" Edmonton House Journal
Commencing June 30th 1799
Ending July 9th 1800"



" A Diary of the Transactions & Occurances at Edmonton House & on the Pafsage from & too Gordon House by Mr James Bird."

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June 30 1799
" Sunday A fresh breeze Westerly clear Weather. At 7 AM Embarked with Six canoes in company. - Encamped at the burnt wood carrying place."

" The Copy of a letter arrived from Mr John Ballanden
Gordon House June 27th 1799
Mr James Bird
Sir
Mr Tomison being unable to resume his former Station Inland on account of the accident which has lately so unfortunately befallen him. You are hereby authorized and directed to proceed Inland and to take charge of all the Settlements in that quarter now subordinate to York which? You are to supply as far as in your power with a proper Afsortment of Trading goods & other Necefsaries suitable to, and required? to the Several Stations.
Mr Longmoor not choosing to return to Swan River, Mr Howse is appointed to take the command in his room being every way qualified and generally appears? as a fit person for that Station. I have however been given to understand that the Honble Companys Servants may be made advantageously employed in some other ? ?. this Matter I reccomend? to your ? however? if you should ultimately be of this Oppinion ? ? ? to withdraw them from swan river and to dispose of them in such other Way as you shall conceive the most likely to be beneficial to the Honble Company and in this case you will appoint Mr Howse to some other Settlements where he may have a better opportunity of Employing his Abilities for the Companys Interest.
When you arrive at Cumberland House you are to dispatch Six canoes to the northward as Mr Tomison Intended to have done had he been able to have returned to Cumberland House. Two of those canoes are to be Stationed in the Beaver River and the other four to proceed up it to the red Deers Lake. Mr Peter Fiddler is deemed the most proper person to conduct this undertaking & Mr Pruden should be sent from Buckingham House to Afsist him. as to the other Houses prudence will direct you whom to put in charge.
Expedition will be required to gain Cumberland House before the Canadians arrive on account of the Indian guides that stay there and Whom Mr Tomison intended to have brought down with him out of their way had they been agreeable to have followed him. - Should Circumstances not allow you to forward two? Boats with ? Canoes? immediately on your arrival at Oxford House you will Neverthelefs dispatch as much goods as pofsible you can?. Your own Discretion will point out to you such other Steps as Shall be necefsary for the Attainment of the desired end.
You are to act Conformably to these Instructions till the orders of the Honble Committee be more particularly communicated to me on this subject, always observing to adopt such plans & take such measures as Shall be most conducive to the Interest of our Honourable Employers.
Wishing you every Succefs
I remain Sir
Your Obt. Humble Servant
Sighned William Tomison
John Ballanden"

July 1 1799
" Monday A fresh gale NW with rain at times. At 5 AM Embarked & at 6 PM Encamped on the last Carrying place in hill river."

July 2
" Tuesday A fresh breeze NW clear Weather. At 4 AM Embarked. Encamped on the long carrying place in Jack River."

July 3
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes Variable with rain in the Afternoon. At 6 AM embarked Carried & paddled till 3? PM when a gale of wind from SW accompanied with rain oblidged us to put ashore on an Island in the Knee Lake."

July 4
" Thursday A Strong gale NW cloudy Weather with showers of rain. At 8? AM embarked paddled & Sailed till 7 PM then encamped. Found here seven canoes which left gordon House the 29th Ult. pafsed 4 Canoes windBound which are going to Gordon House."

July 5
" Friday A fresh Breeze NW clear weather. At 4 AM embarked paddled & Carried &c till 4 PM when we arrived at Oxford House."

July 6
" Saturday A fresh Breeze Ely part clear part Cloudy Weather. Employed Settling the men & giving them provisions &c who are to return to gordon House. Two Canoes we had left Behind arrived."

July 7
" Sunday Light airs variable Weather as yesterday."

July 8
" Monday Wind & Weather as yesterday. At 7 AM twenty five men embarked in 7 Canoes loaded with furs for Gordon House. - Employed Settling the men and giving which? provisions &c who are to proceed inland."

" Copy of a letter Sent to Mr Wm. Tomison
Oxford House July 8th 1799
Sir
We arrived here the fifth Inst. tho part of the Canoes did not arrive till yesterday.
I Endeavoured to engage the men whose times are Expired but none of them will enter into Contract at this place save Henry Budge though I Beleive some of them will be willing to return from gordon House. indeed its absolutely necefsary that some should be engaged there otherwise it will be impofsible to man even three more Boats from this place - Nicholas Spence is willing to return inland at the wages allowed him for one year & as he is so necefsary a man I have Kept him here to finish the oars &c and accompany the next Boats up unlefs you should think it improper to accept of his Services for a Single year.
I have enclosed an account of the provisions that are here from which you will perceive that we shall have little oatmeal more than will fit out the two Boats & 6 Canoes but that their will be a tolerable Quantity of Flour Still Remaining.
Sir Your Most Obt. Servt.
signed James Bird."

July 9
" Tuesday A fresh Breeze SE Cloudy Weather. Employed afsorting Cargoes for the Boats & Canoes &c."

July 10
" Wednesday A fresh Breeze ESE Cloud Weather with heavy Showers of rain. At 7 AM embarked with two Boats & Six Canoes in Company together Carrying upwards of 200 pieces of Trading goods for Cumberland House. rowed Sailed & Carried till 7 PM then encamped on the upper carrying place in Wippinapanis River."

July 11
" Thursday A fresh gale NW with rain. At 4 AM embarked but? to the rain Oblidged us to put ashore. At 12 again embarked rowed &c all day and encamped at 8 PM on the Hill Carrying place."

July 12
" Friday A fresh gale NW cloudy cold weather. At 4 AM the men began to carry & by twelve the Boats were over the Carrying place we then embarked and arrived at the white fall at 4 PM."

July 13
" Saturday Light Breeze NW with Showers of rain. Men employed carrying goods & hauling Boats over the carrying place."

July 14
" Sunday A fresh Breeze NE Cloudy weather with a little rain. At 4 AM embarked paddled & Carried till 4 PM then put up at a Beaver dam in Echewemamis to allow the water time to go down before us."

July 15
" Monday light airs variable clear sultry weather. repaired the Beaver dam, and at 7 AM embarked paddled Carried and repaired Beaver dams to keep a sufficiency of water in the river for the next Boats. At 7 PM encamped."

July 16
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as yesterday. At 3 AM embarked and encamped at 7 PM near the head of sea river."

July 17
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as before. At 3 AM embarked. at 7 Arrived at Jack river House. - At 12 OClock we set off again took Hugh Sabeston & John Budge with us. the former to accompany Mr Fidler to Beaver river & the latter to afsist in enabling us to take up 2 Canoes from Cumberland House in case the Canadians may have built above Edmonton House & it should prove impractical to follow them with Boats. Encamped in play green lake near lake Winnipeg."

July 18
" Thursday Fresh Breezes SE clear hot weather. At 4 AM embarked Sailed & rowed till 10 PM then encamped on a small Island in lake Winipeg."

July 19
" Friday Wind and weather as yesterday. At 4 AM embarked rowed & paddled &c till 10 PM then encamped in Sight of the great rapid."

July 20
" Saturday Light Breezes NW Cloudy Weather with rain in the afternoon. At 4 AM embarked and at 7 arrived at the Bottom of the rapid. At 8 one Boat & five canoes all lightened sett off up the fall, returned and went up again with the remaining part of their Cargoes. The Boatmen arrived again at the Bottom of the fall."

July 21
" Sunday A fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy Weather inclinable ? to rain. At 5 AM one canoe arrived from the Carrying place to afsist up with the Boats Cargoes. & at 7 set off up the rapid with the Boat in Company. at 10 arrived at the Carrying place."

July 22
" Monday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Men Employed carrying & hauling the Boats over the Carrying place."

July 23
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze NE Clear Weather. At 4 AM embarked tracked rowed Sailed & Carried till 9 PM then encamped at the narrow of the Cedar lake the Canoes in Company."

July 24
" Wednesday AM Light Breezes SE PM A fresh Breeze Ely part Clear part Cloudy weather. At 3 AM embarked Sailed & rowed till 8 PM then encamped a little Beyond the Cedar lake. Canoes in Company."

July 25
" Thursday A fresh Breeze NE clear Weather. At 4 AM embarked, Sailed, rowed, handed & Carried till 9 PM then encamped in Saskatchawan river. Canoes in head."

July 26
" Friday light airs variable part Clear part Cloudy Sultry Weather. At 4 AM embarked rowed till 7 PM then encamped. Canoes Still in head."

July 27
" Saturday Wind and weather as yesterday. At 4 AM embarked rowed till 8 PM then encamped a little below Busquiau. Canoes in head."

July 28
" Sunday AM fresh Breezes SE clear Weather PM ? with heavy Showers of rain thunder & lightening."

July 29
" Monday A Strong gale NW Cloudy Weather with showers of rain. At 4 AM embarked rowed till 8 PM then encamped at the mouth of the little? river."

July 30
" Tuesday A Strong gale W to NW cloudy weather with showers of rain. At 3 AM embarked rowed & tracked till 4 PM when we arrived in sight of Cumberland House when the wind oblidged us to remain. at 5 PM unloaded a Boat & sett off for Cumberland House where we arrived at 8 & had the pleasure to find Mr Fidler & men all well."

July 31
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze northerly Cloudy weather. At 4 AM the canoes & boats arrived."

" The Copy of a letter received from Mr Pruden

Buckingham House June 17th 1799
Sir
I embrace Opportunity of informing you how affairs are going on in this quarter. In the first place there are six Canadians in a Canoe belonging the NW Company gone up the river near to the edge of the Stonney? Mountain to build a house which I understand is about 30 Days Journey from Edmonton. Also three more Canadians with some Indians went by land to a place the Indians Call the ? Track which is a long narrow place that leads down to the river, Opposite to where they are going to build. 2ndly Mr King went from Edmonton House with 2 men and made a ? round the Summer Berry river fell in with all the Bungee and Ottaway? Indians and took them all to red Deers lake where they mean to winter as far as I understand by Mr King who pafsed here this morning from that Quarter and is gone down to the House they are building which is near the turtle Creek on the South Side of the Turtle Creek on the south side of the river where he remains till the fall.
We have had a very quiet summer so far not an Indian nigh us but our Hunter and one more. the Indians that was here when the Craft left this place, are gone down to where the french is building and seven more tents of Edmonton House Indians pafsed by this place on the south side of the river and going below to thieve Horses from the Indians of the Touchwood Mountain and is to return back in the fall so I Suppose you will see something of them on your ?.
As their is no Indian to be got here to Pilot into the Red Deers Lake will oblidge me to send Alex Flett to Edmonton House and get their Hunter for a pilot as he is perfectly Auquainted with the road.
Mr Ducett? the little? Companys Master pafsed here the 1st June and I think by what he said he ? ? going to build higer up the river till the Fall.
As their is nothing more particular to relate to you I will remain with Wishing an Early Sight of You.
Your Obdt. Humble Servant
John Peter Pruden."

Aug. 1 1799
" Thursday A fresh Breeze SE Clear Weather. Ordered the Steersmen appointed by Mr Tomison to go to Beaver river to get themselves & Canoes in readinefs to Embark as soon as pofsible, but the Greater part of them declare that they are absolutely determined not to go whatever may be the Consequence, the Others tell us that they will Comply with our orders if we give them additional wages but not otherwise. We have explained to them the punishment they must necefsairly expect from so absolute a denial of their duty & such a flagrant breach of Contracts but this last they tell us is a mere matter of ? & Can have no effect; further since they have already drawn their Wages out of the Honble Companys hands It therefore only remains for your Honours to make such an example of them as will ensure obedience from all the rest on this establishment for the future ? Should these escape with impunity. - the little ? that has been (but very lately) happily established will be ? subverted and it will consequently be utterly impofsible to carry on your Honours concerns in this part with any degree of vigour."

Aug. 2
" Friday A light Breeze SW part Clear part Cloudy weather. Employed packing up an afsortment of Goods for Beaver river."

Aug. 3
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Employed settling men for three canoes &c for to go to Beaver river. these are all we are capable of fitting out the principal part of the men obstinately refusing to go nor could we even have got men for three had not Mr Isham sensible of the difficulties we laboured under Volantirely offered his services to steer one of the Canoes."

Aug. 4
" Sunday Wind & weather as yesterday. Getting every thing ready for embarking to Morrow."

Aug. 5
" Monday a fresh Breeze NW Clear Sultry weather. At 9 AM Mefs Fidler & Isham with ten men & an Indian pilot embarked in three canoes Carrying? ? pieces Trading goods for to make a Settlement in Beaver river & at 10 I embarked with two Boats & three Canoes. left John Irvin, Benjamin Bruce & Magnus Tate (who not only obstinately refuse going to Beaver river themselves but have made use of every artifice in their power to prevent others) at Cumberland house with orders to go down to York. rowed till 8 PM then encamped."

Aug. 6
" Tuesday light airs Westerly clear hot Weather. At 4 AM embarked rowed tracked &c till 7 PM then encamped."

" Copy of a letter left at Cumberland House to be sent to Mr Tomison & Council York Fort.

Cumberland House Aug. 5th 1799
Gent.
After a pleasant pafsage Mefs Bird, Houfse & Isham arrived here the 30th Ult.
Soon after their arrival we gave orders to the men Appointed by Mr Tomison to accompany Mr Fidler to get themselves and Canoes in readinefs to go to Beaver river, the greater part of them absolutely refused let the Consequences be what it might; Those who have principally distinguished themselves on this Occasion are the following John Irvin, Benj. Bruce & Magnus Tate whom we have sent down to the factory as deserving in our oppinion ? exemplary Punishment, the two former more especially as they have not only denied duty themselves but have practised every artifice to seduce others to follow their Example. There are two others that are alike guilty Viz. Alex Gun & Geo. Goudie? but as their influence with the men has not been so great and from other prudential Motives we have thought proper to detain them neverthelefs we have no Doubt that you will acquiesce with us in considering them as highly meriting punishment as severe as a heavy fine can inflict.
With our utmost Exertions we are unable to man more than three Canoes nor should we have accomplished this had not Mr Isham who perceived the Difficulties we were labouring under stepped forward & Voluntarily offered his services in Steering a Canoe to Beaver river and afterwards to come acrofs land to Buckingham House.
You will naturally conceive from what has happened that our Situation has been extremly unpleasant and that it has proved to us a Source of the greatest disappointment and vexation. We have made use of every effect? in our power to recall the men to a sense of their Duty, we have remonstrated with them on the impropriety of their Behaviour we have Conceded every thing that could with ? be attended to and we have ? given? them our Strongest Afsurances that such a representation should be made to the Honble Committee of the more laborious? Duty they had to undergo as would Doubtlefs procure them a suitable advance of Wages, on the other hand we have stated them the consequences that must inevitably answer (Dismifsal from the service & Forfeiture of Wages) if they should still persist in their denial of duty; but our endeavours have been utterly ineffective & it now only remains to take such Steps as may most Effectually serve to moderate that Mutinous Disposition which has indeed several times manifested itself in a Smaller Degree but has now Broken loose with such unexampled Voilence.
In the present situation of the Honble Companys affairs and under the existing Circumstances in particular we are fully persuaded you will concur in oppinion with us that this is a most important Crisis, it were supperfluous in us to say that it demands no incosiderable share of Attention. we are confident you feel too much Interested in the prosperity of the Honble Companys concerns not to bestow on it that Mature Deliberation so eventful and? ? ? you cannot ? to ? that? every servant on this establishment of Whatever Description he anxiously awaits the Ifsue.
Positive orders have been given to those men and they have as positively refused to Obey; your Conduct on this Occasion will either insure the obedience of servants with all its beneficial? Consequences or convince them that they may with impunity Contemn? the rains? of their Superiors & thus be not only an insuperable Obstacle to further Improvement in the management of the Honble Company's affairs but a foundation of irretrievable mischief.
Now will be Indisputably decided? this Simple yet as it seems undetermined question which of the two is esteemed the more probable method of advancing the Interest of our Honble Employers whether to carry into Execution a plan suggested by an Experienced & Vigilant Officer undertaken by one not lefs active & enterprizing aided by the prompt Obedience of his men or Whether it be an implicit submifsion to the will of the servants & Supinely to adapt or relinquish such schemes as they may think proper to approve or reject. Now will all know whether for the future the servant is to comply with the orders of his master or the master to act under the immediate Direction & ? of his Servants.
We cannot but feel a little concerned for the men Who have displayed so unusual a degree of Obstinacy on this Occasion who have rejected our proffered Indulgences and act so Directly in Opposition to our repeated admonetions; yet neverthelefs we hope that they will not through an ill timed Lenity? have further reason to Believe what they now Confidently afsert that their Contracts are void & of no effect; but loosing sight of the Individual & keeping a steady eye on the Interest of our Honble Employers we are persuaded you will take such measures as shall for the future support the officer in his authority and preserve such a degree of Subordination as Shall avert the ruinous and often times irremediable consequences attending a state of General disobediance.
We must not omit to reccomend to your notice Joseph Lewis for his very laudable Beheaviour on this occafsion he having from the beginning exprefsed his readinefs to go wherever he should Be sent notwithstanding he thereby exposed himself to the resentment of the rest of his fellow Servants who it seems had form'd a Combination in the most determined manner to oppose any orders that might be Ifsued for the expedition to Beaver river & we beg leave to exprefs our hope that the Honble Committee will reward him for his very singular & Meritorious Conduct.
In Compliance with the wishes of Mr Tomisons we have endeavoured to prevail on Mr Richards to return into the Honble Companys Service and have suceeded. we agree to allow him thirty pounds for this year as an Interpreter and to go to Indians Occasionly for which he is every way fully Qualified. He hopes the Honble Company will allow him 40 £ pr annum for three years to Commence from 1800. If the 6 Canoes had gone to Beaver river we intended that he should accompany Mr Fidler to the red Deers lake and we have still hopes of being able to send him accrofs with goods &c by land from Buckingham House.
We Have received a letter from Mr Pruden dated the 22nd of June 1799 in which he informs us that they were then all very well and that they had then seen no Indians since the Boats left that place in the spring. He also Informs us that the Canadians are gone to Build two houses near thirty Days above Edmonton House one by the river at the foot of the stoney mountain and the other to the northward at a place called the Wolfes Track. he had not been able to get a guide to go acrofs to the red Deers Lake but Intended to send for the Hunter from Edmonton House who says is a very good one. wishing you an Early Ship time We remain Gent. Your Obt Humble Servt.
? J. Bird - P. Fidler - J. Howse"


" The Copy of a letter Sent to Mr William Sinclair

Edmonton House Aug. 6th 1799
Sir
The Bearers are three men who were appointed by Mr Tomison and accordingly ordered by me to go to Beaver river but Absolutely refuse to go. You will therefore please to send them on to the Factory & forward the letters &c to Mr Tomison.
I remain Sir
Your Humble Servant
James Bird."

Aug. 7
" Wednesday A fresh Breeze Westerly Clear hot Weather. at 4 AM embarked rowed tracked &c till 7 PM then encamped. - Pafsed a tent of Bungee Indians from whom we traded a little meat &c."

Aug. 8
" Thursday Light Breezes variable part Clear part Cloudy Weather with Showers of rain. At 4 AM embarked rowed & Tracked till 7 PM then encamped. Pafsed a tent of Cumberland House Indians. Traded a little Dried meat &c from them."

Aug. 9
" Friday Light Breezes Wly Clear hot Weather. At 4 AM embarked rowed tracked &c till 7 PM then encamped."

Aug. 10
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday. at 4 AM embarked tracked till 7 PM then encamped a little above the Nippowin."

Aug. 11
" Sunday Wind and weather as before. at 4 AM embarked tracked till 7 PM then encamped."

Aug. 12
" Monday Wind & weather as before. at 4 AM embarked tracked till 4 PM when we arrived at Carleton House & had the satisfaction to find James Sandison & men all well."

Aug. 13
" Tuesday A fresh gale NW AM Cloudy weather with rain, PM Clear. Left a few pieces of Goods exchanged some men who were unwell and at 11 AM embarked tracked till 7 PM then encamped."

Aug. 14
" Wednesday A fresh Breeze NW Clear weather. At 4 AM embarked tracked till 7 PM then encamped a little below the Carp river."

Aug. 15
" Thursday early a thick Fog afterwards light airs Ely Clear weather. At 5 AM embarked tracked & rowed till half past 7 PM then encamped near Setting river house."

Aug. 16
" Friday A fresh Breeze Ely clear weather. at 4 AM embarked rowed Sailed & tracked till 7 PM then encamped a little way above hudsons House. Met 2 Canadians from the upper Settlements in their way to Carleton House who Delivered us the following letter from Mr Pruden."

" The Copy of a letter received from Mr Pruden

Buckingham House August 10th 1799
Sir
A Canadian they name the Little Wolf that is going down to meet the Canoes gives me an opportunity of informing you how affairs is going on in this quarter. Alex Flett has been on discovery to the red Deers Lake from Edmonton House but has returned without succefs, the Bogs & Woods being so bad that he was oblidged to return Short. The NW Companys men that was sent to build a House at the stonney mountain returned in the first part of the Summer. they were sent off again with Strict orders to build and a few days ago they all Came back bag & baggage. the reason of this I cannot properly tell but they seem to say that the Southerd Indians is against it & that there is no provisions to be got there but they are Determined to build there when their Canoes arrive. There has been but a few Swampy Ground Stone Indians & the little old man with his family & the Big Bastard that is tenting with him in here since the Craft left this in the spring.
None of the Blackgards that used to visit this place every Summer has been seen yet and now we don't expect them as the time of the Year is past.
We have all pafsed a very good Summer here getting plenty to eat & no Indians to molest us in the least.
Having nothing more Particular to acquiant you of I remain with wishing an Early sight of you
Your Obt. Humble Servant
John Peter Pruden."

Aug. 17
" Saturday A Fresh Breeze SE Clear hot weather. at 5 AM embarked rowed tracked &c till 7 PM then encamped. killed Several Buffaloe."

Aug. 18
" Sunday Light breezes SE clear hot Weather. at 5 AM embarked rowed tracked &c till 7 PM then encamped. at 11 AM John Irvin Magnus Tate & Ben Bruice who having absolutely refused to go to Beaver river as ordered, I had left at Cumberland House with orders to return to the Factory overtook us & Delivered me the following letter from Mr Joseph Howse."

" The Copy of a letter received from Mr J. Howse

Cumberland House Aug. 9th 1799
Dear Sir
It will doubtlefs be a matter of Surprise to you to see the Bearers of this letter Viz. John Irvin, Ben Bruice & Magnus Tate who were left with me in order to their going to the Factory; but when you understand how I am at present situated I Flatter Myself you will approve the step I have taken.
Yesterday arrived here two Canoes from the grand portage which are (as I am Informed) part of a large fleet fitted out there this Season and are now on their way to this Quarter for the first Time. These you will observe are a separate Concern from that of last Year who likewise will soon make their appearance here.
This then being the case and the men before alluded to having positively refused to go to the Factory it appears to me that at any rate they will be more serviceable even up the Seskechewan which is the only place they Consent to go to than they can pofsibly be here having Been put off Duty several days in Consequence of their Disobedience, indeed under any Circumstances almost their Services can very well be dispensed with at this place.
An Application on their part to Mr McGillivray to enter into? their employ is an occurance too that has its weight with me. Notwithstanding Mr McGillivray's polite Compliance with my wishes that he would decline engaging them till the arrival of the rest of the Gentlemen of the North West Company.
Having too great reason to think (from the Conversation I have had with Mr McGillivray) that their services would be readily accepted, I take this opportunity of sending them off in the interim by which I propose to myself two efsential points Viz. the Honble Companys reaping the Benefit of their Services this year, and the next Summer the Chief & council will be enabled by having them in their Custody to send them to England if such a step forward Should be Deem'd Necefsary.
I have sent by them the few goods that are left here and have ordered them to be as expeditious as pofsible.
Wishing their safe arrival I remain
Dear Sir
Your Most Obt. Servant
Joseph Howse."

Aug. 19
" Monday AM a fresh Breeze NE afterwards calm Clear Weather. At haf past 4 PM embarked Sailed rowed & tracked till 7 PM then encamped."

Aug. 20
" Tuesday A fresh gale Ely part Clear part Cloudy weather. At 4 AM embarked Sailed & rowed &c till 7 PM then Encamped."

Aug. 21
" Wednesday A fresh Breeze SW clear Weather. At 5 AM embarked rowed & tracked &c till 7 PM then encamped near? Battle river. Pafsed 13 Tents of Southerd Indians from whom we traded a little Leather, dried provisions & a few Beaver Skins. They say they Intend wintering & hunting Beaver (with 4 More tents of Indians who are near the Canadian House at Turtle river) in and about the eagle Hill."

Aug. 22
" Thursday AM a fresh breeze SE afterwards SW Clear Weather. At 5 AM embarked Sailed tracked & rowed till 8 PM then encamped at the canadian House Turtle river."

Aug. 23
" Friday A fresh Breeze SW clear Weather. at 5 AM embarked tracked & rowed till 8 PM then encamped a little Below Manchester House."

Aug. 24
" Saturday Light airs SE? Clear Weather. At 5 AM Embarked rowed tracked &c till 7 PM then encamped. sent one Canoe to proceed on as fast as pofsible to Buckingham House with orders for Mr Pruden to send for Horses from Edmonton House as fast as pofsible to afsist in Conveying goods to Red Deers Lake &c."

Aug. 25
" Sunday Light airs SE clear Weather. At 5 AM embarked tracked till 7 PM then Encamped Killed 1 Cow Buffalo."

Aug. 26
" Monday A fresh Breeze Wly Clear Weather. At 5 AM Embarked tracked till 11 when we were oblidged to put ashore & repair a Boat. at 4 PM Sett off again & tracked till 7."

Aug. 27
" Tuesday Wind & weather as yesterday. at 5 AM embarked tracked till 5 PM then encamped to fetch the meat of a Cow Buffalo."

Aug. 28
" Wednesday Light Breezes variable with heavy showrs of rain. At 5 PM found Mr Pruden who was come on Horseback to meet us."

Aug. 29
" Thursday A fresh Breeze Wly Clear Weather. At 5 AM the Canoes & Boats embarked & at 6 set off with Mr Pruden on horseback for the House where we arrived at 10? PM. the Canoes & Boats arrived."

Aug. 30
" Friday Wind & weather as yesterday. Employed getting an afsortment of goods ready to send to Red Deers Lake."

Aug. 31
" Saturday Light Breezes variable clear weather. Some men employed Carrying their Canoes to a lake about 3 Miles from the House; in order to proceed to red Deers Lake; Sent off one man and an Indian for the green Lake. The men belonging to the Boats getting ready to embark to Morrow & the rest variously employed"

" Copy of a Letter Sent to Mr Fidler

Buckingham House Aug. 30th 1799
Dr Sir
After having a pleasant pafsage we arrived here yesterday & had the pleasure to find Mr Pruden & all with him very well.
The men who so obstinatly refused to go to Beaver river were as determined not to return to the Factory and on being therefore told by Mr Howse that they were no longer on duty or Considered as the Companys Servants immediatly made application to the Canadians to be admitted into their service. as these would have readily received them Mr Howse very prudently gave them a Canoe & Cargoe and sent them after us. - They now consent to go acrofs from this place to the red Deers Lake with canoes & goods. the Quantity they will be able to take with the afsistance of Horses will I hope be sufficient to serve at least till more can be Conveyed to you in winter. - It is therefore necefsary for you to leave some person at the green lake till Mr Pruden can be sent to that place & set off as quick as pofsible to meet these people where they will fall into the Beaver river; Three Free Canadians who arrived here from Red Deers Lake (with fifteen packs of Beaver which they have left here and which they wish to sell for cash or a Bill on the Honble Company) have undertaken to Conduct our men by water to that place.
I remain Sir
Yours &c
J. Bird"

Sept. 1 1799
" Sunday Wind & weather as yesterday."

Sept. 2
" Monday A fresh Breeze NW part Clear part Cloudy weather. Nine men with Horses carrying their things and Canoes to a Lake 8? Miles from the House. fifteen embarked in the Boats for Edmonton House & the rest Variously employed. An Indian & one man with a boy arrived from Edmonton House with Horses."

Sept. 3
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Sent off 4 Men with 4 Horses accomanied by Mr Richards loaded with 26 pieces of goods &c which they are to Carry to the moose Lake from where the Canoes can Convey it to red Deers Lake. the men who went away yesterday arrived for the remainder of their things. Sent off one man in a small Canoe to Meet Mr Hallett with the following letter."

" The Copy of a letter sent to Mr Hallett
Buckingham House Sept. 3rd 1799
Sir
As there are a great number of Southerd Indians many of them our traders & best Hunters who Intend wintering near the turtle river it will be necefsary for you to remain their with men and a proper afsortment of goods & build a House.
By the Bearer (James Rofs) I have sent down what Stores I imagine you will be in want off that can be Spared from this place & will send you Horses &c ? they return from Moose Lake. - Keep what men & Goods you may think Necefsary & send the rest up with the Boats if pofsible as it will be inconvenient to have them repaired there.
Sir
Yours &c
James Bird."

Sept. 4
" Wednesday Wind & weather as before. Early AM nine men set off to proceed with the Canoes & their own things to Moose Lake there to receive their Cargoes & embark for Beaver river Where they will meet Mr Fidler & then proceed on for Red Deers Lake. - Sent Mr Pruden on Horseback to accompany them as far as Moose Lake & there deliver them their Cargoes &c. at 11 4 Men arrived from Edmonton House with Horses & at 1 PM Embarked with 4 Men in one Canoe for Edmonton House.
I have desired Mr Pruden to set off for the green Lake directly after he shall hear from Mr Fidler or the Indian? returns from Green Lake and leave Alex Flett in Charge of Buckingham House."

Sept. 5
" Thursday Wind and Weather as before. At 4 AM Embarked tracked till 7 PM then encamped. pafsed 2 tents of Canadians."

Sept. 6
" Friday A fresh Breeze Sly Clear weather. at 5 AM Embarked tracked till 7 PM then Encamped."

Sept. 7
" Saturday A fresh Breeze Wly Clear weather. At 5 AM Embarked tracked till 7 PM then encamped - Met a man who was sent from Buckingham House to inform us that Mr McDonald of NWC had arrived there the 5th Inst. & that he intends going to build near the Rocky Mountain."

Sept. 8
" Sunday Wind & weather as yesterday. at 5 AM embarked and at 10 Arrived at Edmonton House found James Gaddy & the men with him all very well; Found here a small Quantity of provisions & about 200 Made B. in Furs. The Boats had arrived about 2 hours before us. At 2 PM Mr Hallett & Alex Flett arrived from Buckingham House, Mr Hallett left two Boats on their way to Buckingham House near Manchester House from whence he came to this place on Horseback."

Sept. 9
" Monday Wind & weather as before."

" The Copy of a letter received from Mr Tomison

Oxford House July 23rd 1799
Dear Sir
On the 20th Inst. we arrived here being the fourth day from the rock. the Canoes was Detained there 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 usual 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 Twatt & James belzian? Cooper Extra men to afsist on the Carrying places. I have loaded them with the most necefsary goods wanted to the best of my Judgement, but the packages being large I Could not send the number of pieces as usual there not being room to Store 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 say I am much better than when you left me. have sent the Invoice of goods mens Debts &c &c So Conclude with wishing succefs to the Companys affairs a pleasant pafsage to your wintering ground & remains, Dear Sir
Your very Humble Servant
William Tomison."

Sept. 10
" Tuesday A fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather. Employed making preparations for proceeding towards towards the Stonney mountain &c &c. at 2 PM Mr Hallett & Alex Flett embarked in a small Canoe with a few articles of Trading goods &c for Buckingham House from whence Mr Hallett is to proceed with a Boat & an afsortment of goods to the Turtle river & there Settle a House."

Sept. 11
" Wednesday A fresh Breeze NW Cloudy weather. Sent off three men with Horses (belonging to the men who are to Winter at Turtle river) for Buckingham House, four to fetch Horses, Sixteen getting ready to go off in one Boat & Canoe to Build near the Stoney Mountain & the rest variously employed. Some Southerd Indians arrived. Two Muddy river Indians also arrived for Tobacco."

Sept. 12
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Sent off 4 Men in a Canoe to accompany the Canadians to where they are going to build near the Stonney Mountain. nine getting ready to embark in a boat to Morrow & The res. variously Employed. the Muddy river Indians went away & some Stone Indians arrived, traded & Went away."

Sept. 13
" Friday A fresh Breeze NW Clear Weather. At 8 AM nine men? embarked in a boat loaded with 30 pieces of Trading goods to proceed up the river to Where the Canadians intend building near the Stoney Mountain."

Sept. 14
" Saturday A fresh Breeze Westerly Cloudy Weather. at 3 PM Set off with three men three Indian Hunters & Horses in Company with the Canadians towards the Stoney Mountain rode till 8 PM then encamped. The very Bad accounts we have received of the Country we are going to Settle has induced me to take such a number of Hunters, some Canadians who went up to build last Summer after remaining there near a month were reduced to the necefsity of returning to this place for want of provisions; and the Indians give us equally alarming accounts telling us it will be impofsible for us to subsist."

Sept. 15
" Sunday A fresh gale NW With Showers of rain. At 7 AM We set off and at 2 PM encamped at side of a small river after having Come about 20 Miles. Some Muddy river Indians in Company."

Sept 16
" Monday A fresh Gale weather as yesterday. At 7 AM set off rode till 1 PM then Encamped on a Branch of the Fighting River. Pafsed 6 Tents of Southerd Indians."

Sept. 17
" Tuesday A fresh Breeze Wly part Clear part Cloudy Weather. at 7 AM set off & at 2 PM encamped on the Banks of the Fighting River. - The muddy river Indians went on."

Sept. 18
" Wednesday A Strong gale NW with heavy showrs of Snow. The Banks of the red Deer river in view at 7 AM we set off & at 10 Encamped. sent the Indians on hunting and they killed us a female Wood Buffalo. In the evening three Tents of Muddy river Indians arrived on their way to Edmonton House, but they now intend to accompany us up to where we Build & to wait the arrival of the Canoes & return from thence to their Tents."

Sept. 19
" Thursday Light airs Nly clear weather. at 7 AM we set off rode till 2 PM then encamped at the side of a small river Called the Wolf river. the Muddy river Indians encamped with us."

Sept. 20
" Friday Wind & weather as yesterday. at 7 AM we set off and at 10 the snowy Summit of the Stony Mountain with? vast heaps of white Clouds appeared in view presenting to our Sight (as the Sun shone full on) the Most grand & romantic scenes. rode on till 12 then Encamped with ten tents of Blood & Sufsew Indians. The Muddy river Indians in Company."

Sept. 21
" Saturday Light airs Westerly Cloudy weather with some small showrs of rain. At 7 AM we set off rode on till 3 PM then Encamped. our Hunters brought us part of the meat of 2 Wood Buffalo."

Sept. 22
" Sunday Wind & weather as yesterday. Remained here all day to rest the Horses. our Hunters went a Hunting but returned in the evening without Succefs."

Sept. 23
" Monday A light Breeze Wly Clear Weather. at 7 AM we set off & at 11 Encamped on the Banks of a Branch of the Saskatchewan river."

Sept. 24
" Tuesday Wind & weather as yesterday. at 7 AM we set off & at 9 arrived at the side of the Saskatchewan river, rode acrofs and encamped near the place where we intend building. the Muddy river Indians Tenting with us; our Hunters killed a Moose Deer & a Cow Buffalo."

Sept. 25
" Wednesday A light breeze Clear warm Weather by day but amazing Cold nights which we attribute to the vicinity of the Mountain that appears quite near us though by the Indians account is at least thirty or forty miles distance. From what little we have yet seen of this part of the Country it is far from appearing so bad as represented to us, though very Different from the agreeable plains below here now nothing can be seen but the gloomy tops of pines till the rocky Mountain (whose Icy Summits seem to pierce the Sky) intercepts the view."

Sept. 26
" Thursday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men employed as yesterday. At 4 PM four Canadian Canoes arrived & brought me a letter from our men in the Canoe I had Sent to accompany the the Canadians in which they inform me that they were no longer able to accompany the canadians or to come much farther at any rate without afsistance that one of their Number is entirely lame, that their tracking line breaks so frequently as to endanger their lives and the Canoe Cargoe, that the river ever since the 16th Inst. has been one continued rapid almost without intermifsion and that it is their oppinion that the Boat will not be able to get even so far as they then were. the Canadians give us much the same account and it is further corroborated by the appearance of the river here. I may Consequently almost venture to Conclude that it will be impofsible to navigate this part of the river to any advantage at this season of the year with boats, or at least large boats so far up as this, and it may become necefsary to go further hereafter, for should the Canadians fail in bringing in the Cotta na has? Indians to this place, they will remove still further up; into the Stoney Mountain if necefsary which is an enterprize that can be undertaken during the High water in Summer only, nor then without Canoes & able men; Beaver are said to be numerous in the Country of the Cotta na ha's & nothing will prevent the Canadians getting part of them. the hopes of immediate gain is a strong encouragement to them, they have every requisite for undertakings of this kind, plenty of Goods, Canoes, & able men ready to second all their enterprizes however dangerous or laborious. Sent one man and an Indian on horseback down the river to meet our people with a line to afsist them and? the rest of the men employed as before; our Hunters brought some part of a red Deer."

Sept. 27
" Friday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Mens employ the same."

Sept. 28
" Saturday A light Breeze NW Cloudy Weather. Men employed as before. one man arrived from the Boat & Canoe he says he left them this morning & supposes that they will arrive to morrow."

Sept. 29
" Sunday A fresh Breeze NE Cold weather with rain."

Sept. 30
" Monday A light Breeze NE Clear Weather. at 10 AM the four Men in the Canoe arrived & at twelve the boat arrived also all safe. they all agree in representing the river very bad & almost impofsible to be Navigated so far as this with heavy boats and that it is with the utmost Difficulty they have now arrived after 18 Days of Most laborious work."

Oct. 1 1799
" Tuesday Wind & weather as yesterday. the men who arrived yesterday resting themselves, the res variously Employed."

Oct. 2
" Wednesday A fresh breeze Nly Cold Weather. Three? men employed sawing & the rest falling wood for building."

Oct. 3
" Thursday A fresh Breeze Nly Cold weather with snow. Men Employed as yesterday, Three Muddy river Indians arrived with a few Beaver & two or three Beaver Skins."

Oct. 4
" Friday A fresh breeze Nly Cloudy Cold weather. Men employed as before, all the muddy river Indians went away. Made the Muddy river Indian Chief some small presents & promised him larger in case he can succeed in bringing the Cottanahas? Indians to this place with Beaver, he promised to do every thing in his power but whether he will succeed or not time only can determin. Two Indian young men arrived from Edmonton House with letters from Mefs Fidler, Hallett, Pruden & Gaddy & Flett by which I am Informed that the Canadians are building a House between this and Edmonton House & that there is some reason to apprehend their building Between Edmonton & Buckingham house which is opposite where the principal part of the Southerd Indians intend wintering."

" The Copy of A letter from Mr Fidler.
Bolsover House 8th Sept. 1799
Dear Sir
By the arrival of Hugh gibson? and the Indian man on the 3rd Inst. I received your agreeable favour and was happy to hear that you found all well up the Saskatchewan river.
We arrived here the 3rd Inst. and ever since we have been very badly off for provisions - never having more than 1 Duck pr Man a Day - Shall set off to the red Deers Lake this day (leaving Hugh Sabeston in Charge untill Mr Pruden arrives) with three men in a Canoe without a days allowance of Meat and without a pilot, as we could not by any means engage one to Conduct us there all the Indians in this Quarter being frightened of the Bungees, so that we shall have both to hunt & Group our way there.
Shot, Orrice Lace & Hatchets are much wanted here of the former their is only one bag and the latter not one that the Indians will take, they are all too Small for Cutting open the Beaver houses with.
The pilot that was engaged to conduct us to this place knew not any part of the road from Cumberland untill we arrived into Isle a la Crofse Lake. Mr Auld & Linklater winters there and lower down in this river with three Boats & 1 Canoe.
Our return from this Quarter I doubt will not be great this Year as we are entire Strangers and all the Indians being so accustomed to the Canadians. Wishing you every happinefs & a good Trade I remain
Dr Sir
Your Humble Servant
P. Fidler."

Oct. 5
" Saturday light airs Nly clear Cold weather, Ice Driving in the river. Employed getting ready to return to Edmonton House as my presence seems to be no longer Necefsary here. the amazing bad accounts we had received of this place both from Indians & Canadians occasioned my coming up in case any difficulties should have taken place. Men employed as before."

Oct. 6
" Sunday Wind & weather as yesterday. sent one man & three Indians (who arrived on friday) with Horses by land and at 11 AM embarked with three men & an Indian in a Canoe for Edmonton House. Paddled till 6 PM then encamped near the north Branch, the distance we have now come down a most rapid stream in the Course of 7 Hours took the men in the Boat as many days to go up, and indeed it is almost surprising how they Could pofsibly tug a large heavy Boat through such a Continual succefsion of rapids nor would they have done it had it not been for the sprited perseverance & abilities? of the Steersman Gilbert Laughton. So therefore my intention to have a Couple of large canoes built & left inland for Carrying up goods to this place in future."

Oct. 7
" Monday A fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy weather. at 6 AM embarked paddled with a most rapid Current till 6 PM then encamped in Company with a Canadian Canoe which we overtook."

Oct. 8
" Tuesday Wind & weather as yesterday. At 6 AM embarked and at 2 PM pafsed a House the Canadians are building principally for a few swampy ground stone Indians & to draw the other little Companys after them that they may be weakened as much as pofsible. at 6 PM encamped, the river not quite so rapid as before. Killed a red Deer. Met a Canoe of the NWC going up to the above place with goods."

Oct. 9
" Wednesday A fresh gale NW Cloudy weather. at 6 AM embarked Paddled with a gentle Current & now and then a strong rapid till 7 PM then encamped. Killed a Doe red Deer. Met a Canoe belonging ogilby & Co. with a very few pieces of goods going to build at the above house."

Oct. 10
" Thursday A light Breeze Nly Cloudy Weather. at 6 AM embarked and at 10 arrived at Edmonton House found Mr Isham & Gaddy with men all well & a Mr McKenzie for Forsith & Co. from the Firm of ?n,Ellis & Co London with 4 Canoes building a House a little below us. Two Canoes have arrived for the other new Co. (Ogilby & Co.) and 2 more are expected so that we are 4 Strong parties at a place that will not furnish good Furs to load the Canoes belonging to one."

Oct. 11
" Friday Wind & weather as yesterday men variously employed."

Oct. 12
" Saturday Wind and weather as before. men variously employed."

Oct. 13
" Sunday A light Breeze Ely with thick snow."

Oct. 14
" Monday A fresh breeze Ely part Clear part Cloudy weather. Sent 3 men to fetch home hay 2 men Sawing & making Small kegs 1 afsisting the Boat Carpenters. Blacksmith making Boat Nails, Taylor making small Coats for Trade and the rest employed falling fire wood."

Oct. 15
" Tuesday A fresh Breeze NE with drizzling rain. Men employed as yesterday."

Oct. 16
" Wednesday A light Breeze Ely Cloudy warm weather. Men Variously Employed."

Oct. 17
" Thursday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men employed as before."

Oct. 18
" Friday A light Breeze Wly part Cloudy part Clear fine Weather. Men Employed as before. a man Came home from the Hunters with meat, and returned to his tent."

Oct. 19
" Saturday A fresh Breeze NW Cloudy weather, men Variously employed."

Oct. 20
" Sunday A light Breeze Wly Clear fine weather."

Oct. 21
" Monday Wind & weather as yesterday, one man with the Boat builders building a Boat. Smith making nails Steels &c one man making kegs. Taylor making Cloths, two men sawing Boards for Boats & the rest employed falling firewood."

Oct. 22
" Tuesday A fresh Breeze NW Cloudy weather. Men employed as yesterday. a man arrived from B.H."

" The Copy of a letter received from Mr Peter Fidler
Greenwich House red Deers Lake Oct. 7th 1799
Dr Sir,
After a very tedious pafsage from Bolsover house (by our having to hunt for our living all the way) we arrived here the 26th Sept. and found that Mr Richards had again run away & gone to the Canadians; he being the only person who understood the Bungees & Ottoways, his leaving us will be a great Detriment to us and to the Honble Company here - We have built a small house to put our little goods into, and part of our Dwelling House is logged to the windows but it will be some Considerable time before we shall be able to live into it - not having a saw of any sort whatever here.
On Saturday last 2 of our men with 4 Horses arrived here from Buckingham House with a few small articles of Trading goods & now they return to winter there with all the horses that was left here before.
Yesterday 20 Canadians in 5 Canoes embarked from this place to erect a Settlement at the slave Lake to the SW of the peace river & very near it. - I would also have gone with a few men & have built a house there, but we had neither provisions or Stores fit for that Expedition.
Most part of the Bungees winters here, but their long Attachment to the Canadians, and this being our first year amongst them, our prospect of Trade in consequence I doubt will not be much this winter.
Wishing you health & a good Trade
& remain Dr Sir
Your Humble Serv.
P. Fidler."

" The Copy of a Letter received from Mr Wm Auld
Green Lake 6th Sept. 1799
Mr William Tomison or the Officer Commanding in his Absence.
Sir
I have to inform you that I arrived at this place on the 29th Ult. I Brought 3 Boats & one Canoe to the Isle Le Crofs Lake. Mr Linklater accompanied me to the above Lake where I left him with a large afsortment of goods fit for Trading with the Ochipoyeans? & proceeded hither with 2 Boats. Trusting to the remains of Brandy Inland from last year I did not take any Quantity from the factory adequate to the wants of one house but on my arrival at our Settlements below from here to my great Disappointment found only 4 kegs instead of 20 or 30 & it required one of these to fill the other three.
I have at this moment no more than 8 1/2 kegs which you will allow is by no means is Sufficient for half the year. More especially among Southern Indians. - I have been under the disagreeable necefsity of taking the peoples allowance to help out. you will I hope therefore see the necefsity of my requesting you to Supply me with 6 kegs at least, if you could pofsibly spare more it would be a means of Supporting us effectually the more so, as without a little Brandy it will be needlefs to leave men here in the Summer to procure provisions &c. for our other expeditions you will Consider the great distances we have come not lefs than 700 Miles above the Settlement from which we had the last Supply which therefore requires that we should be able to Carry provisions down with us to leave by the way for our use in Coming up again. By the first opportunity I request an answer. In the mean time
I remain
Your most Obt. Servant
William Auld."

Oct. 23
" Wednesday Wind and weather as yesterday. Men Employed as before. Thre Blood Indians arrived."

Oct. 24
" Thursday Wind & weather as before. Men Employed as before. The Indians of yesterday went away."

Oct. 25
" Friday A fresh breeze Ely Cloudy weather. Men employed as before."

Oct. 26
" Saturday A light breeze Wly Cloudy warm weather. Tradesmen &c as before the rest employed Cutting fire wood & Cleaning the yard. Took a new Boat off the Stocks."

Oct. 27
" A fresh Breeze Cloudy weather."

Oct. 28
" Monday A fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy weather. Snow in the Course of last night. The Boatbuilder & one man beginning another Boat, Blacksmith making nails &c. one man Making kegs one taking Care of the Horses, two Sawing, Taylor Making Cloths & the rest falling firewood."

Oct. 29
" Tuesday A fresh breeze Wly Clear warm weather. Men employed as before."

Oct. 30
" Wednesday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men employed as before."

Oct. 31
" Thursday Wind & weather as before. Men employed as before, a man from the Hunting tent for people to fetch meat."

Nov. 1 1799
" Friday Light airs SW Clear Weather. John Park with five men getting ready to go and build where the French have a house about 8 Miles above this. Sent 3 with horses for meat & the rest employed as before."

Nov. 2
" Saturday Light airs NW Cloudy weather. Sent John Park & five men with horses loaded with goods Provisions &c to build a house about 80 Miles higher up the river principally on account the Swampy ground Stone Indians, great part of which are hunting Beaver near that place that have hitherto traded at Buckingham & Edmonton Houses but it is principally done with a view of Distrefsing the new Companies who are very ill off for able Traders. Consequently unable to oppose us effectually at every place, we have been under the necefsity of Building thee [three or these?] new Houses which will occasion very great additional Expences without any increase of Trade as they are merely for the same Indians (unlefs the Cotta na has Should visit Acton house which is not very probable) the men that went for meat arrived. The rest employed as before."
[Nov. 1 says "8" Nov. 2 says "80" take your pick though I think I read somewhere that it is 80.]

Nov. 3
" Sunday A fresh breeze Wly Cloudy warm Weather."

Nov. 4
" Monday A fresh gale Wly Cloudy weather. Men employed as before."

Nov. 5
" Tuesday Wind & weather as yesterday. Sent Mr Isham & one man with an Indian to look for the Southerd Indians & see where they intend wintering, the rest employed as before."

Nov. 6
" Wednesday Wind & weather as before Mens employ the Same."

Nov. 7
" Thursday A light breeze NW Clear fine weather. Men employed as before."

Nov. 8
" Friday Wind and weather as yesterday. Men employed as before."

Nov. 9
" Saturday A fresh Breeze NW Cloudy Weather. Men employed as before. Two Blood Indians arrived with a few small Foxes & a little dried provisions."

Nov. 10
" Sunday A fresh gale NW Cloudy weather Evening Clear. A man arrived from the hunting tent for men to fetch Meat."

Nov. 11
" Monday A light Breeze Wly Cloudy Cold weather. Sent three men with the man who arrived yesterday to fetch meat. Carpenters Building a boat, two men Sawing one plaining Canoe wood, Taylor making Cloathing for Trade &c, Blacksmith making Iron work for the Boats, & the other two men employed making Carrots of Tobacco from damag'd Leaf Tobacco for the Slave Indian Trade. Ice Driving in the river."

Nov. 12
" Tuesday A Strong gale WNW Cloudy weather evening Clear. The men who went away yesterday arrived with part of the meat of 2 Bulls & one Doe Moose, the rest employed as before."

Nov. 13
" Wednesday A light Breeze NW Cloud weather. Early AM Mr Isham & Indian arrived the man who went with them remains with the Indians to take care of their Skins, three men Employed Cutting firewood & the rest as before. Ice Driving in the river."

Nov. 14
" Thursday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men Employed as before. At 7 PM Mr Sutherland & three men arrived with a packet from York Factory & letters from Mefs Howse Hallett & Flett &c."

" The Copy of a letter from Mr Joseph Howse
Carlton House Oct. 23rd 1799
Dear Sir
Mr James Sutherland who brings you this arrived here the 13th Inst. with the Packet from York, which I have taken the earliest Opportunity of forwarding to you as he came from the Factory with only eight men, he could have no more than 2 at Cumberland House in addition to the 2 who were there before, I have since sent three others to their afsistance. The old Company have Quite deserted Cumb. Ho. and are gone up the Pas, or Carrot River & the new Company are along side of them.
There is one piece of Intelligence you will learn that will surprise you not lefs than it has me and of which I am almost affraid to look forward to the Consequences. I mean that of no men Coming out to york this year. As? it is a matter of importance I feel myself half Inclined to trouble you with my Conjectures on the Effect it may too probably produce on the affairs of the Honble Company, but on the other hand am apprehensive that I may incur a Suspicion of being actuated by sinister Motives & that it may be deemed incompatible with the Station I hold in the Honble Companys employ to obtrude Observations which may seem from the subject matter to Implicate the Conduct of those Higher in Command, I must therefore for the present content myself with exprefsing my most ardent wish that our petty Animosities & Silly Competitions may never Supersede a dire Consideration of the purposes for which we come into this Country & that the Honble Companys Bufsinefs may still be Carried on to their Advantage and our Credit. I remain
Dear Sir
Your mo. obt. Servt.
Jos. Howse"

Nov. 15
" Friday A light Breeze Nly Clear fine weather. Sent James Gaddy with an Indian who arrived yesterday to fetch furs, the rest employed as before. Several Blackfoot Indians arrived."

Nov. 16
" Saturday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men employed as before, the Indians of yesterday traded & went away. their trade Consisted of a few wolves, Small Foxes & a little dried provisions. Three more Blackfeet Indians arrived traded & went away also."

Nov. 17
" Sunday Wind & weather as before. a man arrived from the Hunting tent for men to fetch meat, much Ice Driving in the river."

Nov. 18
" Monday A light Breeze Nly Clear sharp weather. Sent off the three men who arrived here the 14th inst. with some goods for B.H. and the following letters for Mefs Howse Hallett & Auld. The river froze over below. Men employed as before, the man who arrived yesterday returned to his tent."

" The Copy of a letter Sent to Mr Howse
Edmonton House Nov. 18th 1799
Dear Sir
Your agreeable favour as also the Packet from YF I had the pleasure to receive by the arrival of Mr Sutherland on the 14th Inst..
Since most of the Cumberland House Indians have followed the Canadians to Root river it is necefsary that some steps should be taken to secure at least a part of their Hunts, I wish therefore that you could send a Couple of men & Desire Magnus Twatt either to remove to root river immediately or endeavour to find the Indians and fetch what Furs they may kill to Cumberland House.
We have been under the necefsity of Settling such a number of new Houses that we find ourselves much at a lofs for men to Oppose our new oponents with that Vigour it will require. I however hope we shall be able to prevent their Making Fortunes this year but am absolutely affraid to look forward to the next, since no men are brought by last ship to supply the places of the great number which will unavoidably return to england next year. this will in my Oppinion give a Check to the succefs of the Companys Concerns in this Quarter and in a most Critical time, when, two strong parties are endeavouring to establish themselves, who by succeeding will effectually ruin the Trade of this Country or at least reduce the profits already small to a mere triffle, & when merely to bring a quantity of goods inland is no longer all that is necefsary. men are now required to dispose of it or it will infalleably remain on hand or must be given for such Furs as others cannot find their Interest in taking. It will also effectually prevent any Settlements being formed in the only Country where good Furs are now to be had in any quantity; a Country from which the Canadians Carry out annually five Hundred packs of the Choicest Furs (which they purchase with about 200 pieces of bad goods) & from whence the Fortunes they have so rapidly made have been principally drawn. Notwithstanding the failures of some who had every Difficulty thrown in their road by a narrow minded Superiour, Jealous of their succefs whose duty it however was to have supported them. the Settling of the Atha pus kow (in part at least) would by no means be attended with such Difficulties as the Honble Company are probably led to suppose; in short had we men or could we even detain those we now have, I would venture to answer for accomplishing it but perhaps the Honble Company think that their servants from Churchill will be fully able to settle this Country, tho' on the Contrary I will venture to affirm (& time will evince the truth of the afsertion) that tho' these may by surmounting the greatest Difficulties succeed in getting there with a few small Boats (a Craft tottally unfit for an undertaking in which expedition is required and where there are a number of small rivers & long Portages) it will still require the utmost exertions of them & York Fort a number of years to Settle the whole of that extensive & Valuable Country.
Wishing you every Succefs I remain
Dear Sir
Your mo. hu. Ser.
James Bird."

" The Copy of a letter Sent to Mr Henry Hallett
Edmonton House Nov. 18th 1799
Dear Sir
By the arrival of Mr Sutherland the 14th Inst. I received your kind letters with the packet from YF &c.
I have sent by the Bearers the things you request as far as in my power, also a piece of blue Corded cloth which you will please to forward to Mr Howse as soon as pofsible by sending a man with James Gaddy. I am sensible how ill you can spare any person to accompany him but we are equally distrefsed here for men, the number of houses we have been under the necefsity of Settling so scattered us that there is scarcely a sufficient number of men at some of them to ensure the safety of the Companys property much more to oppose our new Opponents with that vigour which is necefsary. I however ? that we? can prevent them Making their fortunes this year, but from no men coming out pr? last ship am absolutely affraid to look forward to the next. Wishing you every Succefs I remain
Dr Sir
Yours &c
James Bird"

" The Copy of a letter sent to Mr Robert Longmoor
Edmonton House Nov. 18th 1799
Dr Sir
By your letters from YF you will be informed of the arrival of the King George and that Mr Tomison is gone to England. I shall therefore not trouble you with particulars, but Cannot help mentioning a piece of intelligence that must astonish you as it has done us, and which we are absolutely at a lofs to account for viz. that no men are brought to the Country & that upwards of 20 have returned to England; the ill Consequences that must arise from this are so obvious that they Cannot help occuring to you & make it quite? unnefsary for me to inumerate them.
Should the trade at swan river be no better than usual and people from Albany still in that Quarter it will be necefsary for you to abandon that place entirely in the spring of the year and send any goods that may remain to Cumberland House; or should you think the place still worth returning too even Considering the scarcity there must be of men next year; it will be necefsary to take all the men or at least leave as few as pofsible. wishing you every Succefs I remain
Dr Sir
Yours &c
James Bird."

" The Copy of a letter Sent to Mr Auld
Edmonton House Nov. 18th 1799
Dr Sir
I forbear to give you any determinative answer with regard to the Spirits you wish us to furnish you till the Packuet arrives from YF when it will be known what quantity can be spared & whether Mr Tomison (who it is supposed will winter at Cumberland House but may pofsibly come Higher) returns to this place or not. we are so Strongly opposed here by three different parties of Canadians & our goods disposed amongst so many different Houses which of Course create additional expenditure, that I am much affraid our present stock of Spirits cannot allow us to supply you with the Quantity you request; but however Should it rest with me you may depend upon my furnishing you with what can pofsibly be spared without injury to our own Settlements - I shall Just take the liberty to observe that the Beaver river from the little knowledge I have of it does not appear to be a place Capable of furnishing you with the Quantity of Dried provisions you seem to require & that you might in my opinion be amply provided and at a much lefs expence from Buckingham House nor would this be attended with any very great Difficulties. I remain
Sir
Yours &c
James Bird."

Nov. 19
" Tuesday A light Breeze Nly Cloudy weather. Men employed as before."

Nov. 20
" Wednesday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men employed as before. a man arrived from the Hunting tent with meat."

Nov. 21
" Thursday Wind & weather as before. Men employed as before. the man who arrived yesterday went away. Two fall Indian young men arrived Carrying a few wolves for Tobacco &c."

Nov. 22
" Friday light airs Nly with snow. sent 4 men with horses for meat also one man to remain at the Hunting tent. the rest employed as before."

Nov. 23
" Saturday Light airs NW Clear weather. the men who went away yesterday arrived, the rest employed as before. The fall Indians went away. one man arrived from Nelson House for Horses &c."

Nov. 24
" Sunday A Strong breeze Nly Cloudy weather."

Nov. 25
" Monday A light Breeze NW Cloudy weather. Men employed as before."

Nov. 26
" Tuesday Wind & weather as yesterday. Sent Mr Isham & one man to endeavour to Collect part of the debts of the Indians he came from the 13th Inst. the rest employed as before. the man who arrived on Saturday returned to his house."

Nov. 27
" Wednesday Light airs Nly Cloudy weather. men employed as before."

Nov. 28
" Thursday Wind and weather as yesterday. Men employed as before."

Nov. 29
" Friday Wind and weather as before mens employ the Same."

Nov. 30
" Saturday Light airs Nly with snow last night. Men Employed as before. a man arrived from the Hunting tent with the meat of a Moose Deer."

Dec. 1 1799
" Sunday light airs Nly Cloudy weather."

Dec. 2
" Monday Light airs Nly with snow. Sent 3 men with the man who arrived on saturday for Meat the rest Employed as before."

Dec. 3
" Tuesday A light Breeze Wly Clear Weather. The men who went away yesterday arrived with the meat of two red Deer & a Bull, the rest employed as Before."

Dec. 4
" Wednesday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men employed as before."

Dec. 5
" Thursday Light airs variable Cloudy weather. Men Employed as before."

Dec. 6
" Friday A fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy weather. Sent Mr Sutherland & one man accompanied by 3 Men from the NWC (in Consequence of an agreement we have entered into to render each other every afsistance in our powers without prejudice? to our Seperate Interests, that Can enable us the more effectually to oppose our new opponents) to follow 7 Men who are gone off from the new Co. House in Course of last night & who we suspect are going to red deers lake. Men employed as before."

Dec. 7
" Saturday A light Breeze Wly Clear Weather. Men employed as before."

Dec. 8
" Sunday A fresh Breeze Nly with thick Snow."

Dec. 9
" Monday A fresh Breeze NW Clear Weather. Carpenters, Smith & Taylor employed at their respective duties. the rest Cutting firewood. A man arrived from the Hunting tent for men to fetch meat."

Dec. 10
" Tuesday Wind & weather as yesterday. Sent 2 men with the man who arrived yesterday for meat, the rest employed as before. Mr Sutherland arrived those he followed having taken the road to Buckingham House."

Dec. 11
" Wednesday Light airs Sly Cloudy weather. the men who went away yesterday arrived with a Moose & red Deer."

Dec. 12
" Thursday Light airs Nly with a little snow. Men Employed as before."

Dec. 13
" Friday A fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy weather. Men Employed as before. Mr Isham & party arrived with 125 Made B. in Furs."

Dec. 14
" Saturday light airs Wly Clear Weather. Men employed as before. a few fall Indians arrived with a few furs, they tell us that its with the utmost difficulty they? can live. no Buffalo being to be had in their Country &c."

Dec. 15
" Sunday Wind and weather as yesterday."

Dec. 16
" Monday Wind and weather as before. Men employed as before. at 2 PM one man arrived from Buckingham House he Came with some men belonging to the new Co. Who have Brought goods to this place, but were supposed to have intended Carrying them to Red Deers Lake. late in the evening another man arrived from B.H. with letters from Mefs Howse, Hallett, Pruden & Flett who all Inform me that there is very poor appearances for trade in their Several Quarters. the Indians went away."

Dec. 17
" Tuesday A light Breeze NW Cloudy weather. Sent Mr Isham & 2 men with a tent & liquour? &c to remain with the Indians & take Care of their Skins they may kill as we are very apprehensive that the 2 new Co. will embrace every opportunity of going to them privatly with liquor, goods &c. Men employed as before."

Dec. 18
" Wednesday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men employed as before."

Dec. 19
" Thursday Wind & weather as before. Mens employ the same."

Dec. 20
" Friday A fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather. The men who arrived on Monday last returned to B.H. the rest Employed as before."

Dec. 21
" Saturday wind & weather as yesterday. Men employed as before, a few Southerd Indians Arrived."

Dec. 22
" Sunday A light Breeze Sly Clear Weather. the Indians of yesterday traded & went away."

Dec. 23
" Monday Wind & weather as yesterday. Sent 2 men with three Southerd Indians who arrived at the NWC House yesterday to fetch furs. Carpenters, Smith, Taylor and Cooper employed at their respective Duties the rest of the men Employed Cutting firewood."

Dec. 24
" Tuesday A fresh Breeze NW Cloudy weather. Men Employed as before, a man arrived from the Hunting tent for men to fetch meat. Mr Fidler & three men arrived from red Deer Lake for Goods &c."

Dec. 25
" Wednesday Wind & weather as yesterday."

Dec. 26
" Thursday Wind & weather as before."

Dec. 27
" Friday A light Breeze NW Cloudy weather. Sent 3 men for Meat, the rest employed as before."

Dec. 28
" Saturday Wind & weather as yesterday. The men who went for meat yesterday arrived with three Bulls, also the man who went off the 23rd arrived. Sent James Gaddy & one man with an Indian for Furs. Mr Fidler with an Indian set off on horseback on his return to red Deers Lake, his men also with dogs & Sleds loaded with goods to go by the way of B.H. (as they think it impracticable to return by the way they Came) with Loaded Sleds on account of the many thickets."

" The Copy of a letter sent to Mr Howse
Edmonton House Dec. 28th 1799
Dear Sir
As I imagine you can very well spare william Walker & that he may prove very useful to Mr Fidler who has no Interpreter for the Bungees. I have therefore Desired Mr Hallett to send down a couple of men to accompany him up & fetch the few things left at your House last fall particularly the Guns with Bayonets &c.
Mr Fidler arrived here a few days since from Red Deers Lake for goods &c. he sets off to morrow on his return home.
We have very poor appearances in this Quarter both as to trade & provisions, from a want of Buffalo in their Country the slave Indians have Confined all their exertions to the procuring provisions for their own families Consequently very few of them have hitherto visited the Houses & even those have brought very little with them.
Wishing you Better Succefs I remain
Dr Sir Yours &c
James Bird"

Dec. 29
" Sunday Wind & weather as before."

Dec. 30
" Monday A fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy weather. Tradesmen Employed at their several duties & the rest of the men hauling firewood &c with Horses."

Dec. 31
" Tuesday Wind & weather as yesterday. Mens employ the Same, our hunter & a man arrived from the hunters tent."

Jan. 1 1800
" Wednesday A fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy warm Weather."

Jan. 2
" Thursday Wind & weather as yesterday. The Hunter & man who arrived on Tuesday returned to their tent."

Jan. 3
" Friday A fresh gale NE Cloudy weather. Sent 2 men for meat, the rest employed as before."

Jan. 4
" Saturday Wind & weather as yesterday. Mens employ the Same, those who went for meat yesterday arrived. James Gaddy & man arrived."

Jan. 5
" Sunday Wind & weather as before."

Jan. 6
" Monday A light Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather. Sent 3 men for Meat and the rest variously employed. A Southerd Indian arrived."

Jan. 7
" Tuesday light airs NW Cloudy warm Weather. Men variously Employed, those that went for Meat yesterday arrived with three Bulls."

Jan. 8
" Wednesday Wind & weather as yesterday. Tradesmen employed at their respective duties & the rest hauling home firewood."

Jan. 9
" Thursday Wind & weather as before. Men Employed as yesterday. two fall Indian young men arrived for Tobacco. one man in Company with some Canadians arrived from Mr Isham with 120 Made Beaver."

Jan. 10
" Friday Wind and weather as before. Mens employ the same. the young fall Indians who arrived yesterday went away with Tobacco a little Powder & Brandy, this last article our new opponents have reduced us to the necefsity of Sending, they having sent small Kegs of Brandy to the Chief with Extraordinary Quantities of Tobacco in order to entice them to their Houses. at 2 PM 2 tents of fall Indians arrived."

Jan. 11
" Saturday A fresh breeze Wly Clear thawing weather. Men Employed as before. the fall Indians of yesterday traded & went away. when a dispute took place between them & a few Southerd Indians who are tenting at the Houses which would have perhaps ended in a Battle had not the fall Indians taken to their Heels."

Jan. 12
" Sunday Wind & weather as yesterday. a few Blood Indians arrived with a few wolves, Foxes &c. they say that they are unable to kill wolves for want of Both snow & Buffalo & that they have Slept 22 nights on their way to the House."

Jan. 13
" Monday Wind & weather as before. Sent 2 men (one of which is to go to red Deers Lake) with a little Brandy &c to where Mr Isham is tenting with the Indians. the rest variously employed. the Blood Indians of yesterday went away."

Jan. 14
" Tuesday light airs Wly Cloudy warm weather. Sent 2 men for meat & the rest variously employed."

Jan. 15
" Wednesday Wind & weather as yesterday. The men who went for meat yesterday arrived, the rest employed as before."

Jan. 16
" Thursday Wind & weather as Before. Sent 3 men for meat. the rest variously employed. At 2 PM Mr Auld from Green Lake & Mr Pruden from Bolsover House with one man arrived."

Jan. 17
" Friday Light airs Wly Clear fine weather. the men who went for meat yesterday arrived, the rest Employed as Before."

Jan. 18
" Saturday Wind & weather as yesterday. Sent off 2 men with goods &c for Buckingham House the rest employed as before. three free frenchmen arrived for a supply of provisions brought a few Skins."

Jan. 19
" Sunday Light airs Wly Clear warm weather."

Jan. 20
" Monday Wind & weather as yesterday. Mefs Auld & Pruden set off with Horses for Buckingham House. Tradesmen employed at their respective duties & the rest Employed Cutting firewood."

Jan. 21
" Tuesday Wind & weather as before. Mens employ as yesterday. The free frenchmen received a supply of provisions & went away."

Jan. 22
" Wednesday light airs NW Cloudy weather. Men employed as Before."

Jan. 23
" Thursday Wind & weather as yesterday. Mens Employ the Same."

Jan. 24
" Friday light airs Wly Cloudy part Clear. Men variously Employed."

Jan. 25
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Mens employ the same."

Jan. 26
" Sunday A fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather."

Jan. 27
" Monday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men variously employed."

Jan. 28
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as before. Men variously employed. three fall Indian young men arrived for Tobacco."

Jan. 29
" Wednesday A light Breeze SE Clear weather. Men variously employed. two tents of fall Indians arrived."

Jan. 30
" Thursday A light Breeze Wly Cloudy warm weather. Men employed as before. the Indians of yesterday traded & went away."

Jan. 31
" Friday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men employed as before."

Feb. 1 1800
" Saturday Wind & weather as before. Mens employ the same."

Feb. 2
" Sunday A Strong Breeze NW Cloudy cold weather with a little snow. A man arrived from the Hunting tent for men to fetch meat."

Feb. 3
" Monday light airs SW clear weather. Sent 4 men for meat. the rest variously Employed."

Feb. 4
" Tuesday Wind & weather as yesterday. Mens employ the same."

Feb. 5
" Wednesday Wind & weather as before. the men who went for Meat on Monday arrived, the rest employed as before."

Feb. 6
" Thursday Wind & weather as before. Sent 4 Men for meat and the rest variously employed."

Feb. 7
" Friday A light Breeze NE Clear Weather. men variously Employed. Several sufsew Indians arrived with a few Furs."

Feb. 8
" Saturday Wind & weather as yesterday. The men who went for meat on Thursday arrived, the rest employed as before."

Feb. 9
" Sunday Wind & weather as before. The Indians went away."

Feb. 10
" Monday Wind & weather as before. Sent 2 men for meat the rest variously employed."

Feb. 11
" Tuesday A fresh gale NE with snow. Men employed as Before. two Blood Indians arrived With a few Furs, also 2 men arrived from Nelson House."

Feb. 12
" Wednesday Light airs NW Clear weather. Men employed as before, the Indians of yesterday went away. the men who went for meat arrived."

Feb. 13
" Thursday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men variously Employed."

Feb. 14
" Friday A fresh Breeze NW Cloudy weather. Hugh Sabeston & one man arrived from Buckingham House, men Variously employed."

" The Copy of a letter from Mr Howse
Carleton House Dec. 21st 1800[yes I know, it should read 1799]
Sir
I received yesterday your esteemed favour of Nov. 18th ult. on the arrival of James gaddy. About an hour Before arrived 2 men from Cumberland House. the latter brought me the unpleasant Intelligence of their not having been able to Discover the Situation of the Canadian Settlements up the root river near the Hunting ground of the Indians, tho' 2 men with an Indian woman for their guide had been absent from the House ten days in search of them. I have in Consequence and in obedience to your desire made some Arrangement & intend to take such steps? as I think will lead us to the Indians and I hope secure a Considerable part of their Debts.
On the remaining part of your letter which relates to the many inconveniences you labour under and the Mischeveous consequences that must ensue I am deterred from Making any remarks by the reasons afsigned in my former letter to you. I am sorry however to observe that your Sentiments so nearly coincide with my own. The Comparatively exausted state of our accustomed resources in this river the augmented & still increasing Strength of our Opponents and our own enfeebled situation, are Circumstances of too sable? a Complexion from which to augur a favourable Ifsue. I afsure you, sir, when I reflect on these things I shudder at the Barren prospect that opens upon my view, and look round on all sides but in vain for one gleam of hope to enliven the gloomy scene that presents itself to my Imagination.
The season is at length arrived for which we so long waited with an anxious though unavaling Solicitude. We indulged the pleasant hope that, being no longer embarafsed with the Contests and animosities of Rivals or Shackled with the severe Influences of deeply rooted prejudices, and under the sole Guidance of our Honble Employers Interest we should be enabled to rouze Ourselves from that Lethargic Stupor that has so long confounded our Intellects & Consumed our feelings that we should emerge from that torpid Inactivity that has characterized all our undertakings and at last, though late, Start into action. Already were we, in Idea exploring the utmost limits of the Atha pus kaw & were Happy in the Expectation of bringing to our Honourable Masters, of its richest produce. But alas a sad reverse do we experience those Hopes so fondly Cherished are blasted in the Bud.
Still are we doomed to plod tho' not perhaps with Christian patience, this long trodden and almost worn out Road without deriving Credit to ourselves or Emoluments to the Honble Company and thus are Instructed by untoward Fate to rest Content with simple Gleanings, which our happier neighbours are reaping the Glowing first fruits of an abundant Harvest.
But it is the Due of the Honble Committee & as such commands our respect; yet I cannot help entertaining a wish that the Gentlemen who gave to their Honours Council, so pernitious in its Consequences (though doubtlefs they were actuated by the purest Motives) had first taken it into their very serious Consideration and well weighed the probable effects of a measure, the adoption of which so convulses the whole frame of the establishment, and threatens almost, If I may so exprefs myself?, the total stagnation of its operative Faculties.
That we should be oblidged to relenquish the Northward is a particular Circumstance which I very much regret as I am sure you do. An Attempt to Develope the Causes of our unhappy Failures hitherto in that Quarter perhaps invidious, but I hesitate not to say that in my Expectations of Succefs in that Country at the present period I was very sanguine and in this I was Confirmed by the eagernefs uniformly displayed by my Brother officers to engage in an undertaking which they were convinced must ultimetely prove so incalculably Benificial to the Honble Company. we are however debarred from making ourselves so useful to our Honble Employers as we could wish but since its their Honours pleasure we must respectfully submit. Our leaving the northward perhaps is in one point of view an Evil of a Secondary & transient? Nature and what another year Might remedy; but when we Behold it as imparting Strength & Consequence to this Host of newly acquired opponents with whom we are surrounded, it cannot fail to Call forth the most alarming Apprehensions for the future prosperity of the Honble Companys concerns, since far from having a Tendency to the Extermination of our enemies, it seems to lead only to the Extinction of our own Commerce.
It would be the Hight of presumption to suppose that any Suggestions of mine Could deserve the notice of the Honble Committee, as not pofsefsing that weight which Commonly attaches to Maturer years, and as wanting that Cogency which it may be the peculiar privilege of a long Servitude to Confer; I can therefore only Beg leave to second you with my most ardent wishes that the affairs of the Honble Company will Speedily present a more pleasing Aspect and enable you with vigour and Effect to settle that extensive and valuable Country. Wishing you every Succefs
I am Sir
Your mo. obt. Servt.
Jos. Howse."

Feb. 15
" Saturday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men variously employed."

Feb. 16
" Sunday Light airs Wly Clear Weather."

Feb. 17
" Monday Wind & weather as yesterday. Sent 5 men for meat, Mr Isham with 2 men to Southerd Indians Tents for to trade Fatt &c. one man taking care of the horses & the Blacksmith & Boat Builder employed at their respective Duties. Sent Hugh Sabeston & one man to take Charge of Nelson House with orders for John Park to come to this place to build Canoes."

Feb. 18
" Tuesday Wind & weather as before. Mens Employ the Same."

Feb. 19
" Wednesday Wind & weather as before. The men who went for Meat on Monday arrived with the meat of 8 Cows, the rest as before. Two men arrived from Buckingham House for goods &c. they pafsed a vast number of Blackfeets tenting on the north side of the river who however treated them very Civilly."

Feb. 20
" Thursday Wind & weather as before. Sent 3 men for meat the rest as before. two Blackfeets and a few fall Indians arrived with a very few Furs."

Feb. 21
" Friday Light airs NW clear warm weather. Men Employed as yesterday. The Indians who arrived yesterday traded & went away. Six young Blackfeets arrived for Tobacco which was given them & they went away. The men who went for meat yesterday arrived & tells us that twenty tents of Blackfeet have made a Pound Quite near the Hunting tent and drove off every Buffalo that our Hunters are now quite at a lofs where to go."

Feb. 22
" Saturday Wind & weather as yesterday Men employed as before. Seven tents of Blackfeet arrived, Six young men arrived for tobacco for another band. four Tents of which arrived in the evening. Mr Isham arrived with 60 MB & a little Fatt. a stone Indian also arrived for men to fetch Furs."

Feb. 23
" Sunday A light Breeze Wly Cloudy warm weather. Employed trading with the Indians of yesterday part of which went away."

Feb. 24
" Monday Wind & weather as yesterday. Sent Mr Isham & two men with the Indians of Saturday. the rest of the men variously employed. the Blackfeets finished trading & went away. the two parties brought us 494 MB in wolves & Small Foxes but no provisions of any kind indeed they Complain of not being able to procure Sufficient provisions for their own Families there Being a Scarcity of Buffalo every where owing principally to the amazing warmnefs of the Winter."

Feb. 25
" Tuesday Wind & weather as before. Sent one man to desire the Hunters to remove near the river & endeavour to kill red Deer &c. the rest variously employed."

Feb. 26
" Wednesday light airs NW Clear warm Weather. Men variously employed, the man who went away yesterday with one from the Hunting Tent & the Hunter arrived."

Feb. 27
" Thursday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men variously employed. Seven Blood Indians arrived for Tobacco & Brandy which they got & went away. also the Hunter went away."

Feb. 28
" Friday Wind & weather as before. Twelve tents of Blood Indians arrived with Furs. Men variously employed."

Mar. 1 1800
" Saturday A fresh Breeze NE Cold weather with snow all day. Employed Trading with the Indians who arrived yesterday."

Mar. 2
" Sunday A light Breeze Nly Cloudy Cold weather. The Indians of yesterday went away. They have Brought wolves & Small Foxes to the amount of 1000 MB. a few fall Indians Arrived."

Mar. 3
" Monday Wind & weather as yesterday. men variously employed, the Indians of yesterday traded & went away. five Southerd Indians & a man who was tenting with them arrived from Below, the talk of Coming with their Families to the House and going from hence to Join a party who are afsembling for war on the Opposite side of the river, part of whom also arrived."

Mar. 4
" Tuesday Wind & weather as before. Men variously employed, a few fall Indians arrived. Upwards of 40 Blackfeet arrived with a few wolves &c."

Mar. 5
" Wednesday Wind & weather as before. Men variously employed. The fall Indians of yesterday traded & went away, the Southerd Indians from below went away. we have endeavoured both by presents & persuations to prevail with them to remain at least a little longer & kill Beav. but, we are apprehensive, without succefs. The other South'd Indians also went away. John Park & one man arrived from Nelson House. the Blackfeet of yesterday went away & three Fall Indians arrived."

Mar. 6
" Thursday A fresh Breeze SE part Clear part Cloudy weather. Men variously employed. Two men arrived from B.H. with a few Store guns & letters from Mefs Howse Hallett & Fidler. the hunter arrived for men to fetch the meat of ten Bulls & returned with one man to his tent."

" The Copy of a letter from Mr Joseph Howse
Carleton House Feb. 9th 1800
Dear Sir
You have doubtlefs been long in expectation of the return of the Packet men and at a lofs to Conjecture the Cause of their Detention; you may perhaps be a little Surprised when I inform you that Mr Hallets people arrived during my absence from the House on an expedition down to Carrot river when I Conceived my presence necefsary to put our people in a Train of doing Something towards the recovery of the ground we have lost on the Cumberland House Station this Fall from the unexpected Retrenchment of men that has taken place and by which we have already Suffered severly in that Quarter. I went accompanied by 2 men & William Walker one of the former I left there as well as the latter who I supposed might be Serviceable in afsisting to gain the Bungee Debts. However on My return after ten days absence (seven days after the arrival of the Packet) I immediately dispatched a letter for him to come up again & I afsure you no time has been lost in forwarding him to you.
It would give me singular pleasure could I realize your Hopes in sending you favourable Accounts from this place as a Counterbalance to the Deficincies of the upper Settlements since I know how much you feel Interested in the General prosperity of the Honble Companys Concerns & especially for this Department which falls more immediately under your direction. I participate Sir of your Anxiety, and without the power of alleviating feel equally with you the weight of those accumalated Difficulties we are oblidged to Bear the Strength and extraordinary liberality or rather extravagance of our opponents; the Sicknefs of many & the Indolence of all the natives and to Complete the Climax, the prospect of a want of provisions (with us as well as you) in a word every pofsible Circumstance seems Directly or indirectly to operate to our prejudice and to load us with reproaches for placing our reliance on resources so precarious as those of the Saskatchewan. The Contemplation of the present naturally induces a train of Ideas relative to the Future and it were indeed some relief did these lead us to the Anticipation of happier times; to the prospect of Extending our grasp beyond the present too circumscribed limits and of acquiring to our Honble Masters a portion of the overflowings at least, of those Springs from which one part of our opponents have hitherto derived their Vital Strength and that are now so equally sought for by the other. but even this Consolation is Denied us; entirely at the mercy of a Capricious Fortune. it is our unhappy Lot to experience every variety of disappointment and to endure every afflicting Consequence that a Continued Series of the most vexatious and perplexing Circumstances can impose in spite of our utmost endeavours to Counteract them.
Our Situation is painful & almost hopelefs but however let not that dispirit us; let our energy increase with our difficulties; let our efforts become more strenuous as the urgency of events may require, so shall we have Satisfaction of having at the least deserved that Succefs which some one has truly said, it is out of the power of man to Command.
I Remain Dear Sir
Yours &c
Jos. Howse."

Mar. 7
" Friday A light Breeze Wly Clear fine weather. Men variously employed, the Southerd Indians of Wednesday last arrived with their Families."

Mar. 8
" Saturday Wind & weather as yesterday. Sent 5 men with Horses for Meat. Two digging a grave for an old man who was killed last night by the son of his own wife in the evening we buried him. Sent one man to live with one of the Indians of Yesterday, who we have prevailed on to go & hunt Beaver, & take Care of what he may kill."

Mar. 9
" Sunday Wind & weather as before. two fall Indians arrived with a very few wolves which they traded & went away. the men who went for meat yesterday arrived. Sent Mr Isham & one man to fetch Furs."

Mar. 10
" Monday A light breeze Wly Cloudy weather. two men plaining wood for Canoes & the rest variously employed. one of the Southerd Indians of Friday went away to join a war party on the opposite of the river, the rest to hunt Beaver. Sent a man with them to take care of what Furrs they may kill."

Mar. 11
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Our hunter arrived for men to fetch meat. Mr Isham arrived with 38 1/2 Made Beaver in Furs. Men employed as before."

Mar. 12
" Wednesday Wind & weather as before. Sent 4 men with Horses for meat the rest variously employed. We find it impofsible to prevail with our Hunter to Continue any longer hunting he says that there are no longer any animals, & that he wishes to Join the war party."

Mar. 13
" Thursday Wind & weather as before. Men variously employed. The men who went for meat yesterday with those who were at the Hunting tent & the Hunters Family &c arrived with part of the meat of 9 Bull Buffalo. sent one man to Buckingham House with orders for Alex Flett to come up here in order to pafs the Summer at Acton House."

Mar. 14
" Friday A light Breeze SE Cloudy warm weather. Men variously employed."

Mar. 15
" Saturday AM light airs Ely PM a fresh gale Nly Cloudy weather with Showers of rain. Men Variously employed. Paid our Hunter for hunting & he went away."

Mar. 16
" Sunday A fresh Breeze NW AM Cloudy PM Clear wea."

Mar. 17
" Monday A fresh Breeze Sly Clear weather. Men Variously Employed."

Mar. 18
" Tuesday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men variously employed."

Mar. 19
" Wednesday A fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy weather. Men Variously employed. Several Canadians belonging to the two new Companies Set off with Horses carrying goods &c towards the sumer Berry river where they intend building Canoes & proceeding from thence to the Athapus kaw so soon as the Navigations opens. - the want of a Guide to conduct them by the way of Cumberland reduces them to the necefsity of taking this route, which from Hence tho a long way is easy to be found & to get to a Country on which all their hopes seems to be founded; as they find from experience that this river can afford little profits to new comers in particular & therefore only Consider it as the key (from the provisions it furnishes & which they Cannot do without) of more productive parts."

Mar. 20
" Thursday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men variously Employed."

Mar. 21
" Friday Wind & weather as before. a man arrived from Buckingham House. Men variously employed."

Mar. 22
" Saturday A light Breeze Nly Clear Weather. Men Variously employed. Sent James Gaddy & one man with some Swampy Ground stone Indians to fetch their Furs."

Mar. 23
" Sunday A fresh Breeze Wly Clear warm weather. Sent Mr Isham & one man to the Southerd Indians Tents to fetch Furs, James gaddy arrived with 6 Beaver."

Mar. 24
" Monday A fresh gale NW with Showers of rain. Boatbuilder Calking a Boat, two men plaining Canoe wood, Blacksmith making nails &c. one man taking care of the Horses & the rest of the men Carrying firewood up the Bank."

Mar. 25
" Tuesday A fresh Breeze NW Clear fine weather. Men variously employed. Mr Isham arrived with 12 Made Beaver."

Mar. 26
" Wednesday Wind & weather as before. Men variously employed."

Mar. 27
" Thursday Wind & weather as before. Eight men employed tying up Furs, the rest as before."

Mar. 28
" Friday Wind & weather as before. Eight men employed prefsing Furrs, the rest as before, Alex Flett & 2 men arrived from Buckingham House, 2 men & an Indian also arrived from red Deers Lake."

Mar. 29
" Saturday Wind & weather as before. Sent Mr Sutherland with a man down to Buckingham House to remain there till Mr Hallett or Mr Pruden arrived, the rest of the men employed as yesterday. two tents of Indians & one man who were living with them arrived."

Mar. 30
" Sunday Light airs Sly Clear fine weather."

Mar. 31
" Monday Wind & weather as before. Sent off Alex Flett & three men to pafs the summer at Acton House, also the two men & Indian from red Deers Lake. one man afsisting the Boatbuilder, Taylor making Cloaths, Blacksmith making steels &c. one man taking care of the horses & the rest tying up Furs."

Apr. 1 1800
" Tuesday Light airs Ely Clear fine weather. Six men employed packing Furs. Sent 2 with some free Canadians to fetch Furs, and the rest employed as before."

Apr. 2
" Wednesday A fresh Breeze Westerly fine weather. Men employed as before."

Apr. 3
" Thursday Wind & weather as yesterday. Mens employ the Same."

Apr. 4
" Friday Wind & weather as before. Men Variously employed. a part of the river Ice Broke a little Below."

Apr. 5
" Saturday A fresh breeze NE Cloudy weather. Men variously Employed."

Apr. 6
" Sunday A fresh Breeze NE with snow."

Apr. 7
" Monday A fresh Breeze WNW Clear weather. Men variously employed. several Southerd Indians & a man who was living with them arrived - The river Cleared of Ice near us."

Apr. 8
" Tuesday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men variously employed - The men who went off on Tuesday last arrived but without any Furs, having been unable from the rotten state of the Ice to take their Horse acrofs Summer Berry river. one tent of Indians arrived from red Deers Lake. an old Indian man was killed in the course of the day & a young man dangerously Stabbed in three places at the tents about 1/4 of a mile from the House where the Indians are still drinking."

Apr. 9
" Wednesday A fresh gale Wly clear weather. Sent 2 men with Horses to the free Canadians tents. the rest variously employed. Brought the young Indian who was stabbed yesterday to the House as there are still hopes of his living notwithstanding he has received three very large Stabbs a little below the Shoulder Bone one of which is entirely through but fortunatly a little below his heart & Lungs."

Apr. 10
" Thursday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men variously employed. 2 tents of Indians & a man who was living with them arrived from red Deers Lake."

Apr. 11
" Friday Wind & weather as before. Men Variously employed."

Apr. 12
" Saturday light Breezes Wly Clear warm weather. Men employed as before."

Apr. 13
" Sunday Wind & weather as yesterday."

Apr. 14
" Monday Wind & weather as before. Carpenter blacksmith, Taylor & Cooper employed at their respective duties. the rest of the men employed sewing a Canoe."

Apr. 15
" Tuesday Wind and weather as before. Men employed as yesterday. three men two of which are come for goods arrived from Acton House, those tell us that the river is still froze over at that place & the water so very low as to prevent their being a pofsibility of the Boats coming down till it rises."

Apr. 16
" Wednesday A fresh Breeze NW Cloudy weather. Men employed as before."

Apr. 17
" Thursday A fresh Breeze NW Clear Weather. Men employed as before. Launched 2 new Boats & put them in the river. Two Indians & their Families arrived with a few Beaver. the men who went away the 9th Inst. arrived also with 70 MB. The two men who arrived on Tuesday set off on their return to Acton House Carrying powder & Ball &c."

Apr. 18
" Friday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men employed as yesterday."

" The Copy of a letter Sent to Mr Auld
April 18th 1800
Sir
According to your request I send you a man who I think will be very capable of taking care of your House & Settling with the Indians in the summer. I have also desired Mr Hallett to send you 10 Bags of Pemmican which though unequal to your wants is all we can pofsibly Spare. I feel myself too much interested in the succefs of your intended expedition to the athapa Skow not to render You every afsistance in my power; for I afsure you that it is with concern I have so long seen the Canadians alone in pofsesion of that valuable Country & Quietly enriching themselves with its produce, But I am absolutely unable to supply you more amply as we have not near the Quantity of dried provisions Usually required.
Two Canoes will Be delivered you at Bolsover House with whatever Trading goods &c may remain there which I hope will prove of service to you.
I am sorry to say that I have no Favourable accounts to give you of Trade in this Quarter owing to the amazing warmnefs of the winter, a Scarcity of Buffalo & other Concurrent reasons the Slave Indians have not killed near their usual Quantity of Furs & the Southerd Indians also from a want of Beaver & other Causes have made very poor Hunts Consequently our Trade must be much Lefs than usual. I remain Sir
Yours &c
James Bird."

Apr. 19
" Saturday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men variously employed."

Apr. 20
" Sunday A fresh gale NW Cloudy Weather."

Apr. 21
" Monday Wind & weather as yesterday. Tradesmen employed at their respective duties. the rest of the men sewing a large Canoe for Carrying goods to the Stonney Mountain. an Indian & his wife arrived from B.H."

Apr. 22
" Tuesday A Strong gale NW Cloudy weather.Sent Mr Isham & two men in a Canoe to Buckingham House from Whence they are to go to red Deers Lake and follow the Bungees who it is supposed intended going up the Summer Berry river. The rest of the men employed as yesterday."

Apr. 23
" Wednesday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men employed as before."

Apr. 24
" Thursday A fresh gale NW with Snow. Men variously employed. Mr Pruden & two men arrived from B.H. Seven Tents of Southerd Indians also arrived from thence."

Apr. 25
" Friday A fresh Breeze NW cloudy weather. Men variously employed."

Apr. 26
" Saturday Wind & weather as yesterday. Mens Employ the same. the Indians of Thursday went acrofs the river & encamped."

Apr. 27
" Sunday A fresh gale Wly part Clear part Cloudy weather. The Indians went away."

Apr. 28
" Monday A fresh breeze NE Cloudy weather. Men variously employed."

Apr. 29
" Tuesday A fresh breeze NE with snow. Mens employ the Same."

Apr. 30
" Wednesday A light breeze Nly AM Cloudy weather with Snow PM Clear. Sent Mr Pruden & 2 men with horses by land & five men in a large Canoe with a few pieces of Trading goods to build a house about half way between this & Acton House, where the Canadians also intend building. the rest of the men Variously employed."

May 1 1800
" Thursday A fresh breeze NW with Cloudy weather. Men variously employed."

May 2
" Friday Wind & weather as before. Men employed Sewing a Canoe &c &c."

May 3
" Saturday Wind & weather as before. Mens employ as yesterday."

May 4
" Sunday Wind & weather as before. Hugh Sabeston & three men with Horses Carrying Furs &c arrived from Nelson House, they left Mr Pruden there making preparations to go & build about 40 Miles further up the river where it is supposed the Southerd Indians will hunt next winter."

May 5
" Monday Wind & weather as before. Men employed packing Furs putting timbers in Canoes &c &c."

May 6
" Tuesday Wind & weather as before. Men employed as before."

May 7
" Wednesday A fresh breeze Wly Clear Weather. Men Variously employed."

May 8
" Thursday Wind & weather as yesterday. men Variously employed."

May 9
" Friday A fresh gale NW part Clear part Cloudy weather. Men Variously employed. three men & Mr Pruden arrived."

May 10
" Saturday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men Variously employed."

May 11
" Sunday Wind & weather as before."

May 12
" Monday A fresh Breeze NE with rain all day."

May 13
" Tuesday A fresh gale NW part Clear part Cloudy Weather. Men Variously employed."

May 14
" Wednesday Wind & weather as yesterday. Men Variously employed. at 10 AM a Canoe loaded with 10 pieces of trading goods arrived from Buckingham House. Mr Hallett Writes me that the water is so very low that he is not yet able to send off the Boat with the rest of the goods rem'g at Buckingham House. I therefore intend proceeding with the Canoes alone to Gordon House. late in the evening Gilbert Laughton and nine men in a boat & two parchment Canoes Carrying 46 bundles of Furs & eight bags of pemmecan arrived from acton House after a tedious pafsage of nine days owing to the amazing Shallownefs of the water. all their furs have been Wet, (as they broke their boat several times) but from their being timely dried have received no Injury."

" The Copy of a letter from Mr Auld
Green Lake 30th April 1800
Dear Sir
I received your favour dated the 18th Inst. Pr? John Forbes yesterday. I had received the 10 Bags of Pemmecan 8 Days before for which I most sincerely thank you small as it is it will be of great service to us this ensuing summer I hope.
I am very sorry to find that you have not been so fortunate as formerly in the article of provision. if we had but 30 or 40 Bags more they would enable us to proceed with expedition and Confidence to a Considerable distance but we must endeavour to do the best we can. Last Summer my people went a whole month upon Oatmeal & water through an unknown track with alacrity, & I would wish to leave nothing undone that might Contribute to their faring better now.
I take the liberty to request of you a further Supply for next year as provisions can be got at a much smaller expence then here.
I am sorry that your prospects of Trade this year are so poor but Considering the Causes you mention & the strong Oppositions you have to Contend with Much Cannot be expected from a Country where every Corner has been ransacked for Furs during a great number of years.
For my own particular Trade it is small nor Could it be expected to be great from Indians who have for near 20 Years seen none but Canadians; The only Consolation I have is having paved the way for better succefs next season. - I remain Dear Sir
Your Most Obedient Servant
Wm Auld."

May 15
" Thursday Wind & weather as before. At 9 AM embarked with one Canoe & 2 Boats for Buckingham House. left Mr Sutherland & Gilbert Laughton here to pack the Acton House Furs & wait the arrival of Mr Hallett (who is to take Charge of the House in the summer) and the boat with goods Stores &c From Buckingham House. at 7 PM encamped."

May 16
" Friday Wind & weather as before. at 3 aM embarked at 11 Met the boat from Buckingham House on her way to Edmonton. at 7 PM encamped."

May 17
" Saturday Wind & weather as before. at 3 AM embarked and at 11 arrived at Buckingham House & found Mr Fidler Just arriving from red Deers lake. In the evening the Boats arrived."

May 18
" Sunday A fresh Breeze Ely Clear Weather. at 11 AM embarked with four Canoes and at 7 PM encamped."

May 19
" Monday Wind & weather as yesterday. at 4 AM embarked paddled with a strong breeze in head till 7 PM then encamped."

May 20
" Tuseday Wind & weather as before. At 4 AM embarked at 12 pafsed by Manchester House & 6 PM encamped."

May 21
" Wednesday Wind & weather as before. At 4 AM embarked and at 6 arrived at Turtle river where we found 3 Canoes from Buckingham House. took in the Furs & pimmecan made here and at 10 AM set off with the three Canoes in Company paddled till 6 PM then encamped."

May 22
" Thursday A fresh gale SE Clear Weather. At 4 AM embarked and at 6 PM encamped great numbers of Buffalo on the Banks of the river."

May 23
" Friday A light Breeze Sly Clear Weather. at 4 AM embarked paddled & sailed till 6 PM then encamped. Killed one Cow Buffalo & several Calves."

May 24
" Saturday Wind & weather as yesterday. at 4 AM embarked & at 7 PM encamped at the first rapid. Pafsed by a Canadian who informed us that a party of the new Company's people had been fired upon by a large band of Fall Indians who were on a war Excursfion? coming down the river, that one of their men had received five Balls in different parts of his Limbs & Body, but that none of the wounds were? likely to prove Mortal tho 2 of his ribs were broken."

May 25
" Sunday A fresh Breeze SW Clear Weather. at 4 AM embarked Paddled handed & Sailed till 3 PM when we arrived at Carleton House. The Canadians who were attacked by the fall Indians we now understand are a Couple? of men who were coming before the Canoes in a small Batteaux to Shoot Beaver, and having encamped on the South side of the river were Surprised early in the morning by a scouting party of young men, fired on & Wounded as above mentioned. they were afterwards taken prisoners by them & Carried thro' the plains to the main Body where the Chiefs Interceded for their lives & led them back again to the bank of the river when the Canoes fortunately appearing they delivered them to their Masters with every outward appearance of Sorrow for what happened pleading by way of excuse the heat and inconsideratenefs of young men who had alone been Concerned in it, but principally that the Canadians had been mistaken for Indians (who they were in search of) from the number of Dogs they had with them, the howling of which led them to the spot. they however thought proper to take all the guns the Canadians had with them (which were only three) save one the principal part of their ammunition & Tobacco & Pimmecan & forced them to ferry them (an Hundred and Sixty men with an equal number of Horses) to the north side of the river."

May 26
" Monday Wind & weather as yesterday. At 2 PM embarked & 7 PM encamped."

May 27
" Tuesday Wind & weather as before. at 4 AM embarked & at 8 PM encamped at the head of the Sturgeon? river."

May 28
" Wednesday A fresh gale NW Clear weather except from the Smoke which almost Obscures the Sun - the Country all round is on fire. At 3 AM embarked & 4 PM arrived at Cumberland House."

May 29
" Thursday A fresh Gale SW Clear Warm Weather. Men employed repairing their Canoes &c."

May 30
" Friday A fresh Breeze NE Clear Weather. Men Employed as yesterday."

May 31
" Saturday A fresh Breeze Nly Clear Weather. at 12 PM embarked with 13 Canoes in Company paddled till 7 PM then encamped."

June 1 1800
" Sunday A fresh Breeze Westerly with showrs of rain. At 3 AM embarked Paddled & Sailed till 7 PM then Encamped."

June 2
" Monday A fresh Gale NW Cloudy Weather. at 4 AM embarked & at 7 PM encamped in the Cedar lake."

June 3
" Tuesday A fresh Breeze SW Clear Weather. at 3 AM Embarked and at 7 PM Encamped on the long Carrying place."

June 4
" Wednesday A fresh Breeze Sly Clear Weather. at 4 AM embarked went down the rapid and Sailed through the lake till 5 PM when the roughnefs of the water oblidged us to put on shore."

June 5
" Thursday A fresh Gale WNW Cloudy Weather. at 4 AM embarked sailed till 12 when with difficulty we got on Shore."

June 6
" Friday A light Breeze Wly Clear fine weather. at 2 AM embarked paddled till 7 PM then encamped in Sea River. Pafsed 4 Tents of Indians at the play Green."

June 7
" Saturday A Strong gale Ely with Showers of rain. At 4 AM embarked Paddled & repaired Beaver Dams till 6 PM then Encamped in Echewemamis."

June 8
" Sunday Wind & weather as yesterday. at 3 am Embarked and at 7 PM encamped on the white fall."

June 9
" Monday A fres Gale SW part Cloudy part Clear Weather with heavy showers of rain. At 4 AM embarked and at 6 PM encamped on Wippenapanis Carrying place."

June 10
" Tuesday A Strong Gale Wly Clear Weather. at 4 AM embarked & at 11 arrived at Oxford House."

June 11
" Wednesday A fresh Breeze NE Cloudy Cold weather. At 12 AM embarked & at 6 encamped on the trout fall."

June 12
" Thursday A fresh Breeze NE with showers of snow. At 4 AM embarked & at 7 PM encamped in the Knee Lake."

June 13
" Friday A fresh Breeze Ely Clear Cold Weather. at 4 AM embarked and at 7 PM encamped in the Hill river."

June 14
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday. at 4 AM embarked & at 7 PM encamped at the Still water met 3 Canoes from Gordon House who Inform us that the Shoalnefs of the water has prevented more than 2 Boats arriving at Gordon House & that Mr Ballanden is not expected there for some time."

June 15
" Sunday Wind & Weather as yesterday. At 4 AM Embarked & at 9 arrived at Gordon House - The amazing Shallownefs of the water with the small number of men at York Fort has it seems prevented any Considerable quantity of goods being brought here & scarcely any provisions. I shall therefore be under the necefsity of sending a part of the Canoes to the Factory."

June 16
" Monday Wind & weather as before. Employed fitting out eight Canoes to return with goods to Oxford House Which from want of provisions we have some difficulty in doing."

June 17
" Tuesday light Breezes Variable with rain in the evening. Fitted out eight Canoes loaded them with the goods that are here and at 10 AM embarked with five Canoes for York Fort. at 7 PM encamped in Steel river."

June 18
" Wednesday AM a fresh Breeze Wly PM a strong gale NE with Showers of rain. At 3 AM embarked Sailed till 12 When we met Mr Ballanden with two large & one small Boat lightly loaded on his way to gordon House. remained a Couple of Hours with him Set off again & encamped on rainbow Island."

June 19
" Thursday A fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy weather. at 7 AM embarked and at 10 arrived at York Factory."

June 20
" Friday A fresh Breeze NE Clear Weather. men employed Getting necefsaries for the winter."

June 21
" Saturday A fresh Breeze NE Clear Weather. Employed laying out Cargoes for Canoes &c."

June 22
" Sunday Wind & weather as yesterday."

June 23
" Monday A fresh Breeze NE Cloudy Weather. At 9 AM embarked with three Canoes loaded with Trading Goods & provisions for Gordon House. I am under the necefsity of leaving 2 Canoes (three of our men being very unwell) till those get Better or more men arrive from North river. At 7 PM encamped at Pennycutway."

June 24
" Tuesday A fresh Breeze NW with heavy rain in the afternoon - at 4 AM embarked tracked till 2 PM When the rain oblidged us to put on shore."

June 25
" Wednesday A fresh Breeze NW with showers of rain. at 4 AM embarked & at 7 PM encamped in Steel river."

June 26
" Thursday A fresh Breeze Wly Clear Weather. at 4 AM embarked tracked till 7 PM then encamped in Hill river. - Met 2 Boats & three Canoes on their Way to York Factory."

June 27
" Friday A fresh Breeze Wly Clear Weather. one of our men having been taken Violantly ill in Course of last night. I am under the necefsity of leaving one Canoe here & proceeding on with 2 only. At 7 PM encamped."

June 28
" Saturday Wind & weather as yesterday. at 4 AM embarked & at 9 arrived at Gordon House. - at 11 AM sent the men down to fetch up the other Canoe. Eight Canoes arrived with Furrs from Oxford House."

June 29
" Sunday A fresh Breeze Wly With rain. Employed engaging men whose times Expires &c."

June 30
" Monday A light Breeze SE Clear Weather. employed packing Goods &c."

July 1 1800
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Employed fitting out 4 Canoes to embark to Morrow."

July 2
" Wednesday A fresh Breeze Wly Clear Weather - employed in fitting out the rest of the Canoes &c. Four Canoes went away."

July 3
" Thursday light Breezes Variable with thunder & heavy showers of rain. Early am 4 Canoes went Away & at 1 PM I embarked with 4 Canoes and encamped on the Second Carrying place."

July 4
" Friday Light Breezes NW Cloudy Weather with rain in the evening. at 4 AM embarked & at 7 PM encamped. two Canoes Behind."

July 5
" Saturday light Breezes Ely Clear Hot weather. At 3 AM embarked & at 6 PM encamped."

July 6
" Sunday Light Breezes Ely With rain. at 4 AM embarked and at 7 encamped in the Knee lake where we found 2 of the Canoes which had left Gordon House before us."

July 7
" Monday A fresh gale SW Clear Sultry weather. At 4 AM we set off and at 7 PM encamped near the trout fall. here we overtook 2 more Canoes. those we saw yesterday Behind."

July 8
" Tuesday Early AM Squalls of Wind from the S with heavy Thunder lightening and rain afterwards calm Weather till 10 PM then a fresh Breeze Sly With rain. At 5 AM embarked and at three PM Arrived at Oxford House the 2 Canoes in Company."


1M49 B.60/a/5

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