" A Journal of the most remarkable Transactions and Occurrences at Cumberland House from 11th June 1785 to 3d June 1786 by William Tomison and others"
[Cover]

" Cumberland House America
Anno Domini 1786"

"Journal containing Transactions Occurrences &c commencing June 11th 1785 and Ending June 1786. by Mr William Tomison and others.
For the Honorable Hudson's Bay Company"
[Title page}


" By William Walker"
June 11 1785
" Saturday Wind variable fine clear weather. Mr Tomison embarked accompanied by nine canoes of Englishmen and four Canoes of Indians. in the morning received one young moose, and in the Evening one old moose. only one tent of Indians on this Plantation."

June 12
" Sunday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze the Tent of Indians went away."

June 13
" Monday Wind NEast a middling stiff Breeze cloudy Weather with rain the whole Day employed making a sturgeon net."

June 14
" Tuesday Wind and Weather much the same as Yesterday employed as before."

June 15
" Wednesday Wind NEast a middling stiff Breeze with Thunder Lightning and Rain. employed making a fishing net and mending an old Canoe."

June 16
" Thursday Wind SEast with Thunder Lightning and Rain. set two Nets."

June 17
" Friday Wind variable cloudy weather with Thunder Lightning and a little rain, killed 2 sturgeon."

June 18
" Saturday Wind Westerly a moderate Breeze clear weather. two canoes of Indians arrived with a little Beat meat and green moose flesh. one Sturgeon and some small fish from the Nets."

June 19
" Sunday Wind SEast with Thunder Lightning and rain the whole Day."

June 20
" Monday Wind Easterly a moderate fine Breeze, clear fine weather. 2 Sturgeon and some small fish from the Nets. also the two canoes that arrived on Saturday went away."

June 21
" Tuesday Wind NEast a middling stiff breeze cloudy weather with rain. some small fish from the nets."

June 22
" Wednesday Wind Southerly a very strong Breeze clear weather. 1 Sturgeon and some small fish from the nets. took up two sturgeon and one small net to repair."

June 23
" Thursday Wind Southerly a middling stiff Breeze clear weather. the Men employed setting two fishing nets and caught a few small fish."

June 24
" Friday Wind SWest a very strong Breeze part clear part cloudy. two Sturgeon and some small fish from the nets."

June 25
" Saturday Wind variable very clear and hot. one Sturgeon from the nets."

June 26
" Sunday Wind Easterly a middling stiff Breeze fore part clear, latter part cloudy. In the Evening arrived two French canoes with whom accompanied Mr Nicholas Montour and Peter Small demanding their Packs that was left here last Fall; I delivered the Papers that was left in my care by Mr Tomison concerning them, and told them if they would have their Furs they must take them by force and brake open the door for I would not open it to them; they perused the papers but seemingly very much difsatisfied and bid me good night; the next morning about 4 OClock Mr Nicholas Montour and Small and the rest of the Men came with them and insisted of getting admittance that they might get their Furs out; I still denied opening the Door that deturr'd? them from taking them away so Mr Montour immediately took a Hatchet and drawed the staple of the Door and went in and handed their Furs out; bid me good by and went away. Witnefs the two Men with me. - In the Evening an Indian canoe arrived with a little provisions. dried, green, and Meat Beat."

June 27
" Monday Wind EbNorth a very stiff Breeze fore part cloudy, after part clear. the Indian canoe that came last night went away. two Men taking up the nets. a few small fish from them. myself mending the House."

June 28
" Tuesday Wind Easterly a middling stiff Breeze clear weather till after Sun set then Thunder & Lightning. the Wind went about to the Southward and Southwest a very great Tempest. it blew so hard the trees fell as if they had been falling with Hatchets. employed net mending and making."

June 29
" Wednesday Wind Westerly the Wind abating about Noon fine clear weather the Men employed as yesterday."

June 30
" Thursday Wind and weather variable employed setting two Sturgeon nets."

July 1 1785
" Friday Wind and weather much the same as Yesterday.Employed setting two small nets nothing caught from the sturgeon Nets."

July 2
" Saturday Wind EbSouth a middling Breeze nothing from the nets to Day. took them up to Dry."

July 3
" Sunday Wind variable a middling stiff Breeze part clear, part cloudy."

July 4
" Monday Wind and Weather moderate set down our fishing nets again."

July 5
" Tuesday Wind and Weather variable a little rain towards Evening; killed one Sturgeon and a few small Fish."

July 6
" Wednesday Wind Northerly a very strong Gale with rain at times the whole Day employed net making."

July 7
" Thursday Wind much the same, the weather abated and towards Evening calmed. sent the men to the Nets 4 Sturgeon and 2 Tickameg."

July 8
" Friday Wind variable sometimes calm other times blowed very hard. In the Evening one Canoe arrived with Dried Meat and 2 Swans."

July 9
" Saturday Wind variable very fine Weather nothing from our Nets to Day."

July 10
" Sunday Wind SEast a moderate calm Day. the Indians that arrived on Friday went away."

July 11
" Monday Wind and weather variable. also moved two Sturgeon and one small net. 1 Sturgeon & 1 Tickameg."

July 12
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. a very great Storm with Thunder Lightning and Rain. 3 Sturgeon and 3 Tickameg . I never knew such stormy Weather in my Life. The water very high and rising every Day."

July 13
" Wednesday Wind variable from SWest to NW a very great storm the whole Day. towards Evening arrived two canoes that came through the Plains owing to the great flow of water very nigh to the House. and there left their canoes and part of their Cargo which was dried meat, Beat meat and fat which I sent the Men to fetch."

July 14
" Thursday Wind NWest the storm still continuing. those that arrived the last Evening went away. Employed cutting a little wood and mending the old Nets."

July 15
" Friday Wind and Weather the same as yesterday. the Men employed emptying the water out of the cellars."

July 16
" Saturday Wind variable blowed pretty fresh towards Evening calmed. sent two Men to the nets only one sturgeon that was good, all the small fish spoiled being so long caught."

July 17
" Sunday Wind variable very fine weather."

July 18
" Monday Wind SEast a middling stiff breeze a little small Rain towards the middle of the Day. 2 Sturgeon from our nets. the Men laying the small fishing twine two fold for making a Sturgeon net the Italian being done. Water still rising in the Lake. 2 swans and 1 Goose to Day."

July 19
" Tuesday Wind Easterly a moderate Breeze the whole Day. in the Evening cloudy, with Thunder, Lightning, and rain. 3 Sturgeon and 2 Tickameg."

July 20
" Wednesday Wind Northerly a very strong Gale the whole Day. in the Evening calm. the Men employed emptying the cellars of water & making Nets for sturgeon."

July 21
" Thursday Wind Northerly a middling stiff Breeze clear Weather. 7 Sturgeon from our Nets and some small fish."

July 22
" Friday Wind Easterly a moderate Breeze clear weather 4 Sturgeon and some small fish."

July 23
" Saturday Wind variable cloudy weather 1 Sturgeon from our nets."

July 24
" Sunday Wind Northerly a middling stiff Breeze cloudy weather."

July 25
" Monday Wind NWest a very strong Gale cloudy Weather 3 Sturgeon from our nets and a few small Fish."

July 26
" Tuesday Wind and weather much the same as Yesterday. The Men employed emptying the Cellars of Water."

July 27
" Wednesday Wind variable very fine weather the Men shifting the nets and set two more small nets. 1 Sturgeon; In the Evening one canoe arrived with some Dried Provisions."

July 28
" Thursday Wind and weather as yesterday the canoe that arrived yesterday evening went away only 2 Sturgeon and 2 Tickameg."

July 29
" Friday Wind variable clear fine weather the fore part of the Day. after part cloudy with Thunder Lightning and Rain. 7 Tickameg from the nets."

July 30
" Saturday Wind WbNorth a stiff Breeze clear weather 5 Sturgeon and 2 Tickameg from the nets."

July 31
" Sunday Wind variable clear fine weather. 2 Sturgeon from our nets and 2 Tickameg also in the Evening one Canoe arrived with some dried Provisions."

Aug. 1 1785
" Monday Wind and weather as yesterday. 3 Tickameg from our nets. the Canoe that arrived yesterday evening went away."

Aug. 2
" Tuesday Wind variable sometimes cloudy. other times clear. 6 Sturgeon from our Nets."

Aug. 3
" Wednesday Wind NEast cloudy weather one Sturgeon and one Tickameg from our nets."

Aug. 4
" Thursday Wind NWest a very strong Breeze Cloudy weather. in the Evening two canoes arrived brought some dried Provisions."

Aug. 5
" Friday Wind variable clear and moderate 4 Sturgeon and 5 Tickameg from our nets. those that arrived yesterday Evening went away."

Aug. 6
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday. water falling in the Lake. no luck from our nets."

Aug. 7
" Sunday Wind variable clear fine weather. three Sturgeon from our nets to Day."

Aug. 8
" Monday Wind Westerly a middling stiff Breeze cloudy Weather 5 Sturgeon from our nets."

Aug. 9
" Tuesday Wind NWest a very strong Gale with showers of rain the Men employed laying small twine two fold for making a sturgeon net."

Aug. 10
" Wednesday Wind Easterly a middling stiff Breeze clear weather. repairing the chimneys. 2 Sturgeon to Day."

Aug 11
" Thursday Wind variable with Thunder Lightning and Rain. employed as before 2 Sturgeon."

Aug. 12
" Friday Wind Westerly a middling stiff Breeze clear weather. one Sturgeon. employed repairing the Chimneys."

Aug. 13
" Saturday Wind Westerly a middling stiff Breeze clear weather. one Man and his Family arrived brought some dried Meat &c. Employed repairing the chimneys. no luck from our nets. the Water again rising in the Lake."

Aug. 14
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday. the Man that arrived Yesterday went a Hunting. He has left his Family here."

Aug. 15
" Monday Wind variable cloudy weather with Rain. nothing from our nets. the water rising in the Lake. the Man that went a Hunting Yesterday returned having killed one Doe moose."

Aug. 16
" Tuesday Wind Northerly a very strong Gale with heavy Rain. could not go to fetch the Beast killed Yesterday."

Aug. 17
" Wednesday Wind NWest a very strong Gale cloudy weather with showers of Rain. one tent of Indians arrived brought some green and Dried Provisions also 5 Rolls of Birch rind. the Man that killed the Beast brought part of it, part he throwed away being spoiled. the water very high it having flowed over the Banks 3 feet."

Aug. 18
" Thursday Wind variable cloudy weather with showers of Rain. at noon arrived one tent of Indians brought a little green and Dried Provisions."

Aug. 19
" Friday Wind variable with showers of Rain. the Men employed repairing the Chimneys."

Aug. 20
" Saturday Wind Northerly a very strong Breeze the Men employed Emptying the Cellars &c. two Canoes went a Hunting."

Aug. 21
" Sunday Wind NEast cloudy weather with showers of Rain."

Aug.22
" Monday Wind NWest a very strong Breeze cloudy weather. the Indians that went a Hunting on Saturday returned with two Moose. the men employed net mending."

Aug. 23
" Tuesday Wind NWest a middling Breeze clear weather. the Men employed making a small fishing net."

Aug. 24
" Wednesday Wind variable clear calm mild Weather. the Men employed repairing the chimneys."

Aug. 25
" Thursday Wind NEast a very stiff Breeze rainy weather. one Tent of Indians arrived with a little dried and green Provisions. the Men employed about sundry Duties."

Aug. 26
" Friday Wind variable cloudy weather, the Men employed overhauling Provisions."

Aug. 27
" Saturday Wind Southerly a moderate Breeze clear fine weather. the Men employed at the chimneys. two canoes arrived brought little or any thing with them."

Aug. 28
" Sunday Wind and weather as yesterday."

Aug. 29
" Monday Wind Southerly a moderate Breeze clear fine weather. the Men employed about sundry Duties. In the Evening one canoe arrived with a little moose flesh."

Aug. 30
" Tuesday Wind variable, clear fine weather; the Men employed as before. the Indians Hunting nigh hand; waiting for the People's Arrival."

Aug. 31
" Wednesday Wind South variable weather a very stiff Breeze. at noon two canoes arrived with Goods from York Factory. which gave me the agreeable news of the safe arrival of Mr Tomison & the People that accompanied him down. their cargo's seemingly in good condition. they inform me of three more canoes accompanying them. they left four nights from this. also two canoes arrived with some Provisions."

Sept. 1 1785
" Thursday Wind Northerly a middling stiff Breeze. the Men employed as before. At Noon three canoes arrived from the Northward to wait for the Arrival of our People."

Sept. 2
" Friday Wind Easterly a moderate Breeze haizy weather. the Men set two small fishing nets caught a few small fish; This Day one canadian Canoe pafsed by on her pafsage up the River Saskachewan. they met with a canoe belonging to this place, coming here with Provisions: they traded it for Liquor, but proceeded on, they informed them of a great many candain? canoes that are to pafs by tomorrow."

Sept. 3
" Saturday Wind Northerly a thick mist. caught a few small fish and took up the nets. the Men employed sawing a little fire wood. at noon arrived one of the canadian Traders Peter Pond by name. as soon as he landed I accosted him in a civil manner and told him I was not at Liberty to ask him in. he tarried a little while and embarked again. he also received some green meat from the Indians and they followed him about a mile to were they was put up for the Payment. they returned with an 8 Gallon Keg and upwards. they inform me of 14 canoes going to the Northward and 8 up the River Saskachewan."

Sept. 4
" Sunday Wind variable calm clear weather: at Noon 3 Canoes arrived from York Factory. their Goods seemingly in good condition. only two Rolls of Tobacco a little damaged by water."

Sept. 5
" Monday Wind Southerly a middling stiff Breeze clear weather. the Men employed emptying the cellars and drying meat. in the Evening one canoe arrived from York Factory with goods seemingly all safe."

Sept. 6
" Tuesday Wind and weather the same as yesterday. the Men employed about sundry duties. also two Canoes arrived with Goods from York Factory seemingly in good condition. two Bundles a little wet opened them and put them out to Dry."

Sept. 7
" Wednesday Wind variable a middling stiff breeze clear weather. a middling haul of fish from the nets. the Men employed net mending."

Sept. 8
" Thursday Wind Southerly a middling stiff Breeze cloudy weather. at Day break in the morning arrived a canadian canoe with Liquor to trade what they could get. as also to Entice the Natives away. some went away with them they landed about three Hundred yards below the House. I went down to see how they was going on. they staid about two Hours and made some of the Indians half Drunk. they got very little from them. the Indians having little for themselves. one Man had about 12 Beaver & a little Provisions. this is the second enticement the Canadian Traders has made here this Summer."

Sept. 9
" Friday Wind NWest a very strong Breeze clear Weather. a middling haul of Tickameg. the Men employed drying meat."

Sept. 10
" Saturday Wind variable clear fine weather. a middling haul of small fish also received the most part of a moose from Indians."

Sept. 11
" Sunday Wind variable clear weather. In the Morning blowed very hard. at noon arrived one canoe with Goods from York Factory seemingly in good condition."

Sept. 12
" Monday Wind Northerly a very srong Gale clear weather."

Sept. 13
" Tuesday Wind Westerly a middling stiff breeze clear weather. the Men employed cutting Firewood and doing other Duties."

Sept. 14
" Wednesday Wind NWest a very strong Breeze cloudy Weather. the Men employed cutting Firewood."

Sept. 15
" Thursday Wind variable cloudy moderate weather. received 16 geese and the most part of a moose from Indians. in the Evening one Canoe arrived with a few Furs."

Sept. 16
" Friday Wind Southerly a moderate Breeze. the Men employed repairing the master's chimney: cloudy weather:"

Sept. 17
" Saturday Wind NWest a very strong Gale cloudy weather. received a few Geese from Indians."

Sept. 18
" Sunday Wind and Weather the same as yesterday. received one old Beaver."

Sept. 19
" Monday Wind NEast a moderate Breeze clear weather. received part of a moose and a few Geese from Indians."

Sept. 20
" Tuesday Wind variable cloudy Weather. In the morning one canoe arrived belonging to the Canadians. they informed me they saw our People and that they would arrive in a few Days. also about Noon arrived two more French canoes bound for the Northward. the total canoes for the forementioned quarter is 22. they gave the Indians Liquor as before and made them very Drunk. the Indians had nothing to Trade but a little Leather and a few scraps of Provisions. I many times wanted them to put some of their Leather in my care. but that they would not as they knew that they would not be able to Purchase a drop when they wanted."

Sept. 21
" Wednesday Wind EbNorth cloudy weather. received a little green meat from Indians also sent a good many a Hunting against the arrival of our People. In the evening arrived Mr Tomison."

" By Mr William Tomison"

Sept. 22
" Thursday Wind as yesterday weather cloudy and blowed a fresh Gale towards evening. one Man attending the Gates. two Men setting a net for small fish, myself opening some of the Packages. William Walker paying some of the Indians for some Provisions they had in his care."

Sept. 23
" Friday Wind NEast a stiff Gale cold weather with sun shine Alternately. the Men with Myself opening the Packages and taking out the necefsary Articles to be left at Cumberland House. at 1/2 past 3 O Clock in the Afternoon nine canoes arrived brought all safe. also one canoe arrived brought a little green meat."

Sept. 24
" Saturday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze weather part cloudy part clear. sent two Men to the nets who brought 8 Pike. myself with the other three Men fetching Goods for Hudsons House. at Noon four canoes arrived from Hunting brot some moose flesh."

Sept. 25
" Sunday Wind SEast a small Breeze weather part cloudy part clear. paid of those that has arrived for bringing up Goods from York Factory. in the Evening three canoes arrived from Hunting brought one moose and one Beaver. also one Canoe arrived with Goods, these inform me that Malchom Rofs and the two Indian canoes will be here tomorrow."

Sept. 26
" Monday Wind variable from SEast to NWt a fresh Breeze weather for the most part cloudy. the Men employed pitching and repairing canoes. also opening and packing up Goods for Inland. Malchom Rofs and those behind arrived all safe except a few Bundles got wet by one of the canoes sticking on a stump which filled with water before they could get her of."

Sept. 27
" Tuesday Wind SEast a small Breeze weather as Yesterday. the Men pitching and watering canoes ready for going away tomorrow. trusted some of the Indians a little Debt and they went away dried the wet Provisions."

Sept. 28
" Wednesday Wind South a small Breeze cloudy warm weather. embarked six canoes for Hudson's House with Trading Goods. the rest getting ready to embarked tomorrow please God wind and weather permit. in the Evening gave the Indians a Drink as Encouragment to Hunt well in the Winter."

Sept. 29
" Thursday Wind variable from SWest to NW gentle Breezes with clear weather. At Noon Mr William Tomison and four more canoes of Englishmen embarked for Hudson's House. the Men cleaning the House and Cabbins. trusted part of the Indians here a little Debt and they went away. in the Evening four canoes arrived from the Cedar Lake. traded some meat from them for Liquor."

" By George Hudson"

Sept. 30
" Friday Wind SWest a fresh breeze clear fine Day. trusted the remainder of the natives Debt and part went away. the men getting wood."

Oct. 1 1785
" Saturday Wind NWest a fresh Breeze clear Day. employed getting firewood. at Noon one canoe arrived brought a green moose. paid the Indian that brought it and he went away."

Oct. 2
" Sunday Wind SEast a fresh Breeze weather part cloudy part clear."

Oct. 3
" Monday Wind SWest a gentle Breeze weather part clear part cloudy inclinable to Rain. two canoes arrived brought 28 geese. the Men getting wood. paid those that brought the meat and they went away."

Oct. 4
" Tuesday Wind NWest small Breezes cloudy and clear Alternate. employed overhauling and shifting the Provisions."

Oct. 5
" Wednesday Wind SWest a fresh Breeze clear Day. employed gathering the Winters firewood."

Oct. 6
" Thursday Wind NWest a hard Gale cloudy and clear Alternate with Hail and Rain at times. employed gathering in heaps our winters firewood."

Oct. 7
" Friday Wind NWest a fresh Breeze in the morning, towards Evening calm. two canoes arrived brot 35 Geese. paid them for their Geese and they went away. employed as yesterday."

Oct. 8
" Saturday Wind SEast a fresh Breeze weather clear and cloudy Alternate. employed as before."

Oct. 9
" Sunday Wind NWest a fresh Breeze clear and cloudy Alternate with flying showers of hail."

Oct. 10
" Monday Wind variable small Breezes with cloudy weather. employed gathering in heaps the winters firewood. at noon one canoe arrived brought 30 Geese and 3 Beaver which they Traded and went away."

Oct. 11
" Tuesday Wind Northerly small Breezes with cloudy weather employed as yesterday."

Oct. 12
" Wednesday Wind NWest a fresh Gale cloudy weather with snow all Day. employed within Doors and cutting Firewood."

Oct. 13
" Thursday Wind and Weather much the same as Yesterday. employed carrying home Firewood."

Oct. 14
" Friday Wind NWest cloudy cold Day blowed fresh. employed cutting Firewood. At Dayset Charles Isham and William Flatt Senior arrived by land from the mouth of the little River below with the Packet from York Factory. they could not come with the Canoe being heavy loaded blowing hard and Ice floating in the Lake."

Oct. 15
" Saturday Wind and weather as Yesterday. sent Charles Isham and William Flatt Senior also James Saundison to Afsist in getting the canoe and Cargoe to the House. brought it within about one mile, but could come no further for ice. At noon returned with part brought on their backs along shore. also Malchom Groat and John Irvin their canoe mates came with them."

Oct. 16
" Sunday Wind NWest cloudy cold Day the Lake set fast."

Oct. 17
" Monday Wind Westerly a small Breeze Weather cloudy and cold. sent Charles Isham and William Flatt Sen. with two more Men to fetch home the Goods they brought from York Factory, on sleds. the rest carrying home Firewood."

Oct. 18
" Tuesday Wind SWest calm pleasant Day and clear. employed gathering Firewood."

Oct. 19
" Wednesday Wind SEast a gentle Breeze weather part cloudy part clear employed as Yesterday."

Oct. 20
" Thursday Wind SWest a gentle Breeze cloudy warm Day. one man net making the rest fetching Grafs to lay over the canoes."

Oct. 21
" Friday Wind SEast a fresh Breeze cloudy weather. one man net making the rest gathering the Winters wood."

Oct. 22
" Saturday Wind variable from SEast to NWt a heavy Gale cloudy with snow at times, one Man net making the rest cut Firewood."

Oct. 23
" Sunday Wind Northerly clear cold Day."

Oct. 24
" Monday Wind SEast a fresh Breeze clear weather. one man net making the rest gathering firewood."

Oct. 25
" Tuesday Wind and weather as yesterday. employed as yesterday."

Oct. 26
" Wednesday Wind SEast clear mild Day. two Men net making the rest gathering Firewood."

Oct. 27
" Thursday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze cloudy mild Day. two Men employed net making the rest carrying home Firewood."

Oct. 28
" Friday Wind NWest a fresh Breeze cloudy warm Day. employed cutting Firewood."

Oct. 29
" Saturday Wind NWest a fresh Breeze cloudy warm Day. employed as yesterday."

Oct. 30
" Sunday Wind NEast a gentle Breeze fore part cloudy with rime, latter part clear snowed a little last night."

Oct. 31
" Monday Wind NEast calm rimy Day. one Man net making. sent two Men to look if the Lake be fast to set nets. they returned it not being strong enough, the rest cut Firewood. Early this morning two Indians arrived from the way of the Basquiau Hill brought a few Beaver skins and 36? half dried Beaver."

Nov. 1 1785
" Tuesday Wind and Weather much the same as Yesterday. two men net making the rest cut Firewood. Traded with the Indians and they went away."

Nov. 2
" Wednesday Wind Westerly a small Breeze clear fine Day. employed gathering dry wood."

Nov. 3
" Thursday Wind NEast a fresh Gale cloudy inclinable to snow. two net making the rest carrying home Firewood."

Nov. 4
" Friday Wind NEast a small Breeze cloudy with snow in the forenoon. the Men making their Winters cloathing. afternoon clear weather."

Nov. 5
" Saturday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze cloudy Weather with snow in the Afternoon. two Men net working the rest cut Firewood."

Nov. 6
" Sunday Wind NWest a gentle Breeze weather clear and cloudy Alternate."

Nov. 7
" Monday Wind SWest a gentle Breeze clear warm Day. two Men lining nets the rest cut Firewood."

Nov. 8
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. sent three Men acrofs Saskachewan River in a canoe to look out for Birch for Sleds and snow shoe frames the rest cut Firewood."

Nov. 9
" Wednesday Wind and Weather still the same the Men employed as Yesterday."

Nov. 10
" Thursday Wind Easterly Weather clear and cloudy Alternate. one Man turning snow shoe frames. one net making. the rest cut Firewood."

Nov. 11
" Friday Wind Westerly a small Breeze. sent five Men to set four sturgeon nets the rest cut firewood."

Nov. 12
" Saturday Wind SWest a fresh Breeze clear warm Day. sent three Men to the nets 8 Sturgeon the rest cut Firewood."

Nov. 13
" Sunday Wind SWest a fresh Breeze weather as Yesterday."

Nov. 14
" Monday Wind SWest a fresh Breeze clear warm Day. could not get to the nets employed cutting firewood."

Nov. 15
" Tuesday Wind NWest a fresh Breeze cloudy weather with snow and colder than Yesterday. employed gathering Dry wood."

Nov. 16
" Wednesday Wind Northerly calm serene Day. sent three Men to the Nets 11 Sturgeon and 1 pike the rest cut Firewood."

Nov. 17
" Thursday Wind SWest a small Breeze clear weather. employed cutting Firewood."

Nov. 18
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday. two men making a net the rest as yesterday."

Nov. 19
" Saturday Wind NEast a small Breeze fore part clear latter part cloudy with snow. sent four Men to the nets 12 Sturgeon the rest cut Firewood."

Nov. 20
" Sunday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze thick rimy Weather."

Nov. 21
" Monday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze cloudy Weather with snow at Evening. sent three Men to the nets 2 Sturgeon and 1 perch. the rest cut Firewood."

Nov. 22
" Tuesday Wind variable from SWest to North a gentle Breeze cloudy weather with snow in the forenoon. much snow fell last night. the Men employed shovling the snow in heaps, except two, net making."

Nov. 23
" Wednesday Wind NWest a small Breeze clear cold Day. sent three Men to the nets 3 Sturgeon the rest employed cutting wood."

Nov. 24
" Thursday Wind SEast in the morning clear afternoon cloudy cold Day with little wind. sent three Men to fetch home Birch Logs for sleds the rest employed putting up a few Martins trapps?, cutting wood, and setting snares for Rabbets."

Nov. 25
" Friday Wind SWest a small Breeze cloudy weather with snow most part of the Day. two men net making the rest cut Firewood."

Nov. 26
" Saturday Wind SEast a gentle Breeze cloudy mild Day. sent three Men to the nets 10 sturgeon and 1 pike, the rest cut Firewood. 5 Rabbets from the snares. also 2 Martins & 1 Weejack."

Nov. 27
" Sunday Wind NWest a small Breeze cloudy rimy weather."

Nov. 28
" Monday Wind NWest a gentle Breeze cloudy mild Day. two Men lining pieces for the sane?, the rest looking at Snares and traps 3 Rabbets and 3 Martins to Day."

Nov. 29
" Tuesday Wind NWest little wind cloudy and colder than Yesterday. sent three Men to the nets 5 Sturgeon two Men sawing Birch for sleds the rest cut Firewood."

Nov. 30
" Wednesday Wind and weather as Yesterday one Man planing wood for sleds the rest hauling home dry wood."

Dec. 1 1785
" Thursday Wind Westerly a small Breeze clear and sharp, employed as Yesterday."

Dec. 2
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday. one Man planing boards for sleds the rest cut firewood."

Dec. 3
" Saturday Wind SWest a gentle Breeze cloudy with snow at times. sent four Men to the nets 12 sturgeon and 1 trout the rest cut Firewood."

Dec. 4
" Sunday Wind variable all round cloudy with snow at times."

Dec. 5
" Monday Wind NEast a small Breeze dull cloudy weather. sent three Men to the nets 4 Sturgeon and 2 pike. one planing boards for sleds the others getting mud to repair the Masters chimney."

Dec. 6
" Tuesday SEast a small Breeze cloudy and cold. one Man planing boards for sleds the rest cut Firewood."

Dec. 7
" Wednesday Wind NEast a fresh Breeze cloudy with snow in the forenoon. employed turning heads for sleds."

Dec. 8
" Thursday Wind Westerly a gentle Breeze cloudy and clear Alternate. one Man lining a Net. sent three Men to the nets 5 Sturgeon and 1 pike. the rest cut Firewood."

Dec. 9
" Friday Wind Easterly a middling breeze cloudy with mizsling snow at times. two Men lining a net the rest cut Firewood. at night two Indian Men and two Women arrived from below brought a little half dried Meat."

Dec. 10
" Saturday Wind NEast a fresh Gale cloudy weather with snow at times. one Man sewing barrs? to sleds. the rest cut Firewood. Traded with the Indians mentioned Yesterday received 100 lb half dried Beaver and Moose."

Dec. 11
" Sunday Wind Northerly a gentle Breeze cloudy weather the Indians mentioned on Friday went away."

Dec. 12
" Monday Wind SEast a fresh Breeze cloudy weather. sent three Men to the nets 7 sturgeon. two Men getting ready to go with the Packet to Hudson House."

Dec. 13
" Tuesday Wind NEast a fresh Breeze cloudy weather employed cutting Firewood."

Dec. 14
" Wednesday Wind NEast a fresh Breeze with snow all Day. employed within Doors."

Dec. 15
" Thursday Wind NEast a fresh Breeze clear cold Day. sent three Men to the nets 5 sturgeon and 1 pike. two Men getting ready to go with the Packet to Hudson House the other two cut Firewood."

Dec. 16
" Friday Wind Northerly calm serene Day. sent of James Saundison and William Flatt with the Packet for Hudson's House also sent 12 Yards of Red corded Cloth and 100 Bayonets. the Men employed cutting Firewood."

"Copy of a Letter sent to Mr William Tomison
Cumberland House Dec. 15 1785
Sir
Charles Isham and three other Englishmen Viz. William Flatt, Malchom Groat and John Irvin arrived here October 14th with the Packet from York Factory by land from the mouth of the River below the Trading Goods we fetched to the House upon the Lake with sleds which I opened Contents as pr Inclosed Account I now send. Invoice I received none suppose it to be in the Letters inclosed to You. the Letters was ordered to be forwarded to you with the Utmost expedition which Order I now gladly obey together with the Letters for the Men the time the Packet arrived here I could not, the Lake being in part froze up and daily Appearances of an Early Winter. Sir you will receive by the Bearer 12 Yards Red corded Cloth and 100 Bayonets of the sort you wanted before which Goods I hope you will receive safe. I could not send any more at this time, having only two Men that I could send; Charles Isham is not fit for the Journey. I think him rather worse then when you left him at York Factory. You will be so kind, Sir as to send down by the Bearers, or any others you may please to send, half a Dozen Trading Files if you can conveniently spare them as I have not one left and the Indians wanting some. As yet no Indians have arrived but Spotty's Son and the old measure Mans Son from below they brought about 100 lb half dried Meat but no Furs except 8 Beaver in whole and half Parchment. The Old Man and his Family you met in the Cedar Lake arrived here the Evening you went away they brought nothing with them. I trusted them Debt and gave them every Encouragement I pofsibly could. they went away in Company with the cloudy Day. I expect them in very shortly. I shall exert myself Sir to the Utmost with the few Natives here about to get them to bring what Furs and Provisions pofsibly they can. shall Conclude Wishing every succefs to their Honors Affairs, Health and Happinefs to you and all under your Command; and Believe me to be
Dear Sir
Your Obedient
Humble Servant
George Hudson.
PS We had good supplies of Green meat in the Fall but very few Sturgeon, by far, the severest I ever knew having caught only 74 from 11th November."

Dec. 17
" Saturday Wind NEast a fresh Breeze cloudy with snow employed cutting Firewood."

Dec. 18
" Sunday Wind variable from West to East calm cloudy Day."

Dec. 19
" Monday Wind NEast calm mild cloudy Day. sent four Men to the nets 11 Sturgeon and 1 Pike. one Man bad with a sore Leg."

Dec. 20
" Tuesday Wind SEast a fresh Breeze cloudy mild Day. employed carrying home and cutting wood."

Dec. 21
" Wednesday Wind Westerly a heavy Gale clear and very sharp with much Drift. employed cutting wood. James Spence's leg still bad."

Dec. 22
" Thursday Wind and weather as yesterday employed as yesterday."

Dec. 23
" Friday Wind Westerly a fresh Gale clear weather and very sharp. employed cutting Firewood."

Dec. 24
" Saturday Wind Easterly a small Breeze cloudy cold Day. employed cutting Firewood and cleaning the House."

Dec. 25
" Sunday Wind NEast a small Breeze part clear part cloudy mild Day."

Dec. 26
" Monday Wind NEast weather as yesterday. sent the Men to the Nets 11 Sturgeon and 1 Pike."

Dec. 27
" Tuesday Wind SWest a fresh Breeze cloudy mild Day."

Dec. 28
" Wednesday Wind Northerly calm clear cold Day."

Dec. 29
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday. employed cutting Firewood."

Dec. 30
" Friday Wind SWest a fresh Breeze clear sharp Day. sent the Men to the nets 7 sturgeon & 3 Pike."

Dec. 31
" Saturday Wind SWest a middling Breeze with Drift. cloudy Day but warmer than Yesterday. employed cutting Firewood."

Jan. 1 1786
" Sunday Wind SWest a fresh Breeze clear mild Day."

Jan. 2
" Monday Wind variable from SWest to SEast fore part cloudy latter part clear mild Day. sent four Men to the nets 3 sturgeon and 1 Perch."

Jan. 3
" Tuesday Wind Westerly calm clear Day colder than yesterday. one man getting snow shoe frames one Man looking at traps the rest cut firewood."

Jan. 4
" Wednesday Wind NEast a gentle Breeze cloudy mild Day. one Man turning snow shoe frames the rest cut Firewood."

Jan. 5
" Thursday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze cloudy weather with snow at times. employed as Yesterday."

Jan. 6
" Friday Wind SWest calm cloudy mild Day. sent the Men to the nets 4 sturgeon and one small Pike."

Jan. 7
" Saturday Wind SWest a middling Breeze cloudy cold Day. employed cutting Firewood. at noon three Indian Men with their Women arrived from the Westward brought some furs and a little Provisions."

Jan. 8
" Sunday Wind and weather as yesterday. rather colder. traded with the Indians mentioned yesterday received 80 made Beaver and 300 lb of Provisions."

Jan. 9
" Monday Wind NWest a fresh Breeze cloudy with snow. employed cutting Firewood. the Indians could not go away."

Jan. 10
" Tuesday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze clear sharp Day. sent four Men to the nets 3 sturgeon. the other cut wood. the Indians still weather bound."

Jan. 11
" Wednesday Wind NWest a stiff Gale clear and very sharp. employed cutting Firewood. sent the Indians a Hunting in the Evening they returned having killed a Doe moose. also two Indian Men and three Women arrived from the Northward with some Furs and Provisions. they inform me the Frenchmen have been amongst them and decoyed two Indian Men from here."

Jan. 12
" Thursday Wind Westerly calm clear sharp Day till Evening then Cloudy. sent four Men to fetch the Beast killed Yesterday. also traded with the Indians and received their Debt. the Indians mentioned on Saturday last went away early this Morning. also the Men returned brought 300 lb of Green Meat."

Jan. 13
" Friday Wind Easterly a fresh Gale with snow. employed cutting Firewood. one of the Indian Men that arrived on Wednesday went a hunting and killed a Doe moose. finished trading with the Indians, received 58 made Beaver in Furs also 253 lb half Dried meat. at noon one Indian Man and his Wife arrived from the Way of U. Basquiau Hill paid his Debt traded Liquor and got Drunk."

Jan. 14
" Saturday Wind NWest a gentle Breeze clear Day very cold. sent four Men for meat the other doing Jobbs within Doors. this Morning the Indians that arrived on Wednesday went away. In the Evening the Men returned brought 400 lb of green Meat."

Jan. 15
" Sunday Wind NEast calm clear sharp Day."

Jan. 16
" Monday Wind SEast a gentle Breeze cloudy mild Day. employed cutting Firewood. the Indian Man that arrived on Friday went a Hunting."

Jan. 17
" Tuesday Wind SEast a small Breeze cloudy Day. sent four Men to the nets only 2 sturgeon. James Spence Leg still bad. In the Evening the Indian Man returned having killed a two year old Doe moose."

Jan. 18
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as yesterday. sent four Men to fetch Meat. James Spence still bad with his Leg."

Jan. 19
" Thursday Wind and weather still the same. at noon the Men returned brought 250 lb green Meat."

Jan. 20
" Friday Wind and weather still the same till Noon then the wind varied to SWest employed cutting Firewood."

Jan. 21
" Saturday Wind Easterly a small Breeze cloudy weather with a little snow. employed cutting Firewood. this Morning the Indian Man and his Wife pitched away that arrived the 13th Inst."

Jan. 22
" Sunday Wind Easterly a gentle Breeze cloudy mild Day."

Jan. 23
" Monday Wind Westerly a gentle Breeze clear and pretty sharp. employed cutting Firewood. at noon three Indian Men and four Women arrived from the Eastward with Provisions part of which they Traded and got Drunk."

Jan. 24
" Tuesday Wind Westerly a small Breeze cloudy mild Day. employed as yesterday traded with the Indians received 150 lb half dried meat 300 lb Beat Meat and 100 lb green meat."

Jan. 25
" Wednesday Wind Easterly a stiff Gale with Drifting cloudy weather. employed cutting Firewood."

Jan. 26
" Thursday Wind Westerly calm mild snowy Day. sent four Men to the nets 5 sturgeon. one Man repairing the masters chimney."

Jan. 27
" Friday Wind South a fresh Breeze cloudy weather with rain at noon. one Man working a Net the rest cut Firewood. In the evening James Saundison and Andrew Corrigal arrived with the Packet from Hudson House."

" Copy of a Letter received from Mr William Tomison
Hudson House January 11th 1786
Kind Sir,
By the Arrival of James Saundison and William Flatt on the 3d Instant I received your agreeable Letter which gave me great Pleasure to hear of the safe arrival of their Honors Ship as also all being well with You.
On the 12th of October we arrived at Hudson House and to my great surprise not above ten Days Provisions in the House, notwithstanding the Principal part of the Remains of Trading Goods gone. this was far from being agreeable for the Number of Men to maintain; my first care was to procure three Indians to Hunt for the House which are very Expensive.
Sir, I am very sorry to inform you that there is no Trade here and no likelyhood of any this Year as the Canadians went up as high as the Fighting River last Summer and built a House which has cut of every Indian from coming here. our late arrival and the shortnefs of Provisions rendered me unable to convey Goods Inland to answer any purpose. indeed it is Dangerous to attempt any thing of the Kind at this Season of the Year for the many inconveniences that attend when there is no Place fixed on for Building.
Sir, you did right in opening the Trading goods received by the Arrival of Charles Isham, as it might have been otherwise liable to Damage if not opened. the Invoice was Inclosed in my Letter and have sent it by the Bearers and agrees with your Account received, except one Yard of Cloth which Difference may be in the measurement. you will also receive 6 trading files according to your Desire. The Goods you sent I have not yet received as the Men were obliged to lay them up about 100 miles from Cumberland House, on Account of bad Journeying on the River, but have sent two Men to fetch them. I am sorry to hear you have been so unsuccefsful in regard to Fish which must reduce your Dried stock very much, if Indians do not bring you supplies of Green meat. On my Arrival at Hudson House I found six tents of Indians on the Plantation which were all that had been during the Summer. I treated them with two large Kegs of Brandy and some Tobacco for nothing and when they went away gave them supplies of every thing necefsary and sent four Men away with them, three of which returned in the latter end of December, who informed me that part of them had been in at the Canadians with what furs they had caught. such is the Villianous intentions of these indians when there is somany Houses to go to; there is in this River near 200 Candians, which is more then there is of Southern Indians, and are going amongst the Natives with Rum taking by force what they cannot obtain with Goods. there has been some Disputes between Mr Holmes and Mr Longmoore last Summer but how it began or how it ended I know not it being kept a secret frome me, but certain it is, Mr Longmoore did not do as he ought to have done and that by leaving the House and went a Buffaloe Hunting for 17 or 18 Days, which I think he was very imprudent for so doing. shall Conclude wishing you and all under your Direction Health and Happinefs with a better succefs in Trade than I am likely to have and Remain
Sir
Your friend
& Well Wisher
William Tomison
PS William Flatt that you sent up not being able to return has staid here, and have sent Andrew Corrigal in his room. William Flatt never was a traveller and given Encouragement to such Men are only wasting the Company's Goods."

Jan. 28
" Saturday Wind South a middling Breeze cloudy mild Day employed cutting Firewood."

Jan. 29
" Sunday Wind Westerly cloudy cold Day. performed Divine Service. At noon our Hunter came for Men to fetch meat."

Jan. 30
" Monday Wind Westerly cloudy cold Day calm. sent four Men to fetch meat. the Packet Men resting themselves having sprained their ancles."

Jan. 31
" Tuesday Wind Westerly a strong Gale clear sharp Day. at noon the Men with the Hunter arrived brought two Doe moose half Dried the rest as before."

Feb. 1 1786
" Wednesday Wind SWest a strong Breeze cloudy with small snow and sharp. At noon the Hunter pitched away to the Southward to hunt and trap Martins. sent Charles Isham & Malchom Groat to bring me word? when he kills a Beast. the rest employed cutting Firewood."

Feb. 2
" Thursday Wind Swest a gentle Breeze clear mild Day. one Man lining Net the rest cut Firewood. In the Evening Charles Isham came home brought one Whole and two Half Beaver. immediately went back again."

Feb. 3
" Friday Wind SEast a small Breeze clear warm Day. sent the Men to the nets 8 Sturgeon."

Feb. 4
" Saturday Wind SWest a fresh Breeze clear mild Day. one Man getting snow shoe frames the rest cut Firewood."

Feb. 5
" Sunday Wind SEast calm clear pleasant Day. performed Divine Service. At noon six Men one lad and five Women arrived from the SWest brought some furs and half Dried Meat."

Feb. 6
" Monday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze clear cold Day. the Men employed cutting Firewood. Traded with the Indians & fitted them out ready to go away tomorrow."

Feb. 7
" Tuesday Wind SWest a small Breeze cloudy with thick snow. employed cutting Firewood. Early this Morning the Indians went away. tied up the Furs traded from the Indians and weighed the meat: received 164 made Beaver in Whole and half Parchment & Martins. also 200 lb half Dried Meat and 60 lb fat."

Feb. 8
" Wednesday Wind SEast calm clear warm Day. employed cutting Firewood."

Feb. 9
" Thursday Wind SWest weather as yesterday. sent the Men to the Nets 5 Sturgeon and 2 Pike."

Feb. 10
" Friday Wind and weather as yesterday employed cutting Firewood."

Feb. 11
" Saturday Wind Southerly a fresh Gale clear mild Day. employed cutting Firewood. In the Evening Charles Isham came home from the Hunters tent for Men to fetch two Doe moose."

Feb. 12
" Sunday Wind SEast calm snowy Day performed Divine Service."

Feb. 13
" Monday Wind SEast a small Breeze with snow at times. sent three Men to fetch meat the other two cut Firewood and shoveled the snow in heaps."

Feb. 14
" Tuesday Wind SEast a smart Breeze cloudy with snow at times employed as Yesterday."

Feb. 15
" Wednesday Wind NWest calm clear sharp Day the Men at home cut Firewood. In the Evening the Men returned accompanied by the Hunter and another Indian brought 6 sled loads."

Feb. 16
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday. sent two Men with the Indians to fetch the remainder of the two Beasts the rest cut Firewood."

Feb. 17
" Friday Wind NWest a fresh Breeze clear sharp Day employed as yesterday. In the Evening the Men returned brought the Remainder of the Meat."

Feb. 18
" Saturday Wind NWest a hard Gale clear cold Day. employed cutting Firewood."

Feb. 19
" Sunday Wind SWest a hard Gale with Drift."

Feb. 20
" Monday Wind variable from SWest to NWest a hard Gale clear cold Day. employed cutting Firewood."

Feb. 21
" Tuesday Wind NWest a hard Gale clear sharp Day. employed cutting Firewood."

Feb. 22
" Wednesday Wind SWest a hard Gale with Drift, clear and calm, employed as yesterday."

Feb. 23
" Thursday Wind SWest a gentle Breeze clear mild Day. sent the Men to the nets 13 sturgeon and 2 Pike."

Feb. 24
" Friday Wind SWest a gentle Breeze clear mild Day. employed cutting Firewood."

Feb. 25
" Saturday Wind and weather as before till noon then blowed hard at west cloudy weather. employed cutting Firewood."

Feb. 26
" Sunday Wind SEast a gentle Breeze clear mild Day. performed Divine service."

Feb. 27
" Monday Wind and Weather much the same as Yesterday. employed cutting Firewood."

Feb. 28
" Tuesday Wind SEast a hard Gale cloudy weather with snow and Drift. sent the Men to the nets 1 sturgeon 1 trout and 1 Cod."

Mar. 1 1786
" Wednesday Wind SWest clear mild Day. one Man net making the rest shov'ling snow and cut Firewood."

Mar. 2
" Thursday Wind SEast calm clear warm Day thawed a little. one Man net making and the rest cut Firewood."

Mar. 3
" Friday Wind Easterly a small Breeze clear mild Day. one Man net making. the rest cut Firewood."

Mar. 4
" Saturday Wind and Weather as Yesterday employed as yesterday."

Mar. 5
" Sunday Wind SWest a gentle Breeze fore part clear latter part cloudy performed Divine Service."

Mar. 6
" Monday Wind NWest a fresh Breeze cloudy with Drift employed cutting Firewood."

Mar. 7
" Tuesday Wind Easterly a small Breeze cloudy weather with a little snow. sent the Men to the nets 2 sturgeon. took up two nets entirely rotten set one new one Down."

Mar. 8
" Wednesday Wind Northerly calm clear pleasant Day, rather cold. in the Morning three Indian Lads and three Women arrived from the Northward brought some furs and half Dried Beaver & Moose."

Mar. 9
" Thursday Wind North in the morning towards Noon varied to the SWest a fresh Gale clear and cold. one Man net making. the rest cut Firewood. traded with the Indians received made Beaver 20, half Dried Meat 220 lb."

Mar. 10
" Friday Wind SEast calm cold Day clear in the forenoon. the Hunter arrived for Men to fetch meat. sent four Men with him he returned back for his tent. also the Indians mentioned on Wednesday went away. In the Evening two Indian Men arrived from the Way of the sweet herb Lake. brought a few furs they have been 18 Days on their Journey to this place almost starved having lost their Way. the Men at Home cut Firewood."

Mar. 11
" Saturday Wind NWest a hard Gale with drift cloudy sharp Day. at noon the Men returned accompanied by the Hunter, Charles Isham, another Indian Man and their Familes brought one Doe moose. Traded with the two Indians mentioned Yesterday received 60 made Beaver from them also paid the Hunter for his Beast. received 100 Martins and 10 Beaver from them."

Mar. 12
" Sunday Wind SEast calm pleasant Day clear weather. the Indians that arrived on Friday went away."

Mar. 13
" Monday Wind variable clear mild Day. employed cutting Firewood and two net making."

Mar. 14
" Tuesday Wind SEast a heavy Gale weather part clear part cloudy. employed as Yesterday the Hunter went a Hunting Early this Morning killed a Doe Moose."

Mar. 15
" Wednesday Wind SEast a fresh Breeze clear warm Day. thawed much. sent four Men to fetch meat. two Men lining a net. the other cut Firewood. the Hunter killed a year old Beast to Day. also an Indian lad arrived from U. Basquiau Hill for Tobacco with a few skins."

Mar. 16
" Thursday Wind SEast calm clear hot Day. sent the Four Men to fetch the Beast killed Yesterday the rest cut a little wood."

Mar. 17
" Friday Wind SEast fore part clear latter part cloudy. the Indian that arrived on Wednesday went away. also the Hunter. with them I sent Charles Isham and William Coupland to Endeavour to build a Canoe and to afsist an Indian Man that has promised to build one for me. the rest at the nets 1 sturgeon and 2 Pike."

Mar. 18
" Saturday Wind SEast a small Breeze fore part cloudy latter part clear. employed cutting Firewood. rained all last night."

Mar. 19
" Sunday Wind and Weather as Yesterday performed Divine Service."

Mar. 20
" Monday Wind Westerly a hard Breeze cloudy warm Day. employed cutting a little wood. sent two Men away to gather Pitch."

Mar. 21
" Tuesday Wind Northerly a small Breeze clear and cloudy Alternate. sent the Men to the nets one sturgeon and one Pike."

Mar. 22
" Wednesday Wind SEast a fresh Breeze cloudy and clear Alternate employed cutting Firewood."

Mar. 23
" Thursday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze cloudy warm Day employed as yesterday."

Mar. 24
" Friday Wind NWest a strong Gale cloudy cold Day. employed carrying snow out of the yard. at noon the two Men returned from gathering Pitch brought one 8 Gallon Keg full."

Mar. 25
" Saturday Wind NWest a middling breeze fore part cloudy with snow, latter part clear. employed cutting Firewood."

Mar. 26
" Sunday Wind variable calm warm Day Cloudy and clear Alternate. performed Divine Service."

Mar. 27
" Monday Wind SWest a middling Breeze weather part cloudy part clear. sent two Men to gather Pitch. the rest cut Firewood."

Mar. 28
" Tuesday Wind variable a middling Breeze cloudy with small snow. sent the Men to the nets 6 sturgeon."

Mar. 29
" Wednesday Wind Northerly a fresh Gale. clear cold weather. employed cutting Firewood. a very Gale heavy last night at North."

Mar. 30
" Thursday Wind SEast a gentle Breeze clear weather and cold. employed cutting Firewood."

Mar. 31
" Friday Wind SEast a fresh Gale cloudy weather warmer then Yesterday. employed as yesterday. at noon the Men returned from gathering Pitch brought nigh two 8 Gallon Kegs full."

Apr. 1 1786
" Saturday Wind Easterly a small Breeze clear Day employed cutting Firewood."

Apr. 2
" Sunday Wind SEast weather part clear part Cloudy. performed Divine Service."

Apr. 3
" Monday Wind SEast a middling Breeze in the morning clear, afternoon cloudy warm Day. sent three Men to the nets 7 sturgeon. the other two sawing Pieces for the Prefs."

Apr. 4
" Tuesday Wind Easterly a stiff Breeze cloudy and clear Alternate. sent the Men to fetch home Birch Logs for wedges and mallets for the Prefs. at Noon three Indian Men with their Families arrived from the Northward traded some Liquor and got Drunk."

Apr.5
" Wednesday Wind Easterly clear mild Day. one Man putting the Prefs in repair the rest cut Firewood. finished Trading with the Indians received 60 made Beaver."

Apr. 6
" Thursday Wind NEast weather as Yesterday blowed hard employed as Yesterday."

Apr. 7
" Friday Wind NEast a heavy Gale cloudy cold Day with snow at times. employed cutting Firewood."

Apr. 8
" Saturday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze cloudy with thick snow in the morning. employed as yesterday. At noon two of the Indian Men with their Women that arrived on Tuesday last pitched away acrofs the Lake."

Apr. 9
" Sunday Wind NEast a middling Breeze clear mild Day. performed Divine Service. at noon two Indian Men arrived with a few furs and a little half Dried Meat from the way of the U. Basquiau Hill."

Apr. 10
" Monday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze cloudy weather with snow at times. sent four Men to the nets 10 sturgeon. the other making Candles. traded with the Indians that arrived Yesterday and they went away. they inform they saw 4 swans Yesterday."

Apr. 11
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday. employed cutting firewood."

Apr. 12
" Wednesday Wind variable all round calm clear warm Day. two Men looking out for wood for canoe Building. the rest cut Firewood."

Apr. 13
" Thursday Wind Easterly a heavy Gale cloudy with snow and Hail at times. two Men getting wood work for Canoes, the rest cut Firewood."

Apr. 14
" Friday Wind Northerly a hard Gale cloudy and clear Alternate, warmer then Yesterday. employed cutting a little Firewood."

Apr. 15
" Saturday Wind SEast a gentle Breeze clear warm Day. sent three Men to the nets 6 Sturgeon and 2 trout. the other two getting wood work for a Canoe."

Apr. 16
" Sunday Wind SWest a gentle Breeze clear hot Day. performed Divine Service suitable for the Day. In the Evening an Indian Man and his Family arrived from acrofs the Lake his wife and Child being ailing. received 1 swan."

Apr. 17
" Monday Wind SEast a heavy Gale clear hot Day. two Men getting wood work for a canoe the rest clearing Rubbish from about the House. received 4 Geese from the Indian Man."

Apr. 18
" Tuesday Wind variable from West to SEast clear calm hot Day. sent four Men to the nets 8 sturgeon. the other planing timber and splinters for a Canoe. received 2 swans and 6 Ducks."

Apr. 19
" Wednesday Wind Variable from SEast to SWest cloudy weather with rain in the Morning employed within Doors. received 1 Swan and 5 Ducks."

Apr. 20
" Thursday Wind Variable all round gentle Breezes fore part clear, latter part cloudy. two Men fetching home splinters for a canoe the rest turning timbers for Do. received 5 Geese 2 swans and three Ducks."

Apr. 21
" Friday Wind Northerly cloudy raw Day. little Wind. sent three Men to the Nets took them up the Lake being in holes also 10 Sturgeon and 1 Pike. the other two employed clearing the Rubbish from about the House."

Apr. 22
" Saturday Wind and weather as yesterday. employed hauling home Dry wood upon the Lake with a big sled."

Apr. 23
" Sunday Wind SEast a small Breeze clear fine Day. performed Divine Service."

Apr. 24
" Monday Wind Southerly a fresh Breeze clear hot Day. one Man planing wood work for canoes the rest cleaning away the Rubbish from about the House."

Apr. 25
" Tuesday Wind SEast calm clear hot Day. employed as yesterday. received 8 Geese from the Indian Man."

Apr. 26
" Wednesday Wind SEast a heavy Gale clear Day. employed as before. the water rising in the Lake. received 7 Geese and 1 swan."

Apr. 27
" Thursday Wind SEast a heavy Gale clear Day. two Men repairing a canoe afterwards sent them to look at the River. they brought word the Ice was going down close from side to side. the rest emptying the cellars of water and cut a little wood. received 2 Geese and 1 swan."

Apr. 28
" Friday Wind SEast a fresh Breeze clear day. employed cutting Firewood. received 14 Geese & 1 swan."

Apr. 29
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday. employed cutting Firewood for next winters use afterwards sent two Men to look at the River. they brought word the Ice is all gone. In the Evening three Indian Men arrived from the Northward brought a few Furs and some half Dried Beaver. traded some Liquor with them and they got Drunk."

Apr. 30
" Sunday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze cloudy raw Day."

May 1 1786
" Monday Wind SEast a fresh Breeze clear Day. traded with the Indians and they went away. received 58 made Beaver and 60 lb half dried Beaver. also sent two Men to Hunt Geese. the Men at home employed Digging in the Garden and shifting the Dried Provisions."

May 2
" Tuesday Wind SWest a fresh Gale clear Day. employed cutting Firewood."

May 3
" Wednesday Wind Variable cloudy with Rain in the forenoon. employed within Doors; at noon the Hunters returned brought 22 Geese, 1 Swan and 2 Ducks. also one Indian Man and his Wife arrived. the Woman being swelled greatly in the Belly renders her Incapable to do any thing."

May 4
" Thursday Wind Northerly a gentle Breeze cloudy with rain in the Morning. afternoon clear. sent the Hunters away again to kill Geese. the Men at home got Wood."

May 5
" Friday Wind Northerly calm clear Day. Employed falling Firewood."

May 6
" Saturday Wind variable from SEast to North cloudy cold Day. the Men getting Paddles. at noon the Hunters returned brot 39 Geese and 2 Ducks."

May 7
" Sunday Wind variable gentle breezes cloudy with Rain in the Evening. performed Divine Service."

May 8
" Monday Wind North a fresh Gale fore part cloudy with snow latter part clear cold Day. employed cutting a little Firewood. the Indian Woman mentioned on Wednesday last something better."

May 9
" Tuesday NWest a middling Breeze clear and cold. employed falling Firewood. in the mornng an Indian Man and two Women arrived from up Saskachewan River. they left their canoe at the carrying place above the House on account of the Lake being full of Ice on this side. sent the men to fetch what they had. brot 25 green Beav. 2 Otters & 20 made Beaver in whole and half Parchment. traded some Liquor with them & they got Drunk."

May 10
" Wednesday Wind variable all round. weather clear and cloudy Alternate. sent two Men away to Kill Geese. one Man employed fitting gunnels for a canoe. the others digging in the Garden."

May 11
" Thursday Wind NWest a gentle Breeze clear fine Day. employed as yesterday. those that arrived on Tuesday went away."

May 12
" Friday Wind and weather as yesterday employed as before."

May 13
" Saturday Wind NEast calm clear Day employed falling and cutting wood. In the Evening one indian Man and his wife arrived from up the River brot a few furs."

May 14
" Sunday Wind SWest a hard Gale clear hot Day. performed Divine Service. at noon 7 canoes arrived from the Westward, brot some furs and green Beavers. Paid their Debts traded some Liquor with them and they got Drunk. also the Hunters returned brot 21 Geese and 1 swan."

May 15
" Monday Wind SEast a fresh Breeze fore part cloudy latter part clear Inclinable to Rain. two Men getting paddles the rest attending the Gates myself trading with the Indians. In the Evening three canoes arrived from the way of U. Basquiau Hill brot a few furs & 4 green Beaver."

May 16
" Tuesday Wind Westerly a fresh Gale cloudy weather with Rain at times. one Man employed making a coat the rest cut a little wood & tied up the Furs traded from the Indians."

May 17
" Wednesday Wind Westerly a gentle Breeze weather clear and cloudy Alternate. fitted out four canoes & sent them of to Hunt. also two Canoes arrived brot part of a green moose and 3 Beaver the Men employed falling wood."

May 18
" Thursday Wind SWest a fresh Breeze in the morning, afterwards varied to NWest cloudy raw Day with Rain at times employed within Doors."

May 19
" Friday Wind SEast a gentle Breeze weather part clear part cloudy. fitted out 6 canoes and sent them of to Hunt. also 6 canoes arrived from the way of U. Basquiau Hill paid their Debts traded some Liquor with them and they got Drunk. the men employed within Doors and mending the Gates."

May 20
" Saturday Wind variable little wind clear fine Day. employed cleaning the yard & cut a little wood."

May 21
" Sunday Wind Southerly a fresh Breeze clear sultry Day. performed Divine Service. In the Evening one Indian Man and his family arrived from the Beaver Lake, paid their Debts, traded some Liquor and got Drunk. also one Canoe arrived brot 3 green Beaver."

May 22
" Monday Wind SEast a fresh Breeze at times clear sultry Day. Employed repairing a Canoe. In the Evening 5 Canoes of Englishmen arrived from Hudson's House. also one canoe returned from Hunting, brot 3 Green Beaver and 3 swans."

May 23
" Tuesday Wind and weather as yesterday. James Saundison put a canoe on the stocks and got her of at 3 PM three canoes of indians arrived from the Northward, paid their Debts traded some Liquor and got Drunk. also three canoes that accompanied me from Hudson's House arrived and two canoes from Hunting brought some green Beaver which they Traded for Liquor. took a survey of the ware house and found every thing agree with the Account received from George Hudson."

May 24
" Wednesday Wind Southerly a fresh Breeze with clear sultry weather. James Saundison and Charles Isham working at the Canoe. Malchom Rofs and one Man repairing a Canoe, the Taylor making cloathing for the Men, the rest employed at the Prefs. Packed 23 Bundles of furs to Day. in the Evening two Canoes returned from Hunting brot 3 Beaver & 2 Geese."

May 25
" Thursday Wind variable light Breezes thunder and Lightning with sultry Hot weather. the Men employed about various Jobbs. in the Evening two Canoes returned from Hunting brot little or nothing."

May 26
" Friday Wind SEast a fresh Breeze with very warm weather. James Saundison finished timbering the Canoe built on 23d Inst. the rest employed at the Prefs and repairing a Canoe. packed 19 Bundles of Furs. at noon three Canoes returned from Hunting brot a few Beaver which they traded for Liquor and got Drunk."

May 27
" Saturday Wind Southerly a fresh Breeze with very hot weather. the Taylor making Indian cloathing. the rest employed Pitching and repairing canoes."

May 28
" Sunday Wind Variable from SEast to SWest a strong Gale with a little rain in the forenoon afterwards clear weather."

May 29
" Monday Wind SEast a fresh Breeze with clear hot weather. the Men employed pitching and watering canoes ready for embarking tomorrow Please God. Wind and Weather permits. finished Packing the Trade at Cumberland House which amounts to 1775 1/2? [or 177 5/2] made Beaver traded by Mr Hudson. traded by William Walker 70 made Beaver. by myself on the Pafsage up 88 made Beaver."

May 30
" Tuesday Wind Southerly weather as yesterday. at Noon embarked 8 canoes for York Factory loaded with 83 Bundles of Furs. Mr McKay touched here on his Pafsage down to the great carrying place. he has made a very poor trade no more than 3 Packs."

" Copy of a Letter sent to Mr Humphrey Martin
Cumberland House 30th May 1786
Kind Sir,
By the Arrival of James Saundison and William Flatt Sen. on 3d January 1786 I received your Letter which gave me great Pleasure to hear of the safe Arrival of their Honours ship, but in other respects much to the Contrary, by the false informations you have alledged against me; in the first place Sir, you say you have often solicited me to leave with you a written list of what was necefsary to be indented for. Sir you know some Years ago I left with you a list of nine Articles of sundry sorts of Beads taken out of the Bead Book which I have never heard of to this Day. at other times I have often told you about having a House erected in the Bungee country for the greater Dispatch of Businefs. this I also never have heard of whether you ever informed the Honorable Board thereof, or not I am not to Determine, but I am apt to Believe you only thought me a foolish Boy and not fitt to propose any such thing: as to Charles Isham's charge I mind it not, as he is a person well known not to speak truth at all times, and therefore ought not to be credited. Sir, as to what you have seen in my Journal of the 17th October you cannot take any hold of as your name is not mentioned without. Guilty Consciences accuse themselves. Sir I do not know what right you have to inspect my Journal or the Account Books as you are not accountable for any Goods I receive once its' put without the warehouse Door. Sir I have one thing to say if you get another Man to stay as long under you as I have been, with as few words, then I will give you every farthing I have earnt in the Honble Hudsons Bay Company's Service. Sir as to the great acts of Benevolence you mention in your Letter, what I pofses shall be at your Service the First opportunity, which is a watch I received from you on my return from Albany Fort with your Children and is the only thing I ever made use of. as to the old Cloaths you gave me on my first entering the inland Service was with you in the Fort at the inglorious surrender of the Honble Hudson's Bay Company's effects to a parcel of Rebels. Sir I am ready and willing to answer to every bad action I have committed but to ask Pardon from Mortal man I never will should The cut into five Hundred Pieces as that only belongs to God and the King and not to arbitrary Power. Sir you say will proclaim me a cowardly Afsafsin to my Employers and to Every one that knows me. Sir take care to lay a good formation for your own Character first before you begin to blast mine. as the Prefs? is free for every poor Man. Sir you will please to remember that I enquired of you how I should behave in regard to the Canadians who were encroaching on the Company's Liberty's; to which you gave no answer, but afterwards you called me and seemed to be very angry and told me that I had asked you a very deep Question and gave me for answer that I was to tell them to go off the Ground which could be of little force without a written Order for so doing. Have sent several Packages of Furs the Numbers as pr inclosed List also an indent of Trading Goods. and Conclude wishing succefs to the Company's Affairs and that you may have a better Opinion of other men than you have of me, and am the greatly injured
William Tomison.
PS. The Indians are paid 4 Beast for Each Bundle & have nothing to receive from you on that Head but by way of Friendship."

May 31
" Wednesday Wind variable fresh gales with heavy rain and thunder at times. paid 4 canoes of indians to afsist in carrying down Furs but the weather did not permit for them to get away, also fitted out Several more to go a hunting."

June 1 1786
" Thursday Wind and weather as yesterday. Early this Morning 7 canoes arrived from Hudson House brought the remains of the cargoe left there, all in good order."

June 2
" Friday Wind variable between North and East fresh Breezes weather part cloudy part clear. embarked 3 canoes of Indians with 12 Bundles of Furs for York Factory. in the Evening one canoe arrived with some moose flesh which he traded and went away again."

June 3
" Saturday Wind E. NEast a fresh Gale weather part cloudy part clear with sultry hot. got all ready for embarking tomorrow please God weather permits. took a survey of the Trading Goods Stores &c. also paid two canoes of indians to afsist in carrying down furs, and to bring goods up. I have appointed the following Persons to Stay at Cumberland House Viz. George Hudson in Charge Malchom Groat & John Irvin."

" Rec'd of Mr William Tomison the Charge of Cumberland House with the Trading Goods stores &c as pr Account Books.
Witnefs my hand
George Hudson
Cumberland House June 4th 1786"

" William Tomison"

" Whatever may have happened between Mr Martin and me has mostly occured from lying tongues and William Flatt Sen. is the Principal Person Concerned, and whom I understand has sent for 25? £ pr annum which should your Honours Comply with will prove to be a great evel. no misunderstanding subsists between us at Present our hope ever will. William Tomison."


B.49/a/16

Home