This is a virtually complete transcription of the Cumberland House Journal 1789-90 by Alex Nicol.
" A Diary of Transactions and Occurrences at Cumberland House 1789-90"
"By Malcolm Rofs"
June 9 1789
" Tuesday Wind variable all round the Compafs Light Breeze. at 9 O'Clock AM Mr William Tomison Embarked accompanied by 7 Canoes of Englishmen and 6 of Indians, loaded with Furrs for York Factory he left me with the following men in Charge of the House viz. John Kirknefs and John Allen also your honors Apprentice David Thompson as they could not undertake to carry him down to York Factory as he cannot bear to be moved. at Noon one Indian Canoe arrived from the westward brought 33 made Beaver in furrs and part of a green Moose. They traded some Brandy and got drunk. fitted out 7 Canoes of Indians for hunting and they went away."
June 10
" Wednesday Wind variable from SE to NW a stiff Breeze showers of rain in the fore part latter part Clear fine weather. the people employed cleaning the Rubbish out of the House. myself paying the Indian man that arrived Yesterday for to carry down furrs to York Factory at 10 O'Clock he embarked with 6 Bundles of furrs."
June 11
" Thursday Wind variable all round the Compafs light Breezes weather clear and cloudy alternately. the people set 2 small fish nets."
June 12
" Friday Wind variable from NNE to East a heavy gale cloudy weather with a mizzling rain at times the People employed variously. David Thompson still the same way laying helplefs."
June 13
" Saturday Wind NE a strong gale Cloudy weather fore part latter part Clear and Calm. sent the People to the Nets caught 8 Tickameg."
June 14
" Sunday Wind Variable all round the Compafs and settled at SE a strong gale Cloudy weather. at noon arrived 6 Indian women in 3 Canoes from the Northward brought nothing but gave an account of 3 Canoes of Indians they left about 50 Miles from here all Debtors to this House, where some Canoes of Canadians have stopped them. I am apprehensive the Indians will trade with them the most part of their furrs."
June 15
" Monday Wind SE a stiff gale Clear weather 'till Noon then varied round to SW attended with thunder and Rain. Sent the men to the Nets Returned with 10 Tickameg. at Noon arrived 2 Indian men and 4 women in 3 Canoes those mentioned Yesterday they brought about 60 made Beaver in furrs and paid part of their Debts but could not pay all By Reason of their Trading the most part of their furrs with the Canadians for Liquor they embarked in about 2 hours after their arrival and went the same way as they came."
June 16
" Tuesday little wind and variable cloudy weather with a mizzling rain in the fore Part afterwards clear and hot. sent the People to set 2 Sturgeon nets and take home both the small fish nets they Returned with them and also 3 Tickameg also one of the hunters arrived brought one moose of a year old."
June 17
" Wednesday Wind SE a gentle Breeze clear weather. Sent the People to the Nets had no Succefs. the Muschettos exceeding troublesome."
June 18
" Thursday Wind Southerly a fresh Gale Clear and Cloudy alternately. Sent both the People to the Nets Returned with one Sturgeon. 2 Canoes of Indians that was tenting on the Plantation embarked."
June 19
" Friday Wind SE a strong gale weather clear and cloudy alternately. employed making Pemmicon of the small remainder of Beat meat and fat left after Mr William Tomison Embarked."
June 20
" Saturday Wind Varied from SW to NW a heavy Gale attended with heavy showers of Rain and Thunder and Clear at times. Sent the People to the Nets Returned with 2 Sturgeon."
June 21
" Sunday Wind Northerly a stiff Breeze Cloudy weather all day."
June 22
" Monday Wind Variable Clear hot weather. one of the men with myself setting 2 small fish Nets and brought home the others to repair but had no Succefs of fish. I went a-shore on the Point as we returned home to look for a place for the foundation of the house So that the people may clear the wood off from it."
June 23
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. Sent both the men to the Point to Clear the Place for the foundation of the House also to look at the Nets at noon returned with 7 Tickameg the Muschettos growing very troublesome."
June 24
" Wednesday Wind SE a stiff Breeze clear hot Sultry weather. the people employed as Yesterday myself at work in the Garden."
June 25
" Thursday Wind Varied from SE to NW a strong gale attended with a heavy rain. the people employed in doors. 2 Indians that was on the Plantation embarked. at noon arrived one of the hunting Canoes brought part of 2 Green Moose which they traded for Brandy and then embarked."
June 26
" Friday Wind Southerly a strong gale till Evening then Calm weather hot and Sultry.People employed as on Tuesday. Myself repairing the Sturgeon nets 2 Tickameg from the Nets. Muschettos very troublesome."
June 27
" Saturday Wind Variable Stiff Breezes at times weather part Clear part Cloudy attended with showers of rain and Thunder. Sent both the men to set 4 Sturgeon nets and bring home the small nets myself at work in the Garden 2 Tickameg from the Netts."
June 28
" Sunday Wind NE a strong Gale Cloudy weather with heavy showers of rain."
June 29
" Monday Wind as Yesterday Clear weather. the People at work on the Point. one Sturgeon."
June 30
" Tuesday Wind NE a strong gale. employed as Yesterday one Sturgeon Muschettos troublesome."
July 1 1789
" Wednesday Wind SE a middling Breeze fore part Cloudy with Rain latter part Clear hot weather. employed repairing the small Nets. David Thompson still helplefs."
July 2
" Thursday Wind NE a strong Gale clear hot weather. the men with myself viewed? the Ground on which they have falled the wood 100 feet square."
July 3
" Friday Wind in the South Quarter a small Breeze Clear and Cloudy alternately with showers of rain at times. Sent the People to sett 3 small Nets and to bring home the Sturgeon Nets at noon returned but no Succefs of fish."
July 4
" Saturday Wind Easterly a middling Breeze Clear hot weather. Moschettos very troublesome. Sent the People to clear away wood at the Point at Noon returned brought 3 Tickameg from the Nets."
July 5
" Sunday Wind Easterly a small Breeze cloudy weather with rain."
July 6
" Monday Wind variable heavy Gales at times attended with Thunder Lightning and heavy showers of rain at times. Sent the People to the Nets Returned with 8 Tickameg myself employed in the Garden."
July 7
" Tuesday Wind NW heavy Gale cloudy weather with showers of rain at times. employed indoors. at 5 O'Clock PM 4 Indian women in 2 Canoes arrived brought some Beat Beat and a triffle of dried meat part of which they traded for Brandy and got drunk."
July 8
" Wednesday Wind Northerly a light Breeze cloudy weather with mizzling rain till noon then clear hot weather. Sent the men to the nets no Succefs. myself traded the little Provisions brought Yesterday Quantity 300 Pounds."
July 9
" Thursday Wind variable light Breezes Clear hot weather. Moschettos very troublesome. Sent the People to clear away wood at the Point at noon returned with the nets but no Succefs of fish."
July 10
" Friday Wind SE a stiff Breeze cloudy weather attended with showers of rain and Thunder at times 'till noon then the wind varied round to North a heavy gale clear and cloudy alternately. employed making Pimmacon."
July 11
" Saturday Wind NE a heavy gale cloudy weather with mizzling rain. employed repairing the nets."
July 12
" Sunday Wind NE a strong Gale clear weather."
July 13
" Monday Wind SW a light Breeze clear hot weather. Sent the People to set 3 Sturgeon nets at Noon returned also arrived 6 Canoes of the hunters with little or no Succefs they brought 80 lbs of Beat 100 lbs of Dried meat and some Shoe Leather for which they traded some Brandy and got drunk."
July 14
" Tuesday Wind Westerly a middling breeze clear hot weather. Sent the People to the nets returned with 3 Sturgeon. I fitted out the Indians with Ammunition and Knives and sent them off to different Quarters to hunt and told them to do their best for Provisions which they promised to do."
July 15
" Wednesday Wind WNW a middling breeze fore part clear hot weather latter part Cloudy inclinable to rain. Sent the men to clear away wood at the point also to overhaul the nets but no Succefs."
July 16
" Thursday wind Northerly a strong gale clear weather. we was employed in the garden."
July 17
" Friday Wind and weather the same as Yesterday. we was employed out and indoors on needfull Duty. in the evening the wind favored Sent the men to the nets Returned with 12 Sturgeon."
July 18
" Saturday Wind SW a light breeze till noon then varied round to NW a heavy gale clear weather. Sent the men to set 3 Small nets and to bring home the others to dry and mend at noon returned with 15 Sturgeon and the nets."
July 19
" Sunday Wind and Weather as Yesterday."
July 20
" Monday Wind Easterly a fresh gale fore part Clear the latter part cloudy attended with Thunder Lightning and rain. the People employed clearing away wood at the Point 15 Tickameg from the nets."
July 21
" Tuesday Wind Easterly a fresh gale cloudy weather. sent the men to the nets returned with 7 Tickameg. myself employed in the Garden."
July 22
" Wednesday Wind NE a fresh breeze weather clear and cloudy alternately. 17 Tickameg from the nets."
July 23
" Thursday Wind Easterly a stiff Breeze cloudy weather with showers of rain Thunder and Lightning. 13 Tickameg. myself repairing the small nets."
July 24
" Friday Wind variable light breezes clear hot weather. sent the people to set 2 Sturgeon nets and to bring home the others but no Succefs at fish. at 11 O'Clock AM 7 Canadians in one Canoe arrived from the great carrying place with an Intent to enter in your honor's Service as they gave account of Mr William Tomison and them agree they was out of Provisions was the reason of their coming hear. Else they was to have waited at the great fall for the arrival of Mr Tomison."
July 25
" Saturday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. sent the People to the nets returned with 3 Strugeon. the Canadians resting themselves they propose to go to the great fall their to wait for Mr Tomison."
July 26
" Sunday Wind variable light Breezes clear and cloudy alternately attended with showers of rain at times. at night arrived 2 Indian men in 1 Canoe brought a small Quantity of dried moose flesh."
July 27
" Monday Wind and weather the same as Yesterday. Caught 3 Sturgeon. the Canadians repairing their Canoe to embark tomorrow."
July 28
" Tuesday Wind NW a fresh gale weather clear and cloudy alternately. one of the Canadians being lame with a cut in his right foot he begged to stay here. the others embarked. I served them 4 days provisions for their pafsage to the great fall. also 5 Canoes of Indians arrived from the westward brought a few Summer beaver Skins and drefsed Moose skins and a small Quantity of dried provisions."
July 29
" Wednesday Wind variable gentle breeze clear hot weather. Moschettos very troublesome. Sent the people to the nets returned with 7 Sturgeon. at noon the Indians embarked after trading 20 drefsed moose Skins 20 Summer Beaver skins 40 lbs of dried moose flesh and 18 lbs of fat."
July 30
" Thursday Wind NE a gentle breeze clear hot weather. sent the people to set 2 small nets and bring home the others. at noon they returned with only 1 Sturgeon and the nets."
July 31
" Friday Wind variable light breezes ctill clear and hot. Moschettos very troublesome. the people finished clearing a place at the point for building on and over hauled the nets but had no luck."
Aug. 1 1789
" Saturday Wind SSE a fresh breeze clear hot weather. myself and one of the men went to the nets but no Succefs."
Aug. 2
" Sunday Wind Southerly a gentle breeze cloudy weather with a mizzling rain. at noon arrived 4 Indian women in 2 Canoes from the eastward brought a small triffle of Dried and Beat meat and lodged it in the house. they embarked again."
Aug. 3
" Monday Wind SW a light breeze fore part Clear latter part Cloudy with thunder and rain no Luck of fish out of the nets. at noon arrived 5 Canoes of Indians those that came Yesterday and their families but brought little or nothing more than what was brought Yesterday they traded a little Brandy and got drunk."
Aug. 4
" Tuesday Wind variable sharp breezes at times Cloudy weather with showers of rain at Intervals accompanied with Thunder. Sent the People to the Nets returned with 2 Tickameg also set 2 Sturgeon nets and brought home the small fish nets to repair. those that arrived yesterday brought 80 lbs of dried meat 20 lbs of fat and 200 lbs of Beat meat also 4 drefsed moose skins and 3 Beaver Skins."
Aug. 5
" Wednesday Wind and weather the same as Yesterday. sent the people to the nets caught 2 Sturgeon. fitted the Indians out for hunting with ammunition and a little Tobacco as incouragement there is no Likelyhood of any Succefs of Provisions here this year."
Aug. 6
" Thursday Wind Westerly a middling breeze clear weather. myself with one of the people went to the nets caught 3 Sturgeon and 1 Tickameg the other man drying meat. David Thompson still bad not able to get out of bed. also the Canadian still bad with his cut foot. the Moschettos very troublesome."
Aug. 7
" Friday Wind SE a strong Gale cloudy weather with showers of rain and Thunder at times. sent the men to the nets returned with 2 Sturgeon. at noon arrived 2 Indians brought the meat of a Doe moose green. they traded a little brandy and embarked again."
Aug. 8
" Saturday Wind NW a heavy gale weather part clear and part Cloudy. employed in the garden and repairing nets a very heavy rain last night attended with Thunder and Lightning."
Aug. 9
" Sunday Wind variable from NW to SW with fresh gales cloudy weather attended with showers of rain the Moschettos very troublesome."
Aug. 10
" Monday Wind Southerly a middling breeze weather clear and cloudy alternately. sent the people to bring home the nets returned with the nets but no succefs of fish. at noon arrived 3 Indian men in one Canoe from the eastward brought about 90 lbs of dryed moose flesh 30 lbs of fat 5 drefsed moose skins and 3 Beaver skins which they traded for Brandy and Cloth."
Aug. 11
" Tuesday Wind Northerly a stiff breeze clear hot weather Moschettos very troublesome the men employed repairing nets the Indians that arrived yesterday embarked after I made them a small of ammunition. we helped David Thompson out of his bed and set him on a seat he sat nigh 3 hours which is the only time he has been able to try to set up since Mr William Tomison went off from here."
Aug. 12
" Wednesday Wind Easterly a stiff gale cloudy weather one of the people with myself set 2 small fish nets afterwards repairing the men's Chimney David Thompson sat a while up this day again."
Aug. 13
" Thursday Wind NE a stiff gale clear weather employed repairing the chimneys which we finished. David Thompson sat up a while this day again."
Aug. 14
" Friday Wind variable all round the Compafs light Breezes clear weather. sent the people to the nets returned with 11 Tickameg afterwards got a little wood. the Moschettos very troublesome."
Aug. 15
" Saturday Wind West a gentle breeze clear hot weather the Moschettos very troublesome Sent the men to the nets returned with 3 Tickameg."
Aug. 16
" Sunday Wind and weather as Yesterday Moschettos very troublesome."
Aug. 17
" Monday Wind and weather still the same and Moschettos troublesome. sent the people to the nets caught 4 Tickameg 2 small Sturgeon and 2 Perch. myself repairing nets. David Thompson walked a little on Crutches with my help this day."
Aug. 18
" Tuesday Wind Easterly a stiff breeze clear weather. Moschettos very troublesome. sent the men to the nets but no Succefs also set 2 Sturgeon nets and brought the others home."
Aug. 19
" Wednesday Wind variable from SE to WEst light breezes clear hot weather. the Moschettos still troublesome the people brought 2 Sturgeon from the nets."
Aug. 20
" Thursday Wind Easterly a middling breeze fore part clear and hot the latter part cloudy attended with showers of rain. no Succefs from the nets. at noon arrived 2 Canoes of the Indians that accompanied Mr William Tomison to York Factory they brought 6 Bundles of Cloth and Tobacco 4 Guns and 2 kettles they inform me of their getting drunk the day that they left York Factory and Quarreled amongst themselves and one man has got his nose bitten off which occasioned him to send back his Cargo to York Factory another has lost part of the nose one Thumb and one Finger they also brought a little green and half dried moose flesh and a little Fat they traded some Brandy and got drunk."
Aug. 21
" Friday Wind and weather variable clear and cloudy alternately a middling breeze. one Sturgeon from the days fitted out one of the Indians that arrived Yesterday and him off a hunting the other is to go to morrow."
Aug. 22
" Saturday Wind Westerly a stiff breeze clear and cloudy alternately attended with showers of rain. Sent the men to the nets at noon returned with 5 Sturgeon and the nets to repair, in the Evening arrived 12 Canoes of Indians from the westward 2 of them from up Saskachewan river brought some dried provisions a little fat and 12 Summer beaver skins the other 10 Canoes belongs to this house they brought a small Quantity of Provisions."
Aug. 23
" Sunday Wind Westerly a middling breeze clear weather."
Aug. 24
" Monday Wind Northerly a fresh gale clear weather. employed about needfull duties. those that came on Saturday brought 300 lbs of dried moose flesh 60 lbs of Beat meat 28 lbs of fat 30 Beaver skins 8 drefsed moose skins and about 4 Fathom of Bark for a Canoe. fitted out a Canoe for hunting but they could not proceed for the wind blew too hard for them to proceed."
Aug. 25
" Tuesday Wind variable all round the Compafs light Breezes clear hot weather. we was employed Cleaning the Yard and warehouse. David Thompson by the help of his Crutches walked out of the warehouse where he has lain all the Summer into the Men's house which is the first that he has attempted since he came here in the spring. 3 of the hunting Canoes arrived brought a small Qunatity of dried meat Sent 2 Canoes a hunting as I am expecting Mr Tomison every day."
Aug. 26
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. employed variously indoors 2 of our hunters arrived at night brought a Buck moose part dried and part Green."
Aug. 27
" Thursday Wind Easterly a stiff breeze fore part clear latter part Cloudy attended with Thunder Lightning and a little rain. at night employed drying the little rain brought Yesterday also arrived one Canoe with most part of a Doe moose."
Aug. 28
" Friday Wind Northerly a stiff Gale clear weather. employed cleaning the Yards. I fitted 4 Indian Men out with ammunition a little Tobacco and sent them away."
Aug. 29
" Saturday Wind Easterly a middling breeze clear hot weather. sent the people to set 2 Sturgeon nets and the small nets. at 8 OClock AM 15 Canoes of Englishmen loaded with Goods from York Factory arrived in care of James Tate. one Canoe of Englishmen not yet arrived. the Canadians mentioned the 29th of the last month that went to meet Mr Tomison is also arrived this day James Tate has brought about 400 made Beaver in furrs that he has traded on his Pafsage up from York Factory."
Aug. 30
" Sunday Wind Southerly a light breeze clear hot weather."
Aug. 31
" Monday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. James Tate and Magnes Twatt with myself employed opening packages. sent 4 Canoes of Indians a hunting also 2 men to the Nets returned with 21 Tickameg and 2 Sturgeon. at 6 PM 4 Canoes of Indians arrived loaded with Goods from York Factory Dry and in good Condition I gave them a Treat of Brandy."
Sept. 1 1789
" Tuesday Wind variable all round the Compafs clear hot weather. 8 Canoes of Indians arrived from the westward brought a middling Quantity of dryed provisions and a little fat which is very acceptable as having very little to serve out to the people 'till it came they traded some brandy received 20 Tickameg and 3 Sturgeon from the nets employed as before in opening bundles of Goods."
Sept. 2
" Wednesday Wind Westerly a middling breeze clear hot weather. one Canoe from hunting arrived brought part of a Green moose which they traded for brandy. employed making up some Bundles for the upper Settlements. 20 Tickameg and one Sturgeon from the nets."
Sept. 3
" Thursday Wind variable from SE to NW a light breezes clear and Cloudy alternately attended with a light rain employed as Yesterday 4 Tickameg and 1 Sturgeon from the nets."
Sept. 4
" Friday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. employed laying out the Cargoes for the Canoes and serving out provisions for them. I also fitted out 5 Canoes of Indians to go a hunting. the people employed putting their Canoes in order; for embarking the morrow."
Sept. 5
" Saturday Wind SE a stiff Gale clear weather. fitted out 9 Canoes for Manchester house 5 for the South Branch and the Canadian Canoe takes a Cargoe for the South Branch as we could not get the goods to that place without their help. they embarked 18 kegs of brandy as they want to enter into your Honors Service. at 8 AM they all embarked for their different Settlements James Tate in Charge of the Canoes. the Goods left at this place about 1600 made beaver and am very weakly manned for out of 7 of us there is 3 laying in bed. John Stickler with a wound in his Thigh got in handing up the big fall. Andrew Corrigal a bad hand; both wounds I am apprehensive will turn out to a bad Consequence. David Thompson walking on Crutches. only John Ballanden John Irvine William Haukland and myself fit for Duty. in the Evening pafsed by 2 Canoes of Canadians in their way to the Northward. Masters Mefs Small and McGilvery."
Sept. 6
" Sunday Wind Westerly a heavy Gale clear and Cloudy alternately with rain in the Evening."
Sept. 7
" Monday Wind Northerly a stiff gale fore part Cloudy attended with a mizzling rain latter part clear. employed working Sturgeon nets and Cleaning of the warehouse. the lame people the same as they were not able to do any duty. John Stickler not able to move out of his bed."
Sept. 8
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. John Irvin and John Ballanden working Sturgeon nets. William Haukland with myself went to the Nets found only the 3 small nets the 2 Sturgeon nets was blowed adrift and totaly lost by the heavy gale on Sunday. we caught 7 Tickameg brought home the Nets. one of our hunters arrived brought the most part of 2 Green moose. Andew Corrigal had a bone taken out of his little finger the other 2 much the same as Yesterday."
Sept. 9
" Wednesday Wind variable all round the Compafs clear hot weather. John Irvin taken bad last night. 3 Canoes from the westward brought a Quantity of Summer beaver skins they traded some brandy. one man a net making the other attending the gates."
Sept. 10
" Thursday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. John Ballenden employed working a net. traded with the Indians that came Yesterday. at night arrived one of the hunters brought an unskinned Beaver and a little dried provisions they traded some brandy."
Sept. 11
" Friday Wind Northerly a heavy Gale weather clear and Cloudy alternately. employed as Yesterday. traded with the Indians that arrived on Wednesday they brought about 260 made Beaver in Summer beaver."
Sept. 12
" Saturday Wind variable all round the Compafs light Breezes clear hot weather. employed working Sturgeon Nets and cleaning the Yards. John Irvin on Duty this day Andrew Corrigal and John Stickler still the same way."
Sept. 13
" Sunday Wind Northerly a heavy Gale weather part clear part Cloudy attended with showers of rain."
Sept. 14
" Monday Wind NW a stiff gale cloudy weather. two men employed working of nets myself working of Indians a little Debt. at night one Canoe from hunting arrived and brought the most part of 2 Green moose."
Sept. 15
" Tuesday Wind SE a middling Breeze clear hot weather. employed as Yesterday one Canoe of Indians arrived from hunting brought part of a Green moose and part dry we launched the boat to be in readinefs for bringing home firewood."
Sept. 16
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. employed in the boat bringing firewood. I was employed fitting out the Indians for their winter Quarters and 8 Canoes embarked. the lame people still the same way."
Sept. 17
" Thursday Wind SE a strong Gale clear weather. 3 men gathering firewood to the waterside. myself trusting the Indians some Debt and fitting them out for their winter Quarters 5 Canoes of them embarked."
Sept. 18
" Friday Wind Southerly a stiff Gale part Cloudy and part clear. employed as Yesterday. 5 Canoes of Indians embarked and 3 arrived brought a little half dried Moose flesh which they traded for brandy."
Sept. 19
" Saturday Wind Southerly a middling breeze clear and Cloudy alternately. employed bringing home firewood in the boat. the lame men still the same way. in the Evening I trusted the Indians Debt that arrived Yesterday and fitted them out for their winter Quarters. I made them small presents of Ammunition Tobacco and knives and some other small Articles as I have done to all the others that is gone off for their wintering Ground."
Sept. 20
" Sunday Wind Westerly a stiff Breeze clear hot weather. 5 Canoes of Indians embarked which is the last of them."
Sept. 21
" Monday Wind SE a fresh Gale cloudy weather with a drizzling rain in the Evening. employed bringing some firewood in the boat. at noon the 2 Canadians embarked for the South Branch House to Mr William Walker I served them out 6 Days provisions for their pafsage up I also gave them a tracking Line and Shoes and lent them a small kettle to be delivered to Mr Walker."
Sept. 22
" Tuesday Wind Southerly fore noon a light Breeze Cloudy weather with a mizzling rain afterwards varied round to NW a heavy Gale. employed falling firewood and Net working the lame still bad and not like to be better."
Sept. 23
" Wednesday Wind SW a fresh Gale part Cloudy part Clear. Moschettos troublesome. employed cutting firewood."
Sept. 24
" Thursday Wind NE a stiff Gale Cloudy weather with a mizzling rain. employed net working. Andrew Corrigal and John Stickler still the same way David Thompson mending a little still walking on Crutches."
Sept. 25
" Friday Wind and Weather as Yesterday employed cutting wood and net working. one Canoe arrived from the Northward brought 44 Geese 3 Beaver skins and 20 lbs of dried Moose flesh. they traded some brandy and went away."
Sept. 26
" Saturday Wind Wind Southerly a fresh Gale Cloudy weather with showers of rain in the forenoon clear fine weather in the Evening 2 men arrived from the South Branch House with the agreeable News of all being well in that Quarter. they brought some bark for building Canoes as also one hundred Pounds of fat. also 2 Indian Canoes arrived from the westward brought the most part of 4 Green Moose which they traded for Brandy and Ammunition and one of them embarked again the other stayed all night."
Sept. 27
" Sunday Wind Westerly a middling breeze clear weather. Those that came Yesterday embarked and 2 Canoes arrived from the Westward brought some furrs and a little Green meat they traded some brandy."
Sept. 28
" Monday Wind as Yesterday Cloudy weather with rain in the Morning afterwards clear hot weather. employed Net making and Wood Cutting. Traded with those that came Yesterday they brought 146 made beaver in Summer beaver and I made them a small present of Ammunition Tobacco, Brandy, Knives and other small Articles. 7 Canadians in one Canoe pafsed by on their pafsage to the South Branch."
Sept. 29
" Tuesday Wind Northerly a strong Gale cloudy weather with showers of snow. employed cutting firewood."
Sept.30
" Wednesday Wind SW a middling Breeze clear weather. employed as Yesterday. the Indians that arrived on Sunday embarked."
Oct. 1 1789
" Thursday Wind SW a fresh gale clear weather. employed rafting home firewood. the lame people still the same way."
Oct. 2
" Friday Wind Northerly a strong Gale clear weather till noon afterwards Calm. the people employed cutting firewood and net working."
Oct. 3
" Saturday Wind SE a fresh Gale clear weather. the people employed carrying firewood to the water side for rafting."
Oct. 4
" Sunday Wind Southerly a light breeze clear hot weather."
Oct. 5
" Monday Wind and Weather as Yesterday the people employed rafting home firewood set 3 Sturgeon nets in setting them we caught a Sturgeon that weighed 61 lbs which is the largest that I have seen caught in the nets."
Oct. 6
" Tuesday Wind SW a fresh Breeze clear weather. the people employed cutting and carrying firewood. the lame people still the same way. Caught 5 Sturgeon in the Nets. at night arrived an Indian Canoe brought some dried provisions and 10 Beaver skins."
Oct. 7
" Wednesday Wind Southerly a light Breeze clear fine weather. the people employed falling firewood. traded the little provisions and the beaver skins that was brought Yesterday. Arrived Mefs Hudson, Turnor, Stayner, & Isham accompanied by 8 more Englishmen in 3 Canoes Viz. Mitchell Oman, James Johnson, William Folster, John Sebaston, John Harper, John Johnson, William Tate and Charles Tufill de Lare with the packet from York Factory."
[Different date. Different writer.]
September 4 1789
" Friday At 1/2 past 8 AM embarked for Cumberland House in Company with Mefs Turnor, Isham and Stayner with 8 more Englishmen in three Canoes paddled about 12 miles then bent our tracking Lines and tracked our Canoes till 1/2 past 6 PM put up about 26 miles from York Factory in Hay's River called by the Indians Pen-nis-a-wich-a-wan. Wind Variable light airs Weather clear and warm."
Sept. 5
" Saturday At 1/4 past 4 AM we proceeded tracking the Canoes at 6 PM entered Steel River called by the Indians Aupeat Afsee pee. went about 2 miles put up a 1/4 before 7 PM Wind Southerly fresh Breezes at times Weather as Yesterday."
Sept. 6
" Sunday At 1/4 past 4 AM we proceeded and tracked 'till 6 PM put up in Steel River Wind SW a fresh Breeze Weather clear till 7 PM then a little rain."
Sept. 7
" Monday At 5 AM we proceeded up Steel River at 1/4 before 6 entered Chau-ha-te-naw Afsee-pee or Hill River tracked till 1/4 before 6 PM put up Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze weather clear till Evening then Cloudy."
Sept. 8
" Tuesday At 5 AM we proceeded tracking at 1/2 past PM finished tracking and came to the first Carrying place continued Paddling Leading and Carrying 'till 5 PM put up on the 2nd Carrying place to pitch our Canoes. Wind Easterly a small Breeze weather clear till Evening then Cloudy with a little Rain. one leading place."
Sept. 9
" Wednesday At 6 AM we proceeded as before 'till 7 PM put up on the 5th Carrying place. Wind Westerly a Gentle Breeze clear weather. 11 Leading places."
Sept. 10
" Thursday At 1/4 past 6 AM we proceeded as Yesterday 'till 1/2 past 5 PM put up on the last Carrying Place Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze weather clear and Cloudy alternate with rain towards Evening. 5 Carrying places and 11 Leading Places."
Sept. 11
" Friday At 1/2 past 6 AM we proceeded Paddling and Leading till 5 PM put up in Mushaho Saka-a-gan or Swampy Lake. wind NW a strong Breeze weather Cloudy with rain most part of the day. 14 Leading Places."
Sept. 12
" Saturday At 1/4 before 8 AM we proceeded paddling thro' the Swampy Lake at 1/2 past 10 entered Kin-a-su Mig-wap See pee or Jack Tent River continued paddling leading and Carrying till 1/4 before 7 PM put up at the Jack Tent. Wind W a hard Gale weather cloudy with rain in the Morning. 4 Carrying and 3 leading places."
Sept. 13
" Sunday At 1/4 past 5 AM we proceeded paddling up the Jack Tent River at 1/2 past 6 entered the Mas-he-che-quan Saka-a-gan ot Knee Lake continued Sailing and Paddling 'till 1/2 past 6 PM put up. Wind ENE a fresh Breeze Weather Cloudy with rain and Sleet all day."
Sept. 14
" Monday At 1/4 past 5 AM we proceeded thro' the Knee Lake at 1/4 past 6 entered Ne ma cuse See pee or Trout River continued Paddling Leading and Carrying 'till 6 PM put up at the Entrance of Pea-the-pow-wee-ne-pee or Deep water Lake. wind Northerly a fresh Breeze weather cloudy and Cold. 3 Carrying Places and Leading."
Sept. 15
" Tuesday Laying by the fore part of the day repairing one of our Canoes at 1/4 past 2 PM we proceeded paddling and Sailing till 7 PM put up about half thro' the Lake. wind SW a fresh Breeze weather Cloudy with Snow in the Morning afterwards a coninual of rain."
Sept. 16
" Wednesday At 1/2 past 5 AM we proceeded paddling and Sailing in the Lake. at 1/4 before 9 Entered Wa-pen-apannefs River so called from a point of Rocks where Indians usually angle for Pike. proceeded Paddling Carrying and Leading at 1/4 past 1 entered Waw-we-kee-mon Saka-a-gan or round Lake crofsed and at 1/4 past 2 entered Wau-pufs See-pee or Rabbet River continued Paddling 'till 1/4 before 6 put up at Wap-a-min-a-hago scow or white pine. Wind Variable between North and NW weather cloudy with rain alternately. 2 Carrying and 3 Leading Places."
Sept. 17
" Thursday At 1/2 past 5 AM we proceeded thro Wap-a-min-a-hago scow Saka-a-gan or White Pine Lake. at 1/4 past 7 came to the Hill Carrying Place or Chau-ha-ta-nau Une-cap carried over and continued Sailing at 1 PM came to the Wap-pa-tu-nisk Une-cap or White fall carrying place carried all over and at 4 PM put up to mend one of our Canoes which by accident on carrying got broke. Wind Easterly a fresh breeze Weather Cloudy."
Sept. 18
" Friday At 1/2 past 5 AM we proceeded Sailing thro' the Wap-pa-tunisk Saka-agan or White fall Lake at 1/4 before 9 came to 4 Tents of Indians part of which had brought up Goods from York Factory. put up with and traded some Liquor with them for Provisions. Wind East a Gentle Breeze Clear weather."
Sept. 19
" Saturday Employed mixing the Beat Meat and fat traded Yesterday for laying up till next Summer our Canoes being too deep loaded to carry it having taken in 6 Bundles of Trading Goods brought from York Factory by Indians as mentioned Yesterday as none of them will accompany us to Cumberland House. at 11 AM we proceeded up towards Ea che wa ma mus or height of the Land. at 1/4 past 2 PM came to the carrying place carried over and continued paddling down Ea-che-we-ma-mus River 'till 7 PM put up. Wind SW a Gentle Breeze weather clear and Cloudy alternately."
Sept. 20
" Sunday At 5 AM we proceeded paddling thro Ea-che-we-ma-mus River at 10 came to Mau tha che wan Saka-a-gan or Hair Lake at 1/2 past 3 PM came to Wine-peg See-pee or Sea River paddling 'till 1/4 before 8 PM put up on the Sea carrying place. Wind Westerly a heavy Gale Clear weather."
Sept. 21
" Monday At 6 AM we proceeded Sailing and paddling up Sea River. at 1/2 past 1 PM entered Wine-peg Saka-a-gan or Sea Lake at 1/2 past 2 PM entered Kin-a-su Seepee or Jack River. at 1/4 before 4 entered Bus-cus cogan or Play Green Lake. at 5 put up at the Play Green. Wind NE a fresh Breeze Weather Cloudy with Rain at Evening accompanied with Thunder and Lightning."
Sept. 22
" Tuesday At 1/2 past 7 AM we proceeded paddling thro' Bus cus cogan Saka a gan or Play Green Lake. at Noon entered Winnepeg Saka a gan or Sea Lake could not proceed for wind being SW blowing fresh weather Cloudy with thick Rain."
Sept. 23
" Wednesday Wind WSW a fresh Gale Weather clear and Cloudy Alternately could not proceed."
Sept. 24
" Thursday Wind Variable from WSW to North a fresh Gale Weather cloudy with rain at times could not proceed."
Sept. 25
" Friday At 1/4 past 5 AM we proceeded paddling till 1/2 past 7 was obliged to put ashore. Wind NW a strong Breeze and heavy swell in the Lake weather clear and cloudy alternately with showers of Snow at times."
Sept. 26
" Saturday At 20 minutes past 5 AM we proceeded paddling along the North Shore of the Sea Lake at 20 minutes after 7 PM put up. Wind variable between West and North Weather for the most part Clear."
Sept. 27
" Sunday At 1/4 before 5 AM we proceeded paddling as yesterday. At 5 PM arrived at the Pe chou Une cap or Long Fall went to the Carrying Place and carried our Canoes and Cargoes up the bank and put up. Wind Variable from North to West weather for the most part Cloudy."
Sept. 28
" Monday At 1/2 past 5 AM we begun Carrying at 2 PM got all over and put up being very much fatigued. Wind SW a small breeze weather clear and cloudy Alternately."
Sept. 29
" Tuesday Wind At 1/4 before 6 AM we proceeded up above the Long fall at noon entered Pa me che com mon or Crofs Lake the Current running different ways. at 2 PM came to the last carrying place carried over and continued paddling till 7 PM put up at A pis tu pe thou pan acuse a small River leading towards the Long fall at the narrow of Cedar Lake. 2 Carrying and 7 Leading places."
Sept. 30
" Wednesday Laying by all day Wind Westerly a hard Gale clear weather."
Oct. 1 1789
" Thursday At 1/2 past 12 AM we proceeded paddling thro' Mas-heiska Saka agan or Cedar Lake 'till 1/2 past 2 then put ashore. Wind SW a heavy Gale Weather Clear and Cloudy Alternately at 7 PM we proceeded and paddled 'till 1/4 after 9 was again obliged to put ashore Wind NW blew fresh clear Night."
Oct. 2
" Friday Laying by the wind blowing too hard NW till 1/2 past 6 PM being favorable we proceeded paddling and Sailing thro' the Cedar Lake till 2 AM put ashore to take a little rest."
Oct. 3
" Saturday At 6 AM we proceeded paddling and Sailing up a small River at 8 Entered a lake called As hippit askeak? wanish or a Sound as beating a Drum was heard on one of the Islands. at 1 PM entered the Branch of Saskachewan continued paddling till 6 PM put up wind SE a hard Gale Weather part Clear part Cloudy."
Oct. 4
" Sunday At 5 AM we proceeded paddling up Saskachewan River 'till 6 PM calm clear weather."
Oct. 5
" Monday At 5 AM we proceeded as Yesterday 'till 6 PM put up Wind E a small Breeze weather Clear."
Oct. 6
" Tuesday At 5 AM we proceeded as before till 6 PM put up a little short of the small River leading to Cumberland House. Wind West a fresh Gale Weather Clear."
Oct. 7
" Wednesday Wind SE a small Breeze weather clear. at 6 AM we proceeded paddling at 1/2 past 6 entered Tau-tus ki-che-wan or the Split River having many Branches leading to Pine Island Lake on the South side of which Cumberland House is situated. At 2 PM arrived safe thank God. found Mr Malchom Rofs in Charge and the following Persons Viz. David Thompson, John Irvin Senior, John Ballenden, James Flett Senior, James Flett Junior, Andrew Corrigal, John Stickler and William Haukland all well Except David Thompson bad with his Leg broke last Year John Stickler bad with a cut knee."
Oct. 8 [Says "September 8"]
" Thursday Wind SE a fresh Breeze Weather clear. the Men that arrived Yesterday getting ready to Embark for South Branch House with the Packett for Mr Walker. the rest Except David Thompson and John Stickler (the former lame from a broken Leg the other with a Cut knee) doing necefsary Duty. At night one Canoe arrived a few Furrs. took a Survey of the Trading Goods, Stores, Provisions &c and found every thing agree with the Account received from Mr Malchom Rofs took Charge 2 Men went to the nets 9 Sturgeon."
Oct. 9
" Friday Wind SE a fresh Breeze Weather as Yesterday. at Noon embarked 2 Canoes with 7 Englishmen for South Branch House Viz. Mr Stayner, Mitchell Oman, William Folster, John Sebaston, Andrew Corrigal, James Flett Junior and James Johnson. in the Morning 2 Canoes arrived brought some Green Meat and a few Beaver part of which they traded for Liquor the Men attending the Gates and taking care of the House."
Oct. 10 [Says "September 10"]
" Saturday Wind SE a fresh Breeze Weather clear. at Noon 4 Canoes arrived from the Northward brought some dried and Green Provisions also a few furrs. sent 2 men to the Nets took them up got 18 Sturgeon. the men employed getting a little Firewood and attending the Gates the Indians still drunk. In the afternoon sent Mr Isham and one Man to kill Geese."
Oct. 11
" Sunday Wind NW a small Breeze in the Morning and blowed fresh towards Noon Weather Clear and Cloudy alternately finished trading with the Indians and 4 Canoes went away."
Oct. 12
" Monday Wind Northerly weather Cloudy with smart Rain and blowed fresh. the Men employed putting by the provisions and tying up the furrs traded. Provisions traded as follows Half dried Meat 283 lbs, Fat 149 lbs, Beat Meat 60 lbs, Made Beaver 170. David Thompson and John Stickler much the same."
Oct. 13 [Says "September 13"]
" Tuesday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze weather Cloudy with rain most part of the day the Men employed within Doors."
Oct. 14
" Wednesday Wind Variable between ENE and ESE a gentle Breeze weather Cloudy and warm. 2 men fitting up a Cabbin for Mr Isham. Myself with Mefs Turnor and Rofs went with 2 Men to the Point above the House to look at the place cleared for to build a new House on the place I think will do very well the rest gathering firewood."
Oct. 15
" Thursday Wind NNE a fresh Breeze weather Cloudy. one man employed fixing a Desk for Mr Turnor one helving hatchets the rest employed cleaning the Yard and getting wood to erect a Tent for Cooking as the Cook Room is entirely rotten. at Night Mr Isham and his partner arrived from hunting brought 21 Ducks and 2 Geese."
Oct. 16
" Friday Wind NWest a fresh Breeze weather Cloudy with a little Snow at times. the Men employed gathering wood for Winter firing."
Oct. 17
" Saturday Wind SWest a Gentle Breeze Weather Cloudy with Rain at Evening. four Men erecting a Tent for Cooking the rest gathering and Cutting firewood."
Oct. 18
" Sunday Wind Northerly a hard Gale weather Cloudy with Snow all day."
Oct. 19
" Monday Wind and Weather the same as Yesterday. the men making their Winter Cloathing. David Thompson and John Stickler much the same."
Oct. 20
" Tuesday Wind Variable between NNE and West Weather Cloudy inclinable to Snow. two Men getting ready to go to the Point to fall and hew timber for building a new house the Quantity being insufficient the rest gathering firewood."
Oct. 21
" Wednesday Wind Variable from West to SEast a gentle Breeze Weather Cloudy with small snow at times. sent two men to the Point to fall timber also three to afsist them in pitching their Tent. the Taylor making Cloathing the rest got a little wood. At Noon one Canoe arrived brought a little dryed Provisions and a few Skins."
Oct. 22
" Thursday Wind SE a small Breeze weather Cloudy with Snow. Mefs Turner and Rofs went a hunting 2 ducks from them. the men employed getting Grafs for laying up Canoes."
Oct. 23
" Friday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze Weather Cloudy with Snow in the Morning. the Men employed laying up the Canoes to keep the frost from Splitting the Birch Rind. Traded with those that arrived on Wednesday and they went away."
Oct. 24
" Saturday Wind SE a gentle Breeze weather Cloudy with a little Snow. the men employed Gathering and cutting firewood. at Night one Canoe arrived brought 31 Geese 2 Ducks and 1 fresh Beaver. Mefs Turnor and Rofs went a hunting 4 Ducks from them."
Oct. 25
" Sunday Wind SSW a small Breeze Weather Cloudy 'till Evening then Clear and Calm. the Canoe that arrived yesterday night went away."
Oct. 26
" Monday Wind West and WNW a fresh Breeze 'till Evening then calm weather for the most part Clear. David Thompson much the same. John Stckler still lame with a cut knee. the Men fetching home firewood for the winter with the Boat. Mefs Rofs and Isham went a hunting."
Oct. 27
" Tuesday Wind SE and SE by S a fresh Gale weather Cloudy. the men employed gathering Firewood."
Oct. 28
" Wednesday Wind ESE and SSW a fresh Breeze weather Cloudy. the men employed gathering firewood for the Winter. In the Evening Mefs Isham and Rofs returned no Geese or Ducks to be seen. also one Indian man and his Wife arrived in one Canoe brought 2 Green Beaver and 2 Otters Skins."
Oct. 29
" Thursday Wind SSW a fresh Breeze weather clear and Cloudy alternate the men employed as Yesterday."
Oct. 30
" Friday Wind WNW a hard Gale weather clear with a little frost. Employed as before."
Oct. 31
" Saturday Wind W by N a fresh Breeze weather Cloudy and Cold. the Men carrying home and cutting firewood. the Lake set fast last night."
Nov. 1 1789
" Sunday Wind NW a fresh Breeze weather Cloudy inclinable to Snow."
Nov. 2
" Monday Wind SW and West a small Breeze clear Day. Mefs Isham and Rofs lining Nets. the Taylor at work for the Men. two Men at the wood falling Timber for Building. David Thompson much the Same. John Stickler something better. the rest gathering and cutting wood."
Nov. 3
" Tuesday Wind SE a East a gentle Breeze weather for the most Cloudy. the men employed gathering firewood. Mefs Isham and Rofs working at a Beaver House killed one Beaver. 8 Pheasants from Mr Turnor."
Nov. 4
" Wednesday Wind E by N and East a small Breeze weather Cloudy with light Snow. the men employed gathering firewood."
Nov. 5
" Thursday Wind Variable between East and North a fresh Breeze Weather Cloudy with Snow. employed gathering firewood. At noon the Men that are falling Timber pieces came home for Provisions. one Wolf."
Nov. 6
" Friday Wind NNW and West a fresh Breeze weather Cloudy. the two Men returned to their Tent the rest gathering firewood. 1 Rabbit and 2 Pheasants from Mr Turnor 2 Martins from my Traps."
Nov. 7
" Saturday Wind SSW and ESE a small Breeze Weather clear and Cloudy alternate. Sent two Men to look if the Ice be strong enough to set the Nets report it is. the rest cut wood. four Rabbits."
Nov. 8
" Sunday Wind ESE and West a small breeze Weather Cloudy."
Nov. 9
" Monday Wind East a small breeze weather for the most part cloudy. Sent five men to set four Sturgeon Nets. two men falling Timber and squaring Do. David Thompson much the same as before. John Stickler something better. one man cutting firewood. four Rabbits and one Pheasant from Mr Turnor one Beaver from Mr Isham and three Martins from my Traps."
Nov. 10
" Tuesday Wind North a fresh Breeze weather Cloudy with Snow and drift. the Taylor at work for Mr Turnor the rest cut firewood."
Nov. 11
" Wednesday Wind S by W a small breeze weather part clear part Cloudy. sent five men to the Nets to overhaul them and to set two more returned with only one Sturgeon and one Pike. the Taylor employed in his way. Mefs Isham and Rofs working at a Beaver House killed one Beaver 2 Partridges from Mr Turnor."
Nov. 12
" Thursday Wind between South and West variable a Gentle Breeze weather cloudy fore part latter part clear. Employed shovling snow and cutting firewood. 3 Partridges from Mr Isham."
Nov. 13
" Friday Wind SW and West a fresh breeze weather fore part Cloudy with Snow. towards Evening Clear. the men employed cutting and carrying home firewood."
Nov. 14
" Saturday Wind Wind West a Gentle Breeze weather clear and pretty cold. sent 5 Men to the Nets 10 Sturgeon and 1 Pike."
Nov. 15
" Sunday Wind Westerly a smart Breeze weather clear and cold."
Nov. 16
" Monday Wind variable between SSW and West a fresh Breeze weather cloudy with Snow in the forenoon afternoon clear. two men falling timber the taylor at work for the men the rest employed cutting firewood. David Thompson and John Stickler still lame."
Nov. 17
" Tuesday Wind South and ESE a small Breeze weather clear. Sent five men to the nets 4 Sturgeon and 2 Pike. the Taylor as before. Mefs Isham and Rofs taking a Beaver House."
Nov. 18
" Wednesday Wind South and SSE a small Breeze weather fore part clear latter part Cloudy. Employed cutting firewood 8 Partridges from Mr Turnor."
Nov. 19
" Thursday Wind SE and S by W a fresh Breeze weather fore part Cloudy latter part clear and warm. one man making shovels. the taylor as before the rest cut firewood. Mefs Isham and Rofs killed 3 Whole and 3 half Beaver also 6 Partridges and 2 Rabbets from Mr Turnor."
Nov. 20
" Friday Wind N by W and North a fresh breeze in the morning towards Evening calm weather cloudy 'till Evening then clear. sent 4 men to the Nets 4 Sturgeon and 2 Pike. the Taylor at work for Mr Turnor. one man cut a little wood. 3 Partridges from Mr Turnor."
Nov. 21
" Saturday Wind East and South light Airs Weather cloudy. employed cutting firewood."
Nov. 22
" Sunday Wind ESE and SE by E a small Breeze weather cloudy and warm."
Nov. 23
" Monday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. two men falling and squaring timber. the Taylor employed in his way David Thompson and John Stickler still lame sent 5 Men to the Nets 6 Sturgeon 6 Partridges from Mr Turnor."
Nov. 24
" Tuesday Wind WSW and NW a gentle Breeze cloudy rimy weather. Sent 3 men to fetch Birch for Sleds the Taylor as before the rest cut firewood."
Nov. 25
" Wednesday Wind North and NNE a small Breeze employed cutting firewood."
Nov. 26
" Thursday Wind East a small Breeze weather cloudy sent five men to the Nets 4 Sturgeon 1 Pike and 1 Trout. one man employed lining a birch log for Sleds. 3 Partridges from Mr Turnor."
Nov. 27
" Friday Wind East a fresh Breeze weather cloudy with small snow. two men Sawing Birch for Sleds the Taylor as before the rest cut firewood."
Nov. 28
" Saturday Wind SE a gentle Breeze weather Cloudy. two men at the Pit saw cutting Birch Boards for Sleds the rest as Yesterday."
Nov. 29
" Sunday Wind Wind SSW a gentle Breeze weather clear."
Nov. 30
" Monday Wind ESE and ENE a small Breeze weather cloudy with light snow. David Thompson and John Stickler still lame tho' much better the Taylor employed in his way two Men falling Timber and Squaring Do. the rest went to the Nets 9 Sturgeon and 1 Pike 5 Partridges from Mr Turnor."
Dec. 1 1789
" Tuesday Wind ENE and E by S little wind cloudy weather. two men sawing boards the Taylor as before the rest cut firewood 5 Partridges from Mr Turnor."
Dec. 2
" Wednesday Calm Cloudy weather with light Snow the Men employed cutting firewood."
Dec. 3
" Thursday Wind S by W a small Breeze weather clear sent four men to the Nets 5 Sturgeon and 2 Pike the taylor at work for the Men the rest cut firewood."
Dec. 4
" Friday Wind Variable from S by W to NE first part little wind latter part a fresh Breeze weather clear and cloudy alternate. two men Sawing Boards the rest cut firewood. In the Evening a Canadian whose name is Joeseph Laundre came to the House to be employed in your honors service he left his Master a Mr Mckenzie the beginning of last Summer. since that time he has lived by himself upon fish caught with a hook at the Beaver Lake about 3 Days paddle rom this place. he tells me he can build Canoes and is acquainted with the road to the Northward having been Steersman of a Canoe Eleven Years seven of which he has been to the Northward in Case he agrees to terms I am of opinion he will be serviceable on the Northern Expedition I have permitted him to reside here 'till I see Mr Walker in the Spring 8 Partridges from Mr Turnor."
Dec. 5
" Saturday Wind NE by E small Breeze weather clear above with low Rime. two men at the pit saw the rest cut firewood 1 Partridge from Mr Turnor."
Dec. 6
" Sunday Wind NE by E Light Airs weather clear and pretty sharp."
Dec. 7
" Monday Wind SW a small Breeze weather cloudy. two men falling timber the taylor at work for the men. sent 4 Men to the Nets 12 Sturgeon and 2 Pike the rest cut a little firewood. In the Evening two Indian men a Lad and woman arrived from the Eastward and Brought some Green Beaver flesh and a triffle of Furrs."
Dec. 8
" Tuesday Wind East a small Breeze weather cloudy with light Snow. the men employed cutting firewood. traded with the Indians that arrived yesterday and they went away received 150 lbs green Beavers flesh and 5 unskinned also 12 beaver in furrs."
Dec. 9
" Wednesday Wind SE a gentle Breeze weather cloudy. Sent the two Canadians away to trap Martins the rest as Yesterday."
Dec. 10
" Thursday Wind SE a fresh Breeze at times weather clear and cloudy alternate. sent 4 men to the Nets 7 Sturgeon one pike and one Tickameg."
Dec. 11
" Friday Wind SE a fresh Breeze weather clear employed cutting and carrying home firewood."
Dec. 12
" Saturday Wind S by W and SW a small Breeze weather clear and cloudy Alternate employed cutting firewood."
Dec. 13
" Sunday Wind West and NW a fresh Breeze weather clear. In the Evening one Indian man arrived for men to fetch meat."
Dec. 14
" Monday Wind ESE a middling Breeze weather clear. two men falling timber the taylor at work for the Men. sent 4 men to fetch meat. two trapping. John Stickler and David Thompson still lame tho' much recovered."
Dec. 15
" Tuesday Wind ESE at times blow fresh weather clear and cloudy alternate. In the Evening the men returned brought a buck Moose and part of a Doe. they brought account of most part of two Doe moose to fetch home. Mefs Isham and Rofs and one Man went to the Nets brought 21 Sturgeon one Pike and one Trout."
Dec. 16
" Wednesday Wind West and WNW a fresh Gale weather clear 'till night then cloudy. Sent 4 men to fetch meat the Taylor at work for the men Mefs Isham and Rofs at work on a Beaver House."
Dec. 17
" Thursday Wind W by S and NW a small breeze weather clear and cold. at 10 PM the men returned from fetching Meat brought most part of two Doe Moose the rest as on Monday."
Dec. 18
" Friday Wind SEbE a hard Gale weather cloudy the Taylor at work for the Men the rest cut firewood."
Dec. 19
" Saturday Wind NW a gentle Breeze weather clear sent 4 men to the Nets 9 Sturgeon 2 Pike and one Trout. the two men that was falling and squaring timber came home they have falled and squared 50 pieces."
Dec. 20
" Sunday Wind SE and NbW little wind weather clear and warm."
Dec. 21
" Monday Wind SW and ESE a small Breeze cloudy weather inclinable to snow. sent 4 Men to the Nets 6 Sturgeon and 1 Pike the rest cut firewood."
Dec. 22
" Tuesday Wind NW a small Breeze clear sky with low rime. Employed cutting firewood."
Dec. 23
" Wednesday Wind SE by E little wind weather clear and cloudy alternate employed as Yesterday."
Dec. 24
" Thursday Wind Wind S by E and W by S a fresh breeze at times weather as Yesterday. the men employed cutting firewood and looking at the Nets 6 Sturgeon and 1 Pike. in the Evening 2 Indian men 1 Lad and 1 woman arrived from the Eastward brought a furrs and some provisions to trade."
Dec. 25
" Friday Wind East and NW a fresh breeze weather cloudy with snow at times. traded with the Indians and they went away. received 120 made Beaver and 60 lbs of half dried moose."
Dec. 26
" Saturday Wind NW a small breeze weather cloudy with snow at times."
Dec. 27
" Sunday Wind East and NW a fresh breeze cloudy with light snow."
Dec. 28
" Monday Wind SbW and E by N a small breeze inclinable to snow sent 4 men to the Nets 9 Sturgeon and 1 Cod."
Dec. 29
" Tuesday Wind Easterly a gentle breeze weather cloudy with thick rime. 3 men employed digging a Grave for a Child that died last night."
Dec. 30
" Wednesday Wind SSW and SEast a small Breeze weather clear and cloudy at times."
Dec. 31
" Thursday Wind ESE a gentle Breeze weather clear and cloudy at times. sent 5 men to the Nets 8 Sturgeon and 2 Pike. At noon 3 Indian men 2 Lads and 2 Women arrived from the westward brought some furrs and provisions to trade."
Jan. 1 1790
" Friday Wind ESE a gentle Breeze weather Cloudy."
Jan. 2
" Saturday Wind NNW light Airs clear cold weather. traded with the Indians and made them small presents as Encouragement to come again. tied up the furs traded and weighed the provisions received 145 made Beaver and 400 lbs half dried meat 70 lbs of fat and 40 lbs Beat meat."
Jan. 3
" Sunday Wind West a gentle breeze weather clear and cold. at Noon the Indians went away."
Jan. 4
" Monday Wind WSW a gentle breeze weather clear and cold. sent Mefs Isham and Rofs away to the Indians to tent with two men I have employed to hunt. the men employed cutting firewood."
Jan. 5
" Tuesday Wind SSW a gentle Breeze weather clear and cold. sent the men to the Nets 10 Sturgeon 4 Pike 2 Cod and 1 Tickameg."
Jan. 6
" Wednesday Wind WNW and SSW blowed fresh cloudy weather inclinable to Snow. the Taylor at work for Trade the rest cut firewood."
Jan. 7
" Thursday Wind SW a fresh Gale weather cloudy with snow 'till Evening then clear employed as Yesterday."
Jan. 8
" Friday Wind NWbN a hard Gale weather clear and cloudy alternate and cold with thick drift employed as before."
Jan. 9
" Saturday Wind WSW a hard Gale in the morning towards Evening more moderate weather clear and cloudy alternate. the men as before. In the Evening 2 Indian men arrived brought a few furrs to trade also Charles the Canadian came home for provisions he informs me he and his partner have caught 16 Martins."
Jan. 10
" Sunday Wind WbS a gentle Breeze weather clear at times. traded with the Indians that arrived yesterday and they went away also two Indians arrived for men to fetch meat."
Jan. 11
" Monday Wind variable from WNW to East little wind weather clear. sent 4 men away with the Indians to fetch meat the rest at the Nets 9 Sturgeon 2 Trout and 1 Pike."
Jan. 12
" Tuesday Wind East a fresh breeze weather cloudy with Snow and Drift. the Taylor at work for Mr Turnor the rest cut firewood."
Jan. 13
" Wednesday Wind NW a fresh breeze weather clear. the taylor at work for trade the rest cut firewood. at Noon the men returned that went to fetch meat brought 2 Doe moose weight 450 lbs."
Jan. 14
" Thursday Wind ENE and SE a fresh breeze with Snow and drift. one Man repairing sleds the Taylor as before the rest cut firewood."
Jan. 15
" Friday Wind NWbW a fresh breeze weather forepart cloudy latter part clear employed as before."
Jan. 16
" Saturday Wind NWbW a small breeze weather cloudy inclinable to snow employed as before. In the Evening two Indian men arrived from the Northward brought a few furrs to trade."
Jan. 17
" Sunday Wind WSW a moderate breeze weather clear and cold traded with the Indians."
Jan. 18
" Monday Wind SW by W a fresh Gale a times weather clear. the Taylor at work for trade. one man repairing Sleds the rest cut firewood. David Thompson's Leg rather worse. finished trading with the Indians and they went away. tyed up the furrs traded received 120 made beaver."
Jan. 19
" Tuesday Wind SW and West a fresh breeze weather clear. Sent 7 Men to the Nets 7 Pike 15 Sturgeon. one man ailing. at noon an Indian man arrived for men to fetch meat."
Jan. 20
" Wednesday Wind WSW a fresh breeze weather clear with low drift. sent 3 men away with the Indian to fetch meat the rest cut firewood."
Jan. 21
" Thursday Wind NE a fresh breeze weather cloudy and clear alternate. the men employed cutting firewood. In the Evening the men returned from fetching meat brought one Doe moose weight 313 lbs."
Jan. 22
" Friday Wind Southerly a gentle breeze weather part clear part cloudy. sent 5 men to the Nets 4 Sturgeon. the men that went for meat resting themselves. In the Evening an Indian man arrived for men to fetch meat."
Jan. 23
" Saturday Wind SE a fresh Breeze weather cloudy with snow. sent 4 men with 5 Sleds to fetch meat with the Indian that arrived Yesterday. the taylor at work for trade the rest cut firewood. In the Evening an Indian man and his wife arrived for men to fetch meat."
Jan. 24
" Sunday Wind SW a hard Gale weather cloudy with snow and Drift. In the Evening the Indian man and his wife went away."
Jan. 25
" Monday Wind NW a hard Gale weather clear and cold. at noon the men returned that went for meat brough a Doe moose weight 270 lbs also 6 Green Beaver. the men at home employed cutting firewood."
Jan. 26
" Tuesday Wind NW a fresh Gale weather clear. sent 3 men to fetch meat those that arrived yesterday resting themselves traded with the Indian that arrived yesterday received 64 made beaver."
Jan. 27
" Wednesday Wind SW weather clear the men employed cutting firewood. at noon the men returned brought a Doe moose weight 300 lbs. In the morning the Indian that arrived on Monday went away."
Jan. 28
" Thursday wind NE a fresh breeze with cloudy weather snow and Drift. Employed within doors."
Jan. 29
" Friday Wind Westerly a fresh breeze at times weather fore part clear latter part cloudy. sent 6 men to the Nets 7 Sturgeon 3 Pike 2 Trout and 2 Cod the others cutting firewood. In the Evening Mr Isham and one Indian Lad arrived for men to fetch meat."
Jan. 30
" Saturday Wind variable between South and SW weather cloudy. sent 4 Men with 4 Dogs and 4 Sleds away with Mr Isham to fetch meat. one man looking out for birch for Sleds. the Taylor at work for trade the rest cut firewood In the Evening one Indian man and his family arrived not being able to travel with his tentmates on account of his Leg being sore in the Summer of 1789 a stick run into his Leg which he very much neglected and now is likely to turn to a bad Leg in consequence of his neglect having a very large Quantity of proud flesh I applyed blue Vitriol and other things to the best of my knowledge."
Jan. 31
" Sunday Wind Westerly a small breeze weather clear and sharp at sun set the men returned brought 420 lbs the most part of a doe moose."
Feb. 1 1790
" Monday Wind SW a fresh breeze weather clear with low drift. the men that arrived Yesterday resting themselves. sent 3 men to fetch a birch log for sleds. the taylor employed making coats for trade. David Thompson's Leg still bad."
Feb. 2
" Tuesday Wind SW a fresh breeze weather clear and warm. sent 5 men to the Nets 1 Sturgeon. two men sawing boards for sleds the taylor as before."
Feb. 3
" Wednesday Wind NW by W a fresh Gale with drift weather clear. two men sawing boards for sleds the taylor as before the rest cut firewood."
Feb. 4
" Thursday Wind Westerly a fresh breeze weather clear. two men making sleds the rest cut firewood except the taylor employed as before. At noon one Indian man one Lad and two women arrived from the westward brought a few furrs to trade."
Feb. 5
" Friday Wind SW a fresh breeze. sent 6 men to the nets 4 Sturgeon and 1 Pike. one man planing boards for sleds the taylor as before. finished trading with those that arrived yesterday received 130 made beaver."
Feb. 6
" Saturday Wind Westerly a moderate breeze weather part clear part cloudy. the Taylor at work for the men the rest cut firewood. In the Evening those that arrived on Thursday went away."
Feb. 7
" Sunday Wind NW a hard Gale weather clear and cold. In the Evening an Indian man and one woman arrived from the Northward brought a few furrs."
Feb. 8
" Monday Wind W by N a fresh Gale weather clear. the taylor at work for the men two men turning heads for sleds the rest getting firewood. traded with those that arrived yesterday received 30 made beaver."
Feb. 9
" Tuesday Wind SEbW a moderate breeze weather clear and sharp. sent two men with the Indians that arrived on Sunday to fetch 3 bundles of furrs. one man planing of boards for sleds the rest cut firewood. In the Evening an Indian man a lad and 2 women arrived brought a few furrs and a little provisions."
Feb. 10
" Wednesday Wind Westerly a gentle breeze weather as yesterday. the people employed as before. traded with those that arrived yesterday Evening received 60 lbs half dried meat 5 green beaver and 20 made beaver in furrs."
Feb. 11
" Thursday Wind SE a gentle breeze weather clear and mild. sent 5 men to the Nets one Sturgeon and 1 Pike the taylor at work for the men. the men returned that went with the Indians on Tuesday brought 4 small bundles of furrs."
Feb. 12
" Friday Wind and Weather much the same as Yesterday. one planing boards for sleds the taylor as before the rest cut firewood."
Feb. 13
" Saturday Wind SSW a small breeze weather cloudy and warm. two men turning sled heads the rest cut firewood."
Feb. 14
" Sunday Wind SbW and SSE light Airs weather clear."
Feb. 15
" Monday Wind SSW a small breeze weather clear one man planing boards for sleds the taylor at work for the men. sent 4 men to the nets one Sturgeon and 2 pike. at Noon 2 Indian men with their families arrived from the Northward those the men brought the 4 bundles of furrs mentioned on Thursday David Thompson writing."
Feb. 16
" Tuesday Wind SSW a gentle breeze weather part clear part cloudy. sent 2 men away to trap Martins the rest getting firewood. In the Evening one Indian man and a lad arrived from the westward for men to fetch meat also brought a few furrs. traded a little brandy with him and those that arrived yesterday."
Feb. 17
" Wednesday Wind NW a fresh breeze weather clear. sent 3 men away with the Indian that arrived yesterday to fetch meat. one man sewing bars on sleds the taylor as before the rest cut firewood. finished trading with those that arrived ? received about 120 made beaver."
Feb. 18
" Thursday Wind ESE a fresh breeze weather cloudy inclinable to snow. the men employed cutting firewood. In the Evening the men returned that went for Meat brought 370 lbs."
Feb. 19
" Friday Wind SW a small breeze weather clear. sent two men to fetch meat the rest cut a little firewood. at night two Indian men and 3 women arrived brought a few furrs."
Feb. 20
" Saturday Wind SE a fresh Gale weather cloudy. sent one man to look for birch for wedges for the prefs the rest cut firewood. at Noon the men returned that went for Meat brought 200 lbs."
Feb. 21
" Sunday Wind NW a fresh Gale weather cloudy with a little snow."
Feb. 22
" Monday Wind WNW and South weather clear with a gentle breeze. sent 4 men to fetch birch for wedges for the prefs. one man repairing sleds. two men trapping. two tenting with the Indians. the taylor at work for trade. the rest sewing Canvas ready for packing bundles."
Feb. 23
" Tuesday Wind SE by E a fresh Gale weather cloudy with thick snow the men employed variously indoors."
Feb. 24
" Wednesday Wind NWbN a fresh Gale weather cloudy in the Morning towards Evening clear. one of the Indian men mentioned on 19th Ultimo went a hunting killed 3 Moose the men employed as Yesterday."
Feb. 25
" Thursday Wind NW and NbW a gentle breeze weather part cloudy part clear. sent 3 men to fetch meat returned with one Doe moose and one young beast. the taylor at work for trade the rest cut firewood. In the Evening an Indian man arrived for men to fetch meat."
Feb. 26
" Friday Wind NbW and ENE weather cloudy and clear alternate. sent 3 men away with the Indians that arrived yesterday to fetch meat also those that arrived the 15th and 19th Ultimo went away the rest of the men employed cutting firewood."
Feb. 27
" Saturday Wind NW by W a small breeze weather clear. the men at home employed as Yesterday. In the Evening the men returned that went for meat yesterday brought 5 sled loads weight 520 lbs."
Feb. 28
" Sunday Wind NW a small breeze weather clear. two men went to fetch meat."
Mar. 1 1790
" Monday Wind Westerly a small breeze weather clear. sent 6 men to the nets one pike and one Trout also brought home two Nets entirely rotten. in the Evening the men returned that went for meat Yesterday brought 400 lbs."
Mar. 2
" Tuesday Wind and Weather much the same as Yesterday the taylor at work for the men the rest cut firewood."
Mar. 3
" Wednesday Wind NW a small breeze weather clear and mild. the men employed as Yesterday. In the Evening one Indian Lad arrived from the Southward for men to fetch furrs."
Mar. 4
" Thursday Wind Variable from west to East light breezes weather clear. sent two men away with the Indian that arrived Yesterday. two men working a sturgeon net. the taylor at work for the men the rest cut firewood."
Mar. 5
" Friday Wind NE a fresh breeze weather inclinable to Cloudy and cold. the men employed as Yesterday. In the Evening the men returned brought 6 bundles of Furrs and 3 parcels of half dried meat."
Mar. 6
" Saturday Wind NW a fresh breeze weather clear and cold. two men lining nets the rest cut firewood. In the Morning two Indian men three Lads and three women arrived from the Southward those the Men brought the furrs from Yesterday traded some Liquor with them."
Mar. 7
" Sunday Wind and Weather much the same as Yesterday."
Mar. 8
" Monday Wind SE a small breeze weather most part cloudy. sent 6 men to the Nets 2 Pike and 1 Sturgeon. the taylor at work for the men. 2 men tenting with Indians. 2 trapping."
Mar. 9
" Tuesday Wind SE a fresh breeze weather as Yesterday. the men employed cutting firewood tied up the furrs traded received 156 made beaver and 60 lbs half dried meat."
Mar. 10
" Wednesday Wind SSW a gentle breeze weather cloudy employed cutting firewood."
Mar. 11
" Thursday Wind SSW and North a gentle breeze weather part clear part cloudy employed as Yesterday."
Mar. 12
" Friday Wind WNW and NW a small breeze weather clear the men cut firewood."
Mar. 13
" Saturday Wind NW and North a gentle breeze weather clear and cloudy alternate employed as before. a blue fly seen to day."
Mar. 14
" Sunday Wind ESE and East light Airs weather cloudy with light snow. In the Morning 2 Indian men arrived from the westward brought a few furrs to trade."
Mar. 15
" Monday Wind East a small breeze weather clear. sent 4 Men to gather pitch. the Taylor at work for trade the rest cut firewood. traded with the Indians received 50 made beaver and 10 Green beaver. David Thompson writing."
Mar. 16
" Tuesday Wind West a small breeze part Clear part cloudy weather. sent the men to the Nets 4 Pike 1 Sturgeon and 1 Trout. at noon the Indians mentioned on the 6th and 13th Instant went away."
Mar. 17
" Wednesday Wind SEbS weather cloudy inclinable to snow. the men cut firewood. at Noon two Indian men and two women arrived from the westward brought a few furrs and Green beaver. Traded some Liquor with them."
Mar. 18
" Thursday Wind EbN a small breeze weather clear the men employed as Yesterday. the Indians still trading Liquor. at Noon an Indian woman and a Girl arrived brought 7 Green beaver which they traded and went away."
Mar. 19
" Friday Wind East and ENE little wind cloudy weather with light snow finished trading with the Indians and they went away received 130 made beaver in furrs and 10 Green beaver. the men cut firewood. In the Evening the men returned that went for pitch brought 5 8 Gallon Kegs full."
Mar. 20
" Saturday Wind Wind SW a small breeze weather cloudy with snow at times. the men employed cutting firewood."
Mar. 21
" Sunday Wind NW a small breeze weather clear."
Mar. 22
" Monday Wind SSW a gentle breeze clear weather. the Taylor at work for the men the rest cut firewood."
Mar. 23
" Tuesday Wind SSW a fresh Gale weather clear till Evening then cloudy with a little snow. 2 men sawing birch for wedges the rest cut firewood."
Mar. 24
" Wednesday Wind NWbN a hard Gale weather cloudy till Evening then clear the men cut firewood."
Mar. 25
" Thursday Wind SbW and North a Gentle breeze weather clear and cloudy alternate with snow employed as before."
Mar. 26
" Friday Wind NW by W a gentle breeze weather clear. 2 getting Gunnels for a Canoe. sent 4 men to the nets 4 Sturgeon and 1 pike. the taylor making cloathing."
Mar. 27
" Saturday Wind SW a small breeze weather clear till Evening then cloudy. the men employed cutting firewood. In the Evening 2 Indians arrived from the westward brought a few furrs to trade."
Mar. 28
" Sunday Wind NW and South a small breeze weather clear traded with the Indians and they went away."
Mar. 29
" Monday Wind NW and SSE a small breeze weather clear. sent 3 men away to get wood work for building a Canoe. the taylor employed as usual the rest cut firewood."
Mar. 30
" Tuesday Wind ESE a fresh breeze weather cloudy. sent 4 men to the nets 4 Sturgeon and 1 pike."
Mar. 31
" Wednesday Wind East a small breeze weather cloudy with snow. the men employed cutting firewood. at Noon Mefs Rofs and Isham came home. also the 2 men that was trapping had but very little Succefs."
Apr. 1 1790
" Thursday Wind SSW a small breeze weather clear till Evening then cloudy. sent 3 men to fetch birch for wedges the rest cut a little wood."
Apr. 2
" Friday Wind Easterly a fresh breeze 'till Evening then calm. sent 4 men to the nets 2 pike. at noon the men came home that went away for wooden work they have got enough for 1 Canoe."
Apr. 3
" Saturday Wind North a hard Gale with snow and drift the men cut a little firewood."
Apr. 4
" Sunday Wind NW a fresh breeze weather clear."
Apr. 5
" Monday Wind NW a small breeze weather clear. one man making wedges. sent 4 men to fetch home timbers and splinters for Canoes. 4 men went to the nets 1 Sturgeon. the taylor at work for the men. David Thompson writing."
Apr. 6
" Tuesday Wind SE a small breeze weather fore part cloudy latter part clear. one man making wedges for the prefs. the taylor as before the rest cut firewood. at noon 3 Indian men with their families arrived brought a few furrs and 9 green beaver traded a little liquor with them."
Apr. 7
" Wednesday Wind NW a middling breeze weather fore part cloudy latter part clear. 2 men making wedges and mallet helves for packing. the taylor as before. the rest sewing Canoes for carrying the bundles by. In the Morning one Indian man and his wife arrived from the Southward brought a few furrs. also 3 Indian men and one woman arrived from the Eastward brought some furrs and half dried provisions. traded some liquor with them. a Swan seen to Day."
Apr. 8
" Thursday Wind Easterly a moderate breeze weather clear and cloudy alternate. the Indians still trading liquor. one man attending the Gates. the taylor as before. one man bad with sore Eyes the rest cut firewood."
Apr. 9
" Friday Wind ESE a gentle breeze weather fore part clear latter part cloudy. sent 4 men to the Nets 1 Sturgeon and 1 pike. 2 men getting Gunnels and side pieces for canoe building. one man bad with sore Eyes. the taylor as before. finished trading with the Indians and most part of them went away received made beaver 170 half dried meat 160 lbs fat 30 lbs green beaver 14. also Joseph Laundre went away with the Indians. he thinking- he would live best with them."
Apr. 10
" Saturday Wind Easterly a fresh breeze weather for the most part cloudy inclinable to snow. employed cutting firewood."
Apr. 11
" Sunday Wind Variable light breezes weather clear."
Apr. 12
" Monday Wind ENE and NE by N a hard Gale weather cloudy with thick snow at noon and drift. sent 4 men to the nets 1 Sturgeon. the taylor at work for the men. 3 men fetching home wood for Gunnels for Canoes. David Thompson writing."
Apr. 13
" Tuesday Wind WNW a hard Gale with drift weather cloudy. the men employed cutting firewood and planing wood work for Canoes."
Apr. 14
" Wednesday Wind Westerly fresh breeze Clear weather. 2 men at work at timbers for a Canoe the others cutting firewood &c."
Apr. 15
" Thursday Wind NE light breeze and Clear. the people as Yesterday. an Indian man came in for a supply of Powder and Shot."
Apr. 16
" Friday Wind WSW light breeze and Clear. 2 men at work preparing wood work for a Canoe the others at the Nets; cutting firewood &c."
Apr. 17
" Saturday Wind NW light breeze and clear. 2 men at work planing wood work for a Canoe. the rest cut firewood. the Indian of the 15th went away and 2 Indian women came in from the North Westward brought a few furrs."
Apr. 18
" Sunday Wind Northerly fresh breeze and Clear. the Indians of Yesterday went away."
Apr. 19
" Monday Wind Northerly clear cold weather. 3 men at work at the wood work for a Canoe. the others taking up the Nets got 3 Sturgeon.
At 8:42 Minutes PM Mr George Hudson departed this World in a sudden kind of a Manner he had for some weeks past been much indisposed in the latter end of last Month his legs began to swell violently and never settled down but began to swell about the belly and breast with a dropsical appearance but not so as to confine him to his bed untill 18th Instant when he said he would lay and indulge himself. about the last 7 Days he had a violent Cough which at last took him suddenly and carried him off almost instantaneously without a struggle."
Apr. 20
" Tuesday Wind NE light breeze and clear. 2 men making a coffin. one making a net for small fish. the others variously employed. Mefs Philip Turnor, Charles Isham and Malcolm Rofs taking an overhaul of the Trading Goods &c and found only about 1 Quart of Brandy in the House which will lay the affairs of this place under very disagreeable Circumstances: after finishing the overhaul Malcolm Rofs took the Charge of the place upon him."
" By Mr Malcolm Rofs"
Apr. 21
" Wednesday Wind SSW a middling breeze clear weather thawed a little. the people employed digging a Grave for the deceased Body of Mr George Hudson and at Noon buried him with the usual Ceremony."
Apr. 22
" Thursday Wind Variable all round the Compafs with middling stiff breezes clear and cloudy at times. Mr Philip Turnor a hunting but no Succefs. Mr Charles Isham and 2 men with him getting wood work for a middling sized Canoe the others employed variously."
Apr. 23
" Friday Wind Northerly a fresh breeze fore part Cloudy with snow latter part clear. 3 men with Mr Isham fetching home the wood work for a Canoe the others employed, one a Net working, 2 planing wood work for a big Canoe. 2 cut some firewood Mr Philip Turnor hunting but no Sucefs."
Apr. 24
" Saturday Wind Variable middling breezes clear weather. the people employed cutting firewood and making Paddles. Mr Turnor a hunting at night returned and brought a swan and 3 Ducks."
Apr. 25
" Sunday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. being in Need of Provisions Mefs Philip Turnor Charles Isham and myself went a hunting caught a swan and 6 Ducks."
Apr. 26
" Monday Wind SE middling clear fine weather employed packing of furrs at the prefs."
Apr. 27
" Tuesday Wind SE a middling breeze clear and cloudy alternate employed as Yesterday."
Apr. 28
" Wednesday Wind SE a light breeze cloudy weather finished packing in the forenoon afterward Mefs Turnor Isham and myself went a hunting caught 15 Ducks and 3 Geese."
Apr. 29
" Thursday Wind NE a heavy Gale cloudy weather with snow at Evening received 7 Ducks from Mr Turnor. all the People a hunting that can use a Gun. I was obliged to serve out Ammunition to them as their is no provisions to give them. at Night they returned 2 of them had killed 2 Geese and 2 Ducks."
Apr. 30
" Friday Wind Variable from SW to NE a middling breeze clear and cloudy alternate. the people employed putting 2 Canoes up to the Carrying place above to be in readinefs against the time the River breaks up. Mr Isham and one Man with him a hunting."
May 1 1790
" Saturday Wind SE a fresh breeze clear and cloudy alternate very cold weather for the Season of the Year. the people employed variously. at night Mr Isham arrived brought 5 Geese and 12 Ducks."
May 2
" Sunday Wind and Weather the same as Yesterday Mr Turnor brought a swan and 3 Ducks."
May 3
" Monday Wind Variable from SSE to NNE fresh breezes at times. the people employed making paddles. Mr Turnor and myself a hunting 1 Goose and 1 Duck."
May 4
" Tuesday Wind Variable from NNW to SbE light breezes clear and Cloudy alternate. the people employed making paddles. at 2 PM 2 men with myself went to the Sas-kach-e-wan found her fast as in winter. I never knew the Spring to be so backward before nor the Ice to stay so long. at 5 PM an Indian man and 2 women arrived from the Northward brought some furrs and a trifle of fresh Provisions."
May 5
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. Sent two men to look at the River still standing full of Ice. the others variously employed. the Indians that arrived Yesterday brought 50 Made Beaver in furrs and 170 lbs of fresh Moose flesh. they traded Cloth and ammunition and the Quart of Brandy that was remaining. they went (notwithstanding my afsuring them to the Contrary) away with the belief of there being more in the house as they had had it at Command all the winter and now it was done all at once."
May 6
" Thursday Wind SE a fresh Breeze clear and middling warm. one man net making the others afsisting Mr Isham in building a small Canoe. Mr Turnor and myself hunting killed 10 Ducks and 4 Geese."
May 7
" Friday Wind SbE a heavy Gale clear and cloudy alternate. one man net making. one went to the River found her still fast. the others at work with Mr Isham got the Canoe off the Stocks. I killed 14 Large Ducks."
May 8
" Saturday Wind Variable all round the Compafs light Breezes. at Night blowed up at SE a stiff breeze cloudy weather inclinable to rain. Mr Isham finished the Canoe. at 8 AM an Indian arrived from the Northward with word to fetch a Buck Moose paid him for it in Ammunition and Tobacco. sent of 2 men and 4 Dogs with sleds."
May 9
" Sunday Wind SEbE a strong breeze cloudy weather attended with fog 'till Noon then clear and cloudy alternate Wind Southerly a fresh Gale. at 3 PM the 2 men arrived that went for Moose flesh brought 3 Sled Loads. also 2 women from the same Indians came in brought a few furrs."
May 10
" Monday Wind Variable from West to North attended with rain. 2 men Net making and two turning timbers for a Canoe. the others making paddles. Mefs Turnor Isham and myself hunting caught 12 Large Ducks. the Saskachewan River broke up and driving full of Ice. David Thompson taken ill."
May 11
" Tuesday Wind Variable from NW to SE fresh Breezes clear weather. 4 Men getting ready to embark the Morrow for the South Branch House to inform Mr Walker of the low state of affairs here."
May 12
" Wednesday Wind SE gentle Breezes clear warm weather. sent John Ballenden, John Harper, John Johnson and William Tate in a Canoe for the South Branch House after I had served them out the small Remains of provisions. Mefs Isham Turnor Goose hunting."
May 13
" Thursday Wind SEbS light Breeze. the people employed variously. Received 5 Large Ducks from Mr Turnor."
May 14
" Friday Wind Variable all round the Compafs Light Breezes clear and Cloudy alternate. employed putting a Canoe on the Stocks. at 9 PM Mr Turnor and Mr Isham arrived from hunting. they have Left the Geese about a mile from here not being able to bring them farther."
May 15
" Saturday Wind East cloudy attended with Rain 'till Noon then clear and Cloudy alternate. employed about the Canoe got her off the Stocks. fetched the Geese left last Night being 67 and 5 Swans. fitted out Mr Turnor and Isham to go and kill more. David Thompson still bad."
May 16
" Sunday Wind Variable all round the Compafs Light Breezes clear hot weather."
May 17
" Monday Wind ESE a fresh breeze at time clear hot weather. the People employed cleaning the Yard and Plantation. at 6 PM Mr Isham and Mr Turnor arrived brought 64 Geese."
May 18
" Tuesday Wind ESE a stiff Breeze clear hot weather. one man repairing Sturgeon Nets the Taylor making Cloathing for the Men the others afsisting John Irvine Sen. with the Canoe."
May 19
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. one man Lining a Sturgeon Net the others helping John Irvine to timber the new Canoe. the Ice broken in the Lake. drove about 2 Miles from this Shore. David Thompson's Right Eye very bad."
May 20
" Thursday Wind ESE a middling Breeze clear hot weather. one man employed putting Lines to a Sturgeon Net. Taylor making Cloathing for the Men. the others variously employed on Needful Duties."
May 21
" Friday Wind Variable all round the Compafs Light Breezes clear hot weather. Mr Turner and myself employed in the Garden the others as Yesterday."
May 22
" Saturday Wind Variable all round the Compafs stiff Breezes weather clear and cloudy alternate attended with showers of Rain. fitted out Mr Isham and 2 men to kill Geese in the Saskachewan River afterwards he is to proceed up the River as far as the mouth of the Sturgeon River there to wait for the Indians that have Debt from here that the Canadians may not trade their furrs from them as they did last Year. the others are to bring home the Geese. David Thompson still bad with his Eye."
May 23
" Sunday Wind EbS a stiff Gale Cloudy weather with rain at Noon the Ice drove almost out of Sight."
May 24
" Monday Wind as Yesterday cloudy weather inclinable to Rain. at Noon Rained. one man repairing Nets the other two Cleaning the Yard."
May 25
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. James Flett the Taylor arrived brought word 31 Geese and 3 Beaver was killed and left at the Point above us he could not bring them farher the wind blowing too hard we Launched our boat and fetched them."
May 26
" Wednesday Wind SE a middling Breeze clear weather people employed making and putting props to the Stockades they being much decayed. 2 Canoes of Indians arrived brought little or Nothing. one of them embarked again when he heard there was no Brandy. David Thompson still bad with his Eye."
May 27
" Thursday Wind Variable all round the Compafs. this Morning a little after 3 AM one man with myself embarked in a Canoe and went after the Indian that Yesterday went away he being a Debtor to this House. came up with him and brought his furrs with me to the House. had I not followed hard after him he would have gone with them to the Canadians there being a House situated between this and South Branch House erected last fall by a Mr Thobourn. at 4 PM 3 Canoes of Indians arrived from the Westward and much disappointed on hearing there was no Brandy."
May 28
" Friday Wind SbW light Breeze clear hot weather. the people variously employed. traded a little Cloth and Ammunition with the Indians for furrs after they had paid their debts."
May 29
" Saturday Wind Variable all round the Compafs Light breezes clear hot weather. the Taylor making Cloathing for Trade the others variously employed. at Noon 6 Canoes of Indians arrived also Mr Isham he brought word that 3 Canoes from Manchester House will be here the Morrow. the Indians brought 30 unskin'd Beaver and 70 Made Beaver in furrs paid their Debts and traded the Rest in Cloth and Tobacco."
May 30
" Sunday Wind Variable all round the Compafs light breezes clear and cloudy alternate. 7 Canoes of Indians arrived from the Westward brought about 250 Made Beaver in furrs and 200 lbs of fresh Moose flesh. 5 English and 2 Canadians arrived in 3 Canoes from Manchester House with a Cargo of furrs and Pimmeecon."
May 31
" Monday Wind Variable from SE to North strong breezes attended with thunder at times. in the Evening arrived 5 Canoes of Indians from the westward brought a middling Quantity of furrs. plenty to pay their Debts and something over. they are very much disappointed for want of Brandy."
June 1 1790
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. two men employed setting 3 Sturgeon Nets. at Noon 13 Canoes of Indians arrived from the Eastward brought some furrs and the most part of a young buck Moose. those that came Yesterday and the day before brought in furrs 250 MBeaver. they paid their Debts and traded what they had over for Cloth Tobacco and Ammunition. I made them presents of Knives Tobacco Ammunition &c but still they were unsatisfy'd for want of Brandy. the lofs of this Article will be a hurt to this house next Year. they inform me that Joeseph Laundre fell thro' the Ice into the Saskachewan and is drowned."
June 2
" Wednesday Wind Variable blowed hard at times attended with Rain 'till Evening then favored. went to the Nets caught 2 small pike. 5 Englishmen in 2 Canoes loaded with furrs arrived from the South Branch."
June 3
" Thursday Wind NNE a fresh Gale Cloudy attended with showers of rain. two men set two Sturgeon Nets. 16 Englishmen in 8 Canoes loaded with furrs and Provisions arrived from Manchester House."
June 4
" Friday Wind NE a fresh Gale cloudy weather. at Mr Walker and 22 Men in 11 Canoes loaded with furrs and provisions arrived. he brought a Keg of Brandy which is very acceptable considering the Desperate state of affairs here. gave the Indians a Treat of it. it has satisfy'd them Greatly."
June 5
" Saturday Wind Northerly a stiff Gale the fore part clear latter part Cloudy. at 11 AM 2 Canoes loaded with furrs and provisions and 5 Englishmen arrived they have met with an unlucky accident coming down. William Sebbeston the Bowsman of one of them was shot in the left Shoulder by the Gun of the Steersman hanging fire. I do not think it will prove mortal only 7 Shots having lodged in his Shoulder and they in an off sloping direction."
June 6
" Sunday Wind Northerly a stiff breeze cloudy weather rain fore part latter part clear. sent 3 Canoes of Indians of with furrs for York Factory have paid them for it."
June 7
" Monday Wind Southerly little wind. employed packing the furrs. and finished. have packed 82 Bundles of furrs. most of them 50 Beaver each belonging to this House. 2 Canoes of Indians arrived brought 220 lbs of Green Moose flesh."
June 8
" Tuesday Wind SSW a middling Breeze clear hot weather. 20 Englishmen in 10 Canoes loaded with furrs embarked for York Factory. also 4 Canoes of Indians loaded with furrs went off for York Factory. Gave the Indians that is going to stay this Summer here Ammunition and Tobacco and to Morrow they are to go off a hunting."
June 9
" Wednesday Wind Easterly nigh Calm in the? Morning then SW a small Breeze. about 8 AM 8 Canoes of Englishmen loaded with furrs set off for York Factory. at 2 PM 6 More sett off which is all. left Mr Turnor, William Haukland, Peter Fidler and William Sebbeston in Charge of the House. the latter person is good deal recovered since he came so as to be able to walk about. Mr Turnor has extracted 2 Shots. the rest lay too deep to be got out.
Errors Excepted
Malchom Rofs."
[Several blank pages. Then]
" you have left the House. You will be able if you think proper to send them up for any Provisions you think the Branch House can spare, as more depends on this House than formerly. as by what I can learn, an Expedition to the Northward must take place this Summer and Great reliance is made on this House for Provisions &c. for further particulars, Mr Philip Turnor will inform you on your arrival at this place.
Our whole Dependance at present for Provisions is on Geese and Ducks and for that purpose and fitting out the Indians and for this Canoe there is nor more than 66 lbs of Shot, therefore I need not inform you how necefsary a Supply of Shot and Brandy is to this House; and rest well satisfied that you will give it all the Afsistance in your power. The Trade at this Place is no more than 2750 Made Beaver including 725 traded by me between June 9th and October 7 1789.
Inclosed is a List of the Debts of such Indians as probably you may meet at your settlement or in your pafsage to this place: Mefs Turnor, Isham and David Thompson joins me in sincere wishes for your welfare and a prosperous Trade.
I am
Sir
Your most Obedient hum. Ser.
Malchom Rofs.
PS. No Garden seeds was left at this place last Year or any Remaining if you will be so Obliging as to send some down and join a few Potatoes with them they will be kindly Received."
" from Mr George Hudson to Mr William Walker
October 8th 1789
Sir,
I have the pleasure to inform you of the Honble Company's Ship arriving safe at York Factory September 26th. I have forwarded with all Expedition the Letters for you and the men. I hope all will arrive safe with you. I have not sent up any Goods with the Canoes now sent as the quantity left at Cumberland House is not sufficient for the Place.
I have sent up a Mr Stayner according to the Honble Company's desire to make Discovery in settling the Latitudes and Longtitudes of places that may be convenient for him to proceed too. I hope Sir you will supply him with every necefsary he may require. Wishing you health and every happinefs
I Remain
Your very Humble
Servant
George Hudson."
" From Mr Malcolm Rofs to Mr Walker
Cumberland House May 12th 1790
Mr Wm Walker
Sir,
I have taken the Earliest opportunity pofsible of sending a Canoe with the disagreeable News of the Death of Mr George Hudson who departed this Life April 19th in a sudden Manner. he had been ailing for some time. but not so much as to Confine him to his bed; in the latter End of March he was attacked with a swelling in his Legs. which afterwards set up in his body accompanied with a dry Cough. which at last took him of suddenly.
I am sorry to acquaint you of the low state of affairs of this place when I took Charge. which was on the 20th April after an overhaul of the Trading Goods Provisions &c was made. Mefs Philip Turnor, Charles Isham and myself we found only 1 quart of Brandy and that in mixed stuff. very little Cloth and a very small Quantity of Shot. and no more Provisions than 150 lbs of Beat Meat, 50 lbs of Fat and 20 lbs of dried Meat. the last of which provisions is served to the Bearers for their Journey to you. - One great Motive in sending a Canoe to you is the Hopes of your being able to supply this place with more provisions than you could otherwise have brought down. and should you"
[next page]
" Happinefs to attend you and all under your Direction.
And so
Remain
Sir
Your most Obedient
& Humble Servant
William Walker
PS) You'l do me the favor if you could send me a Chalk line James Tate Journal also an old Account Book with the fall Packet.
WW Adieu."
" from Mr Malchom Rofs to Mr William Walker
Cumberland House Sept. 20 1789
Mr William Walker
Sir, the Bearers are two of them that arrived here 25th July last, in the same Canoe with those that embarked Goods for your Settlement the 5th Instant. they proceeded from here the 29th July and went to the Great fall to wait for Mr Tomison with an Intent to enter into their honors Service but Mr Tomison not coming up and they not wanting to agree with the Canadian Traders they came here again. and as I could say nothing to them on that head I advised them to go to you as undoubtedly you can satisfy them on that head.
Sir as I could not wait for any orders from you in fitting out the Indians for their winter Quarters I have followed the old Rules of the House and have trusted the Indians Debt which I hope by the spring of the Year to make Account for please God to spare my Life and I stay here.
I Conclude wishing you and all under your Direction may prosper Both the Company's affairs and their Servants which is the wish of
Your most Obedient
and Humble Servant
Malchom Rofs."
" From Mr Joeseph Colen to Mr Malchom Rofs
York Fort 2nd Septem. 1789
Mr Malchom Rofs,
While Mr Hudson remains at Cumberland House you are to consider him as your superior, and obey all orders that you receive from Mr Walker as Inland Master.
I am Sir
Your humble Servt.
Jos. Colen."
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" Dear Sir. According to my Order from the Chief at York Factory I have keeped a small Quantity of Trading Goods for this house and so forwarded the remainder to You to order as you think proper.
I am very badly off for provisions at this place as this has been a very poor year for provisions in this low Country the Moose is so poverised that several has been found dead along the banks which is not Common.
So kind Sir if it is in your power to send me a supply you will send as much fat as in your power. if I had asked any of the Men to go up and come down again they would not be willing to obey but as you are Chief you will send down 2 men and afsistance of provisions if in your power. So Sir I Conclude wishing Succefs to the Company's Affairs and health and happinefs to you and all under your Command which is with due Respect the wish of
Your humble
Servant
Malcolm Rofs"
" from Mr William Walker to Mr Malchom Rofs.
South Branch House Sept. 20th 1789
Mr Mal. Rofs
Sir. Your favor came safe to hand the 16th September by the Bearers. James Tate in Charge. and on the 17th the whole arrived all safe and in good Condition. The Canadians also. So I appointed the above person to take Charge of Manchester house 'till further Orders from the Honble board Knowing him to be the properest person and the most steady.
Mr Rofs, I would have sent you a supply of Provisions had I any, but I have not made any this Summer only some Birchrinde for building Canoes. It could not be expected I could make Provisions and keep my men in the Summer upon such a little supply, and now the Stoney Indians does not make any Provisions as Usual for want of Horse. I have sent you down as much bark as may build two Canoes if pofsible; also 100 lbs fat all I can spare for your disposal. and Tracking Lines that came up I have sent them. James flatt Sen. and Jun. is the two persons I have sent down. I have nothing more to add but Conclude wishing Succefs to the Companies Affairs Health and Happinefs"
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" A Copy of a Letter from Mr Joeseph Colen to Mr Malchom Rofs
York Factory 24th July 1789
Mr Rofs
Sir,
You will see by the Invoice what Goods are sent those that are necefsary for the Trade at Cumberland Ho. keep sufficient of, and forward all the rest towards the south Branch.
Mr Tomison remains here 'till the arrival of the ship - in his absence or untill you receive further Instructions you are to obey all orders you shall receive from Mr Walker. - I hope to send you a good supply of Goods in the fall.
When the men can be spared let them be employed cutting down sufficient Timber for the ? rebuilding of Cumberland House next spring.
Continue your exertions for the Honble Company and take care of their property entrusted with you.
I received your Letter yesterday by Wishahow but saw none of your Debtors. am sorry to hear you are so great a sufferer from the Canadians. they have much injured the trade here & from particular Tribes of Indians that visit me. I shall not receive as many hundreds skins as I did the two former years thousands - and unlefs a speedy stop is put to their encroachments - this Trade will be entirely ruined.
I hope the Honble Company will send out plenty of hands that I might be enabled to send Canoes (in the fall) to the Northward.
I wish to hear better accounts from you than the last and remain Wishing you every supply that can be sent you by Seasons and Natives.
Your very humble Servt.
Joe. Colen."
" From Mr Malcolm Rofs to Mr William Walker
Cumberland House Sept. 4 1789
Mr William Walker
Sir
James Tate arrived here with 16 Canoes loaded with Goods and 47 men under his Command not including 4 Canadians that also arrived. Mr William Tomison is not come up so the Command is fallen to you Sir, which I wish may be attended with happinefs to yourself and Succefs to our honorable Employers"
B.49/a/21
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