account of the situation of the Rafts (9 in number) having been brought up on a lee shore exposed? to the whole fury of the winds. In the afternoon it increased to a perfect storm."

Oct. 5 Thursday
" Wind NE the storm seems increased. sent off the Shallop Master to report the state of the Rafts which he found dashed to pieces on the beach. Snowing and freezing the whole day sent off 8 men at low water to save the Ropes. Tradesmen employed at their various jobs."

Oct. 6 Friday
" Snowing & freezing very hard some of the Labourers wheeling up Coals the rest pulling Turnips out of the Garden."

Oct. 7 Saturday
" Calm & very pleasant Weather & thawing. This morning upon observing a smoke acrofs the River sent the Boat which? returned with 3 of our Old Homegaurds accompanied by a young Indian man from York but being found in such company I suppose he must be a very worthlefs fellow. This is the most uselefs part of the Homegaurds formerly belonging to Churchill & must have left York with regret where they say they had been treated with great liberality in the articles of English salt meat Bacon flour Bread & Oatmeal Plumb puddings & Brandy served out to them the same as the Englishmen & where they had got very large quantities of Goods upon trust which they can never pay being ennervated by the continual debauchery. These four Men have families Mustering altogether 21 Heads.
In the Morning sent off 12 men to set up the Wood at Churchill Creek as there is but little chance of getting it to the factory this fall."
[In the margin "This season we have procured 195 Geese killed by Natives."]

Oct. 8 Sunday
" Do. Weather Went to examine the state of the Wood wrecked near the Old fort, found it still practicable to get some of them rerafted."

Oct. 9 Monday
" Overcast cold & snowy weather sent off 3 Englishmen & 8 natives to gather the wood together which they accomplished. Late in the evening the Men returned from Churchill Creek not having been able to set up the wood on account of the frost which had been so intense as to enable the people to walk upon the ice & cut out a large Anchor they had got up 3 rafts & brought the ground tiers? of 8 more with an intention of bringing them to the factory as the water in the current was not froze but after having come about 3 miles they got aground owing to the extraordinary shoalnefs of the river."

Oct. 10 Tuesday
" Cold freezing weather sent 8 men to raft the wood at the place where it had been wrecked."

Oct. 11 Wednesday
" Do. Weather Thermometer 13° above the Cypher. this morning tide sent off another boats Crew to afsist in bringing up 4 rafts which they did about 1/3 of the way then moored them on account of both wind & tide being adverse."

Oct. 12 Thursday
" Weather more mild. Bricklayer at the foundation of the Still House Joiners & Boatbuilders at the frame of Do. Blacksmith drawing out iron Rods for making Boat nails. Cooper making 8 gal. Kegs. Taylor making Indian Cloaths Magnus Randal making Nets & the Labourers at various jobs. This day a few Nn Indians left the factory for their winter quarters."

Oct. 13 Friday
" Do. Weather. Got the wood within 1/2 mile of the factory where the tide left it. Tradesmen employed as before."

Oct. 14 Saturday
" Do. Weather but blowing fresh & against us could not do anything with the rafts. fearing bad weather I therefore set all hands to carry it up at low water at which they continued till dark. Rec'd some Partridges from Indians."

Oct. 15 Sunday
" Overcast mild Weather."

Oct. 16 Monday
" Cold freezing weather. This morning carried up the remainder of the wood about 1/4 of a mile from the Factory."

Oct. 17 Tuesday
" Very cold weather. 7 Nn Indian Lads arrived with a few Deer Skins & a little Venison to trade for Ammunition & Iron Work."

Oct. 18 Wednesday
" Mild Weather. the above Indians left the Factory. Tradesmen employed at their respective duties while the Labourers are cutting firewood."

Oct. 19 Thursday
" Do. Weather raining very hard in the evening. People making sleds & sawing wood."

Oct. 20 Friday
" Do. Weather. Tradesmen employed as before & helving Hatchets for the wood fallers. We rec'd some partridges from Natives & brewed Table & small Beer."

Oct. 21 Saturday
" Blowing fresh Sent off the Wooders in a Batteau but the wind increasing obliged them to return."

Oct. 22 Sunday
" Freezing very hard & bad weather."

Oct. 23 Monday
" Exceeding cold weather. Tradesmen employ'd at their various duties & the Labourers cutting up fire wood."

Oct. 24 Tuesday
" Do. Weather. This day sent off 8 men to fall wood.
This evening while 3 men were preparing to go to a hunting tent Charles Seymour (joiner) maliciously & wantonly cut the head away from a new sled so as to render it uselefs for the present and refused to mend it when ordered. Accompanying his refusal with most insolent and unbecoming Language We were under the disagreeable necefsity of imposing a fine of 3£ sterling upon him. We have lefs reluctance in doing this as he has on former occasions shewn similar dispositions."

Oct. 25 Wednesday
" Do. Weather. The above 3 hunters left the Factory. as did the two Boatbuilders who have gone about 5 miles to procure Boat timbers. I sent the Bricklayer with them to hunt partridges untill the River is fast that we can send him to the proper hunting Ground."

Oct. 26 Thursday
" Overcast Weather the remaining Tradesmen employed as before."

Oct. 27 Friday
" Snowing the whole day. People employed as before."

Oct. 28 Saturday
" Overcast & thawing Boatbuilders & Bricklayer returned."

Oct. 29 Sunday
" Overcast & freezing. This morning we saw no lefs than ten white foxes at the Oil House who were remarkably tame & fully in season. afsisted by Mr Donald I dedicated the day to their service & at night found we had procured no lefs than 23 during the daytime only. we durst not set steel traps as we were afraid of any that might be caught during night being eat up."

Oct. 30 Monday
" Do. Weather. Tradesmen employed at Still House. Bricklayer making stretchers for fox Skins a Labourer grinding Oatmeal & Taylor making Indian Cloaths. this day procured a few foxes."

Oct 31 Tuesday
" Bad Weather. Tradesmen employed as before. Blacksmith cleaning setting Guns. This day procured a few Foxes."

Nov. 1 1797 Wednesday
" Do. Weather. Tradesmen employed as before. this day caught a few foxes."

Nov. 2 Thursday
" Clear & Cold weather. Boatbuilders & Bricklayer went in search of more Boat timbers. Joiners & Taylor employed as before also the Blacksmith. This day procure a few foxes."

Nov. 3 Friday
" Drifting weather. Sent the Bricklayer & another man to haul home the timbers procured yesterday. This day killed a few foxes."

Nov. 4 Saturday
" Do. Weather. a hunter & a wooder arrived for provisions. the former reports but few partridges being near them - This day killed a few foxes."

Nov. 5 Sunday
" Do. Weather. the above two men went to their Tents. In the afternoon 3 northern Indians arrived with a packet from Mr Linklater who is in want of several articles & but little provisions to be got where he is. Since last Sunday have killed 90 Foxes of which I myself shot 44 of which I have shot 30 in the middle of the night."

Nov. 6 Monday
" Weather rather bitter. Tradesmen making sleds for the Indians to haul some goods to Mr Linklater. This morning sent the Bricklayer Blacksmith & one Joiner to the Lake to hunt partridges. caught a few foxes."

Nov. 7 Tuesday
" Do. Weather preparing the Goods to be sent by the Indians. killed a few foxes."

Nov. 8 Wednesday
" Drifting & very cold weather the Indians did not set off in consequence. Tradesmen employed as before. procured a few foxes."

Nov. 9 Thursday
" Clear & very cold weather this morning dispatched the Indians with letters & Goods needed to Mr Linklater. In the Afternoon several Nn Indians arrived with deer skins & a few white foxes to trade Iron work for winter use - procured a few foxes."

Nov. 10 Friday
" Do. Weather traded with the above Indians from whom I received about 250 MB in Deerskins & furrs - also received some Venison & Tongues. - They left the Factory in the evening - caught a few foxes."

Nov. 11 Saturday
" Do. Weather hunters arrived from both tents with some partridges. killed a few foxes."

Nov. 12 Sunday
" Drifting very hard but not sufficient to hinder the Men from going to their Tents. Since last Sunday procured 54 foxes."

Nov. 13 Monday
" Do. Weather but much Colder. Boat builders sawing Boat timbers for the Spring. Joiner making a Bench Taylor making Indian Cloaths while the Labourers is clearing out Carpenters shop. Killed a few foxes."

Nov. 14 Tuesday
" Weather rather Better. rec'd a few partridges from Indians. caught a few foxes."

Nov. 15 Wednesday
" Fine weather. the joiner & Boatbuilders employed out at the frame of the Still House. caught a few foxes."

Nov. 16 Thursday
" Do. Weather. This day served out the Homegaurds some Grain, Salt Geese & Ammunition to enable them to reach their wintering ground to procure furrs. some time ago supplied them with deer skin thongs to make their shoe shoes with that they might have no excuse for loitering about the factory which they with difficulty did as they expected to live at the factory the whole year round. caught a few foxes."

Nov. 17 Friday
" Do. Weather A northern Indian from whom I traded a small quantity of Venison upon which he immediately went away. caught a few foxes."

Nov. 18 Saturday
" Pleasant clear weather. Rec'd some fish & Partridges from our Hunters caught a few foxes."

Nov. 19 Sunday
" Do. Weather the above 2 men went to their Tents."

Nov. 20 Monday
" Do. Weather. Tradesmen employed as before 2 Labourers hauling home Boat timbers. This day rec'd some Venison from Natives for Powder & Iron work. caught a few foxes."

Nov. 21 Tuesday
" Do. Weather. This day 7 Nn Indians arrived from whom I traded about 300 MB in Deer Skins & furrs besides a lttle venison caught a few foxes."

Nov. 22 Wednesday
" Do. Weather. This day at Noon shot a fox who came into the yard. - The above Indians went away."

Nov. 23 Thursday
" Do. Weather. Tradesmen employed as before. caught a few foxes this day."

Nov. 24 Friday
" Do. Weather caught a few foxes this day."

Nov. 25 Saturday
" Do. Weather. rec'd from our Hunters a great No.? of fish but one tent has had exceeding bad luck therefore have ordered the people there to shift to better ground as the Partridges are plenty having shot this day myself 53 Partridges in about 4 hours. caught a few foxes."

Nov. 26 Sunday
" Do. Weather. One of the Men before he went away to his tent informed me that our Sn Indian Homegaurds had gone only about 20 miles from the Factory where they are now tenting altho they left this place on the 16th inst.
Caught a few foxes."

Nov. 27 Monday
" Do. Weather. Sent a labourer for some Boat timbers."

Nov. 28 Tuesday
" Pleasant Weather. Tradesmen employed as before. caught a few foxes."

Nov. 29 Wednesday
" Do. Weather Caught a few foxes."

Nov. 30 Thursday
" Snowing very hard rec'd some partridges from an Indian Caught a few foxes."

Dec. 1 1797 Friday
" Do. Weather but warm. Employed as before."

Dec. 2 Saturday
" Warm weather rec'd some Partridges from an Indian & from one of our tents."

Dec. 3 Sunday
" Do. Weather the above man went to his tent."

Dec. 4 Monday
" Pleasant Weather. Tradesmen putting up the frame of the Still House. Caught a few foxes. Cooper having been ordered to return to the factory is now making 8 Gal. kegs."

Dec. 5 Tuesday
" Do. Weather Tradesmen employed as before caught a few foxes."

Dec. 6 Wednesday
" Do. Weather employed as before. Caught a few foxes."

Dec. 7 Thursday
" Do. Weather but colder caught a few foxes."

Dec. 8 Friday
" Do. Weather but blowing hard. People employed as before."

Dec. 9 Saturday
" Do. Weather a man arrived from Hunters with some fish he says that there are but few partridges near his Tent but that about 7 miles from the Factory they are very numerous."

Dec. 10 Sunday
" Very mild & overcast the above went to his tent with orders to remove nearer the factory."

Dec. 11 Monday
" Do. Weather Tradesmen employed at their former jobs. rec'd some Partridges from an Indian. caught a few foxes."

Dec. 12 Tuesday
" Do. Weather employed as usual."

Dec. 13 Wednesday
" Pleasant clear weather Weather One of the Sn Indian Homegaurds returned to the factory begging to be allowed to remain at the Factory. I was obliged to consent as they would sooner die than exert themselves having been so much & so impoliticly indulged in idlenefs at York that they really seem to have forgot that they are Natives of this Country."

Dec. 14 Thursday
" Do. Weather. Tradesmen employed as before. caught a few foxes."

Dec. 15 Friday
" Do. Weather. The Boatbuilders cleaning Timbers the others as before. 2 labourer hauling Wood."

Dec. 16 Saturday
" Overcast & drifting. A man arrived from Hunters with partridges. Caught a few foxes."

Dec. 17 Sunday
" Drifting & very Cold. rec'd some partridges from Indians. Joiner came home from the tent in consequence of an order sent yesterday.
Caught a few foxes."

Dec. 18 Monday
" Milder & clear weather. The Homegaurds all returned they seem to be lean which they say is owing to their having no Bacon or Pork to their partridges.-
Both Joiners laying the floor of the Still House. Boatbuilders cleaning timbers Taylor making cloaths & the two Labourers hauling Wood. caught a few foxes."

Dec. 19 Tuesday
" Clear People employed as before caught 2 foxes Which are now begun to fall off."

Dec. 20 Wednesday
" Very cold & drifting Weather. employed as before."

Dec. 21 Thursday
" Weather rather better."

Dec. 22 Friday
" Do. Weather rec'd a few partridges from an Indian."

Dec. 23 Saturday
" Very cold clear weather. this day all the Englishmen returned to the factory to keep the Christmas Holidays as usual.
We have rec'd from English Hunters 1935 Partridges & 1114 lbs of Fish since the winter set in & from the few natives here 828 Partridges & 19 lbs Fish. Also have rec'd from Natives who have come here & immediately gone away since the 15th Oct. 586 lbs Venison 459 Tongues & 46 lbs Fat."

Dec. 24 Sunday
" Very pleasant weather rec'd some Partridges from Indians."

Dec. 25 Monday
to
Jan. 1 1798 Monday
" Do. Weather caught a few foxes.
People making merry as usual. - "

Jan. 2 Tuesday
" Clear Weather. People employed in preparing to leave the factory tomorrow. Rec'd some Partridges from Natives."

Jan. 3 Wednesday
" Do. Weather. This day sent off 17 men of which 5 are hunters 4 Sawyers & the other 8 to fall fire wood. There remain the Steward the joiner who is employed at the Still House the Taylor who is lame & one labourer who takes care of the Hogs & Cattle - & a Cook."

Jan. 4 Thursday
" Overcast but mild rec'd a few partridges from an Indian."

Jan. 5 Friday
to
Jan. 12 Friday
" People employed at the Factory at their former jobs - rec'd som Partridges from Natives."

Jan. 13 Saturday
" Bad weather 1 man arrived from the woody islands for victuals."

Jan. 14 Sunday
to
Jan. 16 Tuesday
" The above man went away.
A man arrived from Hunters with dogs hauling Partridges."

Jan. 17 Wednesday
" Pleasant clear weather rec'd som partridges from an Indian caught a few foxes."

Jan. 18 Thursday
Jan. 19 Friday
" Overcast Weather & snowing caught a few foxes."

Jan. 20 Saturday
" Very bad drifting weather a man arrived from the Wooders for victuals."

Jan. 21 Sunday
" Pleasant clear weather rec'd some Partridges from an Indian."

Jan. 22 Monday
" Do. Weather the above Man went away with all the Dogs who are to haul Boards towards the Factory as they will be needed before next summer - People employed as before."

Jan. 23 Tuesday
to
Jan. 26 Friday
" Do. Weather rec'd a few partridges from an Indian."

Jan. 27 Saturday
" Fine calm Weather A man arrived from Wooders his dogs hauling boards."

Jan. 28 Sunday
" Do. Weather The above man went to his tent with the dogs hauling provisions."

Jan. 29 Monday
" Very fine & remarkably warm weather. This day Ice & Snow upon the Rocks facing the Sun. Rec'd some Partridges from an Indian."

Jan. 30 Tuesday
Jan. 31 Wednesday
" Do. Weather rec'd a few partridges from an Indian People employed as before."

Feb. 1 1798 Thursday
" The Thermometer continued rising untill Noon when it reached 38 degrees above the Cypher during the forenoon it rained & the Snow melted from the top of the House but precisely at 12 OClock Noon the weather changed instantaneously to a perfect hurricane Snowing & drifting excefsively & in an hours time the Thermometer fell 26 degrees & in the evening it was down at 10 below the cypher."

Feb. 2 Friday
" Very fine pleasant Weather Rec'd some Partridges from Indians."

Feb. 3 Saturday
" Do. Weather This day a man arrived from the woody Islands with the Dogs."

Feb. 4 Sunday
" Do. Weather but the morning was so bad as to prevent the above man going to his Tent."

Feb. 5 Monday
" Do. Weather the above man went away . rec'd some Partridges from an Indian the Joiner employed at the Still House. Taylor & Labourer employed hauling fire wood near the factory on the ice."

Feb. 6 Tuesday
to
Feb. 11 Sunday
" Do. Weather Employed as before Caught a few foxes - & rec'd some Partridges from Indians."

Feb. 12 Monday
" Clear & Cold Weather This day the Joiner cut his foot severely - rec'd some Partridges from Indians."

Feb. 13 Tuesday
" Do. Weather This day observed 2 of our Porter Casks blown a little with the frost upon which it will be necefsary to keep a little fire there at times to thaw the porter. Taylor making Shot Bags for Inland."

Feb. 14 Wednesday
" Very bad Weather a man arrived from the Wooders tent for provisions."

Feb. 15 Thursday
" Do. Weather the above man did not go away On account of the scarcity of men here & the great quantity of out door work which must necefsarily be in the spring & summer. I set the Steward & Taylor to pack up Bundles in my room for Inland."

Feb. 16 Friday
" Better Weather the above man went away to his Tent. packed a few more Bundles."

Feb. 17 Saturday
" Very fine pleasant Weather a hunter arrived with an account of their being 1012 Partridges at their tent procured since the 16th Ult. besides having kept themselves. also a man arrived from the Wooders Tent."

Feb. 18 Sunday
" Do. Weather caught a few foxes."

Feb. 19 Monday
" Do. Weather The above 2 men went to their respective Tents - Rec'd 230 Partridges from Indians."

Feb. 20 Tuesday
" Do. Weather a man arrived from the Eastward with 225 Partridges also rec'd some from Natives."

Feb. 21 Wednesday
" Overcast with a little snow. Employed as before. the Joiner at Still House & the Steward & Taylor packing Bundles."

Feb. 22 Thursday
" Very fine Weather the above man went off to his Tent with orders not to shoot anymore partridges but to net them all as they seem to be very plenty. People employed as before."

Feb. 23 Friday
" Do. Weather Employed as before Caught a few foxes. this day a man arrived from the Eastward with Dogs hauling Partridges."

Feb. 24 Saturday
to
Feb. 28 Wednesday
" Do. Weather People employed as before also one of the Hunters arrived with partridges but not needing his services sent him to the Wooders Tent."

Mar. 1 1798 Thursday
" Pleasant Weather. This day served out 2 of our Sn Indian Homegaurds & their families with a little Oatmeal & ammunition & a net to kill partridges where the Englishmen say they are swarming & where they always see tracks & frequently the Deer themselves."

Mar. 2 Friday
" Do. Weather 3 Nn Indians arrived with a packet from Mr Linklater. he mentions that a very fatal distemper has made great havock among the Nn Indians several of whom have fallen sacrifices which has dispirited the whole tribe so much that they may be said to be literally idle & what renders it more unfortunate is that it is cheifly young stout Men who are good hunters also he says that provisions are very scarce."

Mar. 3 Saturday
" Very Bad Weather. rec'd a few partridges from an Indian."

Mar. 4 Sunday
" This evening the 2 Boatbuilders & Joiner arrived from sawing Timber with a Man from the Wooders for victuals."

Mar. 5 Monday
" Very fine Weather the above man went to his Tent. The Boatbuilders & both Joiners employed at the Still House. Also a Man arrived from the Eastward with partridges."

Mar. 6 Tuesday
" Very bad & Cold Weather employed as before."

Mar. 7 Wednesday
" Better Weather. The above man went to his tent with orders for all the Hunters to return to the Factory as there is a sufficient quantity of Partridges already procured to last untill near Goose Season."

Mar. 8 Thursday
" Fine pleasant weather. This morning the Indians were dispatched with the packet & some Articles needed by Mr Linklater & every thing we thought might be required to facilitate Mr Charles's further progrefs next summer as he is not to come to the Factory but to make the best of his way immediately towards the Athapisco Lake or Beaver River.
In the Evening our people arrived from hunting. Tradesmen employed as before."

Mar. 9 Friday
" Do. Weather Rec'd a few partridges from an Indian."

Mar. 10 Saturday
" Do. Weather the Wooders came home this day for the Big sled to haul fire Wood."

Mar. 11 Sunday
" Fine Weather Wooders preparing to go off in the Morning."

Mar. 12 Monday
" Do. Weather. 11 Men went off with the Big sled loaded with provisions - The Boatbuilders & Joiners employed at the Still House. Blacksmith making Iron work for Do. Cooper making Inland Kegs. Shallop Master afsisted by the Taylor covering the Bundles packed for Inland & the single remaining labourer attending the Cattle & Hogs &c."

Mar. 13 Tuesday
" Very warm got all hands to scrape off the Hoar frost formed on the roof of the Warehouse to prevent it melting."

Mar. 14 Wednesday
" Pretty cold weather Tradesmen &c employed as before."

Mar. 15 Thursday
to
Mar. 20 Tuesday
" Fine Weather employed as before."

Mar. 21 Wednesday
" Warm weather Tradesmen employed as before with the exception of the Taylor who is wheeling out the Snow from the place where the Batteaux are to be built."

Mar. 22 Thursday
Mar. 23 Friday
" Do. Weather & thawing a little."

Mar. 24 Saturday
" Do. Weather thawing considerably A man arrived from the Wooders for provisions he has 4 dogs who each have hauled Boards. - he says that the Partridges are very numerous about 7 miles from the Factory. Inconsequence I have ordered the Shallop Master & Cooper to prepare to go there on Monday & net some."

Mar. 25 Sunday
" Cold weather Blowing & drifting the above man went to his Tent."

Mar. 26 Monday
" Better Weather. This forenoon Mr Donald accompanied by 2 men went to net Partridges. Boatbuilders this day began to prepare their tools &c for Building Batteaux for Inland. The Joiners at the Still House for which the Blacksmith is making hinges & other necefsary Iron work. Taylor covering Bundles for Inland & the Labourer as usual at various jobs."

Mar. 27 Tuesday
" Do. Weather with Snow employed as before."

Mar. 28 Wednesday
to
Mar. 30 Friday
" Do. Weather but clear employed as before."

Mar. 31 Saturday
" Do. Weather. This day the Boatbuilders layed down the keel of a Batteaux. In the Afternoon a man arrived from Mr Donlads Tent with 106 Partridges. he brings word of Mr D. being confined to his Bed with swelled Legs which occasion him great pain & which continues for a long time as he was confined from the latter part of last August untill the 10th October unfit to move from his Bed."

Apr. 1 1798 Sunday
" Warm Weather the above 2 men went to their Tents."

Apr. 2 Monday
" Do. Weather. This day 2 Nn Indians arrived with an account of their families being near the factory. Tradesmen employed at their various duties. Saw the first Snow Bird."

Apr. 3 Tuesday
" Do. Weather The above 2 northern Indians went away to their freinds."

Apr. 4 Wednesday
" Do. Weather caught a few foxes."

Apr. 5 Thursday
" Snowing & drifting the 2 men came home from Mr Donalds Tent with 230 Partridges. they bring word of the Partridges having all left the netting Ground therefore ordered them to bring all their things home."

Apr. 6 Friday
" Weather rather better the above 2 men went away accompanied by 2 others to haul home Mr Donald who is incapable of walking. they all arrived in the Afternoon. This day 4 Nn Indian Men & their families arrived from whom I traded about 220 MB."

Apr. 7 Saturday
" Do. Weather. This day Mr Donald Mackay arrived here from York which he left for reasons of which the Honble Committee will be the best judge of their cogency. he begs to be entertained here untill the arrival of the Ship & seems determined not to return from whence he came untill that time."

Apr. 8 Sunday
" Do. Weather the above Indians went away to the distance of a few miles from the Factory to hunt partridges for themselves untill the Goose Season."

Apr. 9 Monday
" Very fine Weather. Shallop Mr making Rope yarns Boatbuilders at Batteaux Blacksmith making Rivets for Do. Joiners working at the Still House & Cooper making Kegs."

Apr. 10 Tuesday
to
Apr. 12 Thursday
" Do. Weather. People employed as before. Finished the Still House."

Apr. 13 Friday
" Do. Weather. one of the joiners afsisting Cooper in making Kegs the other joiner making a short Ladder for the Still House. Shallop Master preparing Blocks & Tackle for Do. This day one of our Homegaurd Indians arrived from York with a letter from Mr Colen where he says he was obliged to compel the Churchill Homegaurds to leave York. Which I certainly believe to be true for this Man & his family have lived near 4 years there constantly at the factory without having once left it. - Our People arrived having hauled? the timber boards within 2 miles of the factory."

Apr. 14 Saturday
" Do. Weather. People hauling timber to the Factory. Tradesmen employed as usual."

Apr. 15 Sunday
" Do. Weather and warm. this day the Cow we got in 1796 Calved a fine Bull calf."

Apr. 16 Monday
" This day thawed very much in the Sun. In the fore part of the Day people employed hauling Timber in the latter part clearing away the drift from the Stockades. Tradesmen employed as usual with the exception of the joiner who is making wheel Barrows & the Bricklayer who is afsisting the Boatbuilders."

Apr. 17 Tuesday
" Do. Weather. Shallop Master slinging the Inland Bundles - the rest employed as before."

Apr. 18 Wednesday
" Warm Weather. Bricklayer lengthening the funnel of the Still House Chimney & laying the Hearth there. 2 Labourers preparing to Brew."

Apr. 19 Thursday
" Do. Weather Brewed table & small Beer Employed as before."

Apr. 20 Friday
" Do Weather. Bricklayer again afsisting Boatbuilders the Labourer hauling out the Snow from the Yard."

Apr. 21 Saturday
Apr. 22 Sunday
" Do. Weather."

Apr. 23 Monday
" Drifting & Cold weather."

Apr. 24 Tuesday
" Clear but cold. This day began to distill Spirits of Wine the Bricklayer attending Blacksmith making shoes for setting Poles one joiner making a Drag Cart. Shallop Mastr making Bags for Inland the rest as before."

Apr. 25 Wednesday
" Do. Weather This day sent off 2 men accompanied by 3 Indians to Little Churchill River to procure dry meat there & to take care of the Goods that may be sent there in the summer & take up the Goods that were buried in the fall. Employed as usual."

Apr. 26 Thursday
Apr. 27 Friday
" Do. Weather Employed as before."

Apr. 28 Saturday
" Overcast & snowing a little the Shallop Master filling the Bags with Grain the joiner finished the drag Cart the rest as before."

Apr. 29 Sunday
" Fine clear but cold Weather."

Apr. 30 Monday
" Do. Weather Joiner making an Air Window for the Still House. Shallop Master slinging kegs the rest employed as before."

May 1 1798 Tuesday
" Do. Weather but in the evening it began to snow Taylors making an Inland Tent. this evening the Boatbuilders took the Batteau off the Stocks."

May 2 Wednesday
" Snowing very thick. Boatbuilders preparing another keel the others employed as usual."

May 3 Thursday
" Better Weather this day Laid down the keel of another Batteau. Two men sawing Boards for Do."

May 4 Friday
" Do. Weather. Labourers hauling fire Wood. 12? Nn Indians arrived from whom I traded 250 MB they intend staying till the Goose Season."

May 5 Saturday
" Snowing & drifting very hard the above Indians drinking."

May 6 Sunday
" Better weather 2 of the Indians who accompanied the Englishmen to Little Churchill River returned."

May 7 Monday
" Fine clear cold Weather. This day served out Guns & Ammunition as usual for killing Geese. One Joiner reducing Oars while the Shallop Master is painting them. Blacksmith making Iron work for a drag cart. the rest employed as before."

May 8 Tuesday
" Do. Weather but warm. joiner making another Drag Cart. rest employed variously."

May 9 Wednesday
" Cold Weather Shallop Master mending Sails Taylors making an inland Tent."

May 10 Thursday
" This morning rec'd the first goose which was shot yesterday the first seen this season."

May 11 Friday
" Fine warm weather Wind S. Geese seen near the Factory.
This morning 3 men & 2 lads arrived at the Factory with about 300 MB in Furrs & a few Deer Skins. they again set off in the evening. One of the Men was a Stranger he brought 115 Beaver in furrs the finest brought this year & 15 deer Skins. being the largest trade ever I recollect brought by a Nn Indian Consequently gave him every encouragement to revisit us."

May 12 Saturday
" Fine weather plenty of Geese flying. another old man belonging to yesterday's party brought 30 MB. This day finished distilling having procured sufficient for every purpose for the ensuing year."

May 13 Sunday
" Do. Weather thawing very much."

May 14 Monday
" Cold disagreeable weather. Shallop Master mending an old seine Boatbuilders afsisted by the Bricklayer at the Batteau Joiners lining a Room Cooper making kegs Blacksmith making Iron work for the Batteaux. Labourers taking water out of the Cellars & cleaning Drains."

May 15 Tuesday
" Fine weather employed as yesterday."

May 16 Wednesday
" Labourers picking Oakum. the Tradesmen as before."

May 17 Thursday
" Labourers stretching Deer Skins M. Randal making a Sail for Batteau."

May 18 Friday
" Do. Weather employed as before."

May 19 Saturday
May 20 Sunday
" Raining & overcast weather."

May 21 Monday
" Overcast & cold Employed as usual Steward making a Net."

May 22 Tuesday
" Do. Weather."

May 23 Wednesday
" Do. Weather Bricklayer making Setting Poles."

May 24 Thursday
" Overcast weather employed as before."

May 25 Friday
" Better Weather Labourers employed in digging a Drain from the cellar of the Cook Room."

May 26 Saturday
" Raining the whole day people employed in picking Oakum."

May 27 Sunday
" Better weather A good deal? of Snow fell during last night but thawed away during the day."

May 28 Monday
" Fine weather Tradesmen employed at the same jobs as before & the Labourers at the Drain."

May 29 Tuesday
" Do. Weather but very warm Labourers digging up the Garden."

May 30 Wednesday
" Do. Weather Employed as yesterday."

May 31 Thursday
" Do. Weather put lead upon the roof of the Still House."

June 1 1798 Friday
" Fine weather Bricklayer blowing stones in the course of the drain. Boatbuilders caulking? Batteaux."

June 2 Saturday
" Do. Weather. This day 6 Eskimaux men arrived from whom I traded 250 MB in furrs & deer skins. at noon also 7 Nn Indians arrived with whom I continued trading till late at night as they wish to get acrofs two Rivers to the Nd before the ice breaks up. I rec'd upwards of 300 MB from them. One joiner putting up the Beaver prefs the rest employed as before."

June 3 Sunday
" Do. Weather 3 more Eskimaux arrived from whom I traded 180 MB. I have engaged all of them to stay & kill Seals & White Whales."

June 4 Monday
" Do. Weather. Shallop Master painting a Batteaux the Boatbuilders employed on the other. Joiners employed as before Bricklayer preparing Mortar for Building Blacksmith making Iron work for Batteaux. part of the Labourers packing Deer Skins & the remainder packing? Deer Skins."

June 5 Tuesday
" Do. Weather employed as before. Rec'd some Seals Blubber from Eskimaux."

June 6 Wednesday
" Do. Weather finished packing Deer Skins packed small furrs in Casks Bricklayer building the drain from Cellar. Shallop Master painting Coverings. the rest employed at the Drain &c.
All the Goose Hunters arrived at the Factory & rec'd payment for their Hunt which has been greater in proportion to the number of hunters than ever I remember. We have rec'd from them 2153 Geese for which they have this day rec'd payment."

June 7 Thursday
" Do. Weather Bricklayer obliged to blow more Rocks in the Course of the Drain. Indians drinking. Sent two men to Churchill Creek to secure the rafts to the shore as they must be rafted over again on account of the ropes being much injured by laying in the water the whole winter."

June 8 Friday
" Do. Weather the above men returned from Churchill Creek having finished what they were sent for. This day the Boatbuilders finished the two Batteaux completely ready for going away if the River was clear of Ice. Employed as usual. Rec'd the Blubber of a good many Seals."

June 9 Saturday
" Do. Weather the Nn Indians went away to kill Deer. Boatbuilders mending an old boat People employed variously. Rec'd several Seals from Eskimaux."

June 10 Sunday
" Fine warm weather rec'd some Seals from Eskimaux."

June 11 Monday
" Do. Weather Shallop master painting Still House Boatbuilders mending old Boat Joiners Cooper & Taylor as before - Blacksmith making shoes for setting poles - Labourers employed at the Drain and? the Boatbuilder. This morning the River broke up clear to the Sea. Rec'd a few seals from Eskimaux."

June 12 Tuesday
" Do. Weather Rec'd a few Seals."

June 13 Wednesday
" Overcast with a little rain finished the Drain. this day rec'd 43 Seals."

June 14 Thursday
" Do. Weather 4 more Eskimaux arrived from whom I traded 158 MB in Deer Skins & furrs. Labourers mending the path to the Launch the Tradesmen employed at their respective duties."

June 15 Friday
" Much rain during the night. People preparing every thing for the departure of the Batteaux. Boatbuilders building a little Boat for the use of the people at little Churchill River. Blacksmith making Nails for Do. rec'd some Seals."

June 16 Saturday
" Do. Weather. One of the Batteaux upon trial was found to be leaky so required a little caulking. People as before."

June 17 Sunday
" Do. Weather Rec'd some Venison from Indians also several Seals from Eskimaux."

June 18 Monday
" Fine Weather. this day two Batteaux loaded with Trading Goods Stores & Provisions navigated by 8 Englishmen & 2 Nn Indians left the factory for Little Churchill River. rec'd some Seals from Eskimaux."

June 19 Tuesday
" Do. Weather. Boatbuilder at the little Boat One joiner? working at the Room. Blacksmith & one man making Boat nails. The Taylor & 3 labourers who are unable to go with the Boats at various jobs. - Rec'd some Seals."

June 20 Wednesday
" Do. Weather with light showers of rain towards evening. Bricklayer at the funnel of the Oil Copper which requires repairing - rec'd some Seals."

June 21 Thursday
" Do. Weather. Nn Indians arrived with a great quantity of Venison which we shall be obliged to salt. Bricklayer at the Cellar of the Still House the rest employed variously two men preparing to Brew."

June 22 Friday
" Overcast Weather. late last night Two Batteaux arrived from Inland with Furrs belonging to Mr Linklater as pr Account Book. I rec'd letters from Mr L. informing me of a French Trader having seized about 180 MB in Furrs from Thomas Linklater who was coming in a Batteaux from Granville House to the Indian Lake on account of one of their People having entered our service while he was in debt to the Canadian Company. part of which money the Man offered to the Canadian Trader but he would not take it - Mr L. wishes to know how to act but it being a very novel & extraordinary proceeding can not give him any orders but merely to demand the restoration of the Honble Companys property in my opinion most unlawfully seized by force & to do which he was obliged to give repeated orders to his Men before any would obey & then he set them the example. The above Traders name is John Macgillivray, a Clerk. - Rec'd some seals this day & some Venison."

June 23 Saturday
" Do. Weather. durst not attempt drying the furrs which arrived yesterday on account of the threatening Sky."

June 24 Sunday
" Very fine pleasant Weather. had the Furrs opened which are very damp in the evening found them nice & dry."

June 25 Monday
" Overcast Weather & rain. This day Mr Charles arrived from Inland with 117 MB having wintered at a Lake where he had seen No Natives nor the Tracks of any owing to the Canadians having learnt his intentions who had therefore sent word to the Natives there to desert the country which they did most effectually for further information I beg leave to refer the Honble Committee to Mr C's Journal. - Boatbuilders very busy in repairing the Batteaux which have arrived & which much need mending."

June 26 Tuesday
" Very bad weather. employed packing furrs & preparing every thing for the departure of the Batteaux when they are finished."

June 27 Wednesday
" Employed as before. Blacksmith very busy in preparing iron work for Batteaux."

June 28 Thursday
" Fine Weather employed as before."

June 29 Friday
" Overcast The two Batteaux arrived from Little Churchill River in very good condition."

June 30 Saturday
" Pleasant Weather. This morning dispatched a Canoe loaded with Trading Goods &c for Mr Linklater navigated by 2 Englishmen & 2 Indians. Employed constantly in preparing Provisions &c for 2 Batteaux going away on Monday."

July 1 1798 Sunday
" Dark overcast weather filled a few remaining kegs with Strong Spirits for Inland."

July 2 Monday
" Fine Weather. This morning sent away two Batteaux loaded with Trading Goods &c for the Indian Lake. At same time 8 Eskimaux arrived from whom I traded 374 MB rec'd several Seals from Eskimaux who brought a good many last week."

July 3 Tuesday
" Do. Weather preparing every thing for the departure of the other two Batteaux which are now nearly compleated."

July 4 Wednesday
" Do. Weather employed variously this day rec'd 2 white Whales from Eskimaux."

July 5 Thursday
" This forenoon Mr Charles left the Factory with 2 Batteaux loaded with trading Goods Stores & Provisions sufficient to enable him to proceed while the rivers & Lakes will be navigable so that if he has the good luck to fall in with a pilot he may reach Isle a la Crofs & either proceed to the Athapiscow or go up Beaver river. Before his departure on account of the refractory behaviour of some of the Men who wintered with him & their refusal to accompany him I have been obliged to substitute others in their places. One in particular has conducted himself so very shocking that his case must be reserved untill Mr Stayners arrival having for some very trivial cause taken up a Hatchet threatening Mr Charles & calling the rest of the People to afsist him. - Another Eskimaux arrived with 30 MB which I traded."

July 6 Friday
" Overcast Weather the Labourers employed at the Cellar of the Cook room the Tradesmen at their respective duties except the Bricklayer who is not well rec'd 2 whales."

July 7 Saturday
" Pleasant Weather Packing Furrs the Eskimaux have now finished their Seal hunt & in consequence of their numerous families have been obliged to betake them clear? to their own Country except 2 men who remain in expectation of the arrival of some more of their relations. I think they have procured 3 Tons of Seal Oil besides some whale Blubber."

July 8 Sunday
" Do. Weather."

July 9 Monday
" Do. Weather Boatbuilders repairing an old Boat. Joiner at the Room before mentioned Bricklayer at the foundation of the new Cook room Blacksmith making Boat nails. Shallop Master Taylor & a Labourer packing Deer Skins the rest employed variously."

July 10 Tuesday
" Overcast & rain at times employed as before except one Labourer who is filling Pipes with the pure Oil from the Seal Blubber. Set Salmon nets which are very productive."

July 11 Wednesday
" Very fine Weather Traded near 200 MB from 4 Nn Indians who are strangers. People employed about various necefsary jobs. Caught a great many Salmon."

July 12 Thursday
" Do. Weather Sent out Magnus Randal & two Labourers to kill whales who returned in the evening with one. The above Indians left the Factory Boatbuilders began a boat for fishing near the Factory. Rec'd a whale from an Eskimaux."

July 13 Friday
" Do. Weather Whalers brought in another fish? filled a pipe of pure Oil. Salmon very plenty in the morning tide caught 79 & in the evening caught 110 within 200 yards of the Factory. Vast shoals of Capelin their favourite living all along shore."

July 14 Saturday
" Bad Weather Caught but few Salmon."

July 15 Sunday
" Fine weather. caught a good many Salmon."

July 16 Monday
" Sent of the Patroon J. Forbes another Englishman to set up the wood on the Bank at Churchill Creek as there is great reason to fear the ropes wont hold it together. Boatbuilders caulking the roof of the Cow House Bricklayer & Labourers filling the Lime kiln with stones Blacksmith making Staples One joiner making some Alterations in one of the Cabins the other painting a Room the Whalers out in the River."

July 17 Tuesday
" Do. Weather Bricklayer building Cook room Labourers afsisting The rest employed as before rec'd a whale from the Eskimaux."

July 18 Wednesday
" Very fine weather Blacksmith making 2 harpoons for whales. Boatbuilders caulking Still House the rest employed as before. M. Randal killed a Whale."

July 19 Thursday
" Fine Weather People employed as before. This day the 2 men & Indians arrived having finished their businefs. Rec'd another Whale from M. Randal & another from an Eskimaux."

July 20 Friday
" Do. Weather Joiner making Window shutters rec'd another Whale from M. Randal."

July 21 Saturday
" Employed as before rec'd two whales from M. Randal."

July 22 Sunday
" Do. Weather 3 strange Eskimaux arrived from whom I traded 120 MB Another Eskimaux brought part of the Blubber of 4 white whales which he had killed."

July 23 Monday
" Blowing very hard Shallop Mr & Patroon packing deer Skins. Boatbuilders still Caulking the roof of the Still House one joiner employed at one of the Officers Cabins the other painting. Blacksmith making Staples Taylor sick Bricklayer building Cook room afsisted by Labourers. began to overhaul the Trading Goods."

July 24 Tuesday
" Better Weather employed as before rec'd 3 whales from an Eskimaux."

July 25 Wednesday
" Do. Weather M. Randal rigging the Shallop Blacksmith cleaning Guns the rest as before."

July 26 Thursday
" Fine weather this evening Boatbuilders finished caulking the roof of Still House."

July 27 Friday
" Do. Weather Boatbuilders preparing wood for laying a floor in the Magazine The Tradesmen employed at their various duties."

July 28 Saturday
" Fine weather sent a boat acrofs with the Nn Indians to procure young geese & Venison caught a great many Salmon."

July 29 Sunday
" Very hot & Sultry weather."

July 30 Monday
" Do. Weather This day sent M. Randal & 2 labourers to kill whales in the evening returned with 4 also rec'd a small one from an Eskimaux. Boatbuilders repairing the Long Boat. Bricklayer building a Drain round the Magazine Joiners employed at a Cabin Blacksmith & one labourer drawing out iron for Boatnails Taylor sick & the few labourers employed variously."

July 31 Tuesday
" Pleasant Weather with light showers of Rain. Employed an Eskimaux to flinch? & Skin the Whales caught yesterday as he is much more expert at that businefs than any of our people. In the evening rec'd another whale from M. Randal who I think would with a little more experience become an Excellent Harpooner - This day finished the Overhaul of the Trading Goods Stores & Provisions belonging to the Factory - The Boatbuilders finished the Long Boat."

Aug. 1 1798 Wednesday
" Do. Weather. Bricklayer employed at the Cook Room. Boatbuilders laying the floor in the Magazine. the rest employed as before. M. Randal killed a whale."

Aug. 2 Thursday
" Do. Weather Employed as before. MRandal killed a whale."

Aug. 3 Friday
" Blowing very hard & Raining at times. Labourers mending the Path to the Launch. Boatbuilders working at the little Boat the rest employed as before rec'd a small whale from an Eskimaux."

Aug. 4 Saturday
" Fine weather MRandal rigging the Shallop. Bricklayer white washing. the rest employed as yesterday the Taylor still sick rec'd some venison & young Geese from Indians.
In the Afternoon I went into the marsh to see whether the grafs was ready for cutting found it but short yet owing to the very small quantity of Rain that has fallen."

Aug. 5 Sunday
" Raining very hard the whole day. This forenoon a Batteau arrived from Inland with about 140 MB in furrs & letters accquainting me that Mr Linklater had retained the other for his Settlement at Loon River."

Aug. 6 Monday
" Do. Weather People employed at in doorjobs."

Aug. 7 Tuesday
" Better Weather. Shallop Master rigging Long Boat 2 labourers boiling Oil the tradesmen & the others employed at various jobs."

Aug. 8 Wednesday
" Over cast with slight showers Sent People to the Woody Islands to raft timber & 4 more to cut Grafs for the Cattle."

Aug. 9 Thursday
" Better Weather employed some Nn Indians afsisted by some of our own People in getting Stones to Ballast the Ship."

Aug. 10 Friday
" Overcast. This day the People arrived with the Rafts. Our Bricklayer not able to work having fallen into the Lime Kiln & broak his foot."

Aug. 11 Saturday
" Sent of 4 Boats to bring home Grafs our people were afsisted by natives in this job."

Aug. 12 Sunday
" Overcast weather. During the last night Our Cook room was broke into by force having wrenched off the Padlock & several articles taken out such as 2 lb Butter 1 lb Pepper & some things belonging to the Cook. upon making an Enquiry found that Peter Baikie had done it. He is fined in the sum 2£ sterling which is a very small sum but in consideration of his having a wife at home we have been lefs hard upon him.
N.B. The People of the Factory flogged him."

Aug. 13 Monday
" This day 3 Eskimaux arrived from whom I traded 100 Mb also in the Evening 4 Sn Indians with nothing which is very improper as they would be of much service in procuring Meat Inland both for themselves & for our people consequently shall order our Masters Inland to prevent them coming down with no thing."

Aug. 14 Tuesday
" Very bad weather blowing a perfect Storm. People employed at indoor jobs."

Aug. 15 Wednesday
" Fine Calm Weather sent off 3 men to cut grafs."

Aug. 16 Thursday
" Sent 2 boats to fetch home Grafs the other people employed at respective duties."

Aug. 17 Friday
" Fine Weather Sent off Several Nn Indians to their winter quarters. People making the Hay & packing Goods for Inland."

Aug. 18 Saturday
" Do. Weather this day sent a fishing boat up to little Churchill River manned by Natives for the use of our people there."

Aug. 19 Sunday
" Do. Weather & fair Wind for Ship."

Aug. 20 Monday
" Overcast Weather Sent off 8 men to raft fire wood also 2 to cut grafs the rest employed variously."

Aug. 21 Tuesday
" Fine weather Packing Deer Skins & making Hay."

Aug. 22 Wednesday
" Do. Weather. This day 3 strange Eskimaux arrived with upwards of 100 MB they bring word of 5 more being near the Factory."

Aug. 23 Thursday
" Overcast & foggy. People employed at various jobs."

Aug. 24 Friday
" This day the people arrived at the Factory having brought 16 Rafts within 6 miles of the place where must lay untill the ?ing tides. the rest of the people afsisted by Indians making Hay."

Aug. 25 Saturday
" Busy with the Hay. Tradesmen employed at their various duties."

Aug. 26 Sunday
" Overcast & raining at times? 5 Eskimaux from whom I traded upwards of 200 MB."

Aug. 27 Monday
" Do. Weather. People employed at their respective duties."

Aug. 28 Tuesday
" Sent off the people to bring home the Rafts which they did this day the Indians who took up the Boat to Little Churchill River returnd in an Indian Canoe."

Aug. 29 Wednesday
" This day sent off 8 men to raft more fire wood the rest of the people employed as before."

Aug. 30 Thursday
" Raining great part of the day - Sent off our Homegaurds to kill deer up the River."

Aug. 31 Friday
" Fine Weather this day had the pleasure of seeing the Ship in the Offing about 2 PM. People making Hay &c."

Sept. 1 1798 Saturday
" Last night Mr Stayner came on shore. This day at noon Capt. Turner came up with the Packet which he would not deliver to Mr Stayner yesterday. Sent our Boats down to the Ship."

Sept. 2 Sunday
" Last night sent down the Shallop & all the boats to the Ship. employed the whole day in getting the cargo on shore owing to the darknefs of the night & Strong gale of wind we had almost lost our boats one of which was obliged to have part of her cargo of Coals thrown overboard."

Sept. 3 Monday
" Better Weather. employed constantly in unloading the Ship. This day came on shore Wilm. Tilloch, Robert Pasman & Joseph Neil (Sailors)."

Sept. 4 Tuesday
" Do. Weather employed as yesterday. This day sent a Packet to York for Soap having none in the factory nor has any come out this year."

Sept. 5 Wednesday
" Employed as before in unloading the Ship preparing every thing in readinefs for 2 Batteaux going Inland."

Sept. 6 Thursday
" Do. Weather. This day sent off 2 Batteaux loaded with trading Goods Stores &c for establishing a Settlement at the Pelican Lake. This day finished unloading the Ship."

Sept. 7 Friday
" Fine Weather. Stowing away the Cargo. Sent part of the Home ward bound Cargo to the Ship."

Sept. 8 Saturday
" Do. Weather sent the remainder of the Cargo on board. People cutting wood for the Ship."

Sept. 9 Sunday
" Do. Weather Wind Nly a great many Geese flying."

Sept. 10 Monday
" Brought the Rafts to the Factory. Men cutting wood for the Ship."

Sept. 11 Tuesday
" Do. Weather this day Capt. Turner went on board to prepare his Ship for Sea tomorrow when we close the Honble Companys Packet."

"William Auld,
Churchill Factory
12th Sept. 1798."


Reel 1M33 B.42/a/124

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