"From Mr Tomison to J.C.
Lake Weenapeg 8th Aug. 1793
Dear Sir,
We had a tolerable good pafsage through the lower Rivers, which we performed on the ninth day at 3 PM but since it has been very blowing weather, which has made the labour very heavy. On the 7th Instant we met the Canoes on their return from Cumberland loaded with 43 bundles of furrs, they were 30 Miles on this side where we deposited our furrs on the Journey down, this will cause some trouble as the men who are to return are not in Company & their Provisions being very short they cannot wait, what goods may be sent up in the fall you will be the best Judge as you have the Indent by you. - Guns I am certain will be wanted, you will please to send up 3 Six Gallon Kegs of Vinegar and one 3 Gallon Keg of Molafses to make a little beer in the Winter in room of Wine & Brandy. I am much obliged to you for the 2 Gallons of Shrub you was pleased to favour me with, but I am sorry I should have taken it it being made of Rum, the strongest Liquor I have drank since I saw you is Country tea, the tea you gave me for the pafsage being dear of Carriage. - Dear Sir, I believe the affair between Mr Cook & several of the men last winter was wrong represented both to you & me & had I heard half of which I have heard since I came from the factory I would not have given my sanction to what was done without enquiring better into the matter. you will therefore take the affair into consideration & duly weigh the affair before men loses their characters for when they lose that they lose their all. - Mr Cook is but a young man & has had but little experience how to manage men, some of those men were with me for several years & were good Servants, we are to consider before men are sent home, whether the Company will not be injured by such conduct, when men transgrefs with me I strike them off duty & serve them half allowance & make them find themselves Wood and Water until they are brought to a sense of their duty, but I neither abuse them nor take their good name from them. something must be allowed when a man is not able to serve men proper allowance, so shall not say any thing more on this subject but sincerely wish the Comp'y may not be injured nor their Servants lose their good name by giving way to ambition. - Sir I have never been easy in mind since you told me you was informed by a Villian or Villians, that the furrs might be brought down that are lodged here. - I ask what Canoe had two bowsmen or two steersmen. did not I bring a Canoe down with a man that had never been in the bow before & several more did the same. I ask again how many Canoes had 4 men & how many had but 2 men. I think all this sufficient proof to the contrary, - I never was a lazy indolent man in my life & shoud not have taken so much notice of it had the villian told it before my face that I might have been able to have vindicated myself, but I hope you will be candid enough to let me know the name or names of the informers so that I may be able to Judge of his merits as he or they have done of mine.
So conclude with wishing you a safe & speedy arrival of their Honours Ship, health & happinefs to you & all under your Command & remain
Dear Sir,
Your very humble Servant
William Tomison
PS. I am informed Mr Cook gave Provisions to the Canadians and told his own men they were to find their living out of the Lake. I must confefs had I been in their places I would not have taken it so quietly as they did. - I think Thompson well deserved what he got had it been more for his calling the other a thief & not to prove it & Mr Isham had no businefs to have taken his part. - I fear there will be much waste in the Brandy this year, all owing to the Corks & bad boring. - Laughton Taylor would stay again but not to go to Swan River or North River."


"From J.C. to Mr Tomison
York Factory 29th Aug. 1793
Dear Sir,
Yours of the 8th Instant I rec'd on the arrival of Mefs Oman &c 21st Instant. I have the pleasure of informing you the Honble Company's new Ship Prince of Wales Capt. Hanwell Anchored in this River the 11th in Company with the Beaver Brig Mr Taylor Commander now stationed at Severn in lieu of the Sloop sent down the Bay Mr Vavasor, Master who came out from England for that purpose. - On the 23rd the Queen Charlotte Capt. Turner arrived with the Churchill homeward bound Cargo on board.
I am sorry you should have mentioned the affair between Mr Cook and Men publicly at this busy time. - Yet he? has occasion to be pleased as it gave him an opportunity to vindicate himself before the Council which he has done to the satisfaction of every one present. - The men who were with him, having publicly acknowledged Mr Cook neither Kept provisions from them when he had it or served himself more allowance than any other person except that which was delivered to him at the Factory, out of which he supplied the Canadian Master to preserve his own & men's lives when driven to the extremities of hunger, being obliged to eat not only their dogs but collect the mofs from the Rocks for food. - Instead of this acquisation doing Mr Cook an injury I am of opinion our Honble Employers will approve of his humanity in preserving a fellow Creature from the Jaws of Death. - At the same time it is known he did not deprive the men of their allowance. - there was plenty of fish at the house which they had the liberty to supply themselves when they pleased. You will know it was no hasty determination of the Council, the affair was openly discufsed before them & each party were heard & you gave your sanction, to what was done, towards fining the two Men for denial of duty. - Your Letter is certainly no compliment on our Judgement as it shews that you place greater credit to the afsertions of time serving men than to Officers whom our Employers place confidence to transact their businefs. - Mr Cook finding he is not likely to find support in carrying on the affairs of the Company entrusted to his care has declined acting any more as Master Inland 'till the Honble Companys determination hereon is received.-
The affair between Alex Thompson & Laughton Taylor is settled, the former having been so much injured by the latter obliges his going to England. - Mr Isham had certainly a right to put a stop to any disorderly conduct of the men under him - But when Men are supported to act opposition to their superiors at subordinate Settlements, which appears to have been the case for years past. - It is remarkable the Servants Career has not been carried to a greater height.-
The information I received about the furrs being left at Lake Winnepeg came from those high in station. - It is my duty as Agent for my Employers not to permit any detrimentals to their interest escape my enquiries. - I spoke to you on the subject & you have now convinced me, they could not all be brought down to the Factory which Mefs Rofs & Oman have confirmed.-
The Goods required for the Athapiscow expedition prevents my sending the quantity of Vinegar & Molafses you wrote for "to make small Beer in room of Wine & Brandy." What must our Honble Employers think?[his question mark] The request reflects on me that I have refused you Wine. - When God Knows my heart that I never withheld even my private property to make you or others happy & Comfortable. - You Know that you refused taking any Wine from the Factory - and after the Rundlets were filled with Wine this Season, as you gave them away in my presence, at the same time told me, that which you had taken the preceeding years. - You never tasted but had given it to Ind. No French Brandy has been sent into the Country since the year 1787.-
Mefs Rofs & Tate are fitted out to erect two Settlements in the Athapiscow. - Mr Rofs will proceed from Cumberland early in the Spring with as many Canoes as can be supplied with necefsaries. - Mr Oman has an order from the Council to leave Cumberland so soon as the Ice gives way, with as many Canoes as can be manned loaded with furrs, in order to meet the Boats which will be sent up the River from the Factory the beginning of June, when every requisite not now supplied will be sent to carry on the Athapiscow expedition with Spirit.-
Mr Thompson is to be fitted out from Manchester or Buckingham Settlements with whatever he deems necefsary for a Journey of discovery in which John Harper is to accompany him.-
The Honble Company have held out encouragement to their Servants who conduct Canoes to the Northward of the Isle le'Croix, by allowing them one fourth more Wages than is allowed to those of other Stations. - I have engaged part of the men this fall & shall accompany the Boat to Hill River next June to settle with others. - Malchom Grot is to be at Cumberland early to accompany Mr Rofs in the Spring, his Wages will be augmented £ 5 pr year by going to Athapiscow.-
You will herewith receive Letters &c with Copies from the General one for your guidance as well as Invoice of Goods sent. - Mr Vanderiel, a Gentleman, who has been some years in this Country goes up this fall to Winter either at Manchester or Buckingham which ever place you think his Services will benifit Our Employers. you will please to appoint him, he appears careful, steady & attentive & I have not a doubt but will make a valuable Officer.-
The Death of John Irvin will be much felt Inland - he was a valuable Servant & I regret his lofs. - The furrs brought down from Cumberland & sent to England in the Prince of Wales amounts to 18,110 7/15 MBeaver.-
With wishing you a pleasant & plentiful Winter and a good Trade. - Dear Sir
I remain
Your very humble Servant
J.C.
Mr Thomas Wiegand is sent up to Cumberland to settle the Inland accounts & afsist Mr Magnus Twat at that Settlement. I have given directions to Mr Rofs to send as many men as he can to the upper Settlements to collect supplies for his Journey.-
You will be so good as to afsist him herein.-
This Letter is written you by the order of the Council in answer to one rec'd bearing date the 8th August.-"
1M256 B.239/b/54

"From Mr David Thompson to Mr Joseph Colen
Holly Lake 11th Sept. 1793
Sir,
By these Indians I gladly embrace the opportunity of informing you of our welfare - The 5th day after we left you early, in the Morning we arrived at the first fall about two Miles this side of which we left Mr M. Oman and James Spence Jun. - and with James Tate and Andrew Davey we proceeded on, and are now arrived here in safety. I intend to keep proceeding on with the utmost dispatch until I get into the branches of the Saskachewan where I shall wait for the rest.

Mr Hallet comes well on is cheerful and puts up very well with the hardships of the pafsage - I intend with your leave to send him with Mr Tate to the Northward as he is a sensible Man. - Poor Mr Vandriel is quite dull, indeed his situation is not altogether the most comfortable. he is in with Andrew Davey - whose Canoe is Leaky. - the Bowsman & Steersman on this account often bluster at each other but they behave well to him.

The Indians have Meat and a few furs with them as they are going down to you, we will take nothing from them - Mr Tate gives his best respects to you - and permit me to return you thanks for your goodnefs to me, I shall ever retain a grateful sense of it and hope ever to give you satisfaction. The Watches go well and please me - I wish? you every happinefs and am your very much oblidged humble servant
David Thompson.
PS. I hope you will send by the Boats the following Articles to me - 2 Quires Post Paper - 3 or 4 of Demi Paper 3 of Common and 4 Sheets of Cartouche Paper and 1 or 2 Papers of Ink Powder also a little Sealing wax - Shall also be obliged to you to send me provision - as our Stock at present is small owing to our leaving so much behind.

John Harper tells me he forgot to mention the terms on which he will engage for another Contract. he however begs you to do what you think best for him in that respect.

Give my respects to Mefs Thomas Longmoor Sinclair Fidler and Sutherland."


"From J.C. to Mr Cook
YF 12th June 1794
Dear Sir,
Five Northern Chipewyan Indians ? with their families arrived here the 20th Instant with furs left? in your care last summer which they traded amounting to 170 MB. - In order to draw them from the Canadian Interest and to encourage them to trade with Mr Rofs in the Athapascow Country gave them several presents & appear fully satisfied with the treatment they received at York which they say is much nearer their own Country then they expected to have found it.

It is a considerable saving to our Employers when Natives can be prevailed on to convey their Furrs to the lower Settlements - where they can be treated on more liberal terms then the stock Inland will admit. This will Convince the Natives the superior advantages they receive by trading with the Honble Company to that of carrying Furrs to the Canadians. - Therefore the Natives around you should be encouraged to visit the lower Settlements. I am sorry to remark the contrary plan has been pursued up this River. This together with a parsemonious ill timed distribution of Presents has been very prejudicial to the Honble Co. Interests & driven many Natives to trade with the Canadians who has enabled those enterprising Traders to carry on their undertakings with such succefs.

I long to hear what afsistance you have afforded Geo. Charles - & impatiently wait the arrival of your Packet. - which the bearer of this tells me you was about to Dispatch - when he left your house.
God be praised we all enjoy health and sincerely wish that blefsing to attend you & all under your direction. - My Mefsmates join met in Compliments to you -
and remain
Yours &c
J.C."


"From J.C. to Mr Cook
YF 12th June 1794
Dear Sir,
Having dispatched fourteen Men in a New Boat of 9 Tons Burden loaded with trading goods &c to Hill River and prepared every thing in readinefs to follow them when tide served had not your packet Indians arrived with Letters &c which detains me this day to prepare for their return - they take six rundlets of Powder, and promises to make quick dispatch - and as Wappetunish came with them to pay his debt I hope to prevail on him to take a few pieces of goods, list of which will be enclosed.

Your dispatching Wm Sinclair to the three Points gives me much satisfaction - as he will be better enabled at that place to afford the Churchill people afsistance should they require it.

Edward Wishart declining the Mastership of Sepewisk Settlement is absurd, he cannot now do it without breach of Contract entered into last shiptime - it is out of my power to release him from it before it expires. - The Honble Company are not to be triffled with - and as they fulfil they engagements with their Servants. - they can oblige their Servants in return to perform the duty they engaged to execute - therefore should Edw. Wishart leave the House without your consent, he must and will answer the consequence.

You may engage as many Indians you can to bring down furrs and take up Goods - Except those who have thrown away Bundles those also you may engage provided they will make good the payment rec'd at the factory. - and you may further accquaint the Indians that they will not be permitted to go on with impunity - as they have hitherto done - for their is no knowing where their depredations will end.

The Small Trade at Sepewisk shews plainly that the Indians must have carried their furrs to the Canadians. Kekeekathinue and his followers wintered with my home guards. - and has been down. Not a native from the Crofs Lake visited the factory this Summer - Most of the Indians that came down in Canoes brought tolerable trades with them - Many off the Churchill Home guards came in a wretched plight tells me the whole would have perished had it not been for the supplies you afforded them - they were too late for the goose Season

Tell George Harvey that it is my orders that he stays Sepewisk during Summer. - A House must be built at the X Lake - otherwise all the furrs procured by the Natives then will be carried to the Canadians - I hope to build a Store House at the rock in Hill river before my return to the factory. - All the men who accompany me in the boats are volunteers so that I have had no trouble this Season fixing men.

With wishing you health and happinefs and a safe arrival at the factory with your furrs.
I remain
Yours &c
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/55


" From J.C. to Mr Tomison
YF 10th July 1794
Dear Sir,
Mr Bird will deliver you Invoice of goods. Want of Canoes prevented more than 9 being manned from the factory. - Mr Cook and party? are not yet arrived. I am informed they have only two Canoes and those so bad Mr Thompson is doubtful whether the Men will arrive safe in them, they are old & cannot be repaired for making another trip.
When the Northward Canoes are fitted out which cannot be done before Mr Cooks men arrive - only that small one Mr Bird brought down will be left for conveying Goods to supply Nelson Settlements the want of which will oblige me to relinquish some of those posts as it will be impofsible to support them as they ought with Indian Canoes. - The lofs will be considerable to our Employers as the trade procured there this year amounts to between 4 & 5000.
The non arrival of your Indians is a great disappointment - The Bungee Lad is of opinion they are return back to Cumberland House with the Furrs. - If pofsible I shall dispatch 7 Canoes in the fall up the Saskachiwan.
Mr Thomas Thomas Sen. Surgeon having a desire for Inland he supplies the room of Mr Thomas Jun. and I have not a doubt but you will find him a Social Mefsmate and a useful officer should he accompany you to Buckingham House.
I am much pleased with Mr Birds attention to businefs he is a bright Officer and promifses fair to make a valuable Servant to the Honble Co.
The Hinges, Bench Vyse and other things specified in Note are sent, except Spike Gimblets & Window Glafs, none either is in the factory - As I expect some of each out next ? ? ? for? fall Canoes - as well as Cabin door Locks having none of the latter but what are fixed on doors. Gilbert Laughton has had what he wanted from our Stores.
Every thing is in readinefs for Men & Canoes to leave the factory tomorrow's tide.
As neither of your Letters pr Mr Oman or Indian Man were mentioned as public, I do not consider them as such and have avoided answering them. - My duty is to attend businefs not controversy; If it is your wish to have them made public let me know and they shall entered in our books otherwise they will be Supprefsed.
I remain
Dear Sir
Yours &c
J.C.
PS. About an hour after your departure from the rock Hill River Will. Flett sen. returned to the men left there and Came down with the Boats, he continues obstinately bent not to go Inland and Andrew Flett - intends for home.
Robert Randall and Tho. Stranger rec'd hurt on their pafsage down which prevents their return and three of the most capable young hands are in the Surgeons List with wound and bruises - Mag. Spence and James Davey Canoes being better manned then the rest takes two Bundles Extraordinary - and James Flett one and John Irvin one Each."
1M256 B.239/b/55


"From Mr Rofs to J.C.
Cumberland House June 5 1794
Dear Sir
I embrace the opportunity of informing you of the miscarriage of our intentions in going to the athapiscow, by the Isle le Crofse all for the want of men engaged for that purpose. those you engaged Last fall made no objection to go any where I might go with them but none of the others would agree or consent to go without a Contract or some sure agreement as for my word they would not take it or I believe anyone else without a proper contract, they Said they would not go to a Contary they had heard so much of. Mr Tomison would not give any promifsary writing from under his hand as the Company had made him Pay already for promifsing wages they did not think fit to pay. having no engaged men but Andrew Davey and Peter Brown, I could not man a Canoe but one if all the goods at York was here. they are Trading goods a plenty to load two Canoes which is as much as I wanted proceed with in the Spring. we have now changed our plan of going by the Isle le Crofse and are to go into the Burntwood Lake or some where their about. as for the utility of it I cannot at present be accountable for, but if? 5 or 6 Canoes Can be sent all that lays in my power shall be done.
I am going to pafs the summer amongst those Indians That a Mr Tomson, a Canadian trader has wintered amongst. Mr David Thompson will go to York who will give a full acc. of our proceedings. - he will Conduct the men & goods you please to send up. - The following men is agreeable to go to the Northward viz. Malchom Groat, John Rofs, Mag. Bearston, James Tate, Mag. Tate & John Park. but the latter Mr Tomison declares he will not part with. so I shall Conclude with wishing you every happinefs
and am dear Sir your
Ever obedient Humb. servant
Mal. Rofs."
1M256 B.239/b/55


"From Mr Thompson to J.C.
Cumberland House June 6th 1794
Sir
Our pafsage in the fall was remarkably fine & quick untill we came to the Great Lake, where we were detained four days. and in the Cedar Lake eight days. we delivered the Cargo of goods consigned to Mr Isham to the Men there in waiting and James Spence jun. & Robt. Wilson accompanied them. had we been willing to send Mr Hallett we could not, as, there were already five men in that Canoe besides the goods. at present I wish he was there as our plans are entirely altered with regard to the Northward Trade. - This is principally Owing to the Men who will not venture upon that distant country without an actual Contract for the promised wages. and Mr Tomison refuses giving them any surety in writing otherwise than by contract - of which there are none here. - We are going all to settle in that Country where I was last summer and from thence to proceed to the Athapiscow Lake. Andr. Davey, Peter Brown & John Harper Jun. takes a Canoe load of goods thereto. - Mr Rofs and his wife accompanies them in an Indian Canoe as also Jno. Harper & me. Mr Rofs will stay with them. I am to go by the North way to YF as quick as pofsible and from thence convey the Canoes and men you may agree for that Country - the men who are willing to go are Jas. Tate, Mal. Grott, Mag. Tate, John Rofs Steersman. Mag. Berston & John Park but the latter man Mr Tomison declares shall not accompany us if he returns there are several of the men willing but their times are out. we hope you will find good Bowsmen for at least five Canoes for us and as times go we will be content with five. those people who are now in their first Contract are willing but they consider the encouragement due to them too trifling to induce them to venture on an unknown Country - however some of them may I think be by you persuaded to try it - I expect to be at the Factory a few days after the arrival of the Canoes - where I will fully unfold to you our future plans and you will find them to be of more utility tho' not so glaring as the one we have been obliged to abandon with the utmost unwillingnefs - I wish you to be on your guard concerning the men as Mr Tomison will be for detaining all those he can. he has all this winter behaved very well - he has not spoke or acted against the Northward but neither has he done anything to afsist us, he just keeps? within? the Law - a hint to you is sufficient-

I hope to hear you have had an agreeable Winter & that your men are healthy. at least I wish it has been so, and that you enjoy every pofsible happinefs.

I am
Your very humble Servant
David Thompson."
1M256 B.239/b/55


" From Jn. Corn. Van Driel to J.C.
South Branch House 26th May 1794
Sir.,
By Mr Wm Tomisons Orders I pafs this Summer with 3 Men and an Interpreter at this Place - hope it will meet with their Honours approbation - it was at one Period in Equilibre whether this House should be abandoned or not, as the Canadians gave out that theirs would be abandoned - the Canadian Master here, Louis Chastelain, a man well versed in the Indian Manners and Language, being apprehensive of danger, from the different quarrels among the Tribes in the Plains.
Whatever Station you will be pleased to put under my direction this next Winter shall spare no pains to make it turn out to my employers Interest and my own Credit.
There has been but poor returns here this year on account of a New Canadian Company having a House on the opposite Branch and another between this and Cumberland House - The old Canadian Company, also having one at each place and one Saint German, an Independent Trader has been very high up the Red Deers River from the little Wynepeg Lake and has traded with several of our Indians, he means to be higher up next year near the Borders of the Plains.
By your Instructions last fall I was on my arrival at South Branch House to Proceed for Buckingham House, but the Master here Mr James Bird a Young man of much promifsing abilities detained me, having in view to build a House on the North Branch opposite to this, and to send me there - in the mean time I wrote Mr Tomison - but in his answer I received orders to remain here untill the Snow was of the Ground, as Horses could not Travel before that time. -
Mr James Bird appears to me to have set his Mind on this Station, I hope I am not in his way, If I am I should wish to give way in favour of one who appears to have so much merit and who is likely to be of such infinite Service to the Company.
Should it be equally convenient to the Companys Interest - I should wish to be at some Station for the remaining 4 Years of my time that will admit of my being at the Factory when the Ship arrives.
Beg you will forward the inclosed Letters for England by the Ship
I remain
Sir
Respectfully your Obedient
and humble Servant
Jn. Corn. Van Driel"
1M256 B.239/b/55


"From Mr Bird to J.C.
Pen ny cut a way river July 14th.94
Mr Joseph Colen
Sir
John Halcro being taken so ill as to prevent his being able to work obliges my sending three men to convey him back to the Factory, as it is probable he may recover soon enough to go some other way, but had we proceeded on with him he would not only have been a great hinderance to us but perhaps occasioned the return of Wm Fletts Canoe & Cargo it being impofsible for him to proceed without him or a person in his stead,
I remain
Your humble Servt.
James Bird.
PS. Mr Thomas joins me in Compliments to you and Mefsmates
Sir
Should any Letter come out pr Ship pr Gilbert Laughton & Nichol Allen from Mr Lane they would be glad if you will answer them.
J. Bird."
1M256 B.239/b/55


" From J.C. to Mr Bird
York Factory Tuesday 15th July 1794
Dear Sir
Willm Flett Jun. returned about 2 PM this day with Jno. Halcro, and delivered your Letter - you well know how I situated before you left the factory for Men. - and must natuarlly suppose that I have had enough to do, to engage one to return. - Jn. Halcro's complaint has been occasioned by violent exertion in tracking on leaving the factory which a few days rest will restore - Having no other Person but Andrew Flett besides those fixed to Canoes to supply Halcro's Room - I send him, - but his not being so capable a Bowsman as many others going the same track at the same time feeling himself happy to be near you, I have detained one Bundle of Tobacco and one of Cloth No. 124 - these shall be sent in the fall, Should you wish to take others in lieu of them you can supply yourself from the Stores at Gordon House in Hill River.
Mr Cook arrived this morning accompanied by 8 Englishmen and Natives in 2 large and 4 Small Canoes - The large Canoes are in so bad Condition they Cannot be used to carry Cargo Inland any more - therefore, I feel more then ever the want of the Canoes left at Cumberland House this Season uselefs - when you know they might have been employ'd to the Companys advantage bringing down furrs - and conveying Goods else where.
Flattering myself that I had one Canoe besides the small one you brought down left, I made myself easy, and was in hopes still to have supported Nelson Settlements with afsistance of Natives - But my mortification was great when I found - that after Swan River Men - and those going to the Northward were Settled not one Canoe Was left - besides the small one before mentioned to carry on the Nelson River Trade - Two thirds of the furrs Traded there this Season are left up and how the remainder are to be brought down - I never felt myself at a greater lofs to adopt the means. - Those Settlements must be this Season enevitably diserted -
We have opportunities to do a great deal for our Employers with unanimity - but when I see every mean artifice used, to put a stop to undertakings adopted for their Interest I confefs I feel my situation very uncomfortable in transacting the Honble Companys Concerns at this place circumstanced as I am - with my present Colleague - therefore it is my determination to vifsit England pr the next Ship - In the mean time I wish you to do your utmost for the Honble Company.
My Mefsmates join me in Compliments to you and Mr Thomas.
I remain Yours &c
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/55


" From J.C. to Mr Don. Mckay
YF July 18th 1794
Dear Sir,
It would be necefsary for me as a stanger to apologize for addrefsing this letter to you, were we not mutually concerned in the Interest of our Employers.
Mr friend & correspondent Mr Mcnab, having wrote me pr last packet that you were about forming a Settlement at the red River. - Where before I receiv'd this Intelligence I had given directions to Mr Isham to build - On his arrival at this place a few days ago - he confirms the account & tells me he received a letter from you.
As it is my wish that the Honble Companys Servants should coopperate in all undertakings for their benefit - I have given Mr Isham Instructions to afford you every afsistance in his power - not doubting but you will do the same to him, - Should it be in your power to put him in a method of getting Cedar built Canoes, - which we much want, & they would be of great utility in carrying on Inland buisnefs from this place.
Should it be found on tryal that goods can be conveyed with greater facility from the Honble Companys Settlements in the Bay. - to Red river than from this place, I will give directions to relinquish those posts up to you. - I wish you and Mr Isham to consult together the best method for Carrying on the Trade in the quarter where you are now situated.
With wishing you health and Sucefs & every afsistance that? Seasons and Natives can afford you, I remain
Dear Sir
Your very hum. Servt.
J.C.
PS. Mr Longmoor joins me in Comp. to you"
1M256 B.239/b/55


" From J.C. to Mr Rofs
YF 20th July 1794
Dear Sir
Your Letter of the 5th June last was delivered me at the Rock Hill River where I had in readinefs Trading Goods sufficient to load 8 Canoes - Six of which were packed purposely for the Athapascow Trade - You must naturally suppose my mortification was great on hearing the Northern Expedition being again set aside, when every step had been taken at the factory the proceeding year to insure it succefs.
The men you pointed out to me as willing to accompany you, very readily engaged on the same terms I commifsioned you to engage them, last fall in writing - They told me they were ready to have gone from Cumberland House with you on the same conditions. - But artifices mean and underhanded have been used for several years past to set aside every attempt made to send men and Goods into the Athapascow Country from this place - The same has been pursued this Season. - As these underhand schemes have been conducted with much secrecy and the scene of action many hundred Miles from this Factory, it was out of my power to counteract them - As to the Honble Companys obliging Mr Tomison to pay money out of his pocket for advancing wages to Men, is to me astonishing - had such circumstance happened I certainly must have known it, therefore Conclude this is an invention of the moment to discourage the men when they were ready & willing to accompany you on the Expdition in question - I am the more inclined to think so, as Mr Tomison was silent on this head when the Council met at the Rock to settle terms with men & enter them into Contract.
Mr Thompson has represented your feelings by his own at the disappointment at not being able to execute the Honble Committee's orders - ? proceeding? to the Northward. and Mr Tate is? ?ciently mortified. - But as no blame whatever ? be laid to your charge, I judge our Honble Employers will see it in its true light and fix the blame? ? it? aught to rest.
I ? approve of your removal from Cumberland where? it would be impofsible in the present situation of affairs? to do any thing towards the Athapascow Expedition - while absent from that House you are certain of being secure with your men who are to accompany you and which may enable you to try some other track better adapted for carrying on that trade - Do not let the repeated disappointments you have met with deprefs you - keep up your spirits and let the Athapascow Trade be the object of your pursuit - The Honble Company have a reliance on your perseverance, Mr Thompson will join with you heart and hand - in all your fatigues and I have not a doubt but you will soon surmount all difficulties.
It is not the Athapascow only that has been injured this year - Nelsons Settlements almost shares the same fate, Only twenty two Canoes came down from Cumberland House, including the Canoe sent by Mr Isham from Swan River, excepting the? small one Mefs Tomison & Bird were in. You well know ten good Canoes are left up, part of which has? only made one trip to the factory and you cannot be un?acquainted that Mr Mit. Oman, much to his Credit offered? to Conduct Eight Canoes loaded with furs with ?y two men each to the factory. - And it is well known that there were twenty five Canoes manned at Cumberland by Mr Bird & some other officer, by Mr Tomisons Orders - But it being discovered that if so many Canoes conveyed down furs there was a probability of part remaining at the factory to carry on other undurtakings - to prevent this, the list was again altered to the above number and no more than twenty two were brought down - On Mefs Bird & Oman representing to Mr Tomison that more Canoes could be manned to convey down furs he declared that he would suffer no one to dictate to him - If this is the case the Honble Committee has appointed a Council to no purpose - they might as well appoint so many Cyphers to Conduct their businefs if the Caprice of a single Individual mearly for oposition sake is to set aside all orders of the Council & positive commands of the Committee.
Seventeen Canoes are returned to Cumberland and five to Swan River Loaded with trading Goods I detained four new ones to carry on the Northward Trade - Never was the want of Canoes felt equal this Season, as Mr Cooks party only brought down two and those rended uselefs by long use - how the remaining furrs are to be brought down I am at a lofs to to devise means - The Canoes hitherto used to support Nelsons Settlements has been those left down as condemned, and reckoned unfit to be employed conveying Goods elsewhere yet since those Settlements have been set on foot good care has been taken at Cumberland - that no more Canoes were brought down then could be manned at the factory for conveying up goods to that Settlement. -
No other reason can be afsigned for such Conduct but that it is done purposily to overturn the plans of a Brother officer - and prevent the succefs of his undertakings - Sorry am I to say that it originates from private pique & self Interest that has been as is still attended to more than the Honble Companys Interests - The Letters I have lately received from Inland convince me that my conjectures are not wrong formed.
With wishing you health & every succefs that Seasons and natives can afford you
I remain
Dear Sir
Yours &c
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/55


" From J.C. to Mr Tate
YF 20th July 1794
Mr James Tate
Sir,
You are to proceed with the Men & Canoes Loaded with Trading Goods to the Ta tas qua hah Sackaheagan where you are to consult with Mr David Thompson the best methods to pursue, for dividing the Goods and stationing the men, and the best probable means for removing the goods from the Log Tent as well as conveying the Furs Lodged there to the factory.
You are from thence to proceed to Seepewisk Settlement & pursue the same plan and do your utmost to engage Indians to convey the furs left there to the Factory - as well as to the removal of the goods to the Crofs Lake where you are to build a House for the convenience of Trading with Natives who resort there. - Keep a strict watch on the motions of the Canadian Master and wherever he removes to build follow him & fix a station near.
Your known experience will direct you the best methods to pursue to gain the good will of the Natives around you - They have been long used to the Factory method of Trade, Therefore require to be treated more liberally than what the Natives at the upper Settlements have been used with.
Not doubting but you will pursue every plan for the benefit of our employers. I remain with wishing you health and Succefs
Your sincere friend
J.C."
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" From J.C. to Mr Thompson
YF 20th July 1794
Mr David Thompson
Sir,
On your arrival at the Log Tent I wish you and Mr Tate to consult together the best method to pursue for dividing the Goods, Canoes and men for the different settlements - as well as to the removal of goods left there to the Nefstoowyaus.
I recommend it as an object of your attention to adopt some plan to convey the furrs lodged there to the factory - this cannot be unlefs you engage Indians for that purpose, which you & Mr Tate by this are empowered to do - On whatever terms you engage them acquaint me pr letter and I will fulfil them to the utmost.
When you have settled the buisnefs at the Log Tent you are to engage Pilots to conduct the men and Canoes to the Nestoo wy aus as well as accompany you and party to the Grafs River Settlement where Mr Rofs is stationed.
In confidence of your zeal for our employers Interest - I need not point out to you the steps you are to pursue to gain information of the Track into the Athapascow Country on which you are to proceed the first convenient opportunity. - in order to lead men & Canoes for carrying on a trade with the Natives who resort near the Athapascow and Slave Lakes.
I remain
Your sincere friend
J.C."
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" From J.C. to Mr Sinclair
YF 20th July 1794
Mr Will. Sinclair
Sir,
Hugh Leask who is engaged to afsist you at the Nestoowyaus will deliver you this - and Invoice of Goods sent pr Canoes - I understand it is your intention being down with Natives at Ship time therefore defer sending Instructions for your procedure with Natives - I shall communicate them personally - Should you on pafsing the Log Tent have any empty Canoes you are to take in as many bundles of furs from thence as pofsible & bring them to the factory.
It is with concern I inform you that The Athapascow Expedition is again frustrated, which has overturned my plans for this Season. The Disappointment has been sufficiently mortifying to me and the more so as it has entirely deprefsed the Spirits of Mefs Rofs Thompson & Tate, who were engaged to carry on the undertaking - this has obliged them to pursue a different rout then by way of Cumberland House.
I wish the men a safe pafsage with the goods and you a pleasant Journey to the factory.
I remain
Your friend &c
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/55


" From J.C. to Mr Allan
YF 21st July 1794
Mr John Allan
The Letter brought down by Kekickathinue was delivered me on his arrival. As the tribe belonging to him has brought a number of furs to the factory this Season - and he promifses to supply you plentifully with provifsions during Winter - which I am inclined to think he will fulfil from his connection with my Home Guards - You are to give him & party a drink on his arrival at Gordon House, - & a two Gall. Keg on his leaving it - As they do not expect any present from you of this kind it will be considered a liberality of your own - & may be the means of your collecting many furs - which might other wise be carried to the Canadians who I understand are going to settle a House not far distant from you.
I remain
Your friend &c
J.C."
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" From J.C. to Mr Cook
YF 22nd July 94
Mr Cook
Sir
On your arrival at the Log Tent you are to consult with Mefs Thompson & Tate & adopt some plan to convey up the goods lodged there to the Nestoo wy aus & Seepewisk and also to Settle on the best method for bringing down the furs to the factory. - As Edward Wishart Traded the furs at Seepewisk he is to go there and afsist bringing them down - unlefs he should wish to remain there for another Season - If that should be the case you are to go there & engage Indians to convey the furs to the factory.
I remain Yours &c
J.C."
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" From JC. to Mr Wishart
YF July 22nd 1794
Edward Wishart
You are to proceed from this place with the Canoe & Cargo now under your charge to the Split Lake when Mefs Cook Thompson & Tate are instructed to engaged Indians to go to Sepewisk to bring down the furs you Traded, you are also to accompany those Indians & adopt the best plan you pofsibly can to convey the furs to the factory. - Should you be inclined on your arrival at Seepewisk to stay there during your present Contract which expires next year you are at free liberty to do so or return to the factory with the Natives who bring down the furs.
J.C."
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" From J.C. to Hugh Leask & George Short
YF July 25th 1794
Mefs Hugh Leask & George Short
Mefs Cook, Tate & Thompson are empowered to make arrangements for expediting Buisnefs on their arrival at the Log Tent. - From which place you will be dispatched with - Men in two Canoes Loaded with Trading Goods to the Nestoo wy aus - which you are to deliver - & return back to the Log Tent for the remaining part of the Goods left there.
This duty will be considered as your making two trips & bounty allowed to each man Employed - Not doubting but you will all cordially unite to promote the benefit of our Employers.
I remain
Your friend
J.C."
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" From Mr Thompson to J.C.
Aug. 6th.94. about a 1/4 M above the Kettle
Mr Colen
Sir
The unfortunate Accident which has happened obliges me to send James Hourie to you, on a very rockey Carrying place he had put on his usual load when a fettle broke and the unevencefs of the rocks made him stumble, in attempting to prevent the Keg from being staved, he broke his two fore fingers - this renders him totally uselefs to us, even more so, a burthen to us, how melancholly the reflection, when a human being once beneficial & highly useful is in a moment made to be a burden to us in this forlorn part of the world - As Malcholm Grott his Canoes Mates was only three from the factory. I do not know how to proceed - as the other four Canoes are behind we shall wait till Jas. Tate comes to us and endeavour to do the best at all events we will not return.
The North river Indians was engaged by Mr Cook to return to bring furs but two Canoes the Old Day, and Hugemow Chauk have broke their word & have set of down to you with their deer Skins - The Indians say that they think we want to make Slaves of them and its very hard they have not their own will. Mr Cook has his hands full with them. I fear Your home Guards will fall short tho' at present they are a head.
Heavy Storms of Wind have prevented us from going with our usual speed - but we shall go on with all pofsible dispatch.
I have engaged the Old Mud to take the Man down - your well know humanity will equally pay & reward him as if he had even brought down furs - We all hope so - as it concerns us all for we who journey this way are all liable to the same & we ourselves may soon have the same cause.
James Hourie has behaved uncommonly well & we very much regret him.
Edward Wishart intends to stay Inland.
I sincerely wish you every happinefs & am
Your very humble Sert.
David Thompson."
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" From David Thompson to J.C.
Moose Nose Aug.9th.94
Sir,
Coming this morning to the Indian & luckily meeting Mr Sinclair, has given me this opportunity of writing, and as, perhaps I may not have time nor opportunity of writing to you how affairs have gone with us since we left you. I shall do it now - In the tracking ground we were detained by heavy storms of wind several days - your home guards went tolerable well on, but no better than us - when we came to the first fall we put up a little below it - there your home guards came to us and in very plain terms told us that they should return the next day if we did not immediately supply them in shoes. to prevent which Mr Tate and me gave them all we had to spare - They then went tolerable well on untill we came to the 3rd Carry'g place where we came up with them. they then set off and since that time we have not seen them nor shall we if all keeps well till they return they having pafsed this place four days ago. the accidents which have befel us have stopped us greatly, & to add to this, these North River men who are our pilots will not go on, but thank Heaven we shall soon be clear of them - when we hope to make up for past time.
I have engaged Mefsegomewithow and I think I can depend upon him, he relies upon your promife & will see you next spring. and as he intends tho' against my will, to winter with Mr Rofs, I hope he will bring a trifle down to you. - Mefstickethin in spite of all I can say, is determined to accompany him & all the reason he can afsign for it is he wants to see the Country, but I believe he wants to get clear of bringing down the Furs - Commeteecat is of the same mind, but I think I can stop him for the present, tho' by what I can learn he will be with us before the ice sets fast if pofsible. - Should they or any other come, as we cannot prevent them we hope to give a good account of them, at least to make them of lefs expence than usual to you - All these North River Indians seem very averse to bringing down furs altho' Mr Cook has taken all pofsible pains for that purpose. & to do him justice he could not pofsibly have done more than what he has. he pafsed this place three days ago & is by this time up with your homeguards.
The duplicity of Edward Wishart has stopped us all very much on the third Carr'g Place. Mr Cook, before Mr Tate & me, called on Edw'd Wishart, and proposed to him to set forwards with all pofsible dispatch and encourage your home guards. he gave us only evasive answers, till we plainly told him, he must determine now directly the conduct he intended - he then told us he would stay up. upon which Mr Cook told him, since you are thus determined, I will perform that part of the buisnefs which you engaged with the Gov'r to perform, I will go to Seepewisk & get down those furs as fast as pofsible, and do you see to get those few bundles only 13 in Number which are at the Log Tent down, that being what I engaged to do & is what you can easily perform, but even to this generous offer Edw'd Wishart only returned evasive answers, and none of us could draw any satiffactory answer from him. we desired him to look at his letter from you, signed by the Council, but we found he had left it at the factory - and in short he has not concerned himself. no. not in the least with the buisnefs intrusted to him, nor do I think he will, he has thrown the whole upon Mr Cook, who having no proper afsistant; as both Mr Tate & me have our hands full with our Canoes and Indians, cannot, it is impofsible he should manage the whole, tho' both of us have afsisted him & I daresay he will declare it, to our utmost. - - Mr Cook greatly afsisted me in engaging Mefsegomewithow and it is to him that I attribute much of my succefs - - the Coat pleased him very much.
The Indians from whom we expected Provisions have very much deceived us they have made none. not even 10 lbs of Meat to a Canoe - and I cannot tell what to do for the Long Journey I have to go.
I hope poor Hourie came to you timely and is pronounced out of danger - we severely feel his lofs - I have been? obliged to put my brother into Malcholm Grotts Canoe in his stead & Jas. Tate is in mine, - & the work his? hard on us as the Indians has long left us - we hope to get Peter Hutchinson from the Log Tent.
Mr Sinclair will give you some Information as time will not permit me to give you more.
I hope to hear from you by the way of Cumberland and that all is well - but that you may at all times be so, is the sincere wish of
Your very humble Servt.
David Thompson
Pray give my best respects to the Gentlemen of your Table."
1M256 B.239/b/55


" From Mr Nelson to J.C.
Eastmain Factory March 16th 1794
Dear Sir,
By the Packet which is just arrived from Moose I'm favored with yours, am happy to hear that you are all well and Trade so flourishing may it ever continue to encrease. I need not inform you of the Death of Mr Atkinson as I suppose Mr McNab has already made you acquainted. he was in a poor state of Health on his return from Europe.
Last Season was a truly unfortunate one at Eastmain, our Indians were all starving save those to the NE of us. and an Expedemic Disease broke out amongst them which took off 8 of our home guards amongst which Number is five of our best Hunters. we lost also one of our principal Leaders & last Spring the best Indian belonging to the above Gang was drowned coming down to the Factory. - last Summer we made a begining Inland for the first time, Mr John Clarke who was appointed by the Honble Company Inland trader set of to Mistacinne to establish a Settlement but for want of water he was unable to get to the place of his destination he therefore settled upon a Lake called Neauisquiscow about 60 Miles from Mistacinne. to this Lake I'm informed the Natives resort in Winter for fish when they are apprehensive of falling short in other Victuals. the Navigation up Slude? River is so bad that we must give up all thoughts of going any more up it. Nimiscow, or Ruports River has the same Command of the Country and affords a tolerable pafsage to Mistacinne as also to the Lake Mr Clarke is now at. - Last fall I sent to settle a place to South'rd of Eastmain where I had been informed the Canadians were also making a Settlement, but in that I was disappointed by one of the Steersman tumbling overboard, John Sinclair who was drowned, which cast such a damp upon the Natives that all went off and the Europeans for want of a guide were obliged to return. I mean to give it a fair trial this Spring and have not the least doubt but I shall be able to get boats up. The Canadians are so very active and numerous about us that no distant Indians can get to the Factory without being plundered. last Spring they penetrated to within one Hunred Miles of the Bay which means our Trade suffered very much.
Last Ship time the Hon'ble Company ordered a Settlement to be made at Whale River in the Neighbourhood of Richmond, which piece of Duty was undertook by Mr Jackman Surgeon, I had a Letter from him which informed me of his safe arrival at that place. - I'm in hopes that we shall have a tolerable Trade this Year, having been informed that Martins are plentiful. I have nothing further worthy of relating therefore shall beg leave to conclude with Compliments to yourself & Officers wishing you every happinefs that this Country can afford.
I remain
Your obedt.
humble Servt.
Bat. Nelson."
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" From Mr Thomas to J.C.
Moose Fort 21st May 94
Dear Sir
I take the first opportunity to thank you for the Deer Skins Sent pr Sloop Severn which arrived in good time, as well as to lament with you the lofs of so many of the Companys Servants, one of whom, Mr Wm Walker, was a Relation.
The Trade from this Place was lefs than the proceeding Year, the Canadians interrupting the Indians in almost Every direction - but in Provifsions we have been more succefsful having had a noble Fall Hunt & tolerable succefs in fresh Provisions during Winter, besides our Usual stand by of Fresh Beef - and we have had a healthy Winter both among men & Indians. - One poor Man Jas. Scott was unfortunately Shot by his Companion as they were Goose hunting & died three days after the Accident.
Our present Spring Hunt of geese is very indiff't & there are poor prospects of trade. Wishing you better Succefs & large returns from your Inland Settlements.
I remain
Dr. Sr.
Your very humble Servt.
Jno. Thomas."
1M256 B.239/b/55


" From Mr McKnab to J.C.
Albany Fort May 31st 94
Gentlemen
By Mr Vavasors Arrival the 29th of August Last was happy to hear of the welfare of our friends to the N.ward the Ship & Brig Sailed the 23rd September from Moose our Trade little exceeded 15,000 small Indeed from so many Settlements - the Canadians Accompany us at every post and seem Determined to Continue their exertions.
Last August Mr Don. McKay and 19 Men sett out for Red River a remote Station, & Mr John McKay and 10 Men, meant to Winter at Lake lapluis, Adjoining to the common Rendesvous of the Traders above York. where they now deliver their Trades & Receive Outfits, instead of going to the grand portage.
The Opening of our River gave much Alarm the water and Ice rose higher then ever known by the Oldest Indians. After several breaches in the Stockades universal Destruction threatened us, Boats, firewood. in short every thing that would Swim was swept off among fields of Ice forming a prospect Awful & tremendous. two Boats full of men rowed to the woods for Safety.
Prospects of Trade at the Fort are better then Last year, dependimg much upon the Nward Indians, who never saw a Canadian, several of whom after much diftrefs went to Severn last year & I am informed several this, where I am sorry to say from their behaviour and Afsertions much unmerited Liberality has been shewn, they form a Striking Contrast from these bordering & at times visiting Moose, and think as Little of a 4 foot Gun now , as a few years ago they would of a Razor. this hurts the service in a Supreme degree. Among other evils one is, we cannot get Indians sufficient to afsist us in Conveying Supplies to follow our Canadian Opponents, who carry goods 1500 miles to a spot 1000 from here and not above 200 from Severn.
At Martins Fall 300 Miles from hence where the first impafsable rapids Commence, a Large house was built last winter. there we are in hopes near 40 Ton of Goods &c has near reached. In a few weeks I mean to meet the Inland Gentlemen at that place. An Unfortunate young man had his Leg fractured in Winter. some days ago the Limb was amputated above the Knee and he is doing very well. - Another Lamentable Object had an Active hand in his own Death last December.
That you have Enjoyed every happinefs Mefs Kipling & Robinson Join in wishes with Gentlemen
your
very Humble Servt.
John McNab."
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" From Mr Ballanden to J.C.
Severn House Aug. 94
Dear Sir,
Your two favours I was duly honour'd with, was happy to hear of your welfare & of all those under your command, a felicity I shall ever wish may accompany you.
It gives me much uneasinefs to find you was disappointed by the overplus hands sent here last fall not returning to you overland. I knew of none but Mr Wiegand and James Ballanden, the former I sent you but did not choose to keep him, the latter should have been sent likewise but a multiplicity of Buisnefs at that time prevented me which I am sorry for. - However they are both now sent, & as they are young men, hope you will render themselves serviceable either Inland or York. - I am in no want of a Writer, a Labouring Servant will render me more Service. Hugh Leask is likewise sent, a fine Young Lad & promifses fair to make a good Inlander. - John Moat & James Wilderage also, their times being expired.
My long range of Offices which was burnt down the 1st January is now compleatly rebuilt with additions and the Cookrooms situated independent of every other building, the latter is not finished for want of Nails, an Article I have been much distrefsed for this last Winter. - Hope you will be able to Spare your Bricklayer to build the Chimneys and Ovens. have hitherto been obliged to Cook in a Tent & Bake our Bread in an Iron pot. - My new Dwelling House which was begun fall 1792, have not been able to do any thing worth mentioning since to it, for want of an experienced man to undertake to build it. - The Shipwright who begun it has not time & neither does he wish to carry it on . - For disobedience of orders was obliged to put him off duty for a few days. - Account of which is enclosed to be laid before the Council at York.
The trade at Severn is declining fast no more this year than 6978 9/20 MB. hope yours mends accordingly. - By one of our Homeguard Indians hupatew? I received 40 Beaver of your debt which is carried to account in our books and now sent home. - Wishing you an early sight of the Companys Ship with pleasing accounts from all friends,
I remain
Dear Sir
Your Obt. Servt.
John Ballanden.
Have sent a Cow & Bull according to your request & hope you will be able to spare the following articles, Lines tracking, or Net. - Files pr Pit Saw. - Powder horns. Beads small round white. - Brandy. - Flour - & four foot ramrods. - also a little Rum for my Table if any is permitted me by my Honble Employers. - The following persons Contracts expiring next year, sends their resolves as follows. - John Irvin Taylor 3 Years at 10 £ pr Annum. John Fidler Labourer 2 Years at 8 £ and one at 10 £ pr annum & Willm. Lewtit ditto 3 Years at 12 £ pr annum."
1M256 B.239/b/55


" From Mr Tomison to J.C.
Eche mamis Aug. 2nd 1794
Dear Sir
After a pafsage of 20 days from the Rock we arrived safe at Cumberland House, staed four nights & Embarked again. we could only take 12 Bundles in each Canoe owing to 36 being lodged in the little House in the great Lake by those who were paid to carry them to York Factory. I had not the least thought of their deceiving me and it was merely by chance I happened to take a look as I pafsed by. Their still remains at Cumberland House 44 bundles of furs.
I was much surprised to see Mr Vandriel at Cumberland House on my arrival. but much more when he made me acquainted with the unfortunate cause which with concern I relate to you. - On the 24th of June the South Branch House was attacked by a large body of fall Indians on Horseback who cut three men to pieces, robbed the House and laid it to ashes. I am sorry that no convincing a proof has prevented itself that of draughting out all the useful Men from the upper Settlements and a few poor young hands put in their places that have neither action to save themselves defend the Companys property nor Conduct Canoes up and down. I have ever been fearful of such happening & I doubt the upper House has shared the same fate. Mr Vandriel will make you better acquainted of every circumstance then I can, as also of his narrow escape out of their savage Cruelty.
I am sorry to find your Canoes are so bad that they cannot be repaired which partly must arise from the Men not being more careful of them, Canoes will be Canoes now, for I much doubt their will not be a Canoe built Inland next year for many causes which I have not time to inform you of.
As for its being impofsible to supply some of port? Nelsons Settlements with Goods carried by Indian Canoes. I will not venture to say, but am certain all the dry goods were carried to the upper Settlements by Indians in its infancy, untill we were taught to carry them ourselves, as also a great part of the Furs carried down.
As there are many Blankets wanted at Cumberland House and as yet, no more than 16 sent up, so that a great number will be sent the next opportunity. Hatchets, broad Ice Chifsels, Powder, Tobacco & Brandy if a Coafser? for anything else, I have not had time to inspect the Invoice. so conclude with wishing better succefs to the Companys affairs health and happinefs to you, and all under your command & remain
Dear Sir
Your very humble Servant
Will. Tomison
You will Please to Dispatch the bearers as fast as pofsible and should not the Ship arrive in due time it is requested you will not detain them on that account.
adieu
W.T."
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" From J.C. to Mr Tomison
YF August 27th 1794
Dear Sir
On the arrival of Mr Oman the 11th I rece'd yours of the 2nd. - I should have dispatched the Canoes sooner from the factory - but in hopes the arrival of the Ship would have supplied many principal articles wanted, induced me to detain them, - Not a large Rundlet for Brandy is in the factory. - Neither are there any Indian Tracking Lines, Flints or Cod Hooks - each of the latter named articles I promifsed to send Mr Rofs who is to dispatch a Canoe for them to Cumberland House - without which himself & people will be the insuing Winter in a wretched situation.
Six of the Canoe Cargoes taken from the Rock Hill River were packed purposely for the Athapascow Trade & I much fear will not suit the Indians up the Saskachiwan - This you are not to impute to any neglect or inattention on my part not fulfilling your Indent - which has been complied with could the Goods packed be conveyed to you, - The Coarse Powder which you call Common was sent out with many Barrels of fine no longer ago than 1792. its strength I am informed is equal to the fine - this I understand you proved on trial at Cumberland House. - A Tribe of Chipwyan or Athapascow Indians visited the factory the last winter - refused? Trading the fine Powder, they said it resembled the french powder and were pleased when coarsed was offered them. - Mr Fidler who had vifsited their Country, Said all the Northern Natives prefered it to the fine - In consequence we were obliged to bore into almost every Cask in the Magazine - to get the largest Grain Powder, & found sufficient to fill five Rundlets these for distinction sake were marked A and which were intended for Mr Rofs for the Athapascow Trade only, but that expedition being set aside - the powder & other Trading Goods of coarse were taken up the Saskachiwan - Mr Tho. Thomas Surgeon who is Inland afsisted filling the Rundlets will inform you particulars.
The lofs of the South Branch House and the Catastrophe that followed filled my mind with horror. I sincerely lament the fate of the unfortunate men who fell Victims to the Savage cruelty of Indians.
Confined by illnefs for some time past prevents my paying attention to the packages taken up by the Canoes. - I cannot in this be so explicit as I wish.
Since Mr Omans arrival I have discovered that the Stittiards with which I weighed the High Spirits are not just - they appear to gain in proportion as the weight increase and by several trials which I made on them it makes a difference of a Pint of liquor in a three Gall Rundlet - and a quart & 1/2 Pint in a Seven Gallon one lefs than is charged. I mention this circumstance to convince you no fraud on my part is intended - all the Spirits is this Season is of much greater Strenght than that of last Year.
It is conjectured here that the Ship is bound for Churchill as well as this place & that the Captain has touched there, in his way if so, I am of opinion the Honble Company will be lofsers by it this Season More than the profits of Churchill Trade will amount to in three Years to come. - Not having Articles or men to supply your wants I cannot fulfil my promise - I cannot do that which I intended towards promoting our Employers Interest. -
With wishing a more peaceful disposition to Natives towards us health and happinefs to you & all under your Command and prosperity to the Honble Companys concerns
I remain
Dear Sir
Your very hble Servant
J.C.
P.S. Neither John Sabbeston or Robt. Garrock could be prevailed on to return to Cumberland House. Mr Isham is ordered to send As many men & Canoes he can spare next Spring to Cumberland House to afsist down with furs."
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" From J.C. to Mr Oman
YF Aug. 29th 1794
Mr Oman
Sir,
On your arrival at Gordon House you are to take the 200 Flints which are in Bundle No. 13, & convey them to Cumberland House for Mr Rofs.
On your arrival at the Narrow in the Cedar Lake - Hugh Sabbeston is to leave you and proceed to Swan River - The Bundles of Cloth & Tobacco which he has in his Canoe is to be distributed among the people who proceed to Cumberland - & the Cargo he his to take with him for Mr Isham is 4 Rundlets of Brandy N. 8-27-28-30- and the two bundles of Kettles - As there is a great want of Bowsman at Cumberland House - John Stricklair is to accompany you. - and Mag. Cooper is to act as Bowsman to Hugh Sabbeston from Cedar Lake to Swan River - but should he require a fourth hand - which I do not think there is occasion - you are to supply him with one of the young hands.
On your arrival at Cumberland - the whole of the Cargo which James Davey takes up - Powder excepted - is for Mr Rofs to be delivered to the people he sends to Cumberland for it - with the flints taken from the Rock as before mentioned-
With wishing you & people a pleasant pafsage
I remain
Sincerely Yours &c.
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/55


" From J.C. to Mr Tate
YF Aug. 31st 1794
Mr Tate
Sir,
The dispatch to you pr Wappetunisk dated 13th Instant I informed you the melancholly catastrophe that had happened at the South Branch - That event has stopped many useful men from going up the Saskachiwan this fall - and enables me to supply your wants mentioned in Letter of the 22nd rece'd two days ago - I found no difficulty engaging men for two Canoes for the Northward Track - Mr Wm Sinclair being here and in want of many articles of Trading Goods & his having only an Indian Canoe with him - I am enabled by the help of the men who are to Winter with you to send those goods part of the way; - where they are to be staged till Mr Wm Sinclair has opportunity to send some of his people for them.
The Men I have engaged to winter with you are Robt. Garrock, John Sabbeston, John Simpson and Thomas Taylor & James Sinclair. - I shall dispatch them in five days time from the factory & you are to send men to meet them at Chatham - if it is your intention to keep up Seepewisk - you are to give directions for their removing to that Settlement - This I shall leave to your discretion - and that which is best adapted for trade - there fix - and your prudence will dictate to you to Station the men in proper places where Provisions are most plentiful.
I give you this early intelligence to prevent disappointment and you are not to fail sending people to meet the Men at Chatham House as before directed.
The Indian is in a hurry to leave the factory - I have but just time to tell you that the Ship is not yet arrived - and I am in the utmost concern for her safety.
I remain Yours &c
J.C.
P.S. The men I dispatch from the factory - will take for you Six Rundlets of High Spirits besides that which they take Up for Mr Sinclair. - Since writing this Wappetunisk - hath returned to the factory with other Indians & as I find he intends to Winter Elsewhere - have taken the Letter from him which he had in his Charge to deliver you upwards of fourteen days ago."
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" From J.C. to Mr Whitford
YF 1 Sept. 1794
Mr James Peter Whitford
Sir,
This impowers you to take charge of Gordon House near the Rock Hill River - John Allan who has the Charge at present will deliver you Invoices of Goods &c - On your arrival - a minute overhaul is to be made of all the loose articles - of Trading goods and Stores - and a Copy of the same signed by you and J. Allan transmitted to me.
The small stock of Goods you have with you will not admit of your trading with Indians on the same liberal terms we do at the Factory. - Yet you are always to deal justly by them and at all times treat them with humanity.
It is expected the Natives will bring you a quantity of Dried Meat and fat to trade - if this should be the case you are to be particulary careful, not to be too lavish in the expenditure - but store it for those who make trips to the upper Settlements.
As the House was errected purposely to supply my home Guard and other Indians with articles they may want in winter - and to prevent the lofs of time during the hunting Season which the coming to the Factory must occasion you are to treat the Natives who visit you liberally, at the same time avoid Prodigality. - Send presents to the old Natives.
Whatever furs are left with you towards the payment of debts - You are to tally the Bundles belonging to the respective Indians - that they may be delivered at the factory in the same state they left them with you.
You are to keep an exact daily Journal of your proceedings - as well as of your own expenditures & receipts of Provisions & furs. - This you are to particulary observe - for your own Credit - my satisfaction and Honble Company's information.
I shall dispatch the small Batteaux with provisions so soon as ever the Ship is discharged of her loading pr the support of Men during winter - and in case John Houston should choose to remain up he has free liberty - and you may inform him, while he remains where he now is he has the usual annual bounty allowed Servants remaining Inland of 40 ? Yearly but should he stay at the factory - his wages will not be augmented.
With wishing you health happinefs and every plenty that Seasons & Natives can afford you.
I remain
Your friend & well wisher
J.C.
P.S. As the Men with you has the same allowance of Brandy delivered as to Servants going Inland they are not to be served? with Liquor on Saturdays or any other time more than the men at the Inland Settlements."
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" From Tho. Stayner to J.C.
Churchill Factory 25th Aug. 1794
Sir
On the 16th Instant Capt. Hanwell of the Honble Companys Ship Prince of Wales arrived safe in our River with the York & Churchill Cargoes on board.
Having last year sent for 20 labouring hands and only two coming out owing to the infamous afsertions of two refractory fellows who went home from here. Altho the Companys orders sent down to Orkneys was to engage as many as could be procured for CR & a similar order for YF. Concluding from this that it was the Gentlemen of the Committee's intention to send an equal number of hands to both factory's I made a public request to Capt. Hanwell that he would leave some of those engaged for York providing the men themselves were agreeable to stay. and at the same time laid before him the several letters wherein you had promifsed to afsist me with men. Capt. Hanwell concluding from them that he would be acting agreeably to your Intentions in leaving a part of them & at the same time forward the Companys Affairs very much at this factory. agreed to leave nine without which Number it would have been impofsible for me to have succeeded in carrying forward Inland next Season, on the Contrary I shall now be able to send two Boats up Seal River next Spring as far as the Awpish, e, pow the pan na coose Lake were I have erected a Settlement this Season & another at the Head of the Musk rat river agreeable to what you intimated in a former Letter that it could be done from C.R. - I have been up Seal river myself as far as the Mifsa na pee & found it to be an exceeding good River for our Inland undertakings & will in future be the track pursued by Englishmen from hence. I have not the least doubt but it will be found the best & nearest track to the Athapascow on account of its tending so much to the Westw'd. the upper end of the Lake She thinny which is at the head of Seal River lies much about the same Latitude as this factory & near 5 Degrees to the Westw'd. and not above eight days paddle from the Bay - I trust Capt. Hanwell's conduct respecting leaving the men will meet your Approbation, as I pursume it will most undoubtedly be approved of by the Honble Company.
If you can pofsibly spare your Sloop to come round here this fall with the following articles it will render considerable service to our Honble Employers - Strong Spirits, Bristol Shot, broad & narrow gartering, Hatchets oval eye, Macatoggans, Corduroy Breeches, Velveret Waistcoats & a canteen. the latter for my own use going Inland.
As Mr Auld goes Inland this Fall will be glad if you can spare Mr Wright or one of the Surgeons at York for a Year.
Your Obedient Servant
Tho. Stayner
P.S. Enclosed is a list of Northern Indian Debts at CR."
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" From John Allan to J.C.
Gordon House 10 Sept. 1794
Sir,
These acquaint you that Mr Oman and part of Steersmen returned from the second Fall above the Rock - unable to proceed with his Cargo - on account of the latenefs of the Season - and left five Rundlets of High Spirits belonging to the Canoes in his Company - with greater part of the Provisions - and as Howee Sabeston - very much detained them owing to his having a Leaky Canoe - This whole Cargo was left here and four Canoes fitted out with the best men who proceeded on with their Journey Inland. - Two of the Bowsmen returned with empty Canoe with three others being the Packet? hands in Company to acquaint you this event. Mr Oman and Men are very much afraid they will not be able to reach Cumberland House - for the men are very much disheartened staying so long at the factory.
so no more at present from
Your hble Servt. John Allan.
P.S. Battle Skull came here and finding the weather too Cold for his going to the Factory requested Debt which I trusted - 30 Beaver - and Sugow 50 Beaver. They traded 326 lbs of Dry provisions and 33 lbs of Fat besides a few furs which I have sent pr Bearers."
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" From Mr Stayner to J.C.
Churchill factory 6th Sept. 94
Dear Sir
On the 28th Ult. a large Canoe arrived from Mr George Charles which brought me the agreeable news of all having arrived safe - I sent Mr Auld off for Inland the 4th Instant with two Canoes one of which was built at the Factory. it being late in the year I was only able to get 17 Pieces of Goods up in them both which was principally Brandy. they are gone up by way of Seal River which is an excellent Track and where I intend taking Boats up next Spring - If pofsible you can send the Sloop round this Fall with Spirits &c as requested in my last, it will be a means of forwarding our affairs very much next Season. - for to afsist in the Navigating her, I have sent the Craft Master belonging here, he is pretty well accquainted with the Coast between York & Churchill - if you cannot pofsibly send the Sloop, will be obliged to you for some thousand Yards of broad & narrow Gartering by return of packet as it shall have no Indian here in Winter shall expect a packet from you at the usual time.
I remain
Your most obedt. Servant
Tho. Stayner
P.S. Shall be glad to receive our Duplicate packet of last year & a few blank Contracts."
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" From J.C. to Mr Stayner
York Fort 15th Sept. 1794
Dear Sir,
Capt. Hanwell of the Honble Company's Ship Prince of Wales did not arrive here before the 4th Instant, when he delivered your Letters of the 25th Ult. - James Dunning & Indians arrived this day with your Packet for England.
The late arrival of the Ship at this place has overturned almost the whole of our arrangements this fall - and prevented the intended supplies being sent Inland; which will I much fear be severely felt - if not totally destroy the Trade up the Saskachewan. - I am too much pres't for time to relate particulars - The Ship has on board all her homeward bound Cargoe - & is expected to Sail in a day or two - & am myself preparing to take pafsage on board her to England, consequently my hands are pretty full in making arrangements for the ensuing Year.
The Churchill Sloop which has occasioned so much talk in this Country is found to be totally unfit for undertaking a Voyage to Churchill - This is the report of our Shipwright last June - who says it is out of the power of man to put her in a proper condition for Sea. -
We have a good stock of double Spirits distilled & would with pleasure have supplied you - had the Ship touched here first - Mr Sutherland the Sloop Master has been confined to his Cabbin upwards of four months past with Rhumatic Complaints - and returns to England for the benefit of his health.
It gives me pleasure hearing you are carrying your Inland concerns to such extent - may they be productive of much Emolument to our Employers is my sincere wish. - Mr Cook was at much trouble and expence sending Indians who deceived him in search of George Charles last Winter. - I dare say you are convinced ere this the unpleasant situation to depend entirely on them.
I laboured under the same predecament this Season as I have done for years past in not having Canoes to carry on the undertakings up Nelson River consequently I have not had it in my power to supply you with these kind of Craft. Mr William Sinclair who supplies the room of Mr Cook at the Station nearest George Charles has orders to afford your people every afsistance in his power - but by the return of one Canoe unable to proceed owing to the latenefs of the Season loaded with high Brandy for that House, will I fear prevent his doing towards them equal expectations.
This Summer I made a trip Inland, accompanied by Men in a Boat of 9 Tons burden and a Batteaux of two Tons - Loaded with Trading Goods and built a Store House near the Rock in Hill River from which place I fitted out Men in Eight Canoes for Cumberland - who returned with a second Loading of nearly 7000 MB. - The Prince of Wales hath a valuable Cargo on board amounting to 54,000 MB.

The unfortunate end of Nonose and Uttowemow, prevented any Indians staying at York last Winter to go with Packets as formerly. Neither could any be prevailed on to visit Churchill this Summer notwithstanding many of your home Guards were on this Plantation.

A few Northern Indians visited this place last Winter and traded about 260 Prime Beaver one of whom - Mr Longmoor informed me was a Chief - he was of course drest - one of them acknowledge owing 10 Beaver Debt at Churchill a Man with one Eye paid 5 in part which he placed to your Credit in our books - They were all trusted small debts a list of which I send you to receive it for believe me they are not welcome Visiters. Athapascow Expedition has again been set aside this Summer at Cumberland House and it gives me pleasure hearing there is a probability of carrying it forward from Churchill up Seal River.
Your request for a further supply of Men cannot with any propriety be complied with - Your detaining nine of those engaged for York this Season will I fear be attended with more serious consequences than you are at present aware. I sincerely wish it may not.
The want of Men has been long felt Inland - and will be more so next Year. - Mr Tomison Writes me their want alone occasioned the lofs of Manchester House last fall - and of the South Branch in Summer - both of which were plundered by Natives and they are now in Ashes - at the latter three Men unfortunately fell Victums to Indian Cruelty - The Honble Company's lofs cannot be estimated at lefs than 10,000 MB.

You application to Mr Sutherland requesting an officer from Inland to be sent you was laid before the Council - In consequence Mr Vanderiel accompanies your Packetmen on their return - he has been many years in the Canadian Employ was engaged by the Honble Company last year - and was in charge of the South Branch House when attacked by Indians from whom he very narrowly escaped to Cumberland House and came down with the fall Canoes to this place - I refer you to that Gentleman for particulars.

With wishing you a pleasant Winter and plentiful Supplies of all kinds - I remain
Your very hble servt.
J.C.
P.S. Your Packet Indians had your duplicate Packet in charge when they left this factory last fall. There are no Indians on the Plantation at Present and I much doubt whither there will be any to go with a Packet in Winter to Churchill."
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" From Mr Stayner to Mr G.S.
Churchill Nov. 26.1794
Dear Sir,
On the 3rd of Oct. Mr Vandriel with James Dunning & Indians arr'd here. the late arrival of the Ship at York will I presume ever be the consequence of one Vefsel consigned to both Places.

I mentioned in my last of Mr Auld with 2 Canoes having left the Factory the 4th of Sept. for the Musquawegan River House, to proceed by the way of Seal River. the tempestuous weather that prevailed after his departure, impeded him in his pafsage so much, that he had not reached much above 100 Miles up the River when the Ice gathered along the Shores in such quantities as put a final stop to his further progrefs and with much difficulty he reached the Factory the 6th Ult. I fear this disappointment will be severely felt as the want of Spirits Inland is very great.

Mr Vandriels account of the unfortunate affair that took place at the South Branch House must fill every feeling men with horror. much is to be apprehended for the fate of those left at Buckingham House. Tho' I hope in God they are safe, the hostile disposition of the Natives will make every precaution necefsary, and I much fear will render the Honble Companys Inland Trade very precarious.

Our River set fast about the 12th Ult. continued only for a few days & broke up again, on the 22nd it set fast again & people crofsed it on the 24th. The first of the Winter, Partridges were tolerably plenty but the recent bad weather that has prevailed for this Fortnyht past has made them very scarce, fish very few to be got.

A small party of Indians and a few straglers came in this fall with furs amounting in the whole to about 600 MB.
As I find there is no probability of being supplied with strong spirits from YFactory by water, I have sent Mr Linklater with 4 Men an Indian & 7 Dogs for the purpose of hauling some and altho' the quantity be but small that can be brought by this conveyance, yet neverthelefs with the afsistance of Your Dogs also 4 or 5 Men if you can spare them to make a Trip will be a sufficent supply for our Inland undertakings next season. Were your people & Dogs to come but half way should it be inconvenient to spare them the whole distance would still be rendering considerable service to the Honourable Company - and I should be able to send for it in the course of the Winter, exclusive of the above - will be glad, also, if you can spare me the following articles - Some Bristol Shot, Broad & narrow gartering, Sleeve buttons, Union flags pr Indians. those sent out here are about the size of a Pocket Handkerchief and complained much of by Natives. Six of them not being so large as a Canadian one.
The following stores I will also be obliged to you for - a Canteen for my own use going Inland, a Screw plate & Taps, Two feet rules, Plane Irons of 2 Inches & 2 1/8 Do. - Tennon saw & Hand saws, most or all the above Tradesmens Stores were indented for from here in 1793 but did not come out & we are much distrefsed for want of them.
Mefs Auld, Donald & Vanderiel joins me in Compliments to the Gentlemen of your Mefs, with wishing you plentiful seasons Health? and a good Trade.
I remain
you Humble Servant
Tho. Stayner.
P.S. we are much in want of small Brafs Compafses if you have any thing of the kind to spare will be obliged to you for one. inclosed is a list of Sd Indian debtors and doubt not but you will do your endeavours to stop them.
T.S."
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" Mr G.S. to Mr T. Stayner
York Factory 12 Dec. 1794
Dear Sir,
Your favour of the 26th Ulto. arrived safe here the 8 Inst. and am sorry to hear that Mr Auld was obliged to return on account of the early setting in of the Ice - nor had our men any better succefs who attempted to go up Nelson River with Trading Goods &c. as they was necefsiated to return after having got 120 miles up that River owing to the severity of the weather.

We are under great spprehensions for the safety of those Men left at Buckingham House last Summer - That unhappy affair which took place at the South Branch ought to be a caution to the Inland Masters that in building their Houses, they ought to be on such a plan as to be enabled to defend themselves against an attack made on them by the Natives & and there is not a doubt but what has alwready happened will very much injure the Company's affairs in that quarter.

Our River set fast 15th Nov. Partridges Rabbits & Fish has hitherto been scarse but by the exertions of English & Indian Hunters have been able to serve out 2 days fresh provisions pr Week.

Have sent you as much Strong Spirits, Gartering &c as your Men & Dogs can haul as pr list inclosed - also a Canteen, we are sorry that it is not in our power to supply you with any of the Stores you wrote for - as those articles are very scarse here.

We are likewise sorry that we cannot comply with your request of sending Men to haul Spirits any part of the way to Churchill as all those men who are capable of undertaking that Journey are employed at hunting Tents procuring fresh provisions for our people, for indeed we have suffered too much from that malignant disorder the Scurvy at this place ever to employ the men termed Hunters on any other duty owing to the Winter season.
With wishing you a pleasant Winter and a Good Trade is the sincere wish of,
Dear Sir
your obt. hble Servt.
Geo. Sutherland
P.S. My mefsmates joins me in Compliment to you & the Gentlemen around your Table."
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" Mr Whitford to G.S.
Gordon House Hill River 12th Dec. 1794
Dear Sir,
I take this opportunity of writing to inform you of my situation, which has been some what disagreeable this Fall, owing to my ill state of health and the disappointment of the Batteaux that was to have been sent soon after I left York. but before the Winter came on I had sent two Men in a small Canoe to the Factory for those necefsaries that were wanting. those men meeting with a misfortune of breaking their Canoe about a mile below the House and of course was obliged to return.
Soon after my arrival here one Canoe of Bungee Indians came down to trade a few Summer Skins and a little provisions which I traded and gave them a small Debt. I am sorry to inform out of 6 rolls of Brazil Tobacco which I had opened the very Day the Indians came was not fit for use, this article they wanted much and of Course was obliged to go without.
On the 15 Oct. Four of the homeguard Indians with their families arrived here in Canoes from the Factory, they remained here 10 Days owing to the inclemency of the weather and the Ice driving in the River. they afterwards proceeded to their winters quarters by carrying their Goods overland. during their stay here they made me Snow Shoes &c.
I have had occasion to open these bundles No.124 Gh1? Gh2? for the sake of small articles such as Files Steels &c but there were none - these Articles are much wanted here - on this purpose has induced me to you for your information.
The Men here procured in the Fall about 70 Rabbits which has been of great service. for there is neither Partridges or Fish to be got here, we are constantly employed hunting but cannot meet with sucefs -. There now remain here about 80lb of Dried meat &c and the prospects of getting more is very feint as the promises of the natives is not to be depended on - I have not seen any of them since the setting in of the Winter - I hope you will send me a small supply of Provisions as soon as you think proper otherwise I shall be much distrefsed before six weeks is expired - You will be so kind as to prepare a small Box containing small Trading Articles (such as those sent in Packages Inland) by the return of the Packet.
I remain
Dear Sir
your most obdt. hble Servt.
James Peter Whitford
PS. I am much in want of a man who is capable of sawing Boards for the roof of the House and the preservation of the Company's property. Pray give my compliments to Mr Longmoor and the rest of the Gentlemen at your Table, wishing you & them a plentiful Winter.
J.P.W."
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" Mr Sutherland to Mr Whitford
York Factory 6 Jan. 1795
Dear Sir,
Yours of the 12 Ulto. arrived here the 20th. am sorry to hear of your ill state of health, yet hope the Medecines now sent by Mr Wright our Surgeon will soon restore you to your former state.
The Ship did not sail for England before the 25th Sept., it was not in our power to send you a Batteaux at that late Season as the weather proved so very bad that we could not get a few rafts of Firewood home from acrofs the River - One Englishmen, 2 Indians & 3 Dogs are sent with your Men carrying a supply for you as pr inclosed list.
The greatest frugality on your part in the expenditure of what is now sent will be absolutely necefsary as you cannot expect another supply from here until next June - therefore should you judge that the Provisions now sent added to what you have & what supply you have reason to expect from the Natives will be insufficient to last you during the Winter months you may send down one of your men by return of the Packet.
You are on no account whatever to consider Gordon House as a Trading Settlement as that would defeat the intentions of it - as it was meant for nothing more than a Store house where goods &c were to be lodged for the use of Inland Settlements, - Besides the Indians who may visit you are heavy Debtors at this place & cannot be in want of any necefsaries whatever being supplied here last summer very well - and you need be under no apprehension that they will Trade with the Canadians as there are none near to you or them - you are therefore not to Trade for any thing of consequence with the Natives except Provisions & by no means give them Debt. Shall be glad if you will send me the names of those Bungees whom you gave Debt too in the Fall, also the sum of each mans Debt respectively.
Am very sorry to here that all the Inland rolls of Brazil Tobacco is spoilt, shall be glad to know how this has happened as I am informed it was in good condition when it went from here last Summer.
I am sorry we cannot spare you a Sawyer as we have a great deal to do in that line here besides you have not provisions to support him.
Partridges, Fish and Rabbits have been but scarce hitherto - yet by industry we have been enabled to serve out 2 Days fresh Provision pr Week.
Wishing you better health and
Plenty of Provisions
I remain
Dear Obdt. hble Servt.
G. Sutherland
P.S. My mefsmates join me in compliments to you."
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" Mr Whitford to Mr Sutherland
Gordon House 20th Jan. 1795
Dear Sir,
Yours of the 6th arrived here the 17th Inst. and am very much obliged to you for the supply of Provisions now sent with what I have by me and what I expect from Indians in the Spring, I hope it will enable me & men to subsist till the arrival of the Batteauxs.
I understand Sir that this establishment was erected purposely to supply the homeguard Indians in the Winter and to save them the trouble of going down to the Factory & not to hinder their Hunting - Those Indians that visited me wanted Twine? and Hatchets, these Articles I have supplyed them - I have not seen any of them since.
The two Indians that came soon after my arrival had heard of this settlement which induced them to come down and trade their provisions, and one of those men was at Swan River last Winter which made me give them a small Debt. I have according to your request sent a List of their Debts.
I understand you wish to be satisfied how the Tobacco became damaged - I am sorry that it is not in my power to inform you for it was spoiled before I came here. it was only the Day after I had it opened.
When the warm weather comes I shall be under the necefsity of building a Log Tent to preserve the Goods from the water occasioned by the overflowing of the Creek behind the House. You would scarse believe when I tell you that the Guard room floor and Fireplace was 2 Inches deep underwater on the 18th Instant, we immediately went to work to cut the Ice away and drain the water off and by night I had a dry House.
Dear Sir
I remain
your most Obdt. Hble Servt.
James Peter Whitford
P.S. Pray give my compliments to Mefs Longmoor, Wright & Fidler."
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" Mr Stayner to Mr Sutherland
Churchill Factory 19th March 1795
Dear Sir,
Mr Linklater did not arrive here till the 30th of December, owing to the very bad hauling. one of my home Guard Southern Indians accompanied him unknown I imagine to you. Mr Colens last public Letter that I received dated Sept. 15th.94 immediately occurred to my mind wherein he mentioned that not one of his Indians or of Churchill homeguards could be prevailed on to bring a Packet to this place last Summer. it was natural of me to enquire of the above Indian the cause of such dislike to come here, he informed me as follows. that he (the above) learned from the Englishmen up Nelson river that no Indians would come to this Factory with a packet; some little time after he arrived at York & there enquired of his Country men the reason for objecting to come here, the answer he got was a flat denial in Toto, that Mr Colen had pitched upon two men to go with the Packet, that after they had prepared themselves for the Journey they were told that their services in that way were not necefsary. I mention the circumstance in this public manner as I apprehend the malicious insinuation of Mr Colen was aimed at my very existance as a master in this Service, for if it were pofsible that my treatment of Natives could be such as to deserve their hatred in so extraordinary a Degree it would certainly be much better for the Company if I were dismifsed; - however I flatter myself the Gentlemen of the Committee have more penetration than to be deceived by such vague and malignant reports. that fact is the York track being larger with other local advantages gives Mr Colen an opportunity to seduce Indians from other Factories which I imagine he never fails to embrace.

I have again sent Mr Linklater with 3 Ind. one Englishman & 6 Dogs to haul another trip of Spirits and some Bristol Shot if you can spare it, being particularly short of that article - the quantity of Spirits I received from you last is insufficient for the supply of Inland next Season.

This Winter has been the warmest known here for many Years the Thermometer never exceeding -31 neverthelefs the Game has been very scarce from Christmas until the latter end of February - I was only able to serve out 2 Days fresh provisions pr Week, Tho' I had nine hunters besides two Northern Indians from the Factory since which time the Partridges have become more plenty - so that I have been able to serve out 3 Days pr Week. I hope your situation has not been worse than my own; tho' when I consider the number of People you have to maintain [63 from a letter dated Feb. 18 1795] it is scarcely to be expected.

I have no news to inform you of, not a single Indian has been here since I last wrote. - My Mefsmates join me in Compliments to the Gentlemen around your Table - I shall expect a Packet from you as usual in summer - With wishing you plenty of Provisions & a Good Trade

I remain
your hble Serv.
Tho. Stayner
PS the Company not sending out any Garden Seeds out this year is the occasion of my requesting some of the following if you can spare them, Turnip, Cabbage sugar loaf or early York, Carrot, White mustard, Parsnip, Endive & Crefses - likewise Handkerchiefs Silk large & Thimbles Brafs as many as you can spare."
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[In the middle of the above letter is writing in the margin (below) and a letter (also below)]


" York 3rd Dec.? 1794
My Dear Sir
I received Your kind Letter which gave me great pleasure to hear You had arrived safe in Your Native Country after being so long ?. I should have wrote You before now had You not flattered me with the hopes of seeing You at York ere now, as soon as You arrive I hope You will inform me and I shall endeavour to make York agreeable to You during Your stay. I was sorry to hear that the indiscretions? of my Succefsor and his favorite* had obliged all the home Guard Natives to desert Churchill. says he is glad they have left him and is surprised how I ? have patience with them? all my time. I fear they are building Castles in the air ? will put the Company to a great expence without any return. but more of this when I have the pleasure of seeing You which I hope will be soon if not please to favour me Your Obliged Humble
Servant
William Jefferson
on the ?
York
*meaning Mr Auld."

[The above letter addressed to]
" Joseph Colen Esq.
Hudson Bay House
London"

[Written in the margin]
" Just before the Ships arrival in 1794 Mr Colen certainly engaged two Men to go with a packet to Churchill and the? few? nights before the Natives were to set off one of them Married after this he refused going and no one else could be prevailed on to visit that Settlement. The two Natives engaged to go with the Packet were young Men from Severn and were the same Mr Sutherland engaged this Season. - The Indians have the same aversion? ? Churchill they had last year and it? was? not all Mr Sutherland's ? could prevail on them to return back. - See Mr Jeffersons Letter."
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" Mr Sutherland to Mr Stayner
York Factory 2d Apr. 1795
Dear Sir,
Mr Linklater and party arrived here the 27th Ult. all well. I make no doubt but your people found it bad hauling at that early season of the Year - but that is not a sufficient reason for Mr Linkletter taking Boles? son to Churchill without my Knowledge or consent as I only meant for him to go as far as Sams Creek with your people and there to shoot Partridges for this Factory.

I am very sorry that any misunderstanding should take place between Mr Colen and you - but I being on my pafsage from England at the Time you allude to - I cannot be supposed to know any thing of the Matter. - have loaded all your Men & 6 Dogs with Strong Spirits, Bristol Shot &c, as pr list inclosed.

We had fine weather from Christmas to the beginning of March, since then it has been very cold - am happy to hear that Partridge have been planty with you - but have been scarce here not having killed sufficient to serve out 3 Days fresh Provisions in 14 - yet thank God all our people are healthy.
Our Packet has just returned from Severn were they left all well at that Settlement except the Mate of the Sloop who is said to be deranged in his faculties.["Geo. Thomas" from a letter dated Mar. 9 1795]
I have no news to inform you of not having seen any of the Indians except 3 who came in for necefsaries and brought nothing with them. - Wishing you health & a good trade
I remain
Dear Sir
Your Obt. Hble Servt.
Geo. Sutherland
P.S Me mefsmates join me in Compliments to you & the Gentlemen at Churchill."
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" Mr Whitford to Mr Sutherland
Gordon House 19th May 1795
Dear Sir,
On the 5th March the Indians began to visit me, they brought some meat and a few Skins which I traded and have not seen any since the 15 Ult. - soon after the then came in and continued 'till the 26th when the River Ice gave way.
I have not been able to get Boards sawed to cover the House as you proposed on account of their not being capable of sawing for that purpose. - I have had a House built upon a higher piece of Ground 18 feet Long & 15 wide, and is made commodious for stowing Goods or Provisions to keep them free from smoak, otherwise it was impofsible owing to a bad House.

Have sent James Halcro & James Hourie according to your request, tho much inconvenient to me in case any Indians should pafs as I am not able to go as far as the Bank of the River or can do any bufsinefs - I am very sorry that I must resign this place if I do not get better soon.

I can afsure you there is but very little Water in the River, and am much in doubt whether your Batteaux's will get up the River at all being so very shoal.
I remain
Dear Sir
your Obdt. hble Servt.
James Peter Whitford
PS. I had a very indifferent winter and Spring there being very little to be got with the Gun owing to entire thick woods & no plains, these men will inform you much better than I am able to write. - This place is in want of every kind of Stores. please to give my Compliments to the Gentlemen around your Table."
1M256 B.239/b/56


" Mr Sutherland to Mr Tomison
York Factory 11th June 1795
Dear Sir,
Having been left in charge of this place last Season, in consequence of Mr Colen going to England, is the cause of my writing you this Letter.

I need not tell you our River is so shoal as not permit of the large Boat to go up to Gordon House not even empty - however have sent two Batteaux with? four Canoe Cargoes of Trading Goods as well as Provisions Brandy &c for those men whom you may appoint to return to Cumberland House the second trip.

I make no doubt but you will use your best endeavours to fit out as many canoes to return to Cumberland as you can before you come down - You will find as much goods at Gordon House as will load two or three Canoes more. it can be of no consequence what sort of Goods are sent at this Time whether Cloth, Brandy, Powder or Tobacco.

The men can make no objection now as the Honble Company has allowed them very handsomly in trip money. An extract from the last Years General Letter is inclosed for your information and the Mens satisfaction.

All those Men whose Contracts expire this Season should return to Cumberland House now and by that means would be down here to Settle their Terms at Ship time - Mr Longmoor accompanies the Boats in order to facilitate the Journy as well as assist you in fitting out the Men to return to Cumberland the second trip.

Several Men who came out last Year accompanies the Boats - so that you will be at no lofs for middlemen.
I am with respect
Dear Sir
Your obdt. hble Servt
Geo. Sutherland."
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" Mr Sutherland to Mr Whitford
York Factory 11th June 1795
Dear sir,
Have sent you a supply of Provisions by the Boats as pr list inclosed have also appointed William Houston and Tho. Anderson to stay at Gordon House in lieu of James Halcro & Ja. Hourie who are very fit men for Inland duty.
When any of those Indians to whom you gave debt comes down and does not pay it to you - write me an account of the Amount of such debts & I will endeavour to stop it here.
You must be careful in the expenditure of your Provisions as you can have no more until Ship time - be very careful in taking an exact account of the Goods that will be taken from Gordon House. a copy of which you are to send down by Mr Longmoor as well as the expenses and remains togeather with what furs you may have Traded.
Keep your Men employed cutting down timber for building in case it should be thought necefsary to build a Warehouse for depositing Trading goods &c in - your present house being a very bad one - Mr Longmoor will endeavour to get it made water tight while our men remain with you.
I am
Dear Sir
Yours &c
Geo. Sutherland."
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" Mr Tomison to Mr Colen
Cumberland House June 10th 1795
Dear Sir,
By the arrival of James Gaddy & those with him by land from Hudsons House the 6th of November, I receiv'd yours of the 27th of Aug., which gave me some Concern of the none arrival of the Companys Ship and more so at this Date as we have received no better accounts.

The five Casks of mixed Powder sent Inland last Year was much inferior to that of the fine both in strenght & Expenditure & it is hoped none of that or any other kind of inferior Goods will be sent where Oppositions is for the future.

The Brazil Tobacco Sent Inland last Year was entirely rotten by which means the trade has been reduced, since my arrival here have burnt 385 lb being what remained here & what was brought down by Mr Bird from the Nippoe. I was under the necefsity to borrow 22 lb of Brazil Tobacco from Mr Shaw before I left the upper Settlements through this & other Causes the Inland Trade is greatly reduced.

Mr Bird & Mr Twat will inform you of the great difference between the High Spirits sent up last Summer & that brought up by Mr Oman in the fall what has been expended at the upper house there is a true Account of it ent'd on a leaf of the Package book for your Perusal & should there be any doubt of my word James Gaddy & James Spence were the afsistants who can inform you of the particulars.

The number of Principal hands taken from Inland last year I make no doubt will convince the Company & you of the Decrease of Trade as also the No. of Canoes brought down it is with Difficulty we can man 15 Canoes & before that could be accomplished Mr Bird is obliged to take the Bow of one himself & a more miserable set of men was never left Inl'd there being only James Spence & Mag. Spence that can fire a Gun so that we are Laughed at by the meanest Canadian that comes from Canada. had the Comp'y Augmented 20 Men to the former Number they Certainly might have expected their Trade to have increased, but as it is the Trade will dwindle to nothing - the Young hands sent up last Summer was not able to go from Cumberland, John Budge excepted.

There was procured at Buckingham House last year Birch rind for 10 Canoes but only could build 6 for want of men to bring them down & the Birch rind will become uselefs for another year. as to the number of Canoes that may return from the Rock I leave to Mr Oman as he will be the best judge.

so conclude with wishing succefs to the Companys affairs health & happinefs to you and all under your command
& remain
Your very humble Servant
Will. Tomison
P.S. - The remains not being sent up last Autumn has prevented James Swain from writing the Books. - As we are now fast going for 2 Years since we heard from England - You will please to let me know if any service that I am capable of is further required.
Wm. Tomison."
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" Mr G.S. and Council to Mr J Bird
YFort July 20th 1794[95]
Dear Sir,
You are to proceed with the utmost expedition to Cumberland House with the Canoes det'd for the upper Settlements, taking those bound to Swan River under your care till you arrive at the usual place of parting in Cedar Lake. Should any Canoes attempt to go a head of you you are to take the best middleman out of such Canoe or Canoes, and replace them with the worst hands you have - this you are to do as often as occasion requires.

When you arrive at Cumberland you are to leave no more goods there than can be conveniently spared from the upper Settlement - as that House be supplied from hence in the fall.

When you get up as far as the nepewan you are to leave James Sandison with 4 or 5 Men with an assortment of Trading goods to Settle a House in the most likeliest place for Trade there abouts.

On your arrival at Buckingham House Should you hear that the Canadian Traders have gone further up the river with a view of Drawing away the Ind. and Consequently the Trade from you. in this case you are to proceed with as many men & as much goods as you shall judge necefsary - leaving the same person whom you find in charge of Buckingham House.

You are to send or order to be sent 3 Men with as many Horses as can be spared down as far as where Hudsons House formerly stood in order to meet the Canoes who may be sent up in the fall. - the man & horse to be down there by the 8th of October.

On meeting Mr Tomison with the Canoes from Cumberland you are to consult with him about the most proper mode of proceeding in the fall at the upper Settlements, as he his well qualified to give you every information you may require for the Benefit of the Company on that Head.

You are also together with Mr Tomison to return one of the Canoes you meet after Exchanging Cargoes with Will. Sabbeston, who is to return with the furs, as he is going to England pr Ship - by this means you will be enabled to carry 9 Canoes at least above Cumberland.

In order to Enable you the more Effectually to Carry on the Companys Buisfinefs? we hereby invest you with full power & authority to act as sole master of the Inland Settlements till you hear from the Chief & Council at this place.

Should any of your men dare to refuse Executing your orders in any respect you are to insert the same in your Journals. - in order that such measures may be taken with the offenders as the Honble Committee Recommends.
Wishing you a safe pafsage up
We Remain
Your Humble Servt.
G.S
R.L
T.T
C. T I?"
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" From Mr G.S. to Mr Tomison
YFort July 23rd 1795
Dear Sir,
I make no doubt but you will give Mr Bird every advice & afsistance in your power before you come down, - as the Conduct of the men have been such here that Mr Bird will find it a very difficult matter to manage them - however all them that does not obey their officers in future, the Company are Determined that they shall pay severely for such breach of their Contracts. - As there are no more than 8 Canoes sent up I am of opinion that it would be necefsary for one of the Canoes now Comeing down for to Exchange Cargoes with William Sabbeston & return with Mr Bird - as 8 Canoes are not sufficient or at least but few to supply the upper Settlements with Trading Goods &c.
Wishing you safe down
I Remain
Dear Sir your
Humble Servant
G.S."
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" From Mr GS to Mr Stayner
YF Aug. 1 1795
Dear Sir,
The season being arrived when the summer Packet gives us an opportunity to enquire after the Health of our friends at Churchill.

Our River Broke up the 13th of May in a Remarkable easy manner without leaving any Ice on the Shores or Island. our Goose Hunt proved the Poorest ever known at this place we having 10 Indians in the Marsh & killed little more than 300 Geese. our Trade at the factory is but very indifferent owing in a great measure to the Homeguard Indians not having hunted Beaver this Season. Indeed the Company will be great loofsers by this Trade as they have not paid Half their Debts. I cannot account for this as they used to bring a Great Deal more than what Paid their Debts which was on an average at least 100 Beaver each instead of which they have not Brought 40 Each. - The Trade of North River will be about the same as last year - however Mr Tomison says in his Letter the Trade from the upper Settlements has fallen far short in Consequence of his men being taken from him, but above all swan River Trade has suffer'd the most Principally owing to the refractory Conduct of the Men at that Settlement who would do only what they Pleased setting their Master at Defiance & one of them gave Mr Isham a hearty trimming - Mr Tomison staid at Cumberland House & sent Mr Bird down with the Canoes. - I afsure you we had enough to do with them men from Inland as they seemed to have no Idea that they was obliged to obey any one. however they found us Determined that they should be no longer their own Masters but obey with alacrity every order they might receive from their Superiors on pain of being heavily fined & otherwise severely Dealt with & by persevering we have Brought them to sence of their Duty which they have been strangers to for many years Back.

Mr Bird set out 23rd Instant with the last of the Canoes for the upper Settlements. Mefs Rofs & Thompson with 4 Large & 2 small Canoes loaded with a Choice assortment of Trading Goods set off for the long talk't of Northern Expedition the 18th Inst. - as also Mr Sinclair with 4 large & 1 small Canoes loaded with Trad'g Goods up Nelsons River.
Wishing you an early Shiptime
I Remain
Dear Sir Your obdt Humble Servt
G.S.
PS. Perhaps it may give you some Idea of the Inclosence of the Inland Men when I tell you that at least they Beheaved very well till the Canoes were? going away. when Wm Flett Jun. after having got into his Canoe & under way, thought proper to abuse us very much which we took No Notice of to him as it might delay the Canoes. however we detained Mr Bird & gave him a written order that on meeting Mr Tomison Wm Flett is to be exchanged for one of the Steersman comeing down with furrs & he is to return to the factory as he is to be sent to England as disorderly - we are of opinion this will have more effect than any step we have yet taken towards inducing? the men to proper orders.
GS"
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" From Mr Whitford to GS
Gordon House July 29th 1795
Dear Sir,
Your Indians arr'd here the 28th in Company with the Englishmen. I return many thanks for your supply particulary as I have not seen any Natives since the Spring. according to your request I have sent an account of my Expenses Trade & Remains together with the account of Debt & Goods taken from here Inland which I hope to hear it meets your approbation.

I have the satisfaction to inform you that my Store House is made tight by putting on pine Bark & has been Proved to keep out heavy rains which has been frequented this Month.

House & Carpenters Stores are here very much wanted as pr list enclosed. I hope you will not fail to send them in the fall, Till then, -
Dear Sir
I remain
Your most obdt Humble Servant
James Peter Whitford"
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" From Mr Jn Thomas to GS
Moose Fort June 17th 1795
An opportunity I understand from our friends at Albany will shortly offer to enquire after our Friends at the Honble Companys Settlements further Northward. I therefore shall endeavour to avail myself of it & hope to hear that health & succefs attends them wheresoever Dispersed.
Surrounded as we are by formidable rivals we cannot expect in so circumscribed a Situation a great increase of Trade. however we are useing our endeavours & doing all we can with a small Compliment of 53 Men & a few home Indians, out of which Number we have to man a Sloop & Shallop & support 4 Inland Settlements in three Different directions. they are all except Invalids Shipwright & armourer, on the road to several Places with a pretty ample supply of Goods & Provisions what the return will be I cannot yet ascertain but by account expect the Trade will be better than last year which was not quite 6000 MB.
Provisions hath been Neither Remarkably scarce or Plentiful with the afsistance of the fresh Beef we Kill we live well at Moose & have had a healthy Winter.
Wishing you the like enjoyment of Health & Plenty with Trade equal to your most Sanguin Wishes.
I remain
Sir
Your very humble Servt
Jn Thomas."
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" From Mr Hodgson to GS
Albany Fort July 3rd 1795
Dear Sir
We had the Pleasure to receive yours dated Feb. 18th & rejoice to hear of the very large Return of Furs sent to Europe last year from York & its Dependances [54,000 from the above letter] as well as to hear of your health. at present our small Compliment enjoy good health all our able hands & near 30 Indians are Conveying Cargoes Inland & Mr McNab our Chief is also there to Settle opperations for next year.

The Ship King George Sailed for Europe the [blank] of Sep. with 13,873 MBeaver from Albany & its dependances. at Present Albanys Particular Trade is much better than last year. we have not heard from our Inland Settlements so that we cannot form any Idea of our General Trade. the Canad'ns are very Numerous in the Interior Parts of the Country & are posted? in every Direction to Intercept the Indians. they have also established themselves at most of our Posts & are some of them but troublesome Neighbours. we are sorry to hear the lofs the Company has Sustained By the Destruction of 2 of their Settlements. we wait with anxiety to hear accounts from ours & wish they may not have met with a Similar Fate.

We lost Mr Kipling second Last Nov. who Died of an Appropletick fitt & Alex Moat a Labourer Journeying from Martins fall Sunk under the extremes of Hunger & fatigue within sight of the Fort. the Winter was mild and Rabbits very Plentiful but Partridges Scarce. That you may enjoy uninterupted Succefs is the Sincere wish of
Dear Sir
Your very humble Servant
Jn Hodgson
PS. The Gentlemen here all join in Compliment to yourself & Officers at York."
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" From Mr Tomison to Mr Sutherland
Cumberland House 26th July 1795
Dear Sir,
By the arrival of Mr Oman on the 23rd Inst. with 5 Canoes lightly loaded with Trading Goods I received your kind favour of the 11th of June by which I was happy to Learn the Companys ship arriv'd safe last Autumn.
I was sorry to hear the River was so shoal as to prevent your sending Goods to the Rock but as you had able Canoe men at the Factory they ought to have been empl'd in Conveying Goods to that Place.
The Invoice of Goods now rec'd is very incorrect the Contents of many of the Packages not being specified which will cause much trouble as all must be opened Before we know the Contents of each Package to make out the seperate outfits.
As no accounts Could be made up here last Season by omitting to send up the Remains by return of the Fall Canoes I therefore Humbly hope that Due Care will be taken in sending up the Remains by the fall Canoes as also a General Invoice of all Goods sent Inland.
The Indent of Trading Goods sent down last year will serve for this & some years to come which was my reason for not sending one down this Season.
By this Conveyance I have sent down 84 Bundles of Furrs 44 of which Belongs to former years. - 22 Brought down from the Nippowe this Season. 18? have been packed since the 11th of June. 30 Beaver of which have been brought from Buckingham House which his to be added to that Trade. 29 to Cumberland House trade & the rest to be sent Home as furrs traded for next years account. so Conclude with wishing succefs to the Companys affairs, health & happinefs to you & all under your Command
and Remain
Dear Sir
Your most obedt Humble Servt.
William Tomison."
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" Cumberland House 26th July 1795
Dear Sir
Please to send up the following Articles with their Prices Viz. -
Shirts small of sorts - No. 26
Cloth blue plain - yds 10
Tob. Roll - lbs 72
Sugar Loaf - 72
Rum - Gal 5
Soap hard of the best sort - lbs 6
Salt fine Bay? - Gal 3
Buttons Coat Best sort - Doz. 12
[Buttons] Waistcoat Do. - 12
Raven Duck - yds 28
Cloth pr Table - No. 1
Knives & forks pr Do. - 6

William Tomison"
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" From Mr Stayner to GS.
Churchill Factory Aug. 13th 1795
Dear Sir,
On the 10th of Aug. I was favoured with yours by the arrival of your Packet Men.
Our River did not break up until the 20th June & our people from Inland did not arrive until the 5th of July their late arrival together with the vast quantity of Ice that was then in the Bay would have effectually prevented any attempt being made this Season with Boats up Seal River. altho we had had plenty of Men, which was not the case. On the 12th Mr Auld with 15 Englishmen & 4 Indians in two wooden Canoes, 3 large birch rind ones & one small one left the Factory to proceed up Seal River to make a Settlement at Deers River within lefs than a days paddle of a Lake of the same name. he had with him a choice afsortment of Trading Goods amounting to near 4000 MBeaver. on the 15th Mr Charles with 2 Large Canoes & 5 small ones carrying near 2000 MB in Trading Goods left the Factory to proceed up Churchill River to Granville House where he wintered last year. Early on the morning of the 16th Mr Auld returned from Seal River in a light Canoe with John Break who had the misfortune to snap the ligaments of his knee in lifting a keg of liquor out of a Canoe which rendered him unfit to proceed further on the voyage. Wm Stenger being taken very ill after Mr Aulds departure on the 12th obliged me to detain him at the Factory to act in his official capacity of Surgeon, I was now obliged to appoint Mr Linklatter to Settle a House at Deers River. he left the Factory early in the morning on the 17th. on the 24th Wm Stenger after receiving every Medical afsistance during a painful illnefs he departed this life, & as if these mifsfortunes were insufficient on the 27th five men arr'd in a light Canoe from Seal River with the unfortunate account of a Canoe & Cargo being lost on one of the rapids, thank God the people saved their lives. the circumstances of her being lost was owing to her taking a steer? out in the Current. as it was an Indian who steered her the men not understanding the language & being otherwise ignorant of a Canoe kept fast hold of the Tracking line until the Canoe fill'd. the particulars of this affair occasions me again to request 5 or 6 experienced men from York. they would surely be of much more use here than sending them up Nelson River to settle places among Indians belonging to this Factory. there appears to me to have been a plan of circumvention determined on last year at York. Mr Rofs settled a House last year in the Reed Lake within lefs than three days walk of where Mr Charles wintered in 1793 & 4 & undoubtedly intended to sweep of all the Sd Indians empl'd on Build'g & Navigating our Canoes. Mr Sinclair again? he was settled at the Nest chow wor afsue with intent I presume to prevent as many Nd Indians as he could vifsiting this Factory. his view however was in a great measure frustrated as I ordered Mr Charles to settle a House at the Musquawegan River & desert the one he wintered at last having not the most distant Idea that any person from York would be sent to establish at either of the above places. I just mention these circumstances merely to point out the folly of two distinct Factories making settlements among the same Indians, nor would it surprise me to hear of Mefs Rofs & Thompson wintering at the Deers River where I have already sent people. this certainly must produce much emolument to our Employers their Servants combating each other. undoubtedly eir? long the Gentlemen of the Committee will be fully convinced that the Rivers at Churchill are as Navigable as those at York & the difference of the distance will determine them in favour of the former. - I have three Canoes this year Manned entirely by Englishmen except one Man & he I fancy was only a Bowsman for one year at York. none of the others have been accustomed to Canoes before the Summer 1793 which proves in my opinion that the Rivers cannot be very bad, or then such unexperienced hands would never have offered their Services to take Charge of Canoes.

I am sorry to hear your Trade is but indifferent, this Factory & Inland Trade together is some few hundred superior to last year. the Esquimaux trade of Furs & Deer Skins exceed any that ever was got by the Sloop since the Factory was settled in 1783 independant of three Tons of Oil procured by Esquimaux at the Factory.

I am very glad you are bringing your Men to a sense of their duty, as yet we have no great reason to complain here, indeed we are but few in Numbers. Mr Charles informed me that his people made great Complaint respecting an Indulgence that his allowed the York fort men Emp'd up Nelson River of Trading 20 Beaver or more on their own account each man. as the Company has sent out strong injunctions here prohibiting every kind of private Trade which no doubt they have also done to every one of their Settlements in the Bay makes me doubt the truth of this matter. at all events I am determined nothing of the kind shall be practised here.

As I find there is little prospect of our home guards returning here again who were seduced to York in the Spring 1794. I have therefore once more sent a list of their debts as I think it highly Necefsary for the Honble Companys sake that so much Goods should not be totally lost, to give them Credit at York will be a certain means of preventing them ever dischargeing their Contracted debts here - I cannot help observing that it is a great pity two Factories belonging to the same Company should thus oppose each other. I am told that the down the Bay Settlements act entirely upon a Different plan, where an Indian Belonging to Moose visits Albany as is sometimes the case all his furs are received in trust for Moose & actually sent there by the first opportunity. the Indian gets supplied with a little Ammunition or such other things as he may stand in need of, a list of these articles are sent at the same time with the Furrs & the Chief at Moose takes the Goods on account as receiv'd from Albany. the same method is practised at Moose when an Albany Indian visits their. thus they are kept honest & the Company must feel the good effects of it. I think if the same plan was established to the Northw'd our Employers would be much benefited by it & I see nothing to prevent it except the sending of the Furrs to the other Factory which might easily be remided by sending them home as debt due them. I allude to the Homeguards only, as to the upland Indians they will Trade where they please sometimes at one Factory sometimes at another & often with the Canadians.
[In the margin "It was ill usage that drove the Natives from Churchill - To convice? this I refer to Mr Jefferson's Let? wherein Mr S- rejoices at their having left him"]

Wishing you an early sight of the Ship & good News from Home
I remain
Your Humble Servt.
Tho. Stayner
PS. Should there be but one Ship consigned to both places & arrive at York first shall be obliged to you to Dispatch the Companys Packet for this Factory acrofs land & hope to receive ? Ship a large quantity of Strong Spirits as that received in the Winter is all sent Inland this Summer.

Mr Vandriel being of no use whatever here I was desirous he should return again to York but he prefered going home with the Ship, which in my opinion is the best stop he can take as he never can be of any Service to the Company in any Station, he is certainly Hypochondriac & not at all times I think in his sences. he wishes his things that he left at York may be put on board the Ship for England."

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" To the Gentlemen of the Council at York
Pat-aquask ahagon Lake Aug. 18 95
The Trading Goods Mr Sinclair came away from York with, in charge of, is landed here now at the place appointed by the Indians to winter at. Every thing is in good Order, Hugh Laisk is a worthy and trusty Servant and pays the greatest Attention in discharging what he is intrusted with. I now proceed to the Red Lake House accompanied by 3 men in one of the Canoes which has landed the Goods here, to fetch the Remains from the above place; afterwards I crofs the Country to meet Mr David Thompson who I put in Charge of Men & Goods till I shall meet him again.
Gentlemen I have one proposition to make which is, to have an Afsortment of Goods as far up North River as pofsible, as I expect if Fortune favours me to be in the Thopescow Lake the next Year. So Gentlemen I am with very due Respect
Your very hble Servant
Malcolm Rofs
PS. If Fidelity in an Indian is to be rewarded I recommend the I,as,so iskam
M.R.
Robert Gerd? wishes to remind the Chief at York that he wishes to return at the end of his contract."
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" Mr William Tomison
York Fort Sept. 3d 1795
Sir,
Your Request to the Committee of the Honble Hudson's Bay Company for leave to return home is agreed to. And they have in Consequence appointed Mr Geo Sutherland to succeed you Inland - that Gentleman accompanies Mr Bird on his Return to Cumberland House with full Powers to do that which is necefsary for the Benefit of the Service. Not doubting but you will give him every Information on Inland Affairs to accomplish the desirable. I remain
Yours &c
J.C.
PS. I have the Pleasure of informing you of the safe arrival of the Ship King George Capt. Jn Richards the 27th ult."
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" York Fort Sept. 4 1795
Henry Hallet
Your Imprudences while you remained at Cumberland House were represented to the Honble Committee and occasioned me trouble last Season. I stood forward as your Friend out of Respect to your Uncle Mr P S? Turner, as I judged the Accusation against you was dictated by Malice - Altho' I would go some Lengths to serve you, yet, believe me I will not do it at the Expence of my Reputation. The Complaints against you are become general and its my Opinion your Career if not stopt in time might occasion very serious Consequences. your afsociating with the Men and betraying the Trust reposed in you shews the Depravity of your Heart, and I much fear, unlefs you alter your Conduct entirely there will be no hopes of your Advancement in this Service. If in future I shall find you deserving of protection you will find in me a friend.
Yours &c.
J.C."
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" York Fort Hudson's Bay
Sept. 7th 1795
Mr William Sinclair
Sir,
On your Arrival at York Your intended destination when you take up your Winter Quarters, you are to pursue every necefsary Plan to promote the Honble Company's Interest. Keep a watchful Eye over the Canadian Traders and wherever they remove to build follow them and erect a House near. Those men you pitch on for this Duty, if they are attentive will be rewarded. You are to fix on a careful person to remain up next Summer to take Care of the Goods &c and whatever his Resolves may be let them send word down and I will communicate the same to the Honourable Committee. In short it is ? alone that will advance men in future in this Service - William Corrigal has been allowed £16 pr Year for his Attention, during his pres't? subsisting Contract, and if he continue his Exertion will be advanced 4 ? pr Ann (that is) £18 pr Year to commence in 1796.
Hugh Leask was allowed £25 pr Ann for the last Contract he entered into and is to continue at the same wages for 3 Years to come. this Advance is given him for his ready Attention to the Interest of his Employers.
If Robert Garrock or John Sabbeston remains up they will be allowed £25 pr Ann. for 3 Years.
You are to keep a regular Journal of all your Transactions as well as a just Expenditure of the Goods and Stores committed to your Care, and transmit the same annually to me, in Case you should not visit the Factory.
Yours &c
J.C.
£12 pr Ann will be allowed Robert Spence as Canoeman 4 ? pr Ann acting as Taylor - In the whole £14 pr Ann.
In Case you fall in with any People from Churchill or any other of the Company's Servants, you are to afsist them to the utmost of your Power."
1M256 B.239/b/56


" York Fort Sept. 8th 1795
Mr James Tate
Sir,
Uncertain whether this will reach you I cannot say what I wish to communicate. It is but a few days since I landed I am unacquainted with your Situation or state of your Trade &c. therefore I wish to hear from you the first Opportunity. Some Indians arrived a few Days ago from whom I learn you are in Health, which gave me Satisfaction but cou'd not inform me any further concerning you.
Mr Sutherland set off Inland two Days ago accompanied by Mefs Bird Wright Isham Fidler Pruden? & 25 Men &c. May Health Happinefs & Succefs ever attend you I remain &c.
J.C.
Mr Sinclair has Letters &c for you."
1M256 B.239/b/56


" From JC. to Mr Stayner
Aug.14 1795
onboard King George
Dear Sir,
This informs you of my safe Arrival once more in Hudson's Bay. by the time you receive this hope to be safe anchored? for the Season at York. It will give me pleasure to hear of the Welfare of my Friends and their having abounded in plenty during the last Winter. If succefsful Trades welcome the Ship's Arrival it will be an additional satisfaction. It is settled in England that should Seal River be found to have shorter Communications with the Athapascow Country or Lake, York is to relinquish that Trade entirely - Your pursuits last fall will enable you to judge whether this is practicable or not. shall be glad to receive Information on this Head and will regulate my Conduct accordingly. My best Respects await you & Gent. of Churchill.
Yours &c.
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/56


" From Mr Stayner to J.C.
Churchill Factory Sept. 8 1795
Sir,
Being exceedingly prefsed for time have it not in my power to relate particulars on Inland Affairs.
My Brandy running short and none sent out made me request Capt. Turner to leave three Pipes consigned to York which he complied with; not an ounce of Loaf Sugar is sent here nor is there any on Remains. Capt T. obliges me with 42 lbs & trusts to getting a Supply from you to serve him home. Should you have it in your Power to send a Packet in the winter would be obliged to send me some Loaf Sugar as the above Quantity is very insignificant to serve three Mefsmates here? & 2 Officers Masters of Houses Inland.
Wishing you an early Sight of Capt. Turner. I remain
Your hble Servt
Tho. Stayner"
1M256 B.239/b/56


" From Mr Cooke to Mr Tate
York Fort Sept. 17th 1795
Sir,
In Consequence of an Inflammation in one of Mr Colen's Eyes which disables him from Writing. I am desired to answer your letter and to inform you of our safe Arrival at York on the 28th ult.

The Indians Mefsetay & Cor caw cun brought the Furs & Otter you sent by them safe to the Fort for which they were paid in full & also in part for undertaking to convey to you the Articles you wrote for, an exact Account of which is enclosed.

You need be under no Apprehensions with respect to your not paying for the Goods you have in Charge as the Gov. must have had Confidence in your Abilities & Integrity before he could have reposed in you the Command of a Settlement. He is not ignorant of the Method the Canadian Traders practice to excel those in our Employ and is ready to make every Allowance for their Excefs of Liberality being confident that where our Opponents are, Furs cannot be so reasonably purchased as where there is no Opposition. You have only therefore to remember that the Gov. relies on your Judgement & wishes you not to run away with an Idea that an Attempt of yours to keep pace with the Canadians will be deemed Extravagance.
I am &c
Wm Cook"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Cooke to Mr Colen
Shamataway River Dec. 5 95
Dear Sir
I rec'ed your kind favour pr? James Rofs & Indians they arrived here about half an Hour previous to Mr Whitfords myself & Mr Ward's Return from Nich Spence's Tent. I did not know you wanted to have the particular Account of each pair of Sawyers separate but the Total is 120 Logs cut into 886 Boards consisting of Feather edg'd & two Inch plank. Three Men accompanied us for a few Fish. the only thing we were able to reserve for them, we having lost a considerable part of our English Provisions by a sudden Rise of the River Water.

The Steel River Ice is astonishingly rough which inclined me to think you would not be displeased at my preventing J. Rofs from executing the whole of your Commands. I have to thank you for your liberality in the Fall pr Mr Whitford, but am sorry to inform you the sour Krout was left about 10 Miles below this place, the Ice driving too thick for them to proceed any farther with the Canoe & was consequently swept away by the flush before alluded to. I hope the Men will not suffer by the Lofs; at present the Scurvy seems to be distant from them. Our fishing place failed immediately on the River's becoming Icy, & tho' we had a Net under the Ice for a fortnight we caught only one Methy - The Water at the time we set the Net was very deep so that we have no Reason to suppose the Fish were prevented by Shoal Water from getting into the Bay; the Cause of so sudden a Change is unaccountable. Partridges are more plenty at this time than they have been this Season though we are unable to kill more than is sufficient for our own Consumption. As for Deer I have seen none since I left you, there is not a Track of these Animals between York Factory & Hill River.

We intend setting off on our Journey downwards so soon as we can get a few Sleds made. I have detained the dogs which I hope you will not disapprove.

I cannot exprefs the Concern I feel for the unfortunate Event of the 5th Nov. Your present Situation must be truly uncomfortable & excite pity in the coldest Breast. I sincerely wish it were in my power to soothe your Afflictions & relieve you from the pain & anxiety you must inevitably labour under; but as Wishes are all I have to offer you have them fervently for the speedy Cure of your Eyes & happy Recovery of your Nephew. I remain &c
WH Cook.
PS. I have seen nothing of Blubbery since the Fall, he brought 8 Beaver Skins & 4 Split Beaver for Brandy. The latter I endeavoured to preserve for you, but the Weather being very warm they soon turn'd rancid & unfit for your Eating. The greatest Care shall be observed in laying up the things we leave at the Corner of Steel River according to your Direction. I think a Quantity of fine Timber might be got at this Creek & rafted down in small Rafts of Plank in the Spring. I will examine further up the Creek than we have yet done & give you a better Account at Xmas. - We have caught about 50 Martins which is the whole of our Hunt."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Colen to Mr Stayner
York Factory Jan. 4 96
Sir,
Your Letter of the 8th Sept. last was del'd on Capt. Turnor's Arrival & agreeably to your Request I supplied with the same Quantity of Loaf Sugar he left with you. His leaving the Pipes of Brandy at Churchill was perfectly agreeable to me as York has sufficient for next Year's Consumption. I would willingly have sent you some Loaf Sugar by this Conveyance could it be spared. there was none in the Warehouse on my Landing which obliged me to begin on the new Stock to supply the Gent. going Inland & Mr Ballenden whose Sugar was the preceeding Year sent to Churchill. I have not at this time half the quantity in the House as was expended last Season & not sufficient to supply Inland only, next Summer.
You will herewith receive a Chart of Chesterfield Inlet & Mr Taylor's Journal to the Northward when on Discovery, they were left by that Gent. to be forwarded to Churchill.

A violent strain in my Ancles prevents my accompanying the packet Men agreeably to my promise to the Honble Committee in England. I certainly Should have paid you a Visit this Season but am apprehensive a Journey of such Length would be too much for me. It appears to me some evil minded person or persons have occasioned unhappinefs between us, 'tis my Wish to put a Stop to Difsention and am of Opinion the sooner an Explanation takes place the sooner this will be accomplish'd. I value not the Tongue of the malignant & bid Calumny Defiance for I never yet sacrificed the Company's Interest to my own private Emolument & my Conduct towards them dares the strictest Scrutiny.

Large parties of Indians came in after the Ship's Arrival & brought in good Trades. The King George Capt. Richards sailed for England with a valuable Cargo of Furs on board upwards of 45,000 MB. The Queen Charlotte & Beaver Brig weighed Anchor the same Day. They were Windbound nearly a Week after the packet was closed.

Mr William Sinclair was at York on my Arrival. I ordered him to relinquish the Nestowyaws Station but how its pofsible for Churchill to supply that place with Goods to a much greater Advantage to the Company than this Settlement can is to me a Mystery as it lies nearly two Degrees to the Southward of this place by Mr Thompson's Chart. After the Ship's Departure a Musqua Rat River Native who hunted for Mr Sinclair last Winter came from that place thro' the middle Track which enters at the Head of Steel River & came down this River. He tells me it is two days nearer than Nelson River Track.

The Day after the Ship sailed we had the misfortune to lose Michael Hunt Armourer who was discovered in the Morning dead; 'tis supposed he expired in a fit (to which he was subject) on his going to Bed the preceeding Evening as none of his Clothes were off. He was an old Man very feeble & had been in the Surgeon's List all last Season.

An unfortunate Accident befel my nephew Thomas Colen the Evening of the 5th of Nov. last. A Quantity of Fire Works that? he had in his Breast pockets took fire by which his Body Hands Neck Face &c were burnt in a dreadful manner. The Flesh in many parts was blown from the Bones, in short he exhibited the most shocking Spectacle I ever beheld; but being blefsed with a good Constitution nature has worked miracles in his favour, he is on the Recovery. The Rest of the people enjoy their Health, a few slight Complaints, which the Aged are subject to, excepted. We have no Surgeon at York. Mr Wright accompanied Mr Sutherland Inland the 5th Sept. & Mr Thomas went to England Pr the King George as did upwards of twenty Men the principal part from Inland. There is not a Doubt but many of them will visit Churchill next Season Reports of that Nature prevail here. Wm Linklater who visited York last Winter will explain this Businefs better than I can.

As you were silent in your last Letter respecting Inland pursuits from Churchill I shall say nothing on that Head. in order to afsist you in your Undertaking have sent as much High Spirits by this Conveyance as the Men can haul.

The Snow is remarkably deep around York & the Season hitherto mild. Our river Ice was not crofsed abreast of the Factory before the 5th of Dec.

Eleven Men have been engaged near the Entrance of Hill River ever since the Departure of the Ship cutting down Timber sawing plank &c &c. None is to be found nearer York. Game is scarce near them which obliged me to employ Indians in conveying fresh provisions from Pennycutway for their Supply & this I shall be under the Necefsity of doing 'till their Return to the Factory, therefore it is attended with some Inconvenience my sparing Natives to go with this packet.

Whilst in England I had a present made me by a very worthy friend of two pieces of fine White Cloth with painted Borders &c which I set great value on & had them packed by the Company's packer in Coloured Buckram & the parcel I left in the Care of the Hudson's Bay porters directed for me to go among other packages for York - I understand this parcel with some others of mine were sent to Churchill thro' mistake. If any such come to your Hand I wish you to send them Pr Return.

We have been tolerably succefsful hitherto in procuring fresh provisions. it will give me pleasure to hear favourable Accounts from you. I remain &c
J.C.
PS. I have written to Mr Nelson for a few Medicines much wanted at York; which if he can spare & send Pr Bearers will efsentially serve this Factory.
Your not sparing a Cooper agreeably to my Request Pr Capt. Turner has been & I fear will be a considerable Lofs to the Company. I think if you had spared one from the Number that now reside at Churchill it would not have put you to the least Inconvenience. The Cooper we now have is a slow Workman & unable to do half the Duty required at York. this is evident for two could not do it last Season - one of whom Mr Sutherland pronounced uselefs & was sent home Pr Ship."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Ballenden to Mr Colen
Severn House Jan. 23d 1796
Dear Sir,
Now it is convenient for me I dispatch James Walter, James Monkman and Toney with a packet for York, the former is to be exchanged according to your Request in lieu of Robert Wilson who I understand is engaged for Severn - by the Return of whom I hope for & sincerely wish good Accounts from you & all under your Command.
The Beaver Brig arrived here the 24th? of Sept. but it was the 26th before she came to the launch End & to my great Disappointment found her Cargo much short of my Expectations which will I am afraid be sincerely felt the Lofs of. and to add many Articles were deficient & others damaged. In my Overhaul of which I found 8 Groving Planes marked YF, but if you want them let me know & they shall be sent by the Brig. The Weather in general before Xmas was as mild as I ever knew, attended daily with small Snow, so that to Appearance there is more on the Ground already than I have known in any one Winter. As to Country Provisions we are in no Want with a little Industry having been supplied hitherto with Venison Partridges Fish & Rabbits in their Seasons. No Trade as yet worth mentioning. As Mr Taylor has long had a sincere Desire to view the Coast between this & York he accompanies the packet & beg leave to refer you to him for any particulars you wish to be made acquainted with respecting Severn. Having nothing more material to say give me leave to wish you the Compliments of the Season with long Health & prosperity with which wish I subscribe myself
Dear Sir
&c &c
John Ballenden
P.S. As probably I may accompany the Brig to York Factory am sorry to inform you that I have no person here that I think is fit to be left in Charge of the House in my Absence. You will be pleased Sir to acquaint me how that I shall act on that Head.
NB If you can spare a little Glue it will be very acceptable also a little Rabbit Snaring Wire."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Colen to Mr Ballanden
York Factory Feb. 12th 96
Dear Sir
By the Arrival of Mr Taylor with two of your Packet Men I rec'ed your favour of the 21st Ult. Mr Taylor informs me James Walters returned to Severn the Day he left it. this circumstance prevents Rob. Wilson being spared from hence. we have but one Tailor at York beside him and with their joint Exertions I am fearful we shall not have the usual Quantity of Indian Cloathing made before the Season of their Arrival. It gave me Concern hearing the Deficiency & Damage of your Cargo. I cannot complain? of the former though much of ours is damaged occasioned by the Leakage of the King George which took in much Water during her pafsage hither. The Country Indents were all curtailed last Season in England. The advanced price of almost every Article of Commerce occasioned by the long & destructive Wars in Europe stopped the Company from purchasing more than they thought really needful & this only prevented the Indents being complied with. Many Articles to my Knowledge sent into this country are advanced nearly double the price of what they were ten years ago.
If you let me know what Articles you stand in need of, If they can be spared from York, you may depend on having them sent by the first Conveyance. You will much oblige me by sending the Groving planes &c Pr the Brig they being much wanted at this place. The Weather before Xmas was very mild, our River Ice was not crofsed abreast the Factory before the 5th Dec. The Month of Jan. severe. Much Snow is fallen and is now deep on the Ground. Partridges have been tolerably plentiful though they are now falling off. Eleven Men have been employed ever since the latter End of Sept. last at the Entrance of Hill river in cutting down timber sawing Planks &c. We are under the Necefsity of sending thus far for it as all the Woods near this River have been long since cleared of Timber pieces. I expect them home this month as their provisions will be nearly exhausted. You shall be provided with a person to take charge of Severn during your Visit to York Pr the Brig from hence but Mr Taylor has given Hints of your Intention of paying a Visit to England; should this be the Case it will be necefsary to acquaint me that I ? may provide accordingly & send one early so as he may attend during next Summer Trade in order that he may be the better acquainted with Natives who are in Habits of visiting you. Experience convinces me that many are qualified to take Charge of a House for a Month or six Weeks in the fall of the Year who yet would be unfit to conduct the Businefs of a Settlement for a Season. For these Reasons I wish you to dispatch a Packet as early as you can to York after the Receipt of this; for shou'd I send an Officer hence who is already fixed in a Station where his Services cannot well be dispensed with & only to remain at Severn a few Weeks it would at once overturn our plan of Management & be a Detrim't to the Company's Concerns. Besides it would not be just in me to displace an useful Officer from a permanent Situat. for so short a time and very few if any will be prevailed upon to visit Severn on these Conditions. - All the Letters from Orkney and others not inclosed in the packet were delivered to Mr Sutherland to distribute to the Co's Servants, there were several for you & others at Severn the Bag which contained them was not discovered 'till a short time before Xmas, these may perhaps enable you to fix your Determination whether you visit England or not Pr next Ship.
The Morning after the Ship sailed Mich'l Hunt Armourer was discovered dead on his Bed. 'tis supposed he expired in a fit (to which he was subject) the preceding Evening on going into his Cabin, as none of his Cloathes were off, he was an old Man very feeble & had been in the Surgeon's List almost ever since he landed.
An unfortunate Accident befel my ephew Thomas Colen who was miserably burnt the 5th of Nov. last, he is now on the Recovery & am in Hopes of his doing well. The rest of the people enjoy their Health a few slight Complaints excepted, which the Aged are subject to.
I have not seen any Natives since the Fall set in - with wishing you Health Happinefs & planty I remain &c &c
JC.
PS. I have sent you a little Snaring wire no glue came from England Pr last Ship it having been omitted in the Indent. I am obliged to make what we use here. Enclosed is a Receipt, the procefs is easy & answers tolerably well. I shall esteem it as a favour your sparing a little Turner's Cerate Lint.? &c.

Since writing this Letter Mr Stayner arrived here from Churchill. He set off on his Return this Day accompanied by Mr Howse two Indians & two Englishmen who came with him to haul High Spirits from Hence.
YF Feb. 24 1796"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Stayner to J.C.
Churchill Factory Mar. 26 96
Dear Sir,
It was thirteen Days after our Departure from York before we arrived at Churchill - The Journey was tedious & disagreeable rendered so by the continued Series of cold & boisterous Weather & to complete the Uncomfortablenefs of our Situation the Victuals we had were expended three Days before we reached here. We had nothing to depend on but partridges which were so scarce that we with Difficulty procured as many as barely supported us.
Mr Howse agreeably to promise returns with the Indians. I have sent back as many Kegs as the Natives could conveniently haul. Partridges have been scarce here for some time past but are now coming about again as the Season advances I expect they will be more plentiful. With wishing you a good Trade I remain &c.
Tho. Stayner."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From J.C. to Wm Manson
YF May 31 96
Mr Willm Manson,
You are to proceed with the Men Boats and Goods under your Charge towards Hill River; on your Arrival at the Woods cut down by Nichol Spence & party, you are to leave the Rafting Rope &c. The Provisions deposited there are to be taken to Gordon House; with a Broad Axe, Steelyards Crofs & Pit Saws together with any other Articles that are deemed necefsary. The party in the small Batteau are to accompany you and afsist the Remainder of your Journey, & as you judge necefsary to lighten the other Boats the Doing of which is left to your Discretion.
You are to leave with Mr Whitford - Will. Houston & Thomas Anderson; Magnus Garston & Edward Tomison are also to remain to repair the Building. Before you leave Gordon House, afsist in the taking up of the Goods & Stores buried last Fall.
Besides your own Boats Crew James Halcro Robt. Yorston & John deron are to return with you ? to the Factory as is William Budge, Robert Randall is to be left up with the Rest of the Men Rafting; in the doing of which no time is to be lost. I need not enforce the Necefsity there is for your using Expedition on your Journey; attention is to be paid to this particular and as the Men behave they will receive Encouragement from
Yours &c
J.C.
PS. Leave one of the Boats Coverings at Gordon House to keep the Goods dry. and if you think the Men left rafting will require more Afsistance, leave Henry Budge & Oman Budge with them from your own Boats Crew."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From J.C. to Mr Whitford
YF May 31. 96
Mr Whitford
Sir,
You are to pay particular Attention to the Goods entrusted to your Care & not be too lavish in the Expenditure of them. none of the Inland Bundles of Cloth Tobacco or Rundlets of Powder are to be opened, unlefs they get wet & necefsity obliges you dry them. when Indians are coming to the Factory give them a little Liquor Tobacco &c with a small Supply of Ammunition, if required, to carry them down. No Natives to be trusted Debts during summer until their old ones be discharged at the Factory, neither are you to trade any Furs from them before such Debts be paid. Acquaint all Natives that the Reason of your leaving the House last winter was their not supplying you & Men with provisions the preceeding year as they had promised. Magnus Garston & Edward Tomison are to remain up to repair the House - Tho. Anderson & William Houston are to lend them every Afsistance in their power. Not doubting but you will do the Needful for the Honble Company's Interest. I remain
Yours &c
JC.
PS. If any Officers & Men arrive from Inland before my Arrival at Gordon House, the Officers are to have the Cargo Book delivered to them, ? and the Canoes to be fitted out to return Inland."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From J.C. to Mr Whitford
York Factory June 3.96
Mr Whitford
Sir
Enclosed in the Invoice of Goods &c sent pr Boats. since your Departure many Indians have arrived, the greatest part of them very poor in Furs.
All the Indians trusted by you at the Rock declare they paid the same to Mr Sutherland last Summer, of which no Account appears in the Books. The Doctor's eldest Son denies the Debt of twenty Beaver; he acknowledges having received ten Beaver of you, which he has paid, but no more. In order to put a Stop to Frauds of this Kind no Debt of any Amount is to be trusted to Indians in future at the Rock: and whenever you do trust any, be the amount ever so small, you are to send an account thereof to the Factory the first opp'y. I remain
Yours &c
JC."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From the Northwest Proprietors to JC.
Grand Portage July 27 1795
Sir,
By the Return of our Canoes from the interior Country we had the disagreeable Intelligence of the unfortunate Fate of our Mr Robert Thompson, and as this has been the first Instance of the like Nature having ever happened to us; we are determined that it shall not pafs with Impunity; but as we have every Reason to suppose that the Indians who committed that Deed have fled from the Country which our People occupy and that they may have taken Refuge about York Fort or some of the other Posts belonging to the Honble Hudson's Bay Company, we have to request of you as a favor that Search may be made for them in order that they may be delivered into the Hands of the Gentlemen who transact our Businefs at the Rat River or any other of this Concern.

We are induced to make this Request from our Conduct towards your People on the Sascachiwan River in nearly similar Circumstances where we afforded them every protection in our power of which we dare to say you are not ignorant; and surely it is a Duty you owe to Humanity to give every pofsible Afsistance to bring such Villians to Punishment.

We would at the same time recommend that a good understanding may subsist between your people and ours in regard not only to mutual Protection but in the Way of Trade, towards which desirable Purposes we will endeavour to contribute as much as in our Power. We are with Respect
Sir
Your most obt. Servts.
John Gregory
D. Sutherland
Wm McGillivray
Alex McKenzie
Angus Shaw
Cuthbert Grant
Rod. McKenzie
Simon Frazer
Alex McKenzie Sen.?
Alex McLeod
W. Thorburn
James Finlay
The Names of the Indians are Keshica Peshim, a Chief
Sha wakkek - his Son in Law."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Isham to J.C.
Swan River House May 12 1796
Dear sir,
I have sent down Mr Hallett with three Canoes, he will deliver you all the Books Papers &c the other Canoe I dispatched to Cumberland to afsist in bringing Furs from thence.
The Trade now sent down rather exceeds that of last Year, but it was with great difficulty procured; the men complain much of the great Distance they have every thing to haul from Swan River to Carlton House (a new one ? built this Fall) there being no Conveyance by Water as this River above the House is entirely choaked with Shoals.

The Trade next year I much fear will fall short of this, there are such a Number of Interests from Canada this Winter there being no lefs than seven different Houses in Opposition to me; and considering the small Afsortment of Goods I had & those formidable Rivals to contend with it was with the utmost Difficulty I procured what I did.

Mr John Sutherland from Albany came up the Red River this last Fall with two Batteaux loaded with Trading Goods &c and wintered at the Elbow of the said River where I did in 1793. He says he shall be up again this Summer with at least four Batteaux; 'tis obvious the trade to these parts can be carried on? to much greater Advantage from Albany than York as they land their Goods by Water at the door; and we have at least one hundred and twenty Miles to transport every thing over land. This summer the Canadians are going to build about forty Miles higher up the River than before; therefore I think the Men who have been stationed at Swan river could be employed with much more Advantage to the Company by sending them up the Sascachewan or to the Northward, than by keeping them at a place where there is scarcely any thing to be got: I am very agreeable to go any other place I may be appointed to I can render our Honble Employers more Service than by staying here.

Comparing the Number of Men at Swan River & the small Trade made here & the like Number from the Sascachewan it will be found after an impartial Investigation that the same Number of Hands from the last place bring down more Furs than the same Number of Men from Swan River; hence it is obvious that those Men who are stationed at Swan River would be of more Service to the company if sent up the Sascachewan or to the Northward than by keeping this place up.

It is with the greatest Concern I mention to you the Deaths of Robert Whitley and Tho. Brown who unfortunately departed this life last Fall & the lofs of two such good Men I felt much, particularly when I came to mend? the Canoes this Spring

In Case you think it requisite to keep this place up, I wish you to dispatch the Canoes as soon as pofsible from the Factory; and as they will make only one Trip, Should wish them to have 12 large pieces in each Canoe besides a small parcel or two; as they have plenty of time & the Distance to Swan river is not great I conclude with wishing you an early Sight of the Ship Health & every Happinefs the Season & Natives can afford you & remain
Dr Sir
Your obt. hble Servt.
C.T.Isham"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Tate to J.C.
Afoley? House May 26 1796
Sir.
I have sent down 5 Men & 2 Canoes with 13 Bundles of furs which are all that I have got. The Canadians have two Houses near, which have in a great Measure cut off the Trade from this place. It could not be expected I should get many Furs opposed as I have been by 16 Frenchmen
Kekethine has behaved very badly since he left the Factory. He has tricked me out of 30 Beaver in Debt and has drawn every Indian that he could to the Canadian House. I have asked all the Men that are here to stay; they all refused which obliges me to stay here with a Man that is not fit to be one of two at a House; if another Man had stayed I should have been able to have given Liquor to the Indians but now I don't intend to give them any.
I remain &c
James Tate."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mefs Shaw Finlay & McKay to Mr? Sutherland
Grand Rapids June 4 1796
Dear Sir
From the Knowledge I have formed of your Disposition, and the general Character you bear in this country for Rectitude & Sincerity I should be sorry in the beginning of an Acqaintance to commit any Action that might bear an unfavourable Appearance without representing the Motives of it in a proper Light. Without further preamble then. you must know that I found here the two Men who deserted from you last Fall and upon their earnest Solicitation have resolved to embark them for Grand Portage; this step was not taken without mature Deliberation & my reasons for it will I hope appear evident and convincing; had I declined embarking them they would wait the Arival of Mr Beaulieu? who undoubtedly would be rejoiced to have so fair an Opp'y of retaliating the Lofs of his Negro, who, he is well aware, has been debauched by your People & is now in the Honble H. Bay Company's Service; besides, these Men finding themselves abandoned to us, & left exposed to your Resentment & to Hunger & Starvation in waiting your Arrival, would readily embrace any proposition which might screen them from the Punishment that people of this Description so richly deserve. Moreover I have been informed at this place, that one of our Men in Maskiegon Country has reced unwarrantable Encouragement from some of your Officers in that Quarter; in Consequence of which he has deserted our Service & clandestinely entered into yours. And as it is not my Intention to countenance Licentiousnefs or Desertion in any Respect (unlefs I am forced to do it) I rely on your probity & Honour to have the Man delivered up to me next Fall, on which Condition your two Deserters will be faithfully restored to you to be punished at your Discretion. Since having written the foregoing the Gent. whose Names are under written have overtaken me and you may perceive by their Signatures that they approve of my Conduct in this Affair. Wishing you a pleasant pafsage & expecting to have the pleasure of seeing you next Fall we remain
respectfully
Dear Sir
Your very obt Servts.
Angus Shaw
James Finlay
Mr McKay"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From J.C. to Mr Longmoor
York Fort June 15.96
Sir,
You are to proceed with the Men & Craft up Nelson River until you meet the Officers & Company's Servants from Inland. The Cargo of Goods entrusted to your Care is intended for the Athapescow Trade, therefore Mefs Rofs & Thompson are to choose what packages they think proper. The Remainder to be delivered to Wm Sinclair. Those Men whose Contracts expire this Season need be under no apprehension of returning with their Masters; their Services will be considered & Merit rewarded by their being placed on an equal Footing on the Company's Books at York with others performing the like Duty. in Addition to this they will be allowed one fourth more on their reaching to the Northward of the Isle le Croix. Take Minutes of your Proceedings and be particular in noting the Terms on which you and the Gent. agree with the Men. Thomas Swain is to accompany you and should his Services be required up Nelson River, he has my? Permifsion to stay there. You are to dispatch the Men and Canoes with all Expedition and those who are to come to the factory for a second Trip will be allowed Trip Money.
You will observe pr Invoice the Quantity & Quality of Articles already packed for Mefs Rofs & Thompson; whatever things you may judge necefsary for them & not included therein you are to make a separate package of, and take with you adding the same to their General Account.
Yours &c
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From J.C. to Mefs Rofs & Thompson
June 15 1796
Gent.,
Mr Longmoor has in Charge a large Afsortment of Goods for the Athapescow Trade also a Stock of Provisions which will I hope enable you to pursue that Expedition with Spirit. In order to silence any Objections the Men may make of returning with you, you are to inform all those whose Contracts expire this Season that their Services will be considered & Merit rewarded; and that they will be placed on the Account Books at York on an equal footing with others performing the like duty. Your Report of their Abilities Conduct & Qualifications will be necefsary for my Guidance. The additional Wages of one fourth will also be allowed to those who go to the Northward of the Isle le Croix. Those Men who make extra Trips will be allowed Trip Money. Take Minutes of any and every Agreement you Shall make with the Men and transmit them to me; and for your Information have enclosed an Extract of the 14th Paragraph on the Honble Company's last General letter dated May 30th 1795.

I should have been ignorant of your Destination last Winter had not Mr Stayner paid me a Visit, he acquainted me with your pursuits which if true gives me more Information that York Papers give me. He tells me Mr Thompson is stationed on Churchill River within three Days Journey of Mr Geo. Charles & that Mr Rofs is also near him which cuts off all Indians from visiting Churchill Settlements. Should this be the Case it at once overturns my intended plan, my Wish is to afford every Afsistance to Mr Stayner & the Honble Company's Servants from Churchill not to oppose them but to unite in Efforts to oppose our powerful Adversairy the Canadian Traders.

Mr Stayner further informed me of his people having navigated Craft of large Burthen from Churchill to the spot where Mr Charles wintered in a few Days - if so it is evident Goods can be conveyed with more ease and lefs Expence to the Company from Churchill than it can be done from York in Canoes. I repeat what I have heard & wish to receive Information from you on this Head that I may regulate my pursuits in future. The Invoice of Goods is sent you are to make Choice of what Articles you may think proper for your Trade. the Remainder are to be delivered to the Care of Wm Sinclair. with wishing you all manner of Happinefs and every plenty that Seasons & Natives can afford you.
I remain &c
J.C.
PS. If you stand in need of any Articles not supplied you by this conveyance you are to impute it to my want of Information as no Indent is to be found, therefore it will be necefsary that you send one it will be a sure Guide to us in future. In a few Hours I set off for Hill River with Boats making second Trip to Gordon House. I am much prefsed for time, must refer you to Mr Longmoor for any further particulars. I have given in Charge to Mr Longmoor Side Arms for you which he will deliver you on Meeting.
Contracts are sent for those Men whose Time expires this Season which you are to fill up according to Agreement."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From J.C. to Mr William Sinclair
York Fort June 15 1796
Sir,
The Goods & Provisions which Mefs Rofs & Thompson leave of the Cargo conveyed up Nelson River by Mr Longmoor you are with the Afsistance of your Men to take to Wegge's House where you wintered last. You are to afford every Afsistance in your power to the above Gent. towards the forwarding them in their Expedition to the Athapescow Country.
I remain &c
JC.
PS. All the Men with you are to afsist up with the Gods and return to the Factory for a second Trip for which they will be paid Trip Money. Mr Longmoor will take Charge of the Furs down which you & Men may have in your Canoes.
Whatever Articles you stand in need of for the Winter's Supply let me know what they are in Writing, and they shall be sent pr Canoes making the second Trip."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mefs Longmoor & Cook to J.C.
York Fort June 19.96
Dear Sir
On the 18th Inst. a Letter was brought by Indian Lads from Mr Sinclair informing us of his Arrival at the High Bank in the North River, to which W.C. gave the following Answer.

" Mr Wm Sinclair
Sir
The Governor being absent from the Factory I have endeavoured to comply with your Request respecting a Supply of Provisions; & feeling for your Situation have dispatched the Bearers with the best the Factory affords, without the least Delay. As Mr Longmoor will set off from hence in the Course of three Days on his Journey to the first Fall in the North River with a Boat Load of Goods for yours & the Athapescow Supply; I advise you by all Means to stay where you are until you receive the Governor's Orders pr Letter (which Mr Longmoor will deliver to you on meeting) as I am apprehensive your coming to the Factory will prevent your second Trip and gain you the Govenor's Displeasure. You most likely will have some Difficulty to prevent your Men coming to the Factory when they hear of the Governor's not being here; in such Case I need not tell you how necefsary it will be that you act strenuously in Opposition to such a Measure.
I remain &c
W.H.C.
PS. If you should see Mefs Rofs & Thompson before you see Mr Longmoor you will be so good as to inform them the Contents that they also may know the Governor's wish."

His Motive for proceeding to the Factory after receiving the Answer to his Letter as before inserted is such as appears to us reasonable; he says, that independently of the Canoes being unfit to return Inland, so great a Quantity of Ice still remains in the Neighbourhood of the Falls, that in his Opinion it would be impofsible for a Boat to proceed further up than the Deer Islands; the Opinion of the Indians seems to corroberate the Account of Mr Sinclair; they tell us they cannot venture to return 'till near Ship-time in Consequence of the Ice which lying along Shore, blocks up the Carrying Places and renders tracking impofsible.
We have thought it prudent to employ the Canadian in Company with Hugh Leask & Robt. Garrock in conveying this Intelligence to you, as his Behaviour has been rather unpleasant since your leaving the Factory. He has attempted & still seems determined to revenge the Death of Mr Thompson on the Indian Chief Keshicow Peshim, he has already nearly dispatched the Old Man, who for his Safety was obliged to take Refuge in the Woods. His Conduct on this Occasion may be the result of Affection for his injured Master; which if so, must appear commendable to those of generous feelings. But admitting this to be the Case, we neverthelefs think it proper to prevent the Commifsion of a Murder in your Absence, & have taken this Method of thwarting his Design; at the same time it will give you an Opportunity of refusing his Services if you Shall think proper.
Mefseergomawethow, Cometicat, Witicoquan the Mud's Son & a Musqua Rat River Indian besides a few Boys arrived in Company with Mr Sinclair, they have very few Furs consiquent on their having traded with Mr Sinclair during last Winter. We have not given any Liquor to the Natives since our being acquainted with the Disposition of the Canadian, fearing lest some bad Consequences might ensue from their Intoxication. We shall abide by your Instructions as to the Treatment of Indians & reward as Merit deserves. Your Letter pr Tetohim has just reached us; we are sorry to hear of the State of your Provisions; the Indians have this Day brought down the Flesh of 21 Head of Deer; we would send you a supply were we not inclined to think from their Report that you have seen Plenty of Deer ere this.
We fear it will be impofsible for either Mr Longmoor or Mr Sinclair to go up the North River before your Return; the Reasons will appear obvious in the foregoing part of this Letter. Wishing you a pleasant Journey to the Rock & a safe Return to the Factory we remain
D. Sir
&c &c
Robt. Longmoor
W.H.Cook"
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" From J.C. to Mefs Longmoor & Cook
Gordon House June 25th. 96
Dear Sirs,
This Morning Robt. Garrock Hugh Leask & Canadian arrived at Gordon House; they del'd yours of the 19th & Cargo safe.
I sincerely feel the Disappointment of not getting goods up Nelson River as from your Representation there is no Probability of sending off Canoes before my Return to the Factory. to keep the Men from Inland employed; I wish the furs brought down from Swan River Nelson River & Crofs Lake packed & kept separate.
I overtook Wm Manson & party the second Day from the Factory, kept Company thro' Steel River & arrived at the Rock the fifth Day: the Boat arrived the Following. No sight or Intelligence of the Gent. from Inland as yet; I am Heartily tired of this inactive Life & wish to begin my Journey of Return to York. He informed Robt. Garrock coming up that it is not his Intention to stay in this Service unlefs he go up Nelson river where he is determined to revenge the Death of Mr Thompson, and I understand He left the Canadian Employ for this purpose only; and for which he is to be rewarded by the Canadian Company. They are fully bent on the Extirpation of old Pemoochisquan & his Family. You acted very prudently in not giving the Natives Liquor during the Canadian's Stay at the Factory; the Consequences might have proved fatal to one party or the other for depend on it the Indians would have resented the Injury the Old Man received.
I remain &c
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" J.C. to Mr Whitford
York Factory July 5 1796
Sir,
Edward Tomison & Edward Rozie arrived this Day. it would have been satisfactory to me to have reced the particular Number of Goods sent by each Canoe as it would have been a Check to the Account when the Goods were taken from the Warehouse.
I find in your Account some few Bundles said to be remaining at Gordon House which Mr Sutherland had before the Arrival of your Papers particularly specefied as being among the Canoe Cargoes sorted out & left on the Bank before he set off for the Factory. Besides it is very necefsary that I know the Contents of each Canoe in Case of Accident (which God prevent) or Negligence of those who have the Goods in Charge, and it will be impofsible to make up the Accounts in our Books with any Certainty without knowing the Quantity of small Articles taken, such as Bags of Shot, Rundlets &c. an Account of which I shall expect the first Opportunity. I am-&c
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" J.C. to Mefs Rofs & Thompson
York Fort July 9 1796
Mr Rofs
Sir,
Should any of the Churchill people have arrived at Fairford House (where you left J. Park in Charge) before you, or should you hear by any Intelligence from the Officers employ'd from that Settlement of their being able to push forward into the Athapescow Country this Season, you are to afford them every Afsistance in your Power by delivering them Trading Goods, Provisions &c &c for which you are to take Receipts, and you are immediately to withdraw from that Undertaking & proceed with the remaining Goods Stores &c to Cumberland House from thence to any of the Honble Cos Settlements up the Sascachewan. Should any of the Men be inclined to change their Situation by removing from this Settlement to Churchill they have my consent for so doing; and you may acquaint them they will be placed on the Company's Books there the same as at York. It is my sincere Wish that no one Station be carried on from this place that interferes with any other belaying to our Honble Employers; and I will readily relinquish the Athapescow Expedition to Mr Stayner when he is enabled to carry it on. But in Case you receive no Intelligence on this Head you are to proceed with all Speed to your Winter's Station and on your Return next Season you are to come down by Way of Cumberland House, where I hope a sufficient Afsortment of Trading Articles & other Necefsaries will be waiting your Arrival. Mr Sutherland promises to supply you with Plenty of Provisions from the Settlements up the Sascachewan and the Men will be supplied also from the Warehouse there, should the Athapecow Trade be carried on in future from this place. This mode of conducting Businefs will save much labour to the Honble Company's Servants engaged in that Employ & will enable them to get to their Wintering Ground early. I am &c.
J.C.
PS. If on your Return there Should not be sufficient Goods at Cumberland House for your Supply you are to come down to the next Settlement or until you meet the Canoes from thence when you are to exchange Cargoes."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From J.C. to Mr Isham
York Fort July 9 1796
Sir
Mr Hallett & Men arrived here from Swan River the 15th Ult. & delivered your Letters of the 12th of May. It gives me Concern hearing of the Death of two such valuable Servants as Thomas Brown and Robert Whitley. Considering the very many Opponents you had around you, your Trade exceeds Expectation, tho' the Furs are very indifferent. As it is not my Wish to oppose any of the Honble Company's Servants in any Quarter & by your own Account Craft can be navigated with ease from Albany to Red River where you procured most of your Furs, I think it will be for the Benefit of our Employers that you withdraw from Swan River.
In order to put a Stop to the Disorderly Conduct of the Men with you & to bring them to a Sence of their Duty, Mr Longmoor accompanies the Canoes agreeably to your Request last Fall. you are therefore to unite with him to obtain the desirable, and to do that which is necefsary to promote the Honble Company's Interest.
Mr Longmoor will receive Instructions from Mr Sutherland where he is to build & you remove with your Remains; he will be enabled to do this on his Arrival at the Grand Rapid, where he has appointed to meet a number of Bungees who prefsed him much to have English near them.
The Articles you wrote for are sent & Mr Sutherland promises to afford every Afsistance in his Power I remain &c
J.C.
PS. You acted very prudently remaining Inland this Season. so many Officers coming to the Factory is attended with a heavy Expence to our Employers & answers no Purpose but that of preventing a large Quantity of Trading Goods being sent Inland. Whatever is needful for your Comfort & Happinefs shall be sent annually; and the Indent shall be complied with in Trading Goods to the utmost, upwards of 16,000 MB are now at Gordon House of all Kinds of Articles: this is to supply a Storehouse I have given Orders to be erected at the Jack River to which Canoes from the Upper Settlements can with ease make two Trips."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From J.C. to Mr David Thompson
York Fort July 9th 1796
Sir
This acknowledges the Receipt of yours of the 27th of May last but I am too much prefsed for time to enter? on the Particulars of your Letter. The ungenerous manner in which some of the Officers from Churchill have behaved to you & Company's servants from York convinces me that they attend more to private Resentment than public Duty. Instead of their proceeding to the Northward of Churchill all the Posts they have hitherto established have been in Opposition to us instead of the Canadians & to the Southward of this Place, so says Mr Rofs. In order to put a Stop to Difsention in future, I have withdrawn from all Stations to the Northward, except that of pushing forward to the Athapescow: this I will readily relinquish when Mr Stayner is able to establish a Footing in that Country.
Mr Rofs tells me he wrote to the Honble Committee for leave to return home next Year which will occasion a Vacancy of Master on the Northward Track. On his leaving that Quarter you are to take the Command until you receive further Orders; therefore 'tis expected you will pursue that which is most for the public Benefit.
I remain &c
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From J.C. to Mr Tate
York Fort July 9. 96
Sir,
I have engaged the Indians Wimmagun and Shaggehow Ethinue to convey this Letter to you & have desired them to make all the Expedition pofsible in order that you may pack up all the Trading Goods & Stores ready against the Arrival of Englishmen. But it would be more convenient if you could engage Indians to afsist you conveying the same to the Jack River in the South Track where you will find Mr Longmoor waiting. He has Orders to build a House there. He is also instructed to send Englishmen to you in Case you should not be so fortunate as to prevail on Indians to afsist you in the Conveyance of Goods. When this is executed, I wish you to make all the Speed you can to the Factory. Should James Loutit choose to remain up with Mr Longmoor or accompany Mr Sutherland to the Upper Settlements, I will place him on the same footing in the Books with others performing the like Duty. If he does not agree to these terms he is to proceed with you to the Factory. I remain &c.
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From J.C. to the Northwest Proprietors
York Fort July 16 1796
Gent.,
Your Letter from the Grand Portage dated the 27th July 1795 as also the one to Mr Sutherland dated at the Grand Rapid were delivered me at Gordon House on the Arrival of the Honble Company's Officers from Inland the 29th Ult.
I sincerely lament the Lofs of so valuable a Member of Society as Mr Robert Thompson, the more so, he having always lived on very friendly Terms with the Gent. from York; and it's the ardent Wish of myself and every Officer that the Indians who committed the Deed may meet the Fate they so justly deserve.
Pemoochisquan alias Keshicow Peshim had been at York but left the Plantation in Company with a numerous Tribe of Indians his Friends a few Days before I arrived; I consulted my Officers respecting the proper Steps to be taken against the Delinquents who were unanimously of Opinion that it would be improper to attempt to confine or pursue him whilst surrounded by so many Followers; & that to send him Inland as a Prisoner to one of your Stations would be attended with much Danger to those who had him in charge; as he must be taken through his own Country where his Friends would afsemble and overmatch any Force I could send with him; and it would be a Miracle if any escaped the Fate of Mr Thompson.
For these Reasons I must decline as an Agent for the Honble the Hudson's Bay Company having any Concern in the apprehending of the Offenders.
The Officers and Honble Co's Officers having treated the Murderer & his Family with Neglect during their visit here the whole set off to the Eastward; & Report says they are gone for Severn, a Settlement the old Man originally came from. I must remark here while the Consultation was held one of the Officers informed the Council that Mr Tomison had made Application to one of your Gent. who had Charge of Fort Augustus up the Sascachewan to surrender up the Indians who so cruelly butchered three of the Honble Co. Servants in the Summer of 1794, when they plundered & burned that Settlement, and that Mr Donald's Answer was (which if true, reflects neither Honour or Humanity on himself) " That it was not for the paltry Consideration of the Lofs of three of the Hudson's Bay Company's Servants that he would lose the Trade of so valuable a tribe of Indians" and positively refused Mr Tomison any Afsistance or Support in securing the Offenders; altho' he had it in his Power to do it. I leave you to make Comments on such Conduct.
As to Joseph De Rocker's coming down to York with the Honble Co's Servants to be engaged in this Employ it is true; but he reced no Encouragement from any Officer whatever. I shall abide by the verbal Agreement I made in England with some of the Gent. of the North West Company "Not to engage a Man who was under Articles with you" Mr McTavish likewise promised not to engage any Man belonging to the Hudson's Bay Service. Mr Sutherland will deliver up Joseph De Rocker to the Master of the first post he shall arrive at belonging to you. I rely on your Honour & expect that our two Runaways John Ward & Peter Sabbeston be also delivered up to Mr Sutherland. If you pursue these Steps a good Understanding will always subsist between the Officers in your Employ & those in ? the Honble Hudson's Bay Company's Service. I flatter myself you will ever find the Gent. from York ready to afford you the best Afsistance in their power consistent with their duty, not only in regard to Mutual Protection, but in the Way of Trade. I remain
Gent.
Your very obt. Servt.
J.C."
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" From Mr C. to Mr Balenden
York Fort July 18 1796
Dear Sir
No Answer being returned to my Letter to you by Mr Taylor of the 12th of Febry last, it has been laid before the council when it was unanimously concluded that you had given up all Thoughts of visiting England this Season. in Consequence every officer who is able to supply your place is fixed in a Station & set off Inland, except Mr Cook whose Canoes are now ready to leave the Factory; and which will be off in a few Days; when the Weather shall permit their going round the Point of Marsh. Robert Wilson a person of whom you had once a high Opinion accompanies the Packet Indians & will I judge be a proper Person to leave in Charge during your Short Absence should you visit York Pr Brig, but this is left entirely to your own Discretion & you may appoint whom you think fit. Should you stay at Severn during Summer whatever you would wish to have done at York no one will be more ready than myself to oblige you to the utmost.

If I have acted wrong in not keeping an Officer here to supply your Room next Season it must be imputed to your not answering my Letter; no Blame Whatever can be laid to my Charge for I considered that I should not have done my duty to my Employers had I kept Mefs Longmoor Cook or Whitford at the Factory when their Services are so much required Inland. To have detained these Gent. 'till the Arrival of the Ship would have been injurious to their Concerns.

The River Ice gave way the 29th of April last, but it was the latter End of May before we could get Boats into the Water; since which Men have been employed on Batteaux conveying Goods up Hill River to Gordon House which enabled me to meet? Mefs Sutherland Bird & Wright & the Company's Servants from Inland with upwards of 16,000 MB of Trading Goods besides Stores & Provisions. The Mode adopted for the Supply of the Upper Settlements will I hope turn? out to the Benefit of our Employers and answer my Expectation: this I know & with Truth declare that many Thousands of Br. in Trading Goods are already sent Inland more than were last Season. Mr Tomison did not come down, he remains at the Upper Settlements. Report tells me you will have many Visitors this Fall who very probably will take up their residence in the Neighbourhood of Severn; these are Pemoochisquan alias Keshicow Peshim, and his Followers. He or some of his Party having killed Mr Tompson a Canadian Trader up Nelson River the Spring that I was in England. his Friends are determined to revenge his Death and punish the Perpetrator of that Deed. This having come to the Knowledge of the Old Man he finds his old Hunting Ground not a safe Situation & hearing on Mr Sutherland's Arrival the Punishment inflicted on two Indians at Cumberland House for committing a similar Action (of whom one was shot, the other hung) it has alarmed him very much & I hear he set off a few Days ago for Severn the place of his Nativity.

No Bungee Indians have visited York this Season except Peskekan and his Son; he tells me all his Followers are gone to Severn and the Reason he gives is, that you sent to him & them many large presents last Fall to come & see you, but this is an old Trick of theirs, and no Reliance is to be placed on their Afsertions. but I shall be fully satisfied if what he says be true provided they are well loaded with Furs: all natives are fond of Variety & do what we will they will always visit those who are the most liberal.

We were very succefsful killing Geese in the spring which enabled me to have salted fifteen Hhds besides serving out fresh provisions to 63 People.

Only 26 Canoes were manned from the Inland Settlements this Year but by the Help of Canoes left at York last Season I was enabled to add two to the Number on their Return a similar circumstance has not happened since I have been in the country. I have only to add that Akamus Still declares he paid his YF Debt to you. He has left a bundle of Furs (in consequence of my doubting his Veracity) in the Trading room as a pledge & appears very much displeased at his Integrity being called in Question.
I am &c
J.C.
PS. I am now all hurry fitting out our last Summer Canoes which I expect will leave the Factory tomorrow. this you know is a busy time at York & to add to our Confusion no lefs than 12 Tents of Indians are on the Plantation waiting to take up Debt. I am sorry to inform you of the Death of James Spence Sen., Thomas Brown & Robert Whitley, they all died Inland. The Lofs of these valuable Servants has been much felt this Season. James Walters may either accompany the Indians or come in the Brig. The Packet Men are on no Account to be detained as their Friends are waiting on the Plantation and will not set off for their Winter's Quarters 'till they arrive from Severn."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From J.C. to Mr Wm Sinclair
York Fort July 19 1796
Sir
You are now fitted out with Men Canoes & a good Afsortment of Trading Goods with which you are to proceed up Nelson River; on your Arrival at the Split Lake, you are to look out for a proper Spot of Ground at or near the Neyowagow; and there to build a House where you are to leave either William Corrigal or John Sabbeston in Charge ('till Mr Cook arrives in the Fall of the Year) with the Men whose Names are hereunder mentioned & a proper Afsortment of Goods. When you have done the needful you are then to proceed with the Remaining goods & Men and accompany the Indians who leave the Factory with you, 'till you reach a good Winter Fishing Place and there erect a House for yourself &c. but you are on no Account to fix on a Station that will any ways interfere with the Churchill Indians or Trade: but if it Should be in your power to afsist any Officer or Servants from that Settlement you to do it to the utmost. I am &c.
J.C.

Robert Spence
Thomas Stanger"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From J.C. to Mr Stayner
York Fort July 19th 1796
Dear Sir
Our river Ice began breaking up the 27th of April but it was the latter end of May before we could get Boats into the Water when we were obliged to launch them over the Ice which was piled very lofty along Shore and to let them down with Tackle Falls. On the 1st of June I sent off Batteaux loaded with Trading Goods to Gordon House; the Men making two Trips I was enabled to get upwards of 16,000 MB there before the Arrival of Mefs Sutherland Wright & Bird and the Honble Company's Servants from the Sascachewan Settlements whom I gave the Meeting purposely to settle Terms with Men &c and this I did in Order to prevent their coming to the Factory. However eleven Canoes came down. the Remainder returned to Cumberland House to bring down the Furs left there & to make a second Trip. I cannot ascertain the Amount of Trade pr this Conveyance the Furs are not yet packed but I judge they will not be Short of last Year. Only twenty six large Canoes were brought from the Compamy's Settlements this Summer; the Excuse is that want of Steersmen & Hands prevented more from being manned. Be this as it may I made shift with the Help of Canoes left down last Season to add two to the Number which returned with Trading Goods. I flatter myself with the Help of those who made extra Trips I shall be enabled to send many thousands of Beaver more Inland than were last; the last of the Summer party of Canoes are ready to set off.

I am sorry to hear of the unhappy Disputes between Mefs Thompson & Linklater last Season & cannot help thinking (if what I heard be true) the Conduct of the latter is highly reprehensible his Behaviour being very ungenerous to the former; and answering no other Purpose but that of promoting Discord; as he has made use of Exprefsions in his Letters that will gain him no Credit with his Employers or Honour to himself besides he gives our Opponents an Opportunity of taking Advantage of his Conduct in the Way of Trade. I heard of these Disputes at the Rock; the Information came from some of the Canadian Gentlemen whom the Honble Company's Servants met on their Pafsage down: they appeared much delighted at the Recital. Mr Rofs having been for some time in a bad State of Health came to York for the Advice of our Surgeon; he acquainted me with the Necefsity of Mr Thompson's building where he did last Season; the Reasons he gave appear reasonable & satisfactory. He delivered me a number of Papers on this Subject but I am too much prefsed for time to enter on Particulars.

I wish to stop further Difsention between the Officers from Churchill & this place and to steer clear of Animosities, have therefore given Instructions to Mr Rofs to withdraw from all the stations he occupied last Season which by the bye he tells me did not in the least interfere with the Trade of Churchill & declares that every Skin he traded would have been carried to the Canadians who were stationed near, had he not traded them. Mr Rofs is likewise instructed to relinquish his pursuits of the Athapescow Country provided that he meet any Officer from Churchill who will undertake the Management of the Company's Businefs in that Quarter. He will readily decline having any Concern therein on account of his ill State of Health. I refer you to the Copy of my Instructions to Mefs Rofs & Thompson which is enclosed for your perusal.

Mr Tomison remains at Cumberland House and purposes coming down in the Canoes that make the second Trip but it remains a Doubt with Mr Sutherland whether he will see York this Season or not.

A few Days before Mr Sutherland left Cumberland House, the Canadian Officers inflicted the Punishment of Death on two Indians, one of whom they shot & the other they hung on the Plantation; the Culprits had been guilty of murdering one of their Servants and some Northward Indians with whom he was tenting. This Example will, I hope, put a Stop to the insolent Behaviour of Indians who are of late become very daring. I remain &c.
J.C.
PS. It is with Concern I mention the Deaths of Thomas Brown & Robert Whitley who died at Swan River of an inflammatory Fever also the Death of James Spence Sen. who died at Manchester house. I wish the Packet Men to return as soon as pofsible."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Nelson to JC.
Churchill Fort July 25 1796
Dear Sir
This Morning I had the Pleasure of receiving yours of the 19th. am glad to hear that you & those around you are well.
Mefs Charles & Linklater arrived at Churchill the 28 of June and on the 6th Inst. Mefs Stayner & Charles set off for Inland with two Batteaux containing about 4000 MB of Trading Goods accompanied by a party of Canoes loaded with Goods. I have heard twice from them since they left us, by Indians on their Rout to the Factory; the last Account informs me that they were over the greater part of the bad Road in Churchill River so that there is not the smallest doubt but long ere this they have got into the Lakes. The Indians tell me the Batteaux go so well and are managed with so much Ease that the Birch Rind Canoes (even Indians) were not able to keep up with them; the Boats being frequently obliged to stop for them: The Refractory Behaviour of some of our Men rather obliged Mr Stayner to take upon himself the Management of one of the Batteaux and Mr Charles the other; had they behaved as they ought there is not the smallest doubt but we Should have got on well towards the Athapescow this Season; however I hope the Honble Company will make a proper Example of the Scoundrels that it may be the Means of detering others from acting in a similar manner.
I am &c
B. Nelson"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Thomas to J.C.
Fort Moose Feb. 12 1796
Dear Sir
I avail myself of an early Opportunity of enquiring of the Health & Welfare of our Friends at York - hope that Succefs has attended their Endeavours.
The Prince of Wales Capt. Hanwell arrived here the 29th of August and sailed the 26th of September with 8683 MB from Moose & 9346 from Eastmain which with 20097 MB from Albany made in the whole 38,127 MB. the best Trade both for Quantity & Quality that has gone from the Bottom of the Bay for many Years. [He's exaggerating, there's only 38,126.]
The Fall was long and mild so that the Geese did not leave us 'till the 30th of October. Great Numbers were procured, we salted upwards of 5000, the total Hunt amounted to upwards of 8000. The Winter before Xmas mild but remarkably Sharp since. Provisions of all Kinds scarce; it's too early to form any Idea of Trade but I hope for the best - Martins and Foxes are more plenty than they have been for Years past.
All was well at our Inland Settlements by the last Accounts; the Canadians as usual are very active about them & succefsful for we are too few to be in any ways formidable Rivals. I am &c.
John Thomas"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Bolland to J.C.
EastMain Factory Mar. 14 96
Dear Sir
I take the Opportunity of a Packet going to Moose to enquire after our Friends to the Northward, hoping they enjoy Health & Plenty & to inform them of Occurences here.
Capt. Hanwell arrived in the Moose Sloop the 2d Sept. & sailed the 7th with 9346 MB on board from this Factory. The Weather before Xmas was the finest ever remembered here, but since rather Sharp with very little Snow and Country Provisions are very scarce at present. We can bear no Idea what the Trade will be this Year but hope from Appearances that it will not be any worse than last. We received Letters from our Inland Settlements a few Days ago, one of them had then upwards of 900 MB in the House and was in Hopes of a good Trade, the other had but poor Prospects; they at both places complained of a Scarcity of Country Provisions.
I am &c.
W. Bolland"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr McKay to J.C.
Albany Fort May 14 1796
Dear Sir
In Consequence of being little acquainted with you I take the Liberty of enquiring after your Health. I hope you enjoy peace and tranquility in the interior parts of the Country. You need not be surprized to hear that I mean to visit York Fort next Year from Red River. I have wrote to inform the Honble Committee to inform them that it was much easier & nearer to supply Red River & other Posts depending thereon than it was from Albany. I hope this plan will meet your Approbation as I am well convinced you have the Company's Interest at heart & will not countenance Self Interest or Partiality but promote to the utmost the true Interest of your Employers and encourage every plan that will prove to be to their Advantage.
I shall say no more on this Subject but Should I be so fortunate as that the Committee should approve of this plan, then I shall explain myself in a clearer manner than I can do at present.
I should be glad to hear from you as soon as pofsible, at Red River next Winter if pofsible.
I am &c.
Donald McKay"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr McNab to J.C.
Albany Fort June 21 1796
Dear Sir
Your last Letter being answered by Mr Hodgson and now being Albany Turn to forward the usual Packet. I hope this will find you and all at York well. A secondary Deluge within these 4 Years last past again, threatened us with universal Destruction; we were confined eleven Days within the Works; the Plantation resembling a Lake, Water several feet Deep in the Outhouses. Large Currents formed within a few feet of the outer Gates where Mountains & Fields of Ice lay, which if put in Motion none of our Edifices could have resisted. Thank God, after this long Dread of Danger the Ice at last went quietly away. A large & small Inland Boat were crushed to pieces.
Our Trade sent home by Capt Hanwell last Year a little exceeded 20,000; what it may be this I cannot tell. Albany and her two lower Settlements are yet little more than 7,000 which is a thousand lefs than their last Year's Products.
The Indians engaged to carry this with much Solicitation made a Trip with our boats to Ernest House and returned three Days since. I have waited thus long for their Return before I could get Hands to proceed thence with me, and leave them now to proceed to Severn. I hear that at one of our Posts two Indians were killed by our Men, surely their Reasons for this Action must have been great: having no authentic Account I hope it is not true.
Winter 'till Xmas remarkably mild, since singularly cold, and we had a good Share of Rabbits and a few Partridges: I shall be happy to hear of your Welfare and general Succefs at York; I? am &c."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr G. Sutherland to J.C.
Gordon House July 23d 96
Dear Sir
With no little Difficulty we arrived here Yesterday after having broken our Canoes several times owing to the Shoalnefs of the Water and the weak State that some of them are in, one in particular, the thwart of which was fairly drawn out in the Tracking Ground; and am afraid some of them will never reach the Head of this River. Peter Brown is so lame in one of his Feet that I was obliged to put John Forbest as Bowsman in his Place. Robert Linklater Bowsman is already so bad with the Gravel that I am obliged to leave him here and was under the Necefsity of engaging Edward Tomison for one year in his Stead; he would not agree for lefs than 16 pounds pr Ann. which you will see by his Contract now sent you. Nichol Spence Boatbuilder requested that he might return to the Factory he being unfit to work on the Pafsage this I could not think of & have therefore kept out three Bundles for him in order to get him Inland I afsure you Sir I have put as much in the Canoes as they will hold but so many Pafsengers take up a great Deal of Room. The enclosed is a list of Cargoes which I flatter myself is correct. There have been some Bungees down here lately who give an Account of the Frenchmen having left Jack River and are now building a House at the side Pines near our Home Guards. If this Report be true Mr Hallett shall settle there also.
I am &c.
G Sutherland."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" Mr Fidler to J.C.
Cumberland House July 25 96
Kind Sir
Mr Bird arrived here the 21st Inst with the Goods all safe. The Furs now taken down are 50 Bundles 19 of which belongs to Mr Bird's Trade and 8 have been procured here since Mr Sutherland's Departure in the Spring. The Invoice of Furs traded here Mr Tomison will deliver you also a few Letters for England. If any Canoes stay down 'till the Ship arrives shall be obliged to you to send up a few Books a Telescope &c which I expect pr Ship. I remain &c.
P. Fidler"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Rofs to J.C.
Split Lake July 29th 1796
Worthy Sir
I should fail in my Duty if I did not send you a few lines as Opportunity as offers. whenever this comes to your Hands I with hope it will find you & those with you in a better State of health than I am at present & have been ever since I left the Factory. I caught a Cold before I left the Factory, which has been very severe for me. My last Winter's Disorder lies hard upon me also which makes me very dubious of ever seeing you again; but be that as it will, you may rest afsure while the Life Remains, nothing that is in the power of my Ability to perform shall be wanting for the Interest of our Honble Employers which I am sure is your most ardent Wish it is no lefs my Wish to see their Honour's Interest flourish than any other in the Service, but little is in my power. I have been going about for 6 Years past, this is the 7th & have never been acquainted 2 Years together with the same Indians; your good Sense & Knowledge of the World in general will discern the Disadvantage I have laboured under. It is disagreeable in itself, shifting Quarters every Winter in such a poor barren Country but that is not all, the gaining over of Indians from the Canadians is the first & grand point which cannot be done without high Expences; those who know nothing of the like Matter would think me very extravagant. I conclude with wishing you every Happinefs you can desire and remain
Your obliged hble Servt
M. Rofs.
PS. Peter Hudson having a very bad Hand I am obliged to send him back by these Indians indeed he was a very unfit Man for any such an Undertaking. I happen'd to fall in with 4 of my old Debtors here & got 46 1/2 MB in Furs of old Debts which you will receive by the Bearer & you will please to place them to my next Year's Trade."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Ballanden to J.C.
Severn House July 30th 1796
Dear Sir
Yesterday Evening Robert Wilson & your two Packetmen arrived here. was happy to hear that yourself and all under your Command were well. I have likewise the pleasure to inform you Mr Taylor & his Walking Mates returned safe to Severn after a Journey of eleven Days when I was presented with your Letters & Minutes of Council. Should have returned immediate Answer thereto but being divided in my Mind what Determination to make I was prevented. For some Years past I have been very ailing at times & not finding myself so happy as I could wish made me request my Honble Employers' Permifsion last Fall, to return home this Year & accordingly I expect a person will be appointed to succeed me or left to the Chief & Council at YF to supply my Place with a proper person. Such Reasons prevented me from giving you unnecefsary Trouble before our Honble Employers' Determination Should be known if I have acted wrong I humbly beg there Pardons & yours with the Gent. of the Council for my Disobedience. You can be at no lofs for a proper Person to take the Command here whilst there are so many Gent. on the YF Establishment that will give as much Satisfaction to our employers as I have done & I hope more; by so doing they cannot fail of being upon an amicable footing with their Neighbours on each side of them which ? I am sorry has not been my Lot altho' I never gave any one uneasinefs intentionally whatever may be imputed to me. In a few Day the Beaver Brig will sail for York when I hope to have the Pleasure of seeing you and answering such Questions as you may think proper to interrogate me respecting my Conduct. Wilson shall be left in Charge of the House according to Order. I thank you most gratefully for your kind Attention to serve me were I to stay at Severn. It is always what I experienced.
I have been visited by many Indians this summer but they were poorly gooded. The Canadian Commodities were every where seen among them. The Trade sent from hence this Season is something better than last, but as I have not packed all, I cannot expertly tell. Am sorry to hear of the Death of your three Men Inland it will be a great Lofs certainly as they were valuable Servants.
I am &c.
John Ballenden"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Robt. Longmoor to J.C.
Weapineparnish? River Aug. 4 96
Dear Sir
We have had the Misfortune two of our Canoes which detained us two Days but however we have since come up with Mr Sutherland. We this Day met Mr Tomison with 5 Canoes. Mr T and myself seem to be very good Friends. As we expect to embark every Minute I cannot enter into particulars.
I am &c.
Robt. Longmoor"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Sutherland to J.C.
On Meeting the Canoes I spoke to all the Men whose Times are out but none would agree to terms you offer yet I make doubt but they will agree for the same Wages with you - they wish to see the Factory.

I should be very glad if you could engage Mr Oman if it was only for one Year as his Service will be very much wanted to pilot the Boats down next Season, also James Hourie as he would be a useful Man in one of our Boats.

Gilbert Laughton wishes to see the Fort yet I hope you will engage him & send him up the other Way, we will not be able to get any of the Canoes built at the Upper Settlement

I have taken the Remains of Cumberland last Spring but think of taking more upon my Account? than I find upon my Arrival at that place as there have been many Furs traded since I left that Settlement and are now brought down to be sent to England.

I am &c
G. Sutherland"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Sinclair to J.C.
Split Lake Aug. 9th 1796
Dear Sir
I arrived at the Split Lake this Day with the Company's Cargo all safe. I intend to fit out John Harper with one Canoe of Trading Goods to winter at Burnt Wood Lake or thereabout. A large Canoe with Brandy Powder Shot &c is much wanted in the fall of the Year.
I am &c
Wm Sinclair"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" D. Geddes Esq. to J.C.
Stromnefs June 1796
Sir
This will be handed by Capt. Richards with a list of Servants he brings. upon the whole I hope they will do; they are by far the greater Number engaged this Year still preferring YF to any other Factory; to attain perfectnefs without some Exceptions I find impracticable, for let me do what I will some will deceive & conceal their faults, the present Demand and Scarcity of Men prevents a very strict Scrutiny. those that are small most take or they will go elsewhere for Bread - in time they will do well.

The Tradesmen I hope will all please. the Boatbuilder I know to be a good Lad & Workman. Tho. Smith has promised to do well, indeed there is no other to be had; of the Taylors John Morrowick (brother to James Morrowick) being lame is not fit for much Travelling but will do his Businefs to please & in Respect to Wm Leith the Smith and Armourer who I hope you will find a deserving young Man, He stood on for £25 Wages profefsing to do a great part of the Armourer's Businefs as well as Smith but as he could not promise for the complete Armourer I could not grant this for fear of Complaints from the other Smiths gone out but we mutually agreed to fix at the £20 & leave it to allow him what further Addition you shall think proper as his Merits deserve; this I state officially to Mr Lean whose Orders in Consequence of your Letter to me is to procure an Armourer & Smith & his Afsist. John Tait.

John Harper (Tailor) writes me he is placed on the Books as having contracted for 5 Years, upon Examination I find he is only for three; I have wrote him the Answer enclosed which you can please to forward with what Addtion you think requisite to satisfy him of the Error.

To any Men saying I agree them to stay at the Factory, or any particular place I must trouble you to inform them from me that they tell a great Falshood for on the Contrary when they mention it, I with great Patience explain the Absurdity of such a Proposal and that the Contract they sign is to obey you & all subordinate Officers under whom you place them. Several wishing to return made Application for more Wages; this the Company decline, referring to the Chiefs & Council for a regular Advance according to their Merits while they continue in the Service, my Orders is to give in Addition to former Wages the £2 Yearly Bounty which with the £2 for Inland makes a considerable Advance. Stout green Hands ask £10 for 3 Years.

I was sorry to find James Spence Steersman fined £15 in his Account & by his Request stated it to Mr Lean that on a future Conversation with you & Mr Cook all was to be forgiven on his continuing in the Service; praying as it was the only Fault for so many Years Service he might be forgiven but this they refuse & have sent me a Copy of the Minutes of Council. I have wrote you a Letter from him. I find one Andrew Davey is also fined, if this is to be rectified, wish you would State him also. I enclose a Copy of James Sinclair Sen's Account with a Note on the foot which ? you will cause to be rectified & inform me how it is.
I am &c
David Geddes"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Sutherland to J.C.
Jack River Aug. 10 96
Dear Sir
We arrived here this Morning after being detained by Winds & Rain upwards of 5 Days. and are now at a great Lofs for Men to go Inland and at the same time leave a sufficient Number here. Will. Mowatt is so bad with a certain Disorder that he has positively refused to go any farther even if he should lose all his Wages &c. have therefore sent him down to York.

Having met your Indians they informed me Mr Tate having no Canoes could not leave his House before one was sent him so that I distributed the Cargo of one Canoe and dispatched her with the Indians to bring Mr Tate & all the Company's Property to this Place.

Having a long way to go, I cannot wait his Arrival but have left Mr Longmoor to settle with James Loutit and any other Matters that may occur. The Report of the Canadians building a House at the Side Pines is without Foundation. I intend taking Nichol Spence to the Upper Settlements there being no Wood proper for building Boats near this place.
I am &c
G Sutherland"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Longmoor to J.C.
Aug. 14 1796
Sir
James Tate arrived here with Remains of Trading Goods Stores & Provisions the 13th Inst & I have agreed James Loutit to stay as you ordered me.
I shall be obliged to send down a Canoe to the Rock for goods of all Sorts but chiefly Brandy and two Canoes of Indians to carry up the Goods. If it were pofsible that you could send a good young Hand in the fall I should be glad. This will be a good place for a Storehouse for Goods where Boats can come from the Upper Settlements.
I am &c
Robt. Longmoor"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr Hallett
Jack River Aug. 14 96
Kind Sir
On the 10th Inst. arrived at the Jack River all in good Condition. Mr Sutherland did all in his power in planning out the Ground to settle the House 40 by 22 on the 11th he embarked for the Upper Settlements. Shall dispatch a Canoe off tomorrow to Gordon House for Trading Goods as I find myself in Want of many Articles particularly Brandy. Mr Longmoor has spoken to some Indians to accompany our People down to afsist in bringing up Trading Goods. I am &c.
Henry Hallett"
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From J.C. to Mefs Longmoor & Isham
York Fort Aug. 25 1796
Dear Sir
The Want of Canoe Tracking Lines &c obliged me to detain all the Canoes 'till the Arrival of the Ship. The Articles you wrote for are sent as are the Letters &c from Europe. Our Indents are curtailed amazingly this Season; We have neither Oatmeal, Scotch Barley, Rice, Molafses, Prunes, Raisins, Rum, or Suet sent us; no more than 42 Inland Rundlets of Flour are sent us, & not two thirds of the Quantity of Sugar that went Inland this Summer. We are also deprived of the usual quantity of Tea - Of Trading Articles very few are sent us. We have not a Roll of Tobacco in the Factory and only Hs? 524 consigned to YF this Season.
Our being so curtailed in the Provisions originated from the Quantity on Remains sent home - The Books were balanced from the Stewards Account & no attention paid to the Remains left in Warehouse when Stock was taken by you & himself before my Arrival. This I discovered on my taking Stock this Year as I could not account for my Expenditures being larger than those of last. I obliged the Steward to give up his Accounts when I discovered the Error which has been examined by the Company's new Officer Mr Jarvis who is appointed Inspecter - What a Scandal on York! I have been thus particular in enumerating those Articles which are much called for Inland and to prevent your being too lavish as no Officer can be supplied from hence next Summer so liberally as they were this. I am &c.
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" J.C. to Mr Sutherland
YFort Aug. 25 96
Sir
The Arrival of the King George Capt. John Richards the 20th Inst. enables me to dispatch all the Canoes which returned from Cumberland House. Mr Oman will deliver you the Invoice of Goods taken from hence & Mr Whitford has Orders to take an Account of Articles that Shall be taken from the Stores at Gordon House.

Only 100 Yds of Vitery are sent out this Season; out of which Mr Oman has had a Tent made - No Raven Duck to be purchased. What we shall do for Tents next Summer I know not. All kinds of Merchandize as well as Provisions are considerably advanced in England and our Indents are curtailed in Consequence. I advise you to be as frugal as pofsible in your Expenditure as you cannot be supplied next Year with many Things much called for Inland. We have neither Oatmeal, Scotch Barley, Rice, Molafses, Prunes, Raisins, Rum or Suet sent us & only half the usual Quantity of Butter & Porter: no more than 42 Inland Rundlets of Flour & not two thirds of the Quantity of Sugar as was sent Inland this Season by you & other Officers. Of the latter Article you know there was none when you left York. Upon the whole I fear we Shall experience Want before your Arrival to avoid which I have Sent several of the Men home without any Cause or Complaint against them but to prevent it.

Our being curtailed so very considerably originated from the large Stock on Remains in YF Books which on Examination were balanced from the Steward's: to clear this Businefs the Remains as taken by Mr Longmoor & himself the 1st of August 95 have been produced to the Company's new Officer Mr Jarvis, who is appointed Inspector; these Remains differ very widely from those entered in Account Book sent home - In many Articles the Deficiency is very great

All the Articles requested, you will I hope receive as pr Invoice; those you wish to be conveyed to Gordon House next Spring shall be sent. As John Moar? is recommended to me as a good Boat builder he accompanies Mr Oman. You will therefore employ him with Nichol Spence building such Boats as will suit the Rivers in which they are to be navigated. I expect to have a large Afsortment of Goods at Gordon House against your Arrival next Summer

The Honble Committee disapprove of so many Officers coming to the Factory you are therefore in future to prevent their coming down.

Let me imprefs on your Mind the Committee's Determination of this Season that it is only by an Encrease of Returns the Company will in future give Encouragement to their Servants. They are much disappointed at the Small Trade from York last Season (30,000) but are highly pleased at the Exertions of the Officers from Churchill who sent home little better than 5000Mb.
I am &c.
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From J.C. to Mr Hallett
York Fort Aug. 25 1796
Sir,
You are to dispatch as many Men & Canoes as you can to the Rock Store House early in the Spring to take up Goods from thence. They will be able to make a Trip before Mr Sutherland and the Cos Servants reach you from the Upper Settlements. You will herewith receive the Packet which I wish you to open & to deliver the Letters belonging to the Men residing with you & forward the rest to Cumberland House. I am &c.
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From Mr C. to Mr Oman
York Fort Aug. 26 96
Sir
On your Arrival at Gordon House you are to select the Bundles of Goods order'd by Mr Sutherland to be taken by the Fall Canoes. The Canoe Cargoes are to be made up with Spirits Tobacco & Powder - Guns and Ball are also to be taken as usual; therefore as you are to be answerable for any Deficiency of Goods taken from thence it is expected that you load each Canoe in Proportion to their being manned. I am &c.
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From J.C. to Mr Whitford
August 26 96
Sir
You are to deliver Mr Oman all the Bundles Mr Sutherland sorted out at the Rock together with other Things he desired you to send him. All Letters &c from Europe are enclosed in a Trunk which you are to open & deliver those for the Men with you & forward the rest by Mr Oman to the Upper Settlements.
I am &c.
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From J.C. to Mr Oman
YFort August 26 96
Sir
You are to come down with as many Canoes as can be manned from Cumberland House & Carlton House early in the Spring in order to convey as many Goods as pofsible from the Rock Store House to Jack river to meet the Boats from the Upper Settlements.
I am &c.
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/57


" From J.C. to D. Geddes Esq.
York Fort Sept. 1st 1796
Dear Sir
Your favour of the - of June last came safe to hand on the Arrival of Capt. Richards the 20th Ult. of the Men who came out the greater part appear fit for duty, but Appearances are at times fallacious, and it is impofsible to form any Judgement of their Abilities by Sight only. I shall give them fair trial before this Day Twelve months. Magnus Thompson is very lame, he has a Scorbutic Complaint on him which renders him totally unfit for this Country therefore he returns to his own as do several others as pr List enclosed.

To stop the imprudent Behaviour of several Men who had formed an Idea within themselves that no Officer had Power to command them when absent from the Factory (whereby the Company lost very considerably) James Spence and Andrew Davey were fined for refusing to do as ordered by their Superior - the former £15 & the latter £10. After this J Spence entered into Contract for three Years but did not choose to serve his contracted Time this was not the Way to have Lenity Shewn him or any Recommendation in his favor to the Honble Committee who find it necefsary to support their Officers in this Country they only have it in their Power to remit the Fine. If it will be of any Benefit to James Spence my declaring that he conducted himself as a good and faithful Servt. to the Company for two Years after the Fine was imposed, you have free liberty to make use of it; but his insisting on going home before his Contract was expired put it out of the Power of the Council to recommend him to the favour of the Hble Committee, especially as he took the Advantage when so many Men went home last Year on Account of their Wages not being raised. As a private Man I will readily do him any Kindnefs.

The Bill of £8 payable to P. Sinclair & charged to James Sinclair who went home last Year should have been placed to the Account of James Sinclair Bricklayer as Should the Draft payable to Mr Walker's? Executors of £2:12:0 & the? Watch of last Year - to avoid these Mistakes in future I shall be very particular in entering the Men's Names in our Account Book. I have mentioned this Circumstance to Mr Ball?, & I make no Doubt but he will rectify the Mistake.

Reports were in Circulation last Winter at the Hudson's Bay House that when I was last at Stromnefs I prevented Men from going to any other Settlement in Hudson's Bay & that I kept Houses of Entertainment open to stop those who wished to engage for other Factories (besides York) also of my promising Men Advance of Wages (provided they would accompany me) before they signed their Contracts: this I believe you can contradict, for it is well known I did not engage a single Man neither do I recollect speaking to any before they engaged except William Randall the Mate of the Severn Brig and James Paplay Shipwright for the same Vefsel - there was also a Man whose Name I think was Oman as well as J Forbes the Taylor both of whom went to Churchill - Particular Circumstances with Respect to Wages make me recollect those Names: be that as it may I wish you write to Mr Lean a public Letter wherein it will be necefsay to acquaint him all you know in this Businefs - whether I interfered in the Engagement of Men or prevented any from going to other Settlements in this Country. I the more particularly request this to stop the busy Tongue of Slander which did me many ill Offices in England last Winter. I am &c.
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/57




" Churchill Factory [then it looks like someone scratched out "April 4th 1793" and wrote above it "No Date"]
Dear Sir
I was favoured with yours of the 14th Sept. by arrival of Indians on the 30th of the same. and that of the 7th Ult by the arrival of one of your packet men the 31st after dark having left his partner 1/2 a days Journey from the Factory unable to proceed further without afsistance. also the parcel of Gartering &c not being able to haul any thing from excefsive weaknefs. I dispatched an Indian the next day in search of him the Weather was then I think the coldest I have ever seen in the country Thermometer 40 below the Cypher and a fresh Gale WNW. it was by dint of Intreaties and promifses that I could persuade the Indian to go that day & nothing but the distrefsed situation the poor creature must have been in not having tasted food for some days could have induced me to take such a step. on the second day after he returned with the Melancholly account of having found the Man dead. & as he supposed must have been froze to death short after his Companion left him - in consequence of the above Accident I thought it prudent to send a Native with your Man to York.

I sincerely thank you for your Congratulation on my Appointment and with your afsistance hope the Honble Company will have no cause to regret their confidence in me.

The River Ice set fast the 27th Oct. Partridges & Fish very scarce, of the former 634 before Christmas, of the latter 221 of Pike and a few Gwiniards but very fortunately the Deer were numerous about the Factory and the Indians procured me 3692 lbs of Venison which has enabled me ever since the last of Octob. to serve out 3 days fresh provisions pr Week to the people. at Xmas a N Indian Leader with several families arrived with 1707 lbs of Venison. they had been tenting near the Factory purposely to learn who succeeded Mr J--- and the Snow falling so late on the ground prevented their coming sooner. I fear I shall get no furrs from them this year.

I am sorry it is not in my power to afford the afsistance I could wish in sparing the Tradesmen you request. James Robinson engaged as a Cooper altho he is tolerably handy as a Carpenter on which account I had laid down a plan in the fall of the Year for making a more convenient Trading Room and other alterations in the Factory equally necefsary to be done. even my own Room which is placed at the NW end of the Houses is so open that in many places of the Wall the wind rushes in so as to blow a Candle out. exclusive of all this I have a House to build at Seal River which must be set up in frame at the Factory for want of proper Wood on the spot and a Shallop that I am partly sure of coming out pr Ship will fully employ Nicholas Garston and James Robertson to set her up in the fall, should they not be adequate to the Task will I fear be the lofs of 2 or 3000 Beav. to our Honble Employers by preventing me settling Seal River untill next Year. the time that is taken up in repairing old Boats every year those employed on the whale fishery in particular and one of them was unfortunately stove last Ship time also the necefsary duty there is for a Cooper both at the Goose Tent and Oil Casks and various other Jobs which I cannot immediately call to Mind - in short was I to spare either of the above two Men my building a House at Seal River must be entirely laid aside & I know not in what manner I could excuse myself to the Honble Company who might justly censure me for my Conduct. - as to a Bricklayer it is impofsible for me to spare him having a Magazine to Build next Summer that I intend to erect? with Stone and cannot be dispensed with for which purpose John Linklater was engaged last Year.

I dare say you will not be disappointed in your expectation of Mr David Thompson's coming down here that at any rate will not prevent me sending people up Churchill River for I am well afsured it is navigable for large Canoes having Instances of it every Summer I myself have seen as large a Canoe as many of the Englishmens brought down here by Natives and that is the case every year. did I but pofsefs a large Canoe or two with Men to work them there is not the least doubt of their succefs even if they were old. providing they could make one Voyage. I do not believe it is so difficult to obtain Canoes up Churchill as imagined and of course might procure new ones the first Year.

I have three Invalids home at the Factory unable to do their duty the lofs of whom is considerably felt being a great diminution of my small Compliment. it gives me great pleasure to hear you are blefsed with health at York and which I think nothing can be more agreable

Mr Auld joins me in Compliments to you and the Gentlemen around your Table wishing every happinefs may attend you.
I remain
Yours Sincerely
Tho. Stayner
PS. I received the Articles mentioned for which accept my thanks. have sent you some red Oaker. 2 foot rules have none except what are in immediate use. - If you can spare the following which will much oblige - a Boat Compafs, No. 1 & 2 Twine have only two skains of the former and none at all of the latter in the Factory both of which there is in general a great call for here. and some Orrice lace."
1M256 B.239/b/58


" York Factory March 15th 1793
Dear Sir
The 5 Inst. your favour of [blank] was deliverd. your melancholly recital of the Death of my packet man greatly affected me - The Human heart cannot help feeling the difstrefses of his fellow creature. - How must his revolt when informed that this miserable wretch was first deserted by his Companion to perish and his remains to be devoured by beasts of prey within half a days journey of a European Settlement.

Since my last of the 5th January the Weather has been the most severe I ever felt - this with the great scarcity of Game occasioned the Scurvy to break out among my people. - the whole are tainted more or lefs with that dreadful disorder, several of whom are Miserable objects. I am very apprehensive for their safety unlefs kind providence speedily sends us supplies. - Part of your fresh provisions would make me happy as it would relieve the afflictions of my poor fellows. - Notwithstanding the distance between us is so great I would even send for part were not my people so much weakened by that grevious complaint; none are able to undertake the Journey & I have no Indians on the Plantation. - To render our situation more deplorable all our Medicines and antisorbutics are nearly expended. - Robert Tennant Sailor Departed this life the 15th Ult.

Since I heard you could not spare one of your Carpenters I have given up all hopes of getting the large Boat together (sent out in frame pr last Ship) which will be a very conserable lofs to our Honble Employers. John Robinson the Boat Builder has been sorely afflicted with the Scurvy ever since he landed. he has not done any the least triveal Job in his own businefs therefore I cannot form any judgement of him as a workman; hitherto he has only made up a number in the Invalid list.

I am highly pleased to hear that Churchill River is at last become navigable - it being quite the reverse to all former accounts. - I must tell you my informants are Natives - who had been up and down it several times they have visited York for seven years past the reasons they afsigned for leaving Churchill was the dangerous Navigation of that River. I have conversed with many others on this Subject besides my correspondence with Mefs Hearn and Jefferson. - all confirm what the Indians had long before aquainted me. I seldom place confidence on Indian intelligencence for I know them to be an artful race of people ever ready at invention and never at a lofs to misrepresent things when theywish to mislead us & their own Interest is concerned; they are sensible of their own importance to us. This induced me to fit out Mr David Thompson to survey that River on whose judgement I can rely - for when a person of experience has once gone the road and its once found practicable for large Canoes the Honble Companys Servants will readily undertake to conduct them up - they are capable of undergoing hardships; and fatigue is familiar to them - Yet few are to be found among them that will begin any undertaking unlefs led by a person of experience and one well acquainted with the Track. - Mr Thompson's report will direct my proceeding, till then I cannot hazard men Canoes and Cargoes now usefully & advantageously employed with a set of bad disposed Natives where any danger & difficulties are to be expected.

I form my opinion from experience, the hardships Mr Cook and party underwent when I first set on foot the undertaking up Nelsons River convinces me that Natives are not to be relyd on, it was miraculous the people preserved themselves and saved the Goods. - For these reasons I cannot flatter you with the afsistance you request; till such survey is made and so soon as I receive a favourable report you may rest afsured I shall be ready to supply you with every requisite - You cannot be more anxious to promote the Interest of our Employers than I am - My conduct hitherto has been directed to that grand object - my whole view has been to enlarge their trade and prevent Natives from visiting the Canadians - and the disinterested part that I have ever acted to Natives belonging to other Settlements is well known to those near me I parcipitate with my fellow Servants in their succefs and I equally feel their disappointment. I care not in which of the Honble Companys Ware Houses the Furrs collected are lodged.

You have agreeably surprized me with your account of the size of the Indians Canoes at Churchill. I am in hopes they will introduce the model among the natives that visit York. if so the Honble Company will reap considerable benifit annually as they have lately complained of their inability of bringing down all their Furrs in those of their presant make. You may probably be able to purchase one or two Canoes of the Natives who visit you they will come much cheaper than those made by the Honble Companys Servants. - The chief part of Trading Goods sent up Nelsons River has been in Canoes built by Natives. Men can be easily sent you from hence by land where Canoes? can not so easerly be navigated along the Coast so the Natives tell me on account of the flatts runing so far out to Sea that at low water they are often out of Sight of the Shore & if it should blow any way Strong or come on a heavy Sea - not only themselves but Canoes would be in all probability lost as they could not travel the distance of a days Journey during the flow of one Tide.

Circumstanced as I am at presant it is impofsible to spare you a man. I wish you every Succefs in your new Establishment at Seal River. I think it will be of considerable benifit to our Honble Employers.

I have just looked over your former letter find I forget to send the Wrting paper you requested it is now sent, with the only Boat Compafs in the factory and that is private property - Not half enough Twine of the sort you want in the Ware House to fulfil Mr Tomisons Indent - otherwise would have sent you part.

My Mefsmates join me in Compliments to you and Mr Auld - We are happy to hear you abound in plenty and that you may always enjoy the like blefsing with every other happinefs this Country can afford you is the wish of Sincerely
Dear Sir
Your very humble Servt.
Joseph Colen
PS If you have opportunity to send another packet this Spring I wish you to permit Mr Auld to send as much Bark and ? Vitriol as he can spare - all ours is nearly expended."
1M256 B.239/b/58


" Churchill Factory
April 1st 1793
Dear sir
I received yours of the 15th Ult. on the 20th at night and cannot but sympathize with you on hearing that dreadful disorder the Scurvy again rages among you at York. I was in great expectation your people would have had a respite this year and free from affliction of that kind. I have sent all the Dogs belonging to Churchill loaded with 300lbs of Venison to your afsistance. I wish I had other means of conveying more. it his a heart felt satisfaction to me in relieving the difstrefses of my fellow creatures. Your poor diseased packet Man lay about 17 Miles from hence. I must confefs it never entered my head to send Englishmen such a distance from the factory in the very depths of Winter to bury an Indian. I should be very uneasy for the poor fellows ordered on such duty dreading they might share the same fate of the mifserable object they were about to inter for at that time of the year the Weather is by no means to trust? and the People at C.R. are unused to hutting it like Natives.

Mefs Hearne & Jefferson's account of the badnefs of this River was from Indian stories only which I think a natural Artifice enough of the Natives to extort more presents to encourage them down here. - I am not biafs'd? altogether by Indian Intelligence I suffer reason to take its place & argue from occurences that have happened which it is not in the power of Natives to prevent my knowledge of. I say as I said before that large Canoes are brought down here & the same go up. what? greater proof can I desire of the river being navigable but unfortunately for this place those who come down in those? Canoes have in general the furs belonging to 3 or 4 families & commonly take a great deal of Goods away with them so that it is out of their power even if they were inclined to barter one with me unlefs I have a small one to give them in exchange. at present I am pofsesed of such a one and should an opportunity present itself next Summer to make an exchange you may depend on my embracing it in so doing I think I shall serve our Honble Employers.

I am concerned for poor Bob Tennant he was an old Servant & I believe a very honest one to the Honble Company.

? thank God the people here are free from every? disorder and all in good health. I have consented to Mr Auld accompanying the packet. he takes with him the Medicines requested & every other that in his opinion will be servicible to your poor Men. - I judged from the people here being so recently afflicted with the Scurvy as last Year & that in a very severe degree that perhaps Mefs Thomas & Auld consulting together respecting their different methods? of proceeding in that disorder might be attended with the best effort as such I trust our Honble employers will find no fault with my Conduct in permitting Mr A to leave the Factory.

I return my thanks for the paper and Boat Compafs with sincerely wishing you the same blefsings sspeedily that we at present enjoy of Health & Plenty.
I remain
Dear Sir
Your most humble Servt.
Tho. Stayner."
1M256 B.239/b/58


" York Factory 20th April 1793
Dear Sir
The 14th Inst I rec'd your favor of the 1st on the arrival of Mr Auld & your Packet Indian. I sincerely thank you for your acceptable present of Venison & Medicine. - The scarcity of Game continues and the Scurvy rages with unabated Violence. - Poor Nich Spence fell a Victim to that dreadful disorder (and injury he received from a fall) the day your packet arrived. Our situation at presant is truly deplorable and unlefs kind providence sends speedy supplies we shall I fear experience greater distrefs. - A number of mifserable objects surround? me among whom are many of my principal hands & nearly stops businefs and what will I fear overturn my plan of conveying Goods up this River in Boats the ensuing summer. - From all these untoward circumstances judge my feelings. - Its impofsible to discribe my anxiety, the oppresfive weight overloads me - it impairs my constitution.

Two home Guard Natives arrived since I last wrote you. from Pathe pow nippee up this River. tell me the Canadian traders have two stations near that Lake in the Center of my home Guards Wintering Ground. - This will oblige me to errect a House as soon as pofsible in opposition to them which House is to answer as a Store for the supply of the upper Settlements; if I can accomplish this desireable to my wish I flatter myself considerable benifit will arrive to our Honble Employers.

I am pleased hearing your intention getting Canoes built at Churchill as I apprehend many difficulties will be started? by Men going round the Coast. - You may rest afsured I will supply you with Canoe men or any thing else that will forward your views of advancing the Trade at Churchill.

My Mefsmates join me in Compliments & good wishes for your health happinefs and succefs
and Remain
Dear Sir
Yours Sincerely
Joseph Colen."
1M256 B.239/b/58


" Seepaywisk 29th May 1793
Sir
The Morrow I shall set off with Kishathenis, an Indian Pilot whom I have engaged to conduct me to within a small distance of the Deer's Lake. this is the extent of his knowledge in those parts altho he far exceeds any other Indian here, and which place will in all probability bound my researches this summer, but I will endeavour to penetrate farther. - The terms on which I have engaged him, are, besides being treated with Brandy and presents in Goods made him now to be drunk two or three times on the Journey; to be paid one hundred Beaver in Goods, drefsed in Captains clothing. and have a good drinking bout at the Factory, advantageous as these terms may appear to be Mr McKay had very nearly deprived me of him - I hope you will hold inviolate the Engagements I may enter into with the Natives as my succefs & treatment from them in a great measure depends on it - Mr Cook will deliver you a list of presents I have made him, and of the Goods I take with me.

You will I hope send me such a supply of Provisions as may enable me to Weather the next winter. the least I can ask is 40lbs of Flour 30lbs of Oatmeal & 20lbs of Barley. very few of the Men have lefs and some of them more; & it cannot be expected that I subsist upon lefs than any of them for this country is not the meadows of the Saskachewan where plenty holds her reign and wide extends her blefsings - the supply you gave us last fall for the past Winter was the quantity I now ask - except 10lbs of Flour. yet with it all we were very near falling victims to Famine; and while I am exploring those distant regions I need a supply, I cannot do without it.

I have engaged John Harper to accompany me as far as the above Indian can pilot us. he is then to return and have promised him a reward of ? from the company - by his help I shall be enabled to take a Canoe & Goods with me so that if I meet with any Northern Indians and they will undertake to pilot me through their country I shall be able to immediately engage and set off with them which otherwise I could not have done but on this last expedition I must go alone.
I am
Your very humble Servt.
David Thompson
PS.
A settlement at the Musk Rat River would not only be a very valuable aquisition to the trade and interest of the Honble Company but would beyond all doubt enable me to survey the whole, even to the Athapiscow Lake - you Sir are the only one who can forward so useful and Judicious an undertaking and to your consideration I leave it."
1M256 B.239/b/58


" From Mr Hodgson to J.C.
Albany Fort 24th June 1793
Gentlemen
Your several Letters was duly received yesterday by 2 Severn Indians, we were happy to hear of the welfare of all our Friends to the Northward, the Ship King George Cap. John Richards Anchored in the Moose Roads the 15 of last Aug. The Trades sent home from Albany & its dependance was 14,836 ? MB, something lefs than the last years trade. the Winter was so severe that many Indians was almost starved to death. add to this we had the misfortune to loose 2 Battaux in the falls loaded with Furrs the best part of which was lost & 2 active young men Drowned.

Mr Jarvis returned to England last aug. & Mr John McNab was appointed Chief here he his at present on his journey to Osnaburg House, in order to settle future Operations for next year. Mr Donald McKay is to Establish 2 Posts beyond the Lake Winnapeg to the Southward. this if Accomplished will make 10 Settlements established from Albany fort for the year 1794 which we expect to increase the Trade much?

For want of a sloop little more than half the Albany Cargoe was landed here last fall. many necefsaries for making out the Packages for inland was Obliged to be hauled from Moose during the Winter which was both Expensive & Inconvenient great part of it is still there the Moose Shallop is at present here the 1st trip this summer the Ice not permitting her to come sooner we expect the? Company will send out a Sloop this year which will certainly be of great benefit & Advantage to their service for albany has now so many settlements to fit out that every article should be landed here before winter sets in.

We were sorry to hear of the Death of Tho. Catly, we lost Mr Truthwait Master of Gloster last winter who died of the Dropsy in the prime of life. The Winter was remarkably unhealthy & the seasons has been very irugular, the summer so far has been more like the month of September with almost Constant Easterly winds since last April.
That you may Enjoy plentiful Seasons with
Health & every felicity is the Ardent wish of
Gentlemen
Your Obdt. Servants"
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" From Mr Stayner to J.C. & council
Churchill Factory 5th July 1793
I make no doubt but that the arrival of a packet from C.R. at this season must surprize you but agreeably is I hope. It is now in my power to put it beyond the pofsibility of a doubt that this river is navigable for large canoes having purchased one of an Indian who came down accompanied with others a few days ago equal in size I think to those at york fort. she measures 24 feet Long 3 feet 7 1/2 Inches wide & 19 Inc. Deep. Another One that came down measured 22 feet 2 Inches Long 3 feet 1 1/2 Inc. wide & 18 1/2 In. Deep. In these Canoes & Six smaller ones I have been able to send George Charles with four englishmen & upwards of 1000 Beaver in goods to settle a House up this river at the We.pis.Cow Lake near which place the Canadians have Settlements where a great number of my Northern Indian Debtors resorts.

I shall now take the liberty of claiming your promifses of afsistance with respect to Canoes & capable men more particularly the latter the want of whom will distrefs this Factory very much having none to trust to at present to bring down Canoes but Natives. The Country round the above Lake abounds with large Birch Trees therefore shall not trouble you after this for any thing of the Canoe kind as I shall be able to procure them myself. I dare say the necefsery of having experienced men at a new Settlement will strike you at first sight on that account as it will so efsentially serve the Honorable Company I trust you will comply with my request.

I have engaged Indians to be here in time enough to Conduct Englishmen up this fall. I presume should there be any objections started by them respecting wages that our Honorable Employers will not be against allowing them a little advance as in a new track & a new Settlement it is to be expected that more difficulties will be met with at first than going a long an old beaten path if I may be allowed the exprefsion.

As I judged it proper to loose no time in dispatching this packet & that you mave have every information of our procedings at this place - I have sent Mr Auld to answer any objections that may be started. I presume his being of the Counsil here of the Buisinefs he his sent on will entitle him to your attention.
I remain
Gentlemen
Your most Obedient Servt.
Tho. Stayner."
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" From J.C. to Mr Whitford
York fort July 16th 1793
Sir
It always gives me concern when I have occasion to complain of the misconduct of any servant in this employ. how much more so are my feelings hurt when my duty compells me to report unfavorable of a brother officer & one I respect. It having come to the knowledge of the council by several hands that you purchased Skins from the men to Trade Articles of the Canadians. Oblighed them to examine into the affair. The transactions became too public to be dropt. Your purchasing a Gun from them at the rate of paying 20 Beaver skins shoes plainly that you neither studid Your Employers Interest or your own reputation. you will no that all clandestine traffic is prohibited - by doing what you have done you forfeit the Penalties contained in your Contract & placed an inseperable bar to your advancement in this service.- I am sorry the task has fallen to my lot to communicate this disagreeable intelligence. The Council reprimands your conduct in the several terms they are under the necefsity to report your transactions To the Honorable Hudson's Bay company.
I am yours &c
JC."
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" From J.C. to Mr Staynard
York Factory July 22nd 1793
Dear Sir
Yesterday I received your favour of the 5th Inst., it gives me pleasure to hear that you have set on foot Inland buisnefs from Churchill & an concerned that I cannot supply you with the requisites you require to push on the undertaking with vigour.

You must know that 34 Canoes wer manned at the different Inland Settlements Viz. 3 from Nelson river 6 from swan river & 25 from Cumberland House but 4 of the latter were left at the lake Winnepeg with a large quantity of furrs with what view I know not as I sent up trading goods in a Boat to hill river nine men in 3 Canoes went back from that place to Cumberland to return with furrs. You must naturally suppose that we felt the want of the Canoes left at Lake Winnepeg we did so & it was with difficulty I got twenty young hands from the factory with 87 old Servants.

All the Canadians Servants as left this employ, this circumstance, with the Death of Mr William Walker & James Oman & the unfortunate accident that befel Wm Allen & Nic. Allen jun.? who were drowned last summer is a lofs to our employers & has very much distresed inland.

In order to forward buisnefs I undertook to pack all the furrs from inland Mr Tomison stays at the factory was short? - the last of the Canoes set of the day before Mr Aulds arrival several of the men whose times expire this season are sent up with goods to return from Lake Winnepeg with the furrs left there. as are men sent up Nelsons river for the like purpose a number of steersman are going home pr Ship & I understand the greater part are for leaving the service next year. they are entered into a general combination for that purpose. to acquaint you with particulars would swell this beyond the limits of a letter.

Mr George Donald succeded in is? efforts? in getting an unwieldy Boat loaded with trading goods up part of hill river & had everything in readinefs to set off for Churchill with a packet as I promised to Survay Seal River he would have set off this day but he now stays to accompany Mr Auld as the Canadians who have stations on Churchill river interupts many from visiting the lower settlements - I had given Mr Cook instructions before he set off to errect a house near them & in case Churchill river should be found Navigable the settlements &c should be delivered up to you as all this was settled & letters written prior to Mr Aulds arrival you will perceive that I have done as much as possible to forward this undertaking for you I set this on foot to stop the carrier of the Canadian Traders.

We shall reap considerable advantages this season to any that is past as all the Spiritous Liquors sent Inland is equall in strenght to spirits of wine As I intend to work the still till the arrival of the ship which should it be consigned to churchill as well as this place I will supply you with a quantity.

Agreeable to your request have sent you one piece of Raven Duck, I am verry sorry I cannot send you any moose skins having traded only three this season, the Indians who used to supply the Factory with that useful article accompanied Mr Tomison's Indians last Summer to Cumberland House which is a lofs to the Hon. Company for when those Natives found their expectations were not answered there they left that settlement and now carry the produce of their hunt to the canadians.

Mr David Thompson arrived the same day with Mr Auld. the natives he engaged to accompany him to the Mis a nippee would not proceed so far as he intended to visit the lower settlements where set off & he could not procure a pilot to carry him down Churchill river & being fearful that he should be too late to meet those from inland he made all expeditious to this factory - this has been a great disappointment to me as I was in hopes to have Transmitted a Chart of Churchill River to the Honourable Company. - Mr Donald is very capable to perform this duty you will be the best judge whither it can be done by ship time or not. This Survey of seal river can be deffered till another opportunity.

In a few days I shall dispatch the Pilot who accompanied Mr Thompson with an englishman with new instructions to Mr Cook to cooperate with those you have sent from Churchill.

It is impofsible to say what the Trade is from Inland or this Place as the furrs as the furrs are not yet packed. John Robinson the Boat Builder died the morning after a lingering illnefs. he as been in the surgeons list for the scurvy from the day landed & has scaresly done any duty on shore.

With wishing your health Happinefs and Succefs
I Remain
Dear Sir
Your humble Servant
J.C.
PS. The Place where Geo. Charles is going to build the house by what I learn from Natives is not on the churchill river is a long distance from the Wepiscow Lake op. from the Canadian settle't it is to the Sd of york & will I fear be the means of drawing those interprizing Traders nearer to the Coast. it is in the center of the Hunting ground of my half home guards & within a Short distance of a house I had erected three years ago & is where most of the Provisions was procured for the poor fellowes who wintered up Nelsons river last year, therefore it is my opinon it will neither injure than benefit the Co. as none of those Natives seldom if ever want the Canadian traders."
1M256 B.239/b/58


" From Mr D. Tompson to J.C. & council
July 28th York factory 1793
Gentlemen
In my letter of last may I informed you of my leaving Seepaywisk & setting out on my journey - in two days we arrived a chatham House where I was furnished with every necefsary requisite, except provisions. & of this last they had none. The next day we set off & on the 4th day June 2nd we entered the wepooskow River. on June 6th we arrived at the Nees to wyaus or the three tracks. at this place the water of the Musk rat river & another of no note disemboque? into the Weepooscow river. we saw there about 20 Canoes of Northern Indians, they invited us ashore, we went & I presented to the Chief Brandy & tobacco & Ammunition & at the same time requested him to send two of his followers with us to guide us up the Deers river to the athapiscow Lake. he told me he would send two of them to guide us up the deers river & into the deers Lake. & beyond those places said he, we cannot guide you, their our knowledge ends. Early the next morning we set off with our Northern Indian Guides & continued to proceed up the wepooscow River On June 10th we met a young southern Indian man he informed us that many of his country men were tenting in the weepooskow Lake. In the evening this young man afsisted by my pilot presuming on the vicinity of their countrymen oblighed the northern? Indians to give him a good new gun for a very old one & told one of them his new coat & blanket would be very acceptable but these the positively refused. I endeavoured to make him restore the Gun, laying his hand upon it he said this is to confirm friendship. I told him I thought the contrary he replied you are an englishman & we are Indians. the Northern Indians now saw clearly what kind of usage they were likely to receive in pafsing through them & how uncapable we were of protecting them. accordingly the next day they left us to return to their own country. - we found the breadth of the river to be from 60 yds to 200 yds, depth from 6 to 20 feet & intersected by several small lakes, in the above days journey there are Falls several of them are from 8 feet to 36 feet perpendicular height. the carrying places have firm ground or rock & are in lenght from 40 yds to 740 yds. the banks of this river are in some places steep. but generally slopeing & covered with woods of Birch. Asp. Pine & Fir --- June 12 we entered the Weepooskow Lake after paddleing abt 8 miles through it we came to 3 tents of Southern Indians. of them I traded a great Quantity of beat meat & a Beaver. In the evening I engaged an Indian woman, on the rcommendation of my pilot to guide us thro the Misanippe or great waters & up the deers river. the next day we persued our Journey thro the lake the day following we came to the Weepooskow Carrying place, its lenght is 1740 Yards 300 Yds of which are swampy the rest are firm ground; this leads us into a deep extensive lake formed by the waters of the Rifsisfins? River & and a few small rivulets. we went thro this Lake on June 16th we entered the Misfinippe or great waters, for 4 days we proceeded up it in our first entering the Mifsinippe it is a fair large river its banks, shores of firm black rock covered with pines Popelar & Birch Trees when? that we had proceeded about 4 hours up it. it widened the current become gentle many islands appeared & it resembled a very extensive lake with bold lofty land there are four falls in it. as we approached them we found the Island large & closing with each other the current grew rapid & bursting thro the narrows fell down the sloping rocks & drove along with furious impetuosity its irresistable waves obliquely athwait the channel the rebounding of the waters cause eddices? with rappid current to run in a direct contrary course to the torrent by the help of these we got approached almost to the head of the fall & then oblght to carry our goods & canoes. the carring places are firm rock or ground & from yds to yds in lenght there are also two carring places over isthmuses? one of them is in lenght 40 yds the other 1730 Yards and firm ground on June the 19th we pafsed a Canadian settlement where one Wappiscow a Canadian resided last winter. he had deserted it this spring & is gone to collect provifsions about Cumberland. in the Afternoon of June 21st we entered the deer river or as it is some time called by the Natives the deers short river leaving the Mifsinippe on the right when we had gone about 3 hours & carryed over two carrying Places the river became two branches. our pilot was at a lofs which to take after viewing each. she told us to take the left we went about 1/2 a mile & came to a steep heavy fall & were oblighed to carry over loose broken rocks for about 120 Yds we loaded & went about ? miles farther? & came to another fall in the midst of which lay an island of rocks to this Island we went & viewed the upper of the fall we saw the rapidity of the Currant to great at the head of the island & up the steep rocks of the main shores there was no pofsibility of carr'g? either canoe or goods. I now asked her where the Indians used to carry she told me she had certainly mistaken the branch as she had never seen either this or the last fall we carryed along. we then returned but night comeing on us were obliged to put up. the next day we went up the other branch & carried over 4 carrying places they were from 150 Yds to 520 Yds long firm ground. the falls were very heavy & the approach to some of them dangerous by reason of the waves & rising eddices. at 3 PM we came to a large lake with several islands in it. after going about 6 Miles we found ourselves embayed; our guide told us we must now return as she had no hopes of finding the way any farther, indeed added she, I never saw this river but once & it is four years ago & I find my memory is not so strong as I thought it had been. I then enquired of her where the mouth of the main river lay for as we came thro the Lake I perceived a very large Branch run to the SE of us she said that the mouth of the main River lies to the Westward of us among yon high broken rocky land. but I have no hopes of finding it. the distance between where we are now & the Deers lake is three days journey the river has many falls & there are 10 carrying places, it is large deep & forms several Lakes. as for the Deers lake it is very deep resembles the Sea & has very many islands. I would still have continued my research had not my provisions been nearly expended - On the morning of June 24th we began our return July - we came to the weepooskow Lake & met with three tents of Indians of them I traded a quantity of meat they informed me that 4 Canoes of their country men were gone down to churchill with all those furrs the Canadians could not trade from them for want of goods - I then enquired if any of them would go down to Churchill they said none of us here are capable of going down churchill river by ourselves but when ten nights more are gone we expect the arrival of our friends perhaps some of them may guide you down but we do not think it. I then asked them concerning that part of Churchill river which I had not seen yet, they told me it in every way resembled the first part of the Mifsinippe that I saw except in its banks which, said they, are very steep in many places perpendicular. at these Places the breadth of the river is contracted & the currant pours along with great rapidity. we can easily run before it but we cannot ? it, to paddle against it is impofsible & thee? steep high rocks effectually prevent us from either tracking or Carrying - In our pafsage up we come thro the small rivers that empty themselves into it, there are also many lakes, and we carry out off one into another. I then asked them if there were sufficient depth of water in those small rivers for large canoes, they said in rainey weather the water is deep but in dry seasons the water is shoal. they also informed me that a Mr Thompson had a house in the Mifsinippe about two days journey below where I entered it & another about six days journey NW of us. that he annually brought in 4 large Canoes cargoes of goods & that finding that Quantity insufficient he his this year to bring in five. they very earnestly desired a settlement might be made at the Neestowyaus in Weepooskow River & I promised them there should be one. I staid near three days journey of the Weepooskow River with part of the split lake to Survey. I set off July 3d for York Factory, we came thro the Weepooskow Lake? & down the weepooskow river on July 8 early in the morning we came to that part of the Weepooskow river where we first entered it - on July we entered the split lake. this lower part of the river which we had not seen before has carrying places firm ground or rock. The breadth of the river is from 200 Yds to a 1/4 of a mile & a Considerable depth & forms two small long lakes. in the split lake we lay wind bound for five days, here I engaged an Indian man to afsist me down the North river. On July 20th I arrived at york factory. as to that part of the Mifsinippe my Instructions directed to; I have not seen it lays quite out of my road for the deers lake - My not meeting with northern Indians about the upper part of the Mifsinippe & the deers river prevented me from penetrating farther then what I have done. it is however a distance sufficient for our purposes, their being many Northern Indians who can guide us from the Athapiscow Lake to the deers short River & the upper part of the Mifsinippe, but to render this expedition beneficial to our Honble Employers I think it is necefsary that I should set off this fall for Cumberland in order to guide the Canoes to the Northward on their arrival at that place;
I am
Gentlemen
Your very humble Servant
David Thompson."
1M256 B.239/b/58


" From Mr Ballanden to J.C.
Severn House 5th Aug. 1793
Dear Sir
I have endeavoured to dispatch the Severn Sloop as soon as possible to York factory with the Cargo that you may be enabled to get the afsistance of Our Carpenter to repair your Craft should they require it.

Since my last we have had the misfortune to loose Tho. Cately, an old honest good Servant. he died 27th March. I shall much mifs him as he was handy at most Jobbs required in This country. Through the Course of the winter several of my People was ailing but thank God they are all recovered & at present we enjoy health & far from being in want.

We had a very poor spring hunt of Geese - very few to be seen in our Marshes. - The weather during that time very cold & in general the Easterly winds prevailed as it as done most part of the Summer.

The trade sent home this year better then I expected being 7847 3/10 MBeaver, a great defficiancy to last years but as I find many of my Indians as visited you. hope my Honble Employers will not be great loosers, which I cincerely wish you may have increased as much as I have diminished.

As the following persons times expires next year John Moat & James Wilderage. they wish to enter into Contract for 3 Years each at 12£ per ann. they are good servants - Nichol Spence whom you sent here as a Cooper wished likwise to engage for three years, leaves his terms to the company a steady sober young man & has he has been with you some time cannot be unacquainted with his merits.

The Sloops Compliment of men is Seven with John Jones armourer according to Order. Mr Wiegand having requested much to return to England he accompanys the Sloop. You need not diftrefs yourself to send me a Writer as I can always find time to do that duty myself.

I have been able to do but little in the Building way this summer for want of a house Carpenter. - Hope my Honble Employers as sent me one out. - else I must give up all thoughts of getting the House finished with a Shipwright.

Wishing you a pleasing sight of the Companys Ship good news from England with every other felicity
My Compliments to the Gent. around your Table
I remain
Dear Sir
Your Obedient Servant
John Ballanden
Being much in want of the following Articles shall be glad if you can share any viz. Beads small round white - Red - yellow & Blue - Powder horns also some Coals. should not any come out for Severn.
J.B."
1M256 B.239/b/58


" From Mr Tho. Ishum to J.C.
Play green Lake 11 Aug. 1793
Dear Sir
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Tomison here, returned to the Big Lake with 3 Canoes loaded with furrs. as for that 2 Bundles of Cloth No.22 I cannot give you a right? information till I return down the next year & then I shall bring a true account.

Please to send the Canoe & Cargo that returned back. & if you could send 2 Rolls of Brazil Tobacco & one keg of Powder more I shall be glad.

How I shall carry on our wishes at the red river I cannot tell for the men are taken away & I have Got only 4 Canoes.
I remain Dear Sir Your most humble Servant
CT Ishum
P.S. as for what I informed you of the Indian doctor it shows very plain, for he & his Family are now in the Big lake & are to return to Cumberland House with goods.
Remember me to all Mefsmates round the table wishing you a plentiful year.
C.T.I."
1M256 B.239/b/58


" From Mr Cook to J.C.
Log Tent Sept. 30 1793
Sir
The Indians in Company with me carried up their Bundles safe. - Those who went before - left two on the pafsage which were taken up by those with me & brought safe to this place.
The quantity of Provisions you with a good intent served out to the fall men has occasioned a great deal of murmuring - as those who went up in summer have at this time but a very scanty allowance - whereas the others have a very plentiful one - and it is not in their Nature to afsist each other - And altho my own stock is not equal any of theirs, I am satisfied and will spin out the Winter with the best of them.

I cannot tell you whither the Northward Indians will see you in winter or not - but I can afsure you most? of the men at the Log Tent are intent upon that expedition

Hugh Leask regrets that he cannot comply with your order - he is willing to remain up the North River - but cannot think of going to the Athapiscow, as it is a Journey he is not able to undertake - and if there is no alternative ? positively return to England - He will see you in winter if you approve of it.

On my arrival I dispatched I as uis cum to the Nestwayaus to enquire where the Churchill men are settled and to inform G Charles that every afsistance in my power should be given him - if he stood in need. - As there are no Indian Shirts packed I will be obliged to you to send me a Doz.

I have nothing more to inform you - Wishing you a good winter. I remain
Your Obdt. hble Servt.
Wm Cook"
1M256 B.239/b/58


" From JC to Mr Ballenden
York Fort 14th Feb. 1794
Dear Sir,
You will herewith receive some Letters directed for you which were mislaid thro' hurry at Ship time, if my omifsion not sending them by Mr Taylor should have occasioned you any uneasinefs, it cannot exceed my own concern, especially as I had no Indians to convey them to Severn till this time when I prevailed on Wilks to accompany Mefs Sutherland and Sinclair.

But few occurences has taken place at York since the departure of the Brig - as only four Canoes of Natives arrived except two Indians who came in before Christmas with a few furs.

Having only five Indian Hunters to kill Geese no more than 900 was procured in the Fall - which proved fine and open. - It enabled me to enclose in our capacious buildings. The workmen are now busily employed fitting up appartments which I expect will be Inhabited this ensuing Summer. - I hope your building is in equal forwardnefs.

The River Ice set fast the 6th Nov. - The Weather was mild 'till the commencement of the New Year; when it became severe and continued so the whole of January - This month has been Seasonable. The Snow remarkable deep. - and Game scarce - Our Garden produced a Quantity of Vegetables last Summer (which were not permitted to be taken away by the Ships people as formerly) has been served out weekly to the men - which kept off the Scurvy - God be praised, we all enjoy health - and sincerely hope that blefsing will be ever your attendant.

This has hitherto been a comfortable Winter to me, My Tradesmen in the Building line are sober good workman, and Mr Longmoors afsiduity relieves me of much fatague attending Men.

My Officers are much incommoded at present for Room being obliged to sleep when at home in the Warehouses. - Therefore shall not deprive you of Mr Weigands afsistance - he is not to return with the Packet - I have given over all thought of sending him Inland next season - I am fixed in this resolution to prevent decention at the Upper Settlements. - I hear the Men impute Laughton Taylors disgrace last Ship Time to him - and as they may probably resent it when he is among them I have no other way to prevent it but by keeping him at a distance.

As the Number of Men now at Severn exceeds the stated Compliment allowed by the Honble Company, your sending any likely young hands fit for Inland to York pr return of Packet will be esteemed a favour. - We fall short of the quantity required to carry on the present undertakings - I need only mention that your compliance will greatly promote our Employers Interest, well knowing you will do your utmost to contribute thereto, shall supply you again with a few extra Men pr the Brig to afsist you in forwarding the winters work at Severn.

In overhauling that part of the Launch House alloted for Severn Cargo found among the Mens Chests (Inland) a small dry Cask of Ships Chandlery marked SR also a small bottle of Oil, whither the latter belongs to Severn or York cannot say as there is no mark thereon - We mifs a Box No.4 containing Crackery ware - should it be amongst your Cargo please to send it by Mr Taylor as those articles are much called for Inland - we have none in use at York - but those of private property.

My mefsmates join me in Compliments to you and Yours - with wishing you - health plenty and happinefs.
I remain
Dear Sir
Yours &c
J.C.
P.S. I had a fine Battaux built from country wood in the fall and expect two large Boats put together by the time our River becomes open - these Craft are intended for Inland expedtions and by the Time the Ship arrives hope to have a Stone Boat built out of Country stuff - As during the stoning of the Ship more injury is done to the Craft than all other duties together - two were discharged last Season and they now laid before the Bank as protectors to it. -
Be so kind as let me know how you stand for Cattle, whither you can spare a Male & Female of the Breed I sent you a few Years ago. - if you can, shall make preparations against their Arrival pr Brig."
1M256 B.239/b/58


" From Mr Ballenden to JC
Severn House 28th Jan. 1794
Dear Sir
I take the earliest oppertunity that offered to enquire after your health and those under your Command, and ardently hope you enjoy every felicity. which we all here enjoy a permancy?
The Winter before Christmafs was as mild as I ever knew but the New Year commenced with it quite contrary, as well as a very alarming accident to us, which took place the 1st Inst. for on that day a fire broke out in the Mens Cook Room, which soon communicated to the other Offices adjoining that we much feared we should all be obliged to shift for ourselves in the Woods. - but thank God our fears was somewhat dissipated near dark by the exertions of the people pulling down the House which nearly joined to the dwelling and joined to those Houses which were all in flames. - About 6 PM both our Cook rooms Cowshouse and a part of the Carpenters Shed was burnt to ashes, notwithstanding all our endeavours to save them. - Not an article was saved out of either of the Cookrooms or Cows house where many Stores was deposited which we at present and will severely feel the lofs of.

Hope you will be able to spare your Bricklayer to rebuild the Chimneys and Ovens as you are sensible I have none here that is capable. - Indeed Sir the place at present appears quite a Wreck and will be sometime am affraid before I am able to make it look otherwise.

The Beaver Brig arrived at our Launch the 13th September and the 21st was safely moored in Winters quarters. In landing the Cargo a Cask flour marked NR was found amongst the Stores which is carried to Account but we mifs five of ours which together with other lofses we will much mifs? as likewise a Cask No.92 containing a large Flag six small ones and sundry other articles - A Flag came here but appears to be one of the Ships Jacks.

Our Fall hunt of Geese midling and since Partridges has been plentier than I have seen for several Years back, which together with Fish and Rabbits, we are not in want. - Hope to hear the same good news from your quarter. - Having nothing material to add I conclude with wishes for prosperity to you and every of your undertakings and am
Dear Sir
Your Obt. Servant
John Ballenden
Mr Taylor joins me in Compliments to your self & the Gentlemen at York. - If you can spare a few pit saw files, some red Oker, and a pair of Carpenters Compafses it will oblige me much.
J.B."
1M256 B.239/b/58


" J.C. to Mr Ballenden
York Fort 24th Feb. 1794
Dear Sir
Letters were written, Sleds prepared, and every thing got ready to send of a Packet to you which would have been dispatched the 14th Inst. but Mr Wiegand and party's arrival three days before put a stop thereto - Those Letters are sent in the Packet with this.

I shudder at the recital of your calamitous situation during the fire, which must have been truly distrefsing; and I feelingly? sympathize with you. - It is a providential circumstance that the flames did not communicate to your dwelling House, and we ought to be thankful its ravages were stopped from doing you more injury - Pray God avert such Calamity in future.

My Bricklayer should have accompanied the Packet men to Severn agreeable to your request had the Chimneys in the new Building and underpinning been compleated - it remains to be done - therefore its out of my power to share him at this time, without exposing myself and Officers to a much worse situation than you can pofsibly be, with a comfortable dwelling to live in, which is what I have not had for two Years past. - Necefsity compelled me to reside near the Workmen to forward businefs - This obliged me to put up with many inconveniencies, in my Opinion - very few in my station in this Country would have suffered. - But I looked forward, with the pleasing hope of soon having a commodious habitation, made me presevere at the expense of my constitution - which is much impared. - A Leather Tent was the only place our Victuals was cooked in for upwards of two Years - My Officers have been from the Factory all the Winter for want of room. indeed they prefer a Tent in the Woods to our present temporary cold appartments - stern necefsity compels myself and Mr Longmoor to stay at home.

Should the Brickwork &c be compleated next Summer the Bricklayer shall be with you in the fall, therefore advise you to get collected a quantity of Stone and Lime burnt against his arrival to enable him to return by the Winter Packet to this place to compleat our dwelling.

The Cask No.92 containing Chandlery you will find mentioned in my former Letter. You might have perceived pr the Honble Companys Gen. Letter that a quantity of Flour marked NR was sent out to York - whither one was sent to Severn in Lieu of the Rundlets mifsing, cannot say - I gave Orders for a Cask of the former to be put on Board the Brig to support the Extra men sent to Severn - to assist you during Winter - this I did with a view to prevent our experiencing former distrefses - by which it rendered service to both Settlements - As it would be the means of keeping the men in exercise and health. - Should have sent other articles for the same purpose, but was informed the Brig could not take it - This was done conditionally, the Men were to return to York pr Spring Packet to go Inland in Summer. - I should have continued this annually (had men been returned) altho' I have no authority for so doing from the Honble Company. - We fall short of hands to carry on the different undertakings Inland. - The War in Europe occasioned a scarsity - otherwise many more would have been engaged last Year.

The Honble Company have determined not to advance any Labourers wage staying at the Factory above 10£ pr year - therefore do not think John Moads wage will be raised - whether Wooleridges may cannot be determined before instructions? can be received. - Nicl Spense is an exception to this regulation as he officiates in room of a Tradesman. - When men go Inland they have oppertunity of being advanced considerably according to merit on entering into new Contract

The reason of Robt. Goulands returning to Severn in the fall, was, Capt. Hanwell would not spare his Shipwright, - it was deemed unsafe for the Brig to put to Sea without one. - Besides there was no official information received of his misconduct to lay before the Council to guide there proceedings.

It gives me pleasure to here you abound in plenty - blefs God we have not Known want this Winter and since I last wrote have been enabled with the exertions of 18 Men at different Hunting Tents with others from the House, to serve out 2 Days Partridges pr Week. - It will convince you they are not numerous when I mention to accomplish this I am obliged to have Tents from near Cape Tatnan Eastward as far as Sams Creek to the Northward besides one up this river.

My mefsmates join me in Compliments to you and Mr Taylor with wishing you health and plenty of every kind that can add to your happinefs in this Country. I remain
Dear Sir
Yours &c
J.C.
P.S. Mr Weigand will acquaint you our present uncomfortable Lodgings - in which we have been obliged to Weather thro the Winter. - The articles wrote for are sent as pr list inclosed."
1M256 B.239/b/58


" J.C. to Mr Cook
York factory 12th June 1794
Dear Sir,
Having dispatched fourteen Men in a New Boat of 9 Tons burden loaded with Trading Goods &c to Hill River - and prepared every thing in readinefs to follow them when tide served, had not your packet Indians arrived with Letters &c which detaind me this day to prepare for their return - They take six Rundlets of Powder and promises to make quick dispatch - and as Wappetunish came with them to pay his Debt I hope to prevail on him to take a few pieces of Goods list of which will be inclosed.

Your dispatching Will Sinclair to the three Points gives me much satisfaction, - as he will be better enabled at that place to afford the Churchill people afsistance should they require it.

Edward Wishart declining the Mastership of Seeppewisk Settlement is absurd, he cannot now do it without breach of Contract entered into last ship time - it is out of my power to release him from before it expires. The Honble Company are not to be triffled with and as they fulfil they engagements with their Servants they can oblige their Servants in return to perform the duty they engage to Execute therefore should Edward Wishart leave the House without your consent he must and will answer the consequence.

You may engage as many Indians as you can to bring down furrs and take up Goods. Except those who have thrown away Bundles those also you may engage provided they will make good the payment received at the factory. - And you may further acquaint the Indians that they will not be permitted to go on with impunity As they have hitherto done for there is no knowing where their depredations will end.

The small Trade at Seeppewisk shews plainly that the Indians must have carried their furrs to the Canadians. - Kekickathinish and his followers, Wintered witered? with my home Guards and has been down. Not a Native from the crofs lake visited the factory this Summer. Most of the Indians that came down in Canoes brought tolerable trades with them. Many of the Churchill Home Guards came in in a wretched plight tell me the whole would have perished had it not been for the supplies you afforded them - they were too late for the Goose Hunt.

Tell George Harvey that it is my orders he stays at Seeppewisk during Summer. A House must be built at the X Lake otherwise all the furrs procured by the Natives will be carried to the Canadians. I hope to build a Store House at the Rock in Hill River before my return to the factory. - All the Men who accompany me in the Boats are Volunteers So that I have had no trouble this Season fixing men.

With wishing you health and happinefs and a safe arrival at the factory with your furrs.
I remain Yours &c
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/58


" From J.C. to Mr Allan[July 1794]
Mr John Allen
You will herewith receive Invoice of Goods sent pr Natives in 12 Canoes - They are for the first - trusted to carry High spirits from the Factory & have reason to think they will not deceive me - to be certain of their honesty - you are carefully to examine the Rundlets - should any be found difficient You are to send me the names of the Natives who had it in Charge.

It will be necefsary for you to be careful of the Provisions sent up & not to be too lavish in the Expenditure. I shall take every opportunity to send you fresh supplies - and men will be sent at Ship time to relieve you. - In the mean time be careful in making the roof of the House tight.

Hill River House is Settled Purposely to supply Natives in winter - and to prevent their loosing too much time during the Hunting Season - which has been the case when necefsity compelled them to come to the factory for supplies during Winter - You are to supply Indians coming to the factory, with what they stand in need & necefsary for their support on the pafsage - but be not too lavish in giving them Liquor. As I shall have frequent opportunities to write to you - I shall not fail to embrace them. - Should any of the Companys Servants on their return Inland stand in need of any thing & the Master with them think such things necefsary you are to supply them to your utmost - but you are by no means to take these steps without consulting him.

I remain, Your friend
J.C.
P.S. The Natives having returned with 52 Deer to the Factory enables me to send this Letter by them which was before intended to be sent by Etee was see alias Battle Scull."
1M256 B.239/b/58


" From Mr Whitford to J.C.
Gordon House Sept. 25 96
Dear Sir
Your Batteau by Wm Manson arrived heresafe this Morning after pafsage of ten days & delivered the Cargo very safe, for which I return my sincere thanks, and you may depend upon it. I shall take the greatest care in the expenditure of what I have now received.

I am sorry that you did not send those articles I mentioned in the Indent, particularly the brafs wire for Snaring which near? my whole dependance in providing fresh provisions, as I have not a man who is capable of firing a Gun besides myself and now it is too late to send any thing of that kind to me. the whole amount of Rabbit snares I have by me is about thirty. On the 24th August I supplied one Canoe of Goods for Jack River & on the 31st Mr Oman arrived here and have supplied him as You'll see pr Cargo Book. Geo. Flett was left there on account of a bad foot and they took Henry Budge in his room. the formers foot was bad for eight Days but since that time has been well, as he is a good working Lad I have detained him here.
Yesterday an Indian named Thomas went away, he had brought me some green Beaver and a few porcupines which I traded for Liquor; Togginish and his family are tenting with him. he informs me of a Lake about fifteen Miles distant from this place where there is plenty of fish. if so it will be of great help to me And as soon as the River Ice is fast the Young men are to come to shew me the Lake.

You mention in your Cargo Book, Nails and a Cock of a Gun is sent but no such thing is received by me.---I have sent you an account of the Remaining Bundles & Kegs of Brandy & Provisions but not of the Loose articles of Trading Goods. as I sent an account of them before to you I thought it was of no service to send the same account of them again.------I have the pleasure to inform you that I have my stockades compleated the length 40 Yds Breadth 20 Yds containg eight hundred stockades. sufficient room is left for building the house you plann'd in the Summer. I conclude by wishing you health & a plentiful Winter
Dear Sir
I remain
Your most Obedient Humble Servant
J.P.W.
PS I have sent you a Bundle of Furs belonging to Mr Tate. I have a few of my own but I believe I shall be obliged to have them drefsed for Caps & Mittens. if there are any Natives coming from YF this way I should be much obliged to send me some of those small articles I wrote to you last. Pray give my respectful Compliments to the Gentlemen around Your Table."
1M256 B.239/b/58


" From J.C. to Mr Whitford
York Fort 2nd Dec. 1796
Mr Whitford
Sir
On William Manson and party's return the 1st October your Letter of the 25th Sept. last was delivered me. Your Indent would been fulfilled to the utmost of my power pr the Batteau, had it come under my inspection, previous to the Men's leaving the factory. - but being inserted in the books which contained the remains at Gordon House it was not discovered 'till within these few days when I balanced the Inland accounts. In consequence I engaged Natives to convey a few necefsaries to you. - Am sorry it is not in my Power to send either Combs or Vermillion having none for my own Trade. Our Indent was not answered in a variety of Articles last Season; the want of which will be severely felt next Summer when Indians visit YFort.
You will herewith receive Invoice of Goods now sent also Invoice of all the Goods in Bundles &c &c remaining at Gordon House. This will enable you to deliver a correct account to Mr Oman who I expect will be with you early in the spring to convey Goods to Jack River. I presume you have all kinds of Articles necefsary to supply the Indians who visit you independant of those packed for the Upper Settlements. therefore I desire you not to open any of the Packed Bundles. I very much approve your fixing up Stockades around the Buildings. it is a security and altho' the Natives appear peaceably inclined towards you Yet it is necefsary you should be on your guard. My advice is that you do not take them into your Store room where the Goods are deposited. The sight of a large quantity of Liquor is a temptation few Natives can with stand to get pofsefsion of it they may be induced to take an advantage & surprize you especially when they know the few hands you have to protect the property. As the standing Trees and Bushes greatly obstruct the Men in their tracking of Craft up Hill River especially for two or three Miles below Gordon House. You will do well to employ your Men in removing these impediments - I wish this done effectually so low down as the large Rocks which lay in the middle of the River, as they occasion strong rapids & makes it often dangerous not only to the Men on the line but those in the Craft - This duty can be easily effected at this Season while the River is frozen. The wood &c cut down should either be carried on the Ice or thrown on the Bank out of the Tracking Path ---- I intend sending Magnus Garston to you after Christmas to errect the building I proposed last summer. The Plan of which I left with you I wish sent out pr Bearer, it will enable me to Instruct M.G. in the making of further improvements there in. I judge you have by this time suff. stuff Cut for carrying it on. All at York enjoy a good state of health. We have been tolerable succefsful hitherto in killing Game - And what is singular we have had a number of Deer around us this fall (a similar circumstance has not happened these ten years past) which is a great blefsing as our Stock of Oatmeal and Scotch Barley Is so low it will not permit any to be served out to the Men, the little that remains is reserved for the use of Inland.
Will. Manson has the Cock of your Gun in his pofsefsion. I cannot conceive how the mistake happen'd in his not delivering the Nails some are now sent which I beg may not be improperly used.-----The Gentlemen around my table join me in wishing you and those with you health, happinefs & plenty
I remain
Yours &c"
1M256 B.239/b/58


" From Mr Whitford to J.C.
Gordon House Hill River Dec. 20th 1796
Dear Sir
I received your favor by the two Indians Yesterday at Noon and am much obliged to you for the supply of Good which were deliver'd to me very safe; and also am happy to hear all are well at York, thank God we are all the same way at Gordon House, considering the scarcity of Game. I am very much disappointed in the Indians for deceiving me in regard to the fishing Lake as the Parties I informed You, are separated from the lake early in the fall. however I received about ninety pounds of very fine Tittimeg fish by Wappeceesish which is a convincing proof that there are fish to be got, if we were shewn the way to it; it would certainly be of great benifit to G.H. If you could be so good as to prevail on any Indians to shew us the place in the Summer or fall.
There has been a few Deer about us since the Snow fell, had there been an Indian here a good hunter he certainly might have killed some. I made an hedge for Deer tho' not fortunate enough to get any. I hope at least you'll applaud my endeavours; I afsure I should have received more pleasure & lefs fatigue to myself had I been at one of Your hunting tents this winter. I have with the uttermost exertions killed an hundred Rabbits and ten Porcupines. as for Partridges they have kept their distance. I have not a man who is capable of Killing any kind of Game to himself not even so much as to set a few Rabbit snares so I'll leave you to judge how I am situated in regard to those Matters. On the 9th of Nov. last, Peenasuquonacuch, Taytuppeio Athinues & O Wemmycon have paid me a visit they brought a few fall skins to trade which Induced me to open the following Bundles No.13, 51 for various articles they wanted, if you disapprove of what I have done you'll please to mention it and they shall be made up in the same Manner as before. I could not have supplied those Ind. had I not done it for they had the misfortune to loose many of their things among the falls. Dec. 6th Saycorporwayson or Sore Eyes, Sugarvow & OCheecon or Curly Head have visited me here. they brought about 100 lbs of dried Meat, a few Beaver tails together with a few furs, from the former I took my debt I trusted him but the Latter still persist in his paying my debt at York this last Summer. these all the Natives that has been here this winter at present as the Hill river is but lately closed in with ice. You may depend upon having the tracking Ground as low down as the rocks cleared in the Spring so as to prevent the obstruction of the Craft.
I employed the Men in sawing Boards but early in the winter the neck of the pit saw was broken which prevented them from sawing for some time till I was obliged to mend it to get the dwelling house in repair and wretchedly it is repaird. I think I've never experienced so much Cold in the Country as I have this Winter. I had almost a Melancholly circumstance to relate of that dangerous enemy a Fire which burnt out the side of the Chimney in the Mens Guardroom when it communicated to the roof poles, thes poles happened to be green wood which prevented the flame from spreading, however it soon got under without doing any material damage than burning the Bark of a few of the roof sticks. we have repaired the Chimney and hope theirs nothing to Fear in future of that kind. The mistake of the Gun Cock is rectified for I found it in the stock Lock as I did not examine it till after the Boats went away. I should be much obliged to send by the next conveyance a Neck of a Pit Saw according to the dimenfsions I now send. a spare pit Saw will be acceptable I shall leave it you to send necefsary things pr building. I conclude with wishing you & the Gentlemen around you a pleasant winter.
I remain
Dear Sir
Your most obedient Hum.
J.P.W.
P.S. The Natives inform me that there are no Canadians at the side pine but at Jack River."
1M256 B.239/b/58


" From Mr Jarvis to J.C.
Churchill 1st January 1797
Dear Sir
I arrived here last Tuesday after having performed the most disagreeable Journey I ever experienced. Never will I perform such another. I have kept the Beaver Coats as there are not any here and desire you would Charge them to my account. I wish you the Compliments of the Season and am
Dear Sir
Your humble Serv.
E.J."
1M256 B.239/b/58


"From J.C. to Mr McNab, Mr John Thomas, Mr Bolland
York Fort 3 Feb. 1797
X Letter from - Mr Thomas Moose fort 12 February 96
- Mr Bolland East Main 14 March
- Mr McNab Albany -- 21 June
Dear Sir
Your favour of the X - reached me on the arrival of the Severn Brig the 13 August last; It gave me pleasure to hear such fine Cargoes being sent home from the Bay Settlements. Our Consignment from York last Season exceeded 44,000 MB the returns from the uper Settlements fall short of the usual Trade rec'ed late Years several Thousand Beaver. This was partly owing to the Settlements being so scantily supplied with Trading Articles. Last Summer I sent Inland upwards 40,000 MB in Trading Goods more than twice so much as that of the proceeding Year and a larger afsortment than was ever sent from hence in one Season.
I have recalled Mr Isham from the station he occupied near the red River to prevent his opposing the Co's Servants from Albany. The King George Capt. John Richards sailed for England the 13th Sept. (with Mefs Tomison & Ballanden on board) in Company with the Queen Charlotte Capt. John Turner - having the Churchill Cargo amounting to some what more than 6000 MB. Our Indents were amazingly Curtailed last year. The ship was scarcly ballast with the Cargo for York & Severn. We had neither Oatmeal, Scotch, Barly, Rice, Lard, Suet, Molafses, Raisins or Rum sent us. - Only half the usual quantity of Butter, Porter &c and not so much Sugar as is required for the officers Inland. No more than ten Casks of flour Only ten Barrels of Gun Powder and a eleven pipes of Brandy - Of many articles of Trading Goods much called for there was not any sent. We had very little Provisions or Gun Powder on remains on the ships arrival to add to our helplefs situation We fall short of the last valuable article (Gun Powder) upwards of 15,00 of last years Consumption which deprives us of the very means of procuring support. Having no grain to supply the men occasions much discontent. you will know that the generality of the Company's Servants would prefer the want of meat to their being deprived of Oatmeal &c. Game was so scarce before Cristmas we were compelled to short allowance. Such unfavorable appearances alarmed Mr Jarvis who is remarkably fond of good living that he set off for Churchill the 6 December. he well knew that settlement to be altogether as liberally supplied pr last Ship as we were cut short. What can occasion this partiality to particular Servants of the Company? [his question mark] I am at a lofs to account for it but so it is. Surely that person who recommended to the Honble Committee the with holding supplies from us and who has occasion these distrefses we experience must feel a thorn in his own breast and every human heart must condemn him.

Many Natives paid York a visit last Summer and my prospects were flattering in having a fine Trade next season. that is now in a great measure done away as I am fearful our poverty will get wind, Indians have many resources to supply their Wants which they had not some years ago, their dependance is not in the companys ware House only: And they will not be over hasty in their visits to places where they know they cannot be supplied as formerly with Provisions to carry them back to their Hunting Ground. Neither can it be expected that natives will venture several hundred of Miles to barter their furs when they are certain of experiencing those hardships the want of food must occasion especially as they can dispose of the produce of their labours near their families without running those risks the Indians who have been long in habits of hunting near the factory have already told me in this in plain terms Therefore much cannot be expected from them circumstances as we at present are having such powerful adversaries as the Canadian Traders near us who take every advantage to prejudice the Native against the Companys Servants upon the whole I am apprehensive YFort Trade will in future feell the effects of the mistaken plan of Occonomy adopted in England last year. Our ware Houses do not contain half the quantity of the Necfsary provisions usually taken by the Inland Servants for their support during their pafsage to the upper Settlements. It will give some idea of our situation when I tell you that an exact account now taken of our provisions in the Ware House including that brought out by the King George & a calculation made just after she sailed when it was found to be 21 1/3 Tons short of last years consumption Yet have ten more men on our book to provide for; of flour only 26 Casks lefs which obliged me to cut short of this article 2 days pr Week all hands. Upon the whole we are in a wretched condition and to look forward the prospect is gloomy & unfavourable. Our chief dependance for support is on providence. God be praised we enjoy health and hope that blefsing attends you and all under your Command.
Since my last to you We have unfortunately lost John Robinson Sailor who was drowned also James Spence Sen., Thomas Brown and Robt. Whitley Steersmen who died last winter Inland.

Our river Ice gave way the 26 April but it was the 1st June before we could get Boats into the water to proceed Inland at which time they were launched upwards of fifty Yards over the Ice and than lowered into the water with tackle, the Ice being 30 feet perpendicular next to the river. Our fall was fine and open the River was Crofsed the 12 Nov., the beginning of Dec. mild afterwards remarkably severe, The Thermometer haveing been 53 degrees below the Cypher.
My mefsmates join me in Compliments to you & Gent. around your table, with wishing you every happinefs & succefs that Season & Natives can afford you,
I remain Your
Obed. hble Serv.
J.C."
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" From Mr Thomas Thomas
Severn House 14th April 1797
Sir
On the 12th I received your Packet. am sorry you found yourself under the Necefsity of dispatching Indians at this late Season which should have been prevented had it been in my power to send to YFort but that has been impofsible as no Indians have visited Severn who could be prevailed on to go the Journey. Englishmen have done it heretofore but this Winter they could not be spared as we have only two or three who are able to do it and those we principally depend on to perform the work here which has this Winter been rather more than usual.

On my arrival here I found the place in a very Shatter'd State the broken platforms were overgrown with Grafs, the House looked quite ragged the morter being off many places so as to admit Water, which as made the Timber very rotten the Stockades were in a Condition very like those of Old YFort sometime after you quitted it. indeed I cannot convey to you a truer Idea of the place than saying it had much the appearance of your Old Fort at the time it was only inhabited by a few half dead Scurvy Men to which the three or four decrepid looking old Men who were here not a little Contributed.

As you did not directly say last Ship time that you Wished the Brig to be at York earlier than usual, and as neither Mr Taylor or myself heard any thing officially of that Businefs he would not (had you sent the Packet) have left this place sooner than last year.

I am sorry to hear of the scarcity at York, I fancy this Winter has been has productive of Game here as former and more. We procured a great Number of fish in the Fall with the Seine, and altho' we took every opportunity of using it as late as pofsible we were not fortunate enough to have any fit to eat at the Time the frost set in, however they have serv'd together with the Carcases of a few Foxes & to keep alive the two hogs we receiv'd from you last Fall.

Several Circumstances have combined to make the Winter rather unpleasant. The stock of Fire Wood on the plantation was very small which obliged us to haul Fuel to the House the distance of about a Mile. [In the margin "As much Firewood at Severn last Winter as any former Year so say Mr Taylor"] Snow shoes were not collected last year as usual and the Men (though conscious of the Necefsity of those things) were too carlefs to gether them they say as they were only thrown about the Yard they made use of several to light Fires for brewing. We have (one and all) been [in the margin "Mr Taylor says he has seen worse at other places"] obliged to make for ourselves something like Snow Shoes with which we have rub'd through the Winter. As not a scrap of Coat Beaver was left here, we were obliged to make Caps & Mittens of Parchment Beaver a little soften'd. No person here as had a Beaver Coat during the long Cold Winter.

What Ketaway says as his Reasons for remaining at YFort is an Indian Story and as little deserves Credit as that of a Lad who was with him at YF (about half an hour before I received your Letter) told me you desired Ketaway & his Brother to come again to York was I inclin'd to place any confidence on Indian Information. I might add that this has been confirm'd by several Who have arrived since & have not scrupled to say you sent them presents among which a large Iron bound Keg ful of Brandy is much talked of. It seems strange that Ketaway should Fear ill Treatment at severn from a Person with whom he has scarce ever spoken and has never once seen at that place. however I am sorry the two uselefs Fellows Saunders & Wappusk who were with him did not happen to be offended and stay at York also they are both here.

It appears rather surprizing that Bungees should say they were treated with lefs kindnefs than usual as not one has been here since the Brig arrived. Indians shall always be treated kindly by me but I have it not in my Power to give away Goods so profusely as Mr Ballenden did last year which he was then enabled to do by his well known Method of reserving at times a Part of his furs so that a great Trade might accompany him on his going to England. Was the stock of Goods in Severn Ware House even sufficient to admit of it perhaps it might not (when properly represented) be thought right by our Employers to treat Natives without the least Distinction between leaders and those of lefs real Consequence particularly as the View in so doing has not been to procure the greatest Number of Furs for the Honble Company or to prevent their trading with Canadians but soley that they may not visit York Fort.

I am happy to here that you & those around your Table enjoy Health. Mr Taylor joins me in wishing you a Continuence of it.
I remain
Yours &c
Tho. Thomas."
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" From Mr Hallett to J.C.
Pike River June 10th 1797
Dear Sir
According to your Request have dispatched three Men in a Large Canoe loaded with Furs, wou'd have mann'd another Canoe but am deficient of a Steersman - On the Arrival of Mr McKay he insisted upon having his Servant which was down last Spring, the Canadian asigned himself up & was very agreeable to serve his former Master again or otherwise I might have dispatched another Canoe very well. --- I am sorry the Natives have not exerted themselves as they would have done providing I had been free of such a Reval of a neighbour. he has debauched them to the highest degree in running after them the Winter through. I have been under the Necefsity of doing the same to collect what few furs I have which only amount to a little better than 1000 MB & cannot be supposed that the Trade of this place can be very extensive having no more than 20 Hunting Men that reside in this Quarter. I flatter myself that a Post to the Southward of this would be much more to the purpose. I understand that the Canadians mean to build there next fall. would have dispatched the people much sooner but the spring being so vastly late that prevents them from embarking.
I remain &c
H. Hallett."
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" From A. Shaw to J.C.
Fort Augustus 10th May 97
Sir
Your Letter from York Fort dated July 13th 1796 I found at Cumberland House last fall, after having been Opened by the Gentlemen to the Northward Who arrived there before Me. The unfortunate fate of Mr Rob. Thomson is a circumstance we all lament especially as there is but little appearance at present of bringing his Murderers to punishment from their ? Situation Your reasons for declining to be the instrument of so desirable an end Seem very plausible if the difficulties attending such a step are such as you represent them but not to enter upon a more particular investigation of the subject there seems to be some kind of inconsistency in "the Ardent wish of yourself And every Officer that the Indians who Committed the deed might meet the fate they so Justly deserve" when you punished by confinement the Man (Duroche) who alone & unsupported had courage enough to attempt revenging the death of his Ancient Master this wou'd have been a meritorious deed this wou'd have been more than an atonement for more atrocious crimes than desertion ------ I believe I have sufficiently explained my motives for accepting of the Servicers of your deserters in my letter at Grand rapid to Mr Sutherland last spring. I deliver Peter Sebingston this Fall at Cumberland House & retain Jack Ward (whom bye the bye I look upon as no valuable acquisition) in my employ until Duroche & the Negro are restored by you. It is not my intention to countenance disobedience or desertion in the Country. Nor will I ever give any encouragement to your People to offend in these particulars unlefs I am provoked by Similar trespasses? on your side. - I remark your reflections regarding Mr McDonald through the misrepresentation of a Man who not withstanding his age posseses Neither benevolence or principal of Honour & whose motive for this ungenerous attack must be attributed to no other cause than that diabolical malevolence against all Man kind, inherent? in his Nature Mr McDonald is a young Man of a respectable Family and Genteel Connection, his character in this Country is irrepreachable & his friends & acquaintance know him to be incapable of any thing that is mean ungenerous or unmanly. the reverse of this Picture might be applied to his Slanderer & would still fall short of the likenefs. while Mr Thomison commanded your Settlement in this River uninimity & Good neighbour'd? had forsaken it & taken their abode in more happy climes & fell discord reigned without controul in these extensive regions. Each party was exasperated against the other & these shameful animosities were carried to such a degree that they always prov'd Prejudicial to trade and often to the interest of the Country in general. the Indians observe accordingly, they? carried reports from One Fort to another, sometimes false & sometimes true but always calculated to foment a misunderstanding of which they reaped the benefit. to this cause may be attributed most of the disasters which have lately happened in the country.
And the fatal catastophe at South Branch derives its origin from no other source. Mr Thomison & myself formed a Resolotion in the winter preceding that event to abandon south branch being aware of its dangerous Situation from the former disturbance of that Year. consequently in the spring on my arrival there I made every necefsary preparation to depart when I learned by mere accident a few hours before I intend to embark that my neighbour had changed his intention without deigning to make me aquainted with it. I therefore immediately prevailed upon Mr Chastillar to pafs the Summer & the baggage was carried back from the river side into the Fort. the succeeding misfortunes of that Summer are too well known to need repetition here......I again sent proposals to him last spring by Mr Swain importing that our people at the two Settlements should retire into one Fort at each place during the Summer & left him the Choice to evacuate that which he thought most convenient he treated this proposition with Indifference & Contempt altho' it was evidently calculated for the furture scurity of Lives & property during the period that we are most exposed to the Depradations of the Natives. this did not proceed from Necefsity in me for I could leave four Men to his one without diminishing the Compliment requisite for navigating the Canoes. these Examples are sufficient to mistrust that he had not the general Welfare of the Country at heart & it may further be added that last Spring he bestowed his Confidence & Advice upon our common Opponents, those Interlopers of Trade who like the Locusts of Egypt bring Devestation & Ruin along with them wherever they Winter & whom we have now happily expelled at an enormous Expence though you enjoy an equal Share of the benefit of their absence from the Country. These discordant times are now past & have been succeeded by a short interval of Unanimity & good Understanding between the Houses the Trade is carried on now with the utmost Harmony without prejudice or Disadavantage to either party. the good Effects of this happy Change are already visible all over this Quarter. mutrial Offices of friendship & Afsistance have taken place & the Indians behold with regret a Confidence & good understanding which (if continued) will reduce them to proper subjection in a short time. to contribute as much as pofsible to this Concord I have made all the Bungees pay their Credits to Mr Sutherland exceeding 150 skins. A sacrifice that Mr Tomison with all his animosity & rancour could never have extracted from me last year. a few of that tribe who winter'd here did not pay a tenth part of their Credits to him, a circumstance that Mr Swain can testify. Upon the whole it is our ultimate wish that Mr Sutherland or some other honest upright character should always Command in his Department. We recommend this as a Means of putting the Country in a proper footing of compelling the Natives to pay more respect & attention to the Whites than they have hitherto done & finally of confering scurity on the Lives & property of those who frequent these barbarous Regions.
I am Sir
Yr Most obt. Serv.
Angus Shaw."
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" From J. McDonald to J.C.
Fort George May 24 1797
Sir,
I have been favored with the perusal of A Letter addrefsed to my Employers by you last Summer which contains a paragraph regarding me couched in the following words --- "I must remark here while the Consultation was held, one of the Officers informed the Council that Mr Tomison made Application to one of your Gent. who had charge of Fort Augustus to surrender up the Indians who so cruelly butchered three of the Honble H B Co's Servants at the South Branch in the summer of 94, when they plundered & burned that Settlement & that Mr McDonald's Answer was (which if true reflects neither honor or Humanity on himself) That it was not for the paltry Considerat'n of three of the HBCo's Servants that he would lose the Trade of so valuable a Band of Indians & positively refused Mr Tomison any Afsistance or support in securing the Offenders altho he had it in his power to do it. I leave you to make Comments on such Conduct."
I am greatly surprized at this false & injurious Accusation, not that it is anywise important to me what Opinion the Officers of the Honble HBCo may have formed of my Honour & Humanity and? what Representation has been made of any part of my Conduct at H B for what ever Vicifsitudes of Fortune I am destined to experience I shall never fly thither for Protection or Support. in the mean time I shall endeavour to prove the fallacy of this Charge more with a view to give you a just Idea of the affair than to exculpate myself being entirely indifferent whether it will produce that Effect or not. When the fall Indians arrived Mr Tomison informed me of his Intention of demanding those Individuals of the Tribe should deliver themselves prisoners to him to be punished according to his Discretion for their Cruelties & Depredations at South Branch. I agreed with him that the Tribe in general deserved exemplary punishment, but disapproved of his mode of executing it from a Conviction that Savages had no Idea of quietly surrendering themselves up to Justice, let their Offence be ever so enormous & that consequently they would treat his proposition with Disdain & Contempt. The only Alternative therefore was to attack them in their Camp (if Mr Tomison was really determined upon having Revenge) & obtain by Violence what he could not effect by Negociation which might have been done without any immediate Danger as the first discharge would certainly frighten them to abandon their Tents & escape into the woods instead of this or some other vigourous step of revenge he allowed them quietly to remain at the Fort & afterwards to depart without the least Molestation. to excuse this shameful pafsivenefs he accuses me of having refused to surrender the Offenders alledging that it was not for the paltry Consideration of three of the HBC's Servants that I would lose the Trade of so valuable a Band of Indians - It is evident that he loses even the appearance of Truth in these Afsertions - what Command Or Auth'y had I over the Offenders to surrender them up. did they fly to me for protection to evade his Resentment?[his question mark] No. they were camped without the Fort exposed entirely to him enjoying a Kind of Security that would have rendered it easy to take ample vengeance upon them; I deny that ever he asked my Afsistance moreover I could prove incontestibly from many of his Conversations preceding that Period that he himself never entertained a Steady resolution of proceding to Violence with them: his Conduct upon this Occasion was evidently irresolute & Wavering & he seemed entirely at a lofs how to Act as if resentment had been restrained by his Natural Pusillanimity apprehension of presant danger & future consequences ? certain restriction From his Orders which deprived him of the power of retaliating upon the delinquents - But let us be supposed for a moment that I did refuse to assist from a conviction of its being Prejudicial to the interest of my employers. is it probable that I should express this denial in such cruel & insulting Language when I could palliate it by many evasions lefs Shocking to humanity such as having received no instructions from Mr Shaw &c. No it is scarcely Probable, the most abandoned Characters are desirous of Preserving an appearance of Virtue & concealing their Corruption even from their Enemies & would I who have nothing but my reputation to support me be so lost to the tender feelings of humanity as to insult the memory of the unfortunate sufferers at South Branch & in a manner exult at their untimely fate, my Friends know me to be incapable of such Cruelty. Besides the very words in which this part of my Accusation is exprefsed Afford a Presumptive proof of its falsity. can any thing be more Preposterous than to affirm the fall Indians to be valuable when it is well known they are most uselefs & least valuable band of Indians in this quarter. their Trade last Winter After an Absence of 3 Years did not exceed 500 Wolves which was no great acquisition to the N.W.C. Experience has already shewed that we are always ready to sacrifice our prospects of Trade to support the character that Whites aught to maintain among Savages & that when Severity is required for this purpose we overlook every other consideration. Two years ago at Fort George a band of Indians equally numerous no lefs formidable & more valuable than the Fall Indians (I mean the Blackfoot) were treated with great severity & plundered of their best Horses by Mr Shaw for an Offence of a lefs Heinious Nature than that which the Fall Indians committed & to protect & support them in their depradations upon you would be just in couraging them to attack Ourselves the first favorable oppertunity. I could produce several other instances of this kind such as having killed a Cree & Stone Indian last Summer for attempting to steal Our Horses &c. but I believe I have said enough to convince every unprejudiced Person that the whole of this charge is false & unfounded originating either in hatred or malice or rather invented to cover the cowardice of the contriver for not having revenged the death of his fellow Servant. if any thing further remains to be added it is that Mr Tomison may rest afsured that since Our disparity of Age has proved no detriment to his injuring me it will afford him no protection against my resentment & that at our first meeting he will compelled to retract what he has advanced or punished severely for his obstinacy.
I am with Respect
Sir Yours &c
J. McD"
[In the margin "This Letter Not Answered"]
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" From Mr Wm McKay to J.C.
Pike River 4 June 1797
Sir,
On my Arrival at this place Last Fall I was in Hopes of finding those Villains who kill'd Mr R. Thompson sent this far according to the N.W.Companys request of Last year but it seems that it does not meet your approbations to bring them to any punishment excepting encouraging them to do ? for the Time to come. even when one of our deserters attempted to revenge his poor Master's death he was put in Irons before all the Savages at the fort at the time which I look on to be plain proof of your encouraging those Villains as well as those present to Kill us &c. again at Cumberland House last Spring your people behaved much in the same manner for after we was gone from that place Your Officer there took those murderers that we punished there and Interred them purposely to show the savage that he would wish to support them in their Villainy. and at the same time Committing an action beneath an Officer if I may be allowed to call him one.
I am further informed that when you heard that I was comming down for those Villains that you sent them off acrofs the river in a plain where they Could see their Enemes the better in Case they were in Carge? of them &c, & that they were supplied with provisions from the Fort all the time they thought themselves in danger. all those facts induces me to think that you Certainly wish to encourage Murderers as well as deserters but I wish for the good of the N W though I say it myself that you as well as all those in the country would show the same example that I have shown to both murderers & deserters those that come within my reach and if that was the Case we all would be able to carry on businefs with both profit & ease but if we on our? are Obliged to encourage those Villains as you have done this some time past I am afraid they will increase on both sides sooner than packs &c however the NW Co will always the honour of not being the beginners of either encouraging Murderers or deserters & I dare to say they would not wish to encourage any such doings for I look upon them to be beneath the dignity of men of any Character. Consequently I am certain they wont meet with the Honble Hudsons Bay Company Approbation to Continue them any Longer. as? I am on my departure I must draw near a conclution hoping Sincerely that you will deliver the Murderers next fall at this place & in case that they put you to any inconveniences on account of bringing ? - I'll Oblige myself to go down next fall to the Rock and bring you up a Canoe? Lead to this place and if this request is Complyed with you may depend on that the NWCo. will return the same Compliment if it coms in their way as they have already done on similar occafsion but did not expect to remain till now without you returning the same compliments in regard of delivering Up those Villains however they ?. hope you soon will which will be the only means of a good understanding Subsisting any longer between the Servants of both Companys in this Country.
Sir I remain your Humble Serv.
Wm McKay

The names of the Villains
Kechika Pichim a Chief
Shawak kit his Son in law"

[In the margin "This Letter Not Answered"]
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" From J.C. to Mr Shaw
York Fort July 20th 1797
Sir
On the arrival of Mr Sutherland at YFort I was favored with your letter of the 10 May last. I am much pleased to hear? of the unanimity that subsists Inland between our Officers & those in the NWCo's Service. my wish is that it may Continue. It will certainly be the most ready means of keeping ? among the Indians.

I cannot pafs over that part of your Letter respecting the fate of Mr R. Thompson wherein you say but not to enter upon the investigation of the subject there seems to be some kind of inconsistancy. It may appear so to you who I have reason to suppose have been misinformed. I will therefore endeavour to explain the businefs.

Duroche accompanied the Honble Hudsons Bay Company Ser. from Crofs Lake last Summer purposely to be engaged in this Service. he arrived at York Fort the 16 June, I would not engage him, the verbal agreement I had made in England with Mefs McTavish & Gent. of the NWCo. was to me binding. but for the duty he did in Steering a Canoe he was permitted to take articles from the Ware House the same as any other Man. The day following (the 17th June) I embarked for Gordon House & left your Serv. behind. A few days after my departure Keshicowpeshim, one of the Murderers of Mr Thompson, arrived at the fort When Duroche attempted to dispatch him with a Hatchet. he was prevented from putting it in execution by the interference of other Indians. Mefs Cook & Longmoor wishing to prevent the Commifsion of Murder on the plantation sent off Duroche with other Men in a Canoe loaded with Goods to Gordon House where he Arrived the 26th. Duroche confefsed to his Canoe mate on his pafsage Up that he came down to Yfort with no other view then to destroy an Indian on this plantation for which he said he was to receive 1000 Livres from the NWCo. & a Debt of 200 Livres which he owed them was to be Cancelled.

On my return to York Fort the 30th of June your Servt. accompanied the other Men. I enquired of Mefs Cook & Longmoor respecting the affair above stated & learnt that Kishicow Peshim with his family had set off to Severn a Settlement he originally came from - A Relation of his came down to York soon after my return, Duroche being informed of it - he watched an opportunity and stabbed him in two or three places. the Natives (nearly 200 in Number) were alarmed at this outrage & were determined on revenge. It was for this attempt to kill an Innocent harmlefs Man that I ordered Duroche to be put In Irons & this was done with the approbation of the Council. He was confined within the Fort which hindered the Indians from taking the Revenge they threatened - This Sir is a plain state of facts & you will certainly agree with me.......that to have suffered an Innocent man to be killed on account of his relation having committed an atrocious Deed would be following the very steps of Indians in Resentment. Duroche himself has not the best of Characters, his Conduct at the sweet hert Lake is well Known here, he declaring himself to be an hired afsafsin (which) neither myself or Officers believed to gether with his own report to your Officers of the transaction fully confirm the opinion we entertained of him. I wished to get rid of him at any rate & I instructed Mr Sutherland to deliver him up at the first fort he came to belonging to the NWCo. Your Summer Officer at Pike River refused accepting him as being a Worthlefs fellow since which I have learnt that Mr Wm Mckay has taken him from whom I have received a Letter dated 4th of June last. this Letter I afsure you is a Curious one, such a Letter I thought impofsible any of the NW Gent. could have indited. It appears that full confidence is placed in Duroches infamous Afsertions & I am? accused in plain terms of giving encouragements to Murderers Villains & Deserters. And these Epithets are so frequently used & in such a tautological Stile as rendered the subject almost unintelligible. it is not my wish to enter into any altercation & to prevent any animosities arising I decline any further correspondence with a Gent. who appears by his language to insult Every Officer in this Employ

Mr Sutherlands representation of Mr McDonald's conduct has removed every unfavorable imprefsion I had entertained against him & the Language of his Letter to me is convincing. I think it impofsible that a Gent. pofsefsing such liberal sentiments (as Mr McDonald appears to pofsefs) could be guilty of so base an action as he has been accused of. attribute this to my having been misinformed. If time will not permit me to answer Mr McDonalds Letter he must impute it to the Multiplicity of businefs that pafses thro my hands at this time, not to the want of inclination for I shall ever Consider the correspondence of a Gent. of his abilities as a valuable acquisition especially in this Country Where we are shut out from the Society of the busy World.

With respect to delivering up the Negro in lieu of John Ward this is a new Condition & such an one as I can by no means agree to. last Season he entered into Contract in this Service for three years which I expect him to fulfil. If he should prefer yours at the Expiration of that term he is at liberty to follow his own inclination. You wish to supprefs those interlopers of Trade who like locusts in Egypt bring devastation & ruin along with them wherever they Winter -
In this wish we perfectly agree but you well know this Man was a deserter? from one of those interlopers when I engaged him & it cannot be supposed that altho you have purchased the Goods of those Traders that this man also is your property. I hope you do not consider the human Species as articles of Trafic. especially in this free Country humanity forbids it. I refer you to the last Letter you wrote at the Grand Rapid to Mr Sutherland.

Mr Sutherland has fully informed me of the friendly terms on which you live & I will only add that if I can by any means contribute to the Harmony that subsists nothing shall be wanting Consistent with my duty to promote it.
I remain
Your Obet. Servt.
J.C."
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" From Mr David Thompson to the Council at York
Deers River June 1st 97
Gentlemen
As I am now in the employ of the NW Company of Merchants from Canada you may perhaps not think it consistent with your Duty to send my books, Mathematical Intruments &c &c to Cumberland House; should this be the Case you will please to ship them for England tho I must confefs I am utterly at a lofs to know how the reading of books or observing the Motions of the heavenly Bodies can be detrimental to the Interest of the Honble Hudsons Bay Company.
Your humble Servant
D. Thompson"
[In the margin "this Letter Rec'd at YF on Mr Rofs arrival the 3 Aug. 1797" and written at the bottom of the letter " Mr Thompson left this Service 21st May 1797"]
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" From Mr Rofs to J.C.
Bidford House May 22nd 1797
Mr Joseph Colen
Sir
On my Arrival at Fairford House August 26th 1796 I found Mr D Thompson had arrived Some time before me from Surveying the Road into the East end of Athapis. Lake by way of Deers Lake &c & thought it would be practicable for large Canoes. August 29th got all ready & Embarked with the help of an Old Middle Sized Canoe & two small ones we got all the ? of Trading Goods & stores off from Fairford House & proceeded up Deers River & through Deers Lake Sept. 4th arrived at the ? of the pafsage that pafses through from Deers Lake to the Hatchet Lake where I was obliged to leave Apart of the Goods & 4 Men with John Park in Charge as Mr Thompson Declined as he wished much to go to the Black Lake. Sept. 7th we Embarked in 3 large Canoes half loaded & proceeded up a small Rivulet in which we handed & carried 'till we could not find Water for a Indian Canoe light to float on. Obliged us to give up our design in getting in to Athapiskow last fall & returned to the Deers Lake & was Obliged to Winter Where we now are & a poor Country it is. I shall refer you to the Journal for the particulars of the fall & Winter. Mr Alex Fraser came in search of me last fall & Came to the Deers Lake at the enterance but had no pilot, he was obliged to put up for the winter & never found us out till April 6th at which time he arrived & brought Trading goods With him. the little Trade that is been Collected here was ? before he arrived here except a mere Trifl 1400 made B will be the most of the Trade here. had Mr Fraser arrived here in the fall I could have very little of half of it as Mr Fraser is much esteemed & well Experienced among these Indians. I now inform you of Mr D Thompson quiting the employ of the Honble Hudsons Bay Co. & is enter'd the Canadian company Service he told me he was a free born subject & at liberty to choose for himself & any Service he thought best for himself. Mr Thompson leaving this Service obliges me to stay Inland this Summer & try to get into the Athepiskow by some Road or other with the remainder of goods although a very bad afsortment. but I hope by your Good endeavours to be supplyed in due time by sending the people by Isle Crofs as they will never be able to pafs this way in the fall the Rivulet having nothing to supply it with but swamps & will always be shallow towards the fall. I shall be obilged to Pilot the Canoes to Cumberland House in the Spring as not a Pilot is to be got here that know the way to Cumberland House. I shall at the same time Solicit Mr Sutherland for some Articles I am in need of in the Summer if it Can be spared. I am much afraid it will be late for the Winter in the Rivulet before I get back a Gain as it will be the 18 or 20th of June before we get clear of this Lake for Ice. I conclude with Wishing you health & happinefs & all under your Command & succefs to the affairs of our Honble Employers,
I remain Yours &c
M. Rofs"
1M256 B.239/b/59


" From Mr P Fidler to J.C.
Gordon House August 16th 1797
Dear Sir
We arrived all safe here Yesterday. Wm Budge is unable to proceed any further by a swelled foot which occasions his return to the factory with 2 Men. Mr Rofs & my self shall sett off this Day in 2 Canoes with Mr Longmoor in Company.
As you have appointed me to the Charge of Cumberland House I shall use my utmost endeavours both to promote the Companys Interest & my reputation.
I expect a few Books & other small Articles out at Ship time should esteem it a fresh obligation if you would give them a Pafsage Inland in the fall.
I remain Yours &c
P. Fidler"
1M256 B.239/b/59


" From Mr Tomison to J.C.
Gordon House 6th August 1797
Dear Sir
I cannot pafs this opportunity without giving you my repeated wishes of enjoying a pleasant & happy winter. Sir I am sorry to inform you that many Packages rests here that the Canoes brought from the Factory and left here* by Mr Sutherland Fidler & Rofs as also all the Steel and Iron bars Hatchets &c, & a Strick order for all to be brought up in the Fall by Mr. Oman this orders you know I never can comply with for I believe you never heard that Tomison ever took a piece of Goods from the Factory and left it by the way, or got another man to carry it for him, neither did he load his Canoe with necefsaries for himself; & left the Companys Goods behind. All the Twine for Cumberland House I have taken which was in No. 6 & 5 also the most part of what you sent for Mr. Bird; as to anything Else we cannot Take the Parcel J. C. which was left also. I find there is two pieces of Goods left on account of Carrying Thompson's things up, which I think in the first place be a very Great imposition on you & Much more so on the Hon'ble Company for in my opinion that Man that would have been a Carrier for so base a man as Thompson ought to have both his Ears cut off which I should not have Scrupled at had he been my Brother. I am sorry to say that matters has gone to a great length this Year which I must confefs will not be allowed an other Year let the Consequence be what it may. You will please not to have any Bundles Packed for next year with one single article of any kind whatever, not lefs than Six nor more than twelve Knives Handkerchiefs, files and Bayonets Excepted which may be more; So I conclude with wishing the Compliments of the Season to attend you and all under your Command & Remain Dear Sir
Your mo Obed humble Sevt
Wm Tomison
PS. My most respectful Comp. to the Gentlemen of your Mefs."
[In the margin "* The articles here mentioned were sent up by Boat A Steersman & Bowsman was taken Ill at Gordon House obliged many Bundles to be there. - The Men are now at this place unable to perform duty Wm Budge Tho. Strickler See No.39 " No.39 refers to the previous letter by Peter Fidler.]
[Also in the margin "Mr Thompsons things? were sent to the Rock Store in Boats last Spring it was not known that he? had left the Survey? before Aug. J.C"]
1M256 B.239/b/59


" From Mr McNab to J.C.
Albany Sept. 1796
Dear Sir
The 28th ? of our General Letter dated London, 1st of June 96 Says as you do not seem to have made Mr Donald McKay as useful to your Establishment by his Trading Inland as we expected we have no Objection to his going to York Factory. Mr McKay being here (from some Obstacles among the Men) when the Packet came exprefsed his desire for proceeding to York by a route through the Interior Country & is accordingly fitted out the best manner present circumstances will admit. his discoveries at Albany have been great and already Succefsfull. And opens to our views room for more ample exertions than we can find means to operate with.
The Gentlemen join in every good wish to Yourself & Officers.
I remain Yours &c
J McN.
Trade exceeds 24,000"
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" From Mr Charles Thomas Isham to J.C.
Colen's Cot Jack River Aug. 30. 97
Dear Sir
It is with the greatest satisfaction I acquaint you of my arrival here with Mr Geo. Sutherland the 15 Instant; At this place I found that I was to send one Canoe to carry Mr Hallet & his Necefsaries - Sir I have sent one Man in Company with Mr Donald McKay who is to return with Mr Longmoor. So I Conclude remaining
Yours &c
C.T.I.
PS Please to give my Compliments to the Gentlemen around Your Table."
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" From Mr J.P.Whitford to J.C.
Gordon House Sept. 16 1797
Dear Sir
This is just to inform you that Mr McKay arrived here the 14 Instant with Hugh Sebbeston who came down as pilot. I am really at a lofs to know what to do for his pafsage up as I have no Canoe of any kind. however I shall do my best to get him dispatched as soon as pofsible.
Poor Mr McKay has been indisposed all last night from the Effects of eating some Oatmeal Broth which I am very sorry for and hope he will get the better by that time he visits York. I shall send you particulars by the next conveyance till then
Dear Sir I remain Yours &c
J.P.W."
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" From J.C. to Mr Whitford
York Fort Sept. 20 1797
Sir
Mr McKay arrived Yesterday. The Ships King George & Queen Charlotte sailed for England the 15 Instant the former with a Cargo of upwards of 47,000 MB on board the latter 6000. Mr Jarvis, Stayner & Wright were pafsengers.
Invoice of Goods sent pr Boats accompanies this. of the many Articles you wrote for we have none in the Ware House. No Trowsers, No Spoons, No Large Trunks, Not an Oval Eyed Hatchet beside those Weighty ones which Indians refuse Trading - Very few Cotton Shirts, not one for each man & these Mr Tomison expects to be reserved for him & his people next Summer, Cloth is also a scarce Article therefore you are required to use the greatest frugality in the expenditure. York Ware House Contains barely sufficient for its Trade only.

Thomas Strickler & Adam Mowat are to remain with you; Provisions are sent for your & their support. Reserve as much dried Meat as you can for the Men from Inland next Season

Make an exact & minute overhaul of the goods on remains & send it pr return of Boats.
My Mefsmates Join me in Compliments with wishing you health & a pleasant Winter.
I remain
yours &c
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/60


" From Mr Tho. Thomas to J.C.
Severn House March 5 1798
Dear Sir
Although nothing particular as occured at this place since my Arrival last fall I have in Compliance with Custom dispatched a Packet to York. & am happy to inform you that we are all well. - We had a very pleasant Pafsage in the Brig & arrived here the 18th September. our Fall Goose Hunt was tolerably plentiful but very Expensive; several of our Home Guards going to York & others not coming in. Obliged us to employ Indians who are unaccustomed to shoot flying. consequently a great proportion of Ammunition was expended for the Number of Geese Killed.
Our River Ice was frozen over the 4th of Nov. since that time the Winter has been remarkably mild with little snow. Fish & Rabbits have been scarce & Partridges unusually so. --- I shall be glad to hear by the return of Men that Game abounds at York & that you & all under your Command are well, Wishing you pleasing News from Inland (next Summer) & every succefs.
I remain your &c
Thomas Thomas
PS. If you spare me a few Yellow Beads I shall be much Obliged to you.
Honyman Hay was placed on YF Books last Year at 25£ pr Annum for three Years and desired me to engage him on those Terms which my not having a Contract prevented, he does therefore as I think with some propriety Consider himself entitled to those Conditions. his last Contract expired in 1796 & he is now willing to engage for Five or three Years. two of which are expired."
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" To Mr Tho. Thomas from J.C.
York Fort March 17th 1798
Dear Sir
James Monkman & Toney arrived the 13 Instant and delivered yours of the 5th. It gives me pleasure hearing health reigns at Severn a blefsing God be praised we have hitherto enjoyed at York. Game has been & Continues remarkably Scarce and our Situation for Animal food is worse than it was at this time last Year. very few Geese were Killed Last Fall only three Indians whom I engaged as Hunters this Winter.

Mr Donald McKay arrived here five Days after the Ships sailed - he sett off for Churchill the 13 of last Month, Letters from him are Inclosed in Albany Packet which he is very anxious to have forwarded to that Settlement.

A few days ago Letters were rec'ed from Mr Whitford wherein he informs me that the Canadians built a House at the Side Pine - Above Holy Lake and another near Maneto Sakahagan up Sumattaway River. very few Indians have visited him this Winter & he is in distrefs for Provisions. These Houses are almost in the Center of YF home Guard hunting Ground & one of them in the Bungees main Track who are in the habits? of visiting Severn & this place - I am apprehensive that York Trade will severely suffer next Summer.

Two Day before the arrival of your Packet Corsequoy and Numps came here from a party of Natives who are Tenting about 4 Days Journey from York. Part of whom sent an Offer of their Service to come & Kill Geese in the Spring but I pofsitively refused their afsistance. They related a frightful Account of a Mafsacre among Indians near Severn which very much alarm them. the particulars of which I have learnt from Monkman & Communicated it to Corsequoy. I stopped part of their Skins they brought owing me and they were not trusted any thing in return. They purchased a Considerable Quantity of Brandy for a feast they are preparing and I have reason to think they will set off for Severn so soon as their Liquor is Expended.

The sole Motive of so many Severn Home Guards coming to York last Ship time was to Welcome Mr Ballenden. their partiality to him is great. they wished to have met him at this place. It was not out of respect to either you or myself they came here. After these Indians arrived you had the Sole Management of them. The Ware Houses were open to you, You Trusted them Debts, made what presents you pleased & treated them as you thought fit. I did not interfere neither did I converse with them they rec'ed no encouragement from me or my Officers - the fact is I did not ever wish to see them. This I think should have silenced you from making Public Insinuations respecting them. Especially as you was not molested in the distribution of the quantity of Brandy (brought with you from Severn) amongst Natives on this Plantation. a liberty that was never before taken by any one - A liberty I hope that will never be again repeated. as one Trader & one trading Room is in my Opinion fully sufficient to supply the wants of all Indians who visit York.

I was sorry to hear the Albany Indians have lost the art of Shooting Flying but it is Sufficiently convincing that they yet know how to use a Gun by the quantity of Geese Killed last fall at Severn. - The number of disorderly Indians who are in habit of visiting Severn during the absence of the Brig who would I fear commit some depradation if a favourable Oportunity Offered. therefore to prevent that Settlement from being too much Exposed next Summer by so many Old Servants going home. I think we may venture to enter Honeyman Hay into Contract for Five Years & presume the Committee will not be displeased when they hear what you have said on the suject & my motive for agreeing to the Terms. The man who comes out to supply his Room can go Inland. as a Carpenter will be required to build a Store House at deep Water Lake next fall.
With wishing you health & happinefs
I remain Yours &c
J.C.
PS. We have not a Yellow Bead in York Ware House

YF Debts Stopped from Indians
Kittaway-------31 Beaver infull ---- Furs brought by Favel
[Kittaway's] & Daughter 4 Beaver infull
Cannagawnee -- 10 Beaver infull
Corsequoy----- 51 Beaver infull
Ground Water - 9 Beaver 8 of Old Debt remain. furs brought by Corsequoy
Wappoose a tall Old woman 17 Beaver 3 remains

They traded a large Stock of Brandy; to whom the Furs? belonged I do not know. and as usual presents were given after they had finished."
1M256 B.239/b/60


" From Mr Wm Cook to J.C.
Split Lake March 13th 1798
Dear Sir
Having prevailed on Pashewow to accompany Men to the Factory for a Supply of Powder I hope you will be able to afford me 2 three Gallon Kegs of that Valuable Article. - I would have willingly declined troubling you on this Occasion fearing your Stock of Powder might be small but as we literally cannot eat without it the necefsity is too prefsing to evade.

The Boy Quskaho Ethin is not engaged by me but accompany's Pashewow voluntary in lieu of his to Wives who remain to cherish the Old Day under his Affliction for the lofs of his Youngest Daughter. his Father & Suckisquatum are now with the Day. they left Vokisk, Tom Bug & John Patre some few Days walk below in a miserable Condition the particulars you will learn from the Boy respecting their Situation.

I rec'ed a Letter from Mr Sinclair Yesterday which mentions his Trade 800 MB mine at present is 1200 what the amount may be in the summer is uncertain but I Judge something better than last Year.

I have seen Cockatatch, Matunekeeshick & the rest of the Sepawesk Gang & have traded more from them than all they brought to you for their Winters hunt last Spring which shews that Indians will exert themselves Surprizingly when within scent of the Brandy Casks. some of them were pitching away for the Canadians at Jack River but John Harper (who is one of the most Sagacious Indian Hunters in the country) very fortunately brought them up at the Crofs Lake & thereby bound them to this Side for the Season. Cockatatch has Paid 10 of Factory Debt which he says is all he owes you. - I belive he is right but as I cannot Charge my memory to exactnefs I should be obliged to you For a copy of their respective Debts of Matunekeeshick & others of that Tribe at the same time a Copy of the Standard & Comparative would be useful to me as I am totally at a lofs to Value some of the small Furs & a few Articles of trading Goods according to the new Standard. We have hitherto had a favorable Season for Provisions but our Stock at this time is reduced to a low ebb having not a fortnight allowance in the House & what makes the prospect rather gloomy We have not the least prospect of receiving any from Natives. - I hope we shall be able to make two trips next Summer to this place instead of being dependent on rascally Indians - to accomplish this I hope you will be kind enough to reserve for this River four Canoe Cargoes by the latter end of June

The following Articles will be esteemed as a favour. Viz. besides the Powder before mentioned
6 White Shirts
6 Check Do.
1/2 lb Vermillion
a few Carraway Seeds &c
a little Tea of any kind, Mint, Sage, Balm, or Sasafras
4 Skains Sturgeon Twine
I remain Wishing you a plentiful Goose Hunt & Good sight of Indians
Yours &c
W H Cook
If you can spare a Dog to afsist the people on their return it shall be sent down with the Canoes in the Spring."
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" From J.C. to Mr Wm H Cook
York Fort 27th March 1798
Dear Sir
Your Packet Men arrived the 23rd Instant & delivered Letters of the 13th. they have in Charge all the Articles you request as pr List except Sturgeon Twine of which our Ware House does not contain a Skain.

The Natives whom you noticed in your Letter have been I hear much difstrefsed for Gun Powder which deprived them of the means of procuring food for their Families; & being without Snow Shoes they were confined to one spot which rendered their Condition truly wretched. Queskahoethinue has Oatmeal & a supply of Ammunition for them.... Letters from Mr Whitford of the 25th Ult. State that the Canadians state that the Canadians built a House last fall at the Side Pine and another at the Manetosakahagan; which has Stopped natives from Visiting Gordon House as usual with Moose flesh. Consequently those stationed there have been poorly off for provisions this Winter. These Settlements being as it were almost in the Center of York Home Guards Hunting Ground and in the main Track of the Bungees. - all? other Strangers who visit this place will greatly injure York Trade. Very few Indians have been in since you left use & I much fear that our Poverty last summer deterred many from coming down in the fall. altogether the flattering prospect I had of an Increased Trade is intirely done away.

Four Canoes Cargoes of goods shall be ready by the time specified. Cloth must be taken at Ship time not a Yard will be Packed for Inland this Spring. as our Ware House does not Contain the quantity taken up by Trading Indians last Summer

List of Indian Debtors, Standard and Comparation of Trade Accompanys this

It is with concern I acquaint you The Harmony of York rec'ed a severe Check this Winter; by the disorderly unsocial Conduct of Mr Donald McKay who arrived here Five Days after the Ships departure; His turbulent disposition & imperious behaviour occasioned perpetual discord & misunderstandings among the Officers; who requested permifsion to leave the Factory to avoid the violence? of his Temper. He entertains an Idea that the Committee engaged him to be independant of every Chief in this Country, he does what he think's fit, Insults every one with impunity, puts common decency to the blush and sets all order at defiance. it gives me pain to anaign? any Mans Conduct but Justice Obliges me to say this much for the Co's Information as Mr McKay has occur'd very much unhappinefs among the Company's servants at other Settlements. to enter into particulars of his Character would exceed the limits of a letter. suffice it to say, fortunately for our peace, he left York the 13th Ult. & set off towards Churchill which has once more restored Order & we again enjoy a little Comfort.

Our Men have been in general healthy tho our Situation for animal food is somewhat worse than at this time last Season. Game has been & Continues remarkable scarce around us. It gives me pleasure hearing such favourable Accounts from you.
My mefsmates join me in Compliments with wishing you all manner of happinefs & Succefs.
I remain yours &c
J.C."
1M256 B.239/b/60


" From J.C. to Mr Auld
York Fort March 27th 1798
Mr Wm Auld
Sir
We had no other method getting clear of Part of your Home Guard Natives who came here in the Spring 1794 than compelling them to leave this place. they were all sent off last Summer and fitted out with Canoes & other necefsaries to return to Churchill part of whom Mr Stayner informed me arrived before he embarked. I am a hog gun & family unable to proceed in a Canoe on account of the Boisterous Weather came back. they are again fitted out for the Journey to that Settlement. I heard A few days ago that Okisk, Hookgemowkeshock, John Patre &c & were a few Days walk up Nelson River in great difstrefs. to whom Sufficient Ammunition & Supplies were sent to carry them to Churchill where I wish their safe arrival. All were trusted Debts for their Winter hunt which they promised to pay Mr Stayner. a list is annexed.
I remain Yours &c
J.C.

Na chow Ethow ------- 54
Pawpisk ------------ 40 -- his Son in law
Coothecoote -------- 11 -- Do. a Youth
Coosesuck ---------- 7 --- Do. Do.
Hookgemow Keshock --- 107
's Wife --- 6
Queskaho Ethinue his Son --- 60
Puskaho Ethinue 2nd --- 7
John Petre ---- 79
's Wife ------ 5
Tommy Wood --- 90 1/2
Okisk ------ 80
Keshick Cowethinue ---40
Suckisquatum ----51
Tom Bug ------40

Those Indians who remain at Churchill their Debts will be placed in York Book as Goods sent to that Settlement in Cloth &c."
1M256 B.239/b/60


" From Mr Longmoor to J.C.
Swan River May 1798
Sir,
I received your kind favour of 31st ? October and Mr Tomison the same Instant.

I Wintered at the same place where I wintered before but we was very short of Provisions for two Months but had plenty the Latter part. the Canadians by what I can understand only made 500 Beaver where I wintered but they received letters from the Grand Portage that the Americans has built there & they are Giving their Goods at a lower price than our Standard and Brandy out of season?. when I arrived here in the fall they had more Goods of their Summers Remains than all I had up with me.

If you & Mr Tomison thinks proper to have a House at Red Deers River you will send up 7 Canoes well Gooded and appoint a Master, and Hugh Sebbeston or one that can understand the Bungee Language as it need's one that understands their ways. they are very good Indians for Furs & in a fine fur country.

If in case you chuse to send a Boat Builder to this place it might be tried, but I shall do my endeavour to get Bark & Canoes made this Summer. If pofsible I shall send a Canoe to meet Mr Tomison for any orders that may be sent.
I remain Your
Obed. Humble Servant
Robert Longmoor."
1M256 B.239/b/60


" From Mr Fidler to J.C.
Cumberland House 6 June 1798
Kind Sir,
I received your Letter by the fall Packet together with my Box for which I return you my most grateful thanks; I have the pleasure to inform you that the Trade at this place is considerably more than last Year. but for the want of Ice Chizels Files & Hatchets has been the cause of the lofs of 300 Beaver to the Company.

As I remain Inland this Summer I humbly hope you will be so kind as to send me a little supply of Provisions such as Flour, Oatmeal, Salt, Vinegar, a few Raisins &c by the first opportunity. If no new discoveries should be set on foot this Year I hope you will let me remain at Cumberland House as last Season.

My little Boy Tom I think of sending to England if I could get permifsion. I should esteem it as a very particular favour if you would be so kind as to write to the Company about it.

I expect a Telescope &c out pr Ship. should be very Glad if you would grant leave for their coming Inland in the fall.
I have nothing particular to acquaint you with but what will hear by the Gentlemen that goes down.
I remain Yours &c
P.F."
1M256 B.239/b/60


" From Mr McGillivray to Mr Tomison
8 November 1798
Sir
As there is a great probability that we shall be Neighbours for several Years on this River, it becomes us in my oppinion to come to a proper understanding in the beginning of our Career. - Mr Sutherland will inform you of the measures that have been adopted with respect to the Trade during last Year and this fall, and I belive that I may venture to declare that both parties have found them hitherto to be the most eligible and advantageous that could be persued. the Good effects of them are now visible all over this quarter and the Indians were never on such a Good footing as they are at this moment. - You Yourself have often had experience of the effect that contrary measures have produced on the Natives & no person can be a better judge of the manner in which they ought to be dilt with - for my Own part I am for pacific Measures and ready to continue the Good understanding that now subsists between the Houses from a conviction that unanimity Among ourselves will not only encrease the industry of the Natives, but also inspire them with respect & serve to defend us against the insults of their encreasing Numbers - a circumstance that it behoves us all seriously to consider. - besides we are all confined in a Savage Country secluded from almost every communication with the civilized part of Man Kind, why should we not then unite & concert Measures for the General Good of all parties which would enable us sometimes to enjoy the little society that is within our Grasp - when our Vacation from a fair & Equitable trade permitted it. - let us then cast away old prejudices & begin a new Score - we will find it to be ultimately for the good of Both parties. and the Interests of the Country in general - I beg Sir you will not mistake my meaning, nor imagine that this proposal arises from a consciousnefs of any inferiority that would subject us to any Particular disadvantage in Case of a rupture; No I was induced to make the first overtures of this kind? in consideration of your age & experience And from a conviction of their general utility.
I have been interrupted in this place by the arrival of my Friends Mefs McDonald & McTavish and now that they are gone recommence my subject as follows.
14 Nov. It is entirely in your own Option either to approve or disapprove of them, but be assured in this Case that I am well prepared to act with violence And with Vigour and make use of all the advantages of my Situation to support my measures; I am a young Man in the beginning of my Career. I have all to gain & nothing to lose but my reputation & Life, the Latter is not yet endeared to me by any Circumstance that makes it valuable. And I will always hold it ready to be sacrificed in support of the former And of the Interest of my employers; I may declare this to be the sentiments of the other Gentlemen in this quarter. I should be Glad to know your opinion of all this but whatever your determination may be you cannot help doing justice to my candour in declaring my Sentiments so openly on both sides of the question. had Mr Sutherland continued at the head of affairs the present explanation were entirely unecefsary. we had full confidence in one another & I believe I may venture to affirm that neither of us would have abused it. If you pursue his Steps you will have no cause to complain of us as opponents and neighbours. I am
Sir Your most obt. Servant
D McGillivray."
[In the margin "NB this Letter Mr Tomison left with Mr Colen to be intered in York Country Corresp.? The original to be sent to England in Co's Packet. Several other Letters pafsed between these Gent. during the Winter."]
1M256 B.239/b/60

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