This is a virtually complete transcription of the Edmonton House Journal 1797-98 by Alex Nicol



" A Diary of Transactions and Occurences by William Tomison Chief Factor Inland, Edmonton House North America for the Honble Hudsons Bay Company"


" Edmonton House North America"

Oct. 2 1797
" Monday Wind Variable clear fine Weath.
In the forenoon Arrived at this place where I found all well & a number of Indians Waiting our Arrival."

Oct. 3
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Men employed clearing Ware Houses Yard &c for the reception of the Trading Goods &c."

Oct. 4
" Wednesday Clear calm Weather
Men Employed as Yesterday. Several Indians came in Brought some dry provisions."

Oct. 5
" Thursday Wind NE Blows hard
In the forenoon our 5 Canoes Arrived from Buckingham with Trading Goods &c. Men Employed carrying up and Stowing away."

Oct. 6
" Friday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Canoe Men resting themselves the others Variously Employed. At noon both our Boats? Arrived with Trading Goods &c And here I cannot help Exprefsing my Satisfaction at seeing them Brought to the farthest settlement your Honours have inland and both their Crews 18 in number have Brought Goods Equal to 40 Men in Canoes. Gave all our trading? Indians some Tobacco and a General Drink."

Oct. 7
" Saturday Wind NW Cloudy cold Weather
Carpenter and Boat Builder putting up Cabins Bed places &c. Summer men variously Employed the others resting themselves. All the Indians drinking."

Oct. 8
" Sunday Wind Northerly Clear cool Weather
The Hunter sent in the flesh of a Moose Deer."

Oct. 9
" Monday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
This Morning sent 8 Men in 2 Canoes to Buckingham House for some Trading goods left their the river being very Shoal. Also sent 10 Men down with all the horses Belonging to that Settlement. Likewise 2 Men with Horses to meet the fall canoes from York Fort. The men at home at various Jobbs."

Oct. 10
" Tuesday Wind South Clear fine Weather
Sent Gilbert Laughton with 3 Men in a Canoe up the river to look for timber to build boats and Canoes the others Cutting Birch Wood to burn Coal for the Blacksmith. Several Indians Arrived and some took Debt and went Away."

Oct. 11
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Men Employed as before."

Oct. 12
" Thursday Clear Calm Weather
Men employed as before."

Oct. 13
" Friday Weather as Yesterday. Gilbert Laughton and party Arrived having found timber fit for boat and Canoe building about 40 Miles up the river. Several Indians went away."

Oct. 14
" Saturday Wind SE Cloudy Weather
Sent 9 Men to the Woods to get Canoe Wood also 6 Men to cut down and raft timber for building Boats &c The others Employed as before."

Oct. 15
" Sunday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Some Indians went Away."

Oct. 16
" Monday Wind SW Cloudy Weather
All hands getting home hay. Some southerd Indians Arrived."

Oct. 17
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as as Yesterday
Mens Employ the same. Indians all Drinking."

Oct. 18
" Wednesday Wind Ely cloudy Weather with Snow. The Men Employed as Before. Some of the Indians taken Debt and part going away."

Oct. 19
" Thursday Wind Southerly clear Weather.
Men Employed Getting firewood. Indians all Gone."

Oct. 20
" Friday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Mens Employ as before. Sent 2 Men to the Hunters tent for the Meat of 3 Cattle and returned in the Evening."

Oct. 21
" Saturday Wind Northerly cloudy cold Weather
The men that went to raft wood on Saturday last returned with 90 pieces of Timber, the rest Cleaning the Yard & cutting firewood. The Hunter brought in the flesh of 3 red Deer."

Oct. 22
" Sunday Wind SW part Clear & part Cloudy Weather with Snow at Times. Some Southerd Indians Arrived Brought a few Furrs."

Oct. 23
" Monday Wind and Weather the same
The Boat builders with 2 Men cutting down and Collecting Boat timbers. Joiner at work on the new house? 1 Man Making Kegs, Taylor at work for trade the rest Cutting firewood - The Indians of Yesterday traded and went away."

Oct. 24
" Tuesday Wind NE Cloudy Weather with snow.
Men employed as yesterday. 2 Moose brought in by the Hunter."

Oct. 25
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Men Employed as before. A few Muddy river Indians arrived brought little or nothing. In the Afternoon Gilbert Laughton and party arrived with wood sufficient to Build four Canoes also Birch for the Beaver prefs &c."

Oct. 26
" Thursday Wind SE clear cold Weather which has put driving Ice in the river. Men Employed Carrying up Canoe wood &c The Indians of Yesterday went away."

Oct. 27
" Friday Wind Northerly Cloudy Cold Weather. much Ice Driving in the river. Tradesmen as before the rest Cutting firewood."

Oct. 28
" Saturday Wind and Weather as Yesterday.
Tradesmen as Before. the rest laying up Boats and Canoes &c. A few Southerd Indians arrived with a few Furs. Sent 2 Men to tent with the hunters."

Oct. 29
" Sunday Clear Calm Weather
The Indians of Yesterday traded & went away."

Oct. 30
" Monday Wind Westerly Cloudy warm Weather with rain. Tradesmen as Before, the rest digging a trench to let out the Stockades in order to make room for Boat & Canoe Building.
Some Swampy ground Stone Indians arrived also a few Southerd Indians each of whom brought a tolerable good trade. The Men from the hunting tent arrived with the flesh of 3 Moose Deer."

Oct. 31
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Mens employ as Yesterday. The Indians of Yesterday traded and went away."

Nov. 1 1797
" Wednesday Wind NW Cloudy Weather
Tradesmen as Before. the rest taking down and Setting up Stokades."

Nov. 2
" Thursday Wind Northerly Cold Weather
Men employed as Yesterday. A few Southerd Indians Arrived Brought a few furrs."

Nov. 3
" Friday Wind SW Cloudy Weather with rain
Men employed as Before. The Indians of yesterday took Debt and went away."

Nov. 4
" Saturday Wind NW Cloudy Weather with rain. Some men Bringing home Boats timbers Keels &c, a few tying up furrs, Blacksmith with the rest of the men cutting down birch to burn Coal for the forge. The Men from the hunter arrived with the flesh of 4 Moose Deer."

Nov. 5
" Sunday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
This Afternoon Mr William Tomison with 11 Men Arrived from York Factory.
A Tribe of Muddy river Indians Arrived."

Nov. 6
" Monday Wind NE cloudy cold Weather.
Some Ice driving in the river. Men Variously Employed. This day delivered the House with all Your Honours property to Mr William Tomison. Number of Furs now in the House 1320 MB. The Indians went away."

Nov. 7
" Tuesday Wind Nly a fresh Breeze with Cold freezing Weather. Received 1 red Deer from the Hunting tent. At noon 2 Muddy river Indians Arrived brought a few very ordinary Wolves & a triffle of provisions which they traded and went away. Sent 1 Man to the Hunting tent. The rest Variously Employed."

Nov. 8
" Wednesday Wind & weather as Yesterday
The tradesmen at their respective Duties the rest cutting firewood & Sawing Stuff for Sleds. The river set fast in the night."

Nov. 9
" Thursday Wind Southerly Weather as before.
The Carpenters putting up a Cabin for themselves to Sleep in. The rest Bringing home Charcoal for the Smith. At 10 AM an Indian Arrived brought a few Beaver which he traded & went away."

Nov. 10
" Friday Wind SE A fresh Breeze Weather Cloudy with a little Snow. The Carpenters as Before. Taylors Making clothing for the men, the Smith Making Nails for the Gate hinges at Buckingham House. The rest Cutting firewood."

Nov. 11
" Saturday Wind as Yesterday Weather Cloudy with Snow. In the forenoon men Employed within Doors."

Nov. 12
" Sunday Wind NW Cloudy Cold Weather."

Nov. 13
" Monday Wind Easterly Cloudy cold Weather
Tradesmen at their respective duties the rest Cutting down & Collecting firewood. The men from the Hunters tent arrived with the flesh of 4 Animals."

Nov. 14
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Mens Employ as Before."

Nov. 15
" Wednesday Wind SE Cloudy Cold Weather
Tradesmen as Before the rest Cutting down & Hauling firewood."

Nov. 16
" Thursday Wind & Weather the Same.
Men employed as Before."

Nov. 17
" Friday Wind NW Clear fine Weather
Sent 2 Men to the Hunters tent to fetch Meat. the rest Variously Employed.
At Noon Mr Geo. Sutherland proceeded his? Journey for Buckingham Accompanied by 9 Men 5 of which winters there, the rest to return with Trading Goods &c. One tent of Muddy river Indians Arrived."

Nov. 18
" Saturday A light Breeze Cloudy Weather
Men Employed as yesterday, the men that went for meat yesterday arrived with the flesh of 3 Red Deer and one Half. The Indians of yesterday traded & went away."

Nov. 19
" Sunday Wind SW part Clear part cloudy Weather with Snow at Times. A Blood Indian Arrived brought a few wolves which he traded & went away."

Nov. 20
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday.
Tradesmen at their respective Duties, 4 Men at the pit Saw, the rest Cutting down & Hauling home firewood."

Nov. 21
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as Before
Smith Making Nails, the rest Employed as before."

Nov. 22
" Wednesday Wind Easterly Clear fine Weather
Men Employed ass Before. A Southerd Indians Arrived brought a few furs which he traded & went away."

Nov. 23
" Thursday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men Employed as Before."

Nov. 24
" Friday A light Breeze SW Clear Weather
Sent 8 Men to the Hunters tent to fetch Meat the rest Employed as before."

Nov. 25
" Saturday Wind NW Cloudy Weather with Sleet ar times. Men Employed Cutting firewood & Cleaning the Yard. the men that went for meat yesterday returned with the flesh of 7 animals."

Nov. 26
" Sunday Wind Westerly Cloudy Weather with rain all Day."

Nov. 27
" Monday A Strong Breeze NW Clear Cold Weather. Tradesmen at their respective duties. Sent 6 Men to the Hunters tent to fetch Meat the rest Cutting down & Collecting firewood."

Nov. 28
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
The men Sent for meat Yesterday returned with the flesh of 6 Animals, The others employed as Yesterday."

Nov. 29
" Wednesday Wind SW Clear cold Weather
Sent 4 Men to fetch Meat, the rest employed as Before."

Nov. 30
" Thursday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
The men that went for Meat Yesterday returned with the flesh of 4 Animals, the rest Employed as Before."

Dec. 1 1797
" Friday A Strong Breeze NW Cloudy cold Weather with a little Snow. Men Employed as Before. In the Evening a fall Indian young man Arrived for Tobacco &c."

Dec. 2
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Men Employed Cutting firewood and cleaning the Yard. A tribe of fall Indians Arrived."

Dec. 3
" Sunday Calm clear fine Weather
The Indians of yesterday traded & went away. At Noon the men that went to Buckingham the 17th November arrived with trading Goods &c the following letters."

Dec. 4
" Monday Wind SW Clear fine Weather
Tradesmen at their respective duties 4 Men at the pit Saw 4 Men fetching Meat the rest Cutting down & Hauling firewood. This Day Measured 4 pieces of Narrow Gartering which was no more than 95 yds. they Charge from York Fort 144 Yards which is 49 yds Deficient."

Dec. 5
" Tuesday A fresh Breeze Westerly Clear thawing Weather. The men that went for meat Yesterday returned with the flesh of 3 Animals. the rest as Before."

Dec. 6
" Wednesday Wind NW Cloudy Weather with rain. Sent 3 Men to the Hunters tent for Meat the rest Employed as Before."

Dec. 7
" Thursday Wind SW Clear thawing Weather
Men employed as Before, the men that went for meat Yesterday returned with the flesh of 3 Animals."

Dec. 8
" Friday A light Breeze NE Cloudy Weather
Mens employ as Before A few fall Indians Arrived."

Dec. 9
" Saturday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Tradesmen as Before, the rest Cutting firewood & Cleaning the Yard. The Indians of yesterday Traded & went away."

Dec. 10
" Sunday Wind & Weather as Before."

Dec. 11
" Monday Wind NW Clear cold Weather
Tradesmen at their respective duties the rest Cutting down & Collecting firewood."

Dec. 12
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Mens Employ as yesterday."

Dec. 13
" Wednesday A light Breeze SW thawing Weather. Tradesmen as Before, the rest hauling firewood."

Dec. 14
" Thursday A light Breeze NW clear cold Weather. Men employed as Yesterday. A few Muddy river Indians Arrived they traded and went away in the Evening."

Dec. 15
" Friday Wind and Weather the Same
Mens Employ the Same."

Dec. 16
" Saturday Wind Nly Clear cold Weather
Tradesmen at their respective duties, the rest Cleaning the Yard & cutting firewood. A few stone Indians Arrived."

Dec. 17
" Sunday Wind & Weather as Yesterday. the Indians of Yesterday traded & went Away."

Dec. 18
" Monday Wind SW Cloudy Weather
Tradesmen at their respective duties 4 Men at the pit Saw, the rest Cutting down & Collecting firewood."

Dec. 19
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Men Employed as Yesterday"

Dec. 20
" Wednesday A fresh Breeze SW Cloudy weather
Sent 3 Men to the Hunters tent to fetch Meat the rest as Before."

Dec. 21
" Thursday Wind NE part Clear & part Cloudy Weather the men that went for meat Yesterday returned with the flesh of 5 Red Deer, also sent another man for meat. Mens Employ as before."

Dec. 22
" Friday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the Same, the man that went for flesh yesterday, Returned with the flesh of 1 Red Deer."

Dec. 23
" Saturday Calm Cloudy Weather
Men Employed Cleaning the Yard and Cutting firewood. A few Muddy river Indians Arrived."

Dec. 24
" Sunday Wind Northerly Cloudy with snow. The Indians of yesterday traded and went away."

Dec. 25
" Monday Wind NE Clear fine Weather."

Dec. 26
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as yesterday."

Dec. 27
" Wednesday A light Breeze SW Clear thawing Weather. Sent 10 Men to the Hunters tent to fetch Meat. Tradesmen at their respective duties. the rest about triffling duty in Doors."

Dec. 28
" Thursday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
Mens Employ as before. the men that went for meat Yesterday returned with the flesh of 10 Cows. A Tribe of fall Indians Arrived."

Dec. 29
" Friday Wind and Weather as Before
Men Employed Cutting Wood. The Indians of yesterday traded & went away."

Dec. 30
" Saturday A Strong Breeze Southerly clear? Sharp Weather. Men Employed as yesterday. Three Blackfoot Indians Arrived for Tobacco &c and Went away in the Evening."

Dec. 31
" Sunday Wind NW fine Clear Weather
A Band of Black foot Indians Arrived."

Jan. 1 1798
" Monday Wind SW Clear fine Weather
The Indians of yesterday traded & went away. Two Southerd Indians Arrived."

Jan. 2
" Tuesday Wind Variable Clear Cold Weather. Tradesmen at their Respective duties the rest Cutting firewood. The Indians of Yesterday traded and went away."

Jan. 3
" Wednesday Wind NE Cloudy Weather
Sent 4 men to the Hunters tent to fetch meat. The rest as Yesterday."

Jan. 4
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Sent 3 Men to tent with the Hunters, the men that went for Meat Yesterday returned with the flesh of 4 Buffaloe, the rest employed as Before."

Jan. 5
" Friday Wind in the East Quarter A Gentle Breeze with Cloudy Weather. Sent 2 men to fetch meat Tradesmen Employed at their respective duties and the rest falling & Collecting firewood. At Noon 13 Black foot Indians came for Tobacco which they Got and went away at 3 PM They Arrived and traded with part of them."

Jan. 6
" Saturday Wind Wly Weather as Before
The men employed as Yesterday, those that went for meat returned and brought the flesh of 2 Buffaloe. Traded with the rest of the Indians."

Jan. 7
" Sunday Wind as Yesterday Clear sharp Weather. At 6 AM the Blackfoot Indians went away."

Jan. 8
" Monday Wind as Yesterday with Clear fine Weather. The tradesmen Employed at their respective duties, Sent 7 Men to fetch meat from the hunting tent the rest Cutting firewood & tied up the furs traded from the Indians that went away Yesterday."

Jan. 9
" Tuesday Wind WSW a Gentle Breeze clear fine Weather. The tradesmen as before. 3 men Making up leaf Tobacco, the rest Cutting & Hauling firewood. At 2 PM those came home that went for meat brought the flesh of 7 Buffaloe."

Jan. 10
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as before
The Smith Making Iron work for the Boats the rest rest employed as Yesterday."

Jan. 11
" Thursday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze with warm weather. The men employed as yesterday. At noon three Indians arrived & brought a few furs which they traded Chiefly for Brandy."

Jan. 12
" Friday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
The Smith repairing trading Guns the rest Employed as Before. The Indians that came Yesterday went away."

Jan. 13
" Saturday Wind & Weather as before
The Smith making Nails for the Boats, those sent up Being unfit for the purpose. the rest Employed as Before. At 1 PM one man Came home from the Hunting tent for men to fetch meat."

Jan. 14
" Sunday Wind as Yesterday with thick Cloudy Weather."

Jan. 15
" Monday Wind Northerly a Strong Breeze with Drifting Weather. Sent 6 men to fetch meat. the smith, Sawyers, Carpenters & Tailors at their respective duties and the rest Employed within doors."

Jan. 16
" Tuesday Wind as yesterday but more moderate with Sharp Weather. The tradesmen employed as yesterday and the rest Cutting fire wood. At 3 PM those that went for Meat came home & brought the flesh of 7 Buffaloe."

Jan. 17
" Wednesday Little wind Variable with Clear Sharp Weather. Sent 3 Men to fetch meat, the rest employed as Before. At 2 PM Mr prudent? returned from Buckingham House and Brought the disagreeable news of Donald Mowat having departed this life after a long illnefs."

Jan. 18
" Thursday Wind Westerly a Gentle Breeze with Clear Sharp Weather. The men employed as before. At 2 PM those returned that went for meat brought the flesh of 3 Buffaloe."

Jan. 19
" Friday Wind Northerly Cloudy Weather with snow
Sent 2 Men for meat the smith making awl blades the rest employed as on the proceeding days. at noon 3 Muddy river Indians Arrived for Tobacco which they got and went away."

Jan. 20
" Saturday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze with Drifting Weather. The men Employed as Before. At 1 PM a Small Band of Muddy river Indians arrived & traded with part of them, also a Stone Indian man & his wife arrived in the evening Brought a few parchment Beaver."

Jan. 21
" Sunday Wind NW a fresh Breeze with cold Sharp Weather. Traded with the Indians & they went away. At 4 PM the 2 men returned that went for Meat on Friday Brought the flesh of 2 Buffaloe they lost their way the first day and did not Get to the tent."

Jan. 22
" Monday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze clear Sharp Weather. The tradesmen at their respective duties and the rest falling & Collecting firewood."

Jan. 23
" Tuesday Wind WSW a Gentle Breeze with fine Weather. Sent 8 Men to fetch Meat, the rest employed as yesterday."

Jan. 24
" Wednesday Wind Easterly a Small breeze with Snow at Intervals. the Smith Making nails & rivets for the Boats, the rest employed as Before, at 4 PM those came home that went for meat Brought the flesh of 7 Buffaloe."

Jan. 25
" Thursday Wind Southerly a small breeze Weather part Cloudy part Clear. The men Employed as Before. At noon 8 Blood & Blackfoot Indians came for Tobacco which they Got & went away."

Jan. 26
" Friday Wind WSW a Gentle Breeze with fine Weather. Sent 5 Men to fetch meat, the rest employed as Before. At noon the Blood & Blackfoot Indians Arrived About 40 in Number Besides Women & Children & as many to the Canadian House in the Evening traded with part of them."

Jan. 27
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday
The tradesmen at their respective duties, the rest Variously Employed. Finished trading with the Indians & they went away. At 3 PM those that went for Meat returned Brought the flesh of 5 Buffaloe."

Jan. 28
" Sunday Wind as Yesterday a Gentle Breeze with warm Weather. At noon an Indian woman Arrived brought a few Skins? which She traded for Brandy & went away. At 2 PM Thomas Louted? Came home Brought George Gun on a Sled from the Hunting tent being wounded at a sett Gun the last Evening. the shot has taken him in the Calf of the right leg, Many of which has Gone Clear through but what number remains in is Unknown."

Jan. 29
" Monday Wind Westerly a Gentle Breeze with fine Weather. Sent 6 Men to fetch Meat the Tradesmen at their respective duties and the rest Cutting firewood."

Jan. 30
" Tuesday Wind Variable Almost Calm
The tradesmen as Before and the rest Employed Hauling firewood & Cutting Ice out of the river to put into the provision House. at noon those came home that went for meat brought the flesh of 6 poor Buffaloe."

Jan. 31
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as Before
Sent 12 Men for Meat and the rest employed as on the proceeding day. At 5 PM 3 Southard Indians Arrived brought very little."

Feb. 1 1798
" Thursday Wind & Weather much the Same. The men Employed as Before, at 10 AM those returned that went for meat brought the flesh of 11 Buffaloe. Also a Southerd Indian arrived brought 4 Skins which he traded & went away. traded with those that came Yesterday and Gave them a Small Supply of Ammunition & Tobacco these brought no more than 144 Made Beaver."

Feb. 2
" Friday Wind & Weather the same. The tradesmen at their respective duties, the rest employed Bringing Ice for the provision House. at noon the Indians went away."

Feb. 3
" Saturday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze with Clear thawing Weather. The tradesmen Employed as Before the rest Cutting firewood & Cleaning the yard."

Feb. 4
" Sunday Wind Variable amost Calm Weather as Before. At 6 AM 6? fall Indians came for tobacco which they got & went away."

Feb. 5
" Monday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze with cloudy Weather. At Noon 7 tents of fall Indians arrived 3 of which was Clothed. traded a few wolves & foxes also some provisions. Sent 5 Men to fetch Meat the rest employed as last week."

Feb. 6
" Tuesday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze Weather as Yesterday. At 8 AM those returned that went for meat brought the flesh of 4 Buffaloe, the rest mostly Employed within doors to prevent the Indians from thieving. finished trading with them by 4 PM these have brought above 1000 lbs of provisions & about 300 MB in Wolves and foxes which did not amount to 10 Beaver pr Man."

Feb. 7
" Wednesday Wind NW Weather much the same. The smith Making nails for the Boats. 3000 is Wanted & nothing to Make them of but the Iorn Work that came up for trade a great part of Which is already made up, the other tradesmen employed at their respective duties the rest Hauling & Cutting firewood also did Jobbs within doors. The fall Indians went away and late in the Evening 1 Southerd Indian Arrived & brought a few Skins on his Back."

Feb. 8
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday
The men Employed as Before. at 5 PM A Stone Indian man & 3 Women Arrived brought a few furs part of which they traded & got drunk."

Feb. 9
" Friday Wind Westerly a small Breeze Clear fine Weather. The tradesmen at their respective duties, the rest employed within doors & Cutting firewood. traded with the Indians & they went away. and at 4 PM 2 More of the same tribe arrived brought little or Nothing."

Feb. 10
" Saturday Wind SE a fresh Breeze Weather Cloudy with Snow the after part of day. The tradesmen as Before the rest Cutting firewood. dug a Grave and Buried one of the Best Indians this Country can produce. he departed this life in the night, after a long lingering Disorder of 16 Months brought on by immoderate drinking at Both Houses in the fall 96. he has left a wife & 6 Children which has been very expensive for the last 12 Months and will be for Some time to Come. he traded at the Honourable Companys Settlements since Hudsons house was Settled. At 10 AM 2 Sufseu Indians came for Tobacco which they got & went Away as did the 2 Stone Indians."

Feb. 11
" Sunday Wind NE A small Breeze with cloudy Weather. At noon the Sufseus and 3 Southerd Indians Arrived 16 in number. Also one man arrived from the Hunting tent for men to fetch meat."

Feb. 12
" Monday Wind Westerly a Gentle Breeze with Clear Weather. The tradesmen Employed at their respective duties. George Gun much Better took Several Shot out of his leg Yesterday the rest Cut firewood. Traded with the indians & they went away these have Brought but little provisions and not above 200 Wolves and those very Indians used to Bring above 1000 parchment Beaver."

Feb. 13
" Tuesday Wind Variable light Breezes with Clear Weather. Sent 9 Men to fetch meat the rest employed as yesterday. At 8 AM Mr Hallet & 2 men arrived from Buckingham House."

Feb. 14
" Wednesday Wind Easterly a Small Breeze Weather part Cloudy part Clear. The tradesmen at their respective duties and the rest employed Within doors. At 2 PM those returned that went for meat brought the flesh of 9 Buffaloe."

Feb. 15
" Thursday Wind in the East Quarter Cloudy Weather with Drizzling Snow most part of the day. Sent 9 Men to fetch meat the rest Employed within doors."

Feb. 16
" Friday Wind & Weather as Yesterday. The men employed as before. At half past 5 PM those returned that went for meat brought the flesh of 7 buffaloe."

Feb. 17
" Saturday Wind as Before with clear fine Weather. The men Cut firewood & Cleaned the Yard. at half past 4 PM those returned that went for meat Brought the flesh of 8 Buffaloe."

Feb. 18
" Sunday Wind as Before with snow most part of the day."

Feb. 19
" Monday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze with Snow most part of the day. Sent 9 Men to fetch meat. the smith repairing Broken Hatchets and the rest picking oakum for the Boats. Late in the evening one tent of fall Indians Arrived brought little or nothing."

Feb. 20
" Tuesday Wind Variable light Breezes with Clear Weather. The tradesmen employed at their respective duties & the rest Cut firewood. The Indians of Yesterday traded what little they brought and went away at noon."

Feb. 21
" Wednesday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze with a little snow. The men employed as Yesterday. At 10 AM Those returned that went for meat on Monday brought the flesh of 8 poor Buffaloe."

Feb. 22
" Thursday wind Westerly a small Breeze with Clear Weather. Sent 8 Men to fetch meat and the rest variously employed. In the evening an Indian man & his wife arrived Brought a few furs to trade."

Feb. 23
" Friday Wind SE a fresh Breeze weather Cloudy & Inclined to snow. The men employed as Before. at 3 PM those that went for meat returned brought the flesh of 7 Very poor Buffaloe."

Feb. 24
" Saturday Wind Southerly a Gentle Breeze with clear Weather. The men cut firewood & put the snow out of the Yard that fell in the night. The Indians traded & went away."

Feb. 25
" Sunday Wind as Yesterday Weather cloudy with a Drizzling Snow. An Indian arrived for a Supply of Ammunition & Tobacco."

Feb. 26
" Monday Wind ENE a fresh Breeze with a Continuance of Snow. The men Employed within doors. At 4 PM asinnepoiet Indian came for Tobacco."

Feb. 27
" Tuesday Wind NE a Small Breeze Cloudy mild Weather. Sent 5 Men to fetch meat. the tradesmen employed at their respective duties & the rest put the snow out of the Yard. At 3 PM one tent of asinnepoiet Indians arrived & they Brought provisions to trade and a few Wolfe Skins."

Feb. 28
" Wednesday Wind as before with Cloudy mild Weather. The Boat builders and 1 Man looking out for stuff for Oars for the Boats, the smith making keel plates for head & Stern of the Boats, the rest employed at Sundry duties. The Indians traded some provisons & got Drunk."

Mar. 1 1798
" Thursday Wind & Weather as Yesterday.
The men Employed as Before. At 4 PM those that went for meat returned Brought the flesh of 6 buffalo. The Indians Traded & went away. At 5 PM 3 More arrived brought little or nothing. The men from Buckingham house returned accompanied by four more?"

Mar. 2
" Friday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze with Clear Weather. Sent 8 Men to fetch meat, the tradesmen Employed as Before & the rest Cut firewood."

Mar. 3
" Saturday Wind & Weather much the same
The men Employed as yesterday. At 4 PM part of those that went for meat returned brought the flesh of 6 poor Buffaloe. At noon the Indians went away & 4 More Came which went away also & the Whole did not bring above 20 MB. at half past 6 PM 2 More arrived from a buffaloe pond & Brought nothing at all."

Mar. 4
" Sunday Wind NW a Small Breeze clear fine Weather. Gave the Indians a Supply of Tobacco that Came last Evening & they went away."

Mar. 5
" Monday Wind between North & East a fresh Breeze with snow & Drift. Sent 7 Men to fetch meat. Gilbert Laughton repairing trading Guns and the rest employed within doors."

Mar. 6
" Tuesday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze with snow all day. The men Employed as yesterday."

Mar. 7
" Wednesday Wind SE Weather as yesterday
Gilbert Laughton Cleaning & repairing trading guns, the rest Cut firewood & Made up leaf Tobacco for trade. At 3 PM those returned that went for meat Brought the flesh of 6 poor buffaloe. Also 10 Muddy river Indians & Blood Indians came for Tobacco."

Mar. 8
" Thursday Wind & Weather as Yesterday till noon Afterwards Clear Weather the men employed as on the proceeding day."

Mar. 9
" Friday Wind Southerly a Gentle Breeze Clear fine Weather. Gilbert Laughton repairing trading Guns many of which is in very Bad condition Owing to Bad package. Sent 17 Men to fetch meat & the rest making up leaf tobacco. At 8 AM the Indians went away these had tobacco powder and paint for 25 Leaders. In Quantity as follows Tobacco 20 lbs Powder 12 lbs Vermillion 12 Oz."

Mar. 10
" Saturday Wind NE a Gentle Breeze with cloudy mild Weather. The men Employed at Various Jobbs. At noon 1 Blood & 1 Muddy river Indian Came for Tobacco which they got and went away."

Mar. 11
" Sunday Wind Southerly a Gentle Breeze with Cloudy mild Weather. In the evening an Indian arrived Brought a few furs to trade."

Mar. 12
" Monday Wind & Weather as Before.
Sent 4 Men to fetch meat and the rest employed within doors. Traded with the Indian & he went away and at noon the Blood and Muddy river Indians arrived. 83 Able men and about 300 women & children also 2 of the Cuttencha tribe which I sent for those have not brought any furs of any kind but by their account their Country abounds with all kinds but far off. Those that went for Meat on Friday returned brought the flesh of 16 Buffaloe."

Mar. 13
" Tuesday wind Variable light Breezes with Clear thawing Weather. The men attending the house & Cut firewood. Traded with part of the Indians & Rigged 22 of them in the Evening the Boat Builders came home having Blocked out 27 Oars & 16 poles. Those that went for meat returned also those that was at the Hunting tent."

Mar. 14
" Wednesday Wind Northerly weather much the same as Before. The tradesmen at their respective duties and the rest as before. Still bufsy trading with the Indians."

Mar. 15
" Thursday Wind & Weather much the same as before the men Employed as on the proceeding day finished trading with the Indians & part of them went away. Presented the Cuttencha Indian with sundry Articles to the amount of 40 Beaver in goods."

Mar. 16
" Friday Wind SW a small Breeze with Clear Weather the tradesmen employed as Before, the rest tieing up small foxes & Hauling firewood. Most part of the Indians went away."

Mar. 17
" Saturday Wind WSW a small Breeze first part Clear, latter part Cloudy with snow in the evening. The men employed as on the proceeding day, finished tieing up the Skins now Brought. The Quantity as follows Viz. Whole parchment Beaver 20, Wolves 940, Foxes red 22, Grey 3212, Badgers 13, Wolvereens 6, Bears Old Grizzle 2, Cub 2 & provisions of Sorts 200 lbs. this Band traded no lefs than 34 Guns Besides two Given to the principal men I have Been Obliged to drefs Several of them with the Best hats for want of Common ones & had not Hatchets for half of them and no more than three Kegs of powder & 3 Roles of Tobacco now in the house which would be little enough 2 Months hence. At 2 PM 4 Indians arrived brought little or nothing."

Mar. 18
" Sunday Wind Westerly a Gentle breeze with Clear fine weather. At 4 PM our hunter arrived as also 2 afsinniepoiet Indian women brought a few Beaver which they traded and went away."

Mar. 19
" Monday Wind as before with Cloudy fine weather. The Smith making nails for the Boats, the other tradesmen employed at their respective duties. John Flett & John Mowat making a Bench for drefsing Canoe wood and the rest cutting ice out of the river and Carrying it into the provision house to preserve the fresh Meat."

Mar. 20
" Tuesday wind & Weather much the same.
The men employed as on the proceeding day. Paid off our Hunters & sent them away to Kill Beaver. The Indians that arrived on the 17th Inst. got a Supply and went away also."

Mar. 21
" Wednesday Little winds Easterly till the evening afterwards Blowed hard with snow from the north. 3 Men Employed at Canoe work the rest as Before. At 4 PM 2 Asfinnepoiet Indians arrived for a Supply of Tobacco."

Mar. 22
" Thursday Wind NW a fresh Breeze with Clear Weather. Gilbert Laughton Making Stems for Canoes 2 Men plaining timbers for ditto, the other tradesmen at their respective duties & the rest Employed about various duty. At 5 PM 2 Indian women Came brought some pitch & a few Furs."

Mar. 23
" Friday Wind Southerly a Gentle Breeze. a sharp frost in the night but warm in the day. The tradesmen as Before & the rest sawing Stuff for a prefs and making Wedges for ditto."

Mar. 24
" Saturday Wind WSW Weather as Yesterday
The men Employed as on the proceeding day. late in the Evening two Young Indians arrived for a supply of Ammunition & Tobacco."

Mar. 25
" Sunday Wind SW a Gentle Breeze with Clear Weather. Gave the Indians a Supply of tobacco & Ammunition & they went away. At 2 PM 4 bungee Indians arrived at the Canadian house which left 44 Beaver a little way from this which I Sent 2 Men for & returned in an Hour Afterwards."

Mar. 26
" Monday Wind Variable light Breezes Weather part Cloudy part clear. The tradesmen at their Respective duties and the rest Employed within Doors."

Mar. 27
" Tuesday Wind Variable with Cloudy Weather. The Boat Builders making pitch for the Boats. Gilbert Laughton Bending head timbers for Canoes. 2 Men hewing stuff for a Watch house and the rest Variously Employed. The Bungee Indians traded 45 Beaver 20 of which was for Silver work. they wanted Wampeim? very much which I was Sorry to inform there was none. I was Informed in England that, that Article was Sent out according to my request but when I Opened the box that should have Contained them their was no Such article to be found. even the very Beads was not sent according to My request being a very irregular Afsortment."

Mar. 28
" Wednesday Wind Easterly with cloudy Cold Weather. The Boat builders Calking the boats. Gilbert Laughton Bending head timbers for Canoes. Tailors Making Clothing for the men and the rest made 3800 lbs of pimecan for the Journey down."

Mar. 29
" Thursday Wind Easterly a small Breeze With Cloudy Weather. The Smith making Nails for the Boats of Iorn Hoops. the Boat & Canoe Builders at their respective duties 12 Men Fell and Hewed timber for the watch house and the rest Variously Employed."

Mar. 30
" Friday Wind Westerly a Gentle Breeze with Clear Weather but Cold Sharp air. The smith repairing Broken Hatchets for trade the rest as Before."

Mar. 31
" Saturday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze Weather as Before. Gilbert Laughton & 1 Man sawing Gunnels for Canoes. the rest Cut firewood & Brought home 36 pieces of timber for the watchhouse. At 10 AM an Indian & his wife Arrived brought 40 Beaver late in the Evening 1 of the free Canadians arrived brought little or nothing with him."

Apr. 1 1798
" Sunday Wind & Weather as yesterday
The Indians traded & went away."

Apr. 2
" Monday Wind NW a fresh Breeze clear Cold Weather. The tradesmen at their respective duties 10 Men hewing Stuff for the Watchhouse and the rest Cut firewood."

Apr. 3
" Tuesday Wind Southerly & Gentle Breeze Clear fine Weather. The men Employed as Yesterday."

Apr. 4
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
4 Men with horses hauling home Oars, poles & Yards for the Boats and the rest employed as on the proceeding days."

Apr. 5
" Thursday Wind northerly a fresh Breeze with Clear Weather. Two men making a Sail for one of the Boats out of old Canvas Coverings of the packages & the rest employed as on the proceeding days. At 5 PM the free Canadian went away & he Informs me he Cannot come in again Before the middle of Summer."

Apr. 6
" Friday Wind Variable light Breezes with fine Weather. The men Employed as before. at 10 AM a Young Indian arrived for a Supply of Tobacco & Ammunition but brought nothing with him."

Apr. 7
" Saturday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
The men Variously Employed. the Boat builders finished the boats all but the Ceiling."

Apr. 8
" Sunday Wind Eaterly a fresh Breeze Cloudy & Clear Alternately."

Apr. 9
" Monday Winds Variable light Breezes with Clear Weather. The Boat & Canoe Builders at their respective duties, Tailors making Clothing for the men, 10 Men began building a Watchhouse and the rest Clearing away the rubbish from within the Works & burning it. At 4 PM an Indian arrived and brought so little with him that he could not pay any part of his debt."

Apr. 10
" Tuesday Wind Westerly a fresh Breeze weather part Cloudy part Clear with Showers of hail. Sent 12 Men to Gather pitch & the rest employed as yesterday. At 5 PM 2 Blood Indians Came for Tobacco."

Apr. 11
" Wednesday Wind Easterly a Gentle Breeze with Clear Weather. The Carpenters finished the 2 New Boats they are 25 feet of Keel & nearly the bredth? as those built last year. The rest Employed as before. At 10 AM 1 tent of Blood Indians arrived brought little or Nothing."

Apr. 12
" Thursday Wind SE a Stiff Gale Weather part Cloudy part Clear. The Carpenters repairing one of the boats built last year. Canoe builders bending timbers & the rest Employed about Various duty. The Indians traded the triffle they brought and went away. At 5 PM two Afsinnepoiet Indians Arrived brought only 5 Small Beaver."

Apr. 13
" Friday Wind SE a fresh Breeze with Cloudy Weather. The men Employed as Yesterday."

Apr. 14
" Saturday Wind & Weather much the Same. The men Employed as on the proceeding day. Gilbert Laughton finished bending timbers for 5 Canoes. At 4 PM 2 Afsinnepoiet Indians arrived Brought a few furs."

Apr. 15
" Sunday Wind in the East Quarter with a Continuance of Cold Blowing Weather. The Indians traded the triffle they Brought and went away."

Apr. 16
" Monday Wind Easterly a Small breeze with cloudy Weather the tradesmen at their Respective duties and the rest Variously Employed. Snowed much in the night."

Apr. 17
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as yesterday the tradesmen Employed as before and the rest made up 978 lbs pimecan for the Journey down."

Apr. 18
" Wednesday Wind NE a fresh Breeze Weather Cloudy with Snow all Day. The men Carried firewood up the Bank. at 5 PM an Indian Arrived but Brought Nothing."

Apr. 19
" Thursday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
the men Employed within doors. at noon an Indian Arrived Brought Nothing."

Apr. 20
" Friday Wind NE a Gentle Breeze with Cloudy Weather the tradesmen Employed at their respective Duties. Eight men Building a Watchhouse and the rest doing Jobbs in doors. At 4 PM 3 Indians arrived brought a few Furs but Could not pay half their Credits these used to Bring 100 Beaver Each & now the three has only brought 75 Made Beaver in all, Gave them A Supply & they went away again."

Apr. 21
" Saturday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze with Snow most part of the day and all last night no Working Without Doors."

Apr. 22
" Sunday Wind NW a fresh Breeze with Clear Weather in the afternoon an Indian arrived Brought Nothing."

Apr. 23
" Monday Wind NW a fresh Breeze with Clear Weather. the Carpenters repairing the Boats Tailors making Clothing for the men Eight Men Building a Watchhouse & the rest preparing a place for Building Canoes on. Pruden & 6 Men Arrived from Buckingham House with the horses to Be Keept here all Summer, also Brought two Kegs of powder. at noon the river Brock up and went away. At 1 PM an Indian Man & Family arrived Brought About 4 Made Beaver in furs & had 74 Beaver in Credit last Atumn this man did not use to Bring lefs than 200 Beaver in a Season."

Apr. 24
" Tuesday Wind Southerly a fresh breeze Clear Weather. The Carpenters & Tailors as Before the Canoe Builders put a Canoe on the Bed & the rest employed at the Watchhouse and Cutting a track through the Ice to the river. the last night one of the Mowhawck Indians Arrived Brought 50 Beaver."

Apr. 25
" Wednesday Wind Southerly a fresh Breeze Weather part Cloudy part Clear. the Men Employed as Yesterday. The Carpenters finished repairing the two Boats Built last Year. At noon an Indian Arrived Brought a few Martins with which he paid part of his Credit. Also at 7 PM another Indian Arrived for the lend of a Horse to Bring in his Winters Hunt."

Apr. 26
" Thursday Wind Variable Light Breezes Weather as Yesterday. the Boat Builders making Oars the rest Employed as Before in the Evening a Small party of Afsinnepoiet Indians arrived Brought a little dried provisions which they traded & went away."

Apr. 27
" Friday Wind Variable fresh Breezes with Clear Weather. the men Employed as Yesterday. At Noon a Band of Southerd Indians Arrived above 20 Able men in number and Brought no more than 40 Made Beaver in furs & a Small Quantity of pounded meat and Fat. Many of them had Credits here last Autumn But Have not received any part of it from them they have Been lying at a Buffaloe pond all the Winter & neither have procured furs or provisions."

Apr. 28
" Saturday Wind NW a Small Breeze with Snow in the night & Cold most part of the day. Could not work at Canoe Building, the rest employed as on the proceeding Day. Several Indians Arrived from Various Quarters Brought little or Nothing."

Apr. 29
" Sunday Wind SE a fresh Breeze with Clear Cold Weather. Several more Indians Arrived Brought about 20 Made Beaver."

Apr. 30
" Monday Wind Easterly a Gentle Breeze with Cloudy Weather. the Boat builders making Oars the tailors Making Trowsers for the Men out of Rufsia Sheeting I Brought out of England for my own use, but they Being refused that Article at the rock House when down, and they Could not do without them Induced me to have it made & Sold it to the men as Company's property. the Canoe Builders put a Canoe on the Bed and the rest Employed about Various duty. In the Evening Some Indians arrived from the Westward Brought a few Beaver But not Enough to pay Some of their Credits."

May 1 1798
" Tuesday Wind Westerly in the Morning afterwards Varied to the Eastward cloudy Weather With a little rain the men employed as yesterday. The Indians Still Drunk."

May 2
" Wednesday Wind Northerly a fresh breeze With Cloudy Cold Weather. The men Employed About Various Duty. in the Evening Several Indians of Various tribes Arrived Brought a few furs & a little provisions."

May 3
" Thursday Wind between NE & East Cloudy Weather with Snow all day no Working Without doors traded with Several Indians and in the Evening put them acrofs the river."

May 4
" Friday Wind Northerly a Small breeze With Cloudy Cold Weather. The Carpenters finished Making 30 Oars for the Boats also Masts & Yards. Could do nothing towards Canoe Building the rest planted a few potatoes & finished the Block houses floors Excepted. Several Indians pitched away."

May 5
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday
the Carpenters Sewing Strong parchment round that part of the that is most Exposed to to Labour. the rest made up 532 lbs pimecan. In the Evening two Afsinnepoiet Indians Arrived Brought a triffle of provisions which they traded & went away."

May 6
" Sunday Wind in the South Quarter a Small Breeze Weather part Cloudy part Clear. in the Evening one tent of Southerd Indians Arrived Brought a few furs. and Some others pitched away."

May 7
" Monday Wind Variable with fine Clear Weather. the Carpenters repairing the little boat? Canoe Builders timbering Canoes and the rest digging the Ground & planting potatoes. At Noon a few Swampy Ground Indians arrived Brought a few furs Which was not Sufficient to pay one Half of their Credits. Those that Arrived yesterday all Drunk."

May 8
" Tuesday Wind SW a Gentle Breeze with Clear fine Weather. The Boat builders repairing the batto Tailors Making Indian clothing Canoe Builders timbering a Canoe and the rest finished the blockhouses & Did other Jobbs the Indians Still Drunk."

May 9
" Wednesday Wind as Yesterday a Strong Breeze with Clear hot Weather. the Boat & Canoe builders Employed as Before & the rest packed 60 Bundles of furs."

May 10
" Thursday wind Variable fresh Breezes Weather for the most part Cloudy. The men Employed as on the proceeding day. finished repairing the Batto as also of Building 4 Canoes Built by Gilbert Laughton John Flett & John Mowat. they had every thing prepared for a fifth one but the Birchrind is so very Bad that they could not make a Canoe out of it. I was Surprised to find in the list of Servants Robert Garrock the first & John Sebeston was rated as Canoe Builders for Some Years Back. but your Honours will please to Observe That those men are so far from being Capable of doing that duty that neither of the two ever was Capable to mend the Canoe they were in Without afsistance. this Shews Great partiality to some undeserving Servants and those that are deserving are Neglected."

May 11
" Friday Wind SW a fresh Breeze with Clear Weather. the men Employed at the prefs packed 60 Bundles. At 5 PM a few Stone Indians Arrived Brought a few Beaver which is not Sufficient to pay half of their Credits."

May 12
" Saturday Wind WNW a Strong Breeze Weather as Yesterday. The Canoe Builders repairing the Old Canoes & the rest Employed at the prefs & pitching Canoes packed 37 Bundles of furs the Indians traded & went away 4 Men Brought no more than 72 made Beaver."

May 13
" Sunday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze with Clear Weather. In the Evening 5 Sufsue Indians Arrived Brought little or nothing."

May 14
" Monday Wind & Weather as Yesterday the men Variously Employed. yesterday Several of the Bungee Indians arrived at the Canadian House on Account of McGillivrey having Seized all their furs which they Intended to pay their Credits with at this place. finding the Companys property was Seized on the road I Sent John Peter pruden to Inform Duncan? McGillivrey that he had robbed the Indians & made them thieves by not Allowing them to pay their Credits which with Others that he has Intercepted this Season amounts to About 500 Beaver. I Sent a Second time but was Still refused and would not Suffer a Skin to Go out of the House. at noon the Sufsew? Indians went away 5 Men Brought no more than 17 Skins."

May 15
" Tuesday Wind in the West Quarter fresh Breezes with warm Weather the men Employed pitching Canoes & packing the remaining part of the furs."

May 16
" Wednesday Wind & Weather much the Same as Yesterday the men Variously Employed. at Noon 1 Indian man & his family arrived Brought 100 Beaver which He traded & went away."

May 17
" Thursday Wind SW a Gentle Breeze with very warm Weather the men watering Canoes & Getting Every thing ready for Embarking."

May 18
" Friday Wind Variable fresh Breezes with Hazzy weather. Embarked 16 Men in Eight Canoes loaded with 32 Bags pimecan & 104 bundles of Furrs. The rest preparing for Embarking to morrow. the Country all round on Fire, no lefs than Eight Indians has been burn'd to death within the last ten days."

May 19
" Saturday Wind Northerly a fresh Breeze with Cloudy Weather. At 10 AM Embarked the 4 Boats with the remainder of the furs & provisions. Have left James Gaddy in charge of the House with 11 Men more. rained & Snowed all the afternoon."

May 20
" Sunday Wind as Yesterday weather part Cloudy part Clear. at Half past 7 AM we proceeded and at Half past 7 PM put up."

May 21
" Monday Wind as Before Blowed fresh with Clear Weather. at 3 AM we Embarked and at 1 PM arrived at Buckingham House where I found all well thank God. Mr Sutherland has done every thing in his power to Increase the trade at this place which is Something Better than last Year of such as Could be procured at this place."

May 22
" Tuesday Wind Westerly Squaly Weather with Showers of rain in the Evening. fixed the men to Canoes & Boats till they come to Cumberland House. and had Some Difficulty to do it for want of Steersmen."

May 23
" Wednesday Wind Westerly a Strong Breeze with Clear Weather. At 8 AM Sent off 4 Canoes in order to provide meat against the others comes up."

May 24
" Thursday Wind ESE a moderate Breeze with Clear Weather. at 8 AM Embarked nine Canoes two men in Each Canoe & at 10 Embarked the 4 Boats manned with 22 men. Have left Mr Hallet in Charge of Buckingham House and 6 men more. I wished Mr George Sutherland to have Stayed up all summer but he would not Concent for which Cause I know not."

May 25
" Friday Wind WNW a fresh Breeze with Clear Weather. At 3 AM we proceeded & Sailed most part of the day. Distance near 90 Miles. put up at a Quarter past 8 PM."

May 26
" Saturday Wind as Yesterday and Blowed fresh. at 3 PM we proceeded and at Eleven Obliged to put ashore as the men Could not work the Boats in the river at 6 PM put off again as the wind fell more moderate at half past 7 put up to wait for 3 Canoes that did not Come up."

May 27
" Sunday Wind Variable light Breezes Clear fine Weather. At Half past 3 AM we Embarked and at noon Come up with four Canoes that went a Head. at 7 PM put up at the Crofsing place. Stopped Several times to day in Search of Buffaloe but had little Succefs."

May 28
" Monday Wind SE a fresh Breeze with Clear Weather. At Half past 3 AM we Embarked and at half past 7 PM Put up a little above the South Branch. Killed 2 Red Deer & 2 Buffaloe Bulls all very poor."

May 29
" Tuesday Wind Variable from SE to W a fresh Breeze with Thunder & a little rain towards Evening. At 4 AM we Embarked and at Eight Arrived at Carleton House Where we found Mr James Bird & those with him all well Thank God. the trade very poor but not lefs than expected owing to the Indians having Deserted that place last Summer and did no good where they went more than to this place."

May 30
" Wednesday Wind WSW a Small Breeze with Clear Weather. at 8 AM we Embarked and at Half past 7 PM then put up left Magnus Twat in Charge of Carleton House and 5 Men more."

May 31
" Thursday Wind Southerly a fresh Breeze with Cloudy Weather. At 3 AM we Embarked and 7 PM put up at the little river above Cumberland House."

June 1 1798
" Friday Wind WSW a Small Breeze with Clear fine Weather. at 4 AM we embarked and at 6 arrived at Cumberland House where we found all well Thank God but like the Settlements above a very Small Trade which is not Strange, as no Indians has Stayed by this place for some Years past."

June 2
" Saturday Wind Westerly a Gentle Breeze Clear fine Weather. at noon Mr James Bird & his party Arrived."

June 3
" Sunday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Settling men to the Canoes & Boats but find it very Difficult as their is only two men to a Canoe & many of them not very Capable."

June 4
" Monday Wind variable in the North Quarter light Breezes Weather as before. the men pitching & Watering Canoes ready for Embarking to Morrow God Willing."

June 5
" Tuesday Wind Easterly a fresh Breeze Clear Weather. did not Embark the Canoes as the Wind blowed in Head."

June 6
" Wednesday Wind Variable light Breezes with very Warm Weather. Embarked 18 Canoes 12? of which has only two men each."

June 7
" Thursday Wind NE Weather part Cloudy part Clear. at 4 AM Embarked with the 4 Boats Left Mr Fidler and 2 men at Cumberland House Rowed till Half past 7 PM than put up."

June 8
" Friday Wind & Weather as Yesterday. at 3 AM we Embarked and rowed till 8 PM than put up."

June 9
" Saturday Wind & Weather as on the proceeding day. At 3 AM we proceeded and rowed till 8 PM than put up three parts through the Cedar Lake."

June 10
" Sunday Wind SE a moderate Breeze with Hazzey Weather at 3 AM we proceeded to the Great fall and Got all over by 4 PM and run down and put up where the Canoes was waiting for us."

June 11
" Monday Wind & Weather as Yesterday. At 3 AM we proceeded through the Great Lake where we Sail'd & rowed all day & night."

June 12
" Tuesday Wind Southerly a fresh breeze towards evening. At 4 AM we got out of the Lake & at noon Got to Jack River House where we Stopt a few Hours and Embarked Six men & one Bundle of furrs. little or no trade at this place. Left Mr Isham and three men to take Care of the little trading Goods & provisions left by the Boats and Canoes for their return."

June 13
" Wednesday Wind SE a fresh Breeze Hazzy Weather. at 3 AM we Embarked Sailed & Rowed till 8 PM than put up half way through Eachewemames."

June 14
" Thursday Wind & Weather as Yesterday
At 3 AM we proceeded with some difficulty to Get through for want of Water which detained us some time to dam in the Water for the return of the Boats at Half past 9 PM put up on the White fall."

June 15
" Friday Wind WSW a fresh Breeze Cloudy Weather with Showers of rain. At 4 AM the men began Carrying and at 5 PM Got the Boats and all over."

June 16
" Saturday Wind & Weather much the Same as Yesterday. At 3 AM we proceeded for the Hill Carrying place where we arrived at Six and by 12 Got all over. at one PM pafsed by a Canadian House which was built last fall at the Side pine and Traded with the Homeguard Indians from York. At 8 PM put up on the last Carrying place in Wipinna Pannis River."

June 17
" Sunday Wind NW a Gentle breeze with cloudy weather. At 2 AM we Embarked and at one PM arrived at the head of the trout river where we put up. Mr Bird and self went to look out for timber to build a house which is much wanted at this place."

June 18
" Monday Wind Northerly a Gentle Breeze first part cloudy latter part Clear. Gilbert Laughton and 4 Men repairing a Canoe that was left here last year. the boat builder & one man Collecting Stuff for Oars for the boats. and the rest fell & Collected above 100 pieces of timber 30 of which were rafted to the place where the House are Intended to be built."

June 19
" Tuesday Wind Variable light breezes with Cloudy Weather. First part of the day the men Employed loading three of the Boats with Stones? which I think will be better than filling them with water. In the Evening sent off 10 Canoes so that we should not Encumber one another on the Carrying places."

June 20
" Wednesday Wind Easterly a small breeze with rain in the forenoon. At 1 PM Embarked and proceeded down trout river and put up a little way through the Knee Lake."

June 21
" Thursday Wind Variable light breezes Hazzy Weather. At 3 AM we Embarked and paddled till half past 7 PM then put up on the second Carrying place in pike river."

June 22
" Friday Wind Northerly a fresh breeze with Thunder. At 3 AM We Embarked Paddled & Carried till 6 PM than Put up."

June 23
" Saturday Wind as yesterday with Cloudy Weather. at 3 AM we Embarked and at half past 8 Arrived at Gordon House where we found Mr Colen and his party all well."

June 24
" Sunday Wind & Weather as Yesterday. Mr Colen Settled with those men whose times are Expired many of which are intended for Home."

June 25
" Monday Wind & Weather much the same as on the Proceeding days, Settled with those men who goes in the boats & overhauled eight Chests of Guns many of which are very Indefferent, Gilbert Laughton oiled 140 Guns, Cleaned them & packed them in Cases for Inland."

June 26
" Tuesday Wind northerly Cloudy Weather with rain a Great part of the day. at 7 AM Mr Colen Embarked for York and has left me a very difficult task to fit out the Canoes. at noon the rain Ceased. loaded 2 Boats with 144 bundles of furs and sent them off for York. Want of proper Necefsaries for the men makes them very difficult to place."

June 27
" Wednesday Little wind Northerly Clear Weather. the men repairing Canoes & repacking bundles there being many articles in them not fit for Inland trade. the want of Cotton Shirts, Trowsers blue Com. Cloth frocks duck and several other Necefsaries for the men Causes great Disfatisfaction."

June 28
" Thursday Wind in the NW Quarter light Breezes weather part Cloudy part Clear the men Employed as yesterday. fitted out 7 Canoes in order to proceed to morrow God willing."

June 29
" Friday Wind in the NE Quarter a fresh Breeze with a Continual rain. Could forward no bufsinefs either without or within doors. the Houses being so Leaky that it is a Difficult matter to keep the property from being damaged."

June 30
" Saturday Wind & Weather as Yesterday laid out the Cargoes of 15 Canoes but a very Indeferent Afsortment & Divided the Provisions which I am Sorry to say was very Scanty being 56 Gallons of oat meal Short?, flower, Rice & barley &c. In the Evening Seven Canoes Embarked for Jack River & Cumberland House.
William Tomison."


"The Copy 0f A letter Sent to Mr Joseph Colen
Gordon House august 6th 1797
Dear Sir,
I Cannot pafs this Opportunity without giving you my repeated wishes of Enjoying a pleasant & Happy Winter. Sir, I am Sorry to Inform You that many packages rests here that the Canoes Brought from the Factory & left here by Mr Sutherland Fiddler & Rofs as also all the Steel and Iron Bars Hatchets &c and a Strick order for all to Be Brought up in the fall by Mr. Oman, this Orders you Know I never Can Comply with, for I Believe you never heard that Tommison ever took a piece of Goods from the factory & left it by the way, or got another man to Carry it for him neither did he load his Canoe with Necefsaries for himself and left the Companys Goods Behind. - All the twine for Cumberland House I Have taken which was in No. 5 & 6 also the most part of what you Sent for Mr. Bird as to any thing Else we Cannot take, the parcel J. C. which was left also. I find their is Two pieces of Goods left on account of Carrying Thompsons things up which I think in the first place be a very Great Imposition on You & a much Greater in the Hon'ble Company for in my Oppinion that Man that would have Been a Carrier for so Base a man as Thompson ought to have both his Ears cut off which I Should not have Scrupled at had he Been my Brother. I am Sorry to Say that matters has gone to a Great length this Year which I must Confefs will not be allowed another Year let the Consequence be what it may. You will please not to have any Bundles packed for next Year with one Single article of any Sort what ever not lefs than 6 nor more than 12 Knives Hankerchiefs Files Bayonets Excepted which may Be more. So I Conclude with wishing the Compliments of the season to attend you and all under your Command & remains
Dear Sir
Your Most Obt
Humble Servant
William Tomison
PS My Most Respectfull Compliments to the Gentlemen of Your Mefs."

[Here is a copy of the above letter and George Sutherland's reply from the York Factory Correspondence Books 1M257 B.239/b/61 ]

" A Copy of a Letter sent to Mr Robt. Longmoore
Mr Robert Longmoore Great Lake 21st September 1797
Sir
This is to Inform You that I embarked nine pieces of Goods from York to Swan river but on my arrival at the Jack river House I found that Mr Isham? was Destitute of Several articles which I never expected being so near to the factory but this I must Confefs is not his fault as he had no Canoe left him neither neither had he a man to take Care of the house in his absence otherwise he Certainly would had time enough to Gone to the rock & Brought up what he Wanted there is a Canoe left at the Head of Trout river that with a little repairs would have Gone 2 trips Between that place & the rock House I was also much Surprised on my arrival at the rock House to find so many packages resting there which I was Informed were Inland. it is Inland to Be Sure, but, not out of the Smell of the factory. - You Will receive Inclosed a list of Goods Brought up & left at the Jack river House as also what I Have sent you By this Conveyance which I Hope You Will be frugal in the Expenditure thereof as every article becomes very Dear in England and therefore it is the duty of Every man that are intrusted with the Companys property to pay the Greatest Attention to their Interest. So Conclude with wishing You a plentifull Winter and a good trade and
Remains Sir
Your Most Obedient
Humble Servant
William Tomison."

" A Copy of a Letter Received from Mr Geo. Suth'd
Buckingham House Nov. 26 1797
Sir
We arrived here on the 23rd Inst. where I found all well except the 2 Men who Were ill when you left this place they both Continue in the same Weak State & their is no medicine fit for them here, they are troubled night & Day with a Violent Cough & are reduced to mere Skelitons. Shall be Glad if you will send a little Blister plaster & Spanish flies by the first opportunity also a little Opium for Composing them to rest, their are Some in a Phial in the old CupBoard.
You Will receive the articles Sent as pr Inclosed list the Buffaloe Begin to be pretty plentifull about the Big Well & their is Some meat in the House also some Beat Meat & fat with 451 Made Beaver in furs - Wishing you a plentifull Winter
I am Sir
Your Humble Servant
Geo. Sutherland."

" A Copy of a letter Sent to Mr George Sutherland
Edmonton House 4 December 1797
Dear Sir
By the Arrival of the 4 Men on the 3rd Instant I Received your kind favour of the 26th Nov. as also every article as pr list Inclosed. it Gave me pleasure to hear of your Safe arrival at Buckingham House. But Sorry to hear that the 2 men Still Continue very Ill. I am very Sensible their is no medicines with You that are of any Benefit to them & I Belive you know their is as little here, nay their is Hardly So much rag as would drefs a Wound 4 times. - I have Sent by this Conveyance What Tinc. of Opium there is here, Some Spanish flies & two parts of the Blister plaster. We have had no Indians Since you left this Except a Small Band of fall Indians. those Brought about 130 Wolves & as many Foxes Which is not of the Best Quality, and as to provisions We are just able to keep the Wolfe from the Door. So Conclude with Wishing you a pleasant Winter & Succefs to the Honourable Company's Affairs & remains Dear Sir
Your very Humble
Servant
William Tomison."

" A Copy of a letter Received from Mr Geo. Suth'd
Buckingham House Feb. 7th 1798
Sir
Mr Hallet Exprefsing a Wish to Visit you Gives me an Opportunity of returning you thanks for the things you sent down with the Canadians all of which I received Safe - for the news of this place I refair you to the Bearer. If any Indians Should Come here in the spring we will Be Short of Cloth Hatchets & Mens Knives. I will therefore be obliged to you for 2 pieces of the former & as many of the latter as you can Spare and am
Dear Sir
Your very Humble
Servant
Geo. Sutherland
PS You may Depend upon it I will Send out for our Debts When our Neighbours does."

" A Copy of a letter Sent to Mr Geo. Sutherland
Edmonton House 25th Feb. 1798
Dear Sir
Your Kind favour of the 7th Inst. I received on the 13th Which gave me pleasure to hear that you and all under Your Direction Enjoyed a middling State of Health which Blefsing thank god we all here Enjoy
As yet we have got no Stock of meat & not above 100 lbs pounded Meat. fat a much lefser Quantity & but little prospect of any Quantity Being Brought in this Season Notwithstanding every Encouragement has Been Given.
I Have sent By this Conveyance the following articles Viz. Cloth Blue Corded yards 23 1/2, Red Cord 22 Yds, Knives Yew Handled 36 Box butcher 24 & Common Clasp 12 Being all that Can be Spared & I am Sorry I Could not send you Some Hatchets there would have Been none in the House had not 26 Come up in the fall and at present no more than 20 remain and 100 More would not be too many.
Tobacco also is very Short no more than 7 Roles and powder only 5 Kegs Which is too little for the number of Indians that has Been in. What trade has Come in Since your Departure from this is Come from the Blackfoot, fall & Blood Indians. The Sufsew & Southard Indians has done little or nothing. So Conclude with wishing Succefs to the Honble Companys Affairs and I am
Dear Sir
Your very Humble
Servant
William Tomison
PS The Eriques you Gave Credit to brought in here in the night some time ago by their account amount of 75 Beaver in Martins Beaver & bad? Otters the former without tails & the latter without Heads which furs I Determined to Deliver them when they Come in as I will not Give them Carriage.
It will be necefsary to build a watch House on the SW Corner & pull the old one down and as William Flett is on the list as Canoe Builder I Shall Expect he will with afsistance put the Canoes in proper Repair otherwise he Cannot be Entitled to Canoe Builders Wages & was it not for that same very reason I would ordered him up here.
W.T."

" The Copy of A Letter Received from Mr Geo. Suth'd
Buckingham House 3rd March 1798
Dear Sir
Mr Hallet with two men left this place the 9th of last month on a visit to you But they have not yet returned which makes me fearfull they have met with some accident.
There have Been no Indians here since my last Except 4 Blackfoot young men who came to Beg tobacco they say the snow is too Deep for horses or dogs to travel.
Inclosed is a letter from Mr Bird the frenchmen having arrived from Below 2 Days ago.
I am Sorry to you of the Death of Thomas Isbester at Carlton House - Ben. Bruce gets Better and I am not without Hopes that he will get over it. our neighbours have not sent out to any Indians as yet as they have Been none in nor do they know where to find them till they come when you may depend on my Sending likwise as we have an Equal right.
Wishing you Health & plenty
I am Dear Sir Your Hum. Servt.
Geo. Sutherland."

" A Copy of a letter Sent to Mr George Suth'd
Edmonton House March 20th 1798
Dear Sir
Yours of the 3rd Inst. I received on the 15 by which I was Happy to hear that you and all under your Direction was well Which Blefsing we all here Enjoy thank God.
It gives me Infinit pleasure to hear that Benj. Bruce is much Better and in a fair way of recovery but at the same time Sorry to hear of the Death Thomas Isbaster at Carleton House, but Gods will be Done.
We have had no Indians in Since my last Except part of the Blood & Muddy river Indians which in all made a large Band to the number of 83 Able men and about 4 times as many women & Children. 23 was Rigged which has Shortened several articles Hatchets we have none at all. no Common Hats & was Obliged to Give 3 of the Best before I Could finish the number. Powder & Tobacco is also very Short no more than 3 Roles in the house and Powder 3 Kegs. no Southerd Indians as yet has Been in and many of the Blood & Stone Indians Also.
On the 16th we Got Home the last of our meat and this day I Have paid off our Hunters but as to our Dried Stock we are as yet far Short.
I Hope Mr Hallet & his Party arrived Safe in due time. his long Stay here was partly owing to his Ill State of health & partly the Badnefs of the Weather. So Conclude wishing Succefs to the companys Affairs health and happinefs to You and all under your Command and remain
Dear Sir
Your very Humble
Servant
William Tomison"

" A Copy of a letter Sent to Mr George Sutherland
Edmonton House April 12th 1798
Dear Sir
Being Short of powder & Tobacco at this place induces me to Inform you there of So that you may have an Opportunity to send up what you Can Spare by the return of prudent & some others that may be Spared from your place, also the Horses. those Excepted that are wanted for Summer use. I Had an account yesterday of a large Band of Blackfoot Indians as also Blood Indians Coming in Here but whether they may Come here or Go Below is uncertain. No Southerd Indians has Been in as Yet and very few Stone Indians. Guns powder Tobacco & Hatchets being the only Articles wanted during the Winter has Been the Cause of our running Short in those articles but at the Same time powder, Tobacco, Hatchets & hats Much Deficient. - The Cat a free fenchman has Been in but did not Bring a Skin with him and is not to Come in before the Middle of Summer so by that means their Credits as well as well as many others will remain unpaid. so Conclude with wishing Succefs to the Companys affairs health & Happinefs to you and all under your Command & remains
Dear Sir
Your very Hum.
Servant
William Tomison."

" A Copy of a letter Rec'd from Mr Geo. Suth'd
Buckingham House, April 19th 1798
Dear Sir
Yours of the 12th Came to Hand on the 17th the same day a tribe of Blackfoot Indians Came in who Brought upwards of 500 Beaver in Wolves & Foxes with a little Fat, but no pounded meat they reduced our Stock of Tobacco to about 15 lbs Consequently I Cannot Send you any of that Article. Have Sent 2 Kegs of powder and 5 Hat with a loaf of Sugar as I Hear you are Short of that Article 6 Men Accompanies Mr Pruden with all the Horses Except 1 Horse & 4 Mares belonging to the Company which will be required to Bring meat to the House in the Summer - We have made 27 Bags of pimecan Being all the Beat Meat.
I Shall Be Glad to know the Weight of the Bundles as also whether the fur or pelt Side of the Skins to be outwards - I Have Spoke to the little old man to take Bark for mending the Canoes but the Spring is very Backwards here as there Still Continue a deal of Snow even on the plantation.
Wishing You a pleasant Spring
I Am
Dear Sir
Your Humble Servant
Geo. Sutherland."

" A Copy of a letter Sent to Mr George Sutherland
Edmonton House April 25th 1798
Dear Sir,
Your kind favour of the 19th Inst. I received on the 23rd by the arrival of Mr pruden and party all Safe three Horses Excepted which they lost on the road. very few Indians has Been in Since my last and as little they have brought. Mad Mackay came the other day & Brought about 40 Made Beaver which will not pay half of his debt & is the whole he has Brought during the Winter.
We have made 60 bags of pimecan and their is not a Grain of pounded Meat in the House and not much fat. had you Been able to have made as much it would even then been little enough but what we are to do I know not as their is no prospect of any coming in Notwithstanding as Great encouragement has been Given this Year as ever I Gave. but many of the Indians say that the provisions was so plenty here last year that they was turned out of the Houses with their provisions and they are determined to make us go on Scanty allowance this year. and so it Appears for all the Southerd Indians on the South side the river was at two Buffaloe ponds untill lately, 32 tents in number and they have not Brought a pound of Provisions to either of the Houses nor a Skin of any Kind.
you will please to pack the pelt Side of the Skins outwards and the weight of 76 lbs each Bundle. So Conclude with wishing Succefs to the Companys affairs Health & Happinefs to you and all under Your Command & Remains
Dear Sir
Your Very Humble
Servant
William Tomison."

" A Copy of a letter Sent to Mr Will. McGillivrey, Canadian Master at this place
Edmonton House, May 14th 1798
Sir
This Morning being Informed by Several of the Bungee Indians that Arrived at your House House Yesterday or more properly by Seazing their furs which they wished to pay their Credits with as also Several more which you Have Intercepted this Season. Not lefs than 500 Beaver that now rests in Your House which is much the Honble Hudsons Bay Companys property as any thing belonging them under my Care.
Sir, You will please to recollect the letter you sent me last november on My Arrival at this place which Condemns Your present proceedings. I again put myself to the trouble to demand the Companys property by sending Mr John Pruden, Mr James Sutherland & James Gaddy if refused I shall be be induced to report you to the Honble Hudsons Bay Company as a Gentlemen of the first rank
I Remain
Yours
William Tomison
PS. This Goes to the Honble Hudsons Bay Company Accompanied by the letter I received from you last Novem."


1M48 B.60/a/3

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