" YF 1782 A Journal of the most remarkable Transactions and Occurrences on the Pafsage from York Fort to Cumberland House from 1st Aug. 1781 to 2d July 1782 By Mr Wm Tomison."
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" Journal by William Tomifon."

" Cumberland Houfe America
Anno Domini 1781
Journal Containing Transactions Occurences &c On the pafsage Up from York Fort to Cumberland Houfe By Mr William Tomifon."

" By Mr William Tomifon."

Aug. 1 1781
" Wind Easterly light Breezes weather for the most part Cloudy, At 4 OClock in the Morning Embarked for Cumberland Houfe with two Canoes more in Company. tracked 'till five in the Evening then put Up about three Miles above penney.cut.away River."

Aug. 2
" Thurfday Wind and Weather as Yesterday 'till the Evening afterwards a little Rain. tracked from five in the Morning till six in the Evening then put Up at the Entrance of Steel River. here we found Mr Walker and the Rest of the Englishmen. also five Bundles of Goods left by Indians that has gone before. four of which one Man has left."

Aug. 3
" Friday Little Wind Westerly weather Cloudy with Rain at times. proceeded a little Way Up Steel River then put Up to Repair a Canoe that was Damaged by another Running foul of her."

Aug. 4
" Saturday Wind Northerly a small Breeze Weather part Cloudy part clear. at 5 OClock we proceeded and at six in the Evening put Up. our Canoes being a little Damaged by the Shoalnefs of the Water."

Aug. 5
" Sunday Wind and Weather much the same as Yesterday. at five we proceeded and at Eight Entered Chauketanaw River where we Continued tracking till six in the Evening then put Up to Repair Canoes."

Aug. 6
" Monday Wind SE a stiff Gale Weather Cloudy with Sun shine Alternately. at six we proceeded as before and at six in the Evening put Up. very bad tracking. Occasioned by large Launches of the Banks falling into the River which makes it very Difficult either to track lead or Carry."

Aug. 7
" Tuesday Wind between East and North thick Cloudy Weather with Rain till noon. at 1 OClock we proceeded and at eight put Up on the first carrying place. gave the Indians a little of our provisions as they have nothing to Eat. Indeed they have had little or nothing to Eat since they left the Fort. Except what they have had from Us."

Aug. 8
" Wednefday Wind Variable light Breeze Weather part Cloudy part clear. at six we proceeded & at seven in the Evening put Up. gave the Indians a little Liquor. also gave the Englishmen one quart pr Mefs. had 3 Carrying places to Day."

Aug. 9
" Thursday Little Wind Variable with clear weather till the Evening afterwards blow'd hard with Thunder & Lightning attended with heavy Rain. we proceeded as before till six in the Evening then put Up. Thunder going very heavy & much Rain. gave the Indians a little food. indeed they are but poorly off there being no Deer nor Game of any Sort to be Caught. had 4 Carrying places to Day."

Aug. 10
" Friday Wind Westerly a stiff Gale with clear Weather. at 5 OClock we proceeded and at eight in the Evening put Up. had 5 Carrying places to Day & much leading."

Aug. 11
" Saturday Wind Variable between West & North Moderate Cloudy Weather till the Evening afterwards squally with heavy Rain at times. at five we proceeded & at Noon put Up at the swampy Lake. gave the Indians a little Oatmeal."

Aug. 12
" Sunday Wind NW a stiff Breeze with clear Weather. at six OClock we proceeded & at seven in the Evening put Up at Mafs.keech.equan Lake. had 4 Carrying & several leading places to Day."

Aug. 13
" Monday Wind Westerly a fresh Gale weather part Cloudy part Clear. a half past four we proceeded paddled about 10 Miles then Obliged to put ashore. the Wind blowing fresh made a great swell in the Lake."

Aug. 14
" Tuefday Wind WSW first part Moderate latter part squally with heavy Rain thunder & Lightning. at five we proceeded & paddled till 10 then Obliged to put ashore for the Rain. at one we put off again & paddled till near eight in the Evening then put Up. several of the Indians separated from Us in search of provisions."

Aug. 15
" Wednefday Wind Variable Weather Cloudy with very heavy Rain at Noon which Continued succefsfully for Upwards of 4 Hours. the most Severe I ever saw. at four OClock we proceeded & at 10 put Up for the Rain. at five we put off again & paddled till eight in the Evening them put Up at the Entrance of Pethe.paw.Weenepee Or Deep Water Lake. most of the English & Indians behind."

Aug. 16
" Thurfday Wind WNW a stiff Gale with sun Shine Alternately. at noon our Men & some of the Indians came Up all Well. layed by to Repair our Canoes. gave the Men 1 quart pr Mefs."

Aug. 17
" Friday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze Weather part Cloudy part clear. at five we proceeded & at eight in the Evening put Up. having gone above 50 Miles to Day. had two Carrying & two leading places to Day."

Aug. 18
" Saturday Wind SW a moderate Breeze with Clear weather. at half past four we proceeded and at eight in the Evening Got all over the white fall carrying place where we put Up. gave the Indians & Englishmen a little Liquor to refresh them they being much fatigued with Carrying. thofe that was behind also came Up all Well. two long Carrying places to Day."

Aug. 19
" Sunday Wind WSW Weather squally with Rain at times. at Seven we proceeded paddled acrofs the White Lake then put Up for the Rain till five then put off again and paddled till nine. then put Up at Eachawe mames: here we found six Canoes that went from the Fort sometime before Us. thofe Inform me that they have seen nothing of them that left the Goods since they parted at Steel River."

Aug. 20
" Monday Wind variable between West & North fresh Gales Weather Cloudy with a Continual Rain could not proceed."

Aug. 21
" Tuefday Wind Westerly a stiff Gale Weather part Cloudy part clear. at five we proceeded & at seven in the Evening put up about 5 miles Up Sea River. here we found two Tents of Bungee Indians also one of thofe that left the Keg of powder at Steel River point. but have the other three Bundles safe from those and some of our Company. I Traded 1 1/2 Day provisions for the Men. this is the first Meat we have had on the Journey."

Aug. 22
" Wednesday Wind NW a small Breeze with clear Weather. at six we proceeded & at seven in the Evening put Up at the Entrance to Pemeek-Chegema Lake. put the three Bundles of Goods in our Canoes as the Indian was Unwilling to go any Further."

Aug. 23
"Thurfday Wind WSW a fresh Gale Weather part Cloudy part Clear. at five we proceeded & at noon put Up at Buskes.cagan or the Lake of Rendesvouse. Set the Fishing nets caught 21 pike Weight from 4 lb to 6 lb each. Chief part of the Indians gone ahead in Search of Provisions."

Aug. 24
" Friday Wind Variable between South & West fresh Gales Weather for the most part Cloudy with Rain. still Weather bound. in the Evening two families of Indians arrived from the Jack River. from these I Traded 94 lb Dried provisions which made one Day for 24 Englishmen & six Indians that is their Canoe Mates. Middling Succefs with the Nets."

Aug. 25
" Saturday Wind Northerly squally Weather with Rain at times. great Succefs with the nets having caught 90 pike since we came here."

Aug. 26
" Sunday Wind Westerly a small Breeze till 8 OClock afterwards blow'd a stiff Gale. at five we Embarked & at nine Reached the long point from whence we was Obliged to Return back and had some Difficulty in landing there being a great surf on the Shore."

Aug. 27
" Monday Wind WNW a Moderate Breeze with clear Weather. at five we proceeded round the long point . at Seven Obliged to put on shore the Wind freshening Raised a great Swell which caused some Difficulty in landing. also Obliged one Indian Canoe to go back where they came from after being half Round the long point. the Indians that went a head all here. they have killed one Moofe & two Deer of which we had 140 lb. in the Evening gave them a little Liquor as Encouragement for their Good behaviour so far. also gave the Men one quart pr Mefs."

Aug. 28
" Tuefday Wind as Yesterday a stiff Gale Weather part Cloudy part Clear with flying Showers at times. James Batt very bad with the Veneral Disorder. he Acknowledges himself being bad before he left the Fort but did not acquaint me thereof untill a few Days agoe."

Aug. 29
" Wednefday Wind as before with a Continuance of Blowing Weather still Weather bound. James Batt very bad."

Aug. 30
" Thurfday Wind & Weather as Yesterday. Several of the Indians went ahead with light Canoes in search of Food. James Batt very bad. Indeed the part effected is now so much swelled that he can hardly move. there being no fomentation herbs I caused a Quantity of Country Tea & Roots of Juniper to be gather'd & boiled them both together & made a Strong bath which being fomented three or four times to Day has brought the Swelling down Surprisingly."

Aug. 31
" Friday Wind Variable between West & South fresh Breezes Weather for the most part cloudy with Rain in the Evening. at seven in the Morning the Indians loaded & went away but as we could not load with safety for the great surf on the Shore I did not think proper to attempt it."

Sept. 1 1781
" Saturday Wind Northerly a fresh Gale Weather Cloudy with Rain at times. at 5 OClock we proceeded & at Seven in the Evening put Up about half way to the Great fall. at noon came Up with the Indians that was a hunting. they had killed one young Moofe & one Deer. James Batt something better."

Sept. 2
" Sunday Wind & Weather as Yesterday till the Evening afterwards more Moderate at six we proceeded & at Nine in the Evening put Up about three Miles short of the Great fall. at noon came Up with the Indians that was a head. these had killed two Moofe of which we had 180 lb."

Sept. 3
" Monday Wind as before but more moderate with Cloudy Weather. at half past four we proceeded & at six arrived at the Great Fall there being too much Water. I did not think it prudent to lead Up the Fall for fear of Accidents which Obliges us to carry the whole way. two tents of Indians here from whom I Traded 60 lb Dried Moofe flesh. also 40 lb Dried Sturgeon. at eight in the Evening put Up half acrofs the Carrying place."

Sept. 4
" Tuefday Wind Variable light Breezes with Rain at times. at noon got all over the Carrying place. but when we came to load. a Cask of Powder was Mifsing. which some of those from the other side had come in the night & Stole from Under the Canoe. I ordered Eight Men to get their Guns & Ammunition I myself going without. and went to their Tents & Demanded it from them as I well knew they was the Thieves. but they seemed to be surprised as had they known Nothing about it & persisted Deeply in their Innocence: I told them it did not signify telling me a lie as I would not be put of in that Manner. Upon which we seized eight of them & drove them before Us to the other Side. on there Arrival at the place they took it from they still persisted in not knowing any thing about it. I further told them if they did not goe & bring me the powder immediately that they should be tied two & two together & sent before the Fall. on which I ordered the Lines to be brought. one of them being a greater Villain then the Rest drew his Knife. I told him I was not afraid. for his Knife; & all the Weapons he could bring would not frighten me out of my property. they at last told me to goe & look for it. I Desired they might as they was the properest persons & knew where it was. Upon which they Divided themselves in two parties. at the same time five of us going with each at the Distance of 300 Yards. one of the Villains called out with a loud voice that he was a God for he had found the Cask of powder. I told him he was more of a Divel for he that could hide always knew where to find. it was carefully hid Under a bush & Covered over. Upon which we parted good Friends. as I did not lose any thing but My Trouble. I thought self Revenge could be but little Satisfaction on which I gave Each of them a small piece of Tobacco & Dismifsed them. we also put off & proceeded to the little Carrying place above the Fall & put Up."

Sept. 5
" Wednesday Wind WSW a small Breeze with Clear Weather a strong frost in the night. at six OClock we proceeded & at seven in the Evening put up at the Entrance of the Cedar Lake. here we found two Tents of Indians who had collected a good quantity of provisions for the Canadians against their Coming Up. also some Furs."

Sept. 6
" Thurfday Wind NW a small Breeze with Cloudy Weather. at half past six we proceeded & at Eight in the Evening put Up a little Short of the South Branch of Saskachewan River. I Traded from the Indians last night 240 lb of Dried provisions & 40 made Beav. in furs. they wanted to trade Guns for summer Beaver but as they Never Trade their Winter furs with me I declin'd trading their summer for such principal Articles."

Sept. 7
" Friday Wind Westerly a small Breeze weather part Cloudy part clear. at half past five we proceeded & at Eight in the Evening put Up in the South Branch of Saskachewan River. several of the Indians behind."

Sept. 8
" Saturday Wind Easterly a fresh breeze weather cloudy with heavy Rain at times. at five we proceeded & at ten Obliged to put Up for the Rain. most part of the Indians behind."

Sept. 9
" Sunday Wind WNW a Stiff Gale Weather for the most part Cloudy with a mizsling Rain at Intervals. at six we proceeded & at nine n the Evening put Up a little short of U.Basquiau."

Sept. 10
" Monday Wind Westerly a small Breeze with Clear Moderate Weather. at half past five we proceeded & at seven in the forenoon arrived at U.Basquiau. here we found seven tents of Indians from whom I Traded three Days provisions for all hands. also 40 made Beaver in Furs afterwards went a little Way then put Up."

Sept. 11
" Tuefday Wind between NW & North weather Squally with Rain at times. at five we proceeded & at five in the Evening put Up not being able to paddle against the Wind & Current."

Sept. 12
" Wednefday Wind Westerly a Stiff Breeze with flying Showers at times. at four we proceeded. at one OClock pafsed by the fishing place and at seven put Up a little below the little River. the Indians all behind."

Sept. 13 1781
" Thurfday Little Wind Variable from NE to SW Weather part Cloudy part clear. at five OClock we proceeded & at noon arrived safe at Cumberland Houfe. where Thank God we found all well."

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May 30 1782
" Thursday Wind variable light Breezes weather part Cloudy part clear. At one O'Clock embarked for York Fort with 46 Bundles in Seven Canoes. four of which are Indian. there still remains at Cumberland House upwards of 60 Bundles. At Eight O'Clock put up at the Wire. Sett a Nett but had no luck of fish. Mr Holmes arrived here wth two Canoes. these with Seven before make nine. One of which is to return back having only come down with provisions for Mr Pond. he informs me that they have made but 84 packs this year and last year had upwards of 338."

May 31
" Friday Wind variable Squally weather with a little rain at times and Thunder. Sett two netts but had no luck from them. also sent Charles Isham and William Flatt back to the House for some necefsaries that I forgot yesterday, and in the Evening returned."

June 1 1782
" Saturday Wind variable light Breezes weather clear and very hot. we proceeded down the River to U.Basquiau then put up. received Six Geese from two Indian Men that is accompanying us down."

June 2
" Sunday Wind Southerly a fresh Breeze with hot weather. At half past 3 o'Clock we proceeded and at Six in the Evening put up in the middle Branch of Saskachewan River. At noon came to two Tents of Indians who had killed a number of Sturgeon 23 of which I traded from them also a few Skins."

June 3
" Monday Wind variable light Breezes very hot weather with a little rain at noon. At 3 in the morning we proceeded and at noon encamped at the entrance of the Cedar Lake to wait for a Canoe that is not yet come up. I suppose them either to have lost their way or else returned back. they embarked yesterday morning betimes and have seen nothing of them since. Mr Holmes and his two Men also put up here."

June 4
" Tuesday Wind WBN a fresh Breeze weather part Cloudy part clear. At 1/2 past 3 we proceeded and at five in the Evening we put up at the end of the Cedar Lake having sailed most part of the way. Mr Holmes went a Head. they are well manned. no lefs than Six or Seven Men to a Canoe and not above half loaded. In the Evenng two Tents of Indians came here all Women and Children except three men. from these I traded two Beaver Coats."

June 5
" Wednesday Wind Northerly Squally weather with Rain at times. Could not proceed."

June 6
" Thursday Wind variable in the South quarter a fresh Breeze with clear weather. At half past 3 we proceeded and at Eight arrived at the great fall carried all over by half past Eleven. afterwards Shot the fall. the Canoes being too heavy loaded obliged us to carry some of the Cargo all the way not thinking it prudent to trust some of the Men to come down the fall for fear of Accidents. made it more fatiguing for those that was capable. Seven men with myself made three trips in bringing the Canoes down which we finished by 6 o'Clock in the Evening. then put up."

June 7
" Friday Wind Southerly a stiff Breeze weather Cloudy and inclinable to rain. it not being weather to paddle in the Lake, we did not proceed. Sett the fishing Netts and had tolerable good Succefs. Mr Holmes sett off from here this morning but did not go far before he was oblidged to put up."

June 8
" Saturday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze with a Continual rain could not proceed. in the Evening one Canoe of Nouchepan Indians from the other side brought Eight Sturgeon which I traded from them, these inform me that two Canoes of them are going down to York Fort."

June 9
" Sunday Wind as yesterday with clear weather till the Evening afterwards variable and almost Calm. the two Canoes mention'd Yesterday came acrofs in the Evening and put up."

June 10
" Monday Wind Northerly a stiff Breeze weather part clear and inclineable to rain towards Evening. At 4 O'Clock we proceeded and paddled along the Great Lake till Six in the Evening and then put up, the Wind blowing very hard, Ice laying in many places along the Lake. A Strong frost last night."

June 11
" Tuesday Wind variable between NW and North a strong Gale with rain at intervals. At four O'Clock we proceeded and paddled till a half past Six, then oblidged to put ashore the Wind blowing too hard for paddling. the two Indian Men a Hunting and one of them kill'd a Deer which the Men brought in the Evening."

June 12
" Wednesday Wind and weather as Yesterday. At half past 3 oClock we proceeded and paddled along the Weather Shore till three in the Afternoon. then put ashore the Wind blowing fresh with a great Swell."

June 13
" Thursday Wind variable light Breezes with fine clear weather. At Eight O'Clock last night put off and paddled till five this morning then put ashore and had a little rest afterwards put off again and proceeded to Buskes.cagan then put up and sett the fishing Netts caught 32 Pike."

June 14
" Friday Wind SE a stiff Gale weather Cloudy with a little rain till the Evening afterwards more moderate. repaired a Canoe that was broke in the Gunnell by accident this morning. Caught 58 Pike to day."

June 15
" Saturday Wind Northerly a small Breeze weather Cloudy with a drizzling rain most part of the day. At 3 oClock we proceeded and at 5 came to two Tents of Indians the most part of which are died of the Small pox. two young Men and a Boy laying bad of that disorder. there is but two Men, a young Lad, two Women and a few Children that are alive. the Men had some furrs which they begged I would take it down, they not being in a Condition to go down themselves and the furrs liable to be lost. I traded upwards of 100 made Beaver and 40 more that I had no goods to pay for all which I embarked telling the Indian that he shall be paid for the 40 Beaver on our return back. we afterwards went a little way and then put up for the rain."

June 16
" Sunday Wind WNW a stiff Breeze with Clear weather. At 3 oClock we proceeded and at Six in the Evening we put up. half up Eachewemames. had one small carrying place to day."

June 17
" Monday wind Easterly a fresh Breeze weather Cloudy with Rain at noon which continued till four in the Evening. At three oClock we embarked and at Eleven put up on the Carrying place at the Head of Eachewemames. I never seed so little water in this River as there is at present. the Severe Winter and want of Snow I believe is the cause of so little water."

June 18
" Tuesday Wind NE a stiff Breeze weather Cloudy with rain in the forenoon afterwards Clear. At 3 oClock we proceeded and at Six put up for the Rain. At 11 put off again and proceeded to the White fall. carried over and went a little way through the White Lake. at 6 in the Evening put up."

June 19
" Wednesday Wind ESE a fresh Breeze first part Clear latter part Cloudy and inclineable to rain. At 3 oClock we proceeded carried over the Hill carrying place and at noon put up. Sett three fishing netts."

June 20
" Thursday Wind as Yesterday with a little rain at times weather Cloudy. Our Provisions being short and the weather not very tempting we laid by to fish. had tolerable good Succefs having Caught since yesterday 70 Pike and Tickameg."

June 21
" Friday Wind NE a stiff Gale with rain all day still weather bound caught 20 Pike and Tickameg to day."

June 22
" Saturda Wind Northerly a stiff Gale weather Cloudy with rain at Intervals till noon afterwards clear moderate weather. took up the nets to dry. Caught 18 Pike and at 1 o Clock we proceeded and at nine in the Evening put up at the Head of Pethepaw'winepee Lake. had two Small Carrying places to day. in the Evening one Canoe came to us from the other side of the Great Lake on their Journey down to York Fort. these inform me of three more Canoes that they parted with this morning that are going down. they also inform me that the Canadians at the Red River had a Battle with the Indians last Autumn. Six Canadians were killed on the Spot, also five Indians kill'd and three Wounded. this has happened through the ill usage the Natives received from them last year coming in by taking their Guns Ammunition Knives and every Utensil they had and beat them most cruelly and turned them adrift without either Guns or Ammuntion. Bruce the Canadian Master has died of the Small Pox also Captain Jute and many of their Men has died of the like Disorder and starved for want of Provisions."

June 23
" Sunday little Wind variable with clear pleasant weather. At 3 in the morning we proceeded and at 2 in the afternoon got acrofs the Lake, then put up to repair some of our Canoes. this morning met two Canoes come from York Fort these inform me that some of those that has been down are died on the pafsage since they left the Fort and several more Sick that are gone up Shemattaway River."

June 24
" Monday Wind SE a fresh Breeze weather Cloudy with rain at times. At two in the morning we proceeded and at 7 in the Evening put up in the Maskech'equan Lake, oblidged to lay by part of the day for Wind and Rain. At noon pafsed by one Tent of Indians containing two Men One Woman and four Children just now got over the Small pox but otherwise in a distrefsed situation for want of every thing except a few fish which they had killed with a fish gig. these had four Bundles of furrs laying by them but neither had pitch to pitch their Canoe, nor paddles to paddle her with nor even a Steel to make a fire. all this I supplied them with as also lent them a Gun and gave a little Tobacco and ammuntion as encouragement for them to embark to morrow for York Fort with their furrs. two Carrying places this day."

June 25
" Tuesday Wind variable with thunder and rain at intervals raind all last night which continued till 8 oClock this Morning. At ten we embarked and at 8 in the Evening put up about Three parts acrofs the Lake. the two Indians mention'd yesterday Joind us this Morning."

June 26
" Wednesday Wind variable between South and W. Squally weather with thunder and Rain at times. raind much in the night and this Morning till Eight oClock. At 9 we proceeded and at 6 in the Evening put up two parts through the Swampy Lake. At 2 in the Afternoon met two Canoes of Bungee Indians come from the Fort. three of these are bad with the Small pox and not likely to get over with it. these inform me that a Leader and several more has died since they came from YF. carried over three carrying places to day."

June 27
" Thursday Wind Northerly a fresh Gale weather cloudy and inclineable to Rain. At 4 oClock we proceeded and at noon put up on the Second carrying place in the Hill River to Dry Well furrs having had the Misfortune to upsett a Canoe but thank God no Damage done except the Lofs of two Guns."

June 28
" Friday Wind NW a strong Gale weather part Cloudy part Clear till the Evenng afterwards calmed and inclineable to rain. laid by it not being weather to go down the falls. the Canoe that came to us on the 25th Instant sett off last Evening for the Fort but have seen nothing of the other 6 Canoes since the 25th Instant."

June 29
" Saturday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze weather Cloudy with Rain alternately till the Evening afterwards a heavy Rain. At 7 oClock we proceeded and at 5 in the Evening put up below the Hill. the Six Canoes that was behind came up to us at five in the Evening. Several of them taken bad with the Small pox. carried over five Carrying places this day."

June 30
" Sunday Wind NW a fresh Gale weather Cloudy with small Rain at times. rain'd very hard from 6 oClock last night untill 7 this morning. At 8 we proceeded and at 8 in the Evening put up a little way down Steel River. carried over two Carrying places this day."

July 1 1782
" Monday Wind Northerly weather much the same as yesterday. At 2 oClock we proceeded and at five in the Evening put up on the Woody Island a little below Steel River. we found an Indian Man and Child laying at the River Side bad of the Small pox and they at the Height. he has lain 8 days and 8 nights without a fire and nothing to eat, his feet are much swelled with the Cold otherwise he is likely to get over it had he any nourishment. We put him into a small Canoe with two Indians to paddle him to the Fort. he had been down and traded his furrs and went away with the others but when taken bad they robb'd him of all his things and left him to perish. he has nothing to cover himself but a little piece of Blue duffle."

July 2
" Tuesday Wind Werly fresh Breezes with Clear weather. At 4 oClock we embark'd and at 7 arrived safe at York Fort where we was kindly treated by the Chief.
William Tomison."


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