" A Diary of Occurrances and Transactions Kept at Edmonton House North America by Mr William Tomison Chief Factor for the Honble Hudsons Bay Company"


" A Diary of Occurrances & Transactions by Mr William Tomison 1798 & 9"

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July 1 1798
" Sunday Wind in the East Quarter a light breeze with Cloudy weather, at 8 AM Embarked 3 Canoes and at 5 PM Embarked with 5 Canoes and left the rest to come away to morrow."

July 2
" Monday Wind Variable with Cloudy weather, at 6 AM we Embarked and paddled &c till 7 PM then put up."

July 3
" Tuesday Wind NW Squally Weather with heavy showers of rain obliged to lay by most part of the day."

July 4
" Wednesday Wind Northerly weather much the same as Yesterday but not so heavy rain. At 4 AM we proceeded at noon got out of hill river nand pafsed by those that went from the rock two Days before us at 8 PM put up in Pike River."

July 5
" Thursday Wind Variable almost Calm with Clear Weather. at 4 AM we Embarked paddled & Carried till 6, at 8 entered Maskackewan? or Knee Lake where we paddled till 8 PM then put up."

July 6
" Friday Wind in the East Quarter light breezes with Clear Weather. at 4 AM we Embarked and at 4 PM arrived at the head of Trout River where 7 Men were left with the Boats, 9 more Canoes arrived."

July 7
" Saturday Wind Variable with rain in the evening. several of the Canoes arrived towards evening unloaded one of the Boats and hauled her up to be examined by the Carpenter."

July 8
" Sunday Wind Variable light Breezes with warm weather, the Carpenter repaired the Beaver Boat and put the Buffalo on the blocks. At 2 PM the 4 last Canoes arrived."

July 9
" Monday Wind Variable with rain at times. the men pitching and repairing Canoes , and brought 50 pieces of Building wood. the rainy weather prevents the boats being repaired, fixed the men to the boats and Canoes, the want of men I am induced to return some of the Canoes with 2, and the rest with 3 and those that Proceeds Inland but poorly manned and still obliged to leave 3 Canoes here for want of men."

July 10
" Tuesday Wind in the North Quarter light Breezes with a little rain at times, the Carpenter finished Overhauling the boats, Divided the provisions for those that return and also those that proceed, and laid out the Cargoes for the same and find it very difficult to please all."

July 11
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. at 8 AM Sent off 15 Canoes for York and Embarked 4 more with the 4 Boats for the Upper Settlements - at 8 PM put up on the second Carrying place in Wippanapanish River, the Boats are deeper loaded than last Year owing to the bundles being more unregularly packed Notwithstanding their is six pieces of goods lefs in the big Boats than last Year."

July 12
" Thursday Wind NE a small Breeze with Clear weather. at 6 AM we proceeded to the hill Carrying place and arrived at 3 PM and at half past 8 got all the goods over and 2 of the Boats."

July 13
" Friday Wind SW & Westerly, weather as Yesterday. at 8 AM got the two boats over and proceeded to the White fall Where we Arrived at noon and at half past 8 PM finished Carrying the goods over."

July 14
" Saturday Wind WNW a fresh Breeze with Clear weather. all hands employed hauling the Boats over which was finished by 4 PM. one of them very Leaky which was Put on the Blocks and repaired. gave the men one quart of Brandy Per Mefs as they have had three very hard days work."

July 15
" Sunday Wind and weather as Yesterday. at 4 AM we proceeded for Eachewemames? got the boats and goods over the Carrying place and proceeded down the river with some difficulty for want of water having been no rain during the summer."

July 16
" Monday Wind in the East Quarter light breezes with Clear hot Weather. at 4 AM we embarked and at 7 PM Put up in the sea river the boats did not Come up."

July 17
" Tuesday Wind Variable weather as Yesterday. at 4 AM we proceeded and at half past 5 PM put up in the Crofs Lake we waited for the Boats on the sea river Carrying place to afsist them over. at noon they arrived, having stopt short of us about 8 Miles at 7 PM Put up in the Crofs Lake."

July 18
" Wednesday Wind ESE a fresh breeze with Clear weather. at 4 AM we proceeded and at 7 Arrived at Jack river house where we remained for the Night as it blowed fresh."

July 19
" Thursday Wind SW a fresh Breeze weather as Yesterday. at 4 AM we proceeded at 8 put ashore on an Island as the Boats and Canoes shipped water. at 6 PM put off again, at nine put up at the great Lake."

July 20
" Friday Wind SE a fresh gale with Clear weather Could not Proceed."

July 21
" Saturday Wind Variable in the south Quarter and blowed fresh till noon. the Carpenter overhauled the boats and found the bilge plank brock in two of them, one he repaired and at half past 11 we proceeded and at five put ashore their being much Swell in the Lake, the boats went a head."

July 22
" Sunday Wind in the south Quarter light breezes with fine Weather. at 3 AM we Embarked at 5 Came up with the boats and proceeded together without stopping till half past 11 PM then put up 4 Miles short of the great fall."

July 23
" Monday Wind and weather much the same as Yesterday. at 4 AM we proceeded to the fall where the boats loaded with half Cargoe and the Canoes with 2/3 and went up. the former took 5 Hours & the latter 2 1/2 for the first trip & made the 2nd trip by 8 then put up, gave each 1 pint of brandy."

July 24
" Tuesday Wind in the East Quarter and blowed a fresh breeze towards noon, made a trip in the morning by all hands, an? a second by one half and the other half Carried. at half past 7 we left of as the men was much fatigued, gave them 1 pint per Mefs."

July 25
" Wednesday Wind and weather much the same as Yesterday. John Moore & Henry Spence making Oars and a false Keel for bringing the boats over the Carrying place finished Carrying the goods and brought one of the boats over by Eight PM."

July 26
" Thursday Wind SSE a fresh breeze with Clear Weather. At 4 AM Mustered all hands to haul the Boats acrofs which was finished by 11 AM. the Boat builder and Henry Spence Joiner Employed making Oars for the boats. at 3 PM sent the men up along shore to Cut the wood away that Intercepts tracking."

July 27
" Friday Wind Northerly a fresh Gale Weather Cloudy. at half past 3 AM we Embarked at 4 brock out a heavy rain which obliged us to put ashore. at Seven put of again and proceeded to the Crofs Lake where we put up being a fresh of wind and much swell in the Lake."

July 28
" Saturday Wind Variable from North to West. At half past 3 PM we proceeded at 4 PM Got to the long point in the Ceader? Lake where we were stopped by the Wind blowing fresh. at 7 PM put off again and at half past 11 got acrofs the Lake."

July 29
" Sunday Wind Southerly a fresh Breeze with Clear weather. at 4 AM we Embarked Paddled and Sailed till half past 6 PM than put up a little short of the Burnt Woods."

July 30
" Monday Wind Variable fresh Breezes Clear hot Weather. At 4 AM we Embarked and at 7 PM put up at noon. Caught a Moose Deer Crofsing the river also a few Swans."

July 31
" Tuesday Wind westerly a fresh Breeze Clear Weather. at 4 AM we Embarked and at 7 PM put up 6 Miles above Ubaskua?"

Aug. 1 1798
" Wednesday Wind SW light Breezes weather as before. at 4 AM we Embarked and at 6 PM put up below the fifshing weir the Boats men very much fatigued with the hot weather and hard rowing against the Current."

Aug. 2
" Thursday Wind Variable with thunder and rain at noon. at 3 AM we Embarked and at 6 PM put up in the little river below Cumberland House."

Aug. 3
" Friday Wind in the West Quarter a fresh Breeze Clear weather. at 3 AM we Embarked and at half past 7 Arrived at Cumberland House found all well thank god, Much thunder and rain in the Night."

Aug. 4
" Saturday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear, the Boat builder repairing the Boats, Gilbert Laughton, John Park, John Rofs, Henry Spence and some others Making Oars opened 20 Packages of goods for a small afsortment to be left here."

Aug. 5
" Sunday Wind Variable light Breezes weather as Yesterday."

Aug. 6
" Monday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze Clear Weather, John Moore repairing the Boats Gilbert Laughton and others making oars and sweeps? for the Boats, having been induced to cut down two of the latter for oars before we got here. repaired some trading goods & made preperation for going off to morrow please god Wind & weather permit"

Aug. 7
" Tuesday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze first part Clear latter part Cloudy. at 4 PM Embarked with the 4 Boats and 2 Canoes having left the other Canoe here owing to one of the men being lame in his hand and a Young hand that has done little or nothing on the pafsage up. at half past 7 PM put up."

Aug. 8
" Wednesday Wind between West & North light breezes Cloudy weather. at 4 AM we proceeded and at half past 6 PM put up two miles below Sturgeon river."

Aug. 9
" Thursday Little Wind Variable first part Cloudy latter part Clear. at 4 AM we Embarked at 7 PM put up two miles above the high bank."

Aug. 10
" Friday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze Weather Cloudy with rain towards Evening. at 4 AM we Embarked and at 5 PM put up for the rain, tracked part of the Day."

Aug. 11
" Saturday Wind as yesterday first part Cloudy with rain latter part Clear. at half past 7 We Embarked and at 4 PM Put up to Dry the Covering."

Aug. 12
" Sunday Wind SE a fresh Breeze with Cloudy weather. at half past 4 AM We Embarked & tracked till half past 7 PM then? put up near? one tent of Bungee Indians a little above us."

Aug. 13
" Monday Wind Variable Weather as Yesterday. at 4 AM we proceeded and tracked till 7 PM then put up. early in the morning Pafsed by the Bungee Indians and gave them 3 Gallons of Brandy to Drink."

Aug. 14
" Tuesday Wind NW a fresh Breeze with rain at times. at 7 AM we proceeded and tracked till 7 PM then put up. rained in the night which Continued till 6 this Morning."

Aug. 15
" Wednesday Wind as yesterday with Clear Blowing Weather. at half past 4 AM we proceeded and at 7 Arrived at Carleton House, all well thank God. the remaining part of the Day opening packages to make out an afsortment of goods for this place which is far from Being a good Afsortment."

Aug. 16
" Thursday Wind in the West and North Quarter light Breezes weather part Cloudy part Clear. John Park making a sweep for the Boat he stears. finished a very Indifferent Afsortment of goods for this place and repacked the rest for the upper Settlements. the irregular manner in which the goods are packed Delays much time in making out the outfits for the Different Houses."

Aug. 17
" Friday Wind Variable weather as yesterday. at half past 4 AM we proceeded and tracked till half past 6 PM then put up in the north Branch."

Aug. 18
" Saturday Wind Variable between West & North light Breezes weather part Cloudy part Clear. at half past 4 AM we proceeded & tracked till a half past 6 PM then put up."

Aug. 19
" Sunday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze weather Cloudy with a Continual rain from 2 in the morning till 6 PM."

Aug. 20
" Monday Wind Northerly a gentle Breeze with Clear weather. at 1/4 past 4 AM we Embarked and rowed till 7 PM then put up, at noon Pafsed the setting river."

Aug. 21
" Tuesday Wind and weather as yesterday. at 5 AM we Embarked and rowed till 6 PM then put up to wait for one of the Boats that has fallen behind for the Past 2 Days and have waited 4 Hours each day notwithstanding I Have Changed men twice since we left Cumberland house."

Aug. 22
" Wednesday Wind Variable from West to ESE light Breezes first part Clear latter part Cloudy. at 5 AM we proceeded and paddled till 7 PM then put up at the Crofsing place killed one Bull Buffaloe."

Aug. 23
" Thursday Wind NE a fresh gale with a Continual rain from last night till 10 this."

Aug. 24
" Friday Wind Variable light breezes with Clear weather. at 6 AM we proceeded rowed & tracked at times till 7 PM then put up. Killed a Cow Buffaloe."

Aug. 25
" Saturday Wind Westerly a gentle Breeze with Clear Weather. at 5 AM we proceeded as Before till 7 PM then put up. Killed 4 Cow Buffaloe."

Aug. 26
" Sunday Wind NW a fresh Breeze weather as yesterday. at 5 AM we proceeded tracked & rowed till 6 PM then put up at the Eagle Hill."

Aug. 27
" Monday Wind WNW a Strong Breeze with Clear weather. at half past 4 AM we proceeded and at 6 PM Put up where the Canoe men a head had Killed 3 Cow Buffaloe, took only part of it as it was very poor."

Aug. 28
" Tuesday Wind as yesterday but blowed much harder towards noon. at 1/4 past 4 AM we Embarked tracked & rowed till 1 PM then Oblidged to put ashore for the wind. Opened some wet bundles & Dried them. John Moore & Gilbert Laughton made 2 Oars that they blocked out below Hudsons House."

Aug. 29
" Wednesday Wind & weather much the same as before. at 4 AM we proceeded rowed & tracked till half past 6 PM then put up above the fighting river [Battle River I think]. Killed 1 Cow Buffaloe."

Aug. 30
" Thursday Wind NNW first part foggy latter part Clear and Blowed fresh. At half past 4 AM we proceeded as before till 7 PM then put up. At noon met 2 french men going down the river in a Canoe with provisions for their Canoes. by them I received a letter from Mr Hallet which Informs that they are poorly for provisions at both Houses, and the Horse Stealers has stole all their Horses and have left them none to fetch meat upon."

Aug. 31
" Friday Wind between West & North fresh Breezes with Clear Weather. at half past 4 AM we Embarked Rowed & tracked till 6 PM then put up above Manchester House."

Sept. 1 1798
" Saturday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze first part foggy latter part Clear Weather. at half past 4 AM we Embarked rowed and tracked till noon then laid by most part of the day hunting buffalo but had no Succefs."

Sept. 2
" Sunday Wind Variable light Breezes weather as before. at 5 AM we proceeded and tracked till seven then saw some Buffaloe the want of provisions induced me to send William Flett & Magnus Spence a hunting which Killed 2 and at noon we put off again. At 7 PM put up above the red Deers Hills."

Sept. 3
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday. at 1/4 past 4 AM we proceeded and at 7 PM put up below the paint [Vermilion I think] River."

Sept. 4
" Tuesday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze Clear weather. at half past 4 PM we arrived at Buckingham House where we found all well but no provisions neither at this House or the house above."

Sept. 5
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. opening goods for this place."

Sept. 6
" Thursday Wind Variable light breezes very warm weather. opened some packages and repacked some for the upper House."

Sept. 7
" Friday Wind and weather as Yesterday. at 8 AM Embarked the 4 Boats and 1 Canoe for the upper settlements. tracked till a half past 6 PM then put up."

Sept. 8
" Saturday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. at 5 AM we proceeded and tracked till a half past 6 PM then put up."

Sept. 9
" Sunday Wind NE a fresh Breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. at half past 4 AM we proceeded and tracked till a half past 6 PM then put up."

Sept. 10
" Monday Wind Northerly a thick fogg in the morning Afterwards Clear & blowed fresh. at five AM we proceeded tracked till seven PM then put up."

Sept. 11
" Tuesday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze weather as yesterday. At 5 AM we proceeded and at half past 5 PM Arrived safe at Edmonton House found all well thank god but no provisions."

Sept. 12
" Wednesday Wind Variable light Breezes Clear hot Weather, the people Employed drying tents sails and Boats Rigging."

Sept. 13
" Thursday Wind and Weather much the same as yesterday. the men Employed about Various Jobbs."

Sept. 14
" Friday Wind SW Weather as before. stowed away the trading goods now brought, and Inspected the remains, found all right. in the Evening received two red Deer from the Hunters."

Sept. 15
" Saturday Wind variable in the East Quarter with showers of rain towards Evening. At 7 AM sent off 9 Men with horses to Winter at Buckingham house. Also sent 4 Men down with a Canoe to bring up pitch and other Articles from Buckingham House. Nicol Spence hewing stuff for a boats Keel, and the rest Variously Employed. in the Evening 3 Indians Arrived brought 2 Beaver Skins and a triffle of Dried provisions."

Sept. 16
" Sunday Wind SW a Gentle Breeze with Clear weather. at 2 PM a small Band of Muddy river Indians arrived Brought little or nothing."

Sept. 17
" Monday Wind Westerly squaly with heavy showers of rain. the Carpenter and 6 men brought home 50 Crooked timbers for Boat building also? 2 Keels for Ditto and the rest Variously Employed. the Muddy river Indians traded what they brought and went away. gave the freemen some Credits and three of them pitched away in Beaver Hunting."

Sept. 18
" Tuesday Wind SW a gentle Breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. At 10 AM sent of Gilbert Laughton and 8 men to bring down wood for Canoe Building. not having provisions to serve them was Obliged to engage an Indian to hunt for them. those at the house Employed at Various Jobs. received 2 Moose Deer and one Buffaloe from the Hunters."

Sept. 19
" Wednesday Wind and weather as yesterday. sent 13 Men up the river in a Boat to bring down timber for plank, Oars for Boats, and Birch for sundry uses. received two red Deer from Hunters."

Sept. 20
" Thursday Wind NW Squally weather with showers of hail. Nicol Spence and one man Sawing Keels for boats and sent the Other 2 men to fetch Meat."

Sept. 21
" Friday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. Nicol Spence making frame timbers for the boats that are to be built and the rest finished a Cellar for preserving garden Stuff in. At 2 PM the 2 Men returned that went for meat brought one red Deer."

Sept. 22
" Saturday Wind as Yesterday a moderate Breeze with Clear weather. the men Employed about Various Duty. several Indians arrived from the Westward brought little or nothing."

Sept. 23
" Sunday Little wind Variable Cloudy weather. at 10 AM Malcolm Groat & 3 men returned from Buckingham House brought 300 lbs provisions and a Quantity of pitch, in the afternoon several tents of Indians arrived brought little or nothing also the Opposition parties arrived with 19 large Canoes."

Sept. 24
" Monday Wind Easterly a small Breeze weather as yesterday. sent 4 men in a Canoe with provisions to those Collecting timber up the river, the Carpenter and smith Employed at their respective duties. gave a supply to several Indians and put them acrofs the river."

Sept. 25
" Tuesday Little wind Variable Weather as on the proceeding Days. the smith and Carpenter as before and the rest Variously Employed. several Indians got Supplies and went away and late in the Evening three afsinipoiet Indians arrived brought about 20 Beaver Skins."

Sept. 26
" Wednesday Wind and weather as Yesterday. the men Variously Employed, a few Indians took Credits and some of them went away."

Sept. 27
" Thursday Wind Easterly a gentle Breeze with Clear Weather. the men Variously Employed received 2 red Deer from the hunter. At 10 AM a band of Muddy river Indians arrived brought a few Beaver and small foxes which they traded & went away."

Sept. 28
" Friday Wind Variable almost Calm with very hot Weather. sent 2 Men for meat and the rest bringing home hay. trusted Several Indians a little Debt and they went away."

Sept. 29
" Saturday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze weather Cloudy with rain most part of the Day the men Employed within doors."

Sept. 30
" Sunday Wind NW a strong gale weather part Cloudy part Clear. At 3 PM 13 Men Came down the river with timber brought 130 Logs, a Quantity of Birch? for sundry Uses and stuff for Oars."

Oct. 1 1798
" Monday Wind & Weather as Yesterday. the men Employed rolling the timber out of the water and layed it on the Beech. At 6 PM Gilbert Laughton and his party returned, brought a Quantity of Canoe timbers & Splinters, also a boat Load of Coal for the Smiths Use."

Oct. 2
" Tuesday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze with rain in the evening the men Employed Carrying Coals up the Bank Canoe wood &c. Received the flesh of one Buffaloe from the Indians."

Oct. 3
" Wednesday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze with Cold frosty Weather, the Carpenters laying Blocks for Boat building, the rest Employed bringing home hay and took up the garden Stuff. At noon two Afsinipoiet Indians arrived for Tobacco which they got & went away."

Oct. 4
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterdsay. the Smith and one man making nails for the Carpenters and the rest variously Employed. at 10 AM the Indians Arrived brought 12 Beaver Skins & 500 lbs Dried provisions which they traded and went away in the Evening."

Oct. 5
" Friday Wind and Weather as before sent 2 men to fetch meat, which returned in the Evening brought one red Deer, the smith Carpenters and taylors at their respective Duties, and the rest Employed sawing stuff for Sleds, and bringing home the remainder of the hay. one tent of Southward Indians arrived brought no more than 5 Beaver Skins."

Oct. 6
" Saturday Wind in the East Quarter a small breeze Clear fine Weather, the men Employed about Various Jobs, received a Moose Deer from Indians."

Oct. 7
" Sunday little Wind Variable, weather Cloudy with rain in the Evening. At 8 PM 2 Afsinipoiet Indians Arrived."

Oct. 8
" Monday Wind Northerly a fresh breeze with snow all Day, the men Could do nothing without doors. the Afsinipoiet Indians traded the triffle they brought and paid 1 one them for 13 Rolls of Birch rind brought in the summer, and they went away at noon, George Flett arrived from Buckingham house to fetch down Horses."

Oct. 9
" Tuesday Wind & weather as Yesterday, no working without Doors."

Oct. 10
" Wednesday Wind and Weather much the same as Before."

Oct. 11
" Thursday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze with Snow at intervals, Received 2 Deer from the hunting tent, in the Evening hauled up the Boats."

Oct. 12
" Friday Wind as Yesterday with Cold sharp weather, sent 3 men down to Buckingham House with the mens Horses and to look after the fall Canoes that are Expected up. sent 2 men to fetch meat. the Carpenters, Smiths, and taylors at their respective duties and the rest Employed at Various Jobs."

Oct. 13
" Saturday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze with thawing Weather, men Employed as on the proceeding day. at noon a Muddy river Indian Arrived Brought 20 Beaver Skins which he traded & went away."

Oct. 14
" Sunday Wind and weather as yesterday. at 11 AM 3 Southern Indians arrived brought a few Beaver Skins which they traded & went away. At 3 PM a Band of blackfeet Indians arrived brought a small Quantity of Provisions which they traded and went away also."

Oct. 15
" Monday Wind Variable with Cloudy Weather. the Smith making large nails for the Boats, taylors Making Clothing for the men, the rest Employed sawing stuff for sleds and digging a Celler for preserving meat in warm weather."

Oct. 16
" Tuesday Wind WSW a fresh breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. the tradesmen as before and the rest employed Collecting firewood."

Oct. 17
" Wednesday Wind Easterly a gentle Breeze, weather as yesterday. 4 Men sawing Bilge plank for the Boats and the rest Collecting firewood."

Oct. 18
" Thursday Wind Variable Light breezes with Clear Weather. Gilbert Laughton Cleaning & repairing guns the rest Employed as before. in the evening a small Band of Sufsew Indians Arrived brought a triffle of Provisions."

Oct. 19
" Friday Wind Westerly a fresh breeze with Clear weather, the men employed as before. the sufsew Indians traded what provisions they Brought and went away. these only brought 1 Beaver Skin & bad Wolves 3."

Oct. 20
" Saturday Wind NW a strong gale with Cloudy weather. the men Employed as on the proceeding days. in the evening an Indian arrived brought nothing."

Oct. 21
" Sunday Wind as yesterday a moderate breeze with Cloudy Weather."

Oct. 22
" Monday Wind West a fresh Breeze with Clear Weather. Gilbert Laughton Cleaning & repairing trading guns, the Carpenters Smith & Taylors employed at their respective duties. 4 men at the pit saw and the rest Collecting firewood. at noon a small party of Swampy ground Stone Indians arrived brought about 90 Beaver which they traded and went away."

Oct. 23
" Tuesday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze first part Clear latter part Cloudy with snow in the Evening. the men Employed as on the proceeding day."

Oct. 24
" Wednesday Wind Northerly a fresh breeze with Cold Weather. the men Employed as before. in the evening received 2 two Deer from the hunting tent."

Oct. 25
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday. the men Employed as before."

Oct. 26
" Friday Wind as before but much Colder and much Ice driving in the river, the men Variously Employed."

Oct. 27
" Saturday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze Cloudy weather with Snow in the Evening. the men Employed about various Jobbs."

Oct. 28
" Sunday Wind NE a small Breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. At noon a small Band of Muddy river Indians Arrived Brought a triffle of furs & provisions. also received one moose & 2 red Deer from the Hunter."

Oct. 29
" Monday Wind as yesterday weather Cloudy with snow all Day. No Working without Doors. the Muddy river Indians traded what they Brought and went away."

Oct. 30
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday. at noon a part of 4 tribes of Indians arrived on the South side the river, the men Employed Crofsing them to & again."

Oct. 31
" Wednesday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze with snow at intervals, 4 Men at the pit saw, and the rest Crofsing Indians to and again, finished trading with the four Different tribes, some of which Brought little or Nothing."

Nov. 1 1798
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday, the men Variously Employed."

Nov. 2
" Friday Wind and weather much the same. the tradesmen employed at their respective Duties, the rest making sleds and Cut firewood."

Nov. 3
" Saturday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze Cloudy weather. the tradesmen employed at their respective Duties. 4 Men at the pit saw and the rest Cut firewood & Cleaned the yard."

Nov. 4
" Sunday Wind NW a fresh Breeze with Cloudy weather."

Nov. 5
" Monday Wind Variable light Breezes weather part Cloudy part Clear. the Smith making nails and reevets? for the Boats. Gilbert Laughton Cleaning & repairing trading Guns. the taylor making Children's Clothing for trade. 4 Men sawing Boards for upper works for the boats the Carpenters Building Ditto, and the rest Cut firewood and making Sleds. in the Evening an Indian arrived brought nothing save 3 Martins."

Nov. 6
" Tuesday Wind NW a fresh Breeze with Cloudy Cold weather. the men Employed as yesterday, the river Sett fast in the night."

Nov. 7
" Wednesday Wind NW a fresh Breeze with Cold freezing Weather. the men employed as before, two red Deer from the hunting tent."

Nov. 8
" Thursday Wind and weather as yesterday. the men employed as on the proceeding days. Gilbert Laughton finished Cleaning & repairing Guns, he was Obliged to make a Mandrel for straightening the Barrels of some few that had got Bent by Accident."

Nov. 9
" Friday Wind SE a fresh Breeze Cloudy weather with a little snow. the men Variously Employed."

Nov. 10
" Saturday Wind NW a fresh Breeze with Cloudy Cold weather. the men Cut firewood and Cleaned the yard."

Nov. 11
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday."

Nov. 12
" Monday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze Cloudy Weather. the tradesmen Employed at their respective duties the rest Cut firewood and sawed stuff for sleds."

Nov. 13
" Tuesday Wind NE a small Breeze weather Cloudy and Clear alternately. the men Employed as yesterday. at 8 PM three Afsinnipoiet Indians arrived brought a few Beaver."

Nov. 14
" Wednesday Wind Southerly weather as yesterday. the tradesmen employed at their respective duties. 2 Men making snow shoe frames, and the rest Collecting firewood. traded with the Indians and they went away in the evening."

Nov. 15
" Thursday Wind Easterly a gentle breeze weather as before, the men Employed as on the proceeding day."

Nov. 16
" Friday Wind NE a fresh Breeze weather Cloudy with snow. the men cut firewood. at 10 AM Mr Pruden and one man with the 2 sent from this arrived. Mr Pruden informs me that they were froze in about one mile above the south Branch from which place he has travelld by land."

Nov. 17
" Saturday Wind Variable Cloudy Weather with Drizzling snow. the men Cut firewood and Cleaned the Yard. received 2 Moose Deer from the Hunter."

Nov. 18
" Sunday Wind Southerly a gentle Breeze Cloudy weather."

Nov. 19
" Monday Wind SW a gentle breeze with Clear weather. the tradesmen employed at their respective duties . 4 men at the pit saw. 4 men Making up white Tobacco in Carrots from 3 to 4 lbs Weight and the rest variously employed. in the evening an Indian arrived Brought a few furs."

Nov. 20
" Tuesday Wind and weather as yesterday. the tradesmen as before and the rest Collecting firewood. the Indian traded & went away and in the evening 2 more Came brought a few Beaver and Martins."

Nov. 21
" Wednesday Wind WSW a gentle Breeze with fine warm Weather. the men employed as yesterday. the Indians traded and went away."

Nov. 22
" Thursday Wind and weather as yesterday. 4 men making up tobacco for Indian trade. three men fetching meat from the Indians that went away yesterday brought 3 red deer, the rest bringing home firewood. at noon 3 fall Indians Came for tobacco which they got and went off."

Nov. 23
" Friday Wind variable Light Breezes with Cloudy weather. the men employed as yesterday. at noon the fall Indians arrived brought nothing save a few very indifferent Wolves many of which was not traded."

Nov. 24
" Saturday Wind Westerly a fresh breeze weather as yesterday. the men cut firewood and Cleaned the Yard. at 3 PM the fall Indians went away and 3 Blackfeet arrived brought 60 Buffaloe Tongues which they traded for Brandy and went away also."

Nov. 25
" Sunday Wind and weather as yesterday."

Nov. 26
" Monday Wind SW a small Breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. the tradesmen employed at their respective duties. sent 2 men for meat the rest Hauling firewood."

Nov. 27
" Tuesday Wind as yesterday with Clear fine weather. the men employed as yesterday. at noon a small band of Blackfeet Indians arrived brought a little provisions. in the evening those Came home that went for meat brought 2 red Deer."

Nov. 28
" Wednesday Wind WSW a fresh breeze with warm weather. sent 3 men down to Buckingham house with trading goods part of which is to be forwarded to Carleton & Cumberland Houses. Gilbert Laughton Stocking a gun that was brock by accident on the pafsage up. the rest employed as before. the fall Indians traded and went away."

Nov. 29
" Thursday Wind Variable light Breezes with Cloudy weather and a little rain. sent 2 men to fetch meat from the hunting tent. the rest employed as on the proceeding day."

Nov. 30
" Friday Wind Westerly a gentle Breeze Cloudy warm weather. the men employed as before, those returned that went for meat Brought 3 red Deer."

Dec. 1 1798
" Saturday Wind NW a fresh Breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. the men variously employed. at 8 AM 2 Muddy river Indians Came for tobacco which they got and went away."

Dec. 2
" Sunday Wind as yesterday and blowed hard. at noon a small party of Muddy river Indians arrived brought little or nothing."

Dec. 3
" Monday Wind Easterly a small Breeze Cloudy weather. the tradesmen Employed at their respective Duties and the rest hauling firewood. At noon 6 tents of Blackfeet Indians arrived brought a few wolves and a little provisions. those that Came yesterday went away."

Dec. 4
" Tuesday Wind Easterly a fresh breeze with Cloudy weather and snowed a little in the night. the Carpenters finished building one of the Boats to the Cealing? and Calking, the rest employed as before. traded with the Indians and some of them went away."

Dec. 5
" Wednesday Wind Northerly a small Breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. one man making small Sleds, and the Carpenter making all ready for building another boats, the rest hauling firewood. at noon the Indians went away."

Dec. 6
" Thursday Wind NE a fresh Breeze with Cloudy sharp weather. sent Mr Pruden & 3? men to look for Buffaloe, the rest employed as before."

Dec. 7
" Friday Wind Wly weather as yesterday the men employed as on the proceeding days."

Dec. 8
" Saturday Wind SW a fresh breeze with drizzling snow. the men Cut firewood and Cleaned the Yard. in the evening 2 tents of Blackfeet Indians arrived."

Dec. 9
" Sunday Wind WSW a small Breeze weather Cloudy & Clear alternately. the Indians traded what they Brought and went away."

Dec. 10
" Monday Wind variable almost Calm. the smith making boat nails. Gilbert Laughton stocking a Gun. 4 Men at the pit saw the Joiner making Chairs the Boat builders constantly employed at that duty the rest Cut & Hauled firewood. in the evening Mr Pruden & his party returned from Hunting brought the Flesh of 2 Buffaloe. no Buffaloe to be seen within 70 Miles of this place."

Dec. 11
" Tuesday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze cloudy weather. the men employed as on the proceeding day. at noon 2 men came home from the Hunting Tent brought 2 red Deer."

Dec. 12
" Wednesday Wind in the east Quarter light Breezes With Clear Weather. the men employed as before."

Dec. 13
" Thursday Wind Westerly a gentle Breeze with mild weather. the people employed as formerly. in the Evening one tent of Blackfeet Indians arrived Brought 14 Wolves and a triffle of provisions. also 2 Afsinipoiet Indians Arrived with a few Furs to Trade."

Dec. 14
" Friday Wind & weather as yesterday. the men employed as Before. Traded with the Indians & they went Away."

Dec. 15
" Saturday Wind WSW a Gentle Breeze with clear fine weather. the men cut firewood & Cleaned the Yard. in the evening an Indian arrived brought one Beaver Skin."

Dec. 16
" Sunday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. the Indian that arrived last night went away."

Dec. 17
" Monday Wind & weather as yesterday the blackSmith repairing his Bellows & forge the other tradesmen employed at their respective duties and the rest fell firewood."

Dec. 18
" Tuesday Wind WSW a small breeze with clear weather. the men employed as yesterday with some blackfeet Indians that arrived last evening and they went away. Brought many bad Wolves not worth taking. in the evening one man came home from the hunting tent for men to fetch meat."

Dec. 19
" Wednesday Wind Variable light Breezes with very mild weather. sent 6 men to fetch meat. the smith making nails for the boats and the rest employed sawing boards & Collecting firewood. at noon a small band of fall Indians arrived."

Dec. 20
" Thursday Wind WNW a strong Breeze with cloudy weather. the men employed as before. in the evening those returned that went for meat brought the flesh of 6 Bull Buffaloe. traded a few wolves and foxes from the Indians that arrived yesterday."

Dec. 21
" Friday Wind SW a fresh breeze weather as yesterday. the men employed as on the proceeding day. several blackfeet Indians arrived traded with the fall Indians & they went away."

Dec. 22
" Saturday Wind & weather as yesterday. the men cut firewood and Cleaned the Yard. the Indians traded & went away. at noon several more arrived."

Dec. 23
" Sunday Wind and Weather as before. traded with the Indians and some of them went away."

Dec. 24
" Monday Wind NW a fresh Breeze with cold freezing weather. the people cut firewood."

Dec. 25
" Tuesday Wind & weather much the same."

Dec. 26
" Wednesday Wind NE a small Breeze with very ? weather. being Christmas time did not put the men to duty."

Dec. 27
" Thursday Wind ENE a Small Breeze first part Cloudy with snow latter part clear weather. the men Cut firewood. in the evening 3 of the free Canadians arrived brought 168 Made Beaver the most part of which is Martins and Beaver, also 1 Southerd Indian came & brought no more than 11 Beaver skins & 2 Martins which is all he has procured this winter."

Dec. 28
" Friday Wind & weather much the same."

Dec. 29
" Saturday Little wind Variable with clear Sharp weather. the men cut firewood & Cleaned the Yard. the Indian that arrived on thursday went away."

Dec. 30
" Sunday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze with very Sharp Weather."

Dec. 31
" Monday Wind & weather as yesterday. the men Cut firewood."

Jan. 1 1799
" Tuseday Wind Variable Almost Calm with sharp Weather."

Jan. 2
" Wednesday Wind SW a Small Breeze with very sharp weather. the men cut firewood. in the evening one man Came home from the hunting tent for men to fetch 2 Buffaloe which is all that has been killed for the last 15 Days."

Jan. 3
" Thursday Wind Westerly a small breeze with a Continuance of sharp weather. sent 2 men to the hunting tent for meat. also sent James Gaddy and one man to visit some Indians and bring what furs they have procured. the rest cut firewood."

Jan. 4
" Friday Wind Variable fresh breezes with very sharp weather. sent 5 men in search of Buffaloe and the rest Cut firewood. at noon one tent of fall Indians arrived brought a few wolves and some Buffaloe meat. in the Evening those that went for flesh returned, also James Gaddy Came home brought 60 Made Beaver."

Jan. 5
" Saturday Wind NW a fresh breeze Clear mild weather. the smith repairing the freemens Beaver traps. Gilbert Laughton repairing their guns. the Carpenters working at the boat. the severe sharp weather has prevented them from doing any work for the last 10 Days. the rest Cut firewood. traded with the Indians and they went away."

Jan. 6
" Sunday Wind NE a fresh breeze weather Cloudy with snow."

Jan. 7
" Monday Wind Northerly a small breeze weather Cloudy with snow at times. sent 4 men to fetch meat from the hunters tent. the tradesmen employed at their respective duties and the rest hauling home firewood."

Jan. 8
" Tuesday Wind westerly a moderate breeze with Clear sharp weather. the men employed as on the proceeding day. at noon the free Canadians pitched away to make their spring hunt. late in the evening those that went for meat returned brought the flesh of 3 poor Buffaloe."

Jan. 9
" Wednesday Wind NE a gentle Breeze weather as before. the boat builders working at the boat. the smith making nails for Ditto. Gilbert Laughton Cleaning and repairing pistols and the rest Cut firewood. late in the evening two Indians arrived brought a few Beaver and Martins."

Jan. 10
" Thursday Wind and weather much the same as yesterday. sent 4 Men to fetch meat from the hunter and the rest employed as yesterday. Traded with the Indians and they went away."

Jan. 11
" Friday Wind SW a fresh breeze with Cloudy warm weather. the men employed as before. in the Evening Mr Pruden and his party returned from hunting brought the flesh of 6 Bulls. those that went to the Hunting tent also returned with 3 more. last night one of the free Canadians arrived almost starved for want of food."

Jan. 12
" Saturday Wind and weather as yesterday. the men hauled home firewood and Cleaned the Yard. at noon 4 fall Indians came for tobacco, also one tent of sufsew Indians arrived brought little or nothing."

Jan. 13
" Sunday Wind SW a small breeze with Cloudy warm weather. the Sufsew Indians traded what they Brought and went away. at noon 2 tents of fall Indians arrived brought a number of bad wolves and a triffle of provisions."

Jan. 14
" Monday Wind WSW weather as yesterday. sent 6 men to fetch meat, also 2 away with the free Canadian to bring what furs they have got, the rest Variously employed. traded with the Indians and they went away. also 1 family of Southerd Indians arrived almost starved."

Jan. 15
" Tuesday Wind Westerly a fresh gale and thawed much. the men Cut firewood. at noon they Came home that went for meat brought 6 Buffaloe."

Jan. 16
" Wednesday Wind WSW a fresh breeze and froze Pretty hard. sent 6 men to fetch meat and the rest employed as yesterday."

Jan. 17
" Thursday Wind and weather as yesterday. the tradesmen employed at their respective duties and the rest hauling firewood."

Jan. 18
" Friday Wind SW a fresh breeze with Clear fine weather. the men employed as before. at noon those came home that went for meat on Wednesday brought 5 poor Buffaloe. several fall & Blackfeet Indians came for tobacco which they got & went away."

Jan. 19
" Saturday Wind NW a fresh gale weather part Cloudy part Clear. the men Cut firewood and Cleaned the yard. at noon 20 Able men of fall & Blackfeet Indians arrived brought little or nothing but provisions."

Jan. 20
" Sunday Wind Northerly a moderate breeze till the evening afterwards blowed hard. traded what the Indians brought and they went away, also a few more Came traded with them and they went away."

Jan. 21
" Monday Wind WSW a fresh breeze with Clear sharp weather. the men cut firewood. in the evening George Goutcher & John Dearan returned brought about 50 Made Beaver in furs."

Jan. 22
" Tuesday Wind NE a small breeze with very Cold weather. Sent 2 men to the hunting tent to stay there also 3 men to fetch meat, and the rest Cut firewood and looking for the Horses."

Jan. 23
" Wednesday Wind NW a fresh breeze with Cold freezing weather. the men employed hauling firewood."

Jan. 24
" Thursday Wind SW a small breeze with Clear sharp weather. the men cut firewood. the Cold weather has prevented the boat builders from doing their duty in that Branch for some time past. in the evening those came home that went for meat brought 2 poor Buffaloe."

Jan. 25
" Friday Wind WSW a fresh breeze weather as Yesterday. the smith making nails for the boats and the rest employed as before."

Jan. 26
" Saturday Wind Variable light Breezes with Clear sharp weather. the men cut firewood and Cleaned the Yard. at noon 3 tents of Blackfeet Indians arrived brought a small Quantity of Dried provisions, a few bad Wolves & some small foxes. one half of the wolves I did not trade being good for nothing. one Southerd Indian man arrived in the nyght also and brought no more than 13 Beaver which is all he has procured since the beginning of October."

Jan. 27
" Sunday Wind Easterly a small breeze with Cloudy mild weather. traded with the Indians and in the evening they all went away."

Jan. 28
" Monday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. Sent 3 men to the hunting tent for meat. the Carpenters working at the boat. the smith making Nails for ditto and the rest Cut firewood."

Jan. 29
" Tuesday Wind variable weather Cloudy with a little snow. the men employed within doors. at noon a small Band of fall Indians Arrived brought nothing but a little provisions. at 10 PM received letters from Buckingham and Carleton house which informs of all being well there."

Jan. 30
" Wednesday Wind and weather as before. the men Cut firewood. traded with the Indians and they went away."

Jan. 31
" Thursday Wind Easterly a small breeze with snow most part of the day. the men picking Oakum and otherwise employed within doors. late in the evening 3 Indians arrived brought nothing."

Feb. 1 1799
" Friday Wind variable Light breezes Clear fine weather. the smith making nails for the boats. the Carpenters working at ditto, and the rest employed as Yesterday."

Feb. 2
" Saturday Wind NE a fresh breeze with snow and drift most part of the day. the men Cut firewood and Cleaned the Yard. gave the Indians a supply of Ammunition and they went away."

Feb. 3
" Sunday Wind as yesterday a gentle breeze with clear fine weather."

Feb. 4
" Monday Wind Westerly a fresh breeze with cold sharp weather. sent 5 men to fetch meat. the rest cut firewood and employed within doors. in the evening an Indian arrived brought nothing."

Feb. 5
" Tuesday Wind ENE a small breeze with clear sharp weather. the men employed as Yesterday. at noon a large band of Blood Indians arrived brought some bad wolves, a few foxes and a little provisions."

Feb. 6
" Wednesday Wind in the East Quarter a small Breeze weather as yesterday. the men employed as before. traded from the Indians 200 Wolves 110 foxes and 300 lbs of provisions being all that Came from above 30 Able men."

Feb. 7
" Thursday Wind Southerly a fresh Breeze with Cloudy weather. the smith making Plates & screws for fixing false Keels to the Boats on Carrying places. the rest cut firewood. at noon the Indians went away."

Feb. 8
" Friday Wind WSW a small breeze with Clear mild weather. 4 men making up Leaf tobacco for trade, the rest variously employed."

Feb. 9
" Saturday Wind westerly a gentle breeze with Cloudy mild weather. Gilbert Laughton and the smith making rings and bolts for the boats, the rest Cut firewood and Cleaned the yard. at noon 2 Sufsew Indians came for tobacco which they got and went away, and arrived in 2 hours after."

Feb. 10
" Sunday Wind WNW a gentle breeze with Cloudy warm weather. traded with the Indians and they went away. those only brought 70 Wolves & 10 foxes which was not 15 Skins pr? man."

Feb. 11
" Monday Wind WSW weather as yesterday with a Continual thaw. sent 8 men to fetch meat. the Boat builders Constantly employed at that duty, and the rest variously employed. at noon a Band of Blood Indians arrived also a few of the muddy river Indians."

Feb. 12
" Tuesday Wind NW with a Continuance of warm weather. the smith making nails for the Boats Knees and Gunnels. 3 men sawing stuff for sleds and the rest variously employed. in the evening 2 men arrived from Buckingham House. the Indians traded and went away & a poor trade they Brought."

Feb. 13
" Wednesday Wind as yesterday, weather Cloudy and froze a little. the men employed as before. two Muddy river Indians Came for tobacco, also Mr Hallet and one man arrived in the night from Buckingham House."

Feb. 14
" Thursday Wind Easterly light Breezes with warm weather. the men employed as on the proceeding days, in the afternoon those Came home that went for flesh on Monday, brought 7 Poor Buffaloe, the Indians got tobacco and they went away."

Feb. 15
" Friday Wind and weather much warmer than it was yesterday. the Carpenters putting shafts? in the Boats, and the rest employed at sundry Jobs. a small Band of fall Indians arrived brought little or nothing, also some Blood Indians Came for tobacco which they got and went away."

Feb. 16
" Saturday Wind NE a small Breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. the men cut firewood and Cleaned the Yard, 5 excepted that went for meat. at noon a large Band of Blood & Muddy river Indians arrived."

Feb. 17
" Sunday Wind and weather as yesterday. traded with the Indians but none of them went away."

Feb. 18
" Monday Wind NW a fresh Breeze with very Cold weather. the smith making nails for the boats the other tradesmen at their respective duties, and the rest Cut firewood and tied up the furs traded Yesterday, in Quantity 900 Made Beaver. early this morning the Indians went away."

Feb. 19
" Tuesday Wind WSW a fresh breeze with Cold sharp weather. the smith making Stern? and keel plates for the boats. the rest Cut firewood and Otherwise employed within doors. in the afternoon Six men Came home from the Hunting tent brought five poor Buffaloe, also 2 Indians arrived brought about 20 Martins."

Feb. 20
" Wednesday Wind variable Light Breezes Clear fine Weather. Sent 4 men to fetch meat and the rest employed as Yesterday. at noon a Young Indian arrived brought a few martins and those that Came Yesterday went away."

Feb. 21
" Thursday Wind easterly a gentle breeze with Cloudy Weather and a little snow in the evening. the men employed as on the proceeding days. the Indians went away."

Feb. 22
" Friday Wind NW a strong breeze with Cold sharp weather. the tradesmen at their respective duties, and the rest Cut firewood."

Feb. 23
" Saturday Wind NE a small breeze with Clear Weather. the tradesmen as before and the rest Cut firewood and Cleaned the Yard. at noon 2 of the 4 men sent for meat on Wednesday returned with 2 Buffaloe."

Feb. 24
" Sunday Wind SE weather as Yesterday. in the evening two Indians arrived brought Nothing."

Feb. 25
" Monday Wind NE a fresh breeze weather Cloudy with a little snow. sent 2 men to the hunting tent, the rest Variously employed. at noon the other 2 men Came home Brought 2 Buffaloe."

Feb. 26
" Tuesday Wind Easterly a small Breeze with Clear fine weather. the men employed as on the proceeding day. at noon a large band of Blackfeet and Blood Indians arrived brought little or nothing but provisions."

Feb. 27
" Wednesday Wind and weather as yesterday. the men employed as before, traded with the Indians and they went away. those Brought upwards of 1000 lbs of provisions and no more than 60 ordinary Wolves & 30 small foxes which was not 3 Skins a man."

Feb. 28
" Thursday Wind as before with Cloudy weather. the Carpenters finished building the other boat Calking & Cealing excepted. the smith making steer rings and ring bolts for ditto. the rest employed within doors. at noon 2 men Came home brought the flesh of two Buffaloe, also an Indian arrived in the evening brought four Beaver & 8 Martins."

Mar. 1 1799
" Friday Wind Northerly a fresh breeze weather Cloudy with a little snow. the boat builders making oars, for the boats. sent 4 men to fetch meat, and the rest Cut firewood and employed within doors. early this morning the Indian went away that came last night."

Mar. 2
" Saturday Wind WSW a gentle breeze with clear fine weather. the smith making rudder work for the Boats now built and the rest cut firewood and Cleaned the yard."

Mar. 3
" Sunday Wind WSW a gentle breeze with Clear fine weather and thawed much towards the middle of the day. 4 fall Indians Came for Tobacco which they got and went away. in the evening a small band of them arrived brought little or nothing save provisions."

Mar. 4
" Monday Wind Variable weather as on the proceeding days. the Carpenters hewing stuff for oars, the smith making up awl blades, Gilbert Laughton very much out of order, the rest removing the Horses the wolves having fallen upon them, Killed Some and torn many others. traded with the Indians and they went away and at noon five tents more Came with Provisions."

Mar. 5
" Tuesday Wind easterly a gentle breeze weather as before. 2 men sawing plank. the Carpenters making oars, the taylors making Clothing for the men. the smith making awl Blades and the rest variously employed. traded with the Indians and they went away. those brought 1500 lbs Weight of Provisions of sorts, and no more than 90 Wolves which was not 3 Skins Pr. man."

Mar. 6
" Wednesday Wind Westerly a small breeze weather the same as before. the men Employed as on the proceeding day. in the evening 4 Blackfeet Indians Came for tobacco."

Mar. 7
" Thursday Wind Variable light breezes with warm weather. sent 10 men to fetch flesh from the hunting tent. the rest employed as before. at noon a large band of Blackfeet Indians arrived brought little or nothing."

Mar. 8
" Friday Wind NE a small breeze with Cloudy warm weather. the men attending the house as the Indians are very thievishly inclined. traded from them what they brought and in the evening they went away, those are a bad set of Indians having Stolen 20 of our horses and Killed 2 more."

Mar. 9
" Saturday Wind Northerly a small breeze weather Cloudy with a little snow. the men variously employed. in the evening one tent of fall Indians arrived brought little or nothing also 4 Muddy river Indians came for Tobacco which they got and went away."

Mar. 10
" Sunday Wind Variable light breezes Weather as yesterday. at noon a large band of Muddy river Indians arrived brought nothing but wolves & small foxes."

Mar. 11
" Monday Wind ENE a fresh breeze with a great fall of snow in the night and part of the day. the men employed within doors. finished trading with the Indians. at noon 1 afsinnipoiet Indian arrived for a Supply of Ammunition and Tobacco."

Mar. 12
" Tuesday Wind NW a small breeze with Clear fine weather. Sent 4 men to fetch flesh from the hunting tent. also sent Mr Pruden and 2 men away with the Afsinipoiet Indian to bring what furs they may have. the smith making awl blades and the rest variously employed. at noon the Indians went away, those have brought 700 Wolves & 700 small foxes. in the evening one tent of fall Indians arrived brought hardly anything."

Mar. 13
" Wednesday Wind Variable light breezes Clear fine weather. the boat builders making oars. two men hewing timber, and the rest Variously employed. the fall Indians traded a triffle of provisions & 20 Small foxes & went away."

Mar. 14
" Thursday Wind WNW a small breeze weather as before. sent 2 men away with an Indian that arrived in the night to bring what furs they have at the tent. the rest employed as on the proceeding day. at noon those that went for meat returned brought 3 very poor Buffaloe."

Mar. 15
" Friday Wind NW till noon afterwards varied to E Cloudy warm weather. the men variously employed. in the evening a sufsew Indian came for Tobacco which he got and went away."

Mar. 16
" Saturday Little wind Variable weather part Cloudy part Clear. hauled the boats up the Bank to be repaired, afterwards the men employed as Yesterday. at noon the sufsew Indians arrived those have brought nothing but shoe Leather. at 6 PM John Rofs and James Morwick returned brought 180 Made Beaver in Beaver and Martins from 2 Indians."

Mar. 17
" Sunday Wind NW a fresh gale with Cloudy weather. the sufsew Indians traded what they brought and went away. brought 12 Wolves and 19 Drefsed red deer Skins. in the evening three Muddy river Indians came for Tobacco. Mr Pruden returned brought 100 Made beaver in Beaver."

Mar. 18
" Monday Wind Variable light breezes with Clear weather. the smith making fire steels, the Carpenters making oars, 2 men hewing timber and the rest employed within doors."

Mar. 19
" Tuesday Wind Easterly a small breeze with Clear weather. The Carpenters making masts and Rudders for the new boats. the smith making fire Steels. Gilbert Laughton making stems for Canoes, and the rest employed within doors. at noon the Muddy river Indians arrived, also those that went for meat brought the flesh of 3 Buffaloe."

Mar. 20
" Wednesday Wind NW a fresh breeze with Cold Weather. Gilbert Laughton and 1 man Sawing stuff for Gunnels to Canoes, and the rest employed as yesterday. traded with the Indians and they went away. these brought 560 Wolves and 424 Small foxes."

Mar. 21
" Thursday Wind Westerly a fresh breeze Clear weather. the Carpenters repairing the boats. the smith making rudder work for ditto, the rest employed about sundry Jobs. at noon a small band of fall Indians arrived brought nothing but Provisions, which the traded and went off again. and a few Sufsew Indians arrived also 3 Afsinipoiet Indians."

Mar. 22
" Friday Wind Westerly a gentle breeze with Clear fine weather. the men employed as yesterday. the Sufsews and Stone Indians traded and went away. the former brought 7 Skins and the latter 24 made Beaver. also several Indians arrived from the beaver Hills brought a few Beaver and Martins."

Mar. 23
" Saturday Wind westerly a fresh breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. the tradesmen employed at their respective duties, the smith excepted which is ailing. sent Mr Pruden and one man away with an Indian to fetch a few furs, and returned at noon brought 20 Beaver and 30 martins. the rest Carrying firewood up the bank. traded with the Indians and they went away."

Mar. 24
" Sunday Wind and weather as yesterday. in the afternoon 6 men Came home from the hunting tent as also did the hunter, being unable to hunt having been very ill for some time."

Mar. 25
" Monday Wind NW a fresh Gale weather part Cloudy part Clear. the Carpenters repairing the boats, taylors making Clothing for trade, 4 men ailing for several days Past and the rest Carrying wood up the bank."

Mar. 26
" Tuesday Wind SW a fresh Breeze with Clear Weather. Gilbert Laughton & one man plaining timbers for Canoes. Nicol Spence Calking one of the new Boats. John Moir? repairing one of the old ones. 4 men still ailing and the rest made 3800 lbs pimmecan. in the evening two Afsinipoiet Indians came for tobacco which they got and went away."

Mar. 27
" Wednesday Little Wind Westerly with Clear warm Weather. the Carpenters & taylors employed at their respective Duties. Gilbert Laughton & John rofs making Canoe work. John park still employed making Kegs. 6 men ailing and the rest Variously Employed. at 10 AM a few Stone Indians arrived, traded the furs Brought by Mr Pruden and went away in the afternoon."

Mar. 28
" Thursday Wind WSW a Gentle Breeze with very warm Weather. sent James Gaddy and one man to fetch a few furs from one of the free Canadians. the tradesmen employed as yesterday. 7 men ailing and the rest made 3150 lbs Pimmecan for the Journey Down."

Mar. 29
" Friday Wind WNW a fresh Breeze with clear weather. the tradesmen employed as on the proceeding days, about half of the men is now off Duty by a Disorder in the head & Breast, the rest about Various Jobs within Doors. at noon James Gaddy returned not having found the man they went in Search of. Several Indians arrived to day Brought Nothing."

Mar. 30
" Saturday Wind ESE a fresh Breeze Clear warm Weather. the men that are well, employed as before. at noon some more Indians arrived brought Nothing."

Mar. 31
" Sunday Wind & Weather as Yesterday. in the morning one of the free Canadians arrived for a Supply of Ammunition & Tobacco."

Apr. 1 1799
" Monday Wind SE a fresh breeze with Cloudy cold Weather. the Carpenters making rudders and fitting them to the Boats. Gilbert Laughton & John Rofs plaining Canoe timbers. John Park Making small Kegs. the Smith making nails & the rest that are well, Employed about various Jobs. the freeman went back to his tent & in the evening Alexander Flet & John Linklater arrived from Buckingham house."

Apr. 2
" Tuesday Wind SE a fresh Breeze Cloudy weather with Snow. the men employed within doors. made 700 lbs Pimmecan. in the afternoon 2 Mudy river Indians Came for tobacco which they got & went away."

Apr. 3
" Wednesday Wind & Weather much the same as yesterday. the men employed Crofsing the muddy river Indians which was attended with some trouble as the river is not broke up but in one little place."

Apr. 4
" Thursday Wind Southerly a fresh Breeze with Cloudy weather. the men Chiefly employed Crofsing Indians and attending the House. traded with most part of the Indians and put some of them acrofs in the evening, also sent Mr Pruden & one man out to some Indians to bring their Credits."

Apr. 5
" Friday Wind Variable light Breezes with very warm Weather. the men variously employed. finished trading with the Indians and they all went away. late in the evening Mr Pruden returned brought about 30 Made Beaver also the muddy river Indians brought 1511 Made Beaver."

Apr. 6
" Saturday Wind ESE a fresh breeze with clear warm weather. the Carpenters at their respective duties. Gilbert Laughton and one man bending Canoe timbers and the rest employed within doors. at noon an Indian man & his wife arrived brought seven Beaver Skins."

Apr. 7
" Sunday Wind variable light breezes with rain at times."

Apr. 8
" Monday Wind SW a fresh Breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. 6 men very ill one of Which is very weak. the Carpenters repairing one of the Boats built last Year & Calking one of the new ones the smith making nails for Ditto. John Park Making Kegs. Gilbert Laughton & John rofs Plaining splinters for Canoes and the rest variously employed. at noon 15 tents of Indians arrived on the other side from a Buffaloe pond where they have been most part of Winter and have not Got 30 Skins among the whole and not much provisions."

Apr. 9
" Tuesday Wind Westerly light Breeze Clear fine Weather. the men Employed as yesterday. traded some provisions, tents & Shoe Leather from the Indians that arrived on the other side yesterday. at noon an Indian arrived brought a few Beaver Skins."

Apr. 10
" Wednesday Wind Easterly a fresh breeze Clear Weather. the tradesmen employed as on the proceeding days. 5 men Still sick. the rest Carrying Ice to put into the Cellar. in the evening a young Indian arrived from the Northward for a Supply of Tobacco & Ammunition."

Apr. 11
" Thursday Wind Westerly weather as yesterday. at two in the morning sent 3 men with horse to those Indians where the Young Indian came from Yesterday and the rest employed about Various duty. received 30 fine Beaver from one of the free Canadians."

Apr. 12
" Friday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze with Cold Cloudy weather. the Carpenters Calking the Boats built last year. the smith making nails for Cealing, and the rest employed Picking Oakum and doing odd Jobs within Doors. in the Afternoon Mr Pruden & his party returned brought 130 Made Beaver in Beaver & Martins which was all he Could procure from 7 men."

Apr. 13
" Saturday Wind Variable fresh Breezes clear warm Weather. the tradesmen employed at their respective duties and the rest employed within doors. received eight Beaver from 2 Indians to Day."

Apr. 14
" Sunday Wind Southerly a fresh Breeze weather as yesterday. traded two tents from Indians on the other side & some of them pitched away."

Apr. 15
" Monday Wind WNW a fresh Breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. Gilbert Laughton, John Park & John Rofs bending timbers for Canoes. the smith, Carpenters & taylors employed at their respective duties. 7 men still of Duty. in the evening two Indians Arrived brought nothing one of those between 58 and 9 gave me a Cruel Stab in the inside of the left Knee which almost went through. the great lofs of blood has made me very weak and god knows how it will end. I had Given him a small qunatity of Liquor which I suppose he thought was not enough he laid hold of My Coat & would not let go untill he tore it for which I gave him a small tap on the side of the head and went out to be Clear of him, he followed me not Knowing he had a Knife. he asked me if I wanted to Die I asked him if he wanted to Kill me at which time he stabbed me."

Apr. 16
" Tuesday Wind WSW a fresh Breeze Clear weather. two men making up the old Canvas into sails for the Boats. sent 2 men to fetch a few Skins Belonging to one of those that came last night which returned in the afternoon brought about 50 Made Beaver. the rest variously employed Tradesmen excepted."

Apr. 17
" Wednesday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. the men variously Employed. in the afternoon the Indians arrived that Mr Pruden fetched the furs from."

Apr. 18
" Thursday little Wind Easterly Clear fine Weather. Gilbert Laughton & 2 men making Gunnels for Canoes. the Carpenters repairing the old boats the smith making nails for Ditto and the rest made 456 lbs pimmecan and did other small Jobs about the House."

Apr. 19
" Friday Wind WNW a fresh Breeze weather Cloudy with a little rain. the Boat & Canoe Builders employed as on the proceeding day. 9 men off Duty and the rest packed ten Bundles of furs. the prefs Broke which prevented them from packing any more untill a new one is erected."

Apr. 20
" Saturday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. the Boat Builders at their duty. Gilbert Laughton with some others errecting the prefs, and the rest packed a few bundles in the temperary prefs. most of the Indians having nothing to trade I therefore was induced to give them ammunition, Tobacco & Brandy with many other articles for nothing. this unnecefsary expence is occasioned by the great oppofsition. received a few Beaver & Swans from Indians."

Apr. 21
" Sunday Wind Westerly a moderate breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. in the evening received five small Geese from an Indian."

Apr. 22
" Monday Wind easterly a moderate Breeze with Cloudy weather. the Boat builders repairing the old boats. Gilbert Laughton, John Park & John Rofs laid the Bottom of a Canoe. five men still off duty and the rest employed at the prefs packed 48 bundles of furs."

Apr. 23
" Tuesday Wind NE a fresh gale with rain all last night and part of this Day. the men employed about odd Jobs within Doors. in the afternoon an Indian arrived brought nothing. at 5 PM Launched the two new boats put Stones into them and moored them off."

Apr. 24
" Wednesday Wind Southerly a moderate breeze weather Cloudy & Clear alternately. the Carpenters repairing the Boats. three men building a Canoe & the rest packed 48 bundles of furs. received one beaver and 2 Swans from Indians."

Apr. 25
" Thursday Wind SSW a fresh breeze weather as yesterday. those that are well employed as on the proceeding days. Packed 48 bundles of furs. at noon John Linklater arrived from Buckingham House brought the Disagreeable news of James Sutherland the Second from the Island of Burray having departed this life on the 18th of April and several others very Sickly."

Apr. 26
" Friday Wind NE a moderate Breeze Clear Weather. the men Employed as yesterday. Packed 48 Bundles of Furs."

Apr. 27
" Saturday Little Wind Westerly with Clear Weather. the men Employed as yesterday. Packed 34 Bundles of Furs. John Linklater set off for Buckingham House. received 3 Beaver a few Geese & Ducks from an Indian."

Apr. 28
" Sunday Wind NE a fresh Breeze Weather part Cloudy part Clear."

Apr. 29
" Monday Wind Variable Squally Weather with rain & Snow at times. the Boat & Canoe Builders employed at that duty. James Walter, John Ballanden, George Grutcher, Robert Yorston and Malcolm Groat still unable to do duty. 6 Men Gathering Pitch for the Inside of Canoes, the rest loading the boats with Stones to their loading Marks to keep them Tight as they draw but 4 Inches Water when light."

Apr. 30
" Tuesday Wind Northerly a fresh Gale with very cold Weather. the Blacksmith making nails for the Boats for the Voyage down. the Carpenters making Oars. the Canoe builders could do but little owing to the Cold Weather. the rest Gathering pitch and otherwise employed within doors."

May 1 1799
" Wednesday Wind SE a fresh Breeze Weather Cloudy & Clear Alternately. the men Employed as on the proceeding days. in the evening John Moar boat builder was taken very ill. a Strong frost last Night."

May 2
" Thursday Wind Southerly a Gentle breeze with fine Weather. 6 men unfit for duty. Gilbert Laughton, John Rofs & John Park with the afsistance of two more timbering & pitching Canoes in the Inside. the Smith making nails for the boats and the rest Variously Employed."

May 3
" Friday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze weather Clear & Cloudy Alternately. the Canoe Builders Smith and Carpenters Employed in their usual way. the rest that are well digging in the Garden. received part of a Bull Buffaloe and three Beaver Skins from Indians."

May 4
" Saturday Wind & Weather as Yesterday. five men Still unfit for duty the rest Employed as on the proceeding day. received four Swans & two Beaver from an Indian."

May 5
" Sunday Wind Southerly a fresh Breeze Weather for the most part Cloudy."

May 6
" Monday Wind & Weather as yesterday. five men Still unfit for Duty. the Smith making a pair of hinges for Gates, Gilbert Laughton and his party Working at Canoes, the Carpenters one of them very ill the other making steer Oars for the Boats, and the rest Variously Employed."

May 7
" Tuesday Wind Variable fresh Breezes with Cloudy Weather. 12 men planting Potatoes and the rest Employed as yesterday."

May 8
" Wednesday Wind SE a fresh Breeze Weather as before. Gilbert Laughton and his party building a Small Canoe for two Indian Guides intended for the Beaver River to Conduct Canoes to the red Deers Lake. the Smith making Nails for the Boats and the rest fitting boats Sails, Oars and Rigging."

May 9
" Thursday Wind Variable from SW to West Cold Weather with Showers of rain. the Canoe Builders Working at Canoes, the rest prepairing for Embarking. In the Evening received 60 Made Beaver from a bungee Indian 40 of Which was Credit."

May 10
" Friday Wind NE a fresh Breeze Cloudy and Clear alternately. Gilbert Laughton, John Park and John Rofs finished building 4 Large and one small Canoe. the Large 24 feet Long 4 feet Wide and 2 feet Deep, the Small one 18 feet long 2 1/2 Wide and 1 1/2 Deep. this Canoe is for two Indian Guides for an Intended Expedition in some other Quarter. in the forenoon Alexander Flet with 12 men arrived from Buckingham House to Afsist in taking down the Boats & Canoes. layed out the Cargoes for three Boats and one Canoe."

May 11
" Saturday Wind as Yesterday with mild weather. At 8 AM Embarked three Boats and one Canoe manned with 16 men loaded with 102 Bundles of furs & 32 Bags of provisions. two boats & 2 Canoes prepairing to Embark to Morrow God willing."

May 12
" Sunday Wind Easterly a small breeze with a heavy rain last Night and most part of the day. at noon received one Moose Deer from the Hunter."

May 13
" Monday Wind Westerly a Gentle Breeze Clear fine weather. at 7 Embarked two Boats & two Canoes manned with 13 men loaded with 90 Bundles of Furs and 26 Bags of provisions the rest packed 2 Bundles and Making ready to Embark in three days more."

May 14
" Tuesday Wind Variable light Breezes Clear weather. Inspected every Article of trading Goods in the Warehouse."

May 15
" Wednesday Wind Almost Calm Clear hot Weather. Inspected all Kinds of Stores."

May 16
" Thursday Wind Northerly first part Clear fine Weather latter part Cloudy and blowed fresh. at 9 AM Embarked nine men in two Canoes & one boat With the remainder of furs & provisions, having left the following Persons at Edmonton House, Viz. James Gaddy in Charge, John Moar Boat builder, Henry Spence, James Hay, James Folster, James Spence, John Forbest, Robert Garson, Thomas Bews, and Robert Flett their not being men to man the boats and Canoes induced me to take two men away that were to be left. the Scarcity of provisions at Edmonton House last Summer and no better prospects this, has Induced me to leave 2356 lbs Pimmecan."

May 17
" Friday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze with clear Weather. at five AM proceeded and at 7 PM put up a few miles above Buckingham House."

May 18
" Saturday Wind as Yesterday light Breezes with Showers of rain. At 5 AM arrived at Buckingham House, found all Well thank God. two men excepted which is Still Weakly but in a fair way of recovery. in the evening inspected the trading goods and Stores at this place."

May 19
" Sunday Wind NE a fresh Breeze Cloudy weather. divided the furs and provisions at this place amongst the Boats & Canoes which made 37 Bundles of furs for Each of the small Boats with 15 Bags of provisions and for each of the other four 43 Bundles of furs and 17 Bags of provisions, and no more than 5 men in large & 4 in the Small boats and 2 in each Canoe and many of them worn down with Sicknefs and unable to Work."

May 20
" Monday Wind Variable with Showers of rain. at half past 8 AM embarked 6 Boats and 6 Canoes, having left 8 men at Buckingham House Mr Pruden In charge Alexander Flet & 6 men more two Which could not embark being very weak."

May 21
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as yesterday. at 4 AM Embarked Six Boats & 6 Canoes and at 8 PM put up. Sailed part of the Day."

May 22
" Wednesday Wind Variable between SW & West fresh Gales with Showers of rain. at half past three AM we proceeded and at eight PM put up."

May 23
" Thursday Wind Westerly fresh Breezes with clear Weather. at half past 3 AM Proceeded as before till 8 PM then put up."

May 24
" Friday Wind NE a Gentle breeze with Clear hot Weather. at 4 AM we proceeded and at 7 PM put up."

May 25
" Saturday Wind NW weather as yesterday. at 4 AM Proceeded as before till noon then arrived at Carlton House found all well thank God."

May 26
" Sunday Wind Easterly a small Breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. at nine AM proceeded down the river as before till 8 PM then put ashore, at 9 put off again and went all night."

May 27
" Monday Wind in the east Quarter fresh breezes Cloudy Weather with Showers of rain. Continued going before the Current from nine last night till 7 PM then put ashore and at 9 put off again and went all night."

May 28
" Tuesday Wind WNW a fresh Breeze with clear Weather. at noon arrived at Cumberland House found all well thank God."

May 29
" Wednesday Wind & weather much the same as Yesterday. the Carpenter making Knees for one of the boats that was Broken on the pafsage Down. the Boat & Canoe men repairing their Sails and other rigging thereto belonging."

May 30
" Thursday Wind easterly a strong breeze Cloudy Weather with a little rain at times. the boat & Canoe men Employed as before. in the afternoon two Canadian Masters in a light Canoe with 6 men arrived from the Northward on their Journey down to the Great Carrying place."

May 31
" Friday Wind SE a fresh Gale with heavy rain through the day."

June 1 1799
" Saturday Wind between SW and W fresh Breezes Weather part Cloudy part Clear. Settled the men for the boats & Canoes the latter to embark to morrow God Willing."

June 2
" Sunday Wind NW a fresh Breeze weather as yesterday. some of the Canoes not being ready prevented them Embarking. at noon Mr William Linklater from one of the Churchill Inland Houses arrived here by order of Mr Stainer to Know the Conveyance by water between that & this also to get two old hands from this place which I am Sorry to say we can not Supply him with, having several Canoes left here for want of men to conduct them down."

June 3
" Monday Wind Northerly a strong gale with a Continual rain."

June 4
" Tuesday Wind NW a fresh Breeze Cloudy Weather. at half past 6 AM Embarked 10 Canoes manned with 20 men and loaded with 130 Bundles of Furs 228 lbs of provisions."

June 5
" Wednesday Wind NW a fresh Gale with Clear weather. the men prepairing to Embark with the Boats to morrow having Waited Several Days for William Dunnet, that is out with Indians. at seven PM 2 Indians with their families arrived brought 100 Made Beaver."

June 6
" Thursday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze Clear weather. the furs that came yesterday being Wet Prevented our Embarking."

June 7
" Friday Wind Variable light Breezes clear Weather. at 1/2 past 8 AM Embarked Six Boats loaded with 250 Bundles of furs and 4000 lbs Provisions manned with 35 men, having left Mr Fiddler with three men at Cumberland House. the two Indians that was going down got Lazy and returned Back."

June 8
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday at 3 AM Proceeded and rowed till 8 PM then put up a little short of Cedar Lake."

June 9
" SundayWind Easterly a fresh Breeze with clear Weather. at 3 AM proceeded till 9 then put ashore as it Blowed fresh. at noon put off again and rowed hard till half past 7 PM then put up a little more than half way acrofs the lake."

June 10
" Monday Wind & weather much the same. at 5 AM Proceeded and rowed hard against a head wind till a half past 5 PM then arrived at the great fall. at half past Eight got the Boats down to the Bason at the lower end of the Carrying place and at 10 Got the Cargoes all over the Carrying place."

June 11
" Tuesday Wind Variable light Breezes weather part Cloudy part Clear. at half past 4 AM loaded the boats & went down to the lower Bason where the Canoes were waiting. made no stop but proceeded through the Lake till past 8 PM then put up not being a proper Occasion to go all night. much Ice in places."

June 12
" Wednesday Wind NE a fresh Breeze with Cloudy Weather. being a head wind Could not proceed."

June 13
" Thursday Wind Variable light Breezes weather part Cloudy part Clear. at 3 AM Proceeded and rowed till 8 PM then got out of the lake and put up."

June 14
" Friday Wind Variable between SE and WSW with Cloudy weather. at half past 3 AM Proceeded and at 8 Came to the Jack River House. Mr Isham has been here all winter and never saw but 1 Indian Since last fall. this is one of Mr Colens fine trading Houses. it Certainly has been a very good house for his purpose and that of throwing goods away. at noon put off again rowed & Sailed till a half past 9 PM then got all over the Sea river Carrying place and put up a little below. embarked 6 men from Jack River."

June 15
" Saturday Wind Westerly a moderate Breeze Weather part Cloudy part Clear. At 3 AM embarked Rowed & sailed till Eight then Carried over eachewemames, and at half past nine PM then put up a mile below the Carrying place a very extraordinary days Work to be made by Boats."

June 16
" Sunday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze with Showers of rain at Intervals. at 4 AM proceeded and at 8 arrived at the White fall Carrying place got the furs & 4 Boats over by eight PM."

June 17
" Monday Wind NW a fresh Breeze till the Afternoon then Varied to the Eastward with Showers of rain. at 1/2 past 4 AM got the other two Boats Acrofs the Carrying place and proceeded to the hill Carrying place got the furs & Boats over by 8 PM the Canoes went away at 4 PM."

June 18
" Tuesday Wind SE a moderate breeze with Clear Weather. At 4 AM embarked rowed & sailed till 12 PM than arrived at Oxford House found Mr Will Sinclair & those with him all well and a very good house. Mr Sinclair has Exerted himself as far as he Could both in forwarding the building and Collecting what furs he could. the three Canoes that is here has made one trip from the rock and returned again with one of the Swan river Canoes having left the Other three here, the two Canoes that went to Jack River one of which was built last Season are both Destroyed through Carelefsnefs and Mr Isham with ten men waiting our arrival."

June 19
" Wednesday Wind Southerly a strong breeze weather for the most part Clear. unloaded the Boats & Canoes."

June 20
" Thursday Wind Westerly a Strong Breeze weather for the most part Clear. the Blowing weather prevented our Getting the Boats load with Stones and laid off as last year finding this Method to answer better than filling them of Water."

June 21
" Friday Wind as yesterday with Clear moderate weather. in the morning loaded the Boats with stones and put them to anchor in a safe place one Excepted which the Carpenter is to repair. at 2 PM Sent off Eight Canoes with furs for the rock manned with 32 men. in the evening Stowed away the remainder of the furs and boats rigging into the house and Got ready for Embarking to morrow God Willing."

June 22
" Saturday Wind NE a fresh Breeze with Clear weather. at five AM Embarked with Six Canoes for the rock House and have left Mag Twat & Several more to raft wood and build a Store house. Also have left Nichol Spence to repair the Boats. Paddled till a half past 8 PM than put up in the Knee Lake."

June 23
" Sunday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze weather as Yesterday. At half past 2 AM we proceeded & at 8 PM put up on the second Carrying place in Hill River."

June 24
" Monday Wind & Weather much the same as yesterday. at half past 3 AM We proceeded & in the Afternoon arrived at Gordon House where we found Mr John Ballanden and those with him all Well."

June 25
" Tuesday Wind Northerly a Small Breeze with rain in the forenoon, afterwards Cleared up. Sent of 4 Canoes for Oxford house with Goods and provisions, also sent one down to York for necefsary Stores wanted Inland, - being rendered unable to Conduct Inland Affairs by the wound I received on the 15th April which will I fear induce me to return to England. Should it please god to Spare me till the arrival of your honours Ship - the number of men whose times Expire this Year causes great confusion and few of them will agree to Your honours terms."

June 26
" Wednesday Wind NW a moderate Breeze with Showers of rain. the men bufsey taking up their Necefsaries out of the Warehouse."

June 27
" Thursday Wind as yesterday Clear fine Weather. Still Bufsey with the men."

June 28
" Friday Wind Variable Weather part Cloudy part Clear. laid out the Cargoes for Seven Canoes to embark to Morrow. find the men Very Difficult to please almost in every article. Chiefly Owing to their being too liberaly Supplied last fall and this Spring that made trips from this to Oxford House, the Brandy they Would not take being a Gallon for each Canoe, for the trip Because those that had made a trip this Spring had two Gallons Pr Man which I thought was too extravagant for ten or twelve Days and other provisions Were in proportion. I have served those out that are to return twelve Days provisions & one Gallon of Brandy for 4 Men, some few took it but others would not have it and went Without. Mr Balanden Set off for York Factory."

June 29
" Saturday Wind Westerly a small Breeze with Clear Weather. Embarked 7 Canoes and fitted out 6 more to go off to Morrow."

June 30
" Sunday Wind & Weather as Yesterday. at 7 AM Embarked Six Canoes for Oxford House with goods & provisions. at noon two Boats arrived from York With Goods."

July 1 1799
" Monday Wind in the NE Quarter first part foggy with rain latter Clear Weather. in the afternoon loaded the Boats ready for going off early in the morning."

July 2
" Tuesday Wind SW a fresh Breeze with clear weather. At 6 AM the Boats Embarked for York and at 3 PM Gilbert Laughton arrived from York brought a Cargoe of Goods & Stores but no provisions, rested part of the Cargoe here and sent eight Bales of Cloth & Blankets in lew."

July 3
" Wednesday Wind SW a moderate Breeze with warm weather till the evening afterwards a heavy rain Attended with thunder & Lightening. At 7 AM Gilbert Laughton Embarked for Inland Loaded with Brandy, Cloth, Blankets, Baize, and the useful articles of Stores wanted Inland."

July 4
" Thursday Wind Variable with thunder & rain towards evening."

July 5
" Friday Wind NW a fresh Breeze with Clear weather thundered & rained much in the night."

July 6
" Saturday Wind Easterly a moderate breeze with Clear weather. at 5 PM John Paplay & his party arrived from Oxford House brought 49 Bundles of furs Mr Hallet and Mr Sutherland Pafsangers."

July 7
" Sunday Wind ESE a Gentle Breeze with Clear hot Weather. fitted out John Paplay & party ready for Embarking to Morrow. he is an excellent Servant and very expeditious & Carefull."

July 8
" Monday Wind Variable with Clear hot Weather. at 5 AM embarked John Paplay & party for Oxford house. made up some packages for Swan River & Cumberland."

July 9
" Tuesday Wind SW a fresh Breeze weather as yesterday."

July 10
" Wedensday Wind Southerly a fresh Breeze with much thunder & rain towards evening."

July 11
" Thursday Wind Variable Weather part Cloudy part Clear With rain at times."

July 12
" Friday Wind Vaiable from W to N a fresh breeze Cloudy Weather, with rain at times. at 11 AM Seven Canoes returned from Oxford House brought 89 Bundles of Furs, the Bad Weather they have had has prevented them from arriving Sooner."

July 13
" Saturday Wind Easterly with thick rainey Weather all Day."

July 14
" Sunday Wind as Yesterday a moderate Breeze with Clear fine Weather. The Canoes detained here for want of provisions, no provisions being sent up by the boats last trip is very hurtfull in forwarding Businefs and the People half Starved."

July 15
" Monday Wind Variable fresh Breezes with Clear hot Weather. Sent 6 men Down the river to look for the Boats. at 3 PM Returned and Informs they were coming. at five they arrived brought sundry packages of Trading goods with provisions for this place and 24 bags of Oatmeal and 45 lbs of Flour for Inland."

July 16
" Tuesday Wind SW a small breeze with fine Weather. laid out Cargoes for 6 Canoes & Served the men their provisions, also loaded the Boats with furs ready to embark to morrow."

July 17
" Wedensday Wind and weather as yesterday. embarked three Boats & one Canoe loaded with furs for York. also embarked with 6 Canoes for Oxford House. Could not load them deep as the water has fallen off very much being 2 feet Lefs than it was three weeks ago. paddled & Carried till 7 PM then put up."

July 18
" Thursday Wind WSW a fresh breeze with very hot weather. at 3 AM embarked paddled handed & Carried till 7 PM then put up four miles through the swampy Lake. At 3 PM met John Paplay and his party on their Journey down Loaded with 55 bundles of Furs being all that remained."

July 19
" Friday Wind Variable Light Breezes with hot weather attended with very heavy Thunder & Lightening which set the woods on fire on both Sides of the lake some of which was not half Mile from us. at 3 AM we proceeded paddled & sailed till half past 8 PM then put up half way through Maskechewan or Knee Lake."

July 20
" Saturday Wind Variable from WSW to NW Light breezes with very hot weather. at 3 AM we proceeded paddled handed & Carried till 7 PM then arrived at Oxford House Where we found Mr Sinclair & those with him all well and have got a very good Storehouse built to laying the floors painting? & Covering with Bark. I must say their is a wide difference between gordon house & this. the former is a dirty hole not fit to put goods into but the latter will do Credit both to men & Master."

July 21
" Sunday Wind in the North Quarter a fresh breeze Cloudy weather with rain most part of the day. at 7 AM 2 Canoes arrived also late in the evening the Other three came."

July 22
" Monday Wind Northerly a moderate Breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. Served out 20 men their provisions and other necefsaries and laid out Cargoes for 2 Boats the other two oblidged to Leave here for want of men to man them."

July 23
" Tuesday Wind Variable between East & SE a Gentle Breeze with fine weather. at 7 AM embarked two boats for the upper Settlements, also sent 2 Canoes to bring the Stores and Trading goods from Jack river these have orders to Afsist the Boats over the Hill & white fall Carrying places."

July 24
" Wednesday Wind variable from SE to West first part Clear latter Cloudy with a little rain. inspected the trading goods and provisions left here."

July 25
" Thursday Wind Variable light breezes with rain at times. at five AM embarked five light Canoes for Gordon House paddled till 8 PM then put up half through the Knee Lake."

July 26
" Friday Wind WSW a gentle Breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. At 4 AM embarked Sailed & paddled till a half past 7 PM then put up 10 Miles down hill river."

July 27
" Saturday Wind variable almost Calm with clear hot weather. at 4 AM we proceeded paddled & Carried till 2 PM then arrived at Gordon House."

July 28
" Sunday Wind in the South Quarter light breezes with hot weather. at half past 4 AM embarked with 4 Canoes for York with the remainder of the furs nine bundles excepted which I left for 2 light Canoes which is to Come down about 10th of next month. paddled till half past 8 PM then put up four miles below steel river."

July 29
" Monday Wind SE a fresh breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear. at 3 AM we proceeded and paddled till 2 PM then arrived at York Factory found Mr Ballanden and all at York well. At 7 AM Met three canoes on their Journey to gordon House but their being no prefsing occafsion for their Going I therefore took them back on Expectation of being able to engage some of the men to go to Swan river."

"William Tomison"


" The Copy of a letter Sent to Mr Joseph Colen York Factory

At the Head of Trout river 10th July 1798
Dear Sir
We embarked from the Rock on the first Inst. at five PM with five Canoes having sent off 10 Canoes before and left seven to come away to morrow as they did not wish to go off so late. we Continued going on very smartly untill the 6th at 4 PM when we arrived at the place with some others that worked Sharply. some arrived the next day and the rest on the day following; it being Saturday & Sunday when most of the men arrived little Could be done in regard to the Building but the worst of all some of those that return Grumbled about the provisions, namely on account of the present Mood I have preserved in regard to that Article which is as follows finding their was not a sufficient Quantity to divide equally for want of Bags induced me to put it into the Canoes as nearly as it could be done without Dividing, & to eat out of the stock untill this day when I ordered every Canoe to bring in the remains which Some brought with Great reluctance, others brought it freely. I then served out to those that returns Flour to 3 men 18 lbs, Oatmeal 2 Gallons, Barley 1 Gallon, Rice 1/2 Gallon, every thing else having been expended before they came here. the remainder I Divided amongst those who proceed Inland which came to each mans Share as follows Flour 25 lbs, oatmeal 3 Gallons & 1 Quart, Barley 1 Gallon, Rice 1/2 Gallon & their Still remains 200 lbs Flour, 9 Gallons of rice, 5 Gallons of Barley & 24 Gallons of Oatmeal which is to be Divided between the 4 Houses up the Saskechawen River, so that you need not put yourself to the trouble of sending any up of those Necefsaries. - Sir, as you know that the Afsortment of Goods now sent is the worst ever sent Inland, I have therefore to make the best out of the worst, have taken all up the river Saskechawen one Canoe Excepted which I have sent to Jack River & have returned 15 Canoes from this place 3 I have along with the Boats which is Absolutly necefsary & 3 remains here. Could do nothing towards the building more then to bring 50 pieces of Wood and by the account of those in our absence, have Cut down 80 more which is not brought. you will please to send up by those that Come up Saskechawan Cloth blue Cn, red Com., red fine, Guns 3 1/2 feet 4 Cases, 3 feet 4 Cases, Powder 9 Kegs, Sugar loaf 60 lbs, Brown 120 lbs, no Brandy nor Rum, and Stores that you find Indented for which is not sent; Paint White 1 Gallon Keg, red 1 Gallon, and Lintseed oil 2 Gallons and Blankets 3 point 50, 2 1/2, 30. Have sent the package Book Expences furs traded & Goods remaining at Edmonton House. So Conclude with wishing you an early and Safe Arrival of the Ship, and Remains
Dear Sir
Your Very Humble
Servant
William Tomison."


" The Copy of letter received from Mr Wm Sinclair Nov. 16th 1798

Dear Sir
Mr Oman and party arrived here the 25 Inst. the latenefs of the season together with a great fall of snow and all appearance of a very timely fall Obliged Mr Oman to leave the two thirds of the Cargoe at this Settlement many of the Bundles is got a little wet. one ? of Spencers Twist is very much Damaged and am afraid part of it will be lost. - the house built is Called Oxford House its length 42 feet by 24 Width as I got no orders to Build a house of lenth or Breadth. I was entirely at a lofs how to act but I Flatter myself that which I have done will meet Your Approbation - The goods left here I shall take care that no wet shall get near them while they remain here, but if they are got any Damage on their pafsage before they arrived here - I hope it will not be laid to my Carelefsnefs or neglect.
I remain
Dear Sir
Your Obt. Humble Servt.
William Sinclair
Oxford House 26th Sept. 1798."


" The Copy of A Letter Received from Mr Peter Fidler Nov. 16th 1798

Cumberland House 16th Oct. 1798
Dear Sir
Mefs Oman & Pruden only arrived here yesterday in 4 Canoes from the Factory which place they left the 11th September. the unparralled Severity of the weather and the early setting in of the fall occasioned their leaving all the trading goods at Oxford House at the head of trout river. they only brought here 3 Bundles of goods 2 of Which consists entirely of mens things 1 Keg of powder 1 Keg of Liquor 1 Roll of Tobacco & 2 Cases Guns which was all the Cargoe the 4 Canoes brought up. - Their is not a net Line Brought up tho particularly Indented for. what we Shall do for want of them the Insuing Winter I know not as their is not one here either to overhaul a net or line it with - Their are neither Blankets or Cloth here to supply the few natives that are about this place therefore am under the necefsity of Keeping the only bundle of Cloth that was brought up which is fine light blue tho at the same time the natives prefer the Common Kind. I am therefore under the necefsity of sending Mr Oman & 3 men in a Canoe to Mr Bird for Blankets, Cloth &c in case he can supply us. Indeed if he cannot the trade of this place will very much suffer for want of those articles. Mr Pruden with 3 Canoes & 12 men accompanies Mr Oman up the river they are to proceed forward to the upper Settlements. To Conclude with wishing you a good Trade and remains
Your Most Obedient Humble Servant P. Fiddler."


" The Copy of a Letter from Mr Mitchel Oman Nov. 16th 1798

Cumberland House 17th Oct. 1798
Dear Sir
The safe but Late arrival of the Honble Companys Ship Commanded by Capt. John Richards, I used all the means you told me but I could not get the things equal to my wishes. Mr Colen took our Canoes from us and Loaded them so that they were Broke more than either you or any person has Known. - In short the goods that we Left at Oxford house is all spoiled and the snow was 14 Inches on the ground and the Lake (Holy) was part Froze over. I did not think of Getting up but meant to endeavour to the last moment the Canoes was so Broken that their was no pofsibility of getting the cargoe up Safe. You and I never saw the like before, I understand that Mr Fidler has got neither Cloth Blankets &c and I was told at the Factory that their was more goods sent Inland then would be used in 2 Years. James Sandisons Canoe was so much Broke that I was Obliged to leave her for that, She would not Float an Hour and we picked up one that had been thrown away by you. - the Goods before mentioned I told Mr Sinclair to Open & Dry because you nor I have never Known such, so much damaged. Wishing You health and a good Trade & remain
Your Humble Servt.
Mitchel Oman."


" The Copy of a Letter Received from Mr James Bird Nov. 16th 1798

Setting River October 31st 1798
Dear Sir
Mr Pruden with 16 men in 4 Canoes (one of which came from Cumberland House for goods but was prevented from returning by the Ice) Carrying three pieces of trading goods arrived at Carleton House 23 Inst. and on the 24th 3 Canoes embarked for this place but was stopped by the Ice a little above the mouth of the Branch river, Where we left every thing with 2 Men to take care of it & proceeded by land.
Its unecefsary for me to Inform you that we are in want of Several articles of Trading goods particularly Cloth Blankets awls Steels Gun worms &c Mr Fidler is also very much in want of the? same? articles of Trading goods and others, a part that he writes for we can supply him with, I shall detain his men here till I hear from Buckingham House (as I imagine he will not be much in want of them as he has still 5 men at Cumberland House) in case you should think proper to send down any Cloth or Blankets. - I have left James Sandison in Charge of Carleton House with a few men. I imagine their will be no Furs to be had there than Wolves - there are very few Indians at this place save bungees. we were made to expect several from above but they are not yet arrived. - I intend sending up 4 Men but as they Cannot take any thing with them have sent only 2 with Mr Pruden & Lent them a horse to Carry the packet &c. there are only two Bundles & a Keg here (the Contents of Which you will see in the Invoice which is Sent you) Should you think proper to send for them. - I have Kept here 6 yards of Flannel a roll of Tobacco & a pad Lock. Carleton House remains is Inclosed in the trunk with the Letters. we will also be Short of powder & Spirits for the Summer nothing will be got here but by running out to the Indian tents which will be very expensive. The new Company have built 5 Miles above this so that I suppose I shall be under the necefsity of Keeping a Couple of men beside them in a tent all the Winter.
I Remain Sir
Your Obedient
Humble Servant
James Bird."


" The Copy of a Letter sent to Mr Henry Hallet

Edmonton House 25th Nov.
Dear Sir
By the arrival of Mr Pruden on the 16th Inst. I received your Kind favour of the 13th which gave me pleasure to hear you and those under your direction was in good health & plenty of Food. thank god for Health but as to provisions we have been in a Starving Condition ever since our arrival at this place not being able to serve half Allowance and their is no likelyhood of its mending and had it not been for the garden Stuff it Would have been much worse.
I have sent down five packages of Trading goods which you will endeavour to forward to Mr Ja. Bird will all pofsible speed as he is in want of them not having received those articles by the fall Canoes as was expected Owing to the early season and the Bad Canoes they were fitted out with, which induced them to leave the goods at the head of Trout river.
I have sent down the list of Indian Debts which is more for a guide to you not to trust them any more than any expectation of you Being able to get any part of them. have also Sent 48 firesteels & 60 Awl Blades and 12 Gun Worms and any thing you want that is here you will please to send for it. the men now sent Down Stays till those return that you send down to Mr Bird. To Conclude with wishing Succefs to the Companys Affairs Health and a pleasant Winter to You and Remains
Dear Sir
Your very Humble
Servant
William Tomison.
P.S. I Have sent you a runlet of Gunpowder, No. 31. and you will be particular in sending up your last years remains by the first Conveyance."


" The Copy of a letter sent to Mr James Bird

Edmonton House 25th Nov. 1798
Dear Sir
By the arrival of Mr Pruden on the 16th of November I was favoured with your Kind Letter of the 31st of October by which I was happy to hear you and all under your Direction was in good health which Blefsing we enjoy here thank God.
We arrived at Buckingham house the 3rd of September and stopped till the 6th then embarking for this place where we arrived the 11th found all Well but like the other house not any provisions of any Kind & most of the men was out of provisions last night, and since that I have never experienced so miserable a time since I have Known Inland and no prospect of its mending. while the Indians was Coming & Going in the fall we made a Kind of living, but since they drew off to their Wintering Ground we have been very ill of and had it not been for the garden Stuff it would have been much Worse.
I am sorry to hear the early season has prevented you from receiving the necefsary articles of trading goods expected by the return of the fall Canoes from York which will be hurtfull to trade. my wish was to have Supplied all the houses as I pafsed but the afsortment was not Sufficient to Supply all. I therefore thought it best to Serve the farthest off first as Cumberland & Carleton Houses would be much easier Supplied in the fall than the upper Settlements.
I have sent down to Buckingham House to be forwarded to you the following Articles of trading goods Viz. Cloth red Corded Yards 21 1/2, Aurora 22, Awl blades 48, fire Steels 48 and Gun worms 12, not a gun Worm came up this Season and have not given one to an Indian since my Arrival. their Was only half pound of Wire remained here, which was enough for 48 and is 12 for each house as to hats their is not enough for this place and what is, is of little use being so small as not to fit a boy of ten years of Age. Blankets Large 6 which is all that can be Spared indeed Were the Beaver as plenty as they were 7 Years ago the Cloth & Blankets received this Year indeed would have been little enough for this place, but present their is little prospect of a trade here. So Conclude With wishing Succefs to the Companys Affairs, health & a pleasant Winter to you and all under your Direction and Remains
Dear Sir
Your Very Humble Servant
Willm Tomison
P.S. the two large Blankets Belonging Mr Pruden is to be Charged to Your Account & I pay him for them."


" The Copy of a letter sent to Mr Peter Fidler

Edmonton House Nov. 25th 1798
Dear Sir
By the Arrival of Mr Pruden on the 16th of November I received your Kind favour of the 16th of Oct. Which gave me pleasure to hear you and those under your direction was in good health which blefsing thank god we enjoy here.
We arrived at Buckingham House on the third of September where we staid till the sixth making out an afsortment of Goods. We then embarked for this place where We arrived on the 11th found all Well but no provisions of any Kind and since that have never Experienced a more miserable time for that Article since I have Know Inland. While the Indians was Coming & Going we made a sort of living but since they drew off to their Wintering Ground it has been miserable.
I am sorry to hear the early season has prevented you from receiving the necefsary Articles of Stores & trading goods wanted at Cumberland house which I wished to have supplied on pafsing that place but the Afsortment we had with us was not sufficient to supply all therefore I thought it best to Serve the farthest off first, as Cumberland & Carleton Houses Would be much easier Supplied in the fall than the upper Settlements. I have sent to Buckingham house to be forwarded to you the following Articles Viz. Cloth blue Corded yards 21 3/4, Blankets large 6, Hatchets Middling 12, Gun worms 12, Awl Blades 48 Which is all that can be spared. indeed had their been Beaver as formerly all that came here would not have been Sufficient. So Conclude with Wishing Succefs to the Companys affairs health & happinefs to you and all under your direction and remains
Dear Sir
Your Obedient Humble
Servant
William Tomison
P.S. I have also sent you 36 fire Steels."


" The Copy of a letter Received from Mr Ja. Bird Feberuary 12th 1799

Setting River Jan. 6th 1799
Dear Sir
By the arrival of 3 men from Buckingham House on the 28th Ult. I received your letter as also the goods you were Kind enough to send us.
I am sorry to Inform you that we are utterly Disappointed in our hopes that by building here we Should be able to prevail with at least a part of the Indians to hunt the Beaver; Save the Bungees all without exception are hunting in the plains, Killing Buffaloe for themselves to eat & Catching a few Wolves. they have not even hitherto made any dried provisions so that I am apprehensive that we shall not be able to procure the usual Quantity (Should our Stock of Goods admit of it) particularly as the Canadians are Said to have a house at the nut? Lake (which is nearly at an equal distance from Carleton House red Deers & Swan Rivers) which will probably cut most of the Stone Indians that used to Visit Carleton House. - Our Trade here only Consists of 450 MB (300 of which is wolves) nor can we even hope that it will Increase much, as most of the Indians are going off to a pound where they are Afsembling in order to form a War party early in the Spring. - I have not heard from Carleton House since the 10 Ult. but they cannot have more Summer Trade included than about 500 MB. - No Cumberland house Indians had arrived there.
Be Kind enough to let me Know should an Opportunity Offer if you wish us to remain here (Should Circumstances admit of our leaving the place Sooner) till you arrive as it will be Necefsary for us to be together if pofsible in order to get the new Canoes Made. I Remain
Sir
Your Obedient
Humble Servant
James Bird."


" The Copy of a letter Received from Mr Ja. Bird July 12 1799

Oxford House July 7th 1799
Dear Sir
I arrived here the 5th Inst. tho part of the Canoes did not arrive till yesterday.
I have endeavoured to engage the men who were here but without effect. none of them were willing to enter into Contract at this place save Hendry Budge but I believe some of them will be willing to return from Gordon House. indeed it is absolutely necefsary that some should be hired there otherwise it will be Impofsible to man even three more Boats - Nicholas Spence is willing to return inland for one year at the wages allowed him and as he is so necefsary a man I have Kept him here to finish the oars &c and go up with the next Boats unlefs you should think it Improper to accept of his services for a single year Only.
I have Inclosed an account of the provisions that are here from Which you will perceive that we shall have very little more Oatmeal than will be Necefsary to fit out the two boats and Six Canoes but their will be a tolerable Quantity of Flour &c remaining for the next Boats.
I imagine we shall be ready to go off on Tuesday or Wednesday next if Gilbert Laughton arrives in time.
I remain Sir
Your Obedient
Humble Servant
James Bird."


" The Copy of A Letter received from Mr John Ballanden the 15th of July 1799

York Factory 8th July 1799
Dr. Sir
On the 5th Instant in the afternoon the Mercury & Charlotte Boats arrived with their Cargoes in good Condition Since Which time I have done my utmost to Collect such articles as you requested and are now sent as pr List Inclosed also a Winters Stock of provisions for Mr Whitford and the men that may remain With him at gordon house. - Am in hopes that the Large Quantity I have sent up, a great Share of it will remain for next Spring as the Boats going up at that time are more loaded with that article than any thing else.
I have been much puzzled to Man the Boats having very few men at the factory and out of that few four are in the Surgeons list, however ever thing is ready for the Boats Setting off to Morrow morning.
Am Sorry to Inform you that York Warehouse are as empty of goods of every Description as it was ever Known But as you will have an Opportunity of Inspecting them Shall not dwell on a Disagreeable subject.
Wishing a happy Sight of you at York and those Gentlemen that Intends Visiting it I Remain
Dear Sir
Your Obt. Humble Servant
John Ballanden."


" The Copy of a letter sent Mr James Bird

Oxford House 23 July 1799
Dear Sir
On the 20th Instant we arrived here being the fourth day from the rock. the Canoes was detained here from the 12th to the 17th by the boats not Arriving Sooner on account of Bad Weather, I could not load the Canoes so much as useual by reason of the Water having fallen off very much. I have only been able to man two Boats for want of men which will hardly be Sufficient to draw them over the Carrying places Notwithstanding I have put Magnus Twat & James Vollen? Cooper extra men to afsist on the Carrying places. - I have loaded them with the most necefsary goods wanted to the best of my Judgment but the packages being large I could not send the number of pieces as Ufual there not being room to stow them. I have been Oblidged to serve those men a little more provisions than You did on account of their having Eat up a good part of their Country provisions here, thank god I have the pleasure to Inform you that I am much better then When you left me, You Will receive Inclosed the Invoice of Goods Mens Debts &c. So Conclude Wishing Succefs to the Companys Affairs a plasant pafsage to Your Wintering ground and remain
Dear Sir
Your very Humble Servant
William Tomison."


" The Copy of a Letter received from Mr John Ballanden July 29th 1799

York Fort July 27th 1799
Dear Sir
The Boats & Canoes with their Cargoes arrived Safe and am at present employed getting the furs packed. it Gives me great concern to find the provisions run Short this Season in serving out the men for their Journey Inland as one third more was sent up to the rock than was ever Known in any one year. I have dispatched John paplay & eleven men in three Canoes with as much Flour Oatmeal &c as it is in my power to Spare or they can at present Convey the water being very Shoal for loaded Canoes - This Supply will I hope in a great Measure prevent Grumbling among the men particularly those that may be employed Making trips Between Oxford house and the Rock.
You mention Mr Longmoor having a Wish to resume his former Station at Swan river. I have persuaded him all in my power not to neglect the present Opportunity but to return as fast as pofsible so as to gain time before the Canadians arrives in his Quarter, but to no effect Will he be prevailed upon to go back until Shiptime - As Mr Longmoors goods for Swan river Lays at Gordon House I have done my utmost to engage men to Carry it thither but the few men that arrived will not be prevailed upon, one or two excepted as their time is expired & their determination is for England - Halcro Mr Longmoors Pilot pofsitively refused having hurt himself on his Journey down - As you will have an Opportunity of Seeing the men I sincerely wish you Will Settle this point particularly as I left all the papers respecting Settling with the men with you when I left Gordon House. I have also to request that you will before your arrival Settle the number of Canoes that is to Make trips between Oxford House & the rock - Wishing a happy Syght of you and all that Intends Visiting York.
I remain
With respect Dear Sir
Your Obedt. Servant
John Ballanden."


" The Copy of a Letter Sent to Mr John Ballanden

29th July 1799
Dear Sir
At half past 6 this morning Your Kind favour I received with pleasure to hear the Boats and Canoes had arrived with their Cargoes safe and in good Condition. Sir My reason for taking the three Canoes back are as follows in the first place they were much nearer to this than the rock. Secondly no Canoes being sent to Swan river and some of the men from that place being in Company induced me to bring them Back as their present Cargoes will serve the next Canoes that may go up as I imagine you Cannot spare much more provisions at present but what they have with them.
Dear Sir) I will Allow you have Sent a great Quantity of provisions to Gordon House this Season but you Will please to Consider the number of men and the Quantity expended at Gordon House as also that served out to those who make trips to the head of trout river. I can assure what was received at Oxford House is not embefsled or made wantonly away with. I must acknowledge the men would not be able to work the Boats to Cumberland House on the allowance served out to them was it not for the Country provisions they Carry down. Flour, Oatmeal, barley and Rice are all very good in their Kind but when men that labours so hard as they do, comes to live upon that only it Cannot be Called good living. there is a true account of what provisions remains at Oxford House as also at Gordon House brought down for Your Inspection. I am Sorry to find Mr Longmoor Cannot be prevailed upon to go to Swan river before the Ship Arrives as that may be too late. I understood he did not mean to do so When he left the rock, he having had what dry goods was wanted for that place already packed before we parted. I did all in my power to engage the men whose time are out but none of them Could be prevailed upon but Edward Tomison, Oman Northquoy & George Robertson, the former I have engaged to take care of Oxford House in Mr Sinclair's Absence as he Wishes to come down to York to Settle Matters.
I Remain with Due respect
Dear Sir
Your very Humble
Servant
William Tomison."



1M49 B.60/a/4

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