This is a virtually complete transcription of the Cumberland House Journal 1776-77a by Alex Nicol
" A Journal of a Journey from York Fort to Cumberland Houfe from 13th July to 30th August 1776
also of a Journey Inland from Cumberland House and back from 8th May to 10th June 1777
And of another Journey to York Fort from 13 June to 19th July 1777 by William Tomison
1777
YF
Cumberland House
A Journal of Mr Cockings Journey from York Fort to Cumberland House from 8th September to 12th October 1776
And of his return to York Fort from 5th July to 3d August 1777"
[Cover]
" Journal of the Journies of Mr William Tomison and Mr Matthew Cocking between York Fort and Cumberland Jouse 1776 & 7"
[Title page]
" Mr William Tomison's Journey"
July 13 1776
" Saturday Wind W with clear pleasant Weathe. At seven oClock this morning I recieved my instructions from Mr Humphrey Marten Chief at York Fort to proceed for Cumberland House, which I shall exert myself to obey to the utmost of my Power; We paddled 14 miles up Hays's River then put ashore. The Indians unwilling to go far the firft Day."
July 14
" Sunday Wind NW Squally Weather with Rain at times. Tracked 14 Miles good Water in some places and other places very shoal hardly Water for the Canoes. The Indians got Drunk last night and two of them were very troublesome but were soon quelled."
July 15
" Monday Wind N a moderate Gale with Rain till 12 oClock then Clear and blowed strong. We paddled and Tracked about ten Miles middling good Water."
July 16
" Tuesday Wind variable with sultry hot Weather. Tracked about 12 Miles, then We left Hays's River on our Larboard hand, and went up Steel River. met two Indians going to the Fort with some venison of which I had two Joints, giving them some Tobacco in return. At noon put ashore to repair one of our Canoes that ? broke, and indeed several of them are little better."
July 17
" Wednesday Wind ESE light breezes with very warm Weather. got some of the Indians to repair the Canoes, and sent the Rest to hunt Deer of which they killed 3, and saw Several more but they did not take the water."
July 18
" Thursday Wind variable with Cloudy warm Weather. Tracked about 16 Miles up Steel River, Course varying from SSW to WSW killed one Deer."
July 19
" Friday Wind Northerly with Sultry hot Weather. Tracked about 17 Miles, Course the same as yesterday. Water very shoal in many places; have laid by since noon for four Canoes that left us yesterday; at six came up to us. They tell me they are going up Steel river, I asked them the reason why they would not go with us They told me they were afraid that they would be in want fo Provisions as there were too many if us together, they also told me I need not be afraid of the Goods they were intrusted with for they would bring them safe to the House."
July 20
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday. We left Steel River on our Starboard hand and went up Chakatanaw River. We tracked about 18 Miles, a Strong Current and very shoal in many places, killed four Deer to day."
July 21
" Sunday Wind South a fresh gale with cloudy Weather. Tracked 16 Miles, Course varying from South to SW at 6 oClock one of the Canoes that went up Steel River returned and is to accompany us so there are but three Canoes gone up that way."
July 22
" Monday Wind SW with clear moderate weather a havey Rain last night that obliges us to lay by to dry the Goods and to open some of the bundles and to put them in smaller parcels, As the Indians complain of their being heavy and unhandy for them to take out of their Canoes: I also gave them a treat of 4 1/2 Gallons Brandy for their good Behaviour so far, and to be diligent and careful in getting the Goods up, And other Duty that may be required of them."
July 23
" Tuesday Wind variable and cloudy with Rain at times. Paddled and carried &c about 18 miles, Course SW very little Water on the falls, had three Short carrying Places to Day."
July 24
" Wednesday Wind N with thick foggy weather paddled and carried &c about 12 Miles over falls and broken Ground hard knowing the right Channel. Had four carrying Places one about 1/2 a mile long the others but short."
July 25
" Thursday Wind Ely a fresh Gale with clear Weather. paddled and carried over the Falls, distance about 13 miles; we had two Carrying places about 1/4 mile each, at five oClock got out of Chakatanow River into the Lake it falls from Called by the Indians Meskekow Sakahagan."
July 26
" Friday Wind SE a fresh Gale with cloudy Weather. paddled through Meskekow Lake, it is about 8 Miles long and near two in breadth, Depth of Water two fathoms, Course SW. then paddled and carried up a small River, distance about 6 miles Course varying between SW and WSW. We had four carrying Places about one half a Mile each."
July 27
" Saturday Wind SW with clear moderate Weather. paddled about 22 Miles through Mase.ke.che.quan Lake. Course WSW Depth of Water from two to eight fathoms between 5 & 6 Miles in Breadth. an Indian called Aineek-Athinnue came to me last night full rigged with his Pipe in his hand & asked me if I would not smoak with Him. I told him that I would smoak with Him but not comply to any other demand he might have as I well knew it was Brandy he wanted, accordingly I smoakt with Him then laid myself down to Sleep; He returned to his Tent without saying any thing more at that time, the other Indians Laughing at him as He went past which made him think more shame of his being disappointed."
July 28
" Sunday Wind WSW Brisk gale with clear Weather. paddled about 20 Miles through Mase-keche-quan Lake, Course varying from SSW to WSW At noon laid by for some for the Indians that were a hunting. Set a Net caught a few small Pike & Pearch at 6 oClock the hunters returned with one black Bear and one Beaver."
July 29
" Monday Wind SE with Thunder Lightning and Rain at times. We paddled about 10 miles through Mase-keche-quan Lake. Course WSW then we had a Short carrying Place into a Small Lake with several Branches from it into Mase-keche-quan? and some very bad Falls. One of the Home Indians with one of our Men broke their Canoe right in the middle leading over the Falls. In the Afternoon one Family of Indians came to us Traded a little Meat with them for the Men, as the food they had from the Fort is almost expended."
July 30
" TuesdayWind SW a fresh gale with clear Weather. got an Indian man and his two Women to repair the Canoe that was broke yesterday. Sent Several of the young men a hunting. At noon returned with one Moofe of which they gave me four Joints. Paid the Indian man for repairing the Canoe one Gallon Brandy also 1/2 Gallon for the Meat I Traded with Him yesterday."
July 31
" Wednesday Wind WSW A Strong Gale with Rain at times. Paddled about 12 Miles, course WNW then came to Pe-the-paw Wenepee Lake where We must lay by untill the Weather moderates. Set the Nets Caught a few small Pike."
Aug. 1 1776
" Thursday Wind NW A strong Gale with cloudy Weather and Rain at times. not Weather to paddle. Sent the young men a hunting but returned without Succefs. 10 Pike from the Nets."
Aug. 2
" Friday Wind variable with heavy Rain at times. paddled through Pe-the-paw Wenepee Lake; this Lake is about 25 miles in length & about 10 Miles broad course varying from SSW to WSW. Depth of Water eight fathoms."
Aug. 3
" Saturday Wind NW and clear moderate Weather. paddled about 18 miles through small Lakes and Rivers, Course varying from East to NW."
Aug. 4
" Sunday Wind SE with cloudy Rainy Weather. paddled about 6 Miles, Course SW had a carrying Place about 3/4 of a mile long. killed one black Bear and one Deer which they brought to me, but they being in want as well as we I took no more then our Share."
Aug. 5
" Monday Wind variable and cloudy with Rain at times. paddled about 14 miles through small Lakes and Rivers, course WSW good Water all the way, killed two Moofe and one Deer of which they brought me 5 Joints had one carrying Place a mile & 1/4 long."
Aug. 6
" Tuesday Wind WNW with cloudy Weather and Rain at times. paddled about 30 miles Down a small River called Eackawemames, Course varying from SE to NW it takes its name from the Currant going the other way. We had one short carrying Place. Seed? one family of Indians, They gave me some dried meat for which I gave them some Tobacco in return."
Aug. 7
" Wednesday Wind WSW with clear pleasant Weather. paddled about 18 miles down Eachewemamaes Course WSW sent several of the Indians hunting Provisions for our men but returned without Succefs. set the Net but no fish to be caught except a few gold eyed Fish."
Aug. 8
" Thursday Wind Wly A strong Gale with Thunder Lightning and Rain at times. Could not paddle, sent the men a Moose hunting and in the afternoon returned with one Moose of which they gave me 3 Joint. I gave them 4 Gallons Brandy as payment for the meat That I have had from them at Different times and to encourage them to Hunt."
Aug. 9
" Friday Wind South a fresh Gale with clear Weather. paddled about 24 miles Course SSW through small Lakes and Rivers, good Water. Had one short carrying Place."
Aug. 10
" Saturday Wind NW a brisk Gale with cloudy Weather. paddled 22 Miles through Buskes Scagan Lake, Course SW about 14 miles from the great Lake, Saw one of the Pedlers Houses that they wintered in the year 75."
Aug. 11
" Sunday Wind variable from NW to W a fresh Gale with clear Weather. paddled about 6 Miles along shore in the great Lake or Wenepeeg Course WSW then obliged to put ashore as there is no paddling in this Lake when it blows. Sent the Indian men in in search of Provisions but they returned without Succefs."
Aug. 12
" Monday Wind SE a Strong Gale with clear Weather. Still weather bound, the Indians hunting and in the Evening they returned all except one man without Succefs."
Aug. 13
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Several of the Indians hunting but they returned with no better Succefs then before. We have now been two Days without any Food."
Aug. 14
" Wednesday Wind variable from NW to West with moderate cloudy Weather. at four oClock this morning the Indian man returned that went a hunting the 12 Instant. having killed one moofe of whch He brought me the head and Heart, also two Sides. paddled along shore about 20 miles, course WNW."
Aug. 15
" Thursday Wind NW a Strong Gale with clear Weather could not paddle. Sent the Indian men a hunting. at Six oClock they returned having killed five moofe. Treated the Indians with 4 Gallons Brandy."
Aug. 16
" Friday Wind SSW a Strong Gale with clear Weather till noon afterwards Cloudy with Rain at times, still Weatherbound. Our Men with the Indians employed bringing the moofe Flesh and drying it."
Aug. 17
" Saturday Wind ESE with moderate Weather. paddled about 16 miles along the Shore, Course SW then obliged to put ashore as the wind increased."
Aug. 18
" Sunday Wind SW with pleasent warm Weather. paddled about 36 miles, Course South, at eight oClock in the evening came to two families of Indians employed by the Pedlers to hunt Provisions against their return. I traded some Meat and fat as we do not expect to see any more Indians before we get to Cumberland House."
Aug. 19
" Monday Wind WSW a fresh Gale with Cloudy hazy Weather. traded a Canoe from one of the strange Indians, as one of ours was so bad that we could hardly keep her above Water; lead and Carried over the Great Fall. It is about five miles long and the Current too strong either for paddling or tracking. The Pedlers that Trade up Saskachawan River and Beaver Lake go up this way."
Aug. 20
" Tuesday Wind NNW a strong Gale with Cloudy Weather. Could not paddle, very heavy Rain last night attended with Thunder and Lightning."
Aug. 21
" Wednesday Wind ESE a brisk Gale and cloudy with Rain at times. Paddled &c about 6 Miles up the great Fall River, Course varying from W to NW had one Carrying Place about 1/4 of a mile long, then crofsed Me-chag-amashen or long narrow Lake, it is about 3 miles broad and by the Indians account above 20 Miles in length. Depth of Water two fathoms."
Aug. 22
" Thursday Wind NE a fresh gale with foggy Rainey Weather. Paddled about 10 miles SW through mase-kesk or Cedar Lake, killed one black Bear."
Aug. 23
" Friday Wind WSW a Strong Gale with cloudy Weather. paddled about 3 miles, then carried acrofs a point that runs a good way out into the Lake. Sent Charles Isham with two Indians to look for the Goods that were laid up by Mr Matthew Cocking, but they returned without finding them."
Aug. 24
" Saturday Wind SE and squally with Thunder Lightning and Rain at times, no Weather for Paddling."
Aug. 25
" Sunday Wind NW with clear moderate Weather. paddled about 16 Miles through the Cedar Lake, Course W. then paddled 10 miles up a Branch of the Saskachiwan River, Course WNW good Water and a verry little Currant."
Aug. 26
" Monday Wind ESE a fresh gale with clear Weather. paddled about 20 miles, Course varying from West to NE good Water with a Slow Currant."
Aug. 27
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday. paddled about 24 Miles course NW good Water, the Currant more stronger then it was yesterday."
Aug. 28
" Wednesday Wind Ely with clear pleasant weather. paddled about 20 Miles up Saskachiwan River, course NNW, good Water with a sharp Currant."
Aug. 29
" Thursday Wind variable part Cloudy and part Clear. paddled about 24 Miles. The river very crooked Course varying between NE and SSW. at Seven oClock met two Canoes Come from the House. They informed me of all being well there Thank God for it. They also informed me of 14 Tents of Indians waiting there for our Arrival."
Aug. 30
" Friday Wind WSW a fresh Gale amd Cloudy weather with Rain at times. paddled about 6 miles then left Saskachiwan on our Larboard hand and paddled up the little fishing River, Distance about 15 miles, Course varying from WSW to West. entered Menistick Menahague-askow Lake & arrived at Cumberland House found all well.
William Tomison"
" Mr Matthew Cockings Journey"
Sept. 8 1776
" Sunday Wind SW variable Weather. This Day at Noon I Embarked at York Fort & proceeded on my Journey for Cumberland House accompanied by two Men Magnus Sclater & James Wafs with four Canoes of North River Indians, carrying some Stores and Trading Goods: We proceeded a little way down the Marsh, when the wind freshning the swell obliged us to put up."
Sept. 9
" Monday Wind variable a fresh breeze at times Weather cloudy with Rain at times. We proceeded only a little way down the Point being again obliged to put ashore."
Sept. 10
" Tuesday Wind NW a Strong Gale Cloudy Weather with Rain at times. We did not proceed."
Sept. 11
" Wednesday Wind variable but lefs, Weather part Cloudy and part Clear. We proceeded round the Point and up the North or Port Nelson River as high as Flamborough House where we put up."
Sept. 12
" Thursday Wind NW a fresh breeze at times Weather most part cloudy with Rain at times. Proceeded Tracking, We lay a little below Mechiskon? River."
Sept. 13
" Friday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Tracking and Paddling at times. Pafsed several Indians waiting to kill Deer."
Sept. 14
" Saturday Wind West Weather most part Clear. Proceeding tracking & Paddling as before. We put up above the first Lime Stone Fall, lead Canoes up it. Met with a few Indians here killing Deer."
Sept. 15
" Sunday Wind SW A fresh breeze clear Weather. Proceeded tracking for the most part. We carried at two Falls. Arrived at the end of the Tracking Ground."
Sept. 16
" Monday Wind SE clear Weather. Paddling & Leading Canoes over several Falls, carried at seven."
Sept. 17
" Tuesday Wind variable clear Weather. Proceeding as before, carried at Nine Falls."
Sept. 18
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as yesterday. We carried at six Falls & lead at others."
Sept. 19
" Thursday Wind West Weather cloudy with Rain in the Afternoon. We proceeded carrying at one Fall and leading in Places, entered the Gull Lake part of which We paddled through, when the Rain obliged us to put up. Two Canoes of Our Company did not come up."
Sept. 20
" Friday Wind West clear Weather. We paddled over the Remainder of the Gull Lake, and lay at the Entrance of Tahtasquiow Lake to wait for those behind."
Sept. 21
" Saturday Wind NW a fresh Gale variable Weather. We did not proceed yet waiting for part of our Company."
Sept. 22
" Sunday Wind NW a strong Gale with Snow & Sleet at times. The blowing Weather prevents our Company from coming up, indeed if they were here We could not as yet proceed."
Sept. 23
" Monday Wind the same but lefs clear Weather. Our Company Arrived when we proceeded, but only went a Short Distance The Wind again freshning obliged us to put up."
Sept. 24
" Tuesday Wind variable cloudy Weather a fresh breeze in the Morning afterwards Calm, when we proceeded, Paddled over the Remainder of the Lake and by pafsing a Carrying Place entered the continuation of Port Nelson River."
Sept. 25
" Wednesday Wind NW Weather variable Snow laft night. Proceeding We paddled up part of Port Nelson which leaving We entered the Grafs River, carried at one Fall and lead up two others. We then paddled over Wicheag Sackaeagan or Stinking Lake and entered the continued Grafs River."
Sept. 26
" Thursday Wind as yesterday Weather cloudy with Snow at times. We paddled through the River and Over Pimochicomafin? Lake and over part of Wappekanew Lake where we put up."
Sept. 27
" Friday Wind West variable cold Weather. We proceeded over the Remainder of the Lake and up part of the continued Grafs River. We lead Canoes over one Fall and lay at a Carrying Place."
Sept. 28
" Saturday Wind variable Weather. Ice along shore in places where still Water. We carried over the Carrying Places and up the River, lead Canoes over one fall, entered Athatmun or Paint Lake which we paddled over and lay at the mouth of the continued River."
Sept. 29
" Sunday Wind NW a fresh gale at times very cold Cloudy Weather. River set in along the Shores. We proceeded Arriving at the mouth of Pataquasquacagan or Reserve Lake, where we put up having pafsed over six Carrying Places."
Sept. 30
" Monday Wind variable clear Weather. We proceeded soon meeting with five Canoes of Natives returning to York Fort, who had carried Goods up the Sea Lake Track. I sent a Line by them to Mr Marten: We arrived at the mouth of the continued Grafs River, where we met with the residue of the Families belonging to our Indians."
Oct. 1 1776
" Tuesday Wind NW Weather cloudy with Snow at times. An elderly Indian (one of my Company) who has a large Family begging to be left here least they should want in his Absence, particularly if he should be stopped by the Froft on his return. I was obliged to consent and We proceeded without Him; We went only a Short Distance The Weather obliging us to stop, notwithstanding the above Indian being left, by dividing Ourselves We have kept up the former Compliment of four Canoes."
Oct. 2
" Wednesday Wind & Weather much the same. Proceeded in the River having pafsed over five Carrying Places."
Oct. 3
" Thursday Wind West cloudy Weather with small snow at times. Proceeding. carried at four falls."
Oct. 4
" Friday Wind NE Weather variable. in the morning We arrived at the mouth of the Wekosquah or Sweet Herb Lake, when a fresh Breeze springing up obliged us to put a shore. Met with some Indians here (three Canoes)."
Oct. 5
" Saturday Wind SE clear Weather. An Indian whose family we met with here refusing to proceed any further. I employed one of these Indians in his Room and We proceeded, another Canoe loaded with Provisions accompanying us to Trade at the House. We paddled over the Lake and through part of the next small Lake having carried at one Fall."
Oct. 6
" Sunday Wind NE Weather cloudy with Snow the first part. We paddled through the remainder of the Lake and through the next continuation of the River, carrying at three Falls and leading Canoes over two, very shallow Water at present. Entered Pepequewenescus? or Reed Lake paddled half over it & put up."
Oct. 7
" Monday Wind East cloudy Weather. We proceeded over the remainder of the Lake and through the next River, carried at three Falls and lead Canoes up one Fall; We found the River froze over in one part where the Water was Stillish for the distance of about two Hundred yards. We were obliged to break away through with Poles. We paddled through the next small Lake and lay at the Entrance of the Next River."
Oct. 8
" Tuesday Wind NE cloudy Weather. We proceeded through the River. The next small Lake & River, having carried in three Places, pafsed the high Rockey Point called Indian Elbow and through the crooked River of the same Name. Entered and paddled over part of Wesockemenak? or Cranberry Lake where we lay."
Oct. 9
" Wednesday Wind variable clear Weather. We paddled over the Lake and came to the long carrying Place of the same Name. at the Landing Place we found the Water froze over with strong Ice where we were stopped an Hour breaking away through. We then pafsed over the Carrying Place. Paddled over the Rockey Lake and through the next River where we carried at five Falls and lead and lifted Canoes in many Places, very shallow. We lay at the Head of the Goose Lake."
Oct. 10
" Thursday S by W a Strong Gale clear Weather untill noon Then Cloudy with Snow. In the Evening Rain. Being a great Swell in the Lake We could not proceed."
Oct. 11
" Friday Wind SW variable Weather. We proceeded over the Lake and through the next River. Carried at one Fall. We arrived at the Head of Menistick Menihaque-a-show or Spruce Island Lake."
Oct. 12
" Saturday Wind E a fresh Gale at times variable Weather. dangerous Paddling in places being a great Swell. We met two Canoes of Pedlers going as supposed for the Beaver Lake; But I would not speak them nor did I permit any of my Indians. in the Night we arrived at Cumberland House and found all well there."
" Matthew Cocking"
" Journal of a Journey Inland by Mr William Tomison"
May 8 1777
" Thursday Wind SW a moderate Breeze part Clear and part Cloudy. At two oClock proceeded on our Journey Paddling up Saskachiwan River Distance about 7 miles much Ice driving which was a great hinderance to Us. At 7 oClock put up. on a half past 7 arise of Water which induced us to Carry the Goods and Canoes into the Woods incase the Bank should over flow. Two Geese killed by the Indian man."
May 9
" Friday Wind NW with cold raw Weather in the forenoon and in the afternoon Clear proceeded Paddling about 16 miles. At four oClock Stopt with the Ice. The River being Jammed from side to side, which made us return 6 miles down the River. made a Stage for the Goods. 15 Geese killed by Englishmen, and an Indian."
May 10
" Saturday Wind & weather much the same as yesterday. Could not proceed as the Ice is not come down. 20 Geese killed to Day."
May 11
" Sunday Wind Northerly a strong Gale part Cloudy & part Clear. at 9 oClock a large Body of Ice came down which drove pretty fast for two Hours. The water did not rise above 3 foot which was far from what we expected it to be. At 6 oClock in the Evening two Canoes came down the River. They informed me they had sleept two nights and that there is but little Ice up above. 12 Geese to day."
May 12
" Monday Wind & Weather much the same as yesterday. 10 Geese from the Hunters."
May 13
" Tuesday Wind SE A middling stiff Breeze We proceeded on our Journey. Paddling about 27 miles against a very strong Current and saw four Canoes of Pedlers proceeding on their Journey down to the great Carrying Place, Commanded by Mr Homes. The reason they proceeding on their Journey so soon is to layway the Indians that might intend to go down to the Forts."
May 14
" Wednesday Wind variable. in the morning Clear but towards Evening Cloudy. We proceeded on our Journey as before & Paddled up the River about 23 miles Pafsed several Islands & the Sturgeon River Crofsed one carrying Place about 1/2 mile long Called the muscato carrying Place. in the morning saw eight Canoes of Pedlers on their Journey down as before. They informed me of a differance that happened between some of their men and the Indians."
May 15
" Thursday Wind NW A Strong Gale part Cloudy & part Clear. At 10 oClock proceeded on our Journey as before paddled and Tracked about 15 miles a very strong current. Saw one Indian man and his family who had accompanied the Pedlers from the upper House so far on their Journey down."
May 16
" Friday Wind Nly A fresh Breeze with Cloudy Weather till 10 oClock afterwards Clear proceeded on our Journey paddling about 30 miles a strong Current pafsed by several Islands & one River pete'a'gen see'pee."
May 17
" Saturday Wind & Weather much the same as yesterday. Proceeded on our Journey paddling and tracking about 18 miles. At 3 oClock killed one Moofe and put up to dry the meat. much Ice driving the River Which were a great Hindrance to us Tracking."
May 18
" Sunday Wind Easterly a Small Breeze with Cloudy rainey Weather. could not proceed on our Journey."
May 19
" Monday Wind NE A fresh Breeze part cloudy & part clear. Proceeded on our Journey as before. Tracked about 33 miles of very bad Road the Ice being in great Quantities along shore and in many places above 30 feet perpendicular in height which made it very dangerous as it was atumbling down every minute. At 3 oClock pafsed by 3 Canoes of Pedlers two of which I believe are going to the Beaver Lake."
May 20
" Tuesday Wind SE part Cloudy and part Clear. Proceeded on our Journey Tracking about 20 miles. at 12 Miles distance pafsed the former french House very bad Tracking."
May 21
" Wednesday Wind SE part Cloudy with a Small shower of Rain and in the Evening Clear blowed pretty fresh. We proceeded on our Journey about 25 miles and pafsed one old french House."
May 22
" Thursday Wind variable squally Weather. We proceeded on our Journey about 20 miles At noon We arrived at the Branch bearing to the Westward which was about twelve miles & 8 Miles up the Branch Tracking all the way."
May 23
" Friday Wind SE Cloudy Weather We proceeded on our Journey about 30 miles Tracking about 20 Miles and paddling about 10 Miles and then put up."
May 24
" Saturday Wind South Clear hot Sultry Weather. We proceeded on our Journey Paddling up the Branch about 10 Miles and then put up a little above the upper French House on the opposite side. We intended to have proceeded further on but finding the ill convenience that we should have in proceeding up further was that the Frenchmen's House was Just Joining to two Tracks: The Beaver Indians and the Snake Indians Track. And the information we had from most part of the Indians that the Snake Indians most of them going to War. 5 Tents uppon the frenchmens Plantation most of them used formerly to come down to York Fort."
May 25
" Sunday Wind SW a fresh Breeze with clear Weather. The Men employed pitching a Tent and Loging it up about 4 feet high to stop theft."
May 26
" Monday Wind variable with heavy Rain at times. Men finished the Tent."
May 27
" Tuesday Wind NE with a continual heavy Rain. This day I intended to send William Walker with some others up the River to go in search of Robert Longmore & the other men that accompanied Him But was prevented by the badnefs of the Weather."
May 28
" Wednesday Wind Nly a fresh gale with cloudy Weather till Noon afterwards Clear. Sent William Walker Michel Omen & an Indian up the main Branch to look for Robert Longmore and the other men."
May 29
" Thursday Wind NW and squally with Rain at times. at noon William Walker returned with the other Englishmen Accompanied by Ten Canoes of Southward Indians they were but poorly Gooded. They no sooner arrived hear but the Pedlers sent three Spies over with presents of Tobacco to intice them over to Trade with them. Several of them went over but I keept what furrs they had in my Pofsesion."
May 30
" Friday Wind variable a fresh Breeze part Cloudy and part Clear Traded with the Indians that do not chuse to go down to Trade at Cumberland House."
May 31
" Saturday Wind South A moderate Breeze with Rain at times. Traded a few Skins for Brandy tho much against my inclination They being always threatening to go over to the Pedlers If I did not serve them."
June 1 1777
" Sunday Wind SE A fresh gale with clear Weather Traded a little Provisions from the Indians."
June 2
" Monday Wind & Weather much the same as yesterday. Several of the Indians Pitched away & left their Canoes."
June 3
" Tuesday Wind SW and clear Weather. Sent William Walker and 5 men down to the House with 7 Bundles of Furrs. At 8 oClock in the Evening three of the Afsinnee Poet Indians came for Tobacco and paint having brought to about a mile off."
June 4
" Wednesday Wind WSW Afresh Breeze with clear Weather. 27 Canoes of the Afsinnee Poets landed hear but finding We had no Guns nor Kettles and but few Hatchets they all went to the Pedlers but 10 Canoes"
June 5
" Thursday Wind & Weather much the same as yesterday. Traded with the Indians packt the furrs & made all ready for going Down."
June 6
" Friday Wind SE a fresh gale part Cloudy and part Clear. Embarked for the House pafsed by 6 Canoes of Pedlers on their Journey down to the great Carrying Place."
June 7
" Saturday Calm clear Weather Proceeding."
June 8
" Sunday Wind NW A Strong gale weather most part cloudy a little Hail proceeding reached Pitaengan? River where we put up."
June 9
" Monday Wind the same but lefs Clear Weather We arrived at the Sturgeon River."
June 10
" Tuesday Wind variable clear Weather We proceeded & arrived all well at Cumberland House."
"Attested by
Matthew Cocking"
" Mr Wm Tomison Journey to York Fort"
June 13 1777
" Friday Wind variable with thunder lightning and rain at times. Embarked for York Fort Accompanied by 18 Canoes of English and Indians proceeded as far as the little fishing river then put up."
June 14
" Saturday Wind Northerly a fresh gale with cloudy hazy and rainy weather. proceeded a little way down the River then obliged to put up as the rain encreased."
June 15
" Sunday Wind NW a strong gale with a continued rain till 4 OClock then cleared a little. 13 Canoes proceeded down the river My-self waiting for 5 Canoes that stop behind yesterday to know what they Intend to do as there is always a Grumbing amongst them on first setting out."
June 16
" Monday Wind NW a Brisk Gale with clear weather. the 5 Canoes arrived with whom I proceeded down the river at noon came up with the others, who were tenting with their families a little short of Basquea killing Sturgeon."
June 17
" Tuesday Wind NE a moderate Breeze with clear weather. 4 Canoes proceeded down the straight track the others drying Sturgeon for their Journey Down as they have no other food."
June 18
" Wednesday Wind NE a fresh gale part Cloudy part clear. proceeded Down the river at 8 OClock put up halfway between Basquea & the Cedar Lake. Isaac Batts Canoe mate Left him this morning and would not go with him, so that I was obliged to hire another man in his room. I here found by the Number of Canoes that put up 3 cannoes a mifsing, enquiring where they were the Indians informed me they were gone another way. Wm Lutit is with them."
June 19
" Thursday Wind Easterly a fresh gale with Cloudy rainy weather proceeded down the river till 2 oClock then Obliged to put up about 10 miles Short of the Cedar Lake this morning I gave the Indians a little powder and Shot to kill geese they had tolerable good Succefs. also some tobacco gave each 2 Englishmen 3 geese."
June 20
" Friday Wind NE a fresh Gale Cloudy weather with rain at times proceeded till 4 OClock then put up halfway through the Cedar Lake the wind blowing hard could not paddle further gave each Englishmen one Goose."
June 21
" Saturday Wind NW a strong Gale till noon then a little moderate proceeded took up the Stores & trading Goods laid up by Mr Matthew Cocking June 1775 Powder all damaged, Soap locks Splinter, Oaker?, Cottonisick? all rotten and consumed away with rust. Several of the other Articles much Damaged with rust. at 8 OClock put up at the end of the Cedar Lake."
June 22
" Sunday Wind Easterly a moderate gale with clear weather. Laid by for Wm Lutit and the other 2 Canoes that accompanied him. at 12 OClock he came up to us. the other two Canoes having left the Bundles and returned back being to lazy to undertake the Journey altho they have been fully paid for carryg? those furrs Down to York Fort: Isaac Batts canoe mate that left him Coming after took in 4 Bundles, the other 4 Wm Lutit took into his Canoe. the Indians spearing sturgeon in which they had middling succefs. my Self with the other men Cleaning the rust off the Stores and washing the beads &c and put them in birch rind & laid them up against our return Back as it would be too tedious to carry them down & back again."
June 23
" Monday Wind NE a strong Gale part Cloudy & part Clear. Could not proceed on our Journey. hired an Indian Called Chiske pug to carry 3 Bundles Down to the Fort."
June 24
" Tuesday Wind Easterly a strong Gale till noon then a heavy rain which continued till 7 At night then moderated a little. Still weather bound, 2 Indians a hunting killed one Moose."
June 25
" Wednesday Wind N a moderate breeze with small Showers at times. proceeded on our Journey and put up at the Lower end of the great fall. Saw several tents of Indians on the South side. gave the Indians a supply of Tobacco."
June 26
" Thursday Wind N a small Breeze with rain at times. did not proceed the Indians looking after Sturgeon but had no succefs. the Indians on the other Side Brought some Sturgeon which they sold for tobacco powder & Shot guns &c."
June 27
" Friday Wind variable light Breeze with thunder and rain at times at 3 OClock proceeded on our Journey till 3 in the afternoon put up saw one tent of Indians half Starving. by their Account Several of their Young Men have gone down with the Pedlars to the great carrying place."
June 28
" Saturday Wind NW Squally weather with thunder and heavy rain at times at noon proceeded a little way then put up at a large Bay Called Pethe,poowa.caw."
June 29
" Sunday Wind variable clear weather till noon afterwards Cloudy with rain. proceeded on our Journey till 3 OClock in the afternoon then put up as the rain increased. gave the Indians a supply of Powder shot & Tobacco."
June 30
" Monday Wind NE a fresh Gale Cloudy weather with rain at times. proceeded on our Journey till 4 OClock then put up at the entrance of Bufkes.ka,gan Lake the Wind Blowing too hard too go any further. Several of the Indians went a hunting at 9 OClock returned with 2 deer they brought me some meat which I Divided amongst our Men."
July 1 1777
" Tuesday Wind Easterly a Strong Gale with a continual rain. Could not proceed. the Indians went a hunting but where Obliged to return, the weather being too Severe."
July 2
" Wednesday Wind NW a strong Gale with a Continuance of rain. Still weather bound."
July 3
" Thursday Wind variable clear moderate weather. proceeded a little way then Stopt to hunt to hunt Sturgeon of which they had but indifferent Succefs. saw 4 tents of Indians a few of which have been down at the Fort. the others inform me they are going down as Soon as they can procure a little provisions for their Journey. gave the Indians a supply of Tobacco."
July 4
" Friday Wind WSW Clear pleasant weather till five OClock then thunder with rain at times proceeded on our Journey till a half past 5 then put up at the fall in Sea River."
July 5
" Saturday Wind SW a moderate Breeze with clear weather. proceeded on our Journey till two OClock then put up at Eachewe-mames Several of the Indians went a hunting but returned without succefs."
July 6
" Sunday Wind and weather as yesterday. proceeded as before at 3 OClock Carried out of Eachewe mames into the white fall Lake. at 6 OClock put up."
July 7
" Monday Wind WSW Clear pleasant weather proceeded a little way then laid by for eight Canoes that did not come up last night. sent two men a hunting at noon returned with a one year old moose they brought me part which I divided amongst us. at 4 OClock the 8 Canoes Joined us & proceeded Carried over the white fall then put up."
July 8
" Tuesday Wind variable cloudy at times. proceeded till two OClock then put up. the Indians speared a few pike gave the Indians a supply of Tobacco."
July 9
" Wednesday Wind variable Sultry hot weather till 2 OClock then Squally with thunder and Rain. proceeded on our Journey as before put up in pethe,paw Wenepee Lake."
July 10
" Thursday Wind NE with sultry hot weather. proceeded on our Journey till 4 OClock then put up in Maskecheqwan Lake. the Indians speard a few pike."
July 11
" Friday Wind variable with sultry hot weather till 1 OClock then squally attended with thunder and rain. proceeded on our Journey till twelve OClock then put up half way through Maskecheqwan Lake."
July 12
" Saturday Wind ENE a Strong gale with Cloudy Weather could not proceed."
July 13
" Sunday Wind and weather as yesterday Still weather bound on an Island."
July 14
" Monday Wind Easterly a Strong gale with a Continual rain. Could not proceed both English and Indians have but little provisions now left."
July 15
" Tuesday Wind NW Cloudy with rain till 8 OClock afterwards clear moderate weather. proceeded on our Journey till half past eight then put up in Meskekow or swampy Lake."
July 16
" Wednesday Wind and weather as yesterday. proceeded on our Journey halfway Down the falls in Chaketenaw river then met with some Indians coming from the Fort. and several of our Tribe got Drunk so that we Could go no further."
July 17
" Thursday Wind Easterly a fresh gale part Cloudy & part clear. proceeding on our Journey Down Chaketenow river into Steel River, then put up gave the Indians a supply of Tobacco."
July 18
" Friday Wind NE a fresh gale with rain at times. proceeded down Steel river into hays River the Wind and rain increasing put up at penny cut-a-way."
July 19
" Saturday Wind Northerly a fresh gale with rain till 10 OClock, afterwards Cloudy, proceeded and arrived at York Fort at 5 OClock in the Afternoon were we were kindly received by our kind Chiefs."
"Attested
Matthew Cocking"
" Mr Matthew Cocking's Journey to York Fort."
July 5 1777
" Saturday Calm Clear weather. This Day myself and 2 more Men proceeded on our Journey from Cumberland House for York Fort with 34 Bundles of furrs &c afsisted by eight Canoes of Indians. We paddled half through Menistick Menihague a Skaw Lake and lay at an Island."
July 6
" Sunday Wind SW Weather most part clear. We proceeded over the remainder of the Lake lying at the mouth of the first River."
July 7
" Monday Wind & weather Variable proceeded through the River and over the goose Lake. having pafsed over one Carrying place & lead the Canoes in many places in the River. We lay at the mouth of the next River."
July 8
" Tuesday Calm Weather variable. Thunder & some rain. We proceeded through the River. pafsing three Carrying Places and leading Canoes in several others. We paddled over Pusquapeskow Lake Carried over the Cranberry Carrying Place & Paddled over the Lake of the same name where we put up. The Indians speared a few pike."
July 9
" Wednesday Wind SW Weather most part clear and very sultry. Proceeding in the next Lake where we soon met with two tents of Indians and we prevailed one 1 Canoe more to Accompany Us & proceeded. We lay in Elbow River. Indians spearing pike."
July 10
" Thursday Calm weather most part variable Thunder & a little rain. We proceeded only a short way in the River Indians waiting to hunt. A moofe killed."
July 11
" Friday Wind and weather variable. We proceeded through the Remainder of the River, & next small lake & through part of the next River called Grafs River. having carried at two falls and lead Canoes in places."
July 12
" Saturday Wind East a fresh Gale Weather cloudy with small rain in the Afternoon a heavy rain. Notwithstanding the Weather we proceeded Arriving at the Edge Pe-pe-quew-e-nes-cus or reed Lake where we were stopped being a great Swell having pafsed over 2 Carrying places."
July 14
" Sunday Wind a yesterday Weather Cloudy with rain most part of the Day. We did not proceed."
July 15
" Monday Wind NE a fresh breeze Cloudy with small rain at times. Proceeded over the Reed Lakes putting up at the Head of the next Continuation of the River five canoes of our Company did not come up supposed to be stopt by the Swell in the Lake by having waited to hunt."
July 16
" Tuesday Wind and weather as yesterday proceeded through the River having lead Canoes in 2 places & Carried at four, put up at the last to wait for those behind they all arrived in the Evening provisions scarce no Succefs in moose Hunting. The Indians in Company much afflicted with bad colds."
July 16
" Wednesday Wind SW clear Weather paddled through the next small Lake & by a Carrying place pafsed into the sweet herb Lake which we crofsed and put up three Canoes of our Company did not come up."
July 17
" Thursday Wind variable clear weather. We proceeded only a little way in? then? Continued in Grafs river waiting to hunt moose no Succefs the three Canoes left behind came up they have killed a moose."
July 18
" Friday Wind SE first part clear afterwards cloudy with rain at times. in the Afternoon a Hurricane at NW with rain afterwards fair. We proceeded Hunting 2 moose killed."
July 19
" Saturday Wind variable Weather most part clear waited to preserve meat untill the Afternoon then proceeding Hunting and lay at the first Carrying place One moofe killed."
July 20
" Sunday Wind NW clear weather paddling in the River pafsed over 8 Carrying places five Canoes of our Company did not come up."
July 21
" Monday Wind SE clear Weather proceeded through the remainder of the River and enter'd Pataquasquacagan or Reserve Lake where we put up the Canoes left yesterday came up have killed another moose."
July 22
" Tuesday Wind SW clear Weather paddled over the Lake & by a carrying place came into the continued River where we proceeded down carrying at 5 falls."
July 23
" Wednesday Wind East Weather cloudy with a Continuance of rain. We did not proceed."
July 24
" Thursday Wind and Weather variable proceeded down the remainder of the River & over the Paint Lake when rain obliged us to put up. One moose killed."
July 25
" Friday Wind SW Weather cloudy with rain at times. we proceeded down the remainder of the River leading Canoes at one fall and carrying at another entered Wappekenew Lake part of Which we paddled over and put up Indians and my Self afflicted with hoarsnefs & Coughs. A Child died."
July 26
" Saturday Wind NW a fresh gale at times cloudy weather with rain at times. paddled Over the remainder of Wappekanew Lake and through part of the next River where we put up having carried at one fall met with four families of this Country Indians."
July 27
" Sunday Wind variable a fresh breeze at times. paddled through the remainder of the River. over Wickhead Saskacagan or Stinking Lake through the next continuation of the River, carrying at one fall and leading at another we entered Port Nelson River where we put up. Three Canoes of the Indians met yesterday accompanied Us havng not yet been Down."
July 28
" Monday Wind Calm Clear weather paddling in Port Nelson pafsing by a Carrying place into Pahtasquion Lake which we paddled over and put up at the Entrance of the Gull Lake."
July 29
" Tuesday Wind SW a strong Gale Weather part Clear and part Cloudy with rain. paddled through the Gull Lake and entered the Continuation of Port Nelson carried at three falls and lead Canoes at one laying at the Gull Fall. One of the Indians who lately accompanied us in a dangerous way the present Epidemic Cough & Stoppage ["of breath" crossed out] in the breast."
July 30
" Wednesday Wind as yesterday Clear weather bound in the morning, when lefs Wind proceeding slowly wind Stopping us, met with Joseph Hansom & two more men laying a little below with seven Canoes of Indians on their Way for Cumberland House where we put up for the Day & the Indians had a treat of Liquor given them Joseph Hansom informed me that two Home Natives who came from the Fort with them left them a little below the lower fall and by wanting their help has caused them to proceed very slowly."
July 31
" Thursday Wind Calm weather first part clear afterwards Cloudy with very little Intermifsions of rain. We proceeded those met yesterday also proceeding up We carryed over 2 Carrying places When the rains obliged us to put up."
Aug. 1 1777
" Friday Wind East variable Weather proceeding carrying at 10 Falls & leading at some we put up below the lime stone fall."
Aug. 2
" Saturday Wind and Weather variable we arrived at the North side of the Point of Marsh where we lay."
Aug. 3
" Sunday Wind variable clear Weather we proceeded arriving at York Fort.
Matthew Cocking"
B.49/a/5
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