This is a virtually complete transcription of the Cumberland House Journal of Malchom Ross 1786-87 by Alex Nicol.



" A Diary of the most remarkable Transactions and Occurremces on an Expedition from Churchill to Cumberland House from 10th Aug. 1786 to 30th May 1787 by Malchom Rofs."
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" A Diary of Occurrences of an Expedition from Churchill to Cumberland House &c by Malchom Rofs."
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" By Malchom Rofs"

Aug. 10 1786
" Thursday Wind Variable fine clear weather. I embarked on a Indian Canoe and my Companions in another and three more in Company with our Supply. we embarked at 7 O'Clock in the Morning and Proceeded down the River a little above the old Fort and Carried over land out of the River into the Bay side and went up the Bay a little way and stopped to 2 O'Clock in the Evening and embarked again and arrived at North point House at 6 O'Clock at night and put up."

Aug. 11
" Friday Wind West fine clear weather. we embarked at 7 O'Clock in the Morning proceeded Northward along the Coast about two miles and then entered a River called the shoal gravel River by the Indians. the water very shoal and large Rocks for two Miles and then a little better but still shoal. at ten O'Clock we stopped were there was some Northward Indians they wanted brandy very much but I would give them none. I gave them some Powder and Shot and then embarked and went over 7 leading Falls very shoal did not exceed 4 inches water from side to side of the River we was Obliged to take out the small quantity of goods out of the Canoes and lead them over the shoals Eight and carry the goods. the Indians got Drunk at night with Brandy they had from the Factory with them and a little that I gave them as encouragement. it Thundered and Rained from 8 O'Clock to 12 at night our distance nigh about 18 miles our course nigh about WNW and WSW."

Aug. 12
" Saturday Wind SEast cloudy weather. the Indians being Drunk we did not embark before half past 10 O'Clock and went on to a little past 3 O'Clock in the Evening and put up where they had killed a Deer. in that time we went over 15 leading places and one short carring place the most of them not practisable by any larger Canoes than the small canoes that the Indians goes into and not that if loaded. our Distance nigh about 9 miles our Course variable by Crookednefs of the River, some turns of the River went WNW and SEast but the bent of our course was West and SW."

Aug. 13
" Sunday Wind NWest fine clear weather in the Morning afterwards sometimes clear sometimes cloudy. I gave the Indians some Powder and shot, flints and some Tobacco as they said they were going a Hunting and so we embarked at a half past 6 O'Clock in the Morning and went on to 9 and put out our tracking lines and tracked to a quarter before 12 and then stopped for the Lad to Observe but could not for coming overcast and Rained to two O'Clock in the Evening then the Indians would not embark but stayed and got Drunk with Brandy they had from the Factory with them but in Examining what they was carrying of our Supply I found that there was above a Gallon and a half gone and the cag filled up with water. we went over 7 leading places very bad ones the River very shoal about 20 yards acrofs the River our course being variable from West to SEast but mostly S and SEast our Distance nigh about 16 Miles."

Aug. 14
" Monday Wind NNW sometimes cloudy sometimes clear. the Lad Trying again to Day to Observe but could not on Account of its Raining about the time. we set of Tracking of the canoes at half past 7 O'Clock in the Morning and went to 5 O'Clock in the Evening and put up. we had 22 leading places and two carrying places, one of them about a quarter of a mile the other not so long. some of the leading places the longest we have had in the River and as shoal the River not above 15 Yards wide in some parts other parts 300 yards wide and the widest part the shoalest. our course variable, the river being very Crooked, sometimes North, other times SEast, but the chief of our course was West and SWest, our Distance about 20 miles."

Aug. 15
" Tuesday Wind NWest a strong Gale and heavy showers of Rain. tracking as yesterday at 6 O'Clock in the morning and went on till 9 and Stopped on account of the weather being bad to half past two O'Clock in the evening and set of again and went on till half past 7 O'Clock and put up. we had 16 leading places the River shoaler to Day than it has been yet. there was middling water between the falls but on the falls and shoals we was Obliged to go acrofs from one side to the other with the tracking lines on our shoulders looking for water for that small canoes not half loaded. our course nigh about West and WSW and our Distance about 16 Miles the River not so crooked as these Days past."

Aug. 16
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. we set of at 6 O'Clock in the morning, sometimes tracking sometimes leading, and sometimes padling such was the situation of the River that we could neither paddle, track, nor lead perfectly and was Obliged to do all of them. we went on so to half past one O'Clock and stopped to mend our Canoes being greatly broke by the shoalnefs of the water. set of at 4 O'Clock and went on till half past 6 O'Clock at night and put up. we had 14 Leading places all of them long and very shoal. I went in the water for a mile and the water being so very cold that I could not stand perfectly when I came out of it. the Indians was Obliged to make fires on that account. they wanted some Brandy but I would give them none and then they broached their own they had from the Factory and said they would throw away the things they was carrying of ours if I did not give them some Brandy and so I promised to give them some farther on. our Distance nigh about 14 Miles our course nigh about West and WNW."

Aug. 17
" Thursday Wind NW fine clear weather in the morning, afterwards heavy showers of Rain and snow and a strong Gale of Wind. we embarked about 9 O'Clock in the morning and set out to the same Labour as yesterday but not so much tracking as yesterday. the River in a manner is dry to look at. we went to 6 O'Clock at night one of the canoes not come up. we went over 31 leading places. our Distance about 14 Miles our Course more to the Northward than Yesterday."

Aug. 18
" Friday Wind as Yesterday clear in the Morning. we set of at 8 O'Clock and tracked and handed to ten and then it came on heavy Rain and lasted to three in the Evening and we set of again a little past 3 O'Clock and went to half past 6 O'Clock at night and put up. the River crookeder then these two Days past. late in the Evening the canoe that had our powder carrying had the misfortune to be overset but being shoal they saved all but a little Powder that got wet nigh 4 lb of it. we had 11 leading places and one carrying place about 200 yards in length. our Distance about 12 Miles. our course variable by crookednefs of the River but mostly between SW and NWest."

Aug. 19
" Saturday Wind NW s strong Gale sometimes cloudy sometimes clear but very cold. this Morning one quarter of an inch of Ice was froze in a pot that stood in the tent with some water all night. we embarked at 7 O'Clock in the morning and went on to half past 11 O'Clock and stopped for the Lad to Observe, and to repair our Canoes. we embarked at half past 12 and went to half past 3 O'Clock and then one of the Canoes being so much broke that we could not go any farther. I promised some Brandy on the 16 Inst. so this night I gave them it, they are in a great hurry to get to their own Country, as the provisions being so very scarce nothing but a few Young Geese. if one of us gets a leg a Day he thinks himself well of. our bread and Oatmeal being done as the quantity being very small for want of away? to carry it. the Indians faring the same as we did. our course being about West and SW our Distance about 13 miles or there abouts. we had 16 leading places and two carrying places. one of them about a quarter of Mile the other about 300 Yards. I gave them some tobacco along with the Brandy."

Aug. 20
" Sunday Wind SWest clear weather all Day. the Indians last night was Drunk and all good Company. I had not one bad word with them. they appeared to be well pleased with what I gave them but what was my surprise this Morning when I got up at 4 O'Clock that two canoes was gone and the things they had carrying for us laying on the Shoar. I was Obliged to apply to the others, then they finding that I was in Distrefs they thought it their time to take the Advantage of us. I was Obliged to comply with their unreasonable Demands or throw away the things I had the bad luck to take for our Supply. its the Disposition of the most of these Natives to take the Advantage of the Europeans when any ways in distrefs and more so since this Canadians is come amongst them because they have so many ways to go. formerly they had only the Honourable Companys Settlements to go to, and when any Man went with them they was commonly well taken care of but now it is otherways for they think they have a right to any thing they see with a man if it should be the greatest necefsary belonging to him, and all by the customs the canadians as introduced among them. their Demand was no lefs than a Gun, 4 Yards of Cloth, two Gallons of Brandy, and Powder and Shot. for carrying two Bundles about 45 pound each, or there abouts, and 4 Gallons of Brandy. I disputed to give them so much. they told me I must leave it having no Canoe of our own. I was Obliged to Submit and give their Demands. we embarked at 6 O'Clock in the morning and went on till 6 O'Clock at night and came up with the two Canoes that went away from us in the morning where they killed a Deer. we had 37 leading places and two Carrying places about a half mile each of them the falls very steep the River mostly all over of very large Rocks, some of them nigh 12 Foot out of the water. our course the same as yesterday, our Distance about 20 Miles."

Aug. 21
" Monday Wind West a strong Gale clear weather. we embarked at 6 O'Clock in the morning and went on till 12 O'Clock and stopped, but the Lad did not Observe, he did not think himself qualified for it with that Instrument. on my inquiring after the reason, he told me that he never had a sexton in his hand before he came on board of your Honours Ship, but with a Quadrant he could Observe a Altitude very well, so I did not think it necefsary to Stop the Indians any more but go on as fast as pofsible to get to Cumberland House and see if Mr George Hudson could not instruct him, as I believe he is qualified for it being in Company with Mr Turner in the time of his Observations. it blowed very hard made us stop to 2 O'Clock and embarked again and went to 8 O'Clock at night and put up. we had 26 leading places long and bad and 6 carrying places one of them was about a mile and a half, two more of them was about 3/4 of a Mile, the others not so long. one of the Indians that left us yesterday have taken in part of his Cargo again. I had some meat from him and gave him some Tobacco for it. our course SW and WSW and Distance 22 Miles."

Aug. 22
" Tuesday Wind NEast cold disagreeable weather and Cloudy with some Rain. we embarked at 6 O'Clock in the Morning and went on till 12 O'Clock and came to the lake that this River falls out of. we came over 16 leading places and Distance about 9 Miles, but what was my great Surprize was to see the lake shoaler than the River. it was so shoal that we was Obliged to carry our canoes and every thing for nigh half a Mile into the Lake thro' large stones and mud my Feet and legs being so much cut with leading the canoes throgh the water and sharp Stones that I was hardly able to Support my Duty. by this time most of the Indians in the same condition we stopped till 5 O'Clock on account of the weather being so bad and so embarked again and went till 8 O'Clock at night where they killed a Deer. they came and told me that there was another River acrofs the Lake that is worse than the one that we have come over, and told me pofsitively that I must throw away some of the Goods or stay by it myself for they would not have their canoes broke so that they could not reach their own Country for no payment. and what to do I can not tell as yet for it is fare against my Inclination either to throw away my Honourable Masters Goods or give them away foolishly but in my present state I must give away and to no purpose. our course about SSW and Distance through the Lake nigh 12 Miles or there about."

Aug. 23
" Wednesday Wind SWest a heavy Gale sometimes Cloudy sometimes clear a strong frost in the Morning. we embarked at 5 O'Clock in the morning and went on till ten then stopped to empty water out of our canoes that we had shipped coming along, two of the canoes went on, but before we could embark the wind blowed so hard that we was Obliged to stay all Day. I was Obliged to give them some Brandy as encouragement to get the triffle of Goods carried over that bad River as nothing but Brandy could do with them. they all promised to do their best and I promised to give them some more farther on. our course SWest and our Distance 16 Miles or thereabout."

Aug. 24
" Thursday Wind NEast a strong Gale and heavy Rain all Day. we embarked at 7 O'Clock in the morning and got acrofs the Lake at ten O'Clock and entered the bad River they spoked? of, and bad it was, in some parts of it not a drop of water but a little draining from under the stones. I was obliged to carry the things that was in our own Canoe through the thicket of Woods where no track had ever been or any carrying place and then come back and carried the things that the Indians had carrying. for I dreaded them Intending to throw away the Goods. we had 3 proper carrying places, we was four hours in it and the Distance did not exceed 4 Miles. at two O'Clock we came to a little Lake and went till 4 O'Clock and put up on a carrying place where? they killed a Deer. our course not Observable not seeing the sun, our Distance in all nigh about 22 Miles."

Aug. 25
" Friday Wind NWest a strong gale sometimes Cloudy sometimes Clear. we set out to carrying at 6 O'Clock in the morning and carried till 9 O'Clock at night. we had 7 carrying places, that is 7 loading and 7 unloading places, the greatest Distance of paddling was half a Mile and sometimes not a 100 yards between the portages. about 6 Miles of water and 7 of carrying and bad carrage as ever I seed. through thickets and woods and no track. I had the bad luck to run a piece of stick in each Foot, one I got out, the other I could not. our course much the same as Yesterday."

Aug. 26
" Saturday Wind as yesterday Rained mostly all Day. I gave the Indians ammunition some tobacco and Flint as there was Geese and Ducks to be got. we embarked at 12 O'Clock and crofsed a little Lake about a Mile acrofs and then entered a River, that the current went with us, but as shoal as any of the others mostly handing all the way. I being so lame that I could not walk in the water as usual was Obliged to walk along shore on a crotch and the Indian go with the canoe. we went on so till 7 O'Clock at night very hard showers of Rain. our Distance 15 Miles and course S and SEast or thereabout. I gave them some Brandy that I promised coming through bad road."

Aug. 27
" Sunday Wind NEast a strong Gale cloudy cold disagreeable weather attended with showers of Snow all Day. we embarked at 7 O'Clock in the Morning, we had not gone 100 yards before we had broke nigh a Foot of our canoe and destroyed all my necefsaries such as my Sugar as I had no Opportunity to dry it. we mended the canoe the best way that we could and set of again and went on as yesterday and got out of the River at 3 O'Clock in the Evening and into Churchill River where there was plenty of water and strong current. our course and Distance before we came into the River the same as yesterday. we went on till 7 O'Clock in the Evening and put up. this River resembles a Lake more than a River, some parts above 4 Miles acrofs, and other parts not above a half a Mile and all over of Islands. our course NWest and Distance 9 Miles or thereabout in this River."

Aug. 28
" Monday Wind North a strong Breeze cloudy cold disagreeable weather. we embarked at 4 O'Clock in the Morning and went on till 6 O'Clock at night. we had 3 carrying places, one of them about a mile long, the others not so long, and 5 bad handing places steep to the shore and strong current. we put up on one of the carrying places, and in landing we had much to do to save the canoes, for the Surface of the water from the fall the provisions very scarce to be got. the Indians shooting of crows to eat for themselves. our situation was not good when they was Obliged to do that. the River much the same as yesterday but the Current very heavy in falls. our course West and NW or thereabout. Distance 40 Miles."

Aug. 29
" Tuesday Wind West a heavy Gale sometimes cloudy sometimes clear with a little Rain. we embarked from the carrying place and went on about 4 Miles and stopped at a small carrying place that carried over a long point of land and there Obliged to stay all Day the wind blowed so very hard it being a very large Lake that we had to go through. some of them went a Hunting, at night returned but killed nothing, we had not any thing to eat but one swan amongst 14 of us."

Aug. 30
" Wednesday Wind NWest a strong Gale clear weather. with difficulty we embarked at 5 O'Clock in the morning and went on till 9 AM and then it blowed so very hard that we was Obliged to bear away before the wind and Sea to a Island 3 canoes of us, and had almost cost our lives before that we could reach it. the other two canoes being light they went on, the others in great Fear for them, one of them the lad was in. I cannot tell as yet if they got safe acrofs or not our Distance 14 Miles to the Island and course SWest. at 6 O'Clock in the evening the wind more calm, we made a shift to embark and got acrofs and went on till 9 at night. we see nothing of the others. we had nothing this Day at all. our Distance about 10 Miles from the Island where we put up."

Aug. 31
" Thursday Wind SWest a strong Gale cloudy cold Disagreeable weather. we embarked at 6 O'Clock in the morning and went on till 11 O'Clock and stopped to one O'Clock in the evening for one of the Indians that was a Hunting. he return'd but killed nothing and we embarked again and went till 3 O'Clock when the wind shifted round to NE and Rained which Obliged us to put up. we see nothing of the other canoes as yet but I believe they are safe; by some marks that we see. I was eased of a great trouble to Day. one of the Indians cut my Foot and brought out a stick out of it. nothing to eat this Day but a Eagle amongst 8 of us. our Distance 24 Miles, our course SWest or there about. not seeing the sun I could not tell."

Sept. 1 1786
" Friday Wind North a strong Gale sometimes cloudy sometimes clear weather cold. we embarked at 4 O'Clock in the morning and went till 7 O'Clock at night and put up. we had nothing to eat this Day but a Otter amongst 8 of us. the lake long and narrow, all barrabus Rocks around, our course SWest and Distance nigh about 48 Miles one leading fall."

Sept. 2
" Saturday Wind West a light breeze and strong frost in the Morning clear afterwards. we embarked at 6 O'Clock AM and went on till 11 O'Clock and put up for hunting two canoes of us, the other went another way on the same account. I served them out some Powder and shot and Tobacco. at 11 O'Clock PM the two Men returned and brought two small Beaver which we drefsed and finished before we went to Sleep. and left tomorrow to provide for itself, which is the way of those natives. our course the same as yesterday Distance about 16 Miles."

Sept. 3
" Sunday Wind Variable from SEast to West blowed a strong breeze clear weather. we embarked at 6 O'Clock AM and had not gone above two miles before we fell in with some Ducks. I fired and killed two of them, in loading again in a hurry I lost my Gun overboard by the smallnefs of the Canoe. I could not save it. we went on till 2 O'Clock PM. we went over several strong ripels and came to a carrying place about 300 Yards. one Indian Man came up with us and his two women in going to the Factory but had falling ? thinking it too late in the Year. I traded two Moose Skins and two summer Beaver Skins and a little provisions for which I give him some Brandy and Tobacco. he got Drunk and the others along with him. Our Distance about 22 Miles and course nigh about SWest."

Sept. 4
" Monday Wind NWest the weather sometimes clear sometimes Cloudy and attended with heavy showers of Snow. we embarked at 7 O'Clock AM and went till 7 PM. we went through some strong current, 3 leading falls it being something of a River, but wider than any River commonly is. the Man that we see yesterday came along us. I see nothing that he had but a half Dozen of Moose skins, 3 or 4 Beaver skins that he was going to the Factory with. our Distance 40 Miles and course SSW."

Sept. 5
" Tuesday Wind Variable all round the Compafs light breeze and warm weather. we embarked at 6 AM and went to 7 PM. we went over 3 carrying places and two leading falls, high barrabas Rocks all round the Lake and Rivers. our Distance about 40 Miles Course SWest."

Sept. 6
" Wednesday Wind SWest a strong Gale clear warm weather. we embarked at 4 AM and came to the place that they had appointed their families to meet them but found Marks that they had gone up to the canadian Settlement that is about 16 Miles or there about, by the Indians account. I stayed and and sent two Indian Men to bring the lad and a bundle that the Indians had carried away with them as that not being the way to Cumberland House and not any of these Indians at this Season of the Year would undertake to carry us to our place appointed, and indeed very few of them knows the way. These Canadians is been this 3 year about this Track that leads in the low Country to York Factory and Churchill Factory and carrys away a good few Furrs that would otherways fall in part to the lower Factorys and part to Cumberland House. that is one canoe or two only that they send in wherever they hear of any Indians Resorting from the Main Body of them that goes into the inland Country to the Northward of Cumberland House. our Distance 26 Mile and Course W and SW."

Sept. 7
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday. At 11 O'Clock AM the Indians returned with the Lad and the Bundle so as part of payment they demanded some Brandy which I gave them and traded the remainder for some provisions. and 12 summer Beaver skins and finished the Brandy. I sent some small presents of Tobacco, knives and ammunition to some Indians that was tenting at the canadian House as encouragement to go to Cumberland House with provisions but they sent word that they would not go as they had nothing but Provisions. I also made some small presents of the same kind to some of them that came here. there was 12 Canoes of them that came down the River to me. they all made the same Answer and said they would not go as they had nothing but provisions but would go in the winter when they killed some Beaver. As the council at York Factory thought proper to appoint me upon this expedition I have done all in my power to fullfil the directions of the Man that I went in the place of, which is nothing more than my Duty, but the small Observation that I am able to make on the disposition of these Indians of making presents to them will be of very little advantage to your Honours interest without Goods on the spot? for to trade with them and very little to his credit that have the Goods in charge. all on the account of the canadians being so very numerous that they are intercepting and incroaching on every quarter. there may be between 3 or 4 Thousand Beaver killed in a season from along port nelsons track and hereto. which those incroachers is carried away nigh one third this three years past having but one canoe with Goods. by that your Honour's may understand the Justice done to the natives by them."

Sept. 8
" Friday Wind West a strong Gale clear weather. I pay'd the Indians for carrying the Lad and me up and our Supply for all that Mr Hearne gave them. their demands was larger on me. as all my Dependance was on them for a canoe and every thing else I was Obliged to put up with the most of their Demands. I payed them with Cloth, a Blanket, and Powder and Shot, tobacco and Flints, and part of the Brandy that they drank last night was part of payment. I also traded a Canoe which cost 12 Beaver a Blanket in part the rest in small articals, such as knives, tobacco, and looking Glafses. I traded 6 Beaver for Cloth. I did not think it would do any good to go to the canadian Settlement as the Tobacco being done, and the Indians very troublesome for it and Brandy. here is but two of the canadian men at the House waiting for a canoe and Goods. one of them is Lewis Primo that was some time ago in the Company's Service."

Sept. 9
" Saturday Wind NWest a strong Gale clear weather. At 7 O'Clock AM we embarked towards Cumberland House, but before we embarked I was Obliged to trade another canoe for the lad to go into as the one he was to go in very nigh fell to pieces in trying to load it. which cost 7 Beaver in ammunition and knives and Cloth. so embarked three canoes of us, the same Man that I came from Churchill with and his Father and both their wives. the old Man had a little provisions. I was obliged to make a fresh agreement with him. I happened to have a Gun left at Cumberland that is he to have. some Brandy, Cloth and Beads for his Wife. for carrying of the lad it is to be payed at Cumberland House, as the Lad and his wife goes in on? one canoe together, and himself and me, and both the old Indians goes in another together. we put up at 2 PM our course SSE till 12 O'Clock afterwards NWest and Distance about 18 Miles."

Sept. 10
" Sunday Wind NEast a strong Gale clear warm weather. we embarked at 8 O'Clock AM and entered a River that carried us away West and sometimes NWest or nigh about. we went on till 5 O'Clock PM and put up. the Indian that was in the canoe with me killed two Black bears by the side of the River. we had two carrying places, one about three quarters of a Mile, the other about 400 yards, and 4 leading falls our Distance 20 Miles."

Sept. 11
" Monday Wind and weather as yesterday. we embarked at 8 O'Clock AM and went on till 12 O'Clock and came to a little Lake, our course to then was SE and S. afterwards into a River that carried us away West and NWest. at two O'Clock PM we stopped to pitch one of our canoes, in the time we was doing that, a canoe and 4 Indians in it came up and gave the Account of the canadians canoe being nigh at hand going to the place that Lewis primo and the other canadian man was staying at. our Indians would not go before they came up expecting to Drink with them as what I had in charge was done. it's the custom of these Natives whenever they have any thing of their own they never will go past wherever they can get themselves Drunk and so what they had of provisions carrying to Cumberland House they will give them part I suppose as they did not come to night. we stayed here all night they would not go for all I could say. our Distance 13 Miles."

Sept. 12
" Tuesday Wind SWest fine light breeze clear warm weather. at 5 O'Clock AM the canadian canoe came up to us very heavy Loaded with Goods. at night they gave the Indians of their Rum to Drink for some provisions and 10 Beaver skins. I got his Name that commanded the canoe and Goods. Jureal? Baldwin he pafsed Cumberland House the 23rd of August and then Mr Robert Longmore and the people under his direction was not arrived from York Factory. he told me that there was 20 Canoes belonging to his employers gone up into the inland Country in this track all well loaded with Goods. he also told me that they had 13000 Skins traded out of that Country last Year amongst 23 canoes of them."

Sept. 13
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. at 11 O'Clock AM I got them advised to embark being still Drunk the canadian canoe embarked also. we proceeded up the River and they down it. at 7 O'Clock PM we put up we went over two carrying places and 5 leading falls and at night we set the net got only 4 Fish of sorts. our course at West and Distance 18 Miles."

Sept. 14
" Thursday Wind SSWest a fresh breeze clear warm weather. we embarked at 6 O'Clock AM and went up the River for 4 Miles WNW and had one carrying place and then went SSE for three Miles and came to a Lake that carried us SSW at 4 O'Clock PM we pafsed the House that those canadians that we see yesterday wintered last Year. at 6 O'Clock we put up. our Distance 30 Miles the ground not so high and Rocky as before."

Sept. 15
" Friday Wind NW a strong breeze sometimes cloudy sometimes clear. we embarked at 6 O'Clock AM and got out of the Lake in two hours time our course in the lake nigh about S. after entered a River very crooked. one carrying place and one leading fall and then got out of that into a long narrow lake as crooked as the River. two carrying places more one of them about a Mile in length the other a quarter of a Mile. we put up at 5 O'Clock PM and the Indian Man went a Hunting Beaver at night returned with a old Beaver. Rained very hard not seeing the sun I could not tell our course. Distance 28 Miles."

Sept. 16
" Saturday Wind as yesterday and weather the same. we embarked at 6 O'Clock AM and had to go before the current this Day and on to Cumberland House. we went on till 11 O'Clock AM and put up for Hunting as they had nothing to Eat. our Distance 12 Miles. we had two carrying places but short, and one handing fall. our course I cannot tell not seeing the sun. at night the Indian returned and had killed a Moose."

Sept. 17
" Sunday Wind West a stiff Breeze clear hot weather as hot as any Day I see this Summer. the Indians embarked at 5 O'Clock AM to go to the Moose that was killed Yesterday, and there to dry it before they returned for carrying. I and the Lad stayed by our tent and things. at noon they returned with the meat half Dried."

Sept. 18
" Monday Wind Variable light breezes clear warm weather. we embarked at 6 O'Clock AM and went through a River very Shoal we had 4 carrying places the longest about a quarter of a Mile and two leading places. at 12 O'Clock we got out of it and into a Lake and went till 5 O'Clock PM where we arrived into the track that leads from York Factory to Cumberland House. our course variable sometimes SEast sometimes SWest. our Distance 38 Miles."

Sept. 19
" Tuesday Wind NEast a strong Gale thick weather and Rained all Day. we embarked at 6 O'Clock AM and went down a little River with four carrying places in it and came into a Lake called the Goose lake by the Indians and we got acrofs it at one O'Clock PM and put up it rained so hard we could not go. as for course and Distance I shall refer your Honours to look in Mr Turners or Mr Hearnes Journal as they both pafsed by this way, and both able hands. as we embarked this morning in about 4 Miles to the westward of the Cranberry carrying place which undoubtedly is mentioned in their Journals."

Sept. 20
" Wednesday Wind SWest a strong Gale sometimes Cloudy sometimes clear. we embarked at 5 O'Clock PM we proceeded down the River that falls into Cumberland House Lake. at 11 AM we pafsed the entry of the River that all the Canadians goes up through that intercepts the inland trade belonging to Churchill. all of them pafses by close to Cumberland House that goes on this quarter. At noon we came to the Lake had two shooting falls one carrying place. at 5 O'Clock PM we put up."

Sept. 21
" Wednesday Wind Variable all round the Compafs clear weather. we embarked at 4 O'Clock AM and arrived at Cumberland House at 12 O'Clock where we was kindly received by Mr George Hudson commander here. I received Brandy one Gallon and two pound of brazill Tobacco as that two articals being done with me to pay the Indians that brought us here. I give them the Brandy and they got Drunk. clear warm weather all Day."

Sept. 22
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday. I payed the Indians that brought us here with Cloth knives tobacco two Combs, Beads, a tobacco box, and I gave them one of the canoes to carry them to their own Country."

Sept. 23
" Saturday Wind Variable clear weather. there is 27 Canoes of Canadians pafsed by here to the Northward this Summer. 25 of them as gone into the inland Country one of them I see the 12 Inst. going to where old Lewis primo and the other canadian Man was staying. and another is gone down towards York Factory in the track that leads to port Nelsons River. its a pity that those incrochers should have the Liberty to carry so many good Furrs from amongst the middle of the Company Settlements as they are generally good Furrs catched in the low Country in that lakes and Rivers."

Sept. 24
" Sunday Wind NWest a strong Gale and Rain."

Sept. 25
" Monday Wind Variable gentle Breezes fore part cloudy latter part clear. 10 Canoes went of for their winters quarters."

Sept. 26
" Tuesday Wind SWest a gentle breeze clear weather."

Sept. 27
" Wednesday Wind and weather as yesterday."

Sept. 28
" Thursday Wind SEast clear pleasant Day. three canoes of Indians arrived."

Sept. 29
" Friday Wind Variable clear fine Day. the Indians that arrived yesterday went away."

Sept. 30
" Saturday Wind NWest a fresh Gale cloudy raw Day."

Oct. 1 1786
" Sunday Wind NWest a fresh Gale in the morning towards Evening more Moderate. In the Evening Mr William Tomison and two Englishmen arrived thank God all well from York Factory."

Oct. 2
" Monday Wind Variable with moderate weather part cloudy part clear."

Oct. 3
" Tuesday Wind SEast a fresh breeze weather part cloudy part clear."

Oct. 4
" Wednesday Wind SEast a middling breeze Weather cloudy with mizzling Rain. Mr Tomison embarked for Hudsons House."

Oct. 5
" Thursday Wind SEast a gentle Breeze clear fine Day."

Oct. 6
" Friday Wind SEast a fresh Breeze clear fine Day. Myself and an Indian went a Goose Hunting. we went down the little River below the House and stopped all night got no Geese."

Oct. 7
" Saturday Wind NWest fresh breeze clear Day. we embarked and went down into the Main River nigh to the fishing wire and so stopped on a small sand in the River for to kill Geese got only three."

Oct. 8
" Sunday Wind Variable gentle breezes clear weather. stayed all this Day, no Geese came to light got 2 Geese and 10 Ducks."

Oct. 9
" Monday Wind NWest fresh breeze clear weather. we embarked for the House as there was no Geese to be got here."

Oct. 10
" Tuesday Wind SWest middling Breeze part cloudy part clear. four of us in two Canoes went a Goose Hunting down the River and carried into a lake and went on a Island in the lake where the Geese usually lighted to gravel but the Water being high which causes but few to light got only three this Day."

Oct. 11
" Wednesday Wind SEast gentle breeze 8 Geese and 4 Ducks two of us stayed here and two went away."

Oct. 12
" Thursday Wind Variable gentle breezes part cloudy part clear. 8 Geese this Day."

Oct. 13
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday. 6 Geese and 10 Ducks this morning. at noon we embarked for the House got about half way home."

Oct. 14
" Saturday Wind Northerly fresh breeze clear weather in the Morning we embarked got 2 Geese and 3 Ducks at noon got home."

Oct. 15
" Sunday Wind SEast a small breeze cloudy weather small Rain at times."

Oct. 16
" Monday Wind SEast a small breeze cloudy weather and small Rain at times. four of us went a hunting of Geese. me and another stayed in the little River below the House at an old Hunting place. the other two went down the River to the place that we came from on Friday no Geese this Day."

Oct. 17
" Tuesday Wind SWest fresh Gale clear weather no Geese this Day 6 Ducks."

Oct. 18
" Wednesday Wind NWest a fresh Gale cloudy cold weather 2 Geese and 6 Ducks this Day."

Oct. 19
" Thursday Wind Southerly calm clear weather. we embarked and went in search of some other place in the lakes but found none. got 3 Geese, 1 Swan and 7 Ducks this day."

Oct. 20
" Friday Wind SWest a fresh Gale clear weather. we went paddling about the lakes and got 5 Geese."

Oct. 21
" Saturday Wind NWest a fresh breeze clear weather. got 6 Ducks this Morning and so embarked for home."

Oct. 22
" Sunday Wind SWest a gentle breeze part cloudy part clear."

Oct. 23
" Monday Wind SEast a fresh breeze cloudy Weather with snow all Day."

Oct. 24
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday."

Oct. 25
" Wednesday Wind Westerly a fresh breeze clear cold Day."

Oct. 26
" Thursday Wind and Weather as Yesterday till Evening then some Rain."

Oct. 27
" Friday Wind NWest a hard Gale cloudy weather with Rain at Evening."

Oct. 28
" Saturday Wind West a fresh breeze dull cold Day."

Oct. 29
" Sunday Wind SEast clear fine Day."

Oct. 30
" Monday Wind SEast calm cloudy Day."

Oct. 31
" Tuesday Wind SEast a fresh breeze cloudy Day."

Nov. 1 1786
" Wednesday Wind NEast a fresh breeze with thick Snow all Day."

Nov. 2
" Thursday Wind NWest a fresh breeze cloudy with snow at times."

Nov. 3
" Friday Wind Northerly a fresh breeze clear weather."

Nov. 4
" Saturday Wind NWest a small breeze dull Day."

Nov. 5
" Sunday Wind Westerly a gentle breeze clear and cloudy Alternate."

Nov. 6
" Monday Wind SEast a small breeze cloudy warm Day."

Nov. 7
" Tuesday Wind Southerly a small breeze weather clear and cloudy Alternate."

Nov. 8
" Wednesday Wind SEast a gentle breeze clear Day."

Nov. 9
" Thursday Wind NEast dull Day."

Nov. 10
" Friday Wind NWest a heavy Gale with close Drift."

Nov. 11
" Saturday Wind SWest calm clear Day colder than Yesterday."

Nov. 12
" Sunday Wind SEast a small breeze with thick small snow all Day."

Nov. 13
" Monday Wind Variable from SEast to West a small breeze Weather cloudy with small snow all Day."

Nov. 14
" Tuesday Wind SEast a small breeze fore part cloudy latter part clear."

Nov. 15
" Wednesday Wind Westerly a small breeze clear Day."

Nov. 16
" Thursday Wind and Weather as Yesterday."

Nov. 17
" Friday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. me and four men went to set two Sturgeon Nets and to overhaul those that is set. we got 22 Sturgeon."

Nov. 18
" Saturday Wind SWest a fresh breeze clear sharp Day."

Nov. 19
" Sunday Wind Westerly a small breeze clear sharp Day."

Nov. 20
" Monday Wind and weather as Yesterday."

Nov. 21
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as before."

Nov. 22
" Wednesday Wind SWest a small breeze clear sharp Day. me and five Men more went to the nets and got 12 Sturgeon."

Nov. 23
" Thursday Wind SWest calm clear mild Day."

Nov. 24
" Friday Wind Westerly a fresh breeze clear sharp Day."

Nov. 25
" Saturday Wind SWest a small breeze cloudy Day with small snow at Evening."

Nov. 26
" Sunday Wind SEast a gentle breeze cloudy cold Day."

Nov. 27
" Monday Wind SEast a strong Gale cold Day."

Nov. 28
" Tuesday Wind SEast a fresh breeze cloudy with thick snow till Evening."

Nov. 29
" Wednesday Wind Westerly a small breeze clear fine Day an Indian Man arrived."

Nov. 30
" Thursday Wind SWest a small breeze cloudy warm Day. at night the Wind varied to NWest a heavy Gale with Close Drift. the Indian went away."

Dec. 1 1786
" Friday Wind NWest a fresh Gale cold clear weather."

Dec. 2
" Saturday Wind SWest calm clear sharp Day. five of us went to the nets 19 Sturgeon."

Dec. 3
" Sunday Wind Westerly a fresh breeze clear sharp Day. at noon the Hunter came for Men to fetch Meat."

Dec. 4
" Monday Wind SWest a fresh breeze cloudy weather with snow all Day. The Indian Man and four of us went to his tent to fetch Meat."

Dec. 5
" Tuesday Wind NWest a fresh breeze clear cold Day. at noon we came home with the flesh."

Dec. 6
" Wednesday Wind NWest a fresh Gale clear and very sharp."

Dec. 7
" Thursday Wind Westerly a fresh breeze clear sharp Day."

Dec. 8
" Friday Wind Wind SWest calm clear Day. six of us went to the nets 24 Sturgeon and 1 Pike."

Dec. 9
" Saturday Wind SWest a fresh breeze cloudy and clear Alternate. four of us went to get some Birch for sleds we returned back with two logs and fell two more pieces which we left."

Dec. 10
" Sunday Wind SEast a small breeze cloudy Day."

Dec. 11
" Monday Wind SEast calm cloudy Day. went to see to kill some Partridges and got 15."

Dec. 12
" Tuesday Wind SEast calm clear cold Day. I helped the Carpenter to turn sled heads."

Dec. 13
" Wednesday Wind SEast a strong Gale cloudy weather with much Drift. went a Hunting Partridges and got 8."

Dec. 14
" Thursday Wind NWest a heavy Gale weather clear and cloudy Alternate with much Drift. I helped the Carpenter to turn sled heads."

Dec. 15
" Friday Wind SWest a fresh Gale cloudy cold Day. In the Evening the Hunter came home for Men to fetch Meat."

Dec. 16
" Saturday Wind SWest calm clear pleasant Day. four of us set of with the Indian that arrived yesterday. got to their tent at two O'Clock PM nigh about 22 Miles Distance."

Dec. 17
" Sunday Wind SEast clear mild Day. at night we got home with meat and carried word for to fetch another Beast."

Dec. 18
" Monday Wind SEast clear pleasant Day. three of us at the nets got 11 Sturgeon."

Dec. 19
" Tuesday Wind Westerly Weather as Yesterday."

Dec. 20
" Wednesday Wind SEast cloudy weather. I was hunting of Partridges got 10."

Dec. 21
" Thursday Wind NEast a fresh Gale clear sharp Day."

Dec. 22
" Friday Wind SEast clear mild Day. six of us at the nets and got 26 Sturgeon."

Dec. 23
" Saturday Wind SEast a gentle breeze cloudy weather."

Dec. 24
" Sunday Wind SEast calm clear pleasant weather."

Dec. 25
" Monday Wind SEast a fresh breeze cloudy weather."

Dec. 26
" Tuesday Wind Westerly a fresh breeze clear sharp Day."

Dec. 27
" Wednesday Wind SEwst a middling breeze cloudy Day."

Dec. 28
" Thursday Wind SEast calm cloudy cold Day. 6 of us went to the nets got 16 Sturgeon."

Dec. 29
" Friday Wind SEast a small breeze calm mild Day."

Dec. 30
" Saturday Wind NWest a fresh breeze cloudy weather with Drift and cold."

Dec. 31
" Sunday Wind NWest a middling breeze cloudy cold weather. one Indian Man arrived from the Northward."

Jan. 1 1787
" Monday Wind NEast a small breeze cloudy cold Day."

Jan. 2
" Tuesday Wind Southerly a small breeze clear sharp Day. six of us went to the nets got 11 Sturgeon."

Jan. 3
" Wednesday Wind SEast a stiff breeze cloudy Day."

Jan. 4
" Thursday Wind SEast a stiff Gale clear weather."

Jan. 5
" Friday Wind Westerly a fresh Gale clear sharp Day."

Jan. 6
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday."

Jan. 7
" Sunday Wind Westerly a hard Gale with Drift clear and very sharp weather."

Jan. 8
" Monday Wind Westerly calm clear sharp Day."

Jan. 9
" Tuesday Wind Variable a fresh breeze cloudy weather sharper than yesterday."

Jan. 10
" Wednesday Wind SWest a small breeze clear fine Day. I was hunting of Partridges got 10."

Jan. 11
" Thursday Wind NWest a fresh Gale clear cold Day."

Jan. 12
" Friday Wind SWest a fresh breeze cloudy Day with low Drift. five of us at the nets 10 Sturgeon and 1 Trout."

Jan. 13
" Saturday Wind Westerly a fresh breeze clear sharp Day."

Jan. 14
" Sunday Wind SWest a gentle breeze clear cold Day."

Jan. 15
" Monday Wind Westerly a heavy Gale cloudy cold Day with close drift. at night three Indian Men and two Women arrived from the Northward."

Jan. 16
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday."

Jan. 17
" Wednesday Wind Westerly calm clear cold Day."

Jan. 18
" Thursday Wind SWest a fresh Gale cloudy weather with snow and drift."

Jan. 19
" Friday Wind Westerly a hard Gale very cold Day with much Drift."

Jan. 20
" Saturday Wind NWest a strong Gale weather part cloudy part clear with cold. I being intrusted with the following quantity of Goods by Mr George Hudson (VIZ) 174 made Beaver to accompany the Indians that arrived the 15 Int. and three men more (Viz) John Sebaston William Flatt Jun. and Hugh Folster. we set of at 10 AM and went about 15 Miles and put up at 3 O'Clock PM."

Jan. 21
" Sunday Wind Westerly a moderate breeze clear and very sharp. we set of at half past 7 O'Clock AM and went till 4 O'Clock PM and got out of the Lake our Distance about 27 Miles."

Jan. 22
" Monday Wind and weather as yesterday. we set of at 7 O'Clock AM and crofsed a thicket of Wood and got into the River that the canadians goes through that goes to the Northward of Cumberland House into the inland Country. and went till 5 O'Clock PM and put up on an Island in the Beaver Lake. our Distance 30 Miles."

Jan. 23
" Tuesday Wind SWest part cloudy part clear and middling sharp. we set of at 7 O'Clock AM and crofsed the Beaver lake so named by the Indians. the canadians wintered three winters in this lake before they made their way into the inland Country. coming along the side of a small grafsey River in the Evening I fell in with my snow shoes on. I had much to do to get out. we put up at 5 O'Clock PM Distance 30 Miles."

Jan. 24
" Wednesday Wind SWest thick and snowed. we set of at 7 O'Clock AM and crofsed two small lakes all the rest of the road was Woods. we put up at 4 PM. Distance 26 Miles."

Jan. 25
" Thursday Wind Westerly a strong Gale weather clear and sharp. we set of at 7 O'Clock AM and went two hours and see 4 Indian lads that had come from the tents that we was going to, with a little provisions for the Indians that was with us. we got to the Tents at 1 O'Clock PM. the Indians got drunk with the Brandy that they had from the House. they traded about 20 made Beaver with me for Brandy. but they having nothing to trade we have lost our travel. I made them small presents of Brandy and tobacco."

Jan. 26
" Friday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. the Indians drunk all Day. I traded 30 Made Beaver with them."

Jan. 27
" Saturday Wind Westerly clear sharp weather. the Indians all got sober. I made one Indian Man a small present of tobacco Powder and Shot as incouragement to bring his Furrs to Cumberland House in the Spring of the Year which he promised to do. their is four canadian Men with a canoe load of Goods wintering in a lake NWest of the Beaver lake where never any of them wintered before. those incroahers wherever they hear of three or four Indians Resorting nigh to the companys Settlements there they send a canoe and Goods to intersept the Companys property by right."

Jan. 28
" Sunday Wind NEast thick snowy weather all Day. the men fetching Moose flesh that was killed the Day before we came hear. part I traded for tobacco also I traded 120 lb of half dried meat for ammunition and tobacco."

Jan. 29
" Monday Wind NWest a strong Gale clear sharp weather. we was to proceeded homewards to Day but did not cause of the weather. one Indian Man a Beaver hunting at night returned killed two small Beaver."

Jan. 30
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday. we set of at 8 O'Clock AM for Cumberland House as the Indians not having any thing to trade. I thought it necefsary to return with the Remainder of the Goods. I got 62 made Beaver in whole and half Parchment Beaver Cats and Otters. one Indian lad accompanied us at three we put up."

Jan. 31
" Wednesday Wind Northerly a stiff breeze clear sharp weather. we set of at 7 O'Clock AM and came through the same woods that we went through before of the 24th Inst. and went the same Distance."

Feb. 1 1787
" Thursday Wind Variable light breezes clear mild weather. we set of at 7 O'Clock AM and came to the same Road that we went the 23nd of last month and the same Distance."

Feb. 2
" Friday Wind NWest a strong gale clear weather. we set of at 7 O'Clock AM and came through the same Road and Distance that we went through the 22nd."

Feb. 3
" Saturday Wind Variable clear sharp weather. we set of at 7 O'Clock AM and reached home at 7 O'Clock PM our Distance 42 Miles."

Feb. 4
" Sunday Wind SWest a middling Breeze thick and snowed all Day."

Feb. 5
" Monday Wind SWest calm clear mild Day."

Feb. 6
" Tuesday Wind Westerly clear calm mild Day."

Feb. 7
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday."

Feb. 8
" Thursday Wind and weather as before."

Feb. 9
" Friday Wind and weather as before. five of us at the nets got 9 Sturgeon."

Feb. 10
" Saturday Wind SWest calm clear sharp Day."

Feb. 11
" Sunday Wind SWest calm clear cold Day."

Feb. 12
" Monday Wind SWest a fresh breeze till noon and then calm cloudy weather."

Feb. 13
" Tuesday Wind Easterly a strong Gale cloudy cold weather."

Feb. 14
" Wednesday Wind SEast a strong Gale cloudy cold weather with much Drift."

Feb. 15
" Thursday Wind Easterly a small breeze cloudy mild weather."

Feb. 16
" Friday Wind NWest a fresh gale clear sharp Day. 6 of us at the nets as we was beginning to haul the wind and weather came on very bad. forced to leave the nets unhaul'd only two which we got 7 Sturgeon out of. one Indian arrived at noon."

Feb. 17
" Saturday Wind SWest cloudy calm weather."

Feb. 18
" Sunday Wind SEast a fresh breeze cloudy weather with snow."

Feb. 19
" Monday Wind Southerly a small breeze clear fine weather. an Indian man arrived for Men to fetch Meat."

Feb. 20
" Tuesday Wind SEast a strong breeze cloudy weather. five of us fetching Meat at night we returned with it about 12 Miles Distance."

Feb. 21
" Wednesday Wind SEast a gentle breeze clear and cloudy Alternate. seven of us at the nets 13 Sturgeon."

Feb. 22
" Thursday Wind SEast a middling breeze clear fine Weather."

Feb. 23
" Friday Wind SEast a fresh breeze weather as Yesterday. two Indian Men pitched into the House with their families."

Feb. 24
" Saturday Wind SEast a fresh Gale cloudy warm weather."

Feb. 25
" Sunday Wind Southerly calm cloudy weather. at night the Indian man returned from hunting killed a Buck Moose."

Feb. 26
" Monday Wind NWest a gentle breeze. five of us at the nets got 7 Sturgeon. at four O'Clock PM some Indians arrived with some provisions and their Debts. also the old Indian Man and his Wife that accompanied the Lad and me here in the fall of the Year."

Feb. 27
" Tuesday Wind SEast a small breeze clear fine weather."

Feb. 28
" Wednesday Wind and weather as yesterday."

Mar. 1 1787
" Thursday Wind Easterly a small breeze part clear part cloudy fine mild weather. five of us at the nets got 5 Sturgeon and 2 Pike."

Mar. 2
" Friday Wind Easterly a gentle breeze cloudy warm weather with snow. I and two Men more went to fetch some provisions from the Indians that went away yesterday. we got to their tent at two O'Clock PM about 27 Miles Distance."

Mar. 3
" Saturday Wind SEast a small breeze clear fine weather. at night we got home with 6 Bags of Beat Meat and a little Fat."

Mar. 4
" Sunday Wind NWest a fresh breeze clear Day."

Mar. 5
" Monday Wind Southerly a small breeze clear mild weather with mizzling Rain."

Mar. 6
" Tuesday Wind North a fresh breeze cloudy cold weather."

Mar. 7
" Wednesday Wind Variable from North to SWest a fresh breeze clear weather."

Mar. 8
"Thursday Wind SWest a fresh breeze cloudy cold weather snow at Evening."

Mar. 9
" Friday Wind SWest a small breeze clear mild Day. I set of to gather pitch and to put up some Martin traps also. I got to the place I intended to go to at 4 O'Clock PM and put up."

Mar. 10
" Saturday Wind Westerly a small breeze clear mild Day. I built 14 Marten traps to Day."

Mar. 11
" Sunday Wind West a fresh Gale clear mild Day."

Mar. 12
" Monday Wind Easterly calm clear sharp weather. I went round the traps I built on Saturday and got 4 Martens. I built 12 traps more to Day."

Mar. 13
" Tuesday Wind SWest clear mild Weather. I built 12 traps more to Day."

Mar. 14
" Wednesday Wind SEast a fresh breeze cloudy Day. I built 12 more traps to Day and came home round the traps I built before and got 5 Martins out of them."

Mar. 15
" Thursday Wind SEast a strong Gale cloudy weather with snow. I was gathering pitch all Day."

Mar. 16
" Friday Wind NWest a hard Gale cloudy cold weather. I was gathering this Day returned home along my traps got 4 Martins."

Mar. 17
" Saturday Wind Westerly a strong Gale clear weather. I set of for home and got to the House at Evening."

Mar. 18
" Sunday Wind Westerly a small breeze clear sharp weather."

Mar. 19
" Monday Wind NWest a fresh breeze clear mild Day. five of us at the nets got 7 Sturgeon and 1 Pike."

Mar. 20
" Tuesday Wind SWest clear calm mild Day. three of us went the Indians for the meat of a Buck Moose. we sleept there all night about 20 Miles Distance."

Mar. 21
" Wednesday Wind SEast a fresh breeze clear mild Day. at noon we returned with the Moose flesh."

Mar. 22
" Thursday Wind NWest a strong Gale clear cold weather."

Mar. 23
" Friday Wind SEast a heavy Gale cloudy weather I went to my traps."

Mar. 24
" Saturday Wind SEast calm clear warm thawing weather. I went round my traps got 6 Martins."

Mar. 25
" Sunday Wind Wind SEast a gentle breeze clear warm weather. thawed much."

Mar. 26
" Monday Wind SEast in the morning a fresh breeze towards noon Varied round to NWest a heavy Gale with hail and Snow. I set of to go to the House and got home about noon."

Mar. 27
" Tuesday Wind SEast a small Breeze cloudy mild Day. three of us at the nets 8 Sturgeon."

Mar. 28
" Wednesday Wind SEast a small Breeze clear mild Day. thawed a little."

Mar. 29
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday. the Indians that was Hunting for the House arrived also one Man and his wife arrived from the Northward."

Mar. 30
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday."

Mar. 31
" Saturday Wind SWest a fresh Gale cloudy warm Day. four of us at the nets we got 8 Sturgeon."

Apr. 1 1787
" Sunday Wind Northerly a middling breeze clear Day."

Apr. 2
" Monday Wind SEast calm cloudy warm Day thawed very much."

Apr. 3
" Tuesday Wind Northerly a fresh breeze clear Day. three of us at the nets 3 Sturgeon."

Apr. 4
" Wednesday Wind SEast a small breeze clear warm Day."

Apr. 5
" Thursday Wind Southerly a gentle breeze clear warm weather thawed much."

Apr. 6
" Friday Wind Westerly a fresh breeze clear mild Day. three of us to the nets got 8 Sturgeon. in the Evening three Indian Men and one lad and one woman arrived from the Northward. Some of them I see in Company with the Canadian Canoe last fall."

Apr. 7
" Saturday Wind SEast calm cloudy Day, towards evening a fresh Gale. one Indian lad arrived at noon brought word for to come and fetch some green Beaver. I and another set of and got to their Tent at 5 O'Clock PM about 15 Miles Distance."

Apr. 8
" Sunday Wind Easterly calm cloudy Day. we set of for the House at Day light got home about 10 O'Clock AM with the Meat of 13 Beaver and part of a Doe Moose and a few Skins. George Charles the first Day of January had the misfortune to freeze a little bit of the back part of his heel not anyways bad or in the least Dangerous when it was first frozed but not taking care of it healed up with a quantity of Proud flesh and this Day Mr George Hudson cut it and applyed blue Vitriol to it. there being none here qualified to know any thing of Surgery I am afraid it will prove bad. the way he happened to get frozed it being new years Day some of us went to divert ourselves on the lake not above a Hundred yards from the House. he not rigging his feet well got frozed."

Apr. 9
" Monday Wind Northerly a fresh Gale cloudy cold Day. the lads heel something better by washing it in the liquor of Juniper bark and Country tea which is all that can be done here."

Apr. 10
" Tuesday Wind SEast calm cloudy Day with snow in the evening. the lads heel much the same."

Apr. 11
" Wednesday Wind SEast calm cloudy warm Day. at noon the Indians that was at on the 7th Inst. arrived. the lad rather better."

Apr. 12
" Thursday Wind Variable from N to South clear fine weather. the lads heel much the same as before."

Apr. 13
" Friday Wind Southerly a small breeze clear warm Day thawed much. I was getting paddles. the lads heel rather better than yesterday."

Apr. 14
" Saturday Wind Westerly a small breeze clear warm Day. thawed much. I was getting paddles. at noon one Indian Man and his Wife arrived from the northward the lads heel something better."

Apr. 15
" Sunday Wind Variable from NWest to SEast a fresh breeze clear Day. the lads heel much the same as yesterday."

Apr. 16
" Monday Wind SEast a strong Gale cloudy cold Day. I was employed making of paddles. the lads heel much the same as before."

Apr. 17
" Tuesday Wind South a small breeze clear Day. I was making of paddles. the lads heel still bad."

Apr. 18
" Wednesday Wind Southerly a fresh breeze clear hot Day. I was hunting got 8 Ducks. the lads heel much the same."

Apr. 19
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday. I was Hunting killed 13 Ducks. the lads heel as before. still washing it in the liquor of Juniper bark and Country tea."

Apr. 20
" Friday Wind Southerly a fresh Gale in the morning cloudy afterwards a heavy Gale and clear. I was Hunting killed two Ducks and a Crane. the lads heel very little better."

Apr. 21
" Saturday Wind SEast a hard Gale cloudy weather. I was Hunting killed two Geese. the lads heel much the same."

Apr. 22
" Sunday Wind SEast a fresh Gale cloudy and clear Alternate. the lads heel worce if any thing for on Mr George Hudson examining it found some proud flesh in it. at night Rained and thundered much."

Apr. 23
" Monday Wind Variable from South to West a strong Gale clear weather. the lads heel rather better. I was employed making paddles."

Apr. 24
" Tuesday Wind Easterly in the morning calm and clear afterwards cloudy and blowed fresh with rain. two of us repairing two Canoes for Hunting."

Apr. 25
" Wednesday Wind NEast a small breeze weather clear and cloudy Alternate with Rain and Snow at times. I was making paddles for some of the Men that could not do it themselves. the lads heel much the same as on Monday."

Apr. 26
" Thursday Wind SEast calm clear weather. I was at work laying the platform for the prefs."

Apr. 27
" Friday Wind Easterly a fresh Gale clear weather. four of us went away with two Canoes into the Saskachewan River to hunt Geese. we went together about 14 Miles where I and one of the others stayed. the other two went up the River farther. we killed 3 Geese this evening."

Apr. 28
" Saturday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. we killed 9 Geese this Day."

Apr. 29
" Sunday Wind Easterly a hard Gale clear weather. we got 6 Geese this Morning. at noon the two Men that went up the River came past us going home. we sent the geese we had with them and proceeded up the River killed 12 Geese and 4 Ducks this Evening."

Apr. 30
" Monday Wind Easterly a fresh Gale clear weather. we killed 24 Geese and 1 Swan."

May 1 1787
" Tuesday Wind SEast a fresh breeze clear weather. we got 9 Geese and two Ducks this morning. at ten O'Clock AM we embarked for home. got to the house in the evening."

May 2
" Wednesday Wind SWest a fresh breeze in the Morning afterwards varied round to the SEast clear warm Day. I was employed laying the platform for the prefs. the Indians throng? building their canoes. in the evening one of the Indians and his wife Returned from hunting brought some Beaver."

May 3
" Thursday Wind Easterly a light breeze with rain in the Morning. me and another set of a hunting killed two Geese in the Evening."

May 4
" Friday Wind Variable gentle breezes clear fine weather. killed three Geese in the Morning. and embarked at ten O'Clock in the Morning and went up the River about 4 Miles and put up and killed 9 Geese, one Swan, and two Ducks."

May 5
" Saturday Wind NWest a hard Gale till Evening then Moderate. we killed 19 Geese."

May 6
" Sunday Wind SEast a fresh Gale clear weather. killed 17 Geese."

May 7
" Monday Wind SEast a heavy Gale. we killed 12 Geese. at 11 O'Clock we embarked for home got to the House at Evening."

May 8
" Tuesday Wind SWest gentle Breeze clear fine weather. I was employed making paddles for some of the Men."

May 9
" Wednesday Wind Variable clear fine weather. the ice set in much upon the shore. could not go a Hunting in the Canoes. the lads heel much better."

May 10
" Thursday Wind NEast a moderate Breeze cloudy cold disagreeable Weather."

May 11
" Friday Wind Variable from NEast to North a strong breeze cloudy cold weather with thick snow all Day. the lads heel still Mending but I am afraid of its not being sound by its healing so fast."

May 12
" Saturday Wind Variable from West to East small Breezes fore part cloudy latter clear weather. getting a canoe pitched for Hunting."

May 13
" Sunday Wind SEast a fresh Breeze cloudy weather with Rain the most part of the Day. four of us embarked in two canoes for to go a Hunting. went about 14 Miles up Saskachewan River got 3 Geese. there is no likelihood of any Geese, by the great rising of the Water."

May 14
" Monday Wind SEast a heavy Gale cloudy and clear Alternate with heavy showers of Rain all Day. we killed 5 Geese only."

May 15
" Tuesday Wind Westerly a heavy Gale cloudy weather. two swans and two Geese."

May 16
" Wednesday Wind NWest a heavy Gale cloudy and clear Alternate. at 5 O'Clock AM we embarked and went up the River 4 Miles and stopped got 5 Geese. at 8 O'Clock at night Andrew Corrigal and an Indian in one Canoe came to where we was laying from Mr Tomison and gave us the glad news of him and all under his Direction being well and still the more Joy an increase of trade?"

May 17
" Thursday Wind NWest a strong Gale cloudy cold weather. we embarked at four O'Clock AM for the House. got home at 9 AM. as there was no Geese to be got I did not think it necefsary to stay any longer. the two Indians from the Beaver Lake arrived in the forenoon brought some Furrs that they traded for Brandy. part of it they drinked and got Drunk. the remainder they carried away."

May 18
" Friday Wind Northerly a strong Gale clear the first part cloudy Weather the latter part of the Day. I was employed with James Saundison putting a canoe on the bed, but could not get it sewed round the Gunnels for the coldnefs of the weather. in the evening arrived two Englishmen in a canoe.(viz) Magnus Annel and James Flatt Sen. from the South branch of Saskachewan loaded with bundles of Furrs and also 5 Canoes of Indians arrived down that same River. brought a middling quantity of furrs. one Indian canoe embarked."

May 19
" Saturday Wind North a strong Gale cloudy cold Weather. could do nothing to the canoe. George Charles heel much better."

May 20
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday till ten AM then the Wind Variable with light breezes and clear Weather."

May 21
" Monday Wind SWest a stiff breeze clear weather in the Morning, cloudy in the Evening. finished the canoe that was put on the stocks the 18th and put another on."

May 22
" Tuesday Wind NWest a middling breeze clear weather. employed at the canoe that was put on the stocks yesterday. in the Evening a canadian canoe and 7 Men in it arrived hear. and gave us the account of Mr Tomison being nigh ready to set off from Hudson House when they pafsed by six Days ago."

May 23
" Wednesday Wind Variable fresh breezes clear weather at noon Mr Tomison and three Englishmen arrived in the boat built at Hudson House last year loaded with Bundles of Furrs and some Lumber. also four canoes of Indians arrived from the Westward brought some Furrs."

May 24
" Thursday Wind Variable from SEast to NEast stiff breezes. we was employed packing furrs. 14 Englishmen in 7 Canoes arrived, 5 of them from Hudson House and two from the South branch."

May 25
" Friday Wind SEast a stiff breeze at times clear weather and middling warm. me and another setting two Sturgeon Nets in the Morning. four Englishmen arrived at Evening loaded with Furrs from Hudson House."

May 26
" Saturday Wind SEast a light breeze in the Morning a strong breeze in the Evening clear weather. three of us embarked in one canoe and went down to the fishing wire to try if we could get any fish but the water being so very high in the Main River that no fish got into the small River. four Canadian canoes laying there repairing their canoes for their pafsage to the great carrying place."

May 27
" Sunday Wind Variable from West to SWest a strong breeze. we embarked at 6 O'Clock AM and got home at 6 PM where 6 Canoes of Englishmen had arrived from Hudson House, and three Canoes of Indians with some furrs had also arrived two from the Northward and one from the Cedar lake."

May 28
" Monday Wind Variable light breezes clear hot weather."

May 29
" Tuesday Wind Southerly small breeze clear hot Weather till evening and then thundered and Rained the Wind shifted to the NWest."

May 30
" Wednesday Wind Variable from NEast to North a strong Breeze cloudy in the Morning with Rain afterwards clear and hot weather. at 11 O'Clock AM two Canoes with five Englishmen arrived from the South Branch of Saskachewan loaded of Furrs. this Day Mr Tomison thought proper to acquaint me of my not going on the expedition that I set off from Churchill for, he having no goods to fit us out for one Reason, and for another he being not able to get all the Furrs down this year, he thought proper that I should go to York Factory for to help part of the furrs down. he also received the Remainder of the Goods on his Account, that I had in charge which is as follows."
"Malchom Rofs"

[Two short lists I'm not going to bother with.]

" Remainder of Trading Goods delivered to Mr Tomison"
[and]
" Expences from Churchill Factory to Cumberland House."


B.49/a/18


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