" A Journal of a Journey Inland from York Fort towards Basquiau Commencing 23d June 1774 and Ending 23d June 1775 by Samuel Hearne"
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" Remarks of a Journey inland From York Fort towards Basquiau by Samuel Hearne in 1774 and part of 1775"
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" Remarks in June 1774"

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" Thursday the 23rd of June 1774"
" Fine pleasent Weather. in the Morning. self Andrew Garrett and Robt Longear set out from the Fort accompany'd by Me-sin-kish-ac an upland Indian and 3 others of his crew. also two of the home Indians. we ware in all 3 cannoes and tho' deep laden we had but, about 180 lbs Brazil Tobaco 130 lbs Powder 200 wt of Shott & Ball 6 Gall. Brandy. 6 Do. White Waters and some other trifling articals of Trading goods and a few Necefsary stores such as hatchetts, Awgers &c for arecting the House. as for Provisions we only took 2 Peck's of Oatmeal and 12 lb of Bisquett. At Night lay about 18 Miles from the Fort up Hay River."

June 24 Friday
" Strong gales at S. early in the Morning 4 Canoes of upland Indians came down the River to where we lay. it presently comeing on to Rain, did not move."

June 25 Saturday
" Fine Clear weather wind at W. The Indians who Join'd us yesterday inform's me that the Rivers are very shoal; and observing our Cannoes to be very deep, say'd I had better send some of the heavy goods back, before we got farther from the Fort. accordingly I agreed to send back by them 2 Baggs containing 56 lbs of shott and Ball, and the 2 Pecks of Oatmeal. we then proceeded on our way up Hays River, and the 4 Cannoes above mention'd went down to the Fort with their Trade and took with them the Shott &c. - at Night we lay about 38 Miles from the Fort."

June 26 Sunday
" Fine Pleasent Weather. Track'd and Paddl'd till about 8 miles up Steel River where we put up for the Night. Steel River at this Part tends nearly SSW and NNE - the Mouth of which is about 60 Miles from the Fort. and Hays River from the Mouth of Steel River Tends nearly South-West."

June 27 Monday
" Ditto Weather. set out early in the Morning but by the time we had Paddl'd about one Mile we met 4 Cannoes of Trading Indians as on their way to the Fort with Furrs &c.
I Presented them with a little Tobaco which they seem'd thankfull for, and say's they aprov'd of the intended inland settlement, as did those also whom we met on the 24th Instant:
The Remaindor of the Day the Ind. Expended in Smoaking & Drinking with their Friends."

June 28 Tuesday
" Ditto Weather Track'd and Paddl'd about 12 Miles farther up Steel River, then met 4 Cannoes of Afsinney Poets going to the Fort with Trade. I presented them with a little Tobaco, and smoak'd my Calimett of Peace with them. these also seem'd well pleas'd with our intentions and Promous'd their best afsistance in geting up Part of the Men and goods. - The Remaindor of the Day ware spent as pr yesterday."

June 29 Wednesday
" Ditto W. Track'd and Paddl'd about 20 m to the SSW up Steel River, and left Chuckatnaw River to the Southward of us as pr Draft. The River at this Part is very bad being entirely confus'd with stones and Ridges."

June 30 Thursday
" Ditto Weather track'd and paddl'd 18 or 20 Miles to the SW up the above River and in our way crofst several troublesom Rappids and one Carrying Place."

July 1 1774 Friday
" Paddl'd about 16 miles Part of the way To the NW? and part in the WSW through small Rivers and in general very shoal. this day Crofst 4 Carrying Places. - The Woods here are much the same as Near the Fort."

July 2 Saturday
" The first and Middle parts fine Moderate Weather. the latter Part strong gales at SW with heavey showers of Rain.-
The water ware so shoal this day as not to admit of either us or the Ind. to sit in the Cannoes, but ware oblig'd to walk alongside of them and hand them Clear of Stones &c by which means we Drag'd and carried in all about 10 Miles. in the way crofst 2 Carrying Places one of which ware at least a Mile long.
at Night we Put up at the Branch wher Fox River & the Pe-gog-a-may River Joins and Empty themselves into Steel River-
The Pe-gog-a-may River I destinguish by that Name on account of the Pe-gog-a-may Indians always comeing that way, when they visit YF, it is also the way Mr Cocking went inland in the Year 1772 and is the Westermost Track Mention'd in Isaac Batts Draft.
The Wood over this part are mostly Pine and the Banks of the Rivers Steep, high and Stoney."

" Remarks in July 1774"

July 3 Sunday
" Strong gales at West. Paddl'd about 12 miles to the WbN? and WNW up Fox River and left the Pe-gog-a-may River to the South of us. this Day Crofs'd 2 Carrying places."

July 4 Monday
" Ditto W. Paddl'd about 12 m to the WBN and WNW up fox River most of the way very shoal."

July 5 Tuesday
" Ditto and a strong gale at West. Paddl'd about 25 Miles between the W and SW 10 Miles of the way up fox River. the Remaindor of the way on a small lake and little River ajoining thereto. this Day crofst 4 Carrying places. at the last of which we Put up for the Night.
Here the Woods are much smaller then near the Fort mostly Poplars and small Birch, the Banks of the little lake we Crofst ware very low cover'd? with long grafs and Bushes. the Bottom of the Lak very Stoney-
This day kill'd several Molting Swans which is the first thing has been kill'd since we left the Fort."

July 6 Wednesday
" Ditto Weather with heavey showers of Rain. Paddld about 11 Miles to the W and SW through small Rivers then put up by the side of a small Lake. at Night heavey Rain - This Day crofst 4 Carrying Places."

July 7 Thursday
" Ditto Wind and heavey showers of Rain at intervails. Paddl'd about 10 Miles to the W and WSW through narrow lakes and little Rivers which Joins them. the Road very bad and Stoney and the Lakes so shoal in many Parts as to scarce admitt the Cannoes to crofs them. The Banks low and stoney and the woods Poor and scrubby.
This Day kill'd several Molting Swan's, Geese &c."

July 8 Friday
" Fine Pleasent Weather. Paddl'd 20 m to the W & SW through narrow Lakes and small Rivers all Confused with falls and Shoals. This day Crofst 5 Carrying Places."

July 9 Saturday
" Ditto W Paddl'd 25 m to the SW and W through fine Pleasent Lakes, full of fine Woodey Islands but in the Morning we Crofst 4 Carrying Places. killd some swans Geese &c."

" Remarks in July 1774"

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July 10 Sunday
" Dark cloudy Weather. Paddl'd 17 Miles to the SW aCrofs fine? Lakes as pr Yesterday. then came to the End of this chain of Lakes (as appears by the Draft) so ware obliged to carry the goods and Cannoes acrofs? a Neck of Land about 3 Miles wide, then came to a branch of the Theiscatchiwan River where we lay alnight.
This Branch of the Theiscatchiwan, by the Indians account Emptys itself into Port Nelson but the Currant being so strong and a scarce part for Provisions, the Indians seldom makes it their Track to or from the Fort."

July 11 Monday
" Fresh gales at West went down the Theiscatchiwan about 6 Miles then struck off to the Westward through a Small winding Creek, in some parts very shoal and Stoney. after Paddleing, Draging, and Carreying about 8 Miles up the Creek, we came to a Lake about 16 Miles Wide which we Crofst then Carried the goods and Cannoes about 1/2 Mile, and then came to another Lake where we Put up for the Night."

July 12 Tuesday
" Bad Rainey W. Wind at SW. did not move. this Day one of the Indians left us but at Night Returned again."

July 13 Wednesday
" Fine Pleasent Weather. Paddl'd 25 Miles to the W and SW a Crofs fine Lakes. in the Morning we left a River to the NE of us which also Emptys itself into Port Nelson - and is the way the Indians in Company went to York Fort this Spring.
It is the general opinion of all the Natives in Company that that will be the best way to get goods up inland in large Cannoes. there being no obstructions except Carrying Places - but the Reason of their not Returning that way ware on account of the Ice being some what dangerous to Pafs it being not fallen from the Banks, and tho the Channel of the River is clear yet to shun Rocks &c they ware Frequently oblig'd to Pafs under the hollow Ice. and sometimes large flakes Broke off and fall into the River not far from their Cannoes the danger of which deter'd them from Returning that way."

July 14 Thursday
" Strong gales at NW Paddl'd 24 Miles on the above lakes and a little River Joining thereto. the Course Sometimes in the SW Qr? and sometimes in the NW. This day Crofst 2 small falls or Rappids and one Carreying Place."

" Remarks in July 1774"

" The Indians giving so Pleaseing an account of this new Track to the Fort has made me partly determin to come this way Next Year and go down Port Nelson accordingly I this Day lay'd up about 12 lb of Brazil Tobaco to be a pipe for those Indians who may accompany me to the Fort in 1775. Most of the woods which we came by for these 2 Days Past have formaly been set of fire, as ware also in many other Parts as we came along."

July 15 Friday
" Ditto Gales at NW. Paddl'd about 12 m to the SW. through a Small River and Part of a long Lake full of Islands, on one of which we lay alnight. it ware early in the Day when we put up but it blew to hard to Proceed farther. Most of the Islands are clad with thick woods, consisting of Pine, Poplar, & birch."

July 16 Saturday
" Ditto Wind tho more moderate. Paddl'd about 40 Miles to the SW & WSW acrofs the Remaindor of the above Lake and a little River Joining thereto. Crofst 5 Carreying Places - at the last of which we Put up for the Night - In some Parts which we came by this Day, the woods war fine and Tall. the shores of the lakes as well as the Rivers all stoney and in general drop water close to the Rocks."

July 17 Sunday
" Fine Pleasent Weather. Paddl'd about 50 Miles to the WBS & SSW aCrofs part of Po-cut-a-ho Lake and Part of Grafs River. in the Morning crosf't 2 Carreying Places."

July 18 Monday
" Ditto Weather paddl'd about 35 Miles up grafs River which tho very crooked the mean Course is W and WBS. This Day crofs't 7 Carreying Places. Grafs River is a very Pleasent spot being all Deep water between the Falls. it abounds with Ducks and other water fowl. there are also great Plenty of Moose but the Indians will not take time to hunt them."

July 19 Tuesday
" Strong gales at North Paddl'd about 28 Miles to the SBW & SSW on the above River and Put up by the side of Wee-kus-qua Lake."

July 20 Wednesday
" Fine Pleasent Weather Crofs't the above Lake and 2 others with the little Rivers which Joins them, in all the Distance this Day is about 50 m Course about W. - The woods mostly Poplar and small Birch.
This Day Crofs't 3 Carreying Places."

" Remarks in July 1774"

July 21 Thursday
" Fine Modirate Weather. Paddl'd 36 miles to the W and WBS in our way crofs't 6 Carreying Places but the Water between them ware fine and Deep. in the afternoon we left? a small River to the south of us, which by the Indians account is a much nearer way to Basquiau than the Roade they propose to go but is all confus'd with falls and Shoals. in the Evening heavey Rain."

July 22 Friday
" Fine Pleasent W. Paddl'd 35 Miles to the SW through fine Deep Creeks and small lakes, then came to 2 Tents of Strange Indians so Put up for the Night. this Day Crofs't one Carreying Place which is aleast one mile and a half long."

July 23 Saturday
" Ditto Weather Paddl'd about 30 Miles to the S and SBW through gray goose Lake and River, then came to 9 Tents of Indians amongst whome were the wives and Families of those who accompany'd on from the Fort - From where we set out in the Morning we had the Currant in our favour and in gray goose River it Ran at the Rate of 2 miles pr hour - at least.
This Part is Call'd Ne-me-o-kip-a-hagon. As soon as our Tents war Pitchd and all things put to rights, I sent for all the Prinsaple Indians and presented each of them with a bit of Tobaco and acquainted them with the desine of my comeing Inland. Part of which seem'd to approve thereof, and others seem'd to doubt of our Succefs. Saying that the Pedlors by this time has to much influance, and that I ware to late in comeing. The Pedlors generosity is much talk'd of, and are say'd to give away great quanies? of goods for nothing, and as for Knives, Steels, Worms, Flints, awls, Needles & Paint, those Indians would Perswade me that they Never Trade but are given gratice to those who ask for them. Guns, Kettles, Powder, Shott, Cloth, Gartering &c they also tell? me are much cheaper than at the Company Standard. - I cannot pretend to say anything to the Contrary at Present but shal hereafter Endeavour to make myself better acquainted with the trooth of this very Extraordinary account.
I must needs say that it gave me no little uneasinefs to see so many fine fellows of Indians and their Families, not only Cloath'd with the Canadians goods finely ornimented, but ware also furnished with every other Necefsary artical, and seem'd not to be in want of anything. Not the least appearance of the Company's Trading goods among them, Except a few guns and Hatchetts, the latter of which the Canadians brings but few and sell them Dear."

" Remarks in July and August 1774"

July 24 Sunday
" Hott Sultry Weather - did not move."

July 25 Monday
" Ditto Weather several Tents of Indians came and Pitch'd by us and some of those we found here went away."

" The 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th did not move, but on Sunday the 31st myself and Men together with the 2 home Indians, and a few others went down a little River about 6 miles to the Southward, then came to a long lake, but it blowing fresh ware oblig'd to Put up for the Night. The Captain who came from the Fort with me is to follow after in a Day or two. all the other Indians who accompany'd me from the Fort going their Respectave ways put me under the Necefsaty of Purchising 2 Cannoes to Carrey the goods &c."

Aug. 1 1817 Monday
" Fine Pleasent Weather. Paddl'd about 15 or 16 Miles to the SBW and SSW on the above lake then Put up on an Island. the Men went a hunting but killd nothing - at Night the Captain Joind us again."

" Tuesday the 2nd and Wednesday the 3rd strong gales at SE could not move. each day the men went a hunting but killd nothing. at Present very hard times being in great want of Provisions as have been for these 4 days Past."

Aug. 4 Thursday
" More Moditrate Paddl'd about 10 Miles to the SBW and SW on the above lake then Put up and the Men went a hunting but Return'd without any succefs. - at Night heavey Rain."

Aug. 5 Friday
" Strong gales at NW with heavey showers of Rain mov'd about 6 m to the westward on the above Lake then ware oblig'd to Put up on the account of the badnefs of the Weather. as Yet killd nothing.
This Day we Pafs'd by one of the Pedlors houses and tho nobody is in it at Present it is where Lewis Primo and 17 others winter'd last Year and by the Indians account, as soon as the Ice Permitted them this Spring they Embark'd with all their goods &c and Proceeded to the Northward to intercept the Arathapescow, or Athapus-cow Indians in their way to Prince of Wales Fort - which by account they did with great Succefs, so that few of that Valuable Tribe of Indians are gone down to Churchill this year. Primo is not the master of the Gang but being well acquainted with those Parts ware their chief Pilot and Trador. one Forbersher I am inform'd ware Master."

" Remarks in August 1774"

Aug. 6 Saturday
" The first and Middle Parts Ditto Weather the latter Part more Modirate so that we crofs'd the Lake, it being at this Part not more than a mile wide. we Put up by the side of a little River which leads to the Theiscatchiwan. we set our Nett and Caught a few fish and the Indians killd several Young geese."

Aug. 7 Sunday
" Fine Modirate W. Paddl'd about 16 Miles to the SW and then by Carreying the goods and Cannoes about 400 Yards we came to the River Theiscatchiwan. This is the Spott the Catapain whome I'm? with advises me to build on. but on Examination I find it will by no means answer. The Banks of the River being so low that they frequently overflow and the woods noway fit for our Purpose being all Very large Poplar and so thin that by the Time we could collect as much as would Build a house there would scarse be a stick within a mile or two Round us. -
This Part is by the Indians account rather better than 2 Days Paddle before the Currant above Basquiau which from the swiftnefs of the Currant cannot be much lefs then 100 Miles. and much the same Distance or rather farther up the River to the French Houses. -
Tho we have spoke with several Indians from all Quarters since our arival in these Parts I can get no intelligence of Mr Cocking Isaac Batt, and others, whome I expected would have ben here before me.
Monday Tuesday and Wednesday did not move being bad Rainey Weather and tho the men went a hunting each Day they did not kill any thing. Dureing the whole time we had nothing to Eat Except Berries which when eaten in so large a quantity as to stop hunger are of such an astringent quality (Espesually to Strangers) that me and my 2 men ware much disordered by them, at the same time hungor oblig'd us to have Resorse? to a still greater quantity let the Consiquence Prove as it may."

Aug. 11 Thursday
" Fine Pleasent Weather. being still in the same Destrefs for want of Provisions and No appearance of any thing to be got here we Embark'd and crofs't down the River after Paddleing about 25 m we met with 10 Cannoes of Basquiau Indians so Put up for the Night. they having Plenty of Dry Meat &c I Traded some for Present use."

" Friday the 12th and Saturday the 13th did not move. Traded some Dry'd Meat and Moose skinns to Mak a Tent for Me and My men to live in till we can build a house."

" Remarks in August 1774"

Aug. 14 Sunday
" Fine Pleasent W. mov'd about 16 Miles farther down the River Theiscatchiwan to a little Creek which is say'd by the Natives to abound with fish - we found a Ware ready Built for ketching them but being a little out of repare we set the Fishing Nett and Caught several fine Fish. Namely Pike, Carp, & Tittemeg. - The Basquiau Indians all came back and Tented by us."

Aug. 15 Monday
" Variable Winds and Weather with flying showers of Rain. Repar'd the Ware and caught several fish. as did also with the Nett."

" Tuesday 16th & Wednesday the 17th Fine Pleasent Weather several of the Indian Men went a hunting and kill'd 4 Moose."

Aug. 18 Thursday
" The first and Middle Parts fine Pleasent Weather the latter Part Strong gales at NE with heavey Rain. Early in the Morning myself and one Indian man went down the River in a Cannoe towards Basquiau in search of woods and a Proper place to build in but after Paddleing about 38 Miles ware oblig'd to Put up it comeing on heavey Rain and a Strong gale from the NE which is nearly the Course of the River.
The whole way we Paddl'd this day ware fine Deep water & the shores of the River soft Midd. woods in general but thin (all Poplar) and in many Parts nothing but Tall bushes of willows for a Considerable distance together. The Banks of the River are so low that all the Land Backward is Swamps and Marshes, all over run with willows, small Poplars and other small underwood."

Aug. 19 Friday
" Fine Pleasent Weather. Paddl'd about 16 Miles farther down the River then came to Basquiau which is entirely bare from all kind of woods. where the house formaly stood is all over run with willows &c and not the least bit of the Building standing or Remaining except Part of the Fire Place.
Finding no woods here fit for our use, I went a little farther down where we found a Hommock of fine strait handy Pine on the same side as Basquiau, and about half a mile Distant. The Banks at this Part is much higher then any I saw above Basquiau and tho stoney is fine and levle. this part seems midlinly comodious for the above articals, and the 2 little Rivers; one at Basquiau, the other about 2 Miles above are said to abound with Plenty of Fish all the Year except the Month of January. the Lakes and Ponds ajacent are also said to be Remarkable for Plenty of Geese, Wwans? &c Every Spring and fall. The Woods near this Part on both sides of the River are but Poor and Scrubby Mostly Poplar and Small Birch. Among the underwood."

" Remarks in August 1774"

" The Berry Bushes are so interwove that it ware with difficulty I walk'd through them. the Berrys chiefly consist of Cherries, Rafberys Black Currant and hipps.
I Expended the whole day in Examineing the Parts near the Pine Hommock but did no Determine to build there till? I had Consulted the Indian Chiefs whether it would be as Comodious for Drawing the Natives to Trad as it seem'd to be for some other Conveneancies.
In the Evening we Returnd up the River to the Small Creek about 2 Miles above Basquiau where we lay alnight, by the side of a Fishing ware which abounds with fish of several kinds, many of which we Caught, namely Pike, Sturgeon Carp Tittemeg, Perch, and Burbutt."

Aug. 20 Saturday
" Set out in the Morning with an intent to Return to where I left my People but by the time we had crofs't to the North shore it came on a heavey gale at SE with Thunder and Rain which oblig'd us to Put up and lay there alnight. Close by where we lay ware an old Canadian House laying in Ruins."

Aug. 21 Sunday
" Fine Pleasent W. set out Early in the Morning and Paddl'd up the River, in our way we met with 22 Cannoes of Basquiau Indians who seemd very Courtious, ask'd me how I lik'd their Country: and said they approv'd of my settleing in their Quarter; and offerd their afsistance in Procureing Provisions &c - being as yet not detirmin'd, I gave them no Pofsative answer, but told them they undoubtedly would hear for sertin, long before the Seting in of the Fall, and afsur'd them of kind treatment and good Payment for any thing they should bring to Trade, at the same time I Presented them with a little Tobaco, and some other Trifleing articals which I took with me for that Purpose."

Aug. 22 Monday
" Ditto Weather set out Early in the Morning and in the Evening we arived at our Tentt where I found Wm Flatt and Mag. Slater who had arived in my absence and brought with them the Following goods (Viz.) Broad Cloth Blue 24 Yards. Tobaco Brazil 98 lbs. Powder 166 lbs. Shot Bristol 84 lbs Ditto India 140 lbs, Kettles 5 Gn one Do. 3 Quart 2 Total Weight 12 lbs 1/2?. one 4 foot Gun. one 3 1/2 foott Do. 3 Yards of Duffill, one Sean Nett. one Crofs cut Saw and a Spade also 6 falling hatchetts.
The Bill of Parcels? sent with the Goods mentions 56 lbs of Duck Shott but Flatt and Slater informs me that the Indians who brought them here sent it back by some other whome they met in their way after being some Days from the Fort."

" Remarks in August 1774"

" Tuesday the 23rd Wednesday the 24th Thursday the 25th Friday 26th and Saturday the 27th did not move. The People Emp'd when the Weather would Permitt in catching and drying of Fish &c."

Aug. 28 Sunday
" Dark Cloudy Weather about Noon 4 Cannoes of half homeguard Indians came to the Tent and Brought with them James Banks and the following goods (Viz.) 133 lbs Powder, 140 lbs of Indian Shott, 84 lbs Bristoll Do., 16 Blanketts, Kettles 3 Qt No. 3, 12 Yards of Flannel, and one 3 1/2 foot gun-
A line from Mr Jacobs mentions of Robert Flatt being in company with James Banks and those Indians but Banks inform's me that when 7 Days from the Fort, the Man with whome Flatt ware with and one other, struck of another way but Promous'd to be at Basquiau as soon as they. By the bull of Parcels it appears that they have the Following goods with them Viz. 66 lbs Powder India Shott 84 lbs, Duck Do. 56 lbs., 33 1/2 lbs of Brazil Tobaco, 9 Blankett, one Yard Duffill one 3 Qt Kettle, one 3 1/2 Foot gun and 2 falling hatchetts."

Aug. 29 Monday
" Bad Rainey Weather. this day fitted out the half home Indians for their Returning to the Fort this Fall. also after a long Consultation with the Indian Chiefs and others in Company I determin'd to build the house, at least for the insewing winter, at a Part Call'd Pine Island Lake - it is the general opinion of those Indians that that Part will be more comodious both for Drawing the Indians to Trade as well as for Provisions then Basquiau, it laying in the Middle between three Tribes."

Aug. 30 Tuesday
" Fine Pleasent Weather in the Morning the half home Indians Returned with whome I sent the 2 Home Indians who afsisted me up. they being of no service in hunting and ware too lazey to work like the Rest of my Men. one of the 4 foot guns being out of Repare and unfit for Service I also sent it back with them to the Fort.
The People Emp'd Drying what Fish they have already Caught and Prepareing to move tomorrow."

Aug. 31 Wednesday
" Do. Weather Early in the Morning one Cannoe of Indians from Basquiau came and Traded some Dry'd meat and Moose Skinns and soon after return'd. about Noon we set out and Proceeded up the Theiscatchiwan about 16 miles then Put up by the Mouth of a little River which Proceeds from Pine Island Lake."

" Remarks in September 1774"

Sept. 1 1774 Thursday
" Ditto Weather Paddl'd about 16 Miles up the above little River then Put up for the Night. in the Evening one Cannoe of Basquiau Indians came to the Tent who informd me of several more being near who had some Dry meat and a few Skins to Trade."

Sept. 2 Friday
" Ditto W did not move. in the Morning 7 Cannoes of the above Indians came, of whome I Traded a good deal of Dry'd meat some Moose skins and a few Parchment Beaver. - they soon after Return'd."

Sept. 3 Saturday
" Fine Pleasent Weather as above. set out early in the Morning and Paddld about 10 Miles up the above little River then came into Pine Island Lake. We then went about 2 Miles to the Westward on the South side. when we came to a fine Bay, which seem'd very Comodious for building on, so we landed and I Pitch'd on the part I thought would be most conveniant. The People Emp'd the Remaindor of the Day in Clearing a spot of Ground to Build a log Tent on for the Present. The Spot I Propofe to build the Proper house on is fine and Levle; and tho not very high has seldom or Ever ben known to overflow by any of the Indians in Company. The Ground is stoney intermix'd with Clay, the woods on Each side for about one forth of a mile is fine Strait Pine intermixed with Poplars and small Birch, but farther Backwards the woods are mostly Poplar. it has a Commanding view of Pine Island Lake for several miles Each way and is said to have some good fishing Places near. also plenty of geese, Spring and fall. It is about 10 miles to the Eastward of where I first came to the Theiscatchiwan and about the Same Distance to the westward of the house where Lewis Primo winterd at in 1773 & Part of 1774."

Sept. 4 Sunday
" Ditto W. Carpenter and people Emp'd helveing of Hatchetts ready for going to work tomorrow."

Sept. 5 Monday
" Ditto Weather Carpenter and People Emp'd falling of wood for the Log Tent. This day 11 Cannoes of Grafs River Indians came and pitch'd by us, of whome I Traded some Moose flesh and a few Parchment Beaver."

Sept. 6 Tuesday
" fine Pleasent Weather Wind at SW the Carpenter and one man Emp'd arrecting the logg Tent. the rest of the People Carreying in loggs &c for that use."

" Remarks in September 1774"

Sept. 7 Wednesday
" Ditto W Carpenter and People Emp'd as before. the 11 Cannoes of Indians who came the other Day Return'd to their Families. at Night almost finished the outside of the Logg Tent."

Sept. 8 Thursday
" Ditto W. People Emp'd Caulking the seames of the Tent with Mofs, and in the Evening we Remov'd all our goods &c into our new habitation."

Sept. 9 Friday
" Early in the Morning an Indian Man came to the Tent and inform'd me of his having kill'd a Moose not not far off for which I pay'd him and sent the People with 2 Cannoes to fetch home the Meat."

Sept. 10 Saturday
" Ditto W. in the Morning the People Return'd with the meat. Carpenter Emp'd making of Doors for the Logg Tent. The People Emp'd the Remaindor of the day in Drying the Meat the Weather being too warm to keep otherwise - in the Afternoon one Cannoe came and Brought 3 fine Sturgeon which I Traded."

Sept. 11 Sunday
" Do. W. People Emp'd Drying of meat to Prevent it from Spoiling."

Sept. 12 Monday
" The Carpenter and People Emp'd Building a little Store room on the E end of the Logg Tent or house."

" Tuesday the 13th and Wednesday the 14th People Emp'd as Before. 4 Cannoes came with at little Deers Flesh."

Sept. 15 Thursday
" Strong gales at SE so that the Indians could not Return. the People Employd Plastering the outside of the Store room with Clay &c."

Sept. 16 Friday
" Dark Cloudy W with a little Raine tho Calm. the Indians Return'd to their Families. the People Emp'd as Pr Yesterday. the Carpenter laying the floor with Round loggs, and fixing some little Conveniancies in the inside. The Captain and some of his Young men who Came from the Fort with me are still Tenting by us."

Sept. 17 Saturday
" Fine Pleasent Weather Carpenter and People Emp'd as before. this Day 3 Cannoes of Grafs River Indians came and Pitch'd by us who offer their afsistance in hunting geese for us this Fall."

" Remarks in September 1774"

Sept. 18 Sunday
" Fine clear Weather."

Sept. 19 Monday
" Do. W. People all Emp'd geting of Long grafs and Thatching the Storehouse for the Mudd Plastering is so much Crack'd with the heat of the Sun that am much afraid It would not be tight in Rainey Weather. this Evening finish'd the Warehouse and Tent which is in all 28 feet by 14."

Sept. 20 Tuesday
" Ditto Weather. People Emp'd falling of Timber to build the Proper house with the Carpenter Emp'd Squareing of Timber pr Ditto."

Sept. 21 Wednesday
" Dark Cloudy W. Carpenter and People Emp'd as pr Yesterday."

Sept. 22 Thursday
" People Emp'd as before. 8 Cannoes of Grafs River Indians came and brought a good deal of Dry'd meat some Blathers of fatt and and a few Furrs. With the Indians that came this Day ware one Frenchman who belongs to one of the houses up the Theiscatchiwan. he could talk no English and but very little Indian."

Sept. 23 Friday
" People Employd falling of Timber for the House. the Carpenter afsisting me in Trading with the Indians from whome I got a good deal of Dry'd Meat for a Winters Stock a few Wolf skins and some Parchment Beaver."

Sept. 24 Saturday
" Strong gales at SW People Emp'd as before, Self and Carpenter Trading with the Indians as Pr Yesterday. in the Afternoon 4 Cannoes went away and the Frenchman with them."

Sept. 25 Sunday
" Fine Pleasent Weather. This Day 3 Cannoes of Grafs Indians from the Buffalow Country came with a few wolf Skins some Dry'd meat and a little Buffalow fatt. one of them ware a Leader or Captain who endeavour'd to Preswade me to go higher up this fall urgeing many difficulties that would attend us in wintering here. as each Different Tribe are desirous of having goods brought as near their own doors as Pofsable, it is a Piece of Polisy in them to Praise their Part for the Plentyfulnefs of Furrs and Provisions and at the same time condemn every other Part. I gave hime to understand that the intent of my Comeing inland ware not to settle in any Part to serve a few individuals only, but with an entent to be Equally servisable to the whole Community at the Same time told him that my resolutions Ware to firmly fixed to mak any more moving this Fall; for ware I still to listen to the different voices and opinions I might be kept in a State of unsertinty till the close of the winter with out any Provision being mad for it."

" Remarks in September 1774"

Sept. 26 Monday
" Fresh gales at NW with flying showers of Rain. People Emp'd falling of Timber. the Carpenter Squaring Do. self Trading with the Indians who came yesterday.
This Day I smoakd the Calimett of Peace with the above Captain and tho he could not Preswade me to move nearor his Quarter this fall has Promous'd to Build me 3 Large Cannoes. and Says he and his Crew will accompany me to the Fort in 1775. he is the man Mr Cocking went inland with in 1772.
As to my Procureing Birch Rind in the fall and Winter as mention'd in the Companys Letter to me of May 1773 is at Present noways Pofsable, for my number of men are not only small but are entirely unacquainted with the nature of geting it as wel as every other duty that is not Emediately Preform'd at the Factory & none of them ever having ben farther from the Fort then a Wooding or hunting Tent."

Sept. 27 Tuesday
" Ditto gales with constant hard Rain so that the People could not work out of Doors - 5 Tents of Indians by us."

Sept. 28 Wednesday
" Do. W. one Man Emp'd making a fishing Nett out of some Twine which we Brough from the Fort. the rest of the People Emp'd doing some Necefsary Jobbs in the house."

Sept. 29 Thursday
" Modirate Weather and Clear. People falling of Timber the Carpenter squareing &c. this Morning the Captain above mention'd, Return'd as did several others and 2 Cannoes more of Basquiau Indians Came with Meat &c."

Sept. 30 Friday
" Fresh gales at NW with snow and sleet. People and Carpenter Emp'd as before. one Tent of Indians went away to their winter's Quarters and another Tent of grafs River Indians came and Pitched by us."

" Remarks in October 1774"

Oct. 1 Saturday
" Fine Clear Weather but a Cold air from the NW. Carpenter and People Emp'd making a New Chimney the old one being very Smoakey."

Oct. 2 Sunday
" Ditto Weather. Traded a few geese from the Indians which for want of Brandy come's very Dear, as does all other kind of Provisions and tho the Lake we are Tenting on abounds with fish this time of the Year, yet we seldom can get any, for the Indians always steals them out of the Nett in the Night that being the Case this day order'd the Nett to be taken up and brought home."

Oct. 3 Monday
" Thick Cloudy W. wind at E the Carpenter Emp'd making a Table one hand about the Fishing Nett and the Rest falling of Timber &c."

Oct. 4 Tuesday
" Very strong gales at E. People Emp'd falling of Timbers the Carpenter finished the Table, and some other Necefsary Jobbs.
This Day I gave each of the People a Drefst Moose Skin to mak them a Toggey for the Winter."

Oct. 5 Wednesday
" Fine Clear Weather Wind at SE Carpenter Emp'd squaring of Timber the People falling."

Oct. 6 Thursday
" Dark Cloudy Weather with flying showers of light Rain. Carpenter and People Emp'd as before. this Day 21 Cannoes from differant Parts Came and pitch'd by us some of which traded a little Dry'd meat and a few Parchment Beaver with me but the greatest Part of them, saves their good for the Pedlors whome they expect this way every Day."

Oct. 7 Friday
" fresh gales at the SE and Clear W. Carpenter and People Emp'd as before. Traded a little Dryd Meat a few Blathers of Fatt and the Flesh of 2 Beaver."

Oct. 8 Saturday
" Fine Clear Weather. Carpenter and People Emp'd as before. Traded a little Meat, and some Parchment Deerskins for Snow shoe Netting."

" Remarks in October 1774"

Oct. 9 Sunday
" Fine Pleasent Weather wind at SW at about Noon 7 Cannoes of Canadian Pedlors came and landed about 100 Yards from our house. They brought with them Robert Flatt whome they found at the head of the great Lake or Wenipegg. The Indians who brought him from the Fort after taking all the goods from him. treated him very crewilly and then went their ways - and had not the Canadian's hapen'd to have came that way probabely he never would have ben heard off. Tho there ware one Tent of strange Indians staying where he ware left, yet from the very unkind usage he Receiv'd from them, they ware little hopes of their taking care of him in the Winter - 6 of the above Cannoes belongs to 2 Brothers Forbersher by name. Mefs Paterson and Franceway came in the other Cannoe out of Curiosity. -
the 2 Forbershers with their 6 Cannoes are going to the NW of this Part to Winter with the Arathapescow, or Athapuscow Indians. But Mr Paterson and Franceway are going higher up the Theiscatchiwan with 7 More Cannoes which they have left about 9 Miles distant from here, in the care of one Homes, another of their Partners.
Mefs Paterson and Franceway took care of Robert Flatt and cloath'd him very well, for the Indians had strip'd him almost Naked. the Masters ware all very kind to him but those above mentiond Particularly so. I thank'd them for the care they had Taken of my man and offer'd to satiffy them for the Expence they ware at in Cloathing him &c which they Declined Accepting saying he ware very welcome. -
After the Canadian's Tents ware Pitch'd Mefs Patterson Forbersher and Franceway gave me an invitation to sup with them which as they ware so near I did not think any harm in accepting of. Mr Forbersher Jun? is the Person who commanded the Canadian's who winterd in the little house about 10 Miles to the E of us in the Year 73 & Part of 74 and when he Proceeded down to the grand portage with his Trade this Spring. he left Lewis Primo and 3 other men, to Build Part of a house in the Draft of Churchill River against his arival this Fall to which part he is going to Proceed as fast as Pofsable."

Oct. 10 Monday
" Strong gales at NW so that the Canadians could not move."

Oct. 11 Tuesday
" Modirate and Cloudy. Early in the Morning the Canadians all Embarkd and went their Prospectave ways. the 2 Forbershers with their 6 Cannoes went away for their New house, and Mefs Paterson and Franceway returnd to Join their other 7 Cannoes. The Indian Captain who brought me from the Fort and has ben Tenting by me Eversince, ware so affected with the smell of the Canadians New England Rum that he and his crew embark'd and follow'd after them before they ware out of Sight.
While the Canadians ware here I understood by Mr Paterson that he ware in partnership with many others all of which Except, Homes & Franceway went different ways where a little above the great Lake or Wenipegg. the Reason of their seporating so wide from each other, is on account of geting the furrs cheaper and at the same time enables them to Provide Provisions for the Men at lefs Expence and with greater sertinty then they Pofsably could Do if in greater Bodies.
Their Cannoes are 24 foot Long 4 foot 8 Inches Broad and 1 foot 8 Inches deep, and are paddl'd by 4 Men. the Pataroon or Steersman of each Cannoe has 50 £ Pr annom. the foresman £ 40 and the rest of the Crew 20 and 25 £ according to their goodnefs. 2 Men in Each Cannoe has 5 £ pr Ann. extraordinary for carreying And mending it on all accations. By the Masters account when they Embark at the grand Portage 65 or 70 Packs and Caggs, calld by them Pieces, are Put on board each Cannoe, with Provisions for 10 weeks at least, which according to the weight of their Packs &c. as also the Mens lumber. Each Cannoe Carries upwards of 2 Tons. 60 of these large Cannoes came into the internal Parts of the Country this Year. and ware all, in one Company when they Found Robert Flatt.
The Wages gave by the Canadian Pedlors Masters to their men sound very high: but when compard with the Prices of their goods which the men are under an obligation of taking up from them it bears no Proportion to the wages gave by the Hudson Bay Comp.
The Price's of Several articals my men collected from those of the Pedlors which are as follows, (Viz.) a Gun 5 £, New England Rum 10 Dollars pr Gallon. Tobaco 6 Livers pr lb. Cloth much inferior to the Companys: both in Weadth and finenefs 10 Livers pr Yard - small knives like the Companys Jack knives 2 a Dollar. and every other artical in Proportion."

Oct. 12 Wednesday
" Light airs from the SW with flying showers of Rain. People Emp'd falling of Timber the Carpenter squareing Do."

" Remarks in October 1774"

Oct. 13 Thursday
" Fine Pleasent Weather wind at SW: Carpenter and People Emp'd as before. this Day several Cannoes of Indians went away some after the Pedlors and some to their Winters Quarters"

Oct. 14 Friday
" Dark Cloudy Weather wind at NE with a Cold air. Carpenter and People as before Squaring of Timber &c."

Oct. 15 Saturday
" Ditto wind with Rain and sleet. People Emp'd geting of a little wood for the Fire - likewise set the fishing Nett and Caught a few Fish."

Oct. 16 Sunday
" Strong gales at NE and Cloudy Weather."

Oct. 17 Monday
" Fine Modirate Weather and Cloudy. the Carpenter and People Emp'd falling and Squareing Timber afs before.
About 10 a Clock all Night 7 Cannoes of Indians came to the Tent, who have ben at York Fort since the Departure of the Ship they Brought with them Robert Davey and the following letter with the goods &c mentiond there in.
York Fort September 11th 1774
Mr Hearne
Six Cannoes of Indians came here with a few skinn's to Trade. one of the Men being the Person you went with acquainted me you got safe up and ware begun your Preperations for building the House which gave me great Pleasure. I hope Mr Cocking and the Rest of the People got safe with the goods to you also. I have now sent by the above 6 Cannoes of Indians whose leader is called Shaw-caw-pon-nefs-cum. 3 Guns 4 foot. 231 lbs Powder in 7 Baggs. 196 lbs Bristol Shott in 7 Baggs. 196 lbs low East India in 7 Baggs. 238 lbs of Brazil Tobaco in 7 Parcels, 72 Bayonetts in 6 Parcels, 35 Gallons of Brandy in 7 Cags the Bungs seald with the Company's seal in wax also the Quadrant and Stand with all the Letters I Received for you and Mr Cocking & the Rest of the People with you.
The Ship ariv'd the 18th Ult and Sail'd the 2nd Instant all well.
You will Please to acquaint Mr Cocking he is appointed Master at Severn on which I Congratulate him. The things I Received for you and Mr Cocking are taken great care of till I hear from you.
If you should see Lewis Primo acquaint him he has forfited all the Money I had of his by his breach of Contract in deserting the Companys Service and that I have orders from the Committee to sell the New Cloaths I brought out for him and to Refund the money to the Company and that he is not to be Employ'd any more in the Service, we may Suppose John Cole in the same Predicament. with the aforemention'd Indians I have sent Robert Davey and 2 home Indians Call'd Nee-shue-wap-pey-a-thin, and Patte-cow-wow. I have Paid the Natives for carreying these goods up to you that they may not have any Demand upon you to lefson Your Stock. I Remain wishing you and all with you health and Succefs.
Yours
PS:
I have sent by the leader Shaw-cau-pun-nefs-cum, Meek?-a-thinnue and Robert Davey each a Bill of Parcels if any thing should be Return'd or left behind if I know it will account for it and if any more should be sent then is mentiond in the Letter it shall be mention'd in the Bill of Parcels.
Also sent by Nee-shue-nap-pay-a-thin, Patte-cow-wow and Robert Davey Each one kettle 1/2? Gallon total weight 10 lbs.
NB. 15 Gallons of the Brandy ware Expended before they ariv'd and 2 of the guns Blown - but all the other goods came Safe."

Oct. 18 Tuesday
" Fine Pleasent W People Emp'd falling of timber the Carpenter Squaring &c. this Day traded a few Parchment Beaver some Moose Leather and a little Dry'd meat and Fatt."

Oct. 19 Wednesday
" Dark cloudy Weather with a little Rain. the Carpen and People Emp'd adding 16 feet more to the Logg tent for Part of the People to live in."

Oct. 20 Thursday
" Ditto Weather People Emp'd as before. This Day I Trusted the Indians in all about 200 Beaver in Amanition, and other Necefsaries to help to support them Dureing the Winter."

Oct. 21 Friday
" Fine Modirate Weather but a Cold air from the NW this Morning upwards of 20 Cannoes of Indians went their Respectave ways. several of which have Promous'd to come in with Provisions &c as soon as the Rivers and Lakes are froze over, in the Evening the Remaindor of the Indians all went away Except 2 or 3 Women who Stays to Make, Mend, Knitt Snowshoes &c for us dureing the Winter.
The Carpenter and People Emp'd as before building the addition to the Tent."

Oct. 22 Saturday
" Strong gales at NW with cold Frosty Weather. The Carpenter and people Emp'd as before. the 2 home Indians went a hunting and at Night Returnd with only a few wood Patridges and one Phesent."

Oct. 23 Sunday
" Light airs from the NW and cold frosty W. this Morning when we arose we found all the Bays of the Lake froze over for near a mile from the Shore."

Oct. 24 Monday
" Ditto Weather with heavey Snow People Emp'd geting a little firewood."

Oct. 25 Tuesday
" Fine Clear Weather and Calm but hard frost. People Emp'd Clearing away the Snow from Round the House or Tent. Caught a few fish in the Nett."

Oct. 26 Wednesday
" Fresh gales at NW and Cold Frosty Weather. People Emp'd Clearing away the underwood from before the Front of the house. the Carpenter making of Shovels. the 2 home Ind. went a hunting. the lake almost froze over."

Oct. 27 Thursday
" Strong gales at NE some of the People Emp'd building a Baracado of Brushey sticks to the NW of the house it laying very open to that Quarter. the Rest of the People Emp'd mending and seting the fishing Nett. in the Evening the 2 home Indians came home but brought only 3 or 4 wood Patridges."

Oct. 28 Friday
" Ditto gales - with very heavey snow. 2 men look'd at the fishing Nett and Caught 2 Fish. - People Emp'd geting of Firewood - The Carpenter not well."

Oct. 29 Saturday
" Fine Mild Weather wind at SE People finishd the Baracado and got a little Fire wood. the Carpenter Very ill."

" Remarks in November 1774"

Oct. 30 Sunday
" The First Part fine Pleasent Weather the Middle and Latter Parts strong gale at NW with heavey Snow. the Carpenter better."

Oct. 31 Monday
" Fine Clear Weather. this Morning I sent the 2 home Indians and one of our men about 12 miles of to a Remarkable Part for sturgeon and other Fish. they took a Nett with them, and amanition for hunting. the Rest of the People Emp'd geting some dry wood to the House."

Nov. 1 1774 Tuesday
" Ditto Weather People Emp'd as before."

Nov. 2 Wednesday
" Strong gales at NE with snow. People Emp'd as before at Night the two home Indians and our Man came home but had no Succefs."

Nov. 3 Thursday
" Ditto W. with constant snow People emp'd as Before."

Nov. 4 Friday
" Modirate with constant snow. in the Evening an Indians man came to the house, whose family are all starving on the other side of the Lake. I gave him a little Dry'd meat &c to carrey home and they are to Pitch this way as soon as Pofsable - People Emp'd as before."

Nov. 5 Saturday
" Ditto Weather People Emp'd as before. the 2 home Indians making Show Shoes. - Caught 2 fish in the Nett."

Nov. 6 Sunday
" More Modirate."

Nov. 7 Monday
" Clowdy but fair Weather. People Emp'd making of Rabbitt hedging near the house. the 2 home Indians making of snowshoes as before - in the Afternoon the Indian Man who ware mentiond as Starveing came with all his family and Pitch'd by us. they are in all 16 in Number."

Nov. 8 Tuesday
" Ditto Weather. People and the 2 home Indians Emp'd as before."

" Remarks in November 1774"

Nov. 9 Wednesday
" Warm thawey Weather the Carpenter and People Squaring of Timber."

Nov. 10 Thursday
" Ditto Weather. having some Snowshoes Knitt. the 2 home Ind. and one of those who Came lately went a hunting the Carpenter and People Emp'd as before."

Nov. 11 Friday
" Cold clear Weather. Carpenter and People Emp'd as before. look'd at the fishing Nett but Caught no fish."

Nov. 12 Saturday
" Ditto Weather. 2 men set our other fishing Nett about 8 m to the Eastward of the house. the Carpenter and the Rest of the People Emp'd Squaring of Timbers. - The Tent of strange Indians still Tenting by us who are? making their Snowshoes &c - at Night the 2 home Indians and the other who went a hunting Returnd with out any Succefs."

Nov. 13 Sunday
" Strong gales at NW and Cold Drifty W. People Emp'd as before the Indians still Tenting by us but are to go away tomorrow. accordingly I fitted them out with amanition &c to Provide for themselves the Remaindor of the Winter."

Nov. 14 Monday
" Fine Clear Weather but a Cold air from the NW. Carpenter and People Emp'd Squaring. the above Indians went away to Provide for themselves, and one of the home Indians with them, who is to come back as soon as they kill any Moose or Deer.
2 men lookd at the Fishing Nett and Caught 7 Small Tittemegg."

Nov. 15 Tuesday
" Cold Drifty Weather. this Morning I sent the other home Indian and one of our men aCrofs the Lake to hunt any thing they may meet with. The Carpenter and People Emp'd as before. Prepareing of Timbers for the house."

" Remarks in November 1774"

Nov. 16 Wednesday
" Cold lear Weather People and Carpenter Emp'd as before. lookd at the fishing Nett and Caught only 2 fish."

Nov. 17 Thursday
" Ditto Weather. People Emp'd as before."

Nov. 18 Friday
" Ditto Weather People as Before look'd at the Fishing Nett and Caught several fine Fish."

Nov. 19 Saturday
" Ditto Weather People Emp'd falling of Timber the Carpenter Squaring &c"

Nov. 20 Sunday
" Ditto Weather."

Nov. 21 Monday
" Do. W. Men look'd at the Fishing Nett and Caught one small Sturgeon and several other fish, the rest of the People Emp'd stuffing the seames of the house with fresh Mofs. - in the Evening fine warm Weather."

Nov. 22 Tuesday
" Dark cloudy weather People Emp'd geting of Fire wood. in the Evening the home Indian and our man (who went a hunting on Tuesday Last) Return'd and Brought 4 Beaver."

Nov. 23 Wednesday
" Ditto Weather with heavey Snow. 2 Men look'd at the fishing Nett and Caught 4 Fish. the Remaindor of the People Emp'd geting of Firewood &c."

Nov. 24 Thursday
" Cowdy Weather with a little Snow Wind at SE - People Emp'd as before."

Nov. 25 Friday
" Mild clowdy weather. this Morning sent the home Indian and 2 other of our men a hunting they took with them tools Proper for taking of Beaver houses, the Rest of the People Emp'd as before. - Caught 5 Fish in the Nett."

Nov. 26 Saturday
" Ditto W. Wind at SE - People Emp'd as before - one Man Sick."

Nov. 27 Sunday
" Dark Cloudy W. Wind at SE with a little snow."

Nov. 28 Monday
" Clowdy Weather 2 men look'd at the fishing Nett and Caught several fish the Remaindor of the People Cuting of wood & shovleing away the Snow from Round the house."

" Remarks in December 1774"

Nov. 29 Tuesday
" Clowdy W. wind at NW People Emp'd as before."

Nov. 30 Wednesday
" Fine clear Weather. 2 Men look'd at the Nett and Caught a few Fish. the Rest of the People Cuting of firewood. &c."

Dec. 1 1774 Thursday
" Clowdy W wind at SE with snow. People Emp'd as before."

Dec. 2 Friday
" Clowdy warm weather 2 Men look'd at the Fishing Nett and caught several fish. People Emp'd as before. in the Evening The Indian Man who ware sometime since mention'd as starving came in with some of his family and brought 4 slead load of Moose Flesh. 2 other Indians came from the Northward who belongs to the Captain That brought up Rob Davey last fall. the 2 latter Indians brought nothing with them, they only came for a little Brandy for their Captain."

Dec. 3 Saturday
Strong Gales at NW with thick drifty weather and a little snow. People geting of wood &c. The 2 Indians from the Northward Return'd by whome I sent their Captain a little Brandy according to his desire, and a little Tobaco."

Dec. 4 Sunday
" Fine clear weather but a Cold air from the NW. this Morning the other Indians Returnd to their families who Promousd to bring us Provisions at all Conveniant opertunities dureing the Winter."

Dec. 5 Monday
" Ditto Weather 2 Men lookd at the Fishing Nett and Caught 5 small Sturgeon, the Remaindor of the People geting of Fire wood &c."

Dec. 6 Tuesday
" Ditto Weather. People Emp'd as Before."

Dec. 7 Wednesday
" Ditto Weather 2 Men lookd at the Nett and caught 2 Sturgeon and 3 small Tittemegg. People Emp'd as before."

Dec. 8 Thursday
" Ditto W. People Emp'd as before geting of firewood &c."

" Remarks in December 1774"

Dec. 9 Friday
" Ditto Weather. 2 men lookd at the Fishing Nett but Caught no fish. in the Evening the home Indian and our 2 Men who went a hunting on the 25th of Last Month. Return'd but has only killd a few beaver all of which they ware oblig'd to Eat before they ariv'd here."

Dec. 10 Saturday
" Ditto Weather. People geting firewood."

Dec. 11 Sunday
" Thick Clowdy Weather. wind at SE with snow."

Dec. 12 Monday
" Ditto weather. this morning sent the home Indian and 2 other of our men a hunting. 2 men lookd at the Fishing Nett but caught no Fish the Remaindor of the People shovleing of snow away from Round the house."

Dec. 13 Tuesday
" Ditto Weather. People Emp'd geting of wood."

Dec. 14 Wednesday
" Cold Clear Weather. wind at NW. 2 Men lookd at the Nett & Caught 4 small Sturgeon. the Rest of the People Cuting of wood &c."

Dec. 15 Thursday
" Ditto W. People Emp'd as Before."

Dec. 16 Friday
" Clear sharp Weather. look'd at the Fishing Nett but caught no fish - in the Afternoon 5 Frenchmen belonging to Mr Forbersher's crew calld at our house as on their Journey to Mefs Paterson, Homes and Franceway houses which are about 8 Days walk higher up the Theiscatchiwan. they inform me of Mr Forbersher and the Rest of his men being in great destrefs for want of Provisions which ware the reason of their leaveing the house. Those who came here ware in a Miserable condition having ben 20 Days from the house and killd nothing by the way."

Dec. 17 Saturday
" Ditto Weather the People Emp'd geting of wood the Frenchmen staying to Refresh themselves."

" Remarks in December 1774"

Dec. 18 Sunday
" Ditto Weather. in the Morning the Frenchmen went away but Provisions being very scarce with us it ware not in my Power to give them much to help them on their Journey. but while they stay'd they far'd like our own People which ware none of the best being but two Scanty meals Pr Day."

Dec. 19 Monday
" Ditto Weather. 2 Men look'd at the Fishing Nett but caught no fish the Rest of the People Emp'd geting of Firewood &c.
in the Evening 1 Indian and our own 2 men that left us on the 12th of this Month came to the house with a little Moose flesh."

Dec. 20 Tuesday
" Thick Cloudy Weather with a little snow - People Emp'd as before."

Dec. 21 Wednesday
" Ditto weather. 2 Men look'd at the Fishing Nett but caught no fish. in the Morning the Indians Return'd with whome I sent one of our men. The 2 home Indians are also tenting with them."

Dec. 22 Thursday
" Fine Pleasent weather for the Time of the Year. most of the People a hunting and killd a few Patridges. at Night 3 Indian Men from the Northward came to the house with a little Moose flesh.
the above 3 Indians who came to Day belong's to the Captain who came here with Rob. Davey in the fall."

Dec. 23 Friday
" Thick Clowdy Weather. 2 Men look'd at the Fishing Nett but caught no fish. the Remaindor of the People geting of Firewood &c."

Dec. 24 Saturday
" Ditto Weather. this Morning the 3 Indians Return'd with whome I sent 2 of our Men to haw home some Meat which they say they have laying at their Tent.
by the above Indians account their Tents are about 80 Miles Distant - The 4 People which are still Remaining at the house Emp'd shoveling away the Snow from the Doorways and Cuting a little wood for the fire."

Dec. 25 Sunday
" Ditto Weather."

" Remarks in December 1774"

Dec. 26 Monday
" Thick Clowdy W. 2 Men lookd at the Fishing Nett and Caught 2 small fish. the Remaindor of the Day Cuting wood &c."

Dec. 27 Tuesday
" Strong gales at SE with thick drifty W and some Snow. 2 Men hunting of Patridges, the other 2 Cuting of wood &c."

Dec. 28 Wednesday
" Strong gales at NW with very thick Drift so that the People could nither hunt nor work out of Doors."

Dec. 29 Thursday
" More Modirate. the People went a hunting and in the Evening Returnd with a few Patridges."

Dec. 30 Friday
" Modirate and Clear - 2 men lookd at the Fishing Nett but caught no fish. the other 2 men hunt only killd 2 Patridges."

Dec. 31 Saturday
" Fine Pleasent Weather. all the People a hunting but only killd 6 Patridges and one Phesent."

" Sunday the 1st of January 1775 - Fine Clear Weather.
Monday and Tuesday Ditto weather People hunting but killd only a few."

Jan. 4 Wednesday
" Strong gales at SE and Mild weather 2 Men look'd at the fishing Nett. but Caught nothing the other 2 men Emp'd clearing the Ice and Rime out of the Storehouse."

Jan. 5 Thursday
" Ditto Weather. People Emp'd falling of firewood &c."

Jan. 6 Friday
" People hunting but killd only one Patridge."

" Remarks in January 1775"

Jan. 7 Saturday
" Ditto Weather. People hunting & killd 8 Patridges. as yet no newse of our 3 Men. at Present only 4 men and myself at the house."

Jan. 8 Sunday
" fine Pleasent weather. being very short of Provisions the People went a hunting notwithstanding it's being Sunday."

Jan. 9 Monday
" thick Clowdy weather with a heavey flight of snow having caught nothing in the fishing nett for ovare? these 20 Days Past. I this morning sent 2 men to take them up and bring them home."

Jan. 10 Tuesday
" Ditto W. People cuting of wood."

Jan. 11 Wednesday
" Cold clowdy weather wind at NW one Man hunting and 2 angleing for fish but Caught nothing."

Jan. 12 Thursday
" Fine clear Weather with a light air from the NW. 3 Men hunting who killd 8 Patridges."

Jan. 13 Friday
" Ditto Weather 3 Men hunting killd 4 Patridges."

Jan. 14 Saturday
" Ditto Weather. 3 Men hunting killd only 2 Patridges. as yet no newse of our men nor the home Indians."

Jan. 15 Sunday
" Ditto Weather. People hunting but killd nothing."

Jan. 16 Monday
" Ditto Weather. People hunting killd 10 Patridges."

Jan. 17 Tuesday
" Ditto Ditto - killd 3 Patridges."

Jan. 18 Wednesday
" Ditto Weather. People as before."

Jan. 19 Thursday
" fine Pleasent W and in the Middle of the Day a little thaw. People killd 13 Patridges."

" Remarks in January 1775"

Jan. 20 Friday
" Ditto People hunting and killd 6 Patridges."

Jan. 21 Saturday
" Ditto Weather men hunting killd 6 Patridges - as yet no newse of our men nor the home Indians."

Jan. 22 Sunday
" Ditto W People as Before killd 8 Patridges."

" Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. Ditto Weather. each Day the people went a hunting and angleing and killd 26 Patridges and one large Trout."

Jan. 27 Friday
" Cold Clowdy Weather. wind at SW People hunting killd 10 Patridges."

Jan. 28 Saturday
" Mild Clowdy Weather. People as before. killd 8 Patridges. in the Evening one of our men (who left us on the 21st of lasmonth.) came home and one of the home Indians with him they brought with them a little meat &c."

Jan. 29 Sunday
" Clowdy Weather with thick snow and a strong gale at NW. People went a hunting but killd nothing."

Jan. 30 Monday
" Fine Mild Weather with a little thaw. this Morning I sent the home Indian and one of our men away a hunting and in the evening our other two men (whome I sent away on the 24th of last month) came home and 2 Indians with them. they only brought a little half dryd meat and the flesh of 5 Beaver."

Jan. 31 Tuesday
" Ditto Weather. some of the People hunting the Rest Cuting of Fire wood. this morning the 2 Indians Return'd."

" Remarks in Febuary 1775"

" Wednesday the 1st of Febuary 1775
Dark Clowdy Weather Inclinable to Snow. People hunting who killd 10 Patridges"

Feb. 2 Thursday
" Cold Blowey Weather wind at NE. People hunting but killd nothing. - at Night came on heavey Snow."

Feb. 3 Friday
" Warm weather with constant heavey Snow in the Evening our man and the home Indian came home Who had killd nothing since their departure."

Feb. 4 Saturday
" Cold W. with constant snow and a fresh gale from the NW People Emp'd Shovleing away the snow from Round the house & Cuting a little Firewood."

Feb. 5 Sunday
" More Modirate but very Cold. Wind as above. the People went a hunting but killd nothing."

Feb. 6 Monday
" Clear Weather but very sharp. the home Indian and 2 men went a hunting but killd only 2 Patridges. the rest of the People cuting of wood and shovleing away the snow from round the house."

Feb. 7 Tuesday
" Ditto Weather. the home Indian went a hunting but only killd 4 Partridges. the People Cuting wood as pr yesterday."

Feb. 8 Wednesday
" People Carrying wood for the Fire.
The very scanty allowance of provisions that we have ben put to for some time past has accationd many grumblings amongs some of the men but as from the first of the scarce times (which ware in the middle of December) I stipolated myself to the very same allowance in every artical. I told them they had no right to complain, knowing it ware not in my Power to Redrefs them. Finding Provisions grow short we stint ourselves to 2 scanty meals pr Day in December. and by the middle of January we ware so short that we could not afford more then a Small handfull of Dryd beat meat calld Thewhagon. and about 4 ounses of other Meat pr Man Each day. but for some time Past have ben redus'd to still shorter allowance. This scanty way of living at times being so different from the sertin good allowance at the Factory is so alarming to my men in general that it is with the greatest difficualty I can Preswade them from thinking that Entire famine must Ensew.
Patridges, Rabbitt, Fish &c have entirely faild since the scarse times which makes them much worse however I'm not without hopes of some Reliefe before long as I daily expect some Indians in."

" Remarks in Febuary 1775"

Feb. 9 Thursday
" Strong gales at NW with thick Clowdy Weather. the home Indian and some of the People went a hunting but killd only 6 Patridges."

Feb. 10 Friday
" Fine Pleasent Weather with a light air from the NE. about Noon one Indian man came to the house and inform'd me of 3 Tents of Indians being within 5 hours walk of us. some of them killd 5 Moose Yesterday and are comeing here with most of the meat. The Indian Return'd Emediatly and I sent the home Indian and one of our men with him."

Feb. 11 Saturday
" Fresh gales at West and Clear Weather. in the afternoon our man who went away with the Indian yesterday Return'd with a slead load of Meat."

Feb. 12 Sunday
" Fine Clear Weather but a Cold air from the NW. in the Evening the 3 Tents of Indians above Mention'd came and Pitch'd by us. Their leader is the Man who brought up Robert Davey last fall."

" Remarks in Febuary 1775"

Feb. 13 Monday
" Ditto W. Emp'd Trading of Meat and a few furs from the Indians."

Feb. 14 Tuesday
" Ditto W. Emp'd as before. People geting of a little Fire Wood. in the Evening 2 Indians, and one Frenchman belonging to Mr Forbersher's crew, came to the house - the Indians had a few Beaver skinns which they Traded for Tobaco."

Feb. 15 Wednesday
" Ditto Weather. People geting of Firewood. in the Morning the Indian leader and most of his crew went away with whome I sent one of our men and the home Indian to afsist them in geting of Birch Rind; for the leader or Captain has Promous'd to build me 2 large cannoes this spring.
The 2 Indians and the Frenchman who came yesterday; also Return'd. Before the Indians went away they told me to make preporation for a Deluge, as they have great reason to Expect one this year from the uncommon deapth of snow."

Feb. 16 Thursday
" Cold Clear Weather. the Remaindor of the Indians went away. The Carpentor and some of the people Emp'd tyeing up the Furrs and puting things to Rights about the house - the Rest of the People Cuting of wood."

Feb. 17 Friday
" Ditto Weather. Carpentor hunting who killd a few Patridges the People geting of Fire wood to the house."

Feb. 18 Saturday
" Mild Clowdy weather. Carpentor Do. killd 2 Phesents - the People falling of Dry wood for the Fire."

Feb. 19 Sunday
" Ditto W."

Feb. 20 Monday
" fresh gales at SW and Clear Weather with a great thaw. in the Morning our Man whome I sent to afsist the Indians geting Birch Rind &c Return'd and one Indian lad with him. They having killd nothing since they left us are in want of Provisions. the Captain desired I would send him a little meat which I did by the Return of the lad and our man remaines at the house for the Present but if the Indians should have any luck in hunting while within a Modirate distance they Promouse to come in with more Meat and then one of our men is to accompany them again.
in the Afternoon one Indian Man from a Nother Quarter with a sleadload of Meat.
Robert Longmoor having ben hunting came home at Night with both his big Toes much froze."

Feb. 21 Tuesday
" Clowdy Weather with a cold air from the NW. one Man hunting and 2 men fishing. ketch'd 2 large Pike and killd a few Patridges. This Morning I lay'd Robt. Longmoor's Toes open which are froze to the Bone, and as the Medican box which ware fitted up at the Fort for this Place is with Mr Cocking. we have not the least thing to apply to it, except the inner Rind of the Larch Tree Root which is generally usd among the Natives to stop or Prevent a Mortification."

Feb. 22 Wednesday
" Clear cold Weather. 3 Men angling but caught no Fish the Rest of the People cuting of wood for the Fire."

Feb. 23 Thursday
" Mild Clowdy Weather with a little light Snow 3 Men Angling and one Man hunting."

Feb. 24 Friday
" Ditto Weather one Man fishing but Caught Nothing. The Carpenter Emp'd Making of a Levle, Plumb Ruler &c ready for begining upon the house as soon as the Weather will Permitt. The People Emp'd falling of Drywood for the Fire and Carreying in same for Present use."

" Remarks in Febuary 1775"

Feb. 25 Saturday
" Cold clear Weather with a Strong gale at NW People Emp'd as before - Robt. Longmoor Lame."

Feb. 26 Sunday
" Ditto W wind at NE with constant small Snow."

Feb. 27 Monday
" Fine Pleasent Weather but a Cool air from the NW one Man fishing and 2 Men hunting Caught Nothing. one man mending the Fishing Nett and the other 2 men Cuting of firewood. Robert Longmoor lame."

Feb. 28 Tuesday
" Fresh gales at SW with Cold Drifty Weather. most of the People a hunting and Fishing but had poor Succefs. Longmoor Lame."

" Wednesday the 1st of March 1775
Strong gales at SE with a little Snow. the Fishing Nett being Repar'd. I sent the People to set it about 2 Miles from the Tent - at Night very heavey snow - Longmoor Lame."

Mar. 2 Thursday
" Fine Pleasent Weather. 2 Men lookd at the Fishing Nett and caught 3 Sturgeon. the rest of the People Shovleing away the Snow from round the house. - Longmoor lame."

Mar. 3 Friday
" Ditto Weather. 2 Men lookd at the fishing Nett and Caught one Sturgeon & 2 fine Pike: the Carpenter and the rest of the People Emp'd doeing some Necefsary Repares to our present Dweling house.
in the Evening 2 Indian men came to the house with a little half dry'd meat. they want some of our men to go back with them to fetch more. their Tent being only 3 Modirate Days walk distant."

" Remarks in March 1775."

Mar. 4 Saturday
" Ditto Weather. Early in the Morning the 2 Indians Return'd, with whome I sent 4 of our men to hall home meat. 2 Men look'd at the fishing Nett and caught 2 Sturgeon and one Trout. - at Present only 3 Men and myself Remains at the house."

Mar. 5 Sunday
" Warm Thawey weather. - Robt. Longmoor Lame."

Mar. 6 Monday
" Ditto Weather. People look'd at the Fishing Nett and caught one sturgeon and a small Pike. the Remaindor of the Day Emp'd cuting of wood for the Fire. - Robt. Longmoor Lame."

Mar. 7 Tuesday
" Ditto W. Look'd at the Fishing Nett but Caught no Fish."

Mar. 8 Wednesday
" Fine Pleasent Weather and a very great thaw. look'd at the Fifhing nett and Caught 4 very large Pike. Longmoor lame."

Mar. 9 Thursday
" Ditto Weather. lookd at the Fishing Nett and caught one small Pike. the Remaindor of the Day Emp'd clearing the Ice and Ryme out of the Storehouse. - Longmoor Lame."

Mar. 10 Friday
" Ditto Weather lookd at the Fishing nett but caught no Fish."

Mar. 11 Saturday
" Ditto Weather. look'd at the Fishing nett and Caught 2 Sturgeon. in the Forenoon one Tent of grafs River Indians came and Pitch'd by us. and in the Evening our 4 Men (who went from us on Saturday last to hall home Meat &c) came home with 4 slead loads of Meat. also 9 Indian Men with them who also brought a good deal of half Dryd meat and a few Furrs."

" Remarks in March 1775"

" Monday the 12th
Fine Pleasent Weather and a great thaw lookd at the Fishing nett but caught no fish. Traded all the Indians Meat and their few furrs also and about Noon they all Returnd to their Families, but the Tent of grafs River Indians are still Tenting by us."

" Monday the 13th
Ditto Weather. 2 men look'd at the fishing nett and Caught one large Pike. the Carpenter and the Remaindor of the People Emp'd building a large stage about 12 Foot from the ground to lay all the goods &c on - as also for ourselves to fly too incase there should be a great Flood as is Expected by the Indians.
about Noon one Indian Man came with a little Moose Flesh and wanted some of our men to accompany him back to hall home some More. but having full Employment for the men and not being in want of Victuals I did not send any and in the Afternoon he Return'd by himself."

Mar. 14 Tuesday
" A Cold wind from the NW with little or no Thaw. the Carpenter and People Emp'd building the Stage."

Mar. 15 Wednesday
" Ditto Wind and Weather. Finish'd the Stage. And cut a little Firewood - Robt. Longmoor Lame & the Carpenter ill."

Mar. 16 Thursday
" A Very heavey gale at East with Dark Cloudy cold weather. People Emp'd falling of Firewood. this Day about 20 Indians from different Quarters came in and Pitch'd by us.
at Night a very heavey Flight of Snow. - Longmoor Lame the Carpenter better."

Mar. 17 Friday
" Modirate and Clowdy with a little thaw in the Middle of the Day. People Emp'd shovleing away the Snow from Round the house and geting a little firewood home."

" Remarks in March 1775"

Mar. 18 Saturday
" Clear cold weather wind at NW People Emp'd clearing away the Snow and underwood from the Piece of ground where I entend to build the Proper house on. this Day 12 Indians from different Quarters Join'd and Pitch'd by us."

Mar. 19 Sunday
" Ditto Wind and Weather"

Mar. 20 Monday
" Ditto Weather Carpenter And People Emp'd falling of large loggs for ground Pieces for the house.
This Day most of the People complain'd of the great hardship it ware to work the whole Day, saying they ware told at the Factory that the same hours ware to be observ'd as at York Fort but as I heard of no such orders, and finding it Necefsary for the good of the Expedition I commanded them to work from 6 till 6 and shall help them at such hours till the house is compleat or Receive orders from the Board to the contarary."

Mar. 21 Tuesday
" Cold clear Weather. People falling of Timber, the Carpenter Squaring Ditto. - 6 Tents of Indians by us."

Mar. 22 Wednesday
" Ditto Weather Carpenter and People Emp'd as before."

Mar. 23 Thursday
" Cold dark clowdy Weather. - Carpenter and People Emp'd squaring of Timber. in the Morning 2 Men look'd at the Fishing Nett but caught no Fish. -
Robert Longmoor's feet are much better tho not able to go to work as Yet."

" Remarks in March 1775"

Mar. 24 Friday
" Strong gales at NW with constant snow so that the People could not work at the Timber, but ware Emp'd falling a little Dry wood for the Fire &c."

Mar. 25 Saturday
" More Modirate. the Carpenter and People Emp'd squaring of Timber &c. 2 men look'd at the Fishing Nett but caught no fish. this Morning one Tent of Indians went away."

Mar. 26 Sunday
" Fine Pleasent Weather but very little thaw. one Tent of Indians went away and most of the Men from the Rest of the Tent went with them to get birch Rind &c for their Cannoes which they are going to Build here."

Mar. 27 Monday
" Fine Pleasent Weather and a little thaw. the Carpenter and all the People Emp'd Squaring of Timber."

Mar. 28 Tuesday
" Ditto Weather. Carpenter and People Emp'd as before. 2 men look'd at the Fishing Nett but caught no Fish."

Mar. 29 Wednesday
" Ditto Weather Carpenter & People Emp'd as before. in the Evening 2 Indian men came to the house and informd me of 5 Tents of Indians being within 3 Days walks of us who are all Pitching this way."

Mar. 30 Thursday
" Ditto Weather. Carpenter and people Emp'd as before. this day 2 Indian men from another Quarter came to the house whose families are also pitching this way. in the Evening the home Indian (who went to afsist Shaw-gob-a-nis-cum in halling Birch Rind &c) came home with a little Deers flesh."

" Remarks in Aprile 1775"

Mar. 31 Friday
" Strong gales at NW with a thick Drift and some Snow. the Carpenter and People Emp'd Squaring of Timber &c as before. the 2 Indians who came on Wednesday last Return'd by whome I sent a little Tobaco to 2 or 3 of the Prinsiple Indians of their gang according to ? Request."

" Saturday the 1st of Aprile 1774
Fine Pleasent Weather. the Carpenter and People Emp'd as before. this Morning the home Indian Return'd to Shaw-gob-a-nis-com's Tent with whome I sent one our men to afsist in halling of birch Rind. &c.
having had no succefs in the fishing Nett for many Days Past, I, this morning sent 2 men to tak it up and bring it home to Dry. - in the Evening 2 Indian Men came to the house from an other Quarter."

Apr. 2 Sunday
" Ditto Weather. 2 more Indians came from the Same Qr as the above 2 who came Yesterday."

Apr. 3 Monday
" Clowdy weather with a fresh gale at NW and a little frost. the Carpenter and People Emp'd squaring of Timber as before, and in the Evening Beat some Tracks through the Snow for carreying the Timber to where the house is going to be built. This Day Robert Longmoor went to Work -
The 2 Indians who came on Saturday last Return'd to their families."

Apr. 4 Tuesday
" Strong gales at NW with cold Weather and some Snow. the Carpenter and People Emp'd Squaring of Timber and in the Evening beat the Track's over again to make them hard for Carreying on without snowshoes - This Day several more Indians came and Pitch'd by us."

" Remarks in Aprile 1775"

Apr. 5 Wednesday
" Fine Pleasent Weather. Carpenter and People Emp'd as before."

Apr. 6 Thursday
" Ditto Weather. this day began to lay the ground Pieces for building the Proper house on.
This Day 5 more Tents of Indians came and Pitch'd by us who are also going to build their Cannoes here - at Present 10 Tents are Tenting by us."

Apr. 7 Friday
" Strong gales at East and a little Thaw. Finish'd laying the ground pieces and began to build part of the Walls."

Apr. 8 Saturday
" Fine Pleasent Weather and a great thaw . the Carpenter and People Building the house."

Apr. 9 Sunday
" Ditto Weather. this Day Shaw-gob-a-nis-com and 2 other leaders came to the house with their Crews in all about 90 Persons. my man and the home Indian who went to afsist in halling of Birch Rind &c also came home. Those Indians are also going to build there Cannoes here."

Apr. 10 Monday
" Ditto Weather. Carpenter and People all Emp'd building the house, self Trading a few Furrs &c. - at Night 3 Indian men Came from the Northward and the Remaindor of their Families are come after them.
This Day several swanns flew Past us to the Northward which is the first we have seen this Season but the Indians Informs me that they saw and killd some Swanns about the 24th of last Month."

" Remarks in Aprile 1775"

Apr. 11 Tuesday
" Dark clowdy Weather but a great thaw. the Carpenter and 4 Men Emp'd building the New house the Rest of the People geting of mofs to Caulk the seams of our present dweling house it not being sufficiantly tight against Rain.
at Night 2 Indian men came to the house from the Northward. at Present 17 Tents of Indians by us."

Apr. 12 Wednesday
" Fine Pleasent Weather with a very great thaw. one Man Emp'd shovleing away the snow from the Timber that ware fell last fall. the Carpenter and the Rest of the People Emp'd building the house &c.
Several more Indians came and Pitch'd by us."

Apr. 13 Thursday
" Ditto Weather. Carpenter and People Emp'd as before. Most of the Indian Men Emp'd geting of woodwork for their Cannoes, some of them has also Promous'd to build me 3 or 4 large one."

Apr. 14 Friday
" Fresh gales at NE with thick snow and Sleet so that the People could not work at the New house, so Emp'd them in diging out some of the Timber from under the Snow. Many Swanns have been seen these 2 or 3 Days past but none have ben killd here as Yet."

Apr. 15 Saturday
" Ditto gales at NE with Constant Sleet, hail & Rain so that the People could not work at the house so Emp'd them in Shovleing away the Snow and Rubbidge from Round our Present Dweling house."

" Remarks in Aprile 1775"

Apr. 16 Sunday
" Strong gales Veariable in the SW & NW Qrs with flying showers of heavey Rain. this Day one Tent more of Strange Indians came and Pitch'd by us."

Apr. 17 Monday
" fine Pleasent Weather wind at NW one man Emp'd Shovleing away the Snow from of the Timber. the Carpenter and the rest of the People Building the house. This Day the Indians kill'd several swanns."

Apr. 18 Tuesday
" Ditto Weather. in the Morning the People Emp'd Carreying in some Timber and the Remaindor of the Day the Carpenter and all hands Building.
The home Indian went a hinting and at Night Return'd with 3 Swanns. several gray Geese also flew by this Day which is the first we have seen this Season."

Apr. 19 Wednesday
" The first and Middle parts Clowdy W with heavey Snow and Rain. the People Emp'd in Doors making of Trunnils. the latter Part Clear Weather Carpenter and all the People emp'd Building the New house."

Apr. 20 Thursday
" Strong Gales at NW and Clowdy Weather. the Carpenter and People Emp'd building the house which at present goes on but slowly on account of the Timber being all soak'd with Rain and Snow water which makes it bad to boar &c. -
the home Indian went a hinting and killd 3 Geese."

" Remarks in Aprile 1775"

Apr. 21 Friday
" Clowdy Weather with snow and Rain at intervales. as the people could not work at the new house. they ware Emp'd in Doors making of Trunnils &c.
The home Indian went a hunting and kill'd 2 or 3 Geese and 2 Ducks."

Apr. 22 Saturday
" Very heavey gales at NW with much Snow & a great Drift People Emp'd indoors Making of Trunnils as pr Yesterday."

Apr. 23 Sunday
" Strong gales at NW and very cold frosty Weather but fair. The home Indian went a hunting and killd 2 Swanns."

Apr. 24 Monday
" Fine clear Weather but a Cold air from the NW. The Carpenter and People Employ'd building the New house & carreying in Timber for that use.
The home Indian and one of our men went a hunting and in the Evening Return'd with 3 Geese. in the Night strong gales from the NW with much Snow and Drift."

Apr. 25 Tuesday
" Strong gales at NW with Cold clowdy Weather. Carpenter and people Emp'd building the house - the home Indian a hunting who killd one Swan."

Apr. 26 Wednesday
" fine Pleasent Weather. Carpenter and People Emp'd building the house and Carreying in Timber for the Same. the home Indian hunting but killd nothing."

" Remarks in Aprile 1775"

Apr. 27 Thursday
" Ditto Weather with a very great thaw. Carpenter and People Emp'd as before - 15 Tents of Indians Tenting by us - the home Indian killd 6 Geese."

Apr. 28 Friday
" Fine Pleasent W. and a great thaw as pr yesterday. the Carpenter and People Emp'd as before and this Day got the beames of the upper floor aCrofs and secured.
The home Ind. a hunting and killd 5 Geese - I also Traded several Swanns from the other Indians which comes very dear being at the Rate of one Beaver pr Swann."

Apr. 29 Saturday
" Dark Clowdy Weather with a cold wind from the NW intermix't with Foggs and a little Rain at intervales. the Carpenter and People emp'd Building the house fixing of Scaffolding &c. The home Indian hunting and killd 2 geese."

Apr. 30 Sunday
" Clowdy Weather. the home Indian and Several of our men went a hunting and in the Evening return'd with 7 geese and some Ducks.
This Day one Indian man Ariv'd here by himself who says hee's comes from Mr Forbersher's house but not being able to give any Reason for his undertaking so long a Journey alone, and being so badly provided, the Indians suspects him of being guilty of Murder. and by some perticular simtoms and appearance of the face, they also pretend to know that hee's not only ben guilty of Murder but has also eat thofe whome he has killd. Uppon such mear Suspision they have Promous'd to kill him."

" Monday the 1st of May 1775
Fine Pleasent Weather. the Carpenter Emp'd fixing the Carlings for laying the upper Floor on, and the People Emp'd carreying in Timber and afsisting the Carpenter as Requir'd.
The home Ind. went a hunting and killd 2 Swanns & one Goose."

" Remarks in May 1775"

May 2 Tuesday
" Ditto Weather. Carpenter and People Emp'd as before. The home Indian hunting but killd nothing."

May 3 Wednesday
" Ditto Weather. the Carpenter Emp'd as before and at Night finish'd laying the carlings. the People as before Emp'd falling some wood round the house and attending the Carpenter when Requir'd. The home Indian killd 2 Geese."

May 4 Thursday
" Very strong gales at W and Dark clowdy Weather. The Carlings &c being all fixed ready for laying the Floor. the Carpenter and People began again to work on the Walls.
The home Indian went a hunting and killd 7 geese.
Tho the Ice of the lake is not broke up as Yet. the Water is so deep all round by the Shore that several of the Indians this Day went a hunting in Cannoes. and the snow is very near being all Desolv'd there being only a spot here and there to be seen. and tho this is reckoned by the Natives to be a backward Spring, yet there is a full Months Differance between here and Churchill, and the Winter which has ben Reckond very sevear, ware not so cold by far as it is at Churchill or York Fort in the Mildest winter - one Man Sick and one Lame."

May 5 Friday
" Ditto gales and Weather. the Carpenter and People Employ'd building the Walls of the house &c. one Man sick and one lame as pr yesterday.
The home Indian killd 8 Geese."

May 6 Saturday
" Ditto gales with Rain and Sleet so that the People could not work at building the house. one Man Lame."

" Remarks in May 1775"

May 7 Sunday
" The first Part Strong gales at NW with Clowdy W and Rain. the Middle and latter Parts fine Pleasent Weather. the home Ind. and one of our People went a hunting and killd 3 geese and a few Ducks - 15 Tents of Ind. by us."

May 8 Monday
" Very hard gales at W and WNW with clear warm Weather. Carpenter and People emp'd building the New house &c. the home Indian went a hunting and killd 2 geese. This Day the Ice of the Lake broke up."

May 9 Tuesday
" Hott sultary Weather. Carpenter and People Emp'd as before. this Day Traded several geese and 2 Swanns from the Indians. the home Indian also killd a few geese and some Ducks."

May 10 Wednesday
" Ditto Weather. Carpenter and People Emp'd as before. the home Indian went away.
This Day the Indians began to build their Cannoes. - at Night Thunder lightning and heavey Rain."

May 11 Thursday
" Fresh gales at NE with a thick Fogg and constant Rain so that the People could not work at the New house."

May 12 Friday
" Strong gales at W and NW with hot sultary Weather. the Carpenter and People Emp'd build the new house &c. in the Evening the home Indian Returned with 14 geese and some Ducks."

" Remarks in May 1775"

May 13 Saturday
" The first and Middle Part fine Pleasent Weather. the latter Part strong gales at NW with Thunder Lightning and Rain. The Carpenter and People Emp'd about the new house, and at Night finished the side Walls and got the upper Beames aCrofs and secured."

May 14 Sunday
" Strong gales at E and ESE with fine Clear Pleasent Weather. The Indians still Emp'd building their Cannoes &c who are also going to build 3 or 4 for me but cannot prevail on them to make them much larger then the common Cannoes."

May 15 Monday
" Fresh gales at SE and hot Sultary Weather. Carpenter and People Emp'd Prepareing of Rough sticks to Lay the floors with for the Present till we can get a Pitt saw from the Fort to saw Plank &c.
There ware a Pitt Saw sent inland last Year but it unluckaly happened to be sent with Mr Cocking.
The home Ind. and some others went a hunting in Cannoes."

May 16 Tuesday
" Fine Pleasent Weather. Emp'd Packing the Furrs we have already Traded in small Packs Ready for carreying to the Fort. This Day a Canadian cannoe and the 5 French men belonging to Mr Forbershers crew (who calld at our house in December last) came past us as on their Return to their Masters house."

" Remarks in May 1775"

May 17 Wednesday
" Strong gales at ENE the Carpenter Emp'd laying the ground Pieces for the lower Floor. the People Emp'd falling some wood which obstructs the viewe of the lake from the East end of the house.
in the afternoon Rain. the home Indian Return'd with 16 geese."

May 18 Thursday
" Ditto gales and Clowdy Weather with Fogg and Constant Rain and Sleet so that the People could not work at building the New hous. &c."

May 19 Friday
" Clowdy W but fair. the Carpenter Emp'd laying the upper Floor of the New house with round sticks. the People falling of wood for that Purpose and tending the Carpenter when requir'd - Sent the home Indian and one of our men a hunting."

May 20 Saturday
" Modirate and Clowdy with flying showers of Rain. the Carpenter and People Emp'd as before.
In the Evening the home Indian and our man Return'd with 19 Geese and 2 Swans."

May 21 Sunday
" Fresh gales at W and NW Sent the home Indian and one of our men a hunting.
The Indians who are Tenting by us are still Emp'd building their Cannoes &c."

May 22 Monday
" Ditto gales at West and Clowdy Weather. the Carpenter and People Emp'd laying the upper Floor of the New house and at Night finished it.
Several of the Indians having finished their Cannoes who are in great want of Provision went away with their Wives and Families."

" Remarks in May 1775"

May 23 Tuesday
" Strong gales and dark Clowdy Weather. The Carpenter and one man Emp'd laying the lower floor with Round sticks. 2 Men Emp'd diging a Sellor which is to serve as a Magazine and the Rest of the People faling of wood for the Carpenters use.
at Night the home Indian and our Man came home with 9 geese and one Swann."

May 24 Wednesday
" Fine Pleasent Weather wind at SW. Carpenter and People Emp'd as before.
This day most of the Indians went away with their famalies. Several of which Promoused to build me large Cannoes & tho I have ben dayly giving them every thing they ask'd for to Encourage them thereto, yet as soon as their own Cannoes ware finished they all set off to have a drink of the Pedlors Rum. some went for Basquiau, and some for the two Forbershers whose Settlement lays at the back of Churchill. so that out of 6 large Cannoes which I Expected to have had made under my own Inspection, I have but one."

May 25 Thursday
" Hot sultary Weather. Carpenter and People Emp'd as before. sent the home Indian and one Man a hunting. This day several more Indians who has built their Cannoes by us went away with their Wives and Famalies. In the Afternoon 20 Cannoes of Indians from the Buffalow Country came and landed at the house. Part of which are going to York Fort with their Furrs &c."

" Remarks in May 1775"

May 26 Friday
" Clowdy warm Weather with a Strong gale from the NE. People Emp'd Diging the Sellor and falling of wood for the lower Floor Petitions &c. Self and Carpenter Emp'd Trading with the Natives, of whome Traded one large Cannoe. in the Evening the home Indian and our man Return'd and brought 7 Geese & 4 Swanns."

May 27 Saturday
" Ditto Gales. Self Emp'd trading with the Natives. the Carpenter and People Emp'd Packing of Furrs &c. at Night 4 More cannoes Came from the Buffalow Country two of which are going to the Fort."

May 28 Sunday
" Fine Modirate but Clowdy Weather. The Indians who are to accompany me to the Fort are in a great hurrey to Proceed on their Journey, so I made all Preporation for going tomorrow Morning."

May 29 Monday
" Fine Pleasent Weather and Fair. what Furrs I've already traded being Pack'd I this day bout Noon embark'd for the Fort in Company with 32 Cannoes of Indians 17 of which are to accompany me to the Fort. The house and the Remaindor of the Trading goods I left in the Care of Andrew Garrett: the House Carpenter & Mag. Slater & Wm Flatt also stays with him."

May 30 Tuesday
" Hott Sultary W. set out in the Morning and at Night Put up at the Mouth of Ne-may-o kip-a hagon River."

" Remarks in June 1775"

May 31 Wednesday
" Strong gales at SW and hot Sultry Weather. set out Early in the Morning and Paddled to the Mouth of gray goose River where we Put up for the Night & the Indian men went a hunting, but Return'd Without any Succefs."

June 1 1775 Thursday
" Fine Pleasent Weather. set out in the Morning and Paddled up gray goose River and Crofst a lake of the same Name. and at Night Put up close to the Cranberry Carreying Place. The Indians as well as ourselves being In great want of Provisions they make but Short days Journies for the Sake of hunting but as Yet have not killd anything Except a few Fish."

June 2 Friday
" Hott Sultary Weather. set out in the Morning Crofst Cranberry Carreying Place and at Night Put up not far from the Mouth of Elbow River. this Day killd many fine Pike and Trout."

June 3 Saturday
" Ditto Weather. Paddled through Elbow River and a small Lake Joining there to."

June 4 Sunday
" Strong gales at SW. Paddled in all this Day about 20 Miles through small lakes and little Rivers which Joins them. we then came to a large lake which the Weather would not Permitt us to Crofs to Put up and the Indian men went a hunting but did not kill any thing."

" Remarks in June 1775"

June 5 Monday
" Fine Pleasent Weather Crofst the above Lake which is about 18 M wide, and lay at the Mouth of a little River whch Joins it to We-kus-qua Lake."

June 6 Tuesday
" The first Part hot Sultary Weather. Paddled down the above little River about 10 M it then Came on Very bad Weather with Rain Thunder lightning &c so were obliged to Put up the Indians killd one Moose."

June 7 Wednesday
" Strong gales NE. went to the Side of We-kus-qua Lake but the wind blowing to hard to Crofs them we Put up for the Night. the Indians killd 2 Moose and some Beaver."

June 8 Thursday
" Hott sultary weather and a light air from the NE. Crofst the above lake and Paddled up to the Mouth of Grafs River then Put up for the Men to go a hunting but had no Succefs."

June 9 Friday
" Ditto Weather Paddled down Grafs River Crofst 3 Carreying Places therein at the last of which we Put up for the Night."

June 10 Saturday
" Ditto Weather. Mov'd farther down Grafs R. the Indians killd 2 Moose - so Put up for the Night."

" Remarks in June 1775"

June 11 Sunday
" Hott Sultary Weather. Paddled farther down grafs River. Ind. killd 2 more Moose."

June 12 Monday
" Strong gales at NE Paddled to the end of Grafs R. but the Wind blew too hard to Crofs Po-cut-a-ho Lake so Put up for the Night."

June 13 Tuesday
" Fresh gales at NE Crofst the above Lake (which is about 18 M long) and another small lake which Joined it."

June 14 Wednesday
" Dark clowdy W. in the Morning Mov'd about 5 Miles, it then came on heavey Rain with Thunder &c. so ware oblig'd to Put up for the Day."

June 15 Thursday
" Clowdy Weather with flying Showers of Rain. Paddled about 20 Miles then met with one Tent of half home Indians so Put up for the Night."

June 16 Friday
" Hott sultry Weather. Paddled about 30 M to the E and NE through small rivers and little Lakes belonging thereto. The half home Indians also are in Company."

June 17 Saturday
" Strong gales at NE. Paddled about 25 m to the Eastward and in our way came by the Part where I lay'd up a little Tobaco. which I took up and ware very acceptable to the Indians their Stocks being prity well Expended."

" Remarks in June 1775"

June 18 Sunday
" Fine Pleasent W. Paddled about 30 Miles to the E and NE and came Past the Part where we first came into this track last Year."

June 19 Monday
" Fine Pleasent W. Paddled about 36 or 38 M. to the NE and N through fine Pleasent lakes and a little River or two which Joins them. in our way Crofst 2 Carreying Places and Shott 3 fall."

June 20 Tuesday
" Fresh gales at E. Paddled about 20 Miles to the East and NE most of the way on the Lake Ta-tafs-qui-awe and Put up on an Island where we found 2 Tents of half home Indians."

June 21 Wednesday
" Strong gales Veariable in the SW Qr. Paddled about 35 Miles to the ENE and N through the above Lake and the River which Joins thereto and is the Main River of Port Nelson."

June 22 Thursday
" Dark clowdy Weather with flying Showers of Rain. set out in the Morning by 4 oClock and Paddled in all thif Day about 60 Miles in our way Crofst 10 Carreying Places. the Currant in general Very Strong."

" Remarks in June 1775"

June 23 Friday
" Hott Sultary Weather. Paddled down Port Nelson & about noon Crofst the first Carreying Place. about 10 at Night we Came to 2 Tents of half home Indians who lately came from the Fort and having a little Brandy With them those of my gang stopt & began to drink but me and my People being in want of Provisions made me desirous of ariveing as soon as Pofsable. so I Proceeded on with 3 Cannoes and Paddled alnight and arivd at York Fort about 6 in the Evening of the 24th. - but the Indians did not Come till the next Day."

"After the strictest enquiary and minutest Observations restecting the Companys affairs Inland I have made the following ---
The Canadians having got to such a head and are destributed through the Country in such Numbers * with so large a quantity of goods, has enabled the Natives of late Years to supply themselves with goods at their own Doors which they will do at a small difsadvantage rather then have the trouble to frequent the Forts on Hudsons Bay. Yet by what I see from the Natives in general that if the Company could get goods up in so large a quantity as the Canadians I have great Reason to think they could in general have the Preferance.
The Distance from York Fort into these Parts is? much nearer then from any Part of Canady and the greatest obstical that is likely Prevent the Comp. from geting goods inland is the want of Proper Cannoes, to Procure which I am Much at a lofs what measures to take as I find that no Payment or Promouses can enduce the Natives to make a Sufficiant quantity; for such is the indolance of the Indians in general that any of them who has where withall will pay an old man (who is worn out and unfit for hunting) for building their Cannoe rather then have the Trouble of it themselves, whereas all the Canadians who Trade into those Parts have Partners or some others whome they Commifsion to get such a Number of Cannoes made in their absence and are always ready at the grand Portage against their arival Every Year for one Cannoe if Ever so good will not Serve 2 Year. The Pedlors have also some few men of their own who are handy at that kind of work.
That of Procureing Birch Rind in the fall and Winter as mentiond in the Comp. Letter to me of May 1773 probabily might have prov'd of considerable advantage had it ben in my Power to have Put it into Practice. but for want of Isaac Batt or some other Experianc'd person to Employ therein I had no other measures to take then to bespeak a number of Ready made Cannoes from the Indians, many of which for the sake of the Premiom I gave promous'd faithfully to make them some one and others 2 according to agreement but all deceav'd me Except two - and had it not ben for some Cannoes which Mr Jacobs got made (by the half home Indians and those who have rather more dependance upon the Fort then the uplanders) I Should have ben very little better Provided for that artical then I ware last Year. Mr Cocking also got 5 Cannoes rather larger then the Common Size.
Tho upwards of 60 Cannoes of Pedlors came inland from the grand Portage last Year 30 or 40 of which at the out side are all that Intercepts? the Comp. Trade at the Northern Settlements. Part of which are as follows (Viz.) Mefs Forbersher (two Brothers) with 6 Cannoes in the Grand Arathapescow or Atha-Pus-cow River near the Draft? of Churchill River who intercepts great part of the inland trade which would otherwise go to that Fort espefsually that Valuable Tribe of Natives calld the Atha-pus-cow Indians who formally us't to compose the greatest part of the Inland Trade at that Fort.
Mefs Francis, Patterson, Homes, and Pangman with 12 Cannoes (by the best information I can get) about 150 M above us on the River Thescatchewan. - and 2 other Cannoes belonging to them Winterd about 2 Miles above Basquiau. Bruse, Blondal, Cutes? and others struck of to the Southward when a little above the great Lake or Wenipegg. By the best information from the Natives I find that all Settlements below the great Lake or Wenipegg does not affect the Companys Trade at York Fort or Churchill.
The Companys Trade of Late Years being so much decreas'd and no Probibility of geting the Natives to frequent their Forts as formaly admitt of no other Measures then Endeavouring to Collect it inland after the Canadian manner - which cannot be Preform'd to any degree of Extent without a great Number of Cannoes and Men - For Example. Suppose only 30 of the Canadian Cannoes intercepts the Trade at Churchill, York Fort, and Severn House. each of these Cannoes have 4 working Men besides a Master to Every 3,4,5, or 6 Cannoes which together with Clarks, Traders &c is? not lefs then 130 or 140 Men besides 3 or 4 left at Each house dureing their absence -
Now if the Company had that Number of Cannoes and Men Inland they must unavoidably be seporated after the Canadian Manner mearly for the sake of Procureing Provisions for the men, for no Part at least no one Part contigeous to the Navigable Rivers will afford a Constant maintance for a much ?? Number. neither can the Natives Remain within any Modirate distance of one Part if so they would not Procure Furrs enough dureing the Winter to Purchase their Necefsary wants in the Summer. Mefs Francis, Patterson, & Homes are by the best authority the most Comodiously Situated for that artical being within a few days Journies of the Buffalow Pounds. where many old Men and some lazey Young Fellow resort the whole winter and never trouble themselves about any kind of Furrs. Except a few wolves which are very Plenty in that Part. -
Notwithstanding what I've sayd in the above Remark it will by no means be advisable to Push a great Number of Men inland till some proper measures can be found to Procure Cannoes fit for that service - for sending any Considerable Number of Men and goods inland as Pafsengers with the Natives as last Year will answer no Purpose at all. will only be attended with great Expences and many lofses without the least hopes of making a Proper Return. for to my sertin knowlage some of the Natives who ware Emp'd to Carrey me and my men inland last year ware payd more for their Trouble before they left the Fort; then the amount of the whole they Carried besides the Brandy &c Expended on them by the way. - Yet I do not wholy difsaprove Employing some few of them who after tryal may be found trusty. Espesually as our men at Present are Entirely unacquainted. -
After the house which is now on foot, is fairly Establish'd it will be necefsary to have one or more Settlements made in differant Parts it being noway Pofsable to Procure Provision for a great Number of men in one Place and will also be the readiest way to undersell the Pedlors in all Quarters. I shall after the Strictest Enquiary together with my own Observations endeavour hereafter to Point out those Places which may seem most Commodiously Situated for that Purpose and had there ben a Person with me whome I Could have entrusted with the Care of the goods and Cannoes too and from the Fort, I would have Expended This Summer in Such Survays and not have visited York Fort till the Summer 1776.
I have endeavourd as much as Pofsable to learn the Standard the Canadians trade at, but to no Purpose. Those Indians who are atach'd to them inform me they trade their goods at lefs then half the Comp. standard, and those who seem as Yet atach'd to our Fort Inform me they trade out of all Reason dearer and says that tis nothing but the Brandy or at least the Rum, that makes them Part with their goods at such a Deer rate - for Sertin, the Canadians goods in most of the Prinsaple articals are ? inferior to the Companys and all the Differance it makes to an Indian is in the Prise."

" NB.
As my whole Time ware taken up in the Management of one of the Cannoes both out and home; I had not an opportunity of Making my Remarks with any Exactnefs relative to the Plan of my Track which is the Reason I omitt sending it. but hope by the next year to have it a little more Compleat. at least so that some Idea might be form'd Respecting the Situation of the Lakes Rivers &c."

[In the margin "* 60 of the Canadian large Cannoes came inland from the grand Portage last Year."]



B.49/a/1

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