"YF
A Journal of the most remarkable Transactions and Occurrences on a Journey from and to York Fort and at Cumberland House from 23rd August 1775 to 28th July 1776
kept by
Mr Matthew Cocking"
[cover]

" Journal of Occurrences and Transactions at Cumberland House by Matthew Cocking Master; and also of his Journey from & to York Fort commencing 4th October 1775 and ending 28th July 1776"
[Title page]

August 23 1775
" Wednesday Wind NE clear Weather. this Day I left York Fort to proceed up to the new Settlement Inland with two Canoes of Home Indians; We paddled down Hays's and enterd the North or Port nelson River. Our Distance about ten miles."

Aug. 24
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Proceeding Our Distance about 24 miles, at 22 Miles Tracking. Killed a Doe Deer in the River."

Aug. 25
" Friday Wind Variable clear Weather. our Distance about Twenty miles. at 16 miles pafsed a River called Keshea Meekiskon? or Old River for killing fish with hand Nets, at 18 miles pafsed a large Branch of the same. at the conclusion arrived at the Place where several Home Natives are waiting to kill Deer, several crofsing the River Here at times. We also met with several of the North River Indians here. They informed Us that there is such a great Fresh of Water at present in the Falls owing to the late Rains that they expect we shall find great difficulty in getting up."

Aug. 26
" Saturday Wind SW Clear Weather. Our Distance about 10 miles. pafsed some Islands. many Deer crofsing the River in Places."

Aug. 27
" Sunday Wind variable Weather clear till Noon then Cloudy with Rain obliged Us to put up. Our Distance only about 8 miles tracking, pafsed over one Fall. We met with a Canoe of north River Indians whom I have prevailed with to accompany Us, my Indians pretending they are unacquainted with the Falls."

Aug. 28
" Monday Wind NW Weather part clear & part cloudy with Rain. One of the Indians who came with me from the Fort being much intoxicated with Liquor Which he stole in the night, scalded one of his Arms in such a manner as to disable him from paddling. I was obliged to leave him here to return to the Fort, taking the Goods which he had received as payment & giving them to the Indians engaged yesterday. We proceeded tracking. Our Distance about ten miles."

Aug. 29
" Tuesday Wind South Weather as yesterday. Tracking against a very strong Current. We pafsed over several Falls leading Canoes in Places very bad. One Fall about four Hundred yards, three hours in Leading Canoes over. Our Distance about seven miles. We are very tedious in our Pafsage Our Guides being very delatory."

Aug. 30
" Wednesday Wind variable Weather as before. Proceeding tracking against a Strong Current. Our Distance nine miles. We pafsed two Falls at both which we carried. at the first a hundred yards & a mile at the other. they are both called Lime Stone Falls from much of that sort being there; After pafsing both Falls tracking and sometimes leading Canoes through an exceeding strong current. We met with four Canoes of Indians going to the fort to get Credit as Usual."

Aug. 31
" Thursday Wind South clear Weather. Tracking for about six miles and then Paddling. We pafsed five Falls leading Canoes over two and carrying at two. Our whole distance about Eight miles. Before we had left off Tracking the Canoe of Indians whom we had lately employed as Guides proposed to return, saying that they were not able to proceed, and notwithstanding all I would say seemed determined to go no further. then I proposed for my Indians to try at proceeding without them, But they Refused, alledging their old excuse of being unacquainted, and therefore proposed also to turn back: as a last resort I was obliged to give some Liquor to our Guides, and after making them half Drunk I prevailed on them to change their Intent & We proceeded."

Sept. 1 1775
" Friday Wind variable clear Weather. Before we proceeded I was obliged to Give my Gun to our Guides in addition to their former payment before they would accompany Us. In this manner the natives impose upon an European when they know he cannot do without them. Our Distance about ten miles. pafsed over several Rocky Falls. lead Canoes over four & carried all at five Falls; One Carrying place 3/4 mile acrofs two more 1/4 mile each the others short. many rocky Islands."

Sept. 2
" Saturday Wind SW Weather cloudy with a few drops of Rain. towards Evening Clear. Our distance about eight miles. pafsed over many falls, carried at nine, one Carrying Place 1/2 mile, two more 1/4 Each, the rest short carriage. lead Canoes over some of the Falls, several Islands."

Sept. 3
" Sunday Wind SE Weather first part clear afterwards cloudy a strong Gale with Rain. Our Distance about eight miles. We pafsed over one Carrying Place of 1/4 mile called Muskake or swampy carrying Place. also lead Canoes over two falls. We met with two Canoes of Indians waiting to kill Deer. see several crofsing while we were here. I traded a Small supply of Provision from these Indians and they exchanged a Canoe for one of ours thas was very bad."

Sept. 4
" Monday Wind SW a fresh Gale at times clear Weather. Lead Canoes over three Falls and pafsed one carrying Place of 1/4 mile. Our Distance twelve miles."

Sept. 5
" Tuesday Wind West cloudy Weather with small Rain at times. Our Distance six miles. We pafsed over five Carrying Places each of 1/4 mile, except one 1/2 mile. lead Canoes over six falls. at 4 miles entered the Gull Lake; narrow. met with two Canoes of Indians waiting to kill Deer. several crofsing at times."

Sept. 6
" Wednesday Wind NE a fresh Gale cloudy but fair till noon then a continuance of Rain obliged Us to put up. Our Distance about twelve miles. dangerous Paddling being a swell."

Sept. 7
" Thursday Wind & Weather for the most part the same as yesterday till the Evening then fair when we proceeded. Our Distance seven miles. at three miles entered a River which the Indians call a continuation of Port nelson, a strong Current with some falls in places."

Sept. 8
" Friday Wind variable Weather cloudy with very little intermifsions of Rain. We did not proceed."

Sept. 9
" Saturday Wind West Weather very variable but most part cloudy with rain at times. We proceeded our Distance about fifteen miles. for ten miles in the River in which we pafsed several Falls, dragged Canoes over some and carried 1/4 mile at one; Entered a Lake called Tahtasquiow Sackaeagon or ?wood Lake. Put up in a narrow we entered: At Noon met a Canoe of Home natives returning for the Fort. they went up with Mr Hearne whom they say they left eighteen days since. Our Company two Canoes did not come up with Us."

Sept. 10
" Sunday Wind variable Weather first part cloudy with small Rain at times afterwards clear towards noon our Companions came up. find one of their Canoes had been stove was the reason they did not arrive last night. We did not proceed waiting to mend the Canoe properly, finished towards Evening when I proposed to proceed and to paddle on in the night by the Light of the moon being Calm; but the Indians would not comply: indeed I am a fraid that between their delatorinefs and the Stoppages we have with our Leaky Canoes that we shall be very long in getting up. I begin to suspect that the Home Natives that accompanied me from the Fort endeavour to protract the time with an intention of forcing me to turn back, as they have often wanted me to comply with."

Sept. 11
" Monday Wind NE a strong Gale cloudy Weather. towards Evening a strong Gale at NW. We proceeded through the narrow three miles. when the Indians declared it was unsafe to proceed for the swell, so we put up."

Sept. 12
" Tuesday Wind NW a Strong Gale cloudy Weather small rain at times, much Rain in the night. We did not proceed."

Sept. 13
" Wednesday Wind & Weather the same till Noon then calmer, when I proposed to proceed but the Indians were unwilling pretending it was unsafe. towards Evening three Canoes of Indians arrived who are going down to the Fort. they soon left Us: As these Indians had come acrofs the same path which we have to go in this Lake, it was undoubtedy as safe for Us to have been paddling as for them; I therefore again proposed to proceed but my Indians seemed unwilling to comply: As I found Our Guides the most unwilling, and my Indians seemed to rest upon their delays as an excuse for protracting the time, I resolved upon turning them off being now got over the worst of the Falls. accordingly I took my Gun from them which I had been obliged to give to prevent their leaving Us as mentioned before. As the things I had at first given them over sufficiently paid them for their trouble. We then proceeded without them much against my Indians Inclination. one in particular would not paddle. We went only about five miles paddling in the Lake."

Sept. 14
" Thursday Wind SW Weather part Clear & part Cloudy. We proceeded our distance about Thirty miles. at 26 miles pafsed by a Carrying Place of 1/4 mile at a fall into a River of the same name as the one formerly left. paddling against a Current. Many Islands in the Lake we left which was narrow in Places but blowing fresh at times made it dangerous Paddling. Here we lost the Track for sometime, but meeting with ten Canoes of the North River Indians going to the Fort they put us right."

Sept. 15
" Friday Wind East Weather cloudy with a continued Rain, towards Evening a strong Gale at NW with rain & Sleet. notwithstanding the Weather We proceeded. Our Distance about twelve miles. At 1 1/2 Mile left Port Nelson River and entered another called Mus-kuf-sis-kow Se-py or Grafs River. pafsed some Falls in it & lead Canoes 1/4 mile through one: at the conclusion we came to a carrying Place of 1/4 mile and put up, the Weather being very bad."

Sept. 16
" Saturday Wind NE a strong gale at times, Weather most part cloudy with Rain at times. Our Distance this day about twenty seven miles. At 4 miles entered Wich-eag Sackacagon or Stinking Lake. At 13 miles entered a River of the same name as the one last left. At 25 miles entered a small Lake no name."

Sept. 17
" Sunday Wind SW Weather very variable frequent Showers of Rain. Proceeding our Distance about thirty six miles. At 3 miles out of the Lake & entered a continuation of the Grafs River. 12 miles in it; pafsed some Falls in it. lead Canoes over two & carried at one. At 15 miles entered a larger Lake called dry wood Lake."

Sept. 18
" Monday Wind NW Weather part clear & part Cloudy with Sleet at times. We proceeded but again lost our way. after sometime We found it by meer chance. We are often at a lofs, indeed it could not be expected otherwise with the Indians I am sent with. for only one who pretended to show the Road has been only once Inland before. Our Distance this day about thirty five miles. At 12 miles left the Lake pafsing by a Carrying Place of half a mile into another Lake narrow; At 14 miles more entered a continuation of the Grafs River. Lead Canoes over two falls and carried half a mile at one."

Sept. 19
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Our Distance Twenty five Miles. At 4 miles left the River and entered a narrow Lake called Uthamun Sackacagan or Paint Lake, from there being some Indian Paint found here."

Sept. 20
" Wednesday Wind as before a strong Gale cloudy Weather. We proceeded but only went seven miles being a great Swell; At 2 miles left the Lake & entered a continuation of the Grafs River; at 6 miles entered a Lake called Simmickicomasen or long narrow Lake."

Sept. 21
" Thursday Wind the same but lefs cloudy Weather. Our distance Eight miles; at 3 miles entered a continuation of the late River. We pafsed over three Carrying Places in it. one of half a mile the other short; Also lead Canoes over one Fall."

Sept. 22
" Friday Wind NE cloudy Weather. Our Distance sixteen miles. We pafsed over three Carrying Places the two first 1/2 mile each, the last 1/4 mile called the Pelican Fall. Here we lay."

Sept. 23
" Saturday Wind SE Weather for the most part cloudy. Our Distance about forty miles; for 25 miles paddling in a Lake called Pataquafquacagan or Stachikan Lake. so called as I am told from this being a Part where Indians used to lay up Reserves of Provision; Entered a continuation of the Grafs River pafsing a corner of the late Lake also pafsed a narrow River called Goose River."

Sept. 24
" Sunday Wind NW Weather cloudy with Snow most part of the day We proceeded but only went about seven miles. lead Canoes over one bad fall."

Sept. 25
" Monday Wind NW Weather most part cloudy & very cold. We proceeded our Distance about twenty five miles. Pafsed over six Carrying Places two 1/4 mile each. the others short. very bad Pafsage; lead Canoes also over two Falls, Our Canoes in very bad Condition by the frost cracking the Pitch."

Sept. 26
" Tuesday Wind & Weather the same very raw & cold. Snow in the morning. We proceeded but only went about six miles. Our Canoes being so very leaky with the Frost obliged Us to put up to repair them. We pafsed over three Carrying Places of 100 yards each; Lead Canoes over one Fall."

Sept. 27
" Wednesday Wind the same Weather most part cloudy Snow in the morning. We proceeded Our Distance about sixteen miles. We arrived at the Edge of a Large Lake called We-cos-quah or Sweet Herb Lake where we put up being a great swell."

Sept. 28
" Thursday Wind as before Weather cloudy till the Evening when it cleared. Snow last night. We did not proceed being yet a great Swell. Met with a Family of this Country Indians."

Sept. 29
" Friday Wind SE first part mild afterwards a fresh breeze Weather most part Cloudy. The Indians We met yesterday having Plenty of Provision I perswaded them to accompany us with a Canoe Load to Trade at the Settlement and We proceeded: Our Distance about thirty-eight miles; At 12 miles over the Lake pafsing by a Carrying Place of 1/4 mile into a continuation of the Grafs River, and soon entered a narrow Lake called Pafkiscagan or Gun Lake; At 28 miles pafsed by Tha-kow-enrow? An-i-cop or Gravelly carrying Place into a continuation of the River in which we pafsed three more Carrying Places, and lead Canoes over two Falls. At 34 miles entered Pe-pe-quew-nes-cus or Reed Lake. put up at an Island. Two of the Carrying Places each about 1/3 mile the others short pafsed this day."

Sept. 30
" Saturday Wind & Weather variable. Our Distance about forty miles; At 18 miles over the Lake and entered the? continued River for 7 miles, in which we pafsed 3 Carrying Places each of 1/4 Mile then on a Lake (no name) for three miles more, then in a River for 4 miles, when we entered a Lake which we paddled over & lay at the mouth of a continuation of the River."

Oct. 1 1775
" Sunday Wind variable Weather cloudy with a heavy Rain at times. proceeding notwithstanding. Our distance about twenty Miles; At 14 miles through the last of Grafs river in which we carried at three falls 1/4 mile each & paddled over three Falls, then entered a narrow Lake called Athinne Oo'Tooshan ? Indian Elbow from the shape; At 16 miles entered a very crooked narrow River called Elbow River."

Oct. 2
" Monday Wind South mild cloudy weather. Our Distance about twenty-six miles; At 4 miles out of the River and entered We-sock-i-me-nah or Craneberry Lake; At 20 miles pafsed by a Carrying Place of the same name. 2 miles into a Lake called Pusquapiskow or Rocky Lake; At 24 miles entered a River paddling with the Current in which we pafsed four Carrying Places & Shot & Lead Canoes over several Falls, very shallow Water."

Oct. 3
" Tuesday Wind as yesterday variable Weather. We proceeded about forty miles; At 2 miles entered a Lake called Niscock or Goose Lake, then entered another River paddling with the Current, shot several Falls & pafsed over one carrying Place of 3/4 mile, pafsed another River where the Indians spear many Sturgeon every Summer, Pedlers track to the Thopishow Indians Country is crofs the Head of this through a small River that Leads to Lakes that way; At 30 Miles entered Menistick Menihague-a-show Spruce or Pine Island Lake."

Oct. 4
" Wednesday Wind SW a fresh Gale Weather most part clear. We proceeded Our Distance about thirty miles, paddling in the Lake and arrived at the new Settlement where we found Mr Hearne & his People all well."


" Total of Distances ----- 676 Miles."


" Total Carrying Places -- No. 63"

---

Oct. 5
" Thursday Wind South cloudy mild Weather. This Day I examined the Packages of Trading Goods Stores Furrs &c and found them to correspond with the Account of Remains given me by Mr Samuel Hearne, in which was included 34 lb of Tobacco brought up by me. I gave him my receipt & took Charge -
Mr Hearne not having the Remains of his last Accounts here by which a Proper General Charge may be made. We have agreed that I shall make my Charge from the present Remains leaving Him to Account for the Expence of Goods & Stores hitherto. Mr Hearne informs me that the Indians did not bring the Goods that I laid up in the Cedar Lake in going down in the Summer, neither has He heard from that Quarter, therefore supposes they have Stole them."

Oct. 6
" Friday Wind WbN Clear Weather. This Day in the morning Mr Samuel Hearne embarked to go down to York Fort accompanied by the Indians who brought me up. - The Men employed Cutting & Setting up Firewood in Piles to clear the Plantation. Four Canoes of Indians arrived brought dried Moofe flesh to Trade. In the Evening Ten Canoes of Pigogomew Indians Arrived with Provisions & a few Furrs to Trade. Gave Supplies of Ammunition to the Indians before here & sent them Hunting."

Oct. 7
" Saturday Wind NW a fresh breeze at times Cloudy Weather. Smoaking and Trading with the Pigogomew Indians. They came from the Eagle Hill above the Branch of Saskachiwan. The only Articles they Trade and seem to want are Brazil Tobacco and Brandy. - The Carpenter making Conveniences in the House. One man mending a Fishing Net. the rest employed as yesterday."

Oct. 8
" Sunday Wind & Weather variable. The four first Canoes that arrived on Friday went away. - Mr Hearne having informed me that on account of the great scarcity of Provisions here last Winter. He had appointed two men who were willing to be sent up the River Saskachiwan to be supported by the Indians there till they came down in Canoes. And as one of the Pigogomew Leaders who is here is a very trusty man. I propose to send them with Him with a supply of Goods for their Support. As they can be very well spared. I also propose to send one or two more away with some other Indians to be supported."

Oct. 9
" Monday Wind NE Cloudy Weather. Employed the men in pointing the upper Works of the House to exclude the Air. Carpt. making conveniences in the House. The ten Canoes of Pigogomew Indians went away. sent two Men with them to be supported. Robert Longmore & Charles Isham. Three Tents of Indians at present here, chiefly old & uselefs Members, they are only waiting as Mr Hearne informed me they did last year for the Pedlers arrival to get Liquor from them. Mr Hearne informed me that the chiefest part and best of the Indians belonging to this part went away soon after he arrived to War, and do not expect to return till late next Summer. Two Canoes of Indians I lately sent away Hunting returned bringing Geese."

Oct. 10
" Tuesday Wind NW a fresh Gale variable Weather. One man employed making a Net having none fit for Use except a Sturgeon Net. The rest employed as yesterday. finished the Job. A Canoe of Hunters arrived with Geese."

Oct. 11
" Wednesday Wind SE Clear Weather. Men employed falling & setting up Firewood. Carpenter making Conveniences. One man making a Net. Two Canoes arrived with Geese to Trade and two more with dried moose flesh."

Oct. 12
" Thursday Wind NE a fresh Gale Weather most part cloudy. Men employed as yesterday. The Indians that arrived yesterday went away. Employed the Indian Women splitting & smoak drying Geese for Us to preserve them."

Oct. 13
" Friday Wind NW a strong Gale variable Weather."

Oct. 14
" Saturday Wind variable Clear Weather. Three Canoes of Indians arrived. One with Geese & two with dried Moofe flesh to Trade. In the Evening Ten Canoes of Pedlers arrived putting ashore a little below Us. and the Masters (three) soon after paid me a Visit: Four of the Canoes belong to one Henry. A New Aventurer this way. and the other six to the two Frobishers who resided near the Thopiskow Indians last year. and the year before in this Lake when Joseph Handsome wintered with them.- they inform me that they are all going to reside in one Place in the Beaver Lake not far Distant. The Frobishers and their People having been greatly distrefsed for want of Provisions at their late Settlement. - It seems that twenty three Canoes of Pedlers intend to Winter up the River Saskachiwan Under several Masters, 18 of Which are gone past. - The Pedler Patterson is again going up the River Saskachiwan; that he has got for his Interpreter the Pedler Blondow, who Winterd at the rocky shore River lefser Sea Lake as mentioned in my Journal last year: That Isaac Batt is gone with another Master & two Canoes to reside in the lefser Sea Lake; but in what part was not determined until they see the Indians there."

Oct. 15
" Sunday Wind variable Clear Weather. I have shewn the Masters so far civility as to desire their eating with me. They speak of several Canoes of their People left on the road, whom they expect some to reside below and others above the Sea Lake: that six of their People were killed by the Natives below the Sea Lake, four in the Winter and two as they were going down in Canoes; That one man more was lost by a Canoe oversetting upon a Fall in going down. These lofses of Men they say has frightened the Canadians, several of their old Servants having quitted and that they found much difficulty in procuring fresh Men; That they lost one Canoe now in coming up in the Sea Lake, and the Goods with one man were lost by its filling in a great Swell."

Oct. 16
" Monday Wind NW a fresh gale towards Evening Clear Weather. Early in the morning the Pedlers proceeded on their Journey. sent two men to set a Net in a small River that runs out of this Lake into Sakachiwan about two miles below the House. Carpt. employed making Conveniences in the House. two men making a fishing net, and the other three falling & setting up Firewood. A Canoe of Indians arrived with Geese to Trade."

Oct. 17
" Tuesday Wind NW a strong Gale Weather as yesterday. sent two men to the net (no Succefs), the rest employed as yesterday. All the Indians gone. they had been only here to wait as usual to get a Drink from the Pedlers. They all promised me if they can get any Provisions to bring some in the Winter, however if they should fail, I find by a survey of my Provisions at present in hand that I have got Enough to serve an hundred Days. which with what fish we may kill will provide against Accidents. In the Evening A Canoe of Indians with dried Provisions arrived."

Oct. 18
" Wednesday Wind variable Clear Weather. The Canoe of Indians that arrived yesterday went away. As they were inclinable to take a man with them to support until the spring I sent with them William Walker giving him a supply of Goods for his support & I sent Him according to his own desire of having an Opportunity to learn the Indian Tongue. These Indians propose with some others to Winter near the Cranberry Carring Place, and have promised me to bring in Provisions as soon as the Lakes & Rivers are froze, if they should have any Succefs. - Men employed as before, except James Wafs who is ill of a Flux. - Twenty-six Pike from the Net."

Oct. 19
" Thursday Wind variable clear mild Weather. A few fish from the Net."

Oct. 20
" Friday Wind NE a fresh breeze Clear Weather. James Wafs and James Batt laying ill one of a flux and the other with a disorder in his head. The rest of the men employed as before. A few Fish from the Net."

Oct. 21
" Saturday Wind NW a fresh Breeze clear Weather. A few Fish from the Net which was taken up to mend."

Oct. 22
" Sunday Wind the same but milder clear Weather."

Oct. 23
" Monday Wind variable clear Weather. Carpenter employed making conveniences in the House. One man net making, sent two more to set the Net taken up on Saturday. the rest except James Batt who continues ill employed falling & setting up Firewood. In the Afternoon a Canoe with fourteen of the Pedlers men arrived on their way to the upper Settlement in Sas-kach-i-wan River to be sent into the Plains to be supported, as I am informed by a Complimentary Letter they brought me which I shall preserve. They soon after went away."

Oct. 24
" Tuesday Wind SW clear Weather. James Batt well and at Work. sent two men to the Net from which we received twelve Pike."

Oct. 25
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as yesterday. some Fish from the Nets."

Oct. 26
" Thursday Wind West variable Weather. fish from the Net."

Oct. 27
" Friday Wind variable clear mild Weather. Fish from the Net."

Oct. 28
" Saturday Calm clear Weather. Fish from the Net finished a new Pike Net."

Oct. 29
" Sunday Wind West a strong Gale variable weather. A swell prevented our going to the Net."

Oct. 30
" Monday Wind North a fresh breeze till Noon when it calmed clear Weather. Carpenter making window Shutters. Two men sent to the Net which they took up and set down a new one (8 Fish). the rest employed falling & setting up Firewood."

Oct. 31
" Tuesday Wind variable Weather most part clear. Carpt. employed as yesterday, two men sent to the Net. One man mendg one lately taken up, the remainder clearing the Plantation of Rubbish a sufficient distance from the House."

Nov. 1 1775
" Wednesday Wind NW cloudy Weather. Towards noon a strong Gale with Rain & snow in the Evening. Carpenter & all the men (except one mending a Net) Falling & squaring Timber for Plank."

Nov. 2
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday a strong Gale. much Ice along the shore, took up the Net. We have killed 122 Pike between 3 & 7 lb weight Each Fish. Men employed as yesterday. A canoe of Indians arrived in the night brought some fresh moose Flesh to Trade."

Nov. 3
" Friday Wind & Weather the same. The Indians are prevented? getting away in their Canoes but propose to go to morrow by Land."

Nov. 4
" Saturday Wind as before Weather cloudy with a continuance of small Snow & Drift. The Lake seemingly froze in as far as can be seen. James Wafs laying ill of a Flux."

Nov. 5
" Sunday Wind & Weather most part the same."

Nov. 6
" Monday Wind the same clear Weather. The men all employed falling & squaring Timber except James Wafs who is sick and One man making a Net. The Indians who arrived on Thursday went away by Land."

Nov. 7
" Tuesday Calm clear Weather. Myself with two men went & set a Sturgeon & a Pike Net under the Ice about four miles below the House. Also set several Hooks. One man net making. The rest with James Wafs who is recovered falling & squaring Timber."

Nov. 8
" Wednesday Wind East cloudy mild Weather. Myself with two men went to look at the Nets only one Fish."

Nov. 9
" Thursday Wind as yesterday Weather cloudy with Snow most part of the day. three of Us went to the Nets only one Fish."

Nov. 10
" Friday Wind variable Cloudy with Snow."

Nov. 11
" Saturday Calm cloudy weather. Sent three men to the Nets from which and the hooks We Received two Sturgeon of 23 lb each and one of 16 lb: also a Remaycoose or kind of Samman of 16 lb weight and one Pike."

Nov. 12
" Sunday Wind variable cloudy mild Weather with Snow."

Nov. 13
" Monday Wind West cloudy Weather. One man Net making sent three men to go to the Nets but returned as they could not get to them for Water. The rest of the men squaring Timber."

Nov. 14
" Tuesday Wind variable Cloudy Weather. finished another new Sturgeon Net. We are obliged to make our Sturgeon Nets all of Jack Twine, the fishing Twine We have got being two Weak two Thread to hold a fish of any size, and We get only Sturgeon in these the Jack Twine being too clumsy for any other Fish entering the Meshes. The proper Twine for fishing Nets in these Lakes should be a smart three Thread good Sort."

Nov. 15
" Wednesday Wind NW cloudy Weather with small Snow at times. pretty good Succefs from the Nets. Set another."

Nov. 16
" Thursday Calm cloudy Weather. Men carried in all the Timber Pieces (42) to the Pits, having squared them all ready for Sawing into Plank."

Nov. 17
" Friday Wind Variable Weather as before. Myself with two men went to the Nets middling Succefs. One man Net making. One Man digging a Trench before the ground be too much froze for the Stockades to be put down in the Spring. cannot employ any more on this duty for want of Tools. The rest of the men falling Stockades."

Nov. 18
" Saturday Wind SW clear Weather. Men employed as yesterday."

Nov. 19
" Sunday Wind variable clear Weather. Great Succefs from the Nets."

Nov. 20
" Monday Calm clear Weather. One man digging the Stockade Trench. one man net making. And the Carpenter with the rest falling wood for Stockades."

Nov. 21
" Tuesday Wind SW cloudy Weather. Thawed much, Some Fish from the Nets."

Nov. 22
" Wednesday Wind NW Cloudy cold Weather."

Nov. 23
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday with Drift. The badnefs of the Weather prevented me sending Men to look at the Nets."

Nov. 24
" Friday Wind & Weather much the same but milder. A few fish from the Nets."

Nov. 25
" Saturday Wind SW Weather cloudy with Snow at times."

Nov. 26
" Sunday Wind NW a fresh Gale clear Weather."

Nov. 27
" Monday Wind SE Weather cloudy with small Snow at times. Snow last night. But small succefs from the Nets. set a new one. One man digging the Stockade Trench. One man Net making and the rest falling Stockades."

Nov. 28
" Tuesday Wind NW a fresh Gale Cloudy with Snow & Drift. The men employed as yesterday."

Nov. 29
" Wednesday Wind same but lefs. Weather cloudy. pretty good Succefs from the Nets."

Nov. 30
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday."

Dec. 1 1775
" Friday Wind variable cloudy Weather. Small snow at times, small succefs from the Nets."

Dec. 2
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday. One man digging the Stockade Trench. Another Net making, sent one man to set Rabbet Snares, the rest employed falling Stockades which they finished."

Dec. 3
" Sunday Wind NE Weather cloudy with small Snow at times. some Fish from the Nets."

Dec. 4
" Monday Wind & Weather as yesterday Sent two men hunting Partridges & Rabbets. One man digging the Stockade Trench which he finished. the rest squaring Stockades for the front and pointing others."

Dec. 5
" Tuesday Wind West a fresh breeze Weather most part Cloudy with small Snow and Drift. Myself with two men went to the Nets but small Succefs. Set another Sturgeon Net finished yesterday. The rest of the men squaring & pointing Stockades."

Dec. 6
" Wednesday Calm clear Weather & Sharp. all the men except two sent a hunting Squaring & pointing Stockades."

Dec. 7
" Thursday Weather as yesterday. Middling Succefs from the Nets."

Dec. 8
" Friday Wind NW Clear Weather. In the Evening five of the Pedlers men arrived from the Beaver Lake. Three of them are going to the Upper Settlement and two are to return to the Beaver Lake. I received a letter by them which I shall preserve."

Dec. 9
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday. The Pedlers Men went away. three for above and two on their return from whence they came. sent a Complimentary Letter by these? in Answer to the one received, also a little medicine as in their Letter desired. Some fish from the Nets."

Dec. 10
" Sunday Wind & Weather the same. very cold."

Dec. 11
" Monday Wind variable clear Weather. Sent three Men to the Nets but small Succefs. took up a Pike Net to mend. The rest of the Men preparing Stockades."

Dec. 12
" Tuesday Wind SE Weather cloudy with small Snow at times. two men Hunting Partridges the rest employed as yesterday."

Dec. 13
" Wednesday Wind Variable clear Weather. no fish from the Nets. One man mending the one lately taken up."

Dec. 14
" Thursday Wind West Weather cloudy With small Snow and Drift."

Dec. 15
" Friday Wind SE clear mild Weather. No fish from the Nets. Two men daily hunting Partridges & Rabbets but small succefs being scarce, particularly Rabbets."

Dec. 16
" Saturday Wind East Weather most part Cloudy. I sent off three Men with a Net Hooks & Ammunition to tent & try to procure Provision at the mouth of the River where we entered this Lake in our Pafsage up. The rest of the men cutting up Firewood."

Dec. 17
" Sunday Wind & Weather variable. myself with two Men at the Nets. Two Sturgeon."

Dec. 18
" Monday Calm cloudy Weather. One man hunting Partridges, the rest preparing Stockades."

Dec. 19
" Tuesday Wind SE Clear mild Weather. Three men sent to the Nets only one Fish. The rest of the Men squaring Stockades."

Dec. 20
" Wednesday Wind NE Weather cloudy with Snow."

Dec. 21
" Thursday Wind & Weather most part as yesterday. One Sturgeon from Nets."

Dec. 22
" Friday Wind & Weather variable. The three Men that I sent off to endeavour procuring Provisions returned, no Succefs. In the Evening William Walker and a young Indian arrived with two Sled Loads of Moofe and Beaver Flesh. They left the Indians (Two Tents) on Tuesday. It seems they were very scant of Provisions in the Fall but since have been in plenty."

Dec. 23
" Saturday Wind NW Clear sharp Weather. One Sturgeon from the Nets. Traded the Provisions brought yesterday and gave a fresh supply to William Walker. The Indians they came from are moving by short Journies this way Hunting & Trapping as they come. And as they desired to have two more Men sent to be ready to afsist in bringing in Provisions when procured I propose to send two more."

Dec. 24
" Sunday Wind West Clear Weather. This morning William Walker & two men I have sent with him and the Indian went away."

Dec. 25
" Monday Wind & Weather as yesterday. myself with two Men went to the Nets good Succefs. Set the Pike Net lately taken up."

Dec. 26
" Tuesday Wind NE Clear Weather. Men employed cutting up Firewood."

Dec. 27
" Wednesday Winds & Weather as yesterday. Sent three Men to the Nets middling Succefs. The rest employed as yesterday."

Dec. 28
" Thursday Wind the Same cloudy Weather."

Dec. 29
" Friday Wind NE Clear Weather. some fish from the Nets."

Dec. 30
" Saturday Calm clear Weather."

Dec. 31
" Sunday Wind SE Weather most part Clear. Fish from the Nets."

Jan. 1 1776
" Monday Wind & Weather as yesterday."

Jan. 2
" Tuesday Wind West Weather Cloudy with light drizzling Snow. Sent three men to the Nets only three small fish. The rest of the Men Squaring & Pointing Stockades."

Jan. 3
" Wednesday Wind NW a fresh breeze Clear sharp Weather. sent two men hunting Partridges. the rest preparing Stockades."

Jan. 4
" Thurday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Two larger Sturgeon from the Nets."

Jan. 5
" Friday Wind & Weather the same."

Jan. 6
" Saturday Wind & Weather as before. very Cold prevented me sending to the Nets."

Jan. 7
" Sunday Wind South clear sharp Weather."

Jan. 8
" Monday Wind variable clear Weather. Sent three Men to the Nets, great Succefs. The rest squaring & pointing Stockades."

Jan. 9
" Tuesday Wind SW Weather notwithstanding exceeding Cold."

Jan. 10
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Sent three men to the Nets but the Cold prevented their looking at them all Small Succefs."

Jan. 11
" Thursday Wind the same till Noon then NE Weather something milder Cloudy with a little Snow. men cutting up Firewood."

Jan. 12
" Friday Wind NW Clear Weather. Three Men cutting up Firewood. the rest sent to the Nets great Succefs."

Jan. 13
" Saturday Wind East Weather cloudy with small Snow at times."

Jan. 14
" Sunday Wind NW Clear Weather few fish from the Nets."

Jan. 15
" Monday Wind NW clear sharp Weather. Men employed cutting up Firewood."

Jan. 16
" Tuesday Wind variable Weather Cloudy & milder. Sent three men to the Nets great Succefs. The rest of the men cutting up Firewood."

Jan. 17
" Wednesday Wind & Weather most part as yesterday Snow last night."

Jan. 18
" Thursday Wind NW a Strong Gale Cloudy with Drift. Nine fine Sturgeon from the Nets."

Jan. 19
" Friday Winds & Weather variable & mild. Men employed preparing Stockades."

Jan. 20
" Saturday Wind NE Weather most part Cloudy with drift. Nine Sturgeon & two Tickameg from the Nets. In the Afternoon two of the Master Pedlers arrived from the Beaver Lake Settlement. One of them (Henry) is going as they say on a visit to the Upper Settlement. The other (Frobisher) came here in compliment of Accompanying Henry on part of his Journey and to pay me a Visit. Two men also arrived with them hauling their Provisions & other necefsaries, they also left two more on the Road hauling Provisions for Henry's Journey to the Upper Settlement. They tell me that they have been four Days in coming following the course of the Lakes & the Rivers in their Road but that they have been told by Indians that this Place is only two very short days Walk in a streight Course from their House."

Jan. 21
" Sunday Wind variable Weather clear & Sharp. The two Pedlers Men left behind arrived. The Masters say that they have abundance of Provisions of the fish kind at present, except Sturgeon which are no Inhabitants of that Lake. But no other kind of Provisions to serve to their men. They pretend to have seen no Indians since the first of the Winter, when some fresh Elk Flesh was brought in; and being told by the Indians that Animals were plenty they sent some of their men away with them to be supported. But these have since returned in want, saying that the Natives were in great distrefs for Provisions. The Pedlers method it seems is to divide their men into Companies of six each whom they supply with two nets & Hooks to provide for themselves. And a few whom they employ to hunt for them provide Partridges & Rabbets, which with Salt Provisions (small Quantities of which they bring up) serve with Fish as their food. They Brought some Salt Provisions here with them. - In Contra? to the above account of the Scarcity of Flesh Provision they afterwards mentioned several Elk Tracks having been seen about them. They tell me that they did hear in the Fall from the two Canoes left by Frobisher in the Thopiskow Indian Country laft Summer. They were intended to have gone a considerable distance up a River that way to Trade but the account recieved from them informs that they had gone but a little way & were scarce of Provisions."

Jan. 22
" Monday Wind SW Clear Weather very sharp. Henry with his two men set off on their way to the Upper Settlement & Frobisher with his two men on their return to the Beaver Lake - These Pedlers seemed to be very polite rather upon the extreme owing to their intercourse with the French Canadians; indeed the common Men seem to affect a kind of fulsome finafe in their Beheaviour to each other, much above their Situation. Our Concourse? ran chiefly on indifferent matters but sometimes flagging, kept up with Accounts of their own Affairs, much of no consequence but the chief, that French Laws having been established in Canada last April they suspect the Pedling Businefs will be confined to few hands as in the French time, and consequently that the present Quantities of Furrs Yearly carried down will be much deminished tho' the Proffits accruing will be much greater in proportion. That at present the Traders most of them carry on the Businefs seperately, being supplied with Men & Goods from Montreal; But being so Numerous several of them are obliged often to reside in one Place when to prevent Confusion the Goods are laid in one common Stock for the time, and one person takes the Direction of the whole, each Trader recieving his proportion of Furrs according to his Stock. - That the Traders are yearly increasing and this year no lefs than Sixty Canoes with Goods came from the Grand Carrying Place: by this means the Proffits, considering the great adventures in coming here to Trade are reduced to near as low an Ebb as the Mifsisippi Trade? and the minds of the Natives are continually corrupting by the seperate Interest of the Traders who use very ungenerous methods with each other. They were very free in their observations on some of their fellow Traders &c. The Pedler Bruce who was in the little Sea Lake as mentioned in my last years Journal and in my former Journal to be at Basquio. Is it seems at present below the large Sea Lake. These Pedlers giving as a reason for his shifting so often that his severe method of treating the Natives prevents his residing twice in one place?. The Pedler Franceway who has been many years Trading in these Parts being superanuted is retired. - The men employed cutting up Firewood. being very cold I did not send any to the Nets. James Batt sick."

Jan. 23
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as yesterday. men employed as yesterday."

Jan. 24
" Wednesday Wind & Weather much the same but milder. sent three Men to the Nets. great succefs; The rest of the men preparing Stockades."

Jan. 25
" Thursday Wind NE Weather cloudy with small Snow at times & drift."

Jan. 26
" Friday Wind variable clear & very sharp. Seven Sturgeon from the Nets, took up one Net to mend."

Jan. 27
" Saturday Wind NW clear Weather. Towards Noon William Walker with the two Men I sent with him and two Indians arrived bringing moofe flesh and Beaver Skins to Trade. It seems that the Indians have had but indifferent Succefs in moofe Hunting since I heard from them last, having killed only a few Bucks, at this time of the year poor, And of these almost barely sufficient for their own Supports. - James Batt yet ill."

Jan. 28
" Sunday Wind & Weather as before. Traded the Provisions & Furrs brought yesterday. Sturgeon from the Nets."

Jan. 29
" Monday Wind NE a fresh Gale Weather most part cloudy with Snow & Drift. The Men employed preparing Stockades. James Batt seemingly very ill, His disorder shifting Pains in the Breast: I have daily given him such remedies as are generally used for that Complaint in this Country."

Jan. 30
" Tuesday Wind & Weather most part as yesterday but milder. The two Indians that arrived on Saturday went away. Sent only William Walker with them as we abound in Provisions and have a prospect of continuance from our great Succefs in Fish. The Men employed as yesterday except three sent to the Nets from which We recieved three Sturgeon. One of 40 lb Weight. James Batt something better."

Jan. 31
" Wednesday Wind NW a fresh Gale Weather clear with low Drift."

Feb. 1 1776
" Thursday Wind SW Weather clear & exceeding Sharp. five Sturgeon & one Pike of 35 lb from the Nets."

Feb. 2
" Friday Wind variable Weather as yesterday."

Feb. 3
" Saturday Wind East Weather cloudy & much milder. One Pike of 29 lb Weight and five Sturgeon from the Nets. James Batt at work."

Feb. 4
" Sunday Wind variable clear & mild Weather."

Feb. 5
" Monday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Sent six men to the Nets. two Sturgeon; Set the Net lately taken up and took up another to mend. James Banks Laying ill of a violent cold."

Feb. 6
" Tuesday Calm clear Weather. One Man employed Net-mending, the rest preparing Stockades."

Feb. 7
" Wednesday Wind NW Clear mild Weather. four Sturgeon from the Nets. Set the Net lately taken up and took up another to mend."

Feb. 8
" Thursday Wind & Weather much the same. James Banks continues ill. He complains of a Cancer in his mouth, which he says has been increasing since last Winter. and Whenever he catches cold effects him much. I apprehend part of his palate is destroyed, part of what he drinks sometimes gushing out at his Nose."

Feb. 9
" Friday Wind & Weather variable."

Feb. 10
" Saturday Wind SW clear Weather. Sent three Men to the Nets, only two Sturgeon. The Net lately set being frozen to the Ice they lost two thirds of it in taking it up. Set the Net taken up on Wednesday. Two men employed sawing into Plank Timber felled the first of the Winter for Floors & Partitions in the House and the Carpenter with one Man preparing Gate Posts."

Feb. 11
" Sunday Calm Weather part clear & part Cloudy."

Feb. 12
" Monday Wind NW variable mild Weather. The Carpenter preparing Gate Posts. One man net mending. Two men sawing Plank and three men sent to the Nets only Two fish took up another Net to mend."

Feb. 13
" Tuesday Wind variable clear Weather. William Walker with four Indians arrived bringing Beaver & moofe Flesh and a few Skins to trade. Carpenter sick James Banks as before."

Feb. 14
" Wednesday Wind NW Weather first part Cloudy with small Snow afterwards Clear. Only one Sturgeon from the Nets. set another Net. Traded the Provisions & Furrs brought yesterday."

Feb. 15
" Thursday Wind NW a fresh Gale Weather most part Cloudy with drift very cold."

Feb. 16
" Friday Wind West clear sharp Weather. Indians went away. kept William Walker at home. Sent five men to look at the Nets but the Weather was so very cold they were obliged to return without doing anything."

Feb. 17
" Saturday Wind South variable Weather & something milder. sent five Men to nets three Sturgeon. set another Net."

Feb. 18
" Sunday Wind SW clear Weather very mild. William Flatt sick. James Banks as before. Carpenter better."

Feb. 19
" Monday Wind NE a fresh Gale cloudy Weather. Carpenter preparing Gate Posts. two men sawing Plank. Sent three Men to the Nets from which we recieved seven Sturgeon, One 32 lb Pike, one Perch & one Carp. William Flatt and James Banks laying in sick."

Feb. 20
" Tuesday Wind NW a fresh Gale Weather part Cloudy with drift & small Snow. Two men sawing Plank and three men cutting up Firewood. Carpenter & two men laying in Sick."

Feb. 21
" Wednesday Wind NE Weather cloudy with small Snow & Drift. Late last Night four Basquio Indians arrived with some Provisions & a few Beaver Skins which I have this Day Traded. Gave them a small present of Ammunition & Tobacco to carry to their People (ten Tents) desiring them to go down to the Fort next Summer, and to some here to Trade what present supplies they may want. Three Sturgeon from the Nets."

Feb. 22
" Thursday Wind Variable clear mild Weather Thawed much. Rain & Hail last night. The four Indians that arrived the other day went away. These Indians would not own that any of their People had been at any of the Pedlers Settlements, but from some words dropped in the Course of Conversation I have reason to suspect otherwise. Men employed as before. three men yet sick."

Feb. 23
" Friday Wind East a fresh Gale Weather most part Cloudy."

Feb. 24
" Saturday Wind South variable mild Weather. Carpenter (who is recovered) repairing the Fire Place. the rest of the men except two yet sick employed as before."

Feb. 25
" Sunday Wind SW Clear Weather thawed much. Sturgeon from the Nets. William Flatt & James Banks on the recovery."

Feb. 26
" Monday Wind variable clear Weather William Flatt and James Banks at work. Two men sawing Plank. The Carpenter & two men preparing the Gateway. The rest preparing Stockades."

Feb. 27
" Tuesday Wind & Weather the same. Sturgeon from the Nets."

Feb. 28
" Wednesday Wind SW clear Weather. Towards Evening Leader and three more Basquio Indians arrived from those mentioned the 21st Instant, brought some dried Provisions & a few Furrs to Trade."

Feb. 29
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday. No fish from the Nets. Smoaked with the Indians and traded what they brought; I gave the Leader a small present desiring them to be diligent in Trapping Martens having told me they are plentiful. He owned that they had been at the Pedlers upper Settlement the first of the Winter."

Mar. 1 1776
" Friday Wind NW clear Weather. The Indians went away. Two Men sawing Plank. The rest of the Men with the Carpenter fitting the Stockades to the Ribbons & boring them ready for setting up as soon as the Season wll permit."

Mar. 2
" Saturday Wind NE Weather cloudy with hail at times. Two Sturgeon from the Nets."

Mar. 3
" Sunday Wind SW Clear sharp Weather."

Mar. 4
" Monday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Two Men sawing Plank, three more sent to the Nets the rest with the Carpenter fitting & boring the Stockades."

Mar. 5
" Tuesday Wind variable cloudy cool Weather a little Snow last Night. The Men employed sawing Plank and preparing Stockades. towards Noon seven Pedlers Men and one Indian Woman arrived from above on their return to the Beaver Lake Settlement. they soon after went away."

Mar. 6
" Wednesday Wind NW clear sharp Weather. No fish from the Nets."

Mar. 7
" Thursday Wind SW Weather as yesterday."

Mar. 8
" Friday Wind & Weather much the same. Three Indians arrived from the two Tents who have supplied us with Provisions this Winter, brought some fresh moofe Flesh & Beaver Skins which I traded."

Mar. 9
" Saturday Wind Wind Variable clear Weather. The Indians went away. In the Afternoon the Pedler Henry with nine men arrived from above on their way to the Beaver Lake."

Mar. 10
" Sunday Wind SW clear Weather. no fish from the Nets. the Pedlers went away. - Henry informed me that they have abundance of fresh Buffalo Flesh at the upper Settlement at present; that the Indians have been of late very succefsful in Pounding Buffalo and are continually bringing the meat in Fresh the Masters not being able to prevail on them to dry it. - That the Pedlers have collected but little Beaver, but have got but upwards of fifty Bundles of Wolves of fifty skins Each. That several of the Afsinnee Poet Indians from Sacketakow Wachy? (ie. Thick woody Mountain) whom they never used to see till they came past in Canoes. Have been there this Winter; and have traded Supplies saying that they do not intend to build Canoes but were going directly away to War. That no account has been recieved from the Beaver Indians, only from the reports of others they are not expected to come down even in the Summer, on account of a Quarrel having happened between them and some others last Winter. That an Indian was shot by another the first of this Winter at the upper Settlement. the Indian killed having murdered his Wife last Summer was the reason of the other's taking the same revenge, the Woman being his Sister: Tis supposed that the Affair will stop here. The man murdered belonging originally to a Tribe of Indians a long way below the sea Lake. - He said that the Pedlers are all rejoiced at this Man's Death, having always been very troublesome to them. He said that the Pedlers were greatly in distrefs for want of Provisions all the fall and first of the Winter at the House, notwithstanding most of the Men being sent away with the Natives to be supported. The Grafs Ground being burnt last Summer for a considerable distance in, and they were obliged to give very great Premiums for what little was brought. - He said that the Pedlers require so much Food (being near an hundred) for present Use & to supply them in their Journey down, that the Natives seem to have little occasion to Trap Furrs, for what with trading Provisions, lending their Women to Masters and Men they obtain more necefsaries than they want. - He said that no Letters had been recieved from the Settlements below; but that accounts had been brought by Indians of three Canoes of Pedlers being plundered of all their Goods at the Swan River in the Lefser sea Lake. These Canoes it seems belonged to two French Men (new Adventurers this way) who had proposed to have Wintered with the rest at the upper Settlement, but being left on the Road are supposed to have changed their Intent. This Pedler (Henry) tells me that He has been for some years past a Trader in the Lake Superior up a River (I forget the Name) on the back of Albany Fort, and often used to see the Bungee Indian Debtors belonging to that Place and that He has share in a Settlement thereabouts at Present. That He has obtained a Competency and thought of retiring but several of his former men being in his Debt and having an Inclination to see this Part He has made this Journey to Trade as well as to clear his Debters. That he proposes to Visit England next fall, and if he can get an Oppotunity to speak to the Hudson's Bay Gentlemen will make a proposal to them for employing Canadians to be engaged by him for a term of years at Montreal to serve as Bowsmen & Helms-men and building large Canoes. I gave him no incouragement to think that his proposals would be recieved."

Mar. 11
" Monday Wind & Weather variable . Two men sawing Plank. The Carpenter and the rest preparing Stockades."

Mar. 12
" Tuesday Wind NW clear Weather. Sent three men to the Nets only one fish, a Jack 26 lb weight. The rest of the Men employed as yesterday."

Mar. 13
" Wednesday Wind SW Clear Weather thawed much."

Mar. 14
" Thursday Wind variable Weather first part Clear afterwards Cloudy with a little Snow. Two Indians arrived from three Tents a little distance off up the River Saskachiwan, brought some Provisions. They pretend to have killed few furrs alledging their old excuse of being prevented by sicknefs, however they were at the Pedlers above in the first of the Winter and expended what little they had then in Liquor. I traded what they brought giving them a small present of Tobacco for a Leader to distribute among his followers, desiring them to Trap Martins. One Sturgeon from the Nets."

Mar. 15
" Friday Wind NW clear Weather. the Two Indians went away."

Mar. 16
" Saturday Wind variable cloudy cold Weather. One family of Indians arrived traded a few Skins from them. They propose to wait here untill the Canoe Building time. No fish from the Nets."

Mar. 17
" Sunday Wind NE a strong Gale with a continuance of Snow & Drift most part of the Day."

Mar. 18
" Monday Wind SW clear Weather. Two Men sawing Plank, the rest with the Carpenter about the Stockades. I sent off the Indians that arrived on Saturday (giving them a small supply) to trap Martins, as there is a Fortnight or three Weeks of the Trapping Season yet to come."

Mar. 19
" Tuesday Wind East first part Clear afterwards Cloudy with a heavy flight of Snow."

Mar. 20
" Wednesday Wind NE Weather most part Cloudy with Drift. The two last flights of Snow have increased the former quantity on the Ground seemingly above one Third more in Depth."

Mar. 21
" Thursday Wind SW clear Weather. thawed much."

Mar. 22
" Friday Wind & Weather very variable thawed much. No fish from the Nets. In the night one Indian Man & three Women arrived from those mentioned the 14th Instant bringing Provisions and a very few Furrs to Trade. They tell me that their People are employed Trapping Martins as I desired."

Mar. 23
" Saturday Wind NE Cloudy Weather. I traded the Provisions &c brought yesterday."

Mar. 24
" Sunday Wind as yesterday. Weather cloudy with a continued Snow. The Indians went away. in the Evening the two tents of Indians who have hunted for us all the Winter came in with their Families I traded some Provisions from them."

Mar. 25
" Monday calm Clear Weather. Two men sawing Plank. two more clearing away the Snow from about the House, and the Carpenter with the rest making Trenails."

Mar. 26
" Tuesday Wind NE Clear Weather. The men employed as yesterday except three sent to the Nets. no Fish. I gave a supply to the Indians and sent off the Men with most of their Families to Trap Martins."

Mar. 27
" Wednesday Calm clear Weather. thawed much. The Men employed as before. The Leader and two others arrived from the Indians mentioned the 14th Instant, brought a few Martin Skins. I smoaked & traded with them giving the Leader a small present."

Mar. 28
" Thursday Calm & Clear. The Indians that arrived yesterday went away. They have promised me to continue trapping Martins as long as the Season will permit."

Mar. 29
" Friday Wind variable clear Weather thawed much. no Fish from the Nets. We cannot account for our not getting fish at this time, except it be the Shallownefs of the Water where our Nets are set, owing to the great thicknefs of Ice. The Indians telling me that fish used to be very plentiful there in the Spring. The Indians say that this Winter has been much Colder than they have ever known for a continuance. yet at that time We had surprizing Succefs, the Height? of the Winter being the most noted scarce season of the year. I have been informed of another good Place for setting Nets at. but as it is some distance farther off & the Spring seems to be advancing so early. I have not thought it worth while to Shift them."

Mar. 30
" Saturday Wind South clear Weather. The Men employed as before."

Mar. 31
" Sunday Wind NE clear Weather. no fish from the Nets."

Apr. 1 1776
" Monday Wind variable clear Weather. Two men employed sawing Plank the rest with the Carpenter boring & fitting Stockades ready for setting up."

Apr. 2
" Tuesday Wind SE variable Weather Rain last night. The Men employed as yesterday."

Apr. 3
" Wednesday Wind NW Clear coolish Weather. no fish from the Nets took up one Net to mend."

Apr. 4
" Thursday Wind & Weather much the same. Two men sawing Plank. One man mending a Net, the rest with the Carpenter compleated boring & fitting the Stockades."

Apr. 5
" Friday Wind variable clear Weather. Two men sawing Plank. Carpenter and two Men preparing Wood for Gates and three Men fitting and squaring Timber for building an Out Office for keeping Provisions in."

Apr. 6
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday. no fish from the Nets. Set the one lately taken up. The family of Indians whom I sent off the 18 Ult. to Trap martins returned, saying that the Waters obliged them to return. They have had great Succefs considering the small time they have been away. Two families of Indians also arrived part of those belonging to Basquio. They came to remain here until the building of Canoes, they have killed but few martins wanting Hatchets. Traded some furrs & a little Beaver flesh."

Apr. 7
" Sunday Wind NW a fresh Gale variable Weather. the Indians whom I sent off the 26th Ult. to Trap Martins returned, middling Succefs. They complain that no moofe are about, so did those who arrived yesterday. They brought some Birch Rhind for Canoes. - The Indians now they find the martins so plentiful repent they did not begin sooner to Trap, however they propose to do so another year. Out of a few Traps which I had put up chiefly for Amusement in walking round I have been much more succefsful than I expected. The necefsary Works for the House, and the men being Sickly during the Winter has prevented me from employing them in Trapping further than taking one or two at times to afsist me in setting up my Traps; But if ? could have spared men to lay a broad it would seemingly have been worth while."

Apr. 8
" Monday Wind & Weather variable. Carpenter making Gates. Two men sawing Plank. the rest of the men falling and squaring Timber."

Apr. 9
" Tuesday Wind NE a fresh Gale Weather cloudy with some Snow. No fish from the Nets."

Apr. 10
" Wednesday Wind NW a Strong Gale cloudy drifting Weather until towards Evening then Clear. One family of Indians arrived I traded a few Martins & some Provisions from them they propose to build Canoes here. They tell me that the River Saskachiwan is broke up along the Shores. A Goose & Duck seen."

Apr. 11
" Thursday Wind NW Clear Weather. in the Evening a Leader and eighteen more Basquio Indians arrived part those mentioned the 18th of Febuary bringing furrs to Trade. They tell me that they had much difficulty in getting here for Water. the Spring being so far advanced. I smoaked & traded with them in the night. They speak of several more of their Countrymen who since I last heard from them were pitched away to the Basquio Mountain to Trap martins &? did propose to return and accompany them here to Trade Supplies. but the Spring unexpectedly coming on so early is supposed to have prevented them. They say Spring Fowl are growing plentiful where they came from. They were three days in coming."

Apr. 12
" Friday Wind & Weather as yesterday. In the morning the Indians who arrived yesterday went away. They promised Several of them to come here in Canoes and to accompany some of Us to the Fort through the Sea Lake Track. One Sturgeon from the Nets."

Apr. 13
" Saturday Wind & Weather as before."

Apr. 14
" Sunday Wind NE Weather cloudy with a continued Snow. The Indians here are in want. I am obliged to give them Scraps of Provisions."

Apr. 15
" Monday Wind NW a Strong Gale drifting weather. Two men sawing Plank. The Carpenter and five Men Squaring Timber."

Apr. 16
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as yesterday. sent three men to the Nets no Fish. The rest of the Men employed as yesterday except James Spence who is sick."

Apr. 17
" Wednesday Wind the same but milder clear Weather Swans & Geese Seen."

Apr. 18
" Thursday Wind & Weather the same. no Fish from the Nets."

Apr. 19
" Friday Wind variable clear Weather. The Water being much increased on the Lake I sent three Men to take up the Nets, Three Sturgeon. - We have killed during this Winter 165 Sturgeon weighing from 3 to 40 lb a fish, but much the greatest part between 16 & 24 lb weight each. - 7 nemaycoose (a fish much like a Samman) from 8 to 18 lb weight. - 24 Pike weighing between 4 & 35 lb a fish - 14 Perch between 3 & 6 lb each - 40 Tickameg generally of 3 or 4 lb weight. - 4 methy (a kind of Burbot) and 5 Carp. - Fine food particularly the Sturgeon being fat and not cloying. Myself and Men prefered this before any other Food We could eat."

Apr. 20
" Saturday Wind & Weather the same. One Family of Indians arrived from the Beaver Lake. brought but few furrs with them; had much difficulty in getting here the Lakes &c being much broke up in Places. they tell me that ? few Indians that way are almost starving for want few Animals being near and the Pedlers have traded the most part of their furrs. However they Suppose the Pedlers as yet have collected but a very small Quantity of Furrs no other Indians having been near them this Winter. They inform me that one of the Master Pedlers wth eight Men went off last Month hauling Rum for the two Canoes who are residing in the Thopiskow Indian Country. James Banks laying very Ill."

Apr. 21
" Sunday Wind SW Clear Weather. One Swan killed. Water much increased upon the Ice in the Lake."

Apr. 22
" Monday Wind variable clear Weather. Two men sawing Plank. The Carpenter with the rest squaring Timber. A Goofse killed, many Swans flew but few killed."

Apr. 23
" Tuesday Wind SW clear Weather. James Batt Sick. James Banks as before."

Apr. 24
" Wednesday Wind NE variable Weather. The Indians here are yet Starving Geese being as yet scarce and through want of Use are very poor Marksmen at Shooting flying."

Apr. 25
" Thursday Wind NW clear Weather. The River Saskachiwan is broke up. James Batt out at Work. James Banks yet ill."

Apr. 26
" Friday Wind SW Clear Weather James Banks at work."

Apr. 27
" Saturday Wind NE a Small breeze variable Weather. The Indians say Wild fowl are growing Plentiful in the Marshes but I have only collected sufficient for one days Allowance as yet. Lake broke up along the Shore."

Apr. 28
" Sunday Wind NW Clear Weather. The Indians a little Succefsful in hunting."

Apr. 29
" Monday Wind & Weather as yesterday. The men employed two in sawing Plank and the Carpenter with five Squaring Timber. Two Indians went off in an old Canoe to hunt Geese."

Apr. 30
" Tuesday Wind SW clear Weather Sent three men a hunting Wild Fowl brought a few. The rest employed as yesterday."

May 1 1776
" Wednesday Wind & Weather much the Same as yesterday. three men hunting. the Canoe of Indians returned no Succefs few Geese being lighted."

May 2
" Thursday Wind variable a Strong Gale at times with rain & Sleet. The men employed as on Monday."

May 3
" Friday Wind NW a Small breeze Clear Weather."

May 4
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Two Families of Indians went off in old Canoes to hunt Geese."

May 5
" Sunday Wind variable clear Weather in the Afternoon a Strong Gale at NW with Snow."

May 6
" Monday Wind NW a small breeze clear Weather. in the Evening a Strong Gale cloudy with Rain & Sleet & Snow last night. Two men sawing Plank & five men with the Carpenter squaring Timber. Two Canoes of Indians went off to hunt Geese."

May 7
" Tuesday Wind NW clear Weather. In the Evening Cloudy with Hail afterwards Snow."

May 8
" Wednesday Wind & Weather variable."

May 9
" Thursday Wind NW Weather most part Cloudy with small Snow at times. Two Canoes of Indians returned with Geese."

May 10
" Friday Wind & Weather much as yesterday. The fourth Canoe of Indians that went hunting returned with Geese. In the Evening Six Indians arrived in old Canoes from Basquio to trade a few Furrs."

May 11
" Saturday Wind SW clear Weather a third Canoe from Basquio brought some Furrs to Trade. Two men sawing Plank & the Carpenter with the rest setting up Stockades."

May 12
" Sunday Wind & Weather as yesterday Sultry hot. the three Canoes of Basquio Indians went away. One Canoe of the same arrived in the Evening also three more from above. traded some Furrs from them."

May 13
" Monday Wind & Weather much the same. Two men sawing Plank and the Carpenter with the rest employed setting up Stockades. I sent off William Walker with a Canoe of Indians to go & reside at the Branch of Saskachiwan above the Pedlers Settlement. I sent with them a few Trading Goods, chiefly Tobacco, to Trade Supplies and to make small presents to the Indians as they come down from above to Induce them not to trade with the Pedlers but go down to York Fort, and for such as do not intend to go down to come and Trade Here. If the desired end is not effectually obtained by this proceeding it will at least increase the Pedlers Expences by causing the Natives to rise in their demands upon them."

May 14
" Tuesday Calm clear Sultry Weather. The Men employed as yesterday. finished Sawing Plank. The Canoe of Basquio Indians went away. The Lake clear of Ice to the distance of about a mile from the shore."

May 15
" Wednesday Weather much the same. fourteen Canoes of Indians arrived from above with Furrs to Trade (Wolves & Beaver) They are part of them Pigogomew and part Beaver Indians. They inform me that no Indians from above intend to go to the Fort having traded what Furrs they had with the Pedlers and are again gone to War. The Swampy Afsinnee Poet Indians were not arrived when they come away. neither are they expected for sometime, therefore cannot tell their Determinations; The information I had before received of the Woody Mountain Afsinnee Poet Indians having traded with the Pedlers in the Winter & going away to War. I find it too true. These Indians also tell me that they do not intend to go to the Fort. but are come here to Trade & then return; They say that several more did propose to accompany them But expecting that the few Goods brought here were near expended, and that no Hatchets, Chifsels &c were brought up prevented them. Robert Longmore & Charles Isham also returned well with these Indians. brought two large Canoes which I traded from the Indians. The Canoe I sent off the 13th With William Walker also returned, upon the information brought of no Indians coming down, however I shall send them off again as soon as those Indians are gone to Wait for the Afsinnee Poet Indians. If I was to send him away now those Indians now arrived would be troublesome and expensive to him as they go up. He wanted to have proceeded notwithstanding the information He received of all the Indians being come down to the Pedlers Settlement which Charles Isham & Robert Longmore also confirmed, but being told by all It would be quite imprudent to proceed he was overruled. The Spring Season has been much earlier than common up above is the reason of the Indians coming down so early. They seldom arriving as low as the Branch until after the 20th of this month. The Beaver Indians in particular used to be later. The years I was with the Indians above We did not get into Canoes until the 18th of this Month."

May 16
" Thursday Weather much the same until the Evening then a hurricane with rain for a Short time. I smoaked with the Indians and traded their Furrs; they would not comply with my desire to go down to the Fort, but propose on their return to the Families to go to the Stone mountain to Trap Furrs where they are plentiful, and not to accompany any of the Warring Company. They also promised me to come here next Summer and trade what present Supplies they may want, and to go down with the rest of their Furrs to York Fort. I gave the Leaders & young men some presents."

May 17
" Friday Calm Weather most part Clear, in the Evening Cloudy with lightning and distant thunder. The Indians went away they seemed to be much pleased with their Treatment and renewed their promises made yesterday. I am informed that the Master Pedlers up above are at present at Variance and have some of them parted Stocks, one in particularlar is Tenting & Trades without the Stockades."

May 18
" Saturday Wind variable clear Weather. In the morning William Walker with a Canoe of Indians again set off to go up the Branch of Saskachiwan River. I am of Opinion that the Company must have a Settlement up above before any effectual blow to Struck at the Pedlers Interest, for the Indians cannot come past a place where Liquor is without Stopping and when they are intoxicated few of them have discretion to keep their furrs. The Pedlers cannot go much further up than their present residence, being so late in the Fall before they come up the Season will stop them: However until such a Settlement is made, if Liquor & a few other Trading Goods were sent up from here in Canoes under the Care of a few men in the Spring to meet the Indians, it will be serviceable. - My stock of Liquor is too Small to send a Quantity that may do any Service Amongst so many Indians. I have therefore declined it at present. A Canoe of Goose Hunters who returned with Geese from Saskachiwan River inform me that three Canoes of Pedlers are gone paft. They re going to lay at the Ceder Lake killing fish until the others come down."

May 19
" Sunday Wind NW a fresh breeze clear Weather. four Canoes of Indians arrived who generally Winter above and pafs the Summer in the Lakes, they brought a few Furrs & some Provisions which I traded, they pretend to have trapped but little in the Winter having been sickly. This is an old excuse that is in every natives mouth when he is poor: However these Indians as well as the others before here have promifed to stay about here next Winter hunting martins and Beaver now they find the former are so very plentiful."

May 20
" Monday Wind variable clear Weather. James Banks ill. Carpenter & three men Setting up Stockades and five men squaring Timber."

May 21
" Tuesday Wind NW a Strong Gale cloudy Weather. The men employed as yesterday. No Ice in sight on the Lake."

May 22
" Wednesday Wind the same but milder cloudy Weather rain last Night. James Banks as before. A Canoe with six of the Pedlers men (part of those from the Beaver Lake who were sent up Saskachiwan River laft Fall) past by on their return to the Beaver Lake loaded with Provisions. They landed here and offered me a present of Provisions sent by the Mafter Pedlers above but I declined accepting of it; I was also desired (as from the masters above) to take part of their Loading under my care until the master Pedlers should come past from the Beaver Lake; This I did also refuse, not chusing to make a Warehouse of this House for their Conveniences; They immediately went away."

May 23
" Thursday Wind variable Cloudy Weather. In the Evening a fresh breeze at NE with Snow. Carpenter & two men Covering the roof of the House with Tent Leather to exclude the rain water coming through in many Places. Three men Setting up Stockades and two men Squaring Timber. James Banks laying in Sick. A Canoe of Goose Hunters from Saskachiwan River inform me that three more Canoes of Pedlers are gone Paft downwards. Geese most of them gone off."

May 24
" Friday Wind NE a Strong Gale Cloudy with Snow and Drift. Two men making a Pike Net of the last of our Twine which I had reserved for Summer Use. Carpenter finishing the Stockade Gates in the House the rest of the men cut up a little Firewood the Weather being too bad for doing any thing Else. A Swell from the Windy Weather every day since monday has prevented me sending men to set Nets as I intended."

May 25
" Saturday Wind as yesterday but lefs clear Weather. Sent two men with Nets & Hooks to lay abroad killing fish near at hand, Two men Net making Carpenter preparing the Stockade Gates and three men setting up Stockades & one man Squaring Timber."

May 26
" Sunday Wind NW a Strong Gale cloudy Weather."

May 27
" Monday Wind variable mild Weather. the Carpenter & one man covering the House with Tent Leather; finished half of it on both Sides, cannot do any more at present wanting Leather. Three men setting up Stockades which they finished and two men net making. The two men I sent to kill fish returned no Succefs. Two Canoes arrived from up Sakachiwan traded a few furrs from them. They generally pafs the Summer in the Lakes."

May 28
" Tuesday Wind N Clear Weather. Sent off two Men with Nets to lay abroad & endeavour to kill Fish in another Place. also sent two more to set two nets in the little River below Us. those returned in the Evening, great Succefs in Pike, Carp & Perch. Carpenter & one man set up the Stockade Gates one on each side of the House. Two Men squaring Timber & One man Net makg. James Banks yet ill. Eleven Canoes of Basquio Indians arrived with the Leader as they promised to afsist in carrying furs to the Fort & to bring up Goods, with these, and some others here before, I shall send what furrs I can, But propose myself to Wait for the Grafs River Indians returning from War and endeavour to prevail upon them also to go down. Proposing to send a Canoe to meet them beyond the Pedlers?. The Indians now arrived have most of them old Canoes, however as I have traded two large Ones and had preserved two old large ones all I found left on my Arrival here in the fall, also having traded some common sized Indian Canoes suppling them in return with old ones preserved by Us over the Winter; I shall be able to supply most of them. In the Evening William Walker & the two Indians I sent with Him returned in three Canoes having Traded two from the Indians above, only one Canoe of Afsinnee Poet Indians arrived with them proposing to Afsist in Carrying Furrs down and to bring up Goods from the Fort. - William Walker tells me that they were much detained with Ice in this Lake on their Pafsage to Saskachiwan River, and that they were seven days in reaching the Pedlers Settlement where they found the Afsinnee Poet Indians had arrived the day before and were then Trading with the Pedlers: He accordingly landed there and the Indians immediately desisted from Trading with the Pedlers and soon traded all his Goods: they had but few furrs left having expended many the day before in Liquor. They told William Walker that they did propose some of them to come here to Trade and then return, proposing to go to war, but were prevented by the Indians who lately Traded here and were arrived at the Pedlers Settlement Just before them: Those it seems said my Goods were near done and that I could supply but little of their Wants purposely that the Afsinnee Poet Indians might Trade Furrs with them in exchange for small Quantities of Tobacco with which they traded Liquor from the Pedlers: However after William Walker arrived there the Indians who had been here denied what they had said, and desired him to tell me that they would certainly according to promise go down to York Fort next year and to Trade what present Supplies they may want here. I have been unfortunate at this time in being too late in my Opperations and in losing time by unexpected delays, or rather, by the Natives coming down earlier than usual in intending to go soon to War, for even now it is full early for Paddling in the Lakes down to the Northward. I received from William Walker 277 made Beaver in Furrs chiefly Coat & Parchment Beaver in return for 134 Beaver of Goods sent up. William Walker told me that He remained only one night at the Pedlers Settleent and then set off on his return: that He received a mefsage & an offer of a foot of Tobacco from the Pedler Patterson desiring him to come in: The Present He refused, and bid the man tell his Mafter that He did not chuse to come in without Patterson had himself attended upon him, an answer given becoming one of the Company's Officers to these Upstarts. The Pedler Pangman whom He see, said that He & another master proposed to go up & build a House much higher next Fall upon their own Joint Accounts. This man was Tenting without the Stockades Him and others having differed with some of the other Masters."

May 29
" Wednesday Wind variable clear Weather. A Canoe of Indians arrived from the Beaver Lake brought some dried & fresh moofe Flesh and a few Furrs which I traded. they tell me that the Pedlers are all gone off in Canoes further on except a few left in care of the House; That they have as yet collected but few furrs no Strange Indians having been near them and the Indians thereabouts had killed but few Furrs having been diftrefsed with want in the Winter. They also tell me that the Canoe of Pedlers, who lately went by here loaded with Provisions, landed most of their Cargo at the old House about six miles below here, and three of them are at present residing there, and the rest went forward with the Canoe for the Beaver Lake."

May 30
" Thursday Wind North a fresh Gale variable Weather. I gave the Indians who are going down to the Fort payment to carry the furrs, and also gave Supplies of Ammunition to four men whom I shall send with them for Use in going down. Also some Provisions. - I propose to leave four men in Care of the House when I go away. I have therefore this Day appointed four that they may have an Oppertunity to send to the Fort by this Conveyance for what little necefsaries they may want. - I have been informed that laft year the men were left to their own choice when none but one man were Willing to Stay. accordingly what Goods were remaining were privately buried in the Earth intending all to go down, but afterwards two more men consented to stay. As I apprehend this method if persued will establish a precedent that may in time be detrimental to the Company's Affairs I have presumed to appoint whom I please to stay. - The Following Men I do intend to send down Viz. James Banks, He being an ailing man. James Wafs on Account of his Contract expiring this year. Magnus Sclater & William Flatt on Account of their having been here the year before. & Robert Longmore & Charles Isham they being the most handy in Canoes. Of those I intend to keep here William Walker I shall leave in Charge of the House. Andrew Garret the Carpenter to carry on the necefsary work and for the other Two I have left James Batt, James Spence & Malchom Rofs however to prevent these men thinking I favoured one more than the others. I did so far deviate from my proposed plan as to resolve they should draw Lots; I accordingly called them in and told them my determination, but that I did not establish this as a precedent: James Batt objected against staying, saying that his Private Affairs required his Presence at the Fort and James Spence & Malchom Rofs required an Advancement of Wages: They then all answered to my Qestions that they have not wanted for Plenty of Provisions, and could make no other objections against Staying here except what they first mentioned: I did then tell them that I was resolved they should conform to my determination, When Malchom Rofs & James Spence offered to stay if I would promise that they should go down by the return of any Factory Home Natives that may come up with Goods, this I told them I would not do. & said to them all that I did not leave it to their Options of Staying or going: That I had intended to have particularly appointed two of them and gave them my reason for my present determination, then Threatning to put my Authority in force by particularly naming two and compeling them by force to Stay. I caused them to draw Lots, when Malchom Rofs drew the Lot for going down and I did accordingly appoint James Spence & James Batt to stay with the two men I had before appointed. - I am very sensible the method I have pursued by Lotting is irregular and unfit to be followed another year, however in Tendernefs to my men I have at present done it to give them an equal Chance at Attending their little Affairs at the Fort."

May 31
" Friday Wind variable but lefs, but notwithstanding being yet a swell in the Lake the Indians could not embark however the two men I sent away to kill fish returned with a few."

June 1 1776
" Saturday Wind SW Clear Weather. Seventeen Canoes of Indians went off for York Fort. Eleven of them Basquio Indians the remaining Six are most of them what I had before engaged and were waiting for the other Indians arrival to go with them. I sent with them forty-five Bundles of Furrs under the Care of four men Viz. Magnus Sclater, Charles Isham, James Banks & James Wafs. these Canoes are going down through the Sea Lake Track which is the best. Charles Isham being present when I laid up the Goods in the Cedar Lake last year in our Pafsage down, I have therefore directed him to search for them and if they are any of them left to remove them to another private part? for to be brought here in the Pafsage up. - I have in my former Journal mentioned that an Indian was employed at the Fort to bring these Goods up here; but presume to think the most effectual method would have been to have sent one of the Company's Servants up that way to take care of them. This I did advise at the time but my Opinion was over ruled. - There are no Indians left now except the two Tents who hunted for Us during the Winter who have not yet finished their Canoes. After the Indians were gone off I sent away Robert Longmore with a Canoe of Indians to meet the Grafs River Indians who went away to War to the Northward last Summer. I sent with them five Gallons Brandy hoping it may be of Service amongst so few; also a Supply of Ammunition & Tobacco & directing Robt. Longmore to go above the Pedlers and wait for the Indians there and endeavour to prevent them or any other Indians from Trading with the Pedlers by giving them small Supplies of Ammunition & Tobacco there desiring them to be Speedy in coming here, and that I am waiting for them to go down with me; But not to give the Keg of Liquor until they were proceeded some distance on this side of the Pedlers Settlement.-"

" Copy of a Letter Sent to Mr Humphrey Martin"

---

" Cumberland House 1st June 1776
Sir,
With 17 Canoes of Indians I have now sent down 45 Bundles of Furrs under the Care of four men. - I am sorry to inform you that no Indians from up Saskachiwan are coming this year to the Fort. Thirteen Canoes only have come here to trade the Rest who arrived much earlier than common at the Pedlers Settlement above have expended their Furrs there and are as I am informed most of them going off immediately to War. I have not been wanting in my Endeavours for the Company's Interest but I have not been so Succefsful as I could have wished. - The Indians now sent down are chiefly from Basquio, who propose to afsist in bringing up Goods. I have with much Perswasion &c prevailed on these to come down and have promised the Leader and the rest that they will be kindly used and well paid for bringing up Goods. They have got no Stocks of preserved Provisions to lay up on the Road for Use in coming up again. I have therefore promised them that you will Supply every Canoe that Carries Goods with a little Stock of Oatmeal; Indeed I have been obliged to Supply most of them with fresh Canoes. - The Grafs River Indians who brought up Goods last Summer went off for War (as Mr Hearne informed me) soon after their arrival and are not expected until the middle of this month; I propose to wait for these and endeavour to Induce them to come down also, so that I expect not to arrive at York Fort until late in July. - I have inclosed the Indent of Goods &c that are necefsary to be sent up, this Sir you will please to lefsen or inlarge according as you may now or hereafter find convenience of Carriage. - I wish you could send some Person up with the Goods that will be active in his Care of them. The Indians embezzled a large Stock of Liquor in their pafsage up last year, the particular Quantity I have not been informed of however I only found sixty Gallons out of two Hundred remaining on my Arrival. This has been a great lofs to me Liquor being the Summum Bonum Here. - We have abounded in Provisions killed many Sturgeon &c in the Winter, but I shall refer giving you Particular News until I may have the Pleasure of seeing you.
I remain
Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant.
Matthew Cocking
Sir,
P.S. The natives I found here on my Arrival having heard from the Home Indians who brought me up that I was intended to stay here only one year, and from them the news spreading to others and finding it would be detrimental; I have therefore to prevent Imposition? hitherto perswaded the natives that I propose to continue wintering here: This I thought proper to inform you of that you may conceal my not coming up again for the Present if you thnk it necefsary.
Please to remember me to Mefs Body & Lockey.
Sir Yours
M.C."

June 2
" Sunday Wind SW clear Sultry Weather."

June 3
"Monday Wind SE Cloudy with Rain in the Afternoon. Sent two men to kill fish who returned in the Evening with a few. Three men Squaring Timber. A Canoe of Indans who lately went from here arrived from the little fishing River a little below in Saskachiwan River. They tell me that the Body of the Pedlers went past on their way down on Friday but that there are some left in Care of the House above; These are to build a House up the West Branch of Saskachiwan some distance on this side of Sackikow? (i.e. Woody Mountain) mentioned in my former Journal."

June 4
" Tuesday Wind variable clear Weather. sent two men to tend and take up the nets as We cannot dispence with what we may kill in continually keeping them down; They returned in the Evening with a few Fish. Three men Squaring Timber. A Canoe of Indians who lately went hunting brought some Sturgeon which I traded."

June 5
" Wednesday Wind SE Weather first part clear afterwards Cloudy. five men employed Squaring Timber. A Canoe of Indians returned who went down upon their own Affairs to Basquio in Company with those who are gone for the Fort. They tell me that they all arrived at Basquio on monday and expect they are proceeded this Day on their Journey."

June 6
" Thursday Wind & Weather variable. The men carrying home the Planks from the Pits and placing them to dry within the Stockades."

June 7
" Friday Wind West fresh breeze clear Weather. The men employed as yesterday. In the Afternoon sent two men to kill some fish."

June 8
" Saturday Wind variable clear Weather. Three Men squaring Timber. The two men sent yesterday returned with a few fish. four Canoes of Indians arrived who have wintered about the Beaver Lake brought a few Furrs."

June 9
" Sunday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Two more Canoes arrived from the Northward brought some Provisions & a few furrs."

June 10
" Monday Wind SW Weather great part Cloudy with Rain at times, much Rain laft night. The Indians lately arrived went away. I sent off for York Fort Several Bundles Skins in two Canoes part of those who hunted for Us in the Winter all that are going down I also sent William Flatt with them. They are doing down the Grafs River Track. - four men Squaring Timber."

" Copy of a Letter Sent to Mr Humphrey Martin"

---

" Cumberland House 10th June 1776
Sir
With this Conveyance I have sent down One man in care of four bundles of Furrs, Contents as pr Account Inclosed. Also three Bundles of drest moofe Skins the last belonging to Mr Hearnes Trade. I have paid the Indians now sent the same as the others before for their Carriage of the Furrs, so that they have no Demands to make on that Account: They expect to arrive at least before the Indians leave you whom I have before Sent. - The Pedlers up above Us are all gone down except a few left in Care of the remains. These are to build an House some distance up the West Branch against the return of the rest, As I am informed by the Indians from Saskachiwan. The Pedlers to the Northward of Us are gone further on to a place of Rendesvouz of Indians. I sent One of my men with a Canoe of Indians to meet the Indians above them and endeavour to prevent their Trading there. and to hasten the Grafs River or any other Indians here to accompany Us down.
I am Sir
Your most humble
& most Obedient Servant
Matthew Cocking."

June 11
" Tuesday Wind West a fresh breeze clear Weather. sent two men to lay abroad with Nets. Two men squaring Timber. The remainder of the Indians (three Canoes) went off, promised to bring in fresh moofe Flesh when they killed any good. Of the Indians that have arrived here at different times I have endeavoured to prevail on such as I thought were fit to go down to York Fort and afsist in bringing up Goods, promising them great Incouragement for their trouble, but in vain except those I have already sent; some pleading Inability through some Infirmity, and others that they could not leave the care of their Families. Indeed I partly expect that the Indians sent off the 1st Inst. will be accompanied by some others in the Lakes a little below Basquio. A Canoe of those Indians who wintered above Us and lately arrived here on their way down having promised me to Accompany the Basquio Indians and endeavour to Induce others of their Countrymen also to go down."

June 12
" Wednesday Wind variable clear Weather."

June 13
" Thursday Wind SW clear Weather. The two men sent a fishing returned with two Sturgeon."

June 14
" Friday Wind NE a fresh breeze at times clear Weather. Sent two men to tend the Nets. Two men Squaring Timber. In the Evening A Canoe arrived with a little fresh & dried moofe Flesh."

June 15
" Saturday Wind variable clear Sultry Weather. The Canoe of Indians went away. I sent two men hunting who brought a few Ducks. the men returned with two Sturgeon from the Nets."

June 16
" Sunday Wind West clear Weather."

June 17
" Monday Wind & Weather as yesterday very hot. Sent two men to take up the Nets who returned with one Sturgeon. Two men squaring Timber. Two Canoes of Indians arrived wth a little fresh & dried moofe Flesh."

June 18
" Tuesday Wind East Weather Clear until the Evening then a fresh Gale cloudy with rain & Thunder. Four men employed squaring Timber. Indians went away."

June 19
" Wednesday Wind West clear Weather. The men employed as yesterday. A Canoe of Indians arrived from Basquio, brought a few Furrs & a little Provision to Trade. They inform me that the Seventeen Canoes which carried Furrs from here for York Fort on the 1st Inst proceeded on their Journey from Basquio on the 5th. three more Canoes accompanying them from thence. This Information these Indians received on their arrival at Basquio, having themselves with a few others wintered within the Country and built Canoes along way up the West Branch of the Red Deers River. They Pretend that most of the Indians that way with the Swan River & Safsahnew Indians went off to War the first of the Winter. This I was informed of by the Basquio Indians when some of them came in the Spring saying that there had been a Dearth of moofe &c that way was the Reason of their having left their Countries, this news they pretended to have been pafsed to them through Indians on this side? but I did not then credit them. The Indians now arrived pretend to have killed no furrs in the Winter being Sickly. what they now brought (chiefly Beaver) being killed in the Spring. They could give me no Account of the Pedlers in the Lefser sea Lake saying that they came this Way acrofs a Carrying Place some distance up the Red Deers River."

June 20
" Thursday Wind variable clear Weather. In the Evening some rain & Thunder. The Canoe of Indians went away."

June 21
" Friday Wind & Weather variable The men employed as before."

June 22
" Saturday Wind & Weather the same."

June 23
" Sunday Wind NW a very strong Gale with heavy rain & distant Thunder in the morning afterwards milder Cloudy Weather."

June 24
" Monday Wind the same a fresh breeze Weather cloudy with a little rain. Sent two Men to lay abroad killing fish."

June 25
" Tuesday Wind NE Weather most part Clear. sent two men to kill Fish, they returned with a few bringing the Net."

June 26
" Wednesday Wind & Weather much the same. The two men sent abroad on Monday returned with one Sturgeon. Two men Squaring Timber."

June 27
" Thursday Wind NE a fresh Breeze Weather Cloudy Rain in the Afternoon. The Men employed squaring Timber. Towards noon Robert Longmore arrived with the Canoe of Indians I sent away with him the 1st Instant. He gave me the following Account of his Proceedings: That he reached the Pedlers Settlement up a River called Winnepeg-e-chick on the 7th Instant, having laid up the keg of Liquor some way on this side. and finding two Tents of Indians he landed there and lived with them proposing to wait for any Indians Arrival. He found two of the master Pedlers were gone up with a Supply to the upper Settlement sometime. the Master left at the House (the Elder Forbisher) did invite him in and offer him any Afsistance he might want which he refused except for taking a little Food. On the 16th the two masters returned from above accompanied by Lewis Primo who had resided at the Upper Settlement. In the Evening Robert Logmore was invited into their House to partake of some Liquor with them. this he did. but suspecting they intended to make him intoxicated before it Grew late he took his Leave: On this Visit they often offered to afsist him with any little necefsaries he might want. and were inquisiive to know the Intent of his Journey. Whether he proposed going further or what he intended; however he evaded answering their Questions. As usual they seemed to be very communicative themselves, informing him that as soon as the Indians were come down, The Elder Forbisher with Primo were to be sent wth the Remains along way up above the Upper Settlement there to winter. On the 17th Day Robert Longmore set off up the River to meet the Indians, being Supposed to be near: Soon after a Pedlers Canoe with six men followed him with half a Roll of Tobacco watching his motions, they both returned to the Pedlers Settlement in the Evening: this was repeated the two following Days, on the last the Indians arriving. He says that he supposed there were an hundred Canoes of them, the chiefest part A'thopuskow Indians the rest were only loaded with the Pedlers Furrs from the Upper House. The A'thopuskow Indians informed Robert Longmore that they had seen the Grafs River Indians (who went that way to War last Summer) in the Winter; who have sent word that they do not expect to return until next Summer; as he was informed by some, & by others that they may return very late next fall. A few of them had been in the Pedlers upper Settlement in the Spring and traded a fresh Supply of Ammunition &c. He accordingly distributed Presents to the Indians arrived to induce them to come here to Trade; and also Traded a few Furrs; And Several promised to accompany him proposing to Trade only some Liquor there: accordingly the first Day they traded Liquor, many telling the Pedlers they intended to Trade no other Goods, but come here. The second day they also traded Liquor; but two Indians who were Sober having desired Robert Longmore to take their Furrs under his care and to set off on his way the next morning. they being to follow him; He accordingly received a Bundle from one man, and from another He received two Bundles; these he was Carrying one at a time from their Tents to his own, pafsing near the Pedlers House: On pafsing with the third Bundle he was adrefsed by the Pedler Henry (walking without) with the Words you seem to be very Busy to Day.[a question mark?] to which Robert Longmore returned not very busy, but that it was seeminly a busy time with them: Henry then said that he was more busy than He had a right, demanding to know what right he had in that Bundle saying that it was not Traded having not yet been untied.[another one?] This Question Robert Longmore refused to resolve saying that He (Henry) had no right ot interfere. Henry then threatened to take the Bundle from him, this Robert Longmore said he would resist, when (after some more repetions of the like nature) Henry ordered four of his men to take the Bundle by force: One man immediately came & took hold of it but the other three did not Obey his Order until he had again repeated it with Swearing; accordingly they forced the Bundle from Robert Longmore's hands, he endeavouring to keep it in the Struggle they had got within the Door of the House, He holding by a String; when the younger Forbisher came to them, and being informed of the Affair he insisted upon the Bundles being delivered up to them, this Robert Longmore as Strongly refused and some Altercation pafsed, but no personal Abuse. Forbisher and the other two Partners often telling Robert Longmore to recollect where he was, to Bridle his Tongue, and likewise often threatning they would make it worse for him, but not Specifying in what manner. They told him He had no right to come upon their Plantation to Trade, more particularly to go into an Indians Tent to Trade; that he had no right to endeavour hindering Indians trading with them, concluding with their old Threat by way of intimidating him. To these He gave proper Answers, saying that as the Honble Hudson's Bay Company's Servant He had a right to go to any part within their Limits where he was sent by his Superior & would, and hinted at their being Interlopers. some more words having pafsed but not of greater purport than above; Forbisher told Robert Longmore he might take that Bundle away but forbad his fetching at his Peril any more from the Indians Tents: To this Robert Longmore returned that he would not Comply, accordingly after he had carried that Bundle to his Tent he went for more; but He found the Indian whose Furrs he was fetching had been taken into the House by the Pedlers: Sometime after a mefsage was brought by an Indian demanding two Bundles of furrs belonging to the man in the House; this Robert Longmore would not comply with, saying that the Indian who belonged to them must himself come; the mefsenger said that he could not being confined; then Robert Longmore went into the House to be certified, when the Indian that owned the Furrs desired they might be sent in lamenting that the Pedlers had in a manner detained him as a Prisoner refusing to release him until all his Furrs should be brought in, then Robert Longmore seeming to pause Forbisher told him he must Comply otherwise the Furrs should be taken out of his Tent by force. He then went & gave them up to the Indian Sent for them. The first Bundle he received belonging to another Indian was all he had now in his Care. - In the Evening and during great part of the Night Robert Longmore observed the Pedlers men to be very busy in Carrying into their House all the Indians Furrs they could find, this they did whilst the Indians were Drunk. lifting up the Eves of the Tent Cloths & taking the Bundles out, the Indians not having courage to resist: In the morning a Native mifsing part of his Furrs that were carried in in the Night - He was referred by one of the Pedlers men to Robert Longmore, saying that he was supposed to have Stole them having been seen Carrying Bundles to his Tent the day before: the Indian accordingly applying, Robert Longmore satisfied Him, shewing the Bundle he had in care and a few Furrs he had collected in Trade: Robert Longmore then went to the Window of the House and desired to Speak with Forbisher and afked if it was by his Order that he had been accused of Theft by one of their men, shewing him the Person; this Forbisher denied, telling him however, that he supposed he had been drunken with the Natives in the Night and was then besotted so as to be incaple of knowing what he had done: to this Robert Longmore returned, that he scorned the Action of getting Drunk with the Indians or even with him; that He Could Justly say that he (Forbisher) had pillaged a Native of his furrs yesterday. The Indian having complained of their taking of his Furrs from him, and he had received nothing in return except being made intoxicated; Forbisher then said that it was no Businefs of his, again bidding him remember where he was, Threatning him that otherwise it should be worse for him, and again repeating that he had no right to Stop Indians Trading there, and it would be serving him right to confine him in Irons as Pangman had been lately confined by Mr Jacobs at York Fort.* [in the margin "*The Pedler Pangman received no such Treatment from Mr Jacobs"] some more words pafsed much to the same purport, the other Forbisher & Henry afsisting to Brow beat him saying they were not afraid of the Company & such Stuff. to these Robert Longmore returned proper Answers, however cautiously avoiding saying any thing that they might construe into personal Abuse, and reminded Forbisher of his having been very Active with his Colleagues in Collecting a large Quantity of Provisions here in the Fall of 74, which the Indians would not Trade before with Mr Hearne notwithstanding his being in want? and it being all procured by Ammunition supplied gratis by him. however He (Mr Forbisher &c) on their Arrival very generously purchased the whole with their Liquor and Carried it off with them. Then one of their Men stepped up in a Bullying manner, bidding Robert Longmore to desist from disputing with the Gentlemen their master, otherwise he and another present (whom he pointed to) would beat him & send him away abused to his Tent; before an Answer could be given to this Frobisher told Robert Longmore to go about his Businefs, calling him a dirty Rascal; accordingly thinking it unnecefsary to continue the dispute he went away to his Tent, and according to agreement before made with the Natives he embarked; several having promised to follow him: the Second Day he was overtaken by Six Canoes of the Indians all that are coming, these saying that they were coming with what little they had left; but chiefly to see the Road here none of them having ever been this way before. - The Indians with Robert Longmore having described the road and promised to leave marks to guide them they left them on their way. he being desirous of getting speedily here to inform me of his proceedings. and they are expected on Saturday. Robert Longmore told me that he traded the Keg (which he laid up some distance on this Side the Pedlers) with some Indians on his return whom he found waiting in the way to Trade with the Pedlers as they returned; but he collected from them all the Furrs they had except one Beaver Coat which was said to have been traded before by the Pedlers and only lent to wear. - The two Canoes of Indians whom I sent off with William Flatt for York Fort on the 10th Instant I find are laying at a place for killing Sturgeon along with other Indians two days Paddle from Hence they pretending that one of their Canoes was in bad condition and one of them is become Sick; that by waiting there they have expended what Provisions & Ammunition they had, some of the Indians had also privately stole Williams Flatts Supply, and therefore are waiting until I go to them proposing to accompany me down. - Robert Longmore informed me that the Pedlers were preparing to embark Just after him. Two Canoes of them set off that morning before him, these he overtook and left on the Road having paddled in the Night, they are expected to pafs here tomorrow. - I received 101 made Beaver in Furrs from Robert Longmore in return for 94 Beaver of goods sent with him, but he having kept no Account of his Expences I am prevented making a distinct Charge: I shall therefore Account for them along with the rest of the Trade as all Traded, as I had done with those before Expendend by William Walker, charging no further expence on both Journeys except what was given as payment to the Indians for Carrying them. Robert Longmore informed me that the Course of the Place He was at is about NW from here; that they pafsed over Thirteen Carrying Places two in his pafsage from this Lake to the Beaver Lake where there is very bad Water; but beyond they had fine deep Water except at 11 Falls where they carried. the Beaver Lake He said was only Clear of Ice about the distance of two hundred yards a going. but they did not see any Ice on their return."

June 28
" Friday Wind NE Weather Cloudy with rain at times. sent two men to take up the Nets they laying in the Pedlers Track, they soon returned with 4 Sturgeon, the rest squaring Timber. in the Afternoon two Pedlers Canoes pafsed by about 1 mile from the Shore."

June 29
" Saturday Wind NE a Strong Gale Weather Cloudy with very little intermifsion of Rain the whole Day, a great swell in the Lake."

June 30
" Sunday Wind N a Strong Gale in the morning afterwards Calmer clear Weather."

July 1 1776
" Monday Wind variable clear Weather. The men employed Squaring Timber. Six Canoes of A'thopuskow Indians arrived (those expected) brought very little with them.They tell me that the Pedlers (four Canoes) overtook and pafsed by them three days ago; as we did not see them pafs by here they must have gone by in the Night or gone down to Saskachiwan River through the little River below Us, which they did not ufe to do before being Shallow in Places for them. however as the Water is at this time increased they may have gone that way: These Canoes with the two We see before pafs are all that are going down. the other four are sent up with the Elder Forbisher with what Goods are remaining to reside above the Upper Settlement; The two Canoes whch were used in carrying the Goods to the Upper Settlement last year are it seems Uselefs. The Indians say that they Expect the Pedlers now gone down will be Stopped in their Pafsage Up by the Winter setting in; but most likely they will return in good time, as undoubtedly if they are late in Arriving at the Great Carrying Place men with Goods in new Canoes will be sent up to meet them & exchange with them on this side, which they have before done upon these Occasions. - If they had come and landed here I did propose to have denied them admifsion into the House and to have taken no notice of them in a civil way, as their Late Behaviour to Robert Longmore does not deserve it."

July 2
" Tuesday Wind & Weather variable. The men employed as yesterdy. There is now near enough Timber squared Sufficent to build the two intended Offices one for Provisions & another for a Cook Room. - I smoaked & traded with the Indians giving them Presents as incouragement; they greatly lament their Furrs being mostly expended at the Pedlers Settlement now they see the great difference of the rate of Trading here and there, pretending that many of them did propose accompanying them with Furrs but the Pedlers did in a manner take them by force; however they say they came now purposely to see the Road being unacquainted, and promise to come here next year; and also expect that the Account of their Treatment will induce many of their Countrymen to accompany them; but there is no dependance to be had in their Promise this way, for notwithstanding a native may form ever such a Strong Resolution he is of such a wavering disposition & Indolent the Pedlers by being in his Road will cause him to change with their Liquor. These Indians seldom used to go down to York Fort generally going to Prince of Wales Fort, but since the Pedlers have laid up that way that Trade has been entirely cut off, their Furrs are generally Beaver & Split Cats with a few Wolves & martin's. The Cats with some Beaver They Trade from Yachithinnee? Indians in friendship & bordering upon them. The Pedlers by their Penetrating still further up seem to intend reaching these by this means they will carry off all the Inland Cats, four or five years ago, Cats were very plentiful Here & in the Woody parts to the Southward &c. But now the Natives say there are scarce any, this is attributed to the Scarcity of Rabbets These being the Cats chief food. the scarcity of Rabbets was also remarked down to the Northward where they used to be Plentiful owing to a supposed dearth Amongst them. From what has been said I shall presume to infer the necefsity of the Company's having outer Settlements to Trade at: This Place is seemingly very well situated for Food which the everlasting resource of Fish will insure? and it is very conveniently Situated? as a repository for Goods when brought up &c. But otherwise Events will prove that but few Furrs can be collected here from the natives and for the kindest Treatment great presents & easy Trading will be an almost fruitlefs Expence as they cannot pafs the Circle of Pedlers that surround It, and even those that may come through the Pedlers most of them will be fleeced of great part of their Furrs. The advantages the Pedlers have is in their Situations & Quantities of Goods, from their great convenience of Carriage; But if the Company had as good conveniences, the Natives Approve so much of their Goods which I may presume to say may be traded at such a rate as most probably must in time ruin the Pedlers. Until out Settlements can be made sending men with Goods to Trade with the Natives in the Spring will be serviceable but liable to great delays from the latenefs of the Season and rendered of small effect without a convenience of Transporting a considerable Quantity of Goods up is obtained. - I am fearful of being thought impertinent by presuming to point at any remedies, however with deference I think that vefsels in Canoe form made of Fir might be contrived of a small Draught of greater burden than the Indians Canoes, and yet of such a Weight as to be carried occasionally by those who go in them, & the Company's Servants will probably sooner learn the management of these as they will be much Steadier than Indian Canoes which are dangerous to unskilful Persons. I have in my first Journal said that the Canadians are very unfit men to be employed by the Company, from their General Characters & Obvious Behaviour, but if it may be thought necefsary to employ some of them many may be engaged in Canada who are proficient in building Canoes after the Pedlers manner."

July 3
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as yesterday. the A Thopuskow Indians went away. - I examined the Remains of Trading Goods Stores & Provisions and gave William Walker a Copy of the Account. I propose to proceed tomorrow on my Journey down."

July 4
" Thursday Wind NE a fresh breeze clear Weather. This day I embarked to proceed to York Fort, leaving William Walker in Charge of the House. (this Person I beg leave to mention will be very fit to take Charge of one of the Company's Inland Settlements being very Active Discreet & otherwise Qualified). Three Canoes in Company Myself, Robert Longmore Malcolm Rofs and two Indians: We were also accompanied by two more of the Men from the House in a fourth Canoe whom I took to afsist in carrying the Furrs (16 Bundles) to where some Indians are residing waiting for Us. We put up in the Lake."

July 5
" Friday Wind & Weather variable. We pafsed over the remainder of the Lake and went through part of the first River, pafsing over one Carrying Place."

July 6
" Saturday Wind & Weather very variable Thunder & Rain at times. We proceeded arriving at the edge of Pusquapiskow Lake, having carried at four Falls and lead Canoes in several Places. We met with the Indians here, one of the Canoes I sent off with William Flat I find is gone forward on the Journey, proposing to proceed slowly by hunting as they go and to wait for us on the Way."

July 7
" Sunday Calm clear Weather. We did not proceed Indians waiting to Spear Fish."

July 8
" Monday Wind variable clear Weather. We proceeded being accompanied by three more Canoes from these Indians and William Flat in addition to my two former Men. The two Men I took from the House to afsist in bringing the Furrs forward I ordered to return. We paddled over Pusquapiskow Lake, crofsed the Cranberry Carrying Place and over part of the Lake of the same Name."

July 9
" Tuesday Wind NE Weather variable. We paddled over the remainder of the Lake through Elbow River & Lake & first part of Grafs River, carrying at one Fall and leading Canoes down two. We put up in the next Lake."

July 10
" Wednesday Wind & Weather the same much Thunder with Rain at times. Proceeding paddled over the Lake & through part of the continued River. carried at one Fall."

July 11
" Thursday Wind & Weather very variable as before. We arrived at the Head of Pepequewnescum? (ie. reed Lake where we lay)."

July 12
" Friday Wind NE a strong Gale at times Weather variable much rain at times. We pafsed over the reed Lake and through the next River Carrying at three & leading at two Falls."

July 13
" Saturday Wind SW a fresh breeze at times Weather clear. We paddled through the Gun small Lake carrying into Sweet Herb Lake which we crofsed and lay about ten miles within the continued Grafs River. Indians killed a Moofe."

July 14
" Sunday Wind NE a fresh Gale Weather part cloudy with Rain and part clear. proceeding in the Grafs River, lead at one Fall and carried at three, laying at the last. An Indian in Company complaining of his being ailing from our hard Paddling in the last Lake, which was obliged to be done on Account of a great Swell; and that He is disabled from continuing the Journey. I was obliged to consent to leave him & partner in the Morning to return back to their country, five Canoes at present in Company."

July 15
" Monday Wind NW Weather part cloudy & part clear. We pafsed over five Carrying Places putting up yet in the River. We overtook the Canoe mentioned to have proceeded before us. they have procured some fresh & dried moofe Flesh. and found an additional Canoe."

July 16
" Tuesday Wind SE clear Weather. We proceeded pafsing through the remainder of the River over Reserve Lake and part of the continued River, having carried at the Pelican Fall. Seven Canoes in Company."

July 17
" Wednesday Wind variable Weather cloudy with Rain. We proceeded down the River pafsing five Carrying Places, when the Weather obliged us to put up."

July 18
" Thursday Wind North cloudy Weather small Rain at times. We pafsed through Pimmochicomosin Lake and over the Paint Lake entering the continued River. Shot one Fall & carried at One."

July 19
" Friday Wind variable Weather first part clear afterwards Cloudy with Thunder and a heavy Rain. Paddled down the remainder of the River shooting one Fall and pafsed over great part of dry Wood Lake putting up at an Island."

July 20
" Saturday Wind South Weather most part clear. Pafsed over the remainder of the Lake and through the next continuation of the River, carrying at one Fall and shooting four. proceeded to and pafsed over part of Wicheag Sackeagan (ie. stinking Lake). Indians killed a Bear. plenty of Ducks all the way hitherto."

July 21
" Sunday Wind SW variable Weather. Proceeded over the remainder of the Lake and through the remainder of the continued Grafs River; also through part of Saskachiwan (ie. strong Current) or Port Nelson River, laying at the Head of Tahtasquiow Lake, having pafsed over two Carrying Places & Shot two Falls."

July 22
" Monday Wind SE a fresh Gale Weather variable. We proceeded over part of the Lake when the swell obliged us to put up."

July 23
" Tuesday Wind & Weather variable. We proceeded over the remainder of the Lake and over the Gull Lake, down Port Nelson to the mouth of the Gull Fall, having carried at six Falls and shot some others."

July 24
" Wednesday Wind East a fresh Gale clear Weather. Proceeding pafsed over seven Carrying Places & Shot over many Falls."

July 25
" Thursday Wind East a fresh gale clear Weather. Proceeding pafsed over one Carrying Place anf Shot over the remainder of the Falls lead at one."

July 26
" Friday Wind & Weather the same. a great swell on the River. proceeding down the River put up at Flamborough Head."

July 27
" Saturday Wind the same cloudy Weather with Rain until the Afternoon then fair with lefs Wind. We proceeded down and round the Point of Marsh laying at the Battery House being too late in the night to proceed to the Fort."

July 28
" Sunday Wind SW clear Weather. We proceeded arriving at York Fort."

" Errors Excepted
Matthew Cocking"



B.49/a/3

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