" A Sketch of the principal Transactions and Occurrences on the Pafsage to and from Oxford House and during a Winters Residence at Edmonton House, Commencing July 19th 1807, ending June 25th 1808 by James Bird."


July 19 1807
" Mr Hallett with five Men in one Canoe embarked for Cumberland House. Employed getting every thing in readinefs for our Embarkation."

July 24
" At 1 PM embarked with twenty eight Men in three Boats, lightly laden with Trading Goods &c for Cumberland House."

Aug. 8 1807
" Met Mr James Sutherland with six Men in two Canoes carrying the Summer Trades of the several inland Settlements to the Amount of 600 MB, Pemmecan &c, on their way to York Factory and encamped together in the Cedar Lake."

Aug. 9
" The two Canoes proceeded on their Journey; Mr Sutherland I have prevailed on to return with me as, having relied on his Services, I am now at a lofs for a fit Person to supply his place at Cumberland where he has several Years managed the Businefs with Ability and Succefs."

" Copy of a Letter sent to Mr McNab
Dear Sir
We have just met the Canoes returning from Cumberland and I am happy to say that the News they bring from Inland is of a pleasing Nature. Peace is reestablished among the Natives, Provisions abundant and of course, Hopes are entertain'd of a succefsful Winter. - Mr Pruden has been obliged to decline building up the North Branch, after a great deal of Trouble, he has ascertained that there are no Beaver there, and that the River is impracticable even for Canoes. - The Coottanaha's have not visited Acton House as expected and it is consequently concluded that Mr Thompson has intercepted them. Perhaps another Season may determine whether an advantageous Trade can be pursued with these People thro' the various Difficulties with which it must be unavoidably attended. I have always thought that it is impofsible.
Mr Tomison arrived at Cumberland soon after we left it in the Spring; he came principally for Pimmeecan, without a supply of which his Men were unable to go down to Churchill Factory. Notwithstanding our scarcity Mr Sutherland supplied him with nine Bags (684 lb) and after staying two Nights only he returned, taking with him his Woman to the Churchill Settlements. - You will herewith receive about 600 MB collected at the different Settlements in the course of the Summer. Hoping that eir the receipt of this You will have agreeable News from England. I remain Sir
Your obedient
hble Servant
James Bird."

Aug. 14
" Arrived at Cumberland House with every thing in good condition."

Aug. 15
" Employed making up Afsortments of Goods for the different Settlments, setting? Men their winter Supplies &c."

Aug. 18
" Embarked with twenty four Men in two Boats & two Canoes for Paint River; seven Men left ready to embark tomorrow for South Branch."

Aug. 29
" Had the Misfortune to break one of the Boats & in spite of all our Efforts, a few Rolls of Tobacco, two Kegs of Powder & some private property is damaged."

Aug. 30
" Remain'd all Day to dry the Goods, and I am happy to find that nothing but 1 1/2 Keg of Powder is so much hurt as to be unsaleable."

Sept. 4? 1807
" Arrived at the steep Bank where I had the pleasure to find Mr Pruden and to hear that he left all well at the several Houses above this."

Sept. 5
" Mr McDonald of the NWC overtook us with eight Canoes carrying two hundred Pieces of Goods & manned with forty three Men - Encamped together."

Sept. 6
" In course of last night ten, out of fifteen Horses which Mr Pruden had brought down for the purpose of supplying us with Meat on our Way up the River, together with some of Mr McDonalds, were stolen by a party of Stone Indians who are gone towards Red River."

Sept. 19
" Arrived at Paint River and had the pleasure to find Mr Howse and Men well."

Sept. 20
" Mr Howse with two Men in a Canoe laden with dry Provisions embarked, himself to take charge of the South Branch House, the Men for Cumberland Ho.
Employed opening and repacking Goods &c."

Sept. 21
" Embarked for Edmonton House with two Boats lightly laden."

Sept. 30
" Arrived at Edmonton all safe & had the Satisfaction to find Mr Whitford and Men well."

Oct. 3 1807
" Sent off four Men in a large Canoe loaded with a proper afsortment of Goods for a House built this Summer near the Mouth of the North Branch in the vicinity of which it is thought a few Beaver may yet be found. - We have now every Reason to believe that Mr Thompson has settled among the Coottanaha's on the West Side of the Rocky Mountains to make a full Trial of their Value.
The establishing a Settlement among these People has been long in contemplation, but the improbability of such a Measure's proving advantageous deterred all Parties, particularly as immediate lofs is sure to be incurred. Acquainted with Mr Thompson's intended Expedition last spring, I had almost determined on sending a party with him, or after him, but after mature consideration concluded that, as Men were scarce it would be more prudent first to know Mr McNabs opinion of such an Undertaking and what Succefs Mr Thompson would meet with, as our failing to go for one Year would, among Indians of so independant a Spirit as these, be of little Consequence."

Oct. 4
" Mr Pruden set off to take charge of the new Settlement. A large Band of Fall and Blackfeet Indians arrived, loaded with dry Provisions which they traded, and went away."

Oct. 6
" A large Band of Sufsew Indians arrived with a few Beaver and a few Buffalo Skins."

Oct. 18
" Most of the Crees moved off to make their winter Hunts."

Oct. 19
" Sent off two Men to catch Fish at a Lake called the Gods Lake about 60 Miles from hence.
A small Canoe of Freemen arrived who brought us the disagreeable Intelligence of the Death of William Walker who was killed by a party of Stone Indians (about the 10th of Sept.) at the South Branch House, to which place he had gone to meet a Boat and Men from Cumberland House, and which arrived there the very Day after his unfortunate End. Two Women only were with the Deceased and according to the report of these, the Severity of a Mr McDonald (Master last Year for the NWC in the South Branch) to some Stone Indians (whom, for having stolen part of his Horses, he confined & threatened to hang, but afterwards allowed to escape) was the Cause of this melancholy Affair; he had injured them they said, they had long secretly determined on this kind of Revenge and that all white Men were equally satisfactory Objects for their Vengeance. This kind of unbounded Resentment is an universal characteristic of all the Natives of these parts and arises perhaps from their want of courage and Perserverance, to search out the immediate Authors of their Injuries, as the Death of poor Walker was now probably determined on from the little immediate Danger there was in affecting it. - I parted with Walker at the Steep Bank and directed him to go by the Way of Setting River in order to take two or three Crees I had seen there with him to the House; but from Reasons yet unknown to me, it seems he went strait acrofs and arrived there in so untimely a Moment.
He was a spirited, active young Man and Mr Howse will feel his lofs. - I feel myself extremely at a lofs how to act in so disagreeable an Affair; at first abhorence of the Deed awakens a desire of Revenge; but on cool Reflection it appears more prudent for us to settle the Matter without shedding Blood yet with all the Dignity in our Power, for, it will be impofsible for us to obtain pofsefsion of the Murderers (and indiscriminate Vengeance, tho their own Method is repugnant to our Ideas, particularly, as the present Crime seems to have arisen from the hasty Resentment of a few inconsiderate Young Villains) and judging from probabilities it appears impofsible for us to ? it with Advantage, they are numerous and almost independent of us, and we are often obliged, in pursuit of the Trade and for our own Subsistance, to disperse ourselves and travel in such small Numbers as to be often in their power. - It may however, and very naturally, be thought that if such Crimes may be committed with impunity they will be often repeated. Experience however (here) does not confirm this Conclusion for, this is not the first unfortunate Circumstance of the kind that has happened to us, or our opponents and they had no future Effect."

Oct. 22
" Gave one of the Freemen, who promises to trade part of his Furrs here, a few things on Credit. These free Canadians are become numerous here, and industrious, giving our Neighbours annually many more Beaver Skins than all the Indians put together; there is one Man who, with two Afsistants has delivered them (at this place) since last April 600 Beaver Skins on Terms which, as they are similar to that of all the other Freemen and Iroquoys, I will particularize. viz, - For all the Goods he may require he pays nearly at the Rate of your Honors Standard, (tho' a few Articles he has much cheaper) and for all the Beaver he can sell to the NWC for Money, he receives 11 Livres pr lb. This last Consideration is what prevents our being able to share much in this Trade. they would often prefer your Honors Goods could they receive Money, or Bills, for the small part of their Hunts they may wish to dispose of. It is almost unnecefsary to add, that the NWC will not pay a Man, in Money for any part of his Furrs unlefs he takes his Necefsaries from them.
The Man to whom I have now given Credit proposes, next Summer, to crofs the Rocky Mountains and make the ensuing Winters Hunt near the Coottanaha Lands, (where he has already wintered) and the Summer following to return and dispose of his Furrs here, or, if he should be fortunate, to carry them to York Factory, where, he supposes Goods may be sold him cheap. I have given him all the encouragement in my power to make this last Experiment, and even hopes of his there? receiving a fair price in Money for a part of his Furrs, if he should require it. Should this Man really make the Trial and meet with satisfactory Treatment, others may be induced to follow his Example tho' it is certain the NW Masters will do all in their Power to prevent an Undertaking of this Kind. It is in vain to suppose that, as these Freemen kill Beaver, Indians may too, the first search them out through the greatest Difficulties with a Perserverance which Avarice or, a number of factitious? Wants only can support, whereas the latter work only for present Conveniences and will much rather go without these, than acquire them by hard Labour or even with much Inconvenience."

Nov. 8 1807
" Mr McDonald of the NWC arrived from Paint River by whom I received Letters from Mefs Hallett & Howse which confirm the Account of the Death of Wm Walker in the Manner before stated, but with this additional Circumstance, - The Villains after smoking in the House went out & took pofsefsion of the Deceased's Horses, he, suspecting their Design, followed and soon came to where they were bridling them; determined to rescue his Horses or perish in the Attempt he bared his gun and told his Resolution, upon which one of the Villains instantly shot him from behind and another running up, blew out his Brains, crying out "we still feel too well our Injuries (alluding to their being confined as related before) to bear any new Insult, or to spare the Life of a white Man at the expence of our Booty". Mr Howse represents strongly the Inconveniences as well as other Sensations he feels from the lofs of this young Man, increased by the non-arrival there of the Fall Canoes so late as the 25th of October.
A few Muddy River Indians arrived."

Nov. 10
" Received a Letter from Mr Pruden in which he informs me that four Men, whom he had sent to Acton House to fetch some old Stores concealed last Spring, found there three Men who had come from Mr Thompson, who it appears has built at the side of a Lake in the Cootanaha Country, nearly? West of the Source of the South Branch River. These Men had brought with them acrofs the Mountain about 80 MB (Beaver, Bears & Swan Skins) which is all they had been able to collect in the course of the Summer, and their prospects (according to their Accounts) are extremely discouraging. The Coottanaha's delivered Mr Thompson a Paper given them, (when on a visit to a more southerly Tribe), by the Americans, of which the following is a Copy.

We the undersigned by the Power delegated to us by General Braithewaite Commander of all the new ceded Territories northward of the Illinois do hereby make known and declare the Instructions we have received relating to Foreigners who may at present be carrying on a Traffic with the Indians within our Territories for Peltries &c, or who may in future carry on a Traffic with the said Indians.
1st By a standing Law of Congrefs, and now more especially to be enforced, no Traders under whatever Denomination, whether americans or Foreigners are permitted to sell or give Spirituous Liquors of any Kind to the Natives under any pretence whatever, under the Penalty of forfeiting all the property in their Pofsesfsion, the half of which belongs to that is the Informer, the other Half to him that is authorised & shall receive the said Property : and for the second Offence, forfeiture of Goods and imprisonment of Body.
2nd No Trader has a right to hoist a Flag of any kind whatever at his place of Residence, whether Camp or House : Any Offence of this kind will be considered as an Insult on the American Nation and punished accordingly. If it is found necefsary for the sake of Peace &c to display a Flag, permifsion must be requested of the Commanding Officer of the nearest military Post, who, if he finds the Request reasonable will permit the American Flag to be hoisted, but that of no other Nation.
3rd No Indian Trader under any pretence has a right to give Flags, Medals or any other honorary Marks of Distinction to any Indian whether Chief or not. Whatever Marks of Merit or Honor an Indian shall merit will be bestowed by the Commanding Officer, and by him alone. All other Persons are hereby prohibited from so doing under pain of being fined for the said Offence or Offences against the Jurisdiction of America.
4th As much Inconvenience and Confusion is found to arise from the Competition of Traders, who often lavish? their Goods to the great hurt of their Creditors, it is hereby made known to all Indian Traders, natives as well as foreign, that no one shall presume to sell beyond the price fixed by the Commanding Officer. For the first Offence, the offending Trader shall be severly reprimanded, and for the Second, his Magazine? of Goods shall be shut up and he, himself with his Servants prohibited from any further Commerce with the Natives; his Property shall be under the Seal of the Commanding Officer till the Season permits his Embarkation for the Place from whence he came.
5th No Trader or any of his Servants shall revenge an Injury, Affront, Misdemeanour &c that shall be done unto them by the native Indians, otherwise than may concern his direct personal Safety or property; but shall make his Complaint to the Commanding Officer, who will punish the Offender according to Justice.
6th As all Indian Traders in the American Territory enjoy the Protection of America and its salutary Laws, Justice requires that they in return shall contribute towards the Support of the Armed Force that protects them; all Indian Traders who are native Americans and come direct from the United States with their Merchandize &c, having paid the ordinary duties at the Custom House are free from any further Duty on producing the Custom House Voucher; all Foreigners shall pay 10 PrCent on the Imports and 8 PrCent on Exports, or 20 PrCent on the Goods imported, but, inasmuch as the Subjects of Great Britain trading direct from Canada, on Account of the reciprocal Commerce and good Neighbourhood between the Inhabitants of the said Province and the Citizens of America, have an Indulgence above others, the Commander in Chief by the Powers vested in him, has thought proper to abate the Duty, on all foreign Goods &c, to 12 PCt, on the Imports direct from Canada: the Exports to be free. Merchandize coming from Canada that have paid the American duties, either at Detroit or Michillimacanac on producing the Custom House Voucher are to pay no farther duty. Every Indian Trader must deliver the Commanding Officer an exact Account of his Exports and Imports.
7th And whereas the great Distance between some parts of the new ceded Territories and the civilized Towns may prevent the foreign Traders from having it their Power to pay at all times their Duty on their merchandize, Peltries &c in Money, the Commander in Chief has thought proper to permit the duty to be paid in kind the duty on the Imported in Goods, provided they be such as may be of Use to the military Posts, the Exports to be paid in Furrs being every ninth Skin, according to the Book of Custom House Rates.
8th Indian Traders whether native or foreign are requested to furnish themselves with the Laws of Congrefs relating to Commerce in general and the bye Laws of the upper Provinces, relating to the Indian Trade, in particular as, thereby they? will? probably save themselves and the Commanding Officer much Trouble.
9th By Information received at the Manden Village on the Mifsifsourie we were given to understand that, some of the Subjects of Great Britain are about to carry on a Trade and traffic with the western Indians we have therefore given a Copy of the above Instructions, rules, and Regulations to be observed in the Indian Traffic to the principal Chief of each of the indian Tribes the most likely to see these foreign Traders that, the said Traders may not pretend Ignorance that they are within the Jurisdiction of Congrefs and consequently obliged to obey all its Laws & Regulations &c. It is expected of the indian Traders or Traders who may see these our Instructions &c that, they will take a Copy leaving the Original in the Hands of the Indian Chief.
10th The new ceded Territories to the American States northward and westward of the Illinois, comprehend the Mifsifsourie, Red River and all the Lands Westward to the Coast of California and the Columbia River with all its Branches; of which we have now taken Pofsefsion and on which we are now settled down to the Pacific Ocean, extending northward to about 50 Degrees north Latitude, according to the Boundaries settled at the Treaty of Peace between the united States and the Court of Great Britain, although it is by no means allowed here nor does any of our Exprefsions bear the Sense that Great Britain has any special right to any of the Lands on the Pacific Ocean or to the Commerce of any of the Rivers that flow into the said Ocean, all of which we shall comprehend as within our said Territories untill some further Explanation takes place on this head between the united States of America and the Court of St James.
Signed
Fort Lewis, Yellow River Columbia 10th July 1807
James Roseman Lieutenant
Zachary Perch Captain & Commanding Officer."

Nov. 22
" The River froze over."

Nov. 27
" Two Men arrived from Paint River for a few small Articles and to acquaint me that the Men Mr Hallett had sent down the River to meet the Fall Canoes return'd without seeing them: there is now consequently reason to apprehend that they have not been able to reach farther than Cumberland by Water."

Nov. 28
" Sent away the two Men of yesterday. - I have directed Mr Hallett, should no News from South Branch reach him soon, to send down two Men that we may know as soon as pofsible whether we may expect the Supply of Goods we are so much in want of, or must put up with what we have, that we may act accordingly; and here I cannot help remarking how hazardous it is to depend so entirely on a Fall Supply of so many principal Articles, which so many Circumstances may prevent our receiving; as the Trade may be seriously injured by the Want of them, besides the great Inconveniences that must be felt by Individuals. Should the Ship (which I sincerely wish may never be the Case) fail to arrive at YF how would we be situated next Year, without even Powder sufficient for this!"

Dec. 10 1807
" Two Men arrived from North Branch for a supply of Cloth &c and the Letters from England."

Dec. 12
" Two Men arrived from Paint River with the long expected Letters from England; the Canoe which brought these Letters from Cumberland was stopt opposite the South Branch House by the? Ice, and from thence they were brought to Paint River by Land.
Copy of a Letter from Mr McNab
Dear Sir
After detaining the Canoes till this Day they must at last proceed without the most material Articles in your List. - The Schooner Mainwaring arrived here the 8 inst., brought the Packet and a few Articles from England, unfortunately no Cloth. We are anxiously looking for the Prince of Wales from C.R. - she has a fine supply on board.
I was glad to hear of the good news and prospects from Inland. I hope the expected Results will be realized.
I am Dear Sir
Your very hble Servant
John McNab
York Factory Sept. 14th 1807."

Dec. 14
" Sent off Mr Prudens two Men with Letters from England, a few trading Articles & the following Letter
Dear Sir
The Letters from England I at length forward You; they were brought to YF by a Schooner which, unluckily, had none of the Goods we so much require on board, and it was deemed imprudent to detain the Canoes till the Ship, which was gone to Churchill, might arrive. You must therefore endeavour to secure your Trade by all the Means in your power without longer hoping for a supply of Cloth, Blankets, Knives or Hatchets &c, and I hope that your accustomed Attention and Activity will prevent any serious hopes from the want of these Articles, particularly, as our Neighbours seem, fortunately, not to be overstocked wtih them. Eight Yards of Cloth I however send You which You will or course reserve to the last Necefsity. The Men and their Families will unavoidably feel great Inconveniences; but there was a large Supply on board the Prince of Wales and, I hope, this Prospect of Relief will induce them to bear with Patience their present Deprivations.
You will perceive by Papers inclosed that the Committee have made some Alterations in their Valuation of Furrs, which You will follow as far as Prudence will permit. - Wishing You agreeable News from your Friends and a succefsful Winter
I remain
Yours &c.
James Bird"

Dec. 15
" Sent away Mr Halletts Men with a few Articles of trading Goods and the following Letter.[to Hallett]
Sir
Yours? with the Letters from England I received on the 12th inst.
It is certainly mortifying on Several Accounts to be so disappointed in our expected supply of Goods; but it is vain to comlain when there is no Remedy and I still hope that a little extraordinary Trouble and Liberality with the shortnefs of our Neighbours in those very Articles will prevent any lofses of Consequence.
I send herewith a few Articles of immediate Necefsity to Mr Sutherland, which You will please to forward him immediately; he having relyed more on a Fall Supply than us is proportionally more distrefsed. I send You likewise a few Yards of Cloth with the Guns You require &c. - Your Men can bring from South Branch the few Things brought there by the Fall Canoe as I have particularized to Mr Howse.
Wishing You every Succefs I remain, Sir
Your hble Servant
James Bird."

Dec. 20
" In course of Saturday Night a party of Indians, supposed to be Stone Indians, stole about forty of our Horses principally belonging to the Men, the Rascals had escaped with them two Nights before they were discovered and all thoughts of pursuit were therefore hopelefs. - The Pofsefsion of these Horses had hitherto enabled us to get fresh Meat at whatever Distance it might be necefsary to fetch it; their Lofs therefore is a severe Misfortune to us as Animals were never more scarce or at a greater distance than at present.
These Stone Indians are the most uselefs and the most troublesome Tribe that inhabit these Parts; they kill no Furrs, and Horse Stealing is their Trade [and not even a sensible trade like killing beaver so people can wear them as hats], their Depredations never cease but are extended to all the Tribes of Natives as well as all the Traders from Red River to this place; sometimes they fall Victims to their Avidity, but in general they act with such Dexterity and Boldnefs as to escape with Impunity. All the Benefit derived from these Rascals is from their Provisions which our Neighbours consider as of too great Consequence to admit of their joining us so cordially as would be required in endeavouring to reduce them to a little Subjection."

Dec. 27
" Sent two Men with an Indian who arrived yesterday to fetch Furrs."

Dec. 30
" The Men of the 27th arrived with 350 Martins and 18 Beavers. An Indian arrived for meat to fetch Furrs."

Jan. 1 1808
" A Sufsew & two Blood Indians arrived who brought us the agreeable Intelligence of the Buffalo being plenty about sixty Miles from this."

Jan. 3
" Sent two Men with the Indians of the 30th Ult. The Sufsew traded and went away."

Jan. 4
" Sent off a Party of Men to kill Buffalo & collect the Meat, our Hunters being at a great Distance from where the Buffalo are said to be."

Jan. 6
" Sent three Men to our Hunters for Meat and to desire them to move with all Expedition, to the Buffalo."

Jan. 9
" One of the Men of the 4th inst. arrived to inform me that the Buffalo were as numerous as reported. that his Companions had killed seven Cows before his Departure & expected to kill many more before his Return to them."

Jan. 11
" Sent six Men with Horses & Sledges for Meat."

Jan. 16
" The Men of the 11th arrived with the Meat of seven Cows & tell us they left the Meat of 20 more at our Mens Hut."

Jan. 21
" Twelve Men, Fall & Blood Indians arrived."

Jan. 22
" The Indians of yesterday traded and went away; they brought us no more than 12 Wolves a few Kitts & a little dry Provision and by their Accounts none of the Indians have killed any Wolves of consequence owing to the want of Snow, the Ground being too slippery to admit of their running them on Horseback - The only method they take to kill Wolves. These Indians inform us that a party of their young Men who went on a War Expedition last Autumn discovered an American Settlement on the Banks of the Mifsifsoury. The Americans they say received them in a very friendly Manner, made them presents, and invited them to a general Meeting next Spring with all the Tribes they have hitherto warred with, in order to settle a Peace with them, and for the Purposes of Trade. They tell us that the Americans promise to sell them a Gun for five Beavers & other Articles in Proportion, that they value Buffalo Robes &c; but add that, the Americans have no Spirits the Article first in their Esteem, and that they delight too much in War to deprive themselves of Enemies by making the Peace proposal.
Between the South Branch & Mifsifsoury Rivers, Beaver are well known to be numerous, and it has long been in contemplation to make a Settlement in the upper part of the first mentioned River, with a view of obtaining them; but the Danger of such an Undertaking made with a few Men, the great Expence of employing a number, the little Dependence that can be placed on the Industry or Friendship of the fierce Tribes that inhabit those Parts, and the Lives already lost in that Quarter, are the Considerations that have hitherto deterr'd all Parties from making the Attempt. Our Neighbours however never cease to view the supposed Prize with wishful Eyes and perhaps they may be roused to make one great Effort in Order to snatch it from the Americans. This is an Enterprize that would require forty Men at least and no Hopes of Profit for the first Year could be entertained, unlefs Wolves or Hides were valuable; should it however prove succefsful an extensive Field for Trade would be opened, as the Pafsage acrofs the Mountains is there short and easy. I have thought it my duty to make this Representation, but were I asked my Opinion of such an Undertaking I should fear to give it - Great Risks and great Expence are opposed to uncertain Hopes of distant Gain."

Feb. 4 1808
" Sent two Men with an Indian who arrived yesterday to fetch Furrs. These Indians (two of our best Hunters) have killed a good number of Martins, but only 14 Beaver, altho' they have searched for them over a large tract of Country; and I am apprehensive that in a very few Years a Beaver will be nearly as great a Curiosity here as in London; tis the free Canadians & Iroquoys with their Steel Traps that have so totally destroyed them."

Feb. 21
" A Band of Blood Indians arrived, in which are twenty Chiefs; all they have brought amounts to no more than 100 Wolves, and they say, the want of Snow in the plains is the Cause of their making such poor Hunts, the Ground being too slippery to admit of their running Wolves. The only Method they take to kill them."

Feb. 22
" Sent off two Men for Paint River, with a Roll of Tobacco and a few other small Articles which Mr Hallett is in want of. The Indians of yesterday traded and went away."

Feb. 23
" A Band of Fall & Blood Indians, about thirty Men, arrived."

Feb. 24
" The Indians of yesterday traded and went away; these were as poor as those of the 21st and afsign the same Reason for their not killing wolves, which it must be confefsed is not without foundation - Another small Band of Blood Indians arrived; six of our Men also arrived with the last of our Meat; - we have now sufficient to serve us till the Embarkation."

Feb. 25
" A Band of Sufsews arrived."

Feb. 26
" Traded with the Sufsews of yesterday; they have brought 50 Beaver Skins and about 140 Buffalo Hides, but very few Wolves, and they afsign the same Reason as the Blood Indians for not killing more of these last named Furrs."

Feb. 27
" The Sufsews went away and a small Band (twelve Men) of Fall Indians arrived, apparently more poor than any that have come before them."

Feb. 28
" Traded with the Fall Indians who went away. They brought no more than 20 Wolves & as many Buffalo Hides."

Mar. 3 1808
" Sent off two Men for the North Branch House with a little Spirits &c required there."

Mar. 8
" The two Men of the 22nd Ult. arrived from Paint River with a few Articles of goods, and Letters from Mefsrs Howse, Hallett & Sutherland; Mr Hallett has the prospect of making, what must at present be considered as, a tolerably good Trade, but Mr Howse's Expectations are even lefs than usual, and Cumberland House Trade appears, owing to a combination of untoward Circumstances, to be in a very runious State."

Mar. 11
" The Men of the 3rd arrived from North Branch . Mr Pruden writes me that three Bands of Muddy (or Mifsifsoury) River Indians have visited him but that they brought very few Furrs indeed. - In all probability his Trade will be considerably lefs than last Year, notwithstanding several of the Indians belonging to this Place have wintered with him & killed a few Beaver."

Mar. 17
" Sent off six Men with Mr Isham to fetch Birchrind taken by the latter in Course of last Summer."

Mar. 19
" Several Crees arrived with only a few Martins."

Mar. 23
" The Men of the 17th arrived with about 150 Fathoms of Birchrind. The Crees still tenting at the House in spite of all my Efforts to induce them to go and kill a few Beaver."

Apr. 1 1808
" A few Muddy River Indians arrived."

Apr. 2
" The Indians of yesterday traded and went away. They brought about 80 MB."

Apr. 3
" Three Men arrived from the North Branch House with the Horses belonging to that Place."

Apr. 5
" Sent off one Man with a Pit Saw, Nails &c for making a Batteaux with, to the North Branch House. Several Crees arrived who brought very little."

Apr. 10
" Several Crees arrived, but brought only a few Martins."

Apr. 12
" Most of the Crees moved off; they are all going downwards with a view of making War on the Blackfeet. We have urged all the Reasons in our Power to prevent them from breaking the Peace so lately made; but have more to hope from their own fears than from all we have been able to say to them on the subject; indeed I am confident that they will not dare to attack the Blackfeet warned, as they know they will be, of their Designs."

Apr. 24
" Sent off four Men in a Boat laden with Furrs Pimmucan and Birchrind for Paint River."

Apr. 26
" A few Sufsews arrived; they have brought a few Musquashes, 4 Beavers and 160 Buffalo Hides, the Musquashes we are under the necefsity of taking 8 as a Skin, without distinction of Size, as our Opponents take all at this Rate, and in fact, no Indian here, will ever take the trouble to skin them if 15 are taken as a B., nay, the greater part think it not worth their while when taken 18? as a Skin; as the number killed (for they are pretty numerous) fully proves? - Perhaps it may not be improper to remark that we give nothing for Buffalo Hides but Brandy, Tobacco & a little Ammunition, as we conceive them to be of too little value to pay for more expensive Articles; and are apprehensive, that without some such distinction they might in some measure prevent the killing of more valuable Skins; it must however be understood that we take no Hides from the Crees - the only Indians of real Value."

May 1 1808
" Mr Pruden arrived with five Men in a Batteaux from the North Branch House with the Trade of that place which amounts to 1600 MB."

May 5
" A few Muddy River Indians who arrived yesterday traded and went away; among them were 8 Chiefs and yet, all together, brought only 70 MB although they have not been seen since last October. Sent off one Man and a Boy (an Apprentice) to pafs the Summer at the North Branch."

May 12
" A Band of Fall Indians who arrived yesterday traded and went away. They brought 350 Buffalo Hides but no Furrs of consequence."

May 15
" Embarked for Paint River with two Boats & one Canoe heavily laden with Packs of Hides & Furrs, Pimmucan &c."

May 17
" At 7 PM arrived at Paint River, and found every thing in readinefs for our proceeding on. Mr Halletts Trade amounts to 3150 MB."

May 19
" Embarked with three Boats, a Batteaux and four Canoes carrying five hundred pieces (Furrs Parchment and Provisions) for Cumberland House."

May 28
" Arrived at Cumberland House, all safe, and had the pleasure to find Mr Sutherland and Men well; the Trade also I have the satisfaction to say is nearly equal to that of last Year in number of Skins and much superior in Quality.
I found here five Men from Nelson River who are come, they say, for Canoes."

May 31
" Embarked for Oxford House with five Boats & six Canoes, manned with forty six Men and carrying near five hundred Pieces; of these there are Hides & Furrs to the amount of upwards of 13000 MB., the remainder Provisions &c."

June 4 1808
" Arrived at the Great Rapid; here we found Mr Swain with two Canoes from Swan River and I am pleased to find that he has made a tolerable little Trade."

June 17
" Arrived at Oxford House after a very bad Pafsage (from heavy gales of Wind, & Snow &c) & had the pleasure to find Mr Sinclair well."

June 19
" Embarked with three Canoes for the Mouth of Hill River."

June 25
" Arrived after a most disagreeable Pafsage from Winds & Rain, at the Mouth of Hill River."



1M49 B.60/a/7

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