" A Journal of Transactions at Edmonton House by Geo. Sutherland 1796-97"
"July 17" 1796
" Left York Fort accompanied by Mefs Longmoor & Hallet. the former bound to the Red deers and the latter to Jack River with 16 Canoes loaded with trading Goods 3 for the former and two for the latter place and the remaining 11 for the upper Settlements. they Arrived at Gordon House on the 22nd Robert Linklater Bowsman having been taking very ill with the Gravel in consequently unable to proceed on the Pafsage we were under the necefsity of engaging Edward tomison as Bowsman in his Stead for three Years at 16£ pr Year as pr Contract now sent to the Chief at York."
"24" 1796
" After exchanging some part of our Cargoes we proceeded on the Voyge and got to the Jack River on the 10th of August where we pointed out a proper Spot for Mr Hallet to build a House on. near one occupied by the Canadians.
Sent one Canoe to the Crofs Lake to bring the companys property and Men from that place but the Season being far advanced and my distance to the Upper Settlement being very great I could not wait Mr tates Arrival but have Left Mr Longmoor to settle Matters with Mr Tates Men ? and I proceeded on the Voyge to Cumberland where we reached the 25th August where we Stayed 5 days packing & repacking Bundles and leaving an afsortment of Trading goods at this place also deliver'd Mr Bird an afsortment for Carleton House."
"Aug. 30"
" Left Cumberland with 10 Canoes for Buckingham House as also Mr Bird with two Canoes for Carleton. Mr Fidler remains in charge of Cumberland till the Arrival of the Fall Canoes from the Factory when he will proceed to take Charge of Buckingham. we came to Carleton House on the 7th Sept. which we stayed one day and set out upwards. on the 13 we met one Man & three horses from Buckingham where I left the Canoes and went on horse back along shore & put up with the Canoes every night found Plenty of Buffalo all the way so that our men had plenty of fresh Meat."
"Sept. 26"
" We Arrived at Buckingham House where we found all well except a few horses stolen by the Stone Indians in the Course of the Summer. the day after our Arrival Mr Shaw with 18 Canoes Loaded with trading Goods belonging to the Canadian Company arrived here."
"27"
" employed opening and leaving an afsortment of Goods at this place leaving James Gaddy Still in charge of the House till the Arrival of the fall Canoes."
"29"
" dispatched 6 Canoes with Brandy, Powder, Guns &c to Edmonton House - also myself with 6 Men and a number of Horses carrying dry Goods to the same place, where I arrived on the 3d of October where I found all well and every in very Good Order the Stone Indians also stole some horses from this House in the Summer. I found 400 Bea. and some dry Provisions traded by Alex. Flett in the absence of the Canoes."
Oct. 4
" Tuesday Wind S Clear fine Wea. men at the house cleaning the ware houses &c in the Afternoon 6 Canoes Arrived from Buckingham. A band of Muddy river Indians came in."
Oct. 5
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
The Indians of yesterday went away - Men employed as before. The Canoe Men resting themselves."
Oct. 6
" Thursday Wind NW Clear Wea.
Sent seven Men in two Canoes loaded with Bark.
Indians all drunk at the House. Men employed as before."
Oct. 7
" Friday A Strong Breeze SE Clear Weather.
some of the Indians went away and others Arrived
Men employed as Yesterday."
Oct. 8
" Saturday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
The Indians trading - Men employed as before
Sent three Men down to Buckingham House on horse back."
Oct. 9
" Sunday A light Breeze Nly Clear Wea. - some of the Indians went away."
Oct. 10
" Monday a Small Breeze SW Clear cold Wea.
Men employed laying up the Canoes and getting Hay home. The Canoe men have all gone to do Duty. this day I opened The last of the Goods brought from York Fort and I have the Satisfaction to say I have not found the least Article damnaged. a proof that your honors Servants are exceedingly carefull of the property committed to their charge.
Indians taking debt and part going away."
Oct. 11
" Tuesday Wind & Wea. as Yesterday
The Men employed getting Hay home and the Carpenter Stocking? Tools.
Most part of the Indians went away."
Oct. 12
" Wednesday A light Breeze NW Cloudy Weather
Having no Provisions in the House Sent three men with Horses to Hunt Buffallo Two Men at the Pit saw and the rest Cutting down Stockades to enlarge the Yard & Gardens &c
Some Indians Arrived and others went away."
Oct. 13
" Thursday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
The Men that went to Hunt Buffallo Yesterday Arrived with the flesh of 2 Bulls.
The rest employed as Yesterday. some Indians going away."
Oct. 14
" Friday A fresh Breeze NE Clear sharp weather with snow last night
Two Men at the Pitt saw the rest Cutting down Stockades Indians trading and going away."
Oct. 15
" Saturday Wind Nly Clear sharp weather
Men employed as Yesterday
Several Indians Arrived brought very little with them."
Oct. 16
" Sunday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
part of the Indians of Yesterday went away."
Oct. 17
" Monday Wind Variable Cloudy Cold Weather
Men employed as on Saturday. - in the afternoon 4 Men Arrived in a Canoe from Buckingham House with trading Goods &c Some Indians Pitched away and some Arrived."
Oct. 18
" Tuesday A Light Breeze Sly Clear fine Weather.
the Canoe of Yesterday Returned to Buckingham House. Men employed as before. the last of the Indians Pitched away."
Oct. 19
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday.
Men employed as before."
Oct. 20
" Thursday A light Breeze NW Clear Weather
Men employed as before."
"To Mr James Bird
Dear Sir
I received your favour by the Canadians a few days agoe am very glad to hear your neighbours does not intend building another House this Season. by this means you will be able to send me a good many more men Men in the Spring to Afsist down with the Boats & Canoes and in case I should not have another Opportunity I wish You to send as many Men as you can spare as soon as pofsible after the River breaks. Send up at the same time all the trading goods remaining except what will be necefsary to procure Bark & provisions in the Summer. if there should be any spare goods at Cumberland House use your best endeavours to get it sent up also as I will be short of many Articles here especially Ball.
I Arrived here on the 3d Instant and have traded upwards of 1000 Beaver in furrs some of which are but of a very indifferent quality but I was forced to take them.
The reason I did not write you when I sent you the horse in the fall was as follows. Mr Shaw over took me at the Crofsing place and told me that some of Mr Finley's Men were to return that day and asked me if I had any commands to you. I told I wished to Send a Horse to you by his people which he readily agreed to but at this time our Canoes were about 10 Miles on head. Consequently I had neither Pen or paper & all the news I had to tell You was that the Stone Indians had been Lurking about Buckingham House all the Summer and in the end Stole some horses - 2 of the Stone Indians have been Kill'd by the Sutherd Indians in the very act of carrying of the Horses belonging both Houses. - A frenchman also shot a Suther'd Indian in the Pious? act of taking away a few horses which did not belong to him - As there are several of Your branch Indians come to Hunt in this part of the Country and I make no doubt but many of them are your Debtors. I wish yo to send me a list thereof that I may stop payment of at least part of them. - I am glad to here You have got a good quantity of Bark. therefore Build as many Canoes as You pofsibly can. let them be between the Large & small size. that is canoes that 2 Men can take down and 3 up.
Collect as much pitch as you can as the Boats will require a great deal of that Article.
Wishing you a Plentyfull Winter and a
good trade I remain
Dr Sir Your Obt. Hble Servt.
G. S."
"To Mr Robert Longmoor
Dr Sir
Mr Shaws men going your way gives me an Opportunity of informing You that we are well here - I Arrived at this place the 3 Instant on Horseback from Buckingham House and our Canoes came the next day. I found all safe except some Horses that were stolen by the Stone Indians in the Coarse of the Summer. Since my Arrival here I have traded upwards of 1000 Beaver in furrs a part of which is but of a very indifferent quality but I was obliged to trade it in Order to get the good by & by.
Provisions have been hitherto very scarce Owing to the Indians being Continually drinking. so much for this place. - They had a very disagreeable and I may add a Very dangerous Summer at Buckingham the Stone Indians having Lurkt about the whole Season with an intention as is supposed of Attacking the House but their Courage failed them they were satisfied with Stealing a few horses which cost 2 of them their Lives having been shot by the Suther'd Indians who detected them - a Suther'd Indian was also Shot by a Canadian in the Pious Act of helping himself to a few horses that were not his own.
There was some Bark got here in the Summer but not enough to Build the number of Canoes Wanted - therefore I hope you will use your best endeavours in getting a few built at the Red deers River. dispatch Your Canoes for Gordon House as soon as the navigation will Permit in the spring and not wait for us as have been the case for some Years back - by this means your Men and Canoes will be able to meet the Boats at the Head of Trout River with a Cargo of goods from Gordon House. the Men cannot and must not Make any Objections to this Order, as there is trip money Allowed by the Honble Company.
I told You before and I now repeat it that Officers are not to be Permitted to go down to York as usual, as it puts the Honble Company to great to a great expence Annually but to indent for those Articles they may Stand in need of which Mr Colen Promises to Supply them with.
Wishing you a Plentiful Winter and a good
trade. I am Dr Sir Your Obdt hble Servt.
G.S.
PS Give my Compliments to Mr Isham."
Oct. 21 1796
" Friday Wind NW Clear Weather
The Men employed as before.
Ice driving in the River."
Oct. 22
" Saturday Wind the same Cloudy Wea.
Men getting fire Wood."
Oct. 23
" Sunday A Light Breeze Sly Cloudy Wea."
Oct. 24
" Monday Wind SW Clear fine Weather
Men employed getting birch for Sleds.
This day engaged an Indian to Kill Provisions for the Winter. at the same time payed of the Indians who found the House in Provisions all Summer."
Oct. 25
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Men employed falling Timber
The Hunter & three Men Pitched away. The Summer hunter also went away to kill Beaver."
Oct. 26
" Wednesday A Light Breeze Sly Clear Wea.
Men employed as before
Three Men Arrived from Buckingham House with the Packet."
"From Mr Colen to G.S. Aug. 25 1796
Sir
The Arrival of the King George Capt. Richards the 20th Instant enables me to dispatch all the Canoes which returned from Cumberland House. Mr Oman will deliver you the Invoice of goods taken from hence and Mr Whitford as Orders to send an account of Articles that shall be taken from the stores at Gordon House.Only 100 Yards of Vitery sent out this Season out of which Mr Oman has had a Tent made. No ravon? duck to be purchased. What we shall do for Tents next Summer I know not. - All kinds of Merchandize as well as Provisions are considerably advanced in England & our Indents are curtailed in Consequence. I advise you to be as frugal as pofsible in Your expenditures as You cannot be supplied next year with many things much called for Inland. We have neither Oatmeal, Scotch Barley, Rice, Lard, Molafses, pruons, Raisons, Rum or Suet sent us only half the Usual quantity of Butter & porter no more than 42 Rundlets of Flour & not two thirds of the quantity of Sugar as was taken Inland this Season by you & other Officers. of the latter Article you no there was none in the House when you left York. We are also deprived of the Usual Quantity of Tea. Upon the Whole I am fearful we shall experience want before Your Arrival to avoid which I shall send several of the Men home without any cause or Complaint against them but to prevent it.
Our being curtailed so very considerably originated from the large Stock on Remains in York Fort Books which on Examination were balanced ? the Stewards. to clear ? ? ? the remains as taken to Mr Longmoor & himself Aug. 1 95. have been produced to the Company's new Officer Mr Jarvis who is appointed Inspector. these remains differ very widely from what were entered in Account Book sent home In the Article of Scotch Barley alone the ? Deficiency is upwards of lbs 2600 & other Articles in proportion
All the Articles requested you will I hope receive as pr Invoice. those you wish to be conveyed to Gordon House next spring shall be sent. As John Moor is Strongly recommended to me as a good Boat Builder he accompanies Mr Oman. You will therefore employ him with Nichol Spence in building such boats as will suit the Rivers in which they are to be navigated.
I expect to have a large afsortment of Goods at Gordon House against Your Arrival next Summer.
The Honble Committee disapproves of so many Officers coming to the Factory you are therefore in future to prevent their coming down.
Your will herewith receive all Letters from Europe which will inform you how Officers are situated in that Quarter.
And Let me imprefs on your mind the Committee's Determination of this Season that only by an Increase of Returns the Company will in future give encouragement to their Servants. They are much disapointed at the small Trades from York last Year 32000 MB but are highly Pleased at the exertions of the Officers from Churchill who sent little Better then 5000 MB.
I remain with Wishing you all manner of
happinefs & Succefs to the Honble Company's concerns
Yours &c J.C."
Oct. 27
" Thursday Wind NW Clear fine Weather
Men employed as before
A Suther'd Indian Arrived with a few furrs."
Oct. 28
" Friday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Mens employ the same."
Oct. 29
" Saturday Wind Variable Clear fine Weather
Mr Sutherland and two Men set off for Buckingham House. 4 Men getting Pitch the rest as before."
Oct. 30
" Sunday A light Breeze SW Clear fine Wea.
three Sufsue Indians Arrived with a few furrs and went away in the evening."
Oct. 31
" Monday Wind and Weather the same
three Men went to fetch Meat from the Hunter & Arrived in the evening with the flesh of 2 Moose and two Bulls.
The rest peeling Stockades &c."
Nov. 1 1796
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as before
Men employed as Yesterday
A few Muddy River Indians Arrived brought very little with them."
Nov. 2
" Wednesday A fresh Breeze NW Clear Weather
Men employed as before."
Nov. 3
" Thursday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Mens employ the same - Some of the Muddy River Indians went away. The Hunter Arrived to go acrofs the River to Hunt."
Nov. 4
" Friday A light Breeze Wly clear fine Wea.
The Hunter Pitched away aCrofs the River.
Part of the Men Cutting fire Wood the Rest as before."
Nov. 5
" Saturday Wind SW Clear fine Weather.
Men employed as Yesterday."
Nov. 6
" Sunday Wind & Weather as Yesterday."
Nov. 7
" Monday Wind & Weather the same
Men employed as on Saturday
Mr Sutherland and three men arrived from Buckingham House."
Nov. 8
" Tuesday A fresh Breeze NW part & part Cloudy Wea.
Men employed as before."
Nov. 9
" Wednesday Wind as Yesterday with Snow in the Afternoon
Six Men sent for Meat the rest as before."
Nov. 10
" Thursday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
The Men that went for Meat Yesterday returned with the flesh of 7 Buffallow The rest as before."
Nov. 11
" Friday Wind & Weather as before.
Part of the Men getting fire Wood the rest variously employed
Some Blood Indians Arrived brought little or nothing with them."
Nov. 12
" Saturday Wind & Weather the same - Men employed as Yesterday - The Indians of Yesterday traded and went away.
The River Ice set fast Opposite to the House."
Nov. 13
" Sunday A light Breeze SW Clear weather."
Nov. 14
" Monday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Three Men at the Pit Saw the rest getting firewood."
Nov. 15
" Tuesday A fresh Breeze SE Cloudy Weather
Men employed the same
Six Men Arrived from Buckingham House."
Nov. 16
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed the same
Six Men Arrived from Buckingham House."
Nov. 17
" Thursday Wind W Cloudy Weather with Snow
Men employed as before."
Nov. 18
" Friday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Some of the Men hauling fire Wood the rest as before. Two Sufsue Indians Arrived brought a few furrs."
Nov. 19
" Saturday Wind & Weather the same.
The Indians of yesterday went away
The Men employed as before."
Nov. 20
" Sunday Wind the same clear sharp Wea."
Nov. 21
" Monday A light Breze SW with small Snow
Part of the Men hauling & Cutting fire Wood the rest as before."
Nov. 22
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Men employed as Yesterday"
Nov. 23
" Wednesday A light Breeze Sly Clear Weather
Sent five Men to Buckingham House
Men employed as before."
Nov. 24
" Thursday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Mens employ the same."
Nov. 25
" Friday Wind SW Clear thawing weather
Men employed as before
This Morning a tribe of Blood Indians came in brought a few Wolves but no Provisions - and in the Evening a large tribe of Fall Indians Arrived for a Supply of Tobacco &c they brought a few wolves."
Nov. 26
" Saturday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed cutting fire Wood & Cleaning the Yard. Part of the Indians of Yesterday went away."
Nov. 27
" Sunday Wind Easterly cloudy Weather.
A Suther'd Indian Arrived for a supply of Tobacco"
Nov. 28
" Monday A fresh Breeze NW Clear cold Weather
Sent three Men with the Indian of Yesterday to fetch the flesh of two Red Deer - also a man from the Hunter Tent Arrived for Men to fetch Meat from the Tent. The rest of the Men employed as on Saturday."
Nov. 29
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
The Men that went for meat yesterday arrived with the flesh of 2 Red deer. also 4 Men went to the Hunter Tent to fetch Meat.
The rest employed as before.
In the evening some Blood and fall Indians Arrived brought a few Wolves."
Nov. 30
" Wednesday Wind Variable Clear fine thawing Weather
The Men that went for meat yesterday Arrived with of 7 Bulls.
The Indians of Yesterday traded & went away. Men employed as before."
Dec. 1 1796
" Thursday Wind S Clear fine weather
Two Men at the Pit Saw Taylor at work for trade one making Kegs Carpenter laying floors. the rest cutting down & Collecting fire wood."
Dec. 2
" Friday Wind Variable clear fine Weather
Men employed as Yesterday. one man Arrived from the Hunters Tent for Men to fetch Meat."
Dec. 3
" Saturday Wind & Wea. as Yesterday
Sent 5 Men & 16 horses to the Hunters Tent to fetch Meat. The rest employed as before - A few Suther'd Indians came in with a tolerable Trade."
Dec. 4
" Sunday Wind E Cloudy warm weather
The Men that went for meat Yesterday Arrived with the flesh of 4 Buffallo - The rest as before. Two Men Arrived from Buckingham House."
Dec. 5
" Monday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Tradesmen as before the rest Cutting down & Collecting Timber.
The Indians of Saturday traded & went away. A number of Blackfoot Arrived brought a few furrs & some Provisions."
Dec. 6
" Tuesday Clear calm warm Weather
Men employed as Yesterday - Indians all drinking."
Dec. 7
" Wednesday A light Breeze SW Clear fine Weather
The Indians of Monday went away. Men employed as before."
Dec. 8
" Thursday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Sent 4 Men with 12 Horses for Meat. The rest as before."
Dec. 9
" Friday Wind NW cloudy thawing Weather.
The Men that went for meat Yesterday returned with the flesh of 2 Bulls - The rest of the Men as Yesterday.
In the Evening a large tribe of Blackfoot Indians came in brought a number of Wolves and some Provisions."
Dec. 10
" Saturday Wind Variable cloudy warm weather
Men employed cleaning the Yard & Cutting fire wood. Indians trading."
Dec. 11
" Sunday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
The Indians of Friday went away
Two Suther'd Indians Arrived for a Supply of Tobacco and Powder &c."
Dec. 12
" Monday Wind SW Clear fine Weather
4 Men Looking for horses the rest tying up furrs and Cutting fire Wood.
The Indians of Yesterday went away."
Dec. 13
" Tuesday Wind as Yesterday with rain all day
Sent 4 Men with 10 Horses to Buckingham House for Trading Goods.
The rest as Yesterday."
Dec. 14
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday which is very singular at this Season of the Year the rain having exausted all the Snow. A Large Tribe upwards of 400 of Fall Indians Arrived they appear'd to have a number of Wolves and some Provisions.
Men Garding the Gates and ware House."
Dec. 15
" Thursday A Strong Breeze NW with Snow all day.
Men employed as Yesterday - Traded with most part of the Indians of Yesterday."
Dec. 16
" Friday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed as before
Finished trading with the fall Indians, these being the nation who Plundered Manchester House in 1793 and Attacked and burnt the south Branch and kill'd three of your honors servants there in the Summer 1794 and have not visited any of your Honors Settlements since that time till now
I thought it Absolutely necefsary to let them know we had not forgot that horrid Affair by giving them a severe reprimand but to give this the more weight I beged Mr. Shaw the Canadian Master with all his Officers to be present which he very readily agreed to.
When after we had Collected as many of their principle Men as the room could we told them through an interpreter that we had not forgot their past Conduct and we now had them in our power - and did not want the means of punishing them effectually.
But that we would forgive them this time if they made proper Acknowledgements and promise never to be even so much as impertinent to europeans in future to which they all agreed & seemed thankful to us for our lenity and to convince us they were sincere they brought me in three Horses & a few wolves Skins with the same number to Mr. Shaw in order to make peace with us. which we have Concluded accordingly and they all went away.
But here I solemly declare that if they or any other Tribe of Indians Attack any of the Honble Company's Settlements which I have the honor of being Inland Master I will take such effective Revenge as will perhaps for ever deter them from Committing the like. unlefs I should receive a Contrary Order from the Honble Committee next year. which I have no reason to expect.
I will here by beg leave to observe that my sole view in wishing to reduce the Indians to a sence of their Duty is no more or lefs for the Good of your honours Service - As its well know to all those who understand the Customs & Manners of Indians that the Oftener they escape with impunity the more daring they grow & I am of Opinion this will hold good with respect to Cowards and savage people."
Dec. 17
" Saturday Wind Nly Cloudy sharp Weather
Men employed Cutting fire wood and Cleaning the yard."
Dec. 18
" Sunday Wind & Weather as Yesterday a few Blackfoot Indians came in brought some Wolves and provifsions."
Dec. 19
" Monday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
One man making Kegs three laying the upper floor of the shed. taylor as work for Trade the rest Cutting fire wood.
The Indians of Yesterday went away.
One man came from the Hunter Tent for men to fetch meat."
Dec. 20
" Tuesday Wind Nly Cloudy cold Weather with snow
Sent 5 Men and 10 Horses to the Hunters Tent for Meat.
The rest employed as Yesterday."
Dec. 21
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Men employed as before.
This day one of our men, James Murray, had the Misfortune of Shooting himself in the knee with a Gun very fortunately it was only loaded with powder. Yet I am fearful it will be some time before he will be able to go to duty."
Dec. 22
" Thursday A light Breeze Wly Clear fine Weather
The Men that went for meat on Tuesday returned with the flesh of 8 Cows. The rest as before.
A few swampy Ground stone Indians Arrived brought a few Skins."
Dec. 23
" Friday Wind & Weather as Yesterday. The Indians of yesterday went away.
four Men went to the Hunters Tent for meat the rest as before."
Dec. 24
" Saturday A light Breeze Sly Clear fine warm weather.
The Men that went for meat Yesterday Arrived with the flesh of six Cows.
The rest as before."
Dec. 25
" Sunday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
the Canadians? brought the following Letter from Mr Bird."
"Carleton House Nov. 28th 1796
Dear Sir
You may depend upon my sending up all the men & Goods that can pofsibly be spared from this place (& Cumberland House if the season will permit) early in the spring if I can be supplied with a Steersman. the two who are here will at that time be employed building Canoes, should we be able to get our Birchrind safe (I have lately been informed that the Mountain in which it is, was on fire some time ago) and exclusive of these there is only one man here who can with any degree of propriety be trusted with a Canoe.The Indians of this place have made no fall Hunt worth mentioning. I have only traded about 300 Br since you pafsed & have but a poor prospect of getting any thing considerable this Season owing to a scarcity of Beaver (of which there is a universal Complaint) and such a number of our traders having left this quarter. an Account of whose debts I have inclosed. as also to the improvements the Canadian Traders have made in the quality of their goods. a few years since many Indians who from the great quantities of Spirituous Liquors given them were induced to go to the Canadian Houses, the superiority of our Cloth, Guns &c tempted, to trade those Articles from us, but they are now as well supplied by the Canadians. - I find our Guns this year very indifferent both in their Locks & Stocks these are in general a dark red and of course not much fancyed by the Indians. our Neighbours Guns far surpafsed them in appearance.
I have at Present about five or six Cwt of Fatt with a proportionate quantity of beat & dry'd Meat & hope to be able to make fifteen or tweny Pimmecan Bags in the Spring. - The Buffallo are tolerable near us & we have the appearance of a plentiful Winter for fresh Meat.
Wishing you every happinefs
I remain Sir
Your Obt. hble Servant
James Bird."
Dec. 26
" Monday Wind and Weather the same
The Men amusing themselves at foot Ball."
Dec. 27
" Tuesday Wind Wly Clear fine Weather
Sent six Men to the Hunters Tent to fetch meat. three Suther'd Indians Arrived brought a few furrs and some provisions."
Dec. 28
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
The Men of Yesterday Arrived with six Cows. also the Men that went to Buckingham House Arrived with trading Goods and the following Letter. Sent 2 Men to the hunters Tent for Meat."
"Buckingham House Dec. 20th 1796
Dr Sir
Your Men Arrived here all safe the 18th Inst. and have sent as much Trading Goods as loaded the six horses (which was all they brought down) as as pr list inclosed. The awls, steels, worms &c shall be made as soon as the cold weather is over which of late has been so intense (sixty below the Cypher) that the smith could not get any thing made of small Articles - hitherto he has been employed in repairing falling Hatchets (as there was not any fit for use here) and making nails for the Batteaux.Shall pay every attention in getting the Boats as fast forward as pofsible - one is nearly finished and the Carpenters will go to the woods after Christmas to saw stuff for the other one.
Am glad to hear you have got such a Trade already so early in the season and hope if your Goods be sufficient to last till the Spring hunt comes in it will far surpafs any of the former Years. there are but few Indians about this place, but by two Blackfoots now Arrived they say all their Country men will be here with their spring hunt.
We are but midlingly of for Provisions having only 3 Weeks Stock before hand, but hope the Buffallo will be soon nearer us than before by reason of the severe weather that has of late prevailed. Wishing you health and a happy
new Year
I remain Dr Sir
Your Obdt hble Servant
Peter Fidler
PS. The Gun Locks &c shall be done as soon as pofsible"
Dec. 29
" Thursday Wind E Clear fine Weather
The Men that went for Meat Yesterday Arrived with three Cows also a tribe of Sufsue Indians Arrived brought but few furrs and some provisions."
Dec. 30
" Friday Wind and weather as Yesterday
The Indians of Yesterday trading
The Men that went for Mear yesterday Arrived with the flesh of six Cows."
Dec. 31
" Saturday Wind Nly Clear sharp Weather
Men employed cleaning the Yard
The Indians of thursday went away
A Suther'd Indian Arrived brought a tolerable good trade."
Jan. 1 1797
" Sunday Wind NW Clear fine Weather
The Indian of yesterday traded & went away."
Jan. 2
" Monday Wind SW Clear warm weather
Men employed Cutting up fire Wood & tying up furrs."
Jan. 3
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed the same."
"Edmonton House Jan. 3 97
Dr Sir
Your favour of the 28th Nov. Arrived here on Christmas day. am sorry your fall Trade is so little but hope you will make it up in the course of the Winter, Yet this is what can hardly be expected as many of your Indians are in this Quarter and doing nothing but pounding Buffallo - I'll endeavour to get as much of your Debts from them as pofsible.
Trade at this place is great at this Season being about 6000 Bea. I will be very short of some Articles a list of which I have enclosed.
I wish you to send only one Canoe with 5 or 6 Men as we will have Craft enough to carry down the furrs as far as Cumberland. your people need not be afraid of the fall Indians as they have been in here and traded about 1000 Bea. in furrs with me. Mr Shaw & myself took them severely to task for their past Conduct and nothing prevented us from retailiating on but the Consideration of our being under the Necefsity of leaving but a few men inland in the Summer. but to do them justice they seemed to be sencible of what they have been guilty off they say they have been lately like wolves but promise to Conduct themselves with propriety in future.
They made me a Present of three horses with a few Wolves and the same to Mr Shaw in Order to make peace with us which we have done accordingly.
I am very glad your are likely to make 20 Bags of Pimican as there are very little Beat meat or fatt brought in here as Yet and Still lefs at Buckingham.
I am glad to hear that a good understanding Subsists between you and your Neighbour Mr Finley its also the Case here Mr Shaw being an excellent neighbour by this means we bring the Natives to terms. a Contrary Conduct I am well convinced answers no end to either party. it makes the Natives impertinent and by that means creates an unecefsary expence to our employers.
Since the cold weather commenced the Buffallo have been plenty near us and hope by this day month to have laid in our winters Stock.
that equal Succefs may attend you is the wish of Dr Sir your Obdt hble Servant G.S."
Jan. 4
" Wednesday A light Breeze NW Clear fine Weather. the Men employed as Yesterday a few slave Indians Arrived."
Jan. 5
" Thursday Wind & Weather as Yesterday one man came from the Hunters Tent for people to fetch meat.
The Indians of Yesterday traded & went away.
Men as before."
Jan. 6
" Friday Wind SW Clear warm weather
Sent six Men with horses to the Hunters Tent for Meat. The rest as before - a few Southerd Indians Arrived."
Jan. 7
" Saturday Wind Variable Clear fine Weather
Men at home employed Cutting fire wood and cleaning the Yard. the Men returned with the flesh of six Cows. The Indians of yesterday traded & went away."
Jan. 8
" Sunday Wind Ely Cloudy warm Weather
Some Blackfoot & Stone Indians Arrived brought a few furrs & a quantity of dry Provifsions."
Jan. 9
" Monday Calm Clear Weather
Sent 7 Men with horses to the Hunters Tent for Meat. the rest Cutting fire wood the Indians of yesterday traded & went away."
Jan. 10
" Tuesday Wind NNW Clear fine Weather
Men employed as Yesterday - the Men returned with the flesh of 7 Cows - James Murray who got shot on the 21st of Dec. has now got well and gone to work."
Jan. 11
" Wednesday Wind Sly Clear warm Weather
Men employed hauling fire wood. Sent 7 Men with horses to fetch home Meat."
Jan. 12
" Thursday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed as before - the Men returned with the flesh of 7 Cows."
Jan. 13
" Friday Wind Easterly cloudy warm Weather
Sent six Men to the Hunters Tent to fetch meat.
The rest employed as Yesterday."
Jan. 14
" Saturday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men at home Cutting fire Wood & Cleaning the Yard. The Men returned with the flesh of six Cows. A few Sufsue Indians came in in the Afternoon brought a few furrs & some dry provisions."
Jan. 15
" Sunday Wind Variable Clear fine Weather
the Indians of Yesterday traded & went away."
Jan. 16
" Monday Wind NW Cloudy wea. with snow.
Sent six Men with horses to the hunters Tent for Meat.
The rest employed Cutting up fat Meat to be Melted down for making pimecan for the use of the Men in the summer."
Jan. 17
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed as Yesterday
The men that went for meat yesterday returned with the flesh of six Cows."
Jan. 18
" Wednesday Wind E Cloudy weather with snow
Sent six Men to the Hunters Tent for meat.
The rest employed as Yesterday."
Jan. 19
" Thursday Wind & Weather the same
the Men that went for meat returned with the flesh of six Cows.
the rest employed as Yesterday."
Jan. 20
" Friday A light Breeze SW Clear fine warm wea,
Some Muddy river Indians Arrived brought a tolerable good trade.
Men employed Cutting fire Wood."
Jan. 21
" Saturday Wind Variable Clear fine Wea.
the Indians of Yesterday went away.
Men employed Cleaning the yard & Cutting fire wood."
Jan. 22
" Sunday Wind SE Clear fine Weather."
Jan. 23
" Monday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed Cutting up & melting fatt Meat
Some Blood Indians Arrived."
Jan. 24
" Tuesday a light Breeze SW Clear fine thawing wea.
The Indians of Yesterday went away.
Sent 4 Men to the Hunters Tent to fetch meat the rest employed as Yesterday. A Stone Indian Arrived."
Jan. 25
" Wednesday Wind Variable Clear fine Weather
Men employed as before. - The Indian of Yesterday traded & went away."
Jan. 26
" Thursday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
The [men] that went for meat on Tuesday returned with the flesh of 4 Cows.
Sent six more men with horses to fetch meat the rest Cutting fire wood."
Jan. 27
" Friday Wind Ely Cloudy Wea.
Men at home employed as Yesterday. the Men that went for Meat yesterday returned with the flesh of six Cows. A few Blood Indians Arrived."
Jan. 28
" Saturday Wind SW Clear fine Wea.
Sent 4 Men with horses to the Hunters Tent to fetch Meat. the rest Cutting fire wood & Cleaning the yard. The Indians of Yesterday traded & went away."
Jan. 29
" Sunday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
The Men that went for meat Yesterday returned with the flesh of 4 Cows."
Jan. 30
" Monday Wind & Weather as before
Sent 7 Men with horses to fetch Meat.
The rest Melting fatt & Cutting fire wood."
Jan. 31
" Tuesday Wind & Weather the same
The Men that went for Meat Yesterday returned with 7 Cows. Sent six more for meat the rest as Yesterday."
Feb. 1 1797
" Wednesday Wind Wly Clear fine Weather
The men that went for meat yesterday returned with the flesh of six Cows.
Sent five more for meat, the rest as before
A Stone & Souther'd Indian Arrived brought a few Skins & Some provisions."
Feb. 2
" Thursday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
The men that went for meat Yesterday returned with the flesh of 5 Cows - Sent six more for meat the rest Cutting fire wood."
Feb. 3
" Friday Wind & Weather the same
The men that went for meat returned with the flesh of six Cows also sent 4 more to fetch meat. the rest as yesterday."
Feb. 4
" Saturday A light Breeze SW Clear fine weather
The men that went for meat returned with 4 Cows. The Rest cleaning the yard & cutting fire wood.
A Souther'd & Stone Indian Arrived brought a tolerable good trade."
Feb. 5
" Sunday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
The Indians of Yesterday went away."
Feb. 6
" Monday Wind SE Clear fine thawing Weather
Sent 8 Men with horses to the Hunters Tent for meat. the rest putting snow & water in the Cellar to keep the Meat froze."
Feb. 7
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
The men that went for meat Yesterday returned with the flesh of 8 Cows. The rest as Yesterday."
Feb. 8
" Wednesday Wind easterly Clear fine Weather
Sent 4? Men with horses to the Hunters Tent for meat. the rest stowing away meat & Cutting fire wood. A few blood Indians came in brought but a very few furrs."
Feb. 9
" Thursday Calm Clear fine Weather.
the Men that went for meat yesterday returned with 12 Cows as did also the Hunter & him who were tenting with him he having kill'd a sufficient quantity of provisions to last the winter. the rest of the men as before.
The Indians of yesterday went away."
Feb. 10
" Friday Wind Sly Clear Wea.
Men employed Cutting fire wood."
Feb. 11
" Saturday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed cutting fire wood & cleaning the Yard.
A Very Large tribe of muddy river Indians Arrived seemingly well gooded."
Feb. 12
" Sunday Wind & Weather as before. Indians trading."
Feb 13
" Monday Wind NW Cloudy Weather with Snow
Men employed hauling fire wood.
the Indians traded & went away."
Feb. 14
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed the same."
Feb. 15
" Wednesday Wind easterly cloudy weather
Men employed hauling fire wood."
Feb. 16
" Thursday Wind Variable clear fine weather
The Men employed as on Tuesday."
Feb. 17
" Friday Wind SW Clear fine Weather
Sent six Men with 12 Horses with following Letter to Buckingham for trading Goods &c.
The hauling home timber & fire wood."
Edmonton House Feb. 17 '97
Dr Sir
Several tribes of Indians have been in since my last, most of which have brought good trades which has reduced my trading Goods very low Particularly Guns Tobacco Kettles knives & Ball. I have therefore dispatched 6 Men with 12 horses for what goods you can by any means spare, Twine excepted. Indeed all the goods that came from York fort this Season into this river would have been barely sufficient to serve this House only. I make no doubt you will be surprised when I tell you that the trade here at this early season surpafses the last years Trade Altogether at this place being 10,000 MB Although scarcely any of the souther'd Indians have yet been in. I also expect a large tribe of fall and Sufsue Indians every day. and what to do for Tobacco I know not having only one roll in the House. to add to this since I have began this letter the Blackfoot Tribe have been for Tobacco - According to Custom this makes matters still worse. At any rate I wish you to trade no more dry provisions as we have got sufficient already to serve ourselves and to afsist our fellow servants who go to the Northward.
I have sent down all the bark for canoe building as also a gun Lock to be repaired by Gilbert with some pinning? wire to be made into gun worms.
I beg you will return our men as soon as pofsible
Wishing you health & plenty
I remain Dr Sir
Your Obdt hble Servant
GS."
Feb. 18
" Saturday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men as before - A Tribe of Blackfoot Indians came poorly gooded."
Feb. 19
" Sunday Calm Cloudy warm Weather
The Indians of yesterday traded & went away."
Feb. 20
" Monday Wind ESE Clear warm weather
Men employed as on saturday."
Feb. 21
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed as before."
Feb. 22
" Wednesday Wind N cloudy weather with snow
Men employed as before.
A few blood Indians came in brought but little Trade."
Feb. 23
" Thursday Clear calm weather. - Men employed as before."
Feb. 24
" Friday Weather as Yesterday. Men employed as before. A tribe of blood Indians came in brought but few furrs."
Feb. 25
" Saturday Wind N Cloudy cold weather
Men employed cutting fire wood & Cleaning the yard.
The Indians of yesterday traded & went away."
Feb. 26
" Sunday Wind & Weather as Yesterday."
Feb. 27
" Monday Wind Variable Clear fine Weather
Men employed Beating dry meat. A few Blackfoot Indians came in brought little or nothing with them except provisions which we do not want."
Feb. 28
" Wind Wly blows a very hard Gale
Men employed as before
The Indians of yesterday went away."
Mar. 1 1797
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
All hands making Pimecan."
Mar. 2
" Thursday Wind SE Cloudy weather with snow
Men employed as Yesterday and finished making our Pimecan 60 Bags of 76 lb each. A few Souther'd Indians came for Tobacco & Amunition brought but few Beaver."
Mar. 3
" Friday Wind Variable clear cold weather
Men employed Cutting & Collecting fire wood.
the Indians of Yesterday went away."
Mar. 4
" Saturday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed cutting fire wood & Cleaning the Yard."
Mar. 5
" Sunday Wind SE Cloudy weather with Snow."
Mar. 6
" Monday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed as on Saturday."
Mar. 7
" Tuesday Wind NW Clear cold Weather
Men employed Cutting fire wood & putting snow out of the yard."
Mar. 8
" Wednesday Wind Variable clear cold weather
Men employed hauling home Stockadoes &c."
Mar. 9
" Thursday Wind W Clear warm Weather
Men employed as Yesterday."
Mar. 10
" Friday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed Cutting down & hauling home birch to make Mallets & Wedges for the Beaver prefs.In the Afternoon John Pruden and one man Arrived from Buckingham house with two Bundles of trading Goods having Left the rest of the men behind with the horses whom they think will be unable to reach this place with the remainder of the Goods Owing to the great depth of the Snow on the River."
" Buckingham House 2nd March 1797
Dr Sir
Your people Arrived here the 26 Instant after a very tedious journey of 10 days. they were necefsiated? to leave all the Birch rind & two Horses more than 60 Miles from this place on Account of the great depth of the Snow, and it was with the greatest difficulty they got the rest of the Horses down here - I should have dispatched your men back sooner but it was necefsary to let the Horses rest themselves a few days before they returned.
There are but very few Indians about this House (save Bungees) therefore have sent you nearly all trading? here except Brandy & ? as pr list inclosed. there is only 1 1/2 Yd of red Corded 5 Yds of Blue Corded Cloth and 1/2 a roll of Tobacco Left here of those Articles.
It astonished me to here that you had made such an extraordinary Trade so early in the Spring which is double of what we procured there the last Year at this time & I make no doubt but you will be able to accumulate 2 or 3 thousand more if your Goods be sufficient when the spring Hunt comes in.
The Gun Lock is repaired and sent, also the Broad ax with 70 Steels, 100 Worms & 100 Awlblades.
Wishing you health & Plenty
I remain Dr Sir
Your Obdt hble Servant
Peter Fidler
Mar. 11
" Saturday Wind WSW Thaws much with some rain
Sent 4 Men with eight dogs to Meet & afsist those from Buckingham with trading Goods.
Men at home Cutting fire wood & cleaning the Yard."
Mar. 12
" Sunday wind easterly Clear thawing Weather."
Mar. 13
" Monday A fresh Gale E part Clear & part Cloudy Weather
Two men at the Pit Saw one making Kegs Taylor at work for trade the rest hauling home timber."
Mar. 14
" Tuesday Wind Westerly clear thawing Weather
Men employed as Yesterday."
Mar. 15
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed the same."
Mar. 16
" Thursday A light Breeze Ely Clear weather
Men employed as Yesterday. the men returned with some goods from Buckingham House."
Mar. 17
" Friday Wind NNW Cloudy Weather
Men employed the same."
Mar. 18
" Saturday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
The Men Cutting fire wood & Cleaning the Yard.
A tribe of Muddy river Indians came in Brought a tolerable good trade."
Mar. 19
" Sunday Wind SW Clear thawing Weather."
Mar. 20
" Monday Wind & Weather the same.
Men employed Cutting down & Squaring timber
The Indians of Saturday traded & went away."
Mar. 21
" Tuesday a light Breeze Sly Clear fine weather.
Men employed as Yesterday. A Swan seen to day."
Mar. 22
" Wednesday Wind Easterly Cloudy Weather with thick snow.
Sent 2 Men with dogs to Buckingham House for a Supply of Brandy &c.
the rest tying up furrs & Cleaning the Yard."
Mar. 23
" Thursday wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed Cutting down & hauling home fire wood."
Mar. 24
" Friday Wind NW Cloudy Weather with Snow.
The Men employed as Yesterday."
Mar. 25
" Saturday Calm Clear fine Weather
The men employed cutting fire Wood & Cleaning the Yard."
Mar. 26
" Sunday Wind & Weather as Yesterday."
Mar. 27
" Monday Wind & Weather the same
Men employed hauling home wood for the beaver prefs."
Mar. 28
" Tuesday Wind S Clear fine Weather
Men employed peeling Stockades."
Mar. 29
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as yesterday. Men's employ the same."
Mar. 30
" Thursday Wind Variable Clear fine Weather thaws very much
Men employed as before."
Mar. 31
" Friday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed Carrying up fire wood & Stockades &c.
Two Men arrived from Buckingham House with Brandy."
Apr. 1 1797
" Saturday Wind & Weather the same.
Men employed Cleaning the Yard & Cutting fire wood
A Suther'd Indian Arrived."
Apr. 2
" Sunday Wind NW Cloudy Wea. with snow."
Apr. 3
" Monday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed falling & hauling home Sleepers."
Apr. 4
" Tuesday Wind & Weather the same
Men employed cutting fire &c."
Apr. 5
" Wednesday Wind SW Clear fine Weather
Men variously employed."
Apr. 6
" Thursday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Mens employ the same."
Apr. 7
" Friday wind the same Cloudy Weather
Men pointing & Cutting Stockades into the ribbins."
Apr. 8
" Wind Nly Clear Weather
Men employed Cutting wood & Cleaning the Yard."
Apr. 9
" Sunday Wind SW Clear fine thawing weather
A few Indians Arrived for a supply of Tobacco &c."
Apr. 10
" Monday Calm Clear hot Weather
One Man making Kegs Carpenter working at the Beaver Prefs the rest digging trenches for Stockades & Clearing the Plantation. - The Indians of Yesterday went away."
Apr. 11
" Tuesday Wind Sly Clear fine weather
Men employed as before."
Apr. 12
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Mens employ the Same."
Apr. 13
" Thursday Wind Ely clear fine Wea.
Men employed packing furrs
A band of Fall Indians Arrived for a Supply of Tobacco &c & went away in the evening."
Apr. 14
" Friday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Mens employ the same."
Apr. 15
" Saturday a light Breeze Sly Clear fine Weather
Men employed as before
A band of Black foot Indians Arrived brought a few wolves."
Apr. 16
" Sunday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
The Indians of Yesterday went away."
Apr. 17
" Monday Wind SW Clear fine Weather
Men employed packing furrs."
Apr. 18
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed digging trenches for Stockades.
The River broke Opposite the House."
Apr. 19
" Wednesday Wind E Cold Weather
Men employed as Yesterday."
Apr. 20
" Thursday Wind Variable Clear cold weather.
Men employed pulling down & cleaning Stockades
a few Sufsue Indians Arrived brought little or nothing with them."
Apr. 21
" Friday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed Setting up Stockades
The Indians of yesterday went away."
Apr. 22
" Saturday Wind NE cold Weather
Men employed as Yesterday."
Apr. 23
" Sunday wind & Weather as Yesterday
Some Souther'd Indians came in for Tobacco & went away in the evening."
Apr. 24
" Monday Wind & Weather the same
three Men making Gates the rest Setting up Stockades. Some Souther'd Indians Arrived."
" Edmonton House April 24th
Dr Sir
The Backwardnefs of the Spring will very much retard the Building of Canoes & consequently will Occasion a late embarkation. at the same time I find it will be impofsible to man our Boats & canoes for York & leave a Sufficient Number of Men to protect both Houses in the Summer. I have therefore detemined to abandon Buckingham House this Season.Mr Shaw having a great number of spare hands intends leaving some there and Officers to prevent as far as in his power our house from being destroyed by the Natives in our Absence. you will therefore send up all the trading Goods and tradesmens Stores by the Boats & Canoes keeping the House Stores till my Arrival as I intend leaving them in the french House during the summer
The River Ice has given way Opposite the House but remains fast both above & below yet the water fall of fast. Sent up all the Men with the craft except the Canoe Builder. I will dispatch 20 Men in the four Canoes here as soon as the river Ice gives way with what furrs & Provisions they can take. if the Boats are finished Nichol Spence Boat builder may come up the first trip as he his to Summer here he being unfit for the pafsage & John Moor goes down with the Boats in case of accidents. let him keep what tools he thinks will be necefsary for the pafsage. send up all the Plank cut for Boats by the Boats as that Article will be difficult to get at this place. the Canoes can take all the trading Goods and Stores. if you have any spare line for tying Bundles I beg you to send it as we are Short of that Article here.
The Indians have told me Often of the great Scarcity of Beaver. many of them have been in & brought but very few.
Wishing you better Succefs
G.S."
Apr. 25
" Tuesday Wind NW Clear fine Weather
Men employed as Yesterday"
Apr. 26
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed as before."
Apr. 27
" Thursday Wind SW Clear fine Weather
Men employed as before
A band of Southerd Indians Arrived tolerable well gooded."
Apr. 28
" Friday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed setting up Stockades & repairing canoes."
Apr. 29
" Saturday Wind & Weather the same.
Men employed as Yesterday. The Indians of thursday went away."
Apr. 30
" Sunday Wind NW Cloudy Weather
A band of Southerd Indians Arrived brought a tolerable good trade.
The last of the river Ice went past."
May 1 1797
" Monday Wind SW Clear warm Weather
20 Men preparing to go down to Buckingham House the rest setting up Stockades."
"Edmonton House May 1st
Dr Sir
The last of the River Ice past this place Yesterday - I have therefore dispatched 20 Men in four Canoes with furrs & Provisions as pr inclosed list the extra Men are to afsist up with the Craft. - the water fall Off very fast & the Season is far advanced I therefore hope you will dispatch All the Men in the boats & Canoes that can pofsibly be spared immediately on your recept of this. have sent you all the Tracking lines, ? & raw pitch I had here. have also given each man 4 pr of Shoes for tracking up the Craft. Send me all the Tobacco you can Spare as I have not 6 lb in the House. as the Stone Indians are all gone towards the Stoney Mountain I wish you to send up all the Horses on the South side of the River as soon as pofsible in order to be drove to the Westward where they are to be kept in the Summer as I understand there are a number of Vagabond horse Stealers from the Touchwood Hill intends Visiting this quater in the Summer with a view of taking away all the Horses they can find.
I am Dr Sir
Your Hble Servant GS."
May 2
" Tuesday Wind Westerly Clear Weather
Dispatched 12 Men in four Canoes with furrs & provisions to Buckingham house also eight Men over land to afsist up with the Craft. the rest employed setting up Stockades."
May 3
" Wednesday Wind & Weather the same
Men employed as Yesterday. The last of the Souther'd Indians came in brought but few furrs.
They informed me that their has been a distempter Among the Beaver of which great numbers have died has they are daily seen floating on the Water since the breaking up of the Ice."
May 4
" Thursday Wind NW blows very hard
Men employed building a Watch House."
May 5
" Friday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed as before."
May 6
" Saturday Wind & Weather the same
Men employed as before. The water begins to rise in the River."
May 7
" Sunday Wind West blows very hard
The last of the Southerd Indians went away."
May 8
" Monday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men employed packing furrs."
May 9
" Tuesday Wind and Weather the same
Men employed packing furrs."
May 10
" Wednesday Clear calm Weather
Men employed as before."
May 11
" Thursday Wind Sly Clear fine Weather
the Men finished packing the furrs
In the evening 14 Men in two Boats Arrived from Buckingham House for furrs &c."
May 12
" Friday Wind E Cloudy Weather
Men employed fitting Bundles & loading Boats
4 Men Arrived from Buckingham with all the Horses."
Buckingham House May 5 1797
Dr Sir
Your men Arrived Yesterday safe in the four Canoes with all the things sent. have dispatched them back again & shall send three more Canoes up in a day or two. the Boats went away this morning and Nichol Spence boat Builder accompanied them. they have took up all boards? & Line at this place.The river did not clear of Ice till yesterday and their is a great quantity left on the shores which will make it very bad tracking. The Cold weather that has of Late prevailed has very much retarded the canoe Building however we have built 4 and hope if the Weather permit shall get all the rest made & the others repaired by the time you arrive here.
There is not more than 6 lb of Tobacco in the House & Indians has come in from two different parts this day for that Article so that there will not be a bit to spare at this place and indeed it will not be half enough.
I Shall send up all the Horses in a few days on the South side with four men along with them.
Wishing you a Pleasant pafsage & an
early sight of you & remain Dr Sir
Your Obdt hble Servant
Peter Fidler."
May 13
" Saturday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men variously employed
Dispatched both boats & two Canoes to Buckingham House with 181 Bundles of furrs & some provisions & the following letter."
" Edmonton House May 13 '97
Dr Sir
Our four canoes only arrived here Yesterday the other three are not yet come however - I have dispatched 30 Men in the boats and two Canoes well Loaded with furrs &c as pr Inclosed List. I expect to get everything down this Trip as it would be too late to make a second.
I think Leaving this place on Monday get all the Canoes mended & every thing ready as soon as pofsible.
I am Dr Sir
Yours &c
G.S."
May 14
" Sunday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Pitch canoes and preparing every thing to set out to Buckingham Tomorrow."
May 15
" Monday Wind W clear fine weather. after taking stock I delivered the Charge of the House to Alex Flett who with 11 men Summers at Edmonton House - I embarked in 4 Canoes with the last of 279 bundles of Furrs, upwards of 12,500 MB traded here this Year."
May 18
" Thursday Wind variable clear cold weather
Arrived at Buckingham House where I found all well - but had the mortification to find the Buffalo Boat had ran foul of a Stone, which stove her, by which accident upwards of 40 bundles of Furrs got wet - All hands employed drying them - Carpenter repairing the Boat."
May 19
" Friday Wind NW Clear fine weather - Men employed drying and packing Furrs."
May 20
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday - men finished drying & packing Furs."
May 21
" Sunday Wind variable cloudy cold weather.
This day after having put the little Trading Goods remaining here together with the House stores into the Canadian house - and giving the Key of the Gates to Mr John Finlay who summers there - I embarked with 2 Boats & 19 Canoes loaded with Furs & Provisions."
May 30
" Tuesday Wind SE cloudy weather - arrived at Carlton House where I found all well."
June 1 1797
" Thursday Wind N Cloudy weather - Set out for Cumberland after having appointed James Sandison & three Men to summer at Carlton House - Mr Bird follows tomorrow with three Canoes."
June 4
" Sunday Wind N Clear cold weather. arrived at Cumberland House where I found all well - but to our great surprize the Lake is still frozen over appearently as solid as it was in the middle of Winter - never was such a backward season known before by the oldest Indian here - & God only knows when we shall be able to pafs thro' the Lakes Burbon & Winnepeg, which we cannot expect to break up before the 20th at Soonest."
June 12
" Monday Wind NNW Clear weather. having left Mr James Bird in charge of Cumberland House with three Men, two of which (namely William Tate and John Mowatt both steersmen) are ill of a rhumatic complaint - we embarked with 2 boats & 19 Canoes for York Fort - it was with some difficulty we got a pafsage cut & broke thro' the Ice in the Lake for a pafsage for the Canoes."
June 15
" Thursday Arrived near the long point in the Cedar or Lake Burbon, where our career is effectually stoped up by the Ice - found the Canadian Traders tenting on an Island where we also put up."
June 17
" Saturday Being heartily tired of laying here sent the Canoes to carry over a point of Land - and we forced the Boats thro' heavy driving Ice about 1 1/2 Mile & got into clear water."
June 18
" Sunday Arrived at the Great Rapid where we took out all the Furs and shot down the Rapid without injuring the Boats or Canoes. indeed the Boats seems to exceed even my utmost expectations on the falls as they did not ship any water altho' the waves ran very high."
June 19
" Monday Parted with the Canadians at the Mouth of Lake Wennepeg - They proceeded toward the great carrying place and we to York Fort - the weather being exceeding foggy we steered by Compafs NbE it being our course for about 7 Miles when we were suddenly brought up by the Ice, when we were obliged to make for the Land & put up. about 2 PM the weather cleared up when to our mortification we? beheld the Lake frozen over appearently as solid as it was at any Time in the winter - a circumstance never known before - so that we have no prospect of getting from here for a considerable time - perhaps a month, unlefs there are heavy Gales of wind from the northward. - Mefs Longmoor & Isham with Nine Men in four Canoes from Swan River came to us where we were Tenting on the 19th where we were all obliged to remain in great suspense until"
July 1 1797
" When we made a shift to force our way thro the Ice with the Boats and the Canoes followed next Day when we arrived at Jack River house and found all well - suffice it to say that after cutting Tracks & drawing the Boats over several Carrying places we arrived at the Head of Trout River, on the 8th Inst. where I propose leaving the Boats, as the navigation is too difficult for them to proceed any further so they must remain here with 4 Men to take care of them & Cargoes until the Canoes arrives from Gordon House with Trading Goods &c. and here I cannot help exprefsing my satisfaction at the probable advantages the Honourable Company are likely to reap from the use of Boats in this Quarter - The easy draught of water - The facility with which we have brought them from Edmonton House to this place - a distance of 1200 miles - the Cargoes they are likely to carry up to from whence they came &c."
July 9
" Having left John Moore boat builder to make Oars, Setting poles &c with three men to take care of the Cargoes of the Boats consisting of 113 Bundles of Furs which are to come down the 2nd trip - we set out with all our Canoes 23 in Number for Gordon House in Hill river where we arrived the 12th Inst. - here we found all well - with a large afsortment of Trading Goods brought from York - I also received Letters from Mr Colen on businefs who had been here and waited a long time for our arrival had returned, his presence being necefsary at the Factory."
July 13
" Busily Employed settling the Canoes - Mr Whitford & Ward serving out the Men. I already find I will have great difficulty to get the Men to go the Second Trip - owing to their not having their usual supply of Provisions or Articles of Clothing to be got here - Such as Cotton Shirts, Duck Trowsers &c."
July 14
" Employed as Yesterday and after much difficulty and altercation I fitted out 17 Canoes well loaded with Trading Goods &c. The Cargoes of Ten of which are for the Boats - Two to go as far as Jack River house and the remaining five are to accompany the Boats Inland direct. - They all set off the 17th as did also myself with Ten men mostly lame in four Canoes and a small Boat I found here with the remainder of the Furs for York Factory where we arrived the 18th Inst - where we found the Warehouses in a very impoverished state both with respect to Trading Goods & Provisions.
Wishing Succefs to the Honble Co. Affairs at home and abroad-
I am Honble Sirs
Your faithful Servant
George Sutherland."
1M48 B.60/a/2