" 1775
YF
A Journal of the moft remarkable Transactions and Occurences on a Journey from and to York Fort and at Cumberland House from 8th July 1775 to 26th October 1775 kept by Mr Samuel Hearne"
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" Remarks from York Fort towards Cumberland House"

" Saturday the 8th of July 1775
Fresh gales at SW. in the Morning set out from the Fort accompany'd by 4 Indian Leaders and part of their crewes in all 16 Cannoes, besides 6 of our own, much larger then the common size. The wind blowing fresh could not get round the Point of Marsh so lay at the Batory House; but Sunday proveing a fine Day we set out early in the Morning paddled round the Point of Marsh; and that Night lay a little above Flamborough House, on the North Side of Port Nelson R.. This day one of the Indians left us and returned again to the Fort, but all the goods &c he had in belonging to the Comp. ware destributed among some of the other Cannoes for carriage."

" Monday the 10th
Hot sultory weather Wind at SW Tracked about 25 Miles up Port Nelson River against a very strong currant. In the evening the Indians began to boose the Brandy they had traded at the Fort and continued their Debauch tell Tuesday Night dureing which time some of them ware very Troublesom and unrooley, but being pritty sober by Wednesday we set out again and Tracked about 18 miles up Port Nelson. the currant in general very strong and in some Places the water ware a little shole but not so as to accation much hinderance or indanger the Cannoes Bottoms. - Strong gales at North."

" Thursday the 13th
Ditto gales at North. Tracked about 18 Miles to the SW up Port Nelson. crofst one carreying Place and several small falls. at Night set the Fishing netts and caught a few fish."

" Remarks from York Fort towards Cumberland House at Pine Island Lake July 1775"

" Friday the 14th
Ditto wind and frequant showers of Rain. did not move tell towards the evening, then went about one mile up the River to another Carreying place, got all the goods acrofs and put up for the Night. The next day proveing very bad weather with constant heavey rain could not move. that being the case the Indians began to get drunk with the remaindor of their little stock of Brandy but it proveing rather little to give every one a belly full, they salifsited me for a little more to compleat their debauch, which I ware oblig'd to comply with or affront them. accordingly I gave them a 3 Gallon Kagg. notwithstanding that, some of them found meanes to broach one or two of the other Keggs and took away several Gallons unperseaved by our People, in the Night. Sunday proveing a very fine Day we again proceeded up Port Nelson about 18 miles then ware oblig'd to put up it comeing on Night. where we lay ware no more then our own 6 large Cannoes in company all the others ware gone a head. Here we left off Tracking."

" Monday the 17th
Ditto Weather. paddled about 18 miles farther up Port Nelson R. and in the way crofst 11 Carreying Places. About the Middle of the Night we came up with 8 more of the Ind. Cannoes but paddleing after Dark we had the mifsfortune to stave one of our Cannoes but not so as to be Past repareing."

" Tuesday the 18th
Fine Pleasent weather. got the Cannoe Repared in the Morning and then proceeded up Port Nelson about 20 m farther, crofst 7 Carreying places and many troublesom Rappids. The currant in general very strong."

" Wednesday the 19th
Ditto weather Paddled about 14 Miles up Port Nelson in the way crofst 2 Carreying places. The Indians as well as our own people, being much fatagued with Paddleing against so strong a Currant and so frequantly carreying the goods &c. made us put up tho not above two of the Clock P.M. our own 6 Cannoes and 8 of the Ind. in Company."

" Thursday the 20th
Clowdy with flying showers of Rain so that it ware near noon before we moved. when, we Paddles about 12 Miles to the SW and at Night Put up by the Side of Gull Lake."

" Friday the 21st
Fresh gales at NE with flying showers of Rain. Crofst part of the Gull Lake then ware oblig'd to put up on account of the badnefs of the Weather. This Day saw 2 Tents of the York Fort half home Indians, from whome I Traded a little Dryed meat."

" Saturday the 22nd
Fine Pleasent Weather, wind veariable from the NE to the SW. Crofst the Gull Lake and got to the side of Ta-tafs-qui-ough Lake where we Put up for the night."

" Sunday the 23rd
Ditto weather crofst the above Lake which is about 22 miles wide, and lay at a carreying place on the S side thereof."

" Monday the 24th
Dark clowdy weather. set out in the Morning and Paddled up Port Nelson tell about Noon then struck off to the westward up a small Branch which I destinguish by the name of the Tweed (on account of the Pleasentnefs of its Banks &c) and left Port Nelson to the Southward. here we came up with 4 more of the cannoes. at Night set our Fishing Netts and caught several fine Fish."

" Tuesday the 25th
Fresh gales at NW with constant drizly Raine. set out in the Morning and Paddled up the Tweed, crofst a Small Lake belonging thereto called Stinking Lake and put up by the side of a Small River on the SW side thereof. - At night the Indians complain'd of the heavinefs of the goods and desired to have a little brandy to Drink, accordingly to encourage them in their duty I gave them about 3 Gallons. which tho quite sufficiant for a much greater number of reasonable beings ware so far from satisfying them that tware with great difficualty we could Prevent them from taking more by force, and tho Wednesday ware a fine day they would not move some being a little quamish and some sulkey - But Thursday the 27th we began again to muster our forces but as two or three of them got difsatred? in the last drunken bout (according to custom) it accationed some alteration for the worst in the manning of our large Cannoes. For an Indian man that steer'd one of them left us to go in another Cannoe to afsist in the room of one that had got wounded in the froye? by which meanes, two of my people ware left in a large Cannoe by themselves and tho one of them could Steer a little they complained greatly of the hardships that would attend them. they being only two whereas all the other large Cannoes had 3 People in each of them. however to avoid any words I gave them one man out of my Cannoe and Paddled one half of her myself tho it ware the largest Cannoe in Company.
It takeing great part of the day to ajust matters we did not Paddle above 10 Miles, then Put up and set the fishing Nett and caught several fine Fish."

" Friday the 28th
Fresh gales at SW with flying showers of Rain. Paddled about 8 M to the SW on a long narrow Lake Calld Wap-a-Nake-wan Lake. then met with a Tent of half home Indians, from whome I Traded a little Moose flesh &c and comeing on to blowe hard we put up for the Night. but some of the Indians went a head; early the Next morning (being fine weather) we Proceeded on, and Paddled about 22 m part of the way on Wap-a-nake-wan Lake and the Remaindor of the way on a Small River Calld Wa-come-min-na R.. in our way this Day we Crofst 2 Carreying Places at the last of whch we lay alnight but most of the Indians went ahead to hunt, they haveing as yet killd little or Nothing since we left the Fort, and had it not ben for a few fish that ware caught in our Netts they would have ben very badly of for provisions."

" Sunday the 30th
Ditto Weather paddled about 25 Miles to the SSW & SW then put up and all the Indians went a hunting."

" Monday the 31st
Ditto weather Paddled about 28 Miles to the SW & WSW and crofst 4 Carreying Places and at Night came up with all the Indians which is the first time we have seen some of them since we ware in Port Nelson R."

" Tuesday the 1st of August 1775
Dark clowdy Weather wind Veariable from the NE to the SW. Paddled about 25 Miles to the SW and WSW and put up on the N side of Po-cut-a-hoe Lake. not far from the Mouth of Grafs River. this Day killd several young Ducks and a Deer."

" Wednesday the 2nd
Hott sultory Weather. Paddled aCrofs the remindor of Po-cut-a-hoe Lake and at Night lay about 16 M up grafs River. in our way Crofst 2 Carreying Places near the last of which we Put up. At night came on very Heavey Rain, and continued tell friday Morning dureing which time we could not move. Here the Indians had another fallout amongst themselves, and when going to imbark my Cannoe mate left me without the least Provocation So that I ware then left with the largest Cannoe heavey lader?, to Paddle by my self and as several of them had got difsabled in their squabbles I could get no one to afsist me except a Young female who ware not of any meterial service. By about noon we set out and Paddled up grafs River about 8 miles then ware obliged to put up it comeing on very bad W. with Thunder lightening and heavey Rain. This Day Crofst 2 Carreying places."

" Saturday the 5th
Clowdy with thunder and flying showers of Rain. Paddled up grafs River about 12 M then put up, in our way crofst 3 carreying places."

" Sunday the 6th
Ditto weather Paddld up grafs R. and at night lay about 5 Miles from the head thereof. this Day the Indians went a hunting and killd 2 Moose. Part of the Flesh I Traded for Self and People. - Crofst 2 Car'g Places."

" Monday the 7th
Fine pleasent weather. Paddled up the Rem'dr of Grafs River. crofst Wee-kufs-qua Lake and lay at a Carreying place on the SW side thereof. here the Indians killd 3 Black Bares, one of which I traded for self and People."

" Tuesday the 8th
Hot sultory weather. Paddled about 12 Miles then put up, to wait for the Indians who are most of them behind a hunting. in the evening they all joined and traded some meat with me for Brandy. in the Middle of the Night, when some of them ware Drunk, two of the Men that steer'd 2 of our large Cannoes went away with the Empty Cannoes and left all the goods laying on the beach. however the next Morning we made shift to get all the goods put into the other Cannoes but after Paddleing about 6 Miles we came up with the 2 men that left us las Night, who ware again willing to take the goods &c as before saying they only left us in a drunken frollick, and ware Just going to turn back when we appeared in sight. I gave them the same quantity of goods to Carrey as before and all Parties seemd well satifsfy'd. this Day paddled about 28 Miles. great part of the way on Pee-poon-nufs Lake, on an Island of which we lay alnight."

" Thursday the 10th
Clowdy with flying showers of Rain. Paddled aCrofs the Remaindor of the above Lake, and through a little R. which Joins it to another Lake, by the Side of which we lay alnight. Most of the Indians ware behind a hunting but one that ware in company killd a Moose, part of the flesh he gave me for my People &c."

" Friday the 11th
Fine pleasent Weather wind in the SW quarter. Paddled acrofs the the Remaindor of the above Lake and at Night Put up about the Middle of Elbowe River. most of the Indians behind a hunting and some of them this Day struck off another way but are to Join us at a Part Calld the Cranberry Carreying Place, at which Part we ariv'd on the 12th and all the Ind. Joind according to Promouse. Here the Indians beg'd for a little Brandy to have another Booze and Promouse it should be the last between this and the House, as they prefst very harde, I accordingly gave them a little as before but when it ware done they began to hall out there own small Kaggs which tho they had drank the brandy which they brought from the Fort they took the empty Kaggs with them and when sholeing? about under a pretence of hunting they had Broached our Kaggs, filld their own out of them and made up the Breach with water - finding that to be the way they had furnished themselves with a fresh stock, I took all our Kaggs in our own pofsefsion and on closely examineing them I found only one Kagg that had ben carried by them that had not ben broached. -
The Indian that had ben so honist informed me that from the time of our leaving the Fort, it had ben their custom to have private drinking bouts out of our Kaggs when only 2, 3 or 4 Cannoes in a place, which ware frequantly the case for several Nights together. He farther added that as they drew the Brandy off they always filld up the Kaggs with water, and from the frequant adulterations ware shure that some of the Kaggs, or at least the liquor in them, ware little better then Water."

" Sunday the 13th
Dark clowdy weather but calm. most of the Indians Drunk. however they began to Prepare for going; but to Prevent any farther frauds with the Brandy we took it all in our own Cannoes, on which some of the Indians ware highly affronted and say'd if I would not let them carrey the Brandy as usual that they would not carrey any other part of the goods, but as we ware within about 3 Day Paddle of the House I absolutely Refused and ware determined to undergo a Thousand difficualties extraordinary (if Pofsable) rather then put it again in their power to make a Dupe of me after being aprised of their vilony.
Brandy being the only thing that can raise an Indian's courage and they haveing drank a good dose of it ware Just ripe for Mischief and some of them began to tofs about the goods and ware for staveing the Kaggs of Brandy &c in defence of which a scuffle insued and tho we ware much inferior in Number yet had greatly the advantague being all sober and they much intoxicated. We ware carefull not to take any affonsave Weapons, and only gave them a little old English Play, which had so good an affect that we soon drubed them into a seeming good humour again tho some of them ware a little sulkey. By this time it ware late in the Day however we embarked takeing all the Brandy in our own Cannoes and the Indians carried other goods in Proportion. but they being all very Drunk and still a Small stock underhand in their little Runletts they all went alongside of Each other in the Middle of a pritty wide Lake and began to renewe their ?, but as there ware great danger of their overseting and as I valued the goods they had on board much more than their own carcafses I went to the nearest Shore with our own Cannoes landed all the goods &c we had in and then went off and took all the goods out of the Ind. Cannoes and left them in the middle of the Lake with their light Cannoes to act as ware most agreeable to themselves. Towards the Evening the Club broke up and some of them Reached the Shore where we ware Tenting while others drove about and the wind listed and got on shore on Islands &c. however no meterial damage happended.
At Night came on extream bad weather with Excefsave heavey Gales from the NE and very heavey and Constant Rain which continued tell the afternoon of the 15th dureing which time we could not move and some of the Indians ware drunk the whole time and frequantly very troublesom.
The weather groweing rather better tho at times heavey Squalls we mov'd to the mouth of the little R. which Joins to Gray Goose Lake where we lay alnight. the Next morning being fine Pleasent Weather we set out early all sober and in pritty good humour. This Day crofst Gray goose Lake, Paddled Down the little river calld gray goose R pafs't the Ne-me-o-kip-a-hagon, and at Night Put up at the mouth of the little River of that Name. - This Day 4 Cannoes left us and struck off to the Northward up Ne-me-o-kip-a-hagon River the goods they had in belonging to the Company ware Destributed amongst the other Cannoes."

" At night came on very hard gales of wind from the SE - in the Morning of the 17th being a little more Modirate tho still blowing hard, we embarked, and proceeded on towards the house which ware within one good Days paddle but when about 2 Miles from the Shore, the Gale increas'd so violant (and being a wide lake we had to Crofs) ware obligd to bare away before the Wind and our fleet ware so scattered in the Squall, each striving for the nearest Island or shore, that we did not all Join again tell the evening of the 18 the weather then being Pritty Modirate we proceeded on tell within about 9 Miles of the House. so put up it being then about the Middle of the Night. the next Morning being quite calm we set out early and ariv'd at the House about 6 a Clock in the Morning where I found My 3 Men all well, as also Charles Isham who arived here 12 Days since and all the goods sent with him came safe. but had a deal of trouble on the pafsage; for several of the Indians left him at the first Carreying place from York Fort, and 2 more Cannoes left him at Basquiau so that he ware under the Necefsaty of hireing other Indians to bring the goods to the House and on the delivory of the goods ware pay'd for their trouble."

" 6 Tents of Indians ware on the Plantation when I arivd but had nothing to trade; however I Presented them with a little Brandy and Tobaco to encourage them to bring us Provisions and other Necefsaries"

" Dureing my absence from the house The Carpenter and the other 2 Men had made a much greater prograce in the building then I Expected; they haveing got all the appartments done up, tho in a Rough manner, and the Coppels ready fixed fit for Roofing. Notwithstanding the want of the Roof the People ware moved into the New house before I came and Andrew Garret had Traded several Tents to Preserve the goods &c from damageing by the weather. Which at Present is very bad being constant heavey Rain and a Strong gale from the SE which continued tell Tuesday the 22nd. dureing which time the people could not do any out Door duty so ware Employ'd fixing up their Cabbins &c. but Tuesday proveing modirate and fair the Carpenter and one Man ware Emp'd makeing a Sawpitt, the rest of the People carreying in Timber ready for sawing Boards for the Roof. - Most of the Indians that ware tenting here on my arival as also those that accompany'd me from the Fort, went their respective ways some of which are to come in with Provisions and other Necefsaries in the fall and some are going far off to Procure furs &c.-"

" On examineing the goods on my arival I found a bundle of Brazil Tobaco of 43 lb and 56 lb of Ball Mifsing but there ware so many shiftings and changeings on the Pafsage that it ware inpofsable to find out who had it last to Carrey also when I came to taste the Brandy I found some of the Kaggs full of fair water and many others not stronger then good Grog, so that out of the 200 Gal. taken in at York Fort I have not Receiv'd to the value of above 100 Gal. of Neet Brandy the Grog &c all included. -
This afternoon I fitted out the Home Indians for their Return to the Fort."

" Wednesday the 23rd
The first and Middle parts Mordirate and Clowdy the latter Part Strong gale at NE and heavey Rain. The Carpenter and 2 Men sawing of fether edged Boards for the Roof the remaindor of the People Carreying in Timber &c. In the morning the home Indians set out for the Fort by whome I sent the following Letter -
Cumberland House Pine Island Lake 22nd August 1775
Sir
As the Home Indians who afsisted in geting the goods up ware desirous of returning this fall have sent by them a few lines to acquaint you of our safe arival at the new Settlement on the 18th of the month.
The villins of Indians that accomp'd me embezzeld at least 100 gal. of the Brandy besides a Bag containing 43 lb of Brazil Tobaco & 56 lb of Ball.
On my arival I found Charles Isham had arived here 12 days before us and all the good which ware sent with him came safe.
I am Sir Yours at ?
Sam. Hearne
PS. We are removed into the new house but the Roof is not civered in as Yet.
Please to Present my Comp. to the Gentlemen of your Mefs.
To Mr Jacobs or the Chief in Coman'd at York Fort."

" Thursday the 24th
Very hard gales at E and NE but fair weather. the Carpenter and some of the People Emp'd sawing of boards, the rest of the Men seting up in Piles some firewood which has ben fell in clearing the ground bout the House."

" Friday the 25th
Fine Pleasent weather. the Carpenter and 2 Men sawing as before. 2 Men seting a fishing Nett. the Rest of the People falling and Squareing of Timber."

" Saturday the 26th
Ditto Weather. the Carpenter and People Employd as before. lookd at the fishing Nett and caught 20 small fish. - in the Evening heavey Rain."

" Sunday the 27th
Finr Pleasent weather look'd at the fishing Nett and caught a few Fish, in the afternoon 6 Cannoes of Indians that went from here on Tuesday last. came with some Moose Flesh and in the Evening 2 Cannoes of strange Indians came with meat &c. - at Night Clowdy likely for Rain."

" Monday the 28th
Light airs of wind from the WBN with thick Fogg. the Carpenter and 2 People Emp'd sawing of Boards for the Roof as before. the rest of the People Emp'd in falling some woods to the westward of the House in order to lay it open to that Quarter. - in the Evening fine Pleasent Weather."

" Tuesday the 29th
Hott sultory weather and calm but Clowdy. haveing a few Boards sawn, the Carpenter and 2 Men began to civer in part of the Roof which is over the Warehouse &c but some of the People continue sawing of boards. - one Man Emp'd making a Sturgeon Nett the rest of the People doeing some Necefsary Jobbs about the House also lookd at the Fishing nett and caught a few Fish.
Some of the Indians went away. and the rest of them took up a little goods in Trust and prepar'd for going tomorrow."

" Wednesday the 30th
Fresh gales at NW and clear weather. in the Morning the remaindor of the Indians went away. - The Carpenter and People employ'd as before. look'd at the fishing nett but caught only 2 small fish."

" Thursday the 31st
Fine pleasent weather. Carpenter and People Employd as before. in the Evening one Cannoe came with a little Dry'd meat &c. - one Man Sick."

" Friday 1st of September 1775
Clowdy but fine and Modirate. the Carpenter and 2 Men civering the Roof, the Remd'r of the People sawing of Boards &c. The Cannoe that came Yesterday return'd, and another Cannoe came with some Dry'd Meat a few Parchment Beaver skins and some Shoe leather &c. - two Men Sick."

" Saturday the 2nd
Fine Pleasent weather. The Carpenter and 2 Men Emp'd as before and at night finished about one half of the Roof, that which is over the Masters Room, Warehouse &c. The Remaindor of the People sawing of the boards for the Remd'r of the Roof.
In the Evening a Cannoe came with Dry'd Meat &c to Trade. and the Cannoe that came Yesterday went away."

" Sunday the 3rd
Ditto weather. moste of the People a hunting of Geese. in the afternoon one cannoe came with some green Moose flesh. at Night the People Returned with a few geese."

" Monday the 4th
Fresh gales at E and clowdy weather. the Carpenter and one Man Emp'd partitioning off the upper warehouse 2 Men Sawing Boards. a? Man making of fishing netts and the remd'r of the People gathering of Stones for building the fire Places with &c. 3 Men Sick."

" Tuesday the 5th
Calm clear weather. the Carpenter and one Man Emp'd as before. one Man making Netts. the remaindor of the People gathering of Stones for the fireplaces.
one Cannoe came with some Dry'd & Pownded Meat and return'd emediatly after trading. - All the People at work."

" Wednesday the 6th
Fresh breeze at N and NBW. the Carpenter and one Man emp'd as before. 2 Men sawing of Boards and all the remaindor of the People carreying stones for Building the Chimneys &c. one Cannoe came with a little Dry'd Meat, Fatt &c."

" Thursday the 7th
Ditto weather the Carpenter and some of the People Emp'd building the fireplace in the Mens house. the rest of the People supplying them with Stones Clay &c.
About Noon, one Cannoe came with some Moose flesh &c. in the evening heavey showers of hail and Rain attended with thunder and Lightning."

" Friday the 8th
Ditto weather. Carpenter and People all Emp'd as before. in the afternoon flying showers of Rain."

" Saturday the 9th
The first part Strong gales at NNW and Clear. the Middle and latter Parts fine Pleasent Weather. People Emp'd as before. in the afternoon 2 Cannoes of Indians from the Buffalow Country came with some Dryd meat and a few Furs. - One Man Sick and one man lame."

" Sunday the 10th
Modirate and Clowdy. Traded with the above Indians who soon after Returned. one of which is to Build me a large Cannoe next spring."

" Monday the 11th
Dark clowdy Weather with frequant showers of Rain Wind at NE. is the People could not work at Building the Chimney I sent some of them to hunt geese and the Rest ware Emp'd about some Necefsary Jobbs in doors. - one Man Lame."

" Tuesday the 12th
Ditto Clowdy but fair. the Carpenter Emp'd about some Necefsary Jobbs in his own Branch the Remaindor of the People Emp'd building the fireplace in the Mens house and fetching Stones Clay &c.
In the Afternoon 7 Cannoes of grafs River Indians came with Dry'd Meat, fatt, and a few Furs and some Drefst Moose Skinns. - they also brought 2 fine Sturgeon."

" Wednesday the 13th
Dark clowdy weather with drizley Rain. could not work at building the Chimney so Emp'd the People in falling of Firewood. Traded some Meate from the above Indians.
In the afternoon one Cannoe came; of whome I Traded 40 Geese and some fine Fish known here by the name of Titt-a-meg."

" Thursday the 14th
The first part dark clowdy weather and a little drizley rain. as the People could not work at the Chimney ware Emp'd falling of wood as before, but the Middle and latter Parts proved fine pleasent weather. some of the People went to building the Chimney, the Carpenter and the rest of the men Employd falling and squareing of Timber to saw more Boards out off for the remaindor of the Roof. The reason of our not geting a sufficiant quantity of Plank cut emediatly on our arival ware oweing to the Meskettas being so thick that the People could not work in the woods.
Traded the remaindor of the goods brought by the above Indians which consisted of several hundred Pounds of Dry'd meat & Fatt, a few Parchment Beaver and some drefst Moose Skinns. Soon after trading they all Returnd and in the Evening not one Indian ware Tenting on the Plantation, but late at Night 3 other Cannoes came with a little Green Moose flesh &c. - haveing some some time past had no Succefs in the Fishing Nett this Day had it took up and brought home to be Repared."

" Friday the 15th
Dark clowdy weather with a Strong gales at SE and flying showers of Rain. the Stones being wett could not work at the Chimneys, so the Carpenter and all hands ware Emp'd falling and squareing of Timber. Traded with the above Indians. but the weather would not Permit them to go away."

" Saturday the 16th
Ditto gales but fair. the Carpenter and 2 Men squareing of Timber. the rest of the People building the Chimney. the Indians above mentioned still Tenting on the Plantation the weather not Permiting them to go away."

" Sunday the 17th
Fine Pleasent weather. all the Indians that ware Tenting on the plantation went away. and soon after 6 more Cannoes came with some Dryd meat and a few Furs."

" Monday the 18th
Fresh gales at NNW and Clear weather. in the Morning the People carried some Timber Pieces out of the woods to the Sawpitt. The Remaindor of the Day the Carpenter and 2 Men Emp'd sawing of Boards for the Remaindor of the Roof. the rest of the People geting Stones Clay &c and Building the Chimney in the Mens house.
some of the Indians went away and in the afternoon one more Cannoe came but had little or nothing to Trade. - at Night Cold frosty weather."

" Tuesday the 19th
Modirate and Clowdy. 2 Men sawing of Boards the carpenter Emp'd about some Necefsary Jobbs in the house and the rest of the people Building the Chimney as before. one Man lame, accationed by a Strain in the Back in Carreying Stones Yesterday. in the Evening 2 Cannoes came with some Geese to Trade."

" Wednesday the 20th
Strong gales at N and NBE with snow and Sleet. 2 Men at the Saw. the Carpenter Emp'd fixing some Conveniances in the Trading Room. the rest of the People Emp'd gathering of Stones and began to build the fireplace in the Masters Room. 2 Tents of Indians on the Plantation. one man lame as pr yeserday."

" Thursday the 21st
Fine pleasent Weather. 2 Men sawing of Boards. the Carpenter and 2 Men Building the fireplace in the Masters Room and all the Remaindor of the People gathering of Stones &c. - In the Morning all the Indians that ware tenting on the Plantation went away. and about Noon one more cannoe came with a little Dry'd meate and a few Parchment Beaver Skinns. they traded their goods and return'd emediatly. - one man Lame as before."

" Friday the 22nd
Fresh gales at NW and dark clowdy weather. Early in the Morning before Day one Cannoe came with the flesh of a Deer which I Traded and they Returnd emediatly. The Carpenter and one Man Emp'd about the Masters firePlace. 2 men Emp'd about the Mens Chimney and the rest of the People supplying them with Stones, Clay &c. - one Man lame as before."

" Saturday the 23rd
Fine Pleasent Weather. 2 Men Sawing of Boards the Carpenter and the Remaindor of the People Emp'd as before. in the Evening 3 Cannoes came with some Moose flesh and a few Parchment Moose skins. The man that had Received a Strain in his back is so much Recoverd that this Day he went to work."

" Sunday the 24th
Modirate but Clowdy 11 Cannoes of Basquiau Indians came with Dry'd meat and Some Geese. At Night cold frosty weather wind at NE with some snow."

" Monday the 25th
Fresh gales at NE and clowdy cold weather. The Carpenter employd about some little Jobbs in his own Branch, 2 Men Building the Chimney in the Masters room the Rest of the People supplying them with Stones and Clay, all Except 2 that is sawing of Boards. Traded from the Indians that came yesterday, 73 Geese some Blathers of Fatt, and a little Dryed Meate."

Tuesday the 26th
Modirate and Clowdy. 2 Men sawing of boards. the Carpenter and 2 hands Emp'd civering in the Remaindor of the Roof the rest of the People gathering stones and building the Chimney in the Masters room.
I Presented the leader of the Basquiau Indians with some Tobaco and other Articals to encourage him to get some large Cannoes built for me next Year. which service he Promoused faithfully to preform and soon after imbarked as did all the Indians that ware tenting on the Plantation. In the evening 2 Cannoes of Indians came to the house who ware in great destrefs for Provision, accationed by their not haveing any amanition. I gave them a little Victuals for the Present and Supply'd them with amanition &c to Provide for themselves."

" Wednesday the 27th
Fresh gales at N and NW with Dark clowdy weather. Carpenter and people Employd as before. this Day the Mens Chimney ware compleated but the Masters is not finished as yet. The Indians that came Yesterday went away a hunting. at Night cold Frosty Weather."

" Thursday the 28th
Modirate and clowdy. the carpenter Employd making a 24 feet ladder. 2 Men sawing of Boards. the remainder of the People geting of Stones and Building the Masters Chimney. in the afternoon 3 Cannoes of Grafs River Ind. came and Pitched on the Plantation but brought little or nothing to Trade."

" Friday the 29th
Modirate and clowdy with a cold freezing air from the NE. The Carpenter Emp'd making a Table for the Masters appartment. 2 Men sawing of boards the Rest of the People Employd as before building the Chimney &c. - One Cannoe came who traded 15 Geese and Returned emediatly. The Indians that came yesterday Went to hunt more geese for us. towards evening the weather grew more mild."

" Saturday the 30th
Ditto weather. Carpenter finished the Table and in the afternoon compleated the remaindor of the Roof. 2 men Sawing of boards, the rest of the People Emp'd as before about the Masters Chimney and at Night finished it - one Cannoe came with some geese to Trade."

" Sunday the 1st of October 1775
Fine clear weather but a fresh gale NBW. early in the Morning the cannoe that came Yesterday with the Geese went away to kill more with whome I sent 2 of my people With amanition &c to kill some also - one Cannoe of Indians came with a few Geese and 2 Swans but it comeing on to blow fresh they could not Return tell late at Night."

" Monday the 2nd
Mild clowdy weather. the Carpenter Employd nailing on a set of new Parchment Windows. the rest of the People cleaning the Plantation and burning the Rubbage. 4 Cannoes of Indians came with Geese &c. at Night heavey rain."

" Tuesday the 3rd
Dark clowdy weather but Modirate; Carpenter Emp'd plaining some Boards for incloseing the fire Place in the Masters Room one man mending the fifhing Netts. the rest of the people Employ'd as Pr yesterday clearing the Plantation &c - Traded about 60 Geese from the Indians that came Yesterday & in the Afternoon, 4 more Cannoes came with a little Dryd meat. my 2 Men that I sent a hunting on Sunday last, at yet not Returnd."

" Wednesday the 4th
Fine Pleasent weather. Carpenter employd as before. 2 Men sawing of Boards, the rest of the People spriging and seting up in piles some firewood that ware felld last spring. Traded what meat the Indians brought Yesterday. this Day 7 Cannoes of Indians came from Different Quarters; and in the Afternoon 2 Cannoes of York Fort home Indians came to the house and brought with them Mr Cocking to succeed me in the Command here. Amongst other letters I Receivd the following one from Mefs Jacobs and Marten -
York Fort August the 25th 1775
Mr Samuel Hearne
Sir
The Committee of the Honourable Hudson's Bay Company having appointed you chief of Prince of Wales's Fort and desired us to inform you of their ententions with the utmost difpatch and appoint a Proper person to succeed you and Your Settlement Inland, we have in obediance to thefe orders sent Mr Cocking to succeed you, to whome, you will please to deliver the said Settlement together with all the Trading goods Stores Provisions & Furs now in your pofsefsion, taking a Receipt for the same. Inclosed You will Receive their Honours Letter and all others but in your own breast it remains either to touch here, or proceed directly to Your Command. Mr Marten who succeeds Mr Jacobs at York Fort will esteem it as a perticular favour if when time will Permitt, you will point out to him your sentiments of the most prudent methods to be pursued to bring to Perfection the plan you have with such credit to Yourself hitherto executed.
Wishing you a happy and speedy pafsage down. we Remain
Sir
Your Sincear Friends
Ferdinand Jacobs
Humphrey Marten
When I came to be acquainted with my appointment to the command of Prince of Wales Fort (notwithstanding the season ware so far advanced as to afforde no Probability of ariving there tell the Winter setts in) I began to make all pofsable preporation for my departure. & tho 4 Tents of Indians ware on the Plantation I could not prevail on any of them to under take the Journey to CR at such an unseasonable time of the year. for as they observd admitt our arival dureing the open weather they unavoiadably would be obligd to winter there and leave their wives and Familys to the care of other Indians tell nex Summer. That ware the only objection most of them had Which I could by no means remove for few Indians like to be absent from their Fanilys for so long together, if by any means they Pofsably can avoid it. That being the case I had no beter measures to presue then by taking my pafsage to York Fort by the Return of the Indians who Brought Mr Cocking here, for they ware not acquainted with the road to Churchill. -
The next day we ware Emp'd taking an exact account of the Trading Goods, Stores, Provisions and Furs remaining at the House. and got a Receipt for the same from Mr Cocking all except for about 3 Months dryed Provision for which Mr Cocking refused to give a Receipt for tho it had cost me several Hundreds of Beaver in the purchice."

" Friday the 6th fine Modirate weather but cold. early in the Morning I imbarked in one of our Old large cannoes. as did the 4 home Indians, and proceeded for York Fort. at night we put up at the mouth of the little River that proceeds from the Na-me-o-kip-a-hagon."

" Saturday the 7th
Mild clowdy weather set out in the Morning and at Night Put up in little Gray goose River."

" Sunday the 8th
fresh gales at E and SE. set out early in the Morning but had not Paddled many miles before we ware obligd to Put up it blowing to hard to Crofs the lakes - but towards evening it fell fine and Modirate we again set out and Paddled best part of the Night, then put up at Elbowe River, and about Daylight the next morning we imbarked and Paddled tell Sunsett, then came to some Beaver houses so Put up and the Indians went a hunting them but only killd one."

" Tuesday the 10
First part fine pleasent Weather the Middle and latter parts fresh gales at NE. Paddled tell near Sunsett then had the Mifsfortune to stave the Cannoe in Shooting a fall so we put up for the Night and repared the Cannoe."

" Wednesday the 11th
Fine pleasent weather. set out early in the Morning and about sunsett got aCrofs Wee-kus-qua Lake where we saw one Tent of York Fort half home Indians so Put up for the Night but it comeing on to Blow very hard at NE we Could not move the next Day but Earley in the Morning of the 13th being fine Pleasent weather we set out before Day and Paddled tell Sunsett down grafs River then Put up and the Indians went a Beaver hunting but had no Succefs."

" Saturday the 14
Cold frosty weather but modirate. Paddled down Grafs River and crofst all the Carreying Places but the Ice ware a great hinderance to us in many Places and notwithstanding all the care we could take the cannoe got stove in several Places which detained us greatly but early the next morning being fine pleasent weather we set out by 3 aClock and in the evening arived at the Pellican Fall where we Put up alnight. this Days Paddle being chiefly in wide open lakes with no Ice."

" Monday the 16th
Fine mild weather but clowdy Paddled tell overnight and then put up by the Side of With-a-man Lake. in the Evening Clowdy likely for Rain."

" Tuesday the 17th
Strong gales at NW Paddled about 12 m under the lee of the Islands then ware obligd to Put up. at Night cold frosty Weather."

" Wednesday the 18th
Fine Modirate weather but colde. set out Early in the Morning and Paddled tell after Dark in our way this Day we Pafst Wa-come-min-na River, Thifs-is-com-matt-away Lake and at Night Put up about the Middle of Wap-a-nake-wan Lake. the Ice ware so troublesom at times this day that we ware oblige to breake a lane through it With a long Pole before we could get the cannoe through which ware not only very Teadious but ware the accation of frequantly staveing the Cannoe which also delayd much time in mending."

" Thursday the 19th
Very fine Pleasent weather with a light air of wind from the SW. set out before day and crofst the Remaindor of Wap-a-nake-wan Lake and at night put up not far from Stinking Lake. in the afternoon at near Sunsett we spoke with 2 Tents of half home Indians but being in a hurry I made no stay and did not put up tell long after Dark. - it continueing fine pleasent weather we set out the next morning before Day and Paddled tell near sunsett. it then comeing on to blow fresh ware obliged to Put up on an Island in Ta-tafs-qui-ough Lake. the Wind still continueing to blow fresh at NE would not permitt us to Paddle above 5 M the Next Day before we war oblig'd to Put up on another Island, but Sunday the 22nd proveing more Modirate tho cold we set out Early and Paddled tell late at Night then Put up by the Side of the gull Lake not far from the Gull Fall. at Night very hard frost so that the Edge of the Lake ware froze over for above a Stones throw from the Shore."

" Monday the 23rd
Fine Clear weather and Modirate but so very cold that we could not Paddle, but towards the afternoon it grew more mild, so we cut and Broke a Track through the Ice to the clear water and again began to fall down the Stream of Port Nelson. in our way crofst the Gull fall and several others, but the Cannoe being leakey ware oblige to Put up early for the sake of haveing daylight to see to Repare her."

" Tuesday the 24th
Fine Pleasent weather. set out Early in the Morn and Paddled down Port Nelson tell near Sunsett then ware obligd to put up to Repare our Cannoe it being very leakey."

" Wednesday the 25th
Ditto weather. Paddled Down Port Nelson as before and in the Afternoon crofst the Last carreying Place."

" Thursday the 26th
Cold frosty weather wind at N and NE still Paddleing down Port Nelson as before, but in the Afternoon meeting with a great deal of heavey Ice and all the shores being civerd with large flakes and the Evening advanceing we Put a Shore and carried the Cannoe into the Woods and Put her by, being then about 16 Miles from York Fort - after laying the Cannoe carefully by (tho not good for anything) we took up our small trifles and walkd? along shore tell after Dark then Put up. and the Next Morning set out before Day and got to York Fort early in the fore Noon and found Mr Marten and all under his Command in good health. I did not propose to Stay at York above a Night or two but the wind keeping to the North and Eastward filld Port Nelson with Ice, and tho I frequantly sent an Indian aCrofs the Island to look at the River they always informd us of the impofsability of Crofsing. and tware tell the second of Jan. 1776 before we could crofs on the Ice and then not lower down then about 22 Miles above the Fort. And tho I set out on the Second it ware the 17th following before I arived at Churchill being greatly detained by bad weather. On my arival I found Mr Jefferson and all well.
As soon a Pofsable after my arival I examined into some of the princapl articals of the Trading goods which together with the Expences and the little Subsequant Trade since the last over hall agreed so exactly with the General Charge that I thought ther ware no necefsaty for my Examineing into every artical menutely."

" Remarks"

" Notwithstandin my strictest enquiary into the Proceedings of the Pedlors. I have not ben able to inform myself of any thing that we can put a stop to at Present for the want of more Cannoes. Mr Forbersher who winter'd to the NE of Cumberland House in 1774 is now Removed within two days walk of our settlement, and tho he undoubtedly will intercept several Indians in the Pafsage to our house; Yet for want of a greater asortment of goods and Brandy in Proportion it is noways in the power of those inland to ingroce? the trade For tho we undersell the Canadians by far for some articals while our goods last, yet when the Brandy is out the Ind. leave off Trading, a strong proof of which I had last Spring before I embark'd for York Fort, for notwithstanding there ware plenty of amanition and some other usefull articals left the Indians would not trade their Furs because I had no Brandy. And when I set out for York Fort I left near 30 Cannoes of Indians tenting on the plantation most of which ware well gooded, who afterwards went differant ways in quest of Brandy from the Pedlors.
As Cannoes is the prinsable thing wanting for the farther extending the Inland expedition, and realy in my opinion no Probibility of ever geting a sufficiant No. from the Natives, makes it necfsary to have researce to some other methods, and the only one that remains, is to try what can be done in light shells made of wood after the cannoe form; and I am apt to believe that Expert Wherrey builders could make vefsels of upwards one Ton Burthon so Portable that 2 Men may carrey them one forth of a Mile at least without resting.
Two Strakes on each side the keel should be of good clean Elm or the Best oak wrought as thin as Pofsable but the remaindor of the vefsel may be compleated with the lightest and best Noraway Deals, taking great care to avoid all superfluatys of wood and Iron.
A Tryal of this kind may be made in England and if found to answer (which will be easily known by its Portablnefs) no time should be lost but as a number of such slight vefsels would be very unhandy stowage on board of Ship and lyable to many accidents on the pafsage it would be more conveniant to send out 2 Expert workmen with proper wood &c for their use, and as they could prepare all the Timbers and Plank in the Winter ready for seting up in the Summer they would in a Year or two have a considerable Number made fit for use and will with care last several Years whereas the best Birch Rinde Cannoe that can be built will not last longer then one Year. notwithstanding which I would continue to encourage them to build birch Rinde cannoes provided they would make them of a Proper Sise, but all that we have ben able to get hitherto, tho much larger then the common Sort are nothing like what I would have them, being so long and narrow, noways burthensom, and are only fit to Row wagers? in, so that if we had 50 of such vefsels they would not carrey as much as 10 of the Pedlors Cannoes & at the same time each of them requires 3 Men, whereas the pedlors only have 4 in their large one's which carreys 2 Ton of Trading goods besides the Men, Provisions, & other lumber.

I am sorry the account I inserted in my last Journal respecting the Wages gave by the Pedlors Masters to their Men, should diveate so much from trooth but such was the account I received at that time. but since Have had an opportunity of hearing a more athentick account from Andrew Garrett. as told him by Mr Forbersher who Calld at our house the last Summer (as on his way down to Canady) after I set out for York Fort. - He ashured And. Garrett that so far from the Steersmen haveing 50 £ pr Annum as they had Reported that Primo who is his linguest, Trader, a Pataroon, and every thing next to himself has but 25 £ a year and all his other Pataroons has no more then 18 or 20 £ according to agreement and the Privolage of 80 Beaver Skins which are chiefly Traded with goods taken up with him, and are obligd to despose of the Furs at the grand Portage which on anavrage generally fetches 4s 6d Pr Skin at which Price they hardly save their own money. for the goods they take up is charged to them in the same Proportion as the Masters can make by it in Trade. - no man but the Pataroons are allowd to Trade a Skin.-
The Bowmen have by Forbershers account from 14 £ to 16 £ a Year and the 2 Men that sets in the Middle of each Cannoe have from 10 to 12 £ -
At the time Mr Forbersher calld at our house the weather obligd him to Stay the best part of the Day, dureing which time he conversed very freely with And. Garrett and told him he had left Primo and 7 other Men to build a house (tho calld by him a Fort) within 2 Days walk of ours. the reason of his moveing ware accationed by the great Destrefs he ware in for Provisions, which ware realy shocking, one or two of his men dyed for real want. and one of them Shott by the Indians for Eating human flesh the Corps of one of their deceased friends. Mr Forbersher himself ware so destrefst that he eat all the Parchment Moose &c and many of his furs and even a few garden seeds which he proposed to have sown the following Spring he also eat to Satisfy hunger.

Notwithstanding what I formaly wrote to the Board concerning the unnecefsaty of an advance of wages to those that go Inland. I find by Experiance that there is a very great necefsaty; otherwise it is likely to be a great obstacle in the way of Prosicuteing the inland affair. for at Present the People have not got the prosperity of the Expedition at heart. And tho they may be compelld by Contract to go for a Year or two, many of them will rather be sent home then continue to go inland at their present wages and as they go with reluctance, only move in Proportion as they think they are pay'd for their trouble. No Spirit of emulation is to be seen amongst them nor scarce one of them endeavours to make himself acquainted with the management of a Cannoe or any other thing that is likely to forward the Expedition, and their whole complaint is for want of encouragement.
I have interfeared so far as to ask what Encouragement they Required, to which the Orkneymen seemed to intermate that 12 £ pr annom would enduce them to be actave & usefull. Ware it a service that any labouring Men (yearly) could be equally handy and servisable, I could not see into the Necefsaty of an advance of wages, but such is the critical situation of that part of the Companys affairs, at Present, that it Never will be carried to any degree of extent, but by a set of men whose repeated voyages has gained them experiance, so as to be capable of manageing Cannoes without so much afsistance from the Natives and nothing but a Reconsiliation to their wages will induce them to continue long enough in the Service to be thus quallifyd. I do not pretend to say that all need to be thus quallifyd but one at least, to Steer each Cannoe should be such as I have mentioned. The Bowmen should also be clever Cannoe men as the Safe shooting of troublesome falls greatly depends on the dexterity of those that set forward, but as to the other Persons any strong young fellow (if willing) will do very well, and if inspired by a sprit of emulation will in their turns become Steersmen &c. -
All persons that may perfict themselves so far as to be capable of Steering a Canoe up, and down, will in my opinion greatly in hance the value of their Servises, if such persons ware to meet with some little gratuity it would not only be the Meanes of induceing them to a longer continuance in the Service, but it would be a great inducement for other Young fellows to make themselves quallifyd for that Station.-

One very great and saveing advantague, the Canadian Masters have over their men. which is, when hireing them, they make the agreement so as not to be obliged to find them in Provisions, only on the pafsage up and Down. If going to erect a new settlement they make it in the agreement that when the House is built and plenty of firewood got for the winter, they are to go with the Natives and provide for themselves at their own expence. only come back early enough the next Summer to afsist in carreying the Masters Furs down to Canady - If they have no goods of their own necefsaty obliges them to take up from the Master at a very extroardinary prices with which they trade Provisions for their Support. and it lays at the Masters opshen whether to give them one loade of Powder extroardinary. that being the case it takes the bes part of their wages to find themselves in Provisions.-

As the Masters cannot do without some of his men about the house to do labouring duty as well as to defend his property in case the Indians should be troublesom, he therefore keeps those about his Person that he is a mind to favour or knows is most deserveing but by agreement no man can claim right to that indulgance, and even those are frequantly obligd to Purchise part of their subsistance at their own expence. If it ware not for this easey way of maintaining their Men, as also paying their wages with a handfull of goods Forbersher says it would not be worth their while to come inland for the Expence is very great in geting their goods brought from Canady to the Grand Portage. as also that of geting their Furs remitted from thence to their Partners at Canady. -
However, let the expences be ever so great and the Profit ever so little, they are yearly making greater prograce and carrey it on with still greater Spirit then ever, and no affectual methods can be taken to Prevent them without a greater Number of Cannoes. - It may be the opinion of some in this service that the Pedlors will soon be cut out and oblige to desist frequanting those parts, but on a Strict examination of so extensave a Country, and at the same time considering the indolant state of the Natives in general, will plainly show that it must be a work of Time, for tho the Indians allow the Comp. goods and standard the Preferance in many articals yet for want of Resolution they can never pafs a Canadian house without calling in, where they seldom fail of meeting with sufficient alurements to make them part with what they have. -

Where Cumberland House stands is to appearances comodiously situated between 4 Differant Tribes, yet such is their Indolance that when in want of Supplys, in Summer, or Winter, they always go to the nearest markett which is too frequantly in favour of the Canadians, they laying in so many Directions. That being the case I know of no affectual method to route them then by making other Settlements near theirs and endeavouring to undersell them, by which meanes the Companys Servants may in time pofsefs the most advantagous posts for trade and tell then they will only get a Small Part like any private trader from Canady - This as I have observe'd before must be a work of Time and cannot as yet be Extended for want of a Sufficiant Number of Cannoes. The very great dependance we have on the Natives at Present for cannoes as well as their afsistance in geting the Men and goods up, is not only attended with a very Extroardinary expence but Yearly exposes a large quanty of of goods to the greatest danger of being totally lost. witnefs las Year, in going up the Indians embezzeld upwards of half the Brandy and other goods to a considerable ammount. These lofses together with their payment not only runs away with all the Profit but renders the Company Servants the make game and laughingstock of every trader from Canady.

When a greater number of Cannoes can be procured then will be sufficiant to supply Cumberland House with goods. I would Recomend a nother Settlement to be made up Theiscatchiwan River near Mefs Patterson, Homes, Pangman &c. also that valuable Branch of Trade so intersepted by Joseph Forbersher to the westward of Churchill River should be taken into consideration as soon as Pofsable. -
I am Your Honours, Obediant, and
faithfull humble Servant at
Command. Sam. Hearne
Prince of Wales Fort
28 June 1776"


B.49/a/2

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