" A Journal of the most remarkable Transactions and Occurrences Inland from 27th September 1778 to 12th May 1779
By Robert Longmoor"
[cover]

Sept. 27 1778
" Sunday Embarked on the Inland Expedition to little above the Pedlars Settlements as far as Pofsible if weather will Permit with goods and Men Viz. Robert Longmoor, Malchom Rofs, Magnus Twatt, Isaac Batt, Charles Isham, Mitchell Omen, William Omen, James Lisk, James Banks, James Batt, James Spence Senior, and James Spence Junior. Blowing hard at West. put up about 2 miles from the House. one Canoe behind."

Sept. 28
" Monday Embarked all in Company the fore part fine weather the latter part hard Gales at West. Distance from the House 14 miles."

Sept. 29
" Tuesday Padling in the River hard Gales at North West with a grest swell. put up at 3 oClock Distance 16 miles."

Sept. 30
" Wednesday Hard Gales with Showers of Hail Distance made about 29 miles."

Oct. 1 1778
" Thursday First part Showers of Hail with Squalls of wind Latter part fine Calm weather Distance made 25 miles."

Oct. 2
" Friday Hard Gales of Wind with Hail and rain. Could not paddle. layed by all this Day."

Oct. 3
" Saturday Hard Gales with Rain and Showers of Hail. Paddled about 5 miles and was obliged to lay by the rest of the Day."

Oct. 4
" Sunday Embarked at 6 oClock, at 9 met one of the large French Canoes going to meet their masters, with Provisions and to afsist them up. I enquired of them how far off there House was, and they told me upon Indian they was two nights paddle farther then when I came down in the Spring. Wind in the NW quarter."

Oct. 5
" Monday Wind NW fine clear weather. layed by 4 Hours mending the Big Canoe that was Traded from the Indians. Distance made 12 miles."

Oct. 6
" Tuesday Snowing all day with hard Gales of wind in the NE quarter."

Oct. 7
" Wednesday Wind North with Showers of Hail Snow and Frost Distance made 13 miles."

Oct. 8
" Thursday Clear weather with fresh Gales of Wind in the NW Quarter saw 4 tents of Indians and Traded with them. Distance made 12 miles."

Oct. 9
" Friday Wind SW clear Weather with hard Frost Distance 25 Miles."

Oct. 10
" Saturday Wind in the NW quarter fresh gales with Showers of Hail and snow. Distance 18 Miles."

Oct. 11
" Sunday Wind SE thick Cloudy weather in the afternoon thick snow. Distance made 18 miles."

Oct. 12
" Monday Hard Gales of Wind in the SE quarter much Snow and cold weather could not Paddle."

Oct. 13
" Tuesday The fore Part of this Day Clear; the Latter part Snow hard Gales of Wind in the NW Distance 25 miles."

Oct. 14
" Wednesday Wind NW with hard frost and Showers of Hail, two French Canoes in Company with 8 men in each, Greeves and Holmes Masters. Distance 25 Miles."

Oct. 15
" Thursday Strong rapid Currents and very Shoal a great deal of Ice in the River. Distance 14 miles."

Oct. 16
" Friday Left of tracking a great deal of Ice in the River Broke a Canoe in the River. Distance 15 Miles."

Oct. 17
" Saturday Arrived at the French House a great deal of Ice in the River. broke a Canoe with Ice. Laid by to mend her. Distance made 6 miles."

Oct. 18
" Sunday Raining hard all day. Put up opposite to the French House at the Beaver River."

Oct. 19
" Monday Embarked blowing hard with snow the River very shoal, we was obliged to take out half our Cargo and make two Loads. hard frost at Night with Clear Weather Wind NW Distance 12 miles."

Oct. 20
" Tuesday Wind NW this Morning was obliged to cut the Canoes out of the Ice. a great deal of Ice going in the River Laid by all day."

Oct. 21
" Wednesday Wind at SW fine warm weather. Embarked at 6 in the Morning very short of Provisions. Distance made 20 Miles."

Oct. 22
" Thursday Wind NW with snow arrived at the Canadians Settlements at 2 OClock. I put up Close by them. there not being any Woods farther up within Lefs than 10 days paddle in short days, and the River almost fast, with Ice. The Masters came to me and told me that If I Cused to Stay any were Nigh it was very Agreeable, if not they would go as far as I did, that they should be close by me and as I had no Provisions for the men, I thought it best to Stay."

Oct. 23
" Friday This day one Blondish a Frenchman, Came to me and made me the Proffer of a House Half built, about 4 Hundred Yards from the other French Houses."

Oct. 24
" Saturday No Indians arrived as yet with provisions and I have none to serve out to the Men Nor to put them to any sort of Allowance. the men employed in Building up the House."

Oct. 25
" Sunday Fitted out Isaac Batt with 2 lb of Powder and 50 Ball and 3 Indians that came up along with me Likewise for to hunt or to send in or Bring Indians with Provisions. Likewise sent with Batt two Pounds of tobacco to give to Indians to come in with Provisions as fast as pofsible."

Oct. 26
" Monday This day I have Account of two tents of Indians a days Journey from the House. I have sent to them but no answer as yet. this day one Indian brought me 30 lb of fresh Buffaloe meat. the Men employed in Putting the roof upon the House. the Carpenter making Doors and Windows. Wind in the NE Quarter with hard frost."

Oct. 27
" Tuesday Wind North this day Returned one of the Indians I had sent to hunt meeting with 3 tents of Indians he told them to Come in with Provisions and brought 20 lb of dryed Beaver flesh."

Oct. 28
" Wednesday Wind NW with frost at night two tents of Indians arrived here with some Dryed meat and Skins."

Oct. 29
" Thursday Wind SW fine clear weather. The Carpenter employed in Laying the Floor. the Men cutting of wood. this day traded the Indians and sent them off."

Oct. 30
" Friday The Men employed as yesterday. this day sent Malchom Rofs with tobacco to give to Indians Nigh at hand to bring them past the french traders."

Oct. 31
" Saturday Wind SW clear Weather the River fast two Men cutting of Plank to shut up the Warehouse."

Nov. 1 1778
" Sunday Two Stone Indians men arrived here for tobacco to carry to there Chief with them I sent half a pound."

Nov. 2
" Monday Wind SW fine weather the men employed in laying the floor and putting up the warehouse."

Nov. 3
" Tuesday Wind North the Men employed as before the Indians not yet arrived."

Nov. 4
" Wednesday This day arrived here two tents of Stone Indians traded a small quantity of Dryed Provisions and went off directly. This day I am able to serve the Men there Allowance for the first time since Leaving of Cumberland House but having no Steelyards renders me incapable of keeping any Allowance book; only to have no want, nor yet any waste, the Men have done to the best of their Endeavour. Still, Suppose in want, without any words, and always ready to Obey."

Nov. 5
" Thursday The Men employed in Putting the House in repair. Wind at South."

Nov. 6
" Friday This Day sent off one Indian to meet some Indians that I have heard off with tobacco to bring them in. This day arrived Malchom Rofs, the Indians as yet 3 days Journey off, which he went to with tobacco. Wind in the SW quarter."

Nov. 7
" Saturday This Day sent off Malchom Rofs and James Spence with Goods and Tobacco for to trade with Indians and to bring in all that they can, with an Indian to be their guide in the road to where they shall hear of any, at any Distance. Wind at NE."

Nov. 8
" Sunday Fresh Gales at NE with clear weather."

Nov. 9
" Monday This day arrived 12 tents of Indians with Nothing only a small quantity of Dryed meat. they are on their Journey to the Beaver Country. Wind at NE with snow. the Men employed in Cutting a Clear Pafsage to the House for Indians."

Nov. 10
"Tuesday Wind at SE with thick snow the Indians traded and went off. The Men employed as before."

Nov. 11
" Wednesday Wind at North Clear Weather the People employed as on Monday last."

Nov. 12
" Thursday Wind NW the Men employed in cutting of firewood."

Nov. 13
" Friday The Men employed in cutting of firewood wind in the NW quarter."

Nov. 14
" Saturday Wind NE thick weather the People employed as yesterday."

Nov. 15
" Sunday Wind NW very cold weather. this day arrived here two young men for tobacco for 4 tents of Indians that is to come in tomorrow gave them the same and sent them off directly."

Nov. 16
" Monday The Men employed in cutting of Firewood. at Noon the Indians arrived with no more furrs only 5 Beaver Skins and 4 Stage Foxes and a small quantity of Provisions. in trading what little provisions they had they was so eager for Liquor that they went to the Canadian Traders and so back and Fore that there is no doing with them as they no provisions must be had. Suppose at a dearer rate a great deal than furrs. Wind in the SE quarter."

Nov. 17
" Tuesday Wind South thick Cloudy weather. this morning the Indians went away. the men employed in laying up the Canoes."

Nov. 18
" Wednesday Wind SW the Men employed in cutting firewood."

Nov. 19
" Thursday Wind NW the Men employed as yesterday."

Nov. 20
" Friday Wind NW with Snow and Hail at times the People employed as on Wednesday last."

Nov. 21
" Saturday Wind North thick foggy weather. the Men employed in laying up the Canoes and fencing them round for the Winter."

Nov. 22
" Sunday Wind at NE with Clear weather. at Night arrived two Indian Men with Red Deers flesh but no furrs, for which I desired them to make all the haste they could to kill Beaver as they say they are plenty Nigh were there tents is."

Nov. 23
" Monday Wind NE the People employed in cutting of Firewood."

Nov. 24
" Tuesday Wind at North with small snow. the Men employed in cutting of firewood."

Nov. 25
" Wednesday Wind NW two Men employed in Cutting of plank. the rest cutting of firewood."

Nov. 26
" Thursday Wind NW the Men employed as yesterday. At Noon Isaac Batt came from Hunting on Account of no Buffaloe being come down. at night a Beaver Indian arrived with a small quantity of Beaver to trade tobacco. he has given me the account of 7 tents of Indians beyond where he came from."

Nov. 27
" Friday The Indians traded and is ready to sett off. I have Likewise fitted out Charles Isham and James Lisk with tobacco and Iron work as I here they are in want, not to be given, but to be traded, and to keep them from the Canadians if Pofsible. the goods I shall make account for along with the rest. the Men employed making the bank of the River pafsable to Come up and down to the Water."

Nov. 28
" Saturday Wind Westerly two Stone Indian Men arrived for tobacco for two Chiefs. they Slept two Nights on the road. I have sent Isaac Batt and James Batt off Directly with them with tobacco to trade and half a pound for each of the two Chiefs. Now I have only 5 Men with me."

Nov. 29
" Sunday Wind NE with snow nothing strange these 24 Hours."

Nov. 30
" Monday Wind NE the People employed in cutting of firewood."

Dec. 1 1778
" Tuesday The Men employed in Plastering the House where it is open. Wind in the SE quarter."

Dec. 2
" Wednesday Wind Southerly the Men employed in cutting and bringing home a Flag Staff."

Dec. 3
" Thursday Wind NW the men employed in making and setting up a Flag Staff."

Dec. 4
" Friday NW the men employed in cutting of firewood."

Dec. 5
" Saturday Wind Northerly the men employed as yesterday."

Dec. 6
" Sunday Wind NE with thick snow."

Dec. 7
" Monday Wind NE with thick snow. the People employed in cutting of firewood."

Dec. 8
" Tuesday Wind NW clear weather the Men employed as yesterday."

Dec. 9
" Wednesday Wind NE the men employed in making of Sleds."

Dec. 10
" Thursday Wind NE with thick snow. the Men employed as yesterday."

Dec. 11
" Friday Wind in the NW quarter the Men employed in cutting of firewood."

Dec. 12
" Saturday Wind NW with snow the men employed as yesterday."

Dec. 13
" Sunday Wind in the NW quarter. one Stone Indian Man arrived here with a Small quantity of Provisions and only 5 Beaver Skins, traded and went away directly."

Dec. 14
" Monday Wind SW the People employed in cutting of firewood."

Dec. 15
" Tuesday Wind at South with snow the People employed as yesterday."

Dec. 16
" Wednesday Wind SW fine clear weather. the men employed as on Monday last."

Dec. 17
" Thursday Wind NW the men employed in cutting of firewood. at noon three Stone Indians arrived here for tobacco for four Leaders that was to arrive the 18 Inst. they Slept all night in the House."

Dec. 18
" Friday Wind NW with hard frost. At 7 AM sent off the 3 Indians and 3 Englishmen with them and 2 pounds of Tobacco to give them to keep them from Canadian traders. at 10 another Indian arrived from the same band who gave me the account of 18 Frenchmen, with guns and hangers, tobacco and 10 Gallons of rum to give away to the Indians to draw them from me and if not to take them by force. I directly went to demand the reason of there armed men, or what they intend. In return their answer was every Indian that smoaked of their tobacco and drank of their rum they would take by force if not with there Consent, for which reason I went off directly and brought their Chief Leader back with me. there was a guard of 40 men upon the Ice on the River armed with Guns and hangers with 10 Gallons of Rum in a cask with the Head out for the Frenchmen and Indians to drink and I asked Holmes (a Master) his reasons for it a second time, which his Answer was he wanted provisions and Packs of Furrs and he would have them. the Indian Chief and me went on the House where we Stopped a little and then one of my men that was upon the watch said the Indians was in sight. the Chief and one went out, and the men to Salute them in the usual form when the Indians came to where the french guard was, they made the men Drink with them and Seized on all their Horses and goods and guarded them in and Locked them up within their Stockadoes. I went and told them they was Robbing of the Hudson's Bay Company and likewise the Natives. one of my men was with me who Said by their overpower of men, they thought to do as they Pleased but in an Instant he was knocked down by Holmes and beat in a cruel manner, in the croud, where I was keeped off but nothing else. they have now 120 men here."

Dec. 19
" Saturday Wind NW fine clear weather with hard frost no trade from this band Only 7 Beaver."

Dec. 20
" Sunday Wind NW fine clear weather."

Dec. 21
" Monday Wind NE with snow the men employed in cutting of Firewood."

Dec. 22
" Tuesday Wind NW the People employed as yesterday. the Canadians Traders came to the House and returned the Tobacco Sent to the Indians with an excuse that they was in Liquor but would do so no more but all Should trade where they pleased."

Dec. 23
" Wednesday Wind at SE with hard snow all day. the Men employed in getting firewood."

Dec. 24
" Thursday Wind North clear Weather with hard frost. the People employed as yesterday."

Dec. 25
" Friday Wind SE thick snowy weather."

Dec. 26
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday. the People employed in cutting of firewood."

Dec. 27
" Sunday Wind in the NE quarter thick haze and Snow."

Dec. 28
" Monday Wind in the NE quarter the men employed in Cutting of firewood."

Dec. 29
" Tuesday Wind NW the men employed in cutting of Firewood. at night 2 Indians arrived which I had sent off to hunt Beaver with an Account that they was Starving for want of provisions, there guns being bad, upon which reason I sent them my own gun. they only Brought 3 Beaver."

Dec. 30
" Wednesday Wind North the People employed in cutting of firewood. the two Indians went away."

Dec. 31
" Thursday Wind in the NW quarter the men employed as yesterday."

Jan. 1 1779
" Friday Clear Serene air and very cold. the men making of Sleds. wind in the NW quarter."

Jan. 2
" Saturday Wind at South fine clear Weather the men employed in cutting of firewood."

Jan. 3
" Sunday Wind NW fine clear weather."

Jan. 4
" Monday Wind NW fine clear weather the Men employed in cutting of Firewood."

Jan. 5
" Tuesday Wind in the NE quarter the men employed in getting of wood for Sleds."

Jan. 6
" Wednesday Wind NE thick weather with snow the men employed in making of Sleds."

Jan. 7
" Thursday Wind and weather as yesterday the men employed in cutting of Firewood."

Jan. 8
" Friday Wind NE the men employed as on Wednesday last."

Jan. 9
" Saturday Wind in the NE quarter the men employed in cutting of Firewood."

Jan. 10
" Sunday Wind SE with snow. one tent of Indians Arrived here for want of Provisions which I had supplied before. in there misery for want of necefsaries and being Sick they only brought 10 Beaver Skins."

Jan. 11
" Monday Wind SE the fore Part thick snow the men employed in getting of firewood."

Jan. 12
" Tuesday Wind in the SE quarter. no Strange Indians arriving from the Beaver Hunting the Men as yesterday."

Jan. 13
" Wednesday Wind NE thick weather with snow the men employed in making of Sleds."

Jan. 14
" Thursday Wind North cold weather the men employed in cutting of Firewood."

Jan. 15
" Friday Wind in the NW quarter the men employed as yesterday."

Jan. 16
" Saturday The Men employed in cutting of firewood. Mitchell Omen cut the upper part of his right foot in a very bad manner. Some of the Leaders being cut so that the blood could hardly be Stopped. Wind at North with cold weather."

Jan. 17
" Sunday Wind NW clear sharp weather."

Jan. 18
" Monday Magnus Twatt taken Sick and Mitchell Omen Lame. the other 3 men employed in cutting of Firewood. wind in the NW quarter."

Jan. 19
" Tuesday Wind NE this day Mitchell Omen foot broke up a Bleeding as bad as at first very difficult to get it Stopped."

Jan. 20
" Wednesday Wind SE thick weather with snow the men employed as on Monday last. no account of any Indians as yet."

Jan. 21
" Thursday Wind SE the men employed in putting the snow away from the House."

Jan. 22
" Friday Wind at North very cold the men employed in cutting of Firewood. one man Sick and another Lame."

Jan. 23
" Saturday The Men employed in cutting of Firewood. Hard Gales with Snow Wind at North."

Jan. 24
" Sunday Wind at NE very cold nothing Strange."

Jan. 25
" Monday Wind NW Sent off James Banks with an Indian for a guide to bring in Malchom Rofs and James Spence Senior to go with the Packet to Cumberland House but in case that the Indians is preparing to come in with furrs and provisions, to Stay and accompany them pasr the Canadian traders above gave 4 Beaver of Tobacco to give to the Chiefs if they should be agreeable to come in."

Jan. 26
" Tuesday Wind NW the men employed in cutting of Firewood one Lame and one Sick. at Night after Dark one Indian from the Beaver River arrived with a few Skins for a supply of Powder and Ball and Tobacco."

Jan. 27
" Wednesday The two men employed in Cutting of Firewood the Indians traded and went off Wind at NE."

Jan. 28
" Thursday Wind NE the men employed as yesterday. one Indian Came for tobacco for a Stone Indian Chief that is within a days March. gave him two Beaver of tobacco & sent him off directly."

Jan. 29
" Friday Wind South thick weather with Snow this day arrived three tents of Stone Indians with a few Wolves Skins and foxes and a little Provisions Traded and went off in the night."

Jan. 30
" Saturday Wind SE snowing very thick the men employed in cutting of Firewood."

Jan. 31
" Sunday Wind in the NE quarter nothing Strange."

Feb. 1 1779
" Monday Wind at West the men employed making of Candles."

Feb. 2
" Tuesday Wind at NW fine clear weather. the men employed cutting of Firewood."

Feb. 3
" Wednesday Wind SE with snow the men employed cutting of firewood. one man Sick and one with his cut foot very bad."

Feb. 4
" Thursday Wind and weather as yesterday the men as yesterday."

Feb. 5
" Friday Wind at NE thick weather with snow. the men away fetching of Meat."

Feb. 6
" Saturday Wind NW with snow the men employed in Cutting of Firewood. on man sick and one Lame. At Night one Indian arrived from the Beaver River with 10 Skins for tobacco."

Feb. 7
" Sunday Wind NW very Cold weather."

Feb. 8
" Monday Wind NW the men employed in cutting of Firewood, the Indian that came from the Beaver River went away. he has given me the account of a great many tents, but whether coming here or where he cannot tell but I have given a Beaver of Tobacco to be given to them to come in along with him."

Feb. 9
" Tuesday Wind SE the men employed in cutting of firewood."

Feb. 10
" Wednesday Hard Gales with thick snow and Drift the Men as yesterday."

Feb. 11
" Thursday Wind NW the men employed in cutting of Firewood one man Sick and one lame of his foot. as before."

Feb. 12
" Friday Wind NW the men as yesterday."

Feb. 13
" Saturday Wind at SE with snow the two men I have went to bring home meat."

Feb. 14
" Sunday Wind South thick weather with Snow."

Feb. 15
" Monday Wind NW Malchom Rofs, James Spence and James Banks arrived with the account of the Indians will not trade abroad, as formerly, they have brought back 40 Pounds of tobacco which formerly was the only trade that pafsed they have given 8 Pound to different Chiefs to come in, but Left them at Last."

Feb. 16
" Tuesday Wind in the NE quarter the Men employed in cutting of Firewood."

Feb. 17
" Wednesday Wind NW two men arrived from the Beaver Indians they have been in at the Canadians above twice, and had only 8 Skins, and a very small quantity of Provisions. Traded and went off directly."

Feb. 18
" Thursday Wind NW the men employed in making Shoes and reparing there things to go once more to see if we can do any thing if Pofsible with the Indians to bring them in with Liquor."

Feb. 19
" Friday Wind NE the men employed in cutting of Firewood. Charles Isham and James Lisk and one Indian arrived with them which I sent along with them for a guide to find the Indians. most part of the goods returned 8 Beaver Expended in tobacco to bring the Chiefs in but at last deserted them, and went to the Canadian Traders, above. Payed to the Indian guide 3 Beaver in Cloth and 6 of Tobacco."

Feb. 20
" Saturday Wind NW the men employed in cutting of firewood. the Indian man traded and went off two men getting ready to goe with the Packet to Cumberland House."

Feb. 21
" Sunday Wind SE thick weather with snow the men employed in making of Sleds to go to Cumberland House and likewise 3 men to go with me with Sleds and goods to meet the Beaver Indians and Stone Indans that formerly came to York Fort. This day one of the Canadians traders has sett off up the River, with 20 armed men, and two Horses with about 40 pieces of goods and 25 ten Gallon kegs of Rum; and with my small Stock that remains, I shall crofs the land with Part of it, and be before them if health permits allmost in Readinefs."

Feb. 22
" Monday Wind NE thick weather with snow. this day Charles Isham and James Lisk allmost ready to sett off with the packet to Cumberland House. two men likewise making ready to go with me to Bring in the Indians if Pofsible if not to Trade what I can the rest employed in cutting of Firewood."

Feb. 23
" Tuesday Wind NW the men employed as yesterday. The Packet set off and at 10 OClock I sett off for the Beaver Indians."

---

" Copy of a Letter sent to Mr Wm Tomison
Dated Inland 23rd February 1779
Sir,
This is to Acquaint you of the Companys Businefs since our Departure. we had a very hard pafsage in getting up. October 22nd I arrived at the middle Settlement. two days paddle above where I intended; I was stopped six days in the Ice. next day the River was unpafsable. The Canadian traders sent for me and enquired where I intended to Winter. In return I said their Interest and mine was different and I could not tell. there answer was they should be along side of me go where I would. Next day Blondish made me the Offer of a House that was allmost finished to winter in, and the River fast. I embraced the offer as there was scarce wood for fire. three Houses beside me it is the worst winter that any of them has seen from there first being in the trade, but at a great Expence to the Company. I have had 6 Men out with goods but great part of the goods was returned the Indians will not Trade out without Liquor and that is dangerous. I have made at this Date as much as any man can expect considering so many against me and when an Indian Comes scarce ever brings above 10 or 12 Skins, and twenty for one has none at all only a handful of Provisions. I have a very good Stock of Tobacco. Brandy if you can spare me 4 or 5 Gallon Kegs or more it will be of a great deal of service, towards the Spring as the trade will all be over before the River brakes up. Knives Yew Handle 4 or 5 Dozen if you can spare them. Knives roach 3 or 4 Dozen. Ice Chizels and Hatchets small 1 Dozen. nothing else I think is, or will be wanted Before the Men arrive, if they make good expedition as I think they will as much as lays in there Power all the men has done to the best of their endeavour since leaving of Cumberland House. one Lame for these 6 Weeks this same Date I sett off to see what I can do with the Indians with Brandy and all other Sorts of Trading goods. I have taken the account of all and put Malchom Rofs in charge untill I return as he is the fittest man that I can trust. I have nothing more Strange at Present But I remain.
Sir,
Your Humble Servant
Robert Longmoor
PS
One thing more if you can Spare not to disappoint yourself at Cumberland House, but for a Gun or two if not as I am Sir
I remain yours
Robert Longmoor."

---

Feb. 24
" Wednesday Wind South the men employed cutting of Firewood. Early this morning I met an Indian Coming for tobacco and I returned with him and to satisfy the Indian I sent with Malchom Rofs, and James Spence, he has done the best of his endeavour the men tells me, to bring the far off Indians in. But to no Purpose, he intends to sett off a second time to see if he can do any thing more."

Feb. 25
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday. the men as yesterday. two men went off with the goods and I Stayed to Trade the Indians. to morrow I am to sett off after them."

Feb. 26
" Friday Wind SW the men employed Cutting of Firewood."

Feb. 27
" Saturday Wind South the Men employed as yesterday. served James Batt and his Brother to go a hunting to Find themselves."

Feb. 28
" Sunday Wind South. an Indian arrived here about 2 OClock, he brought 19 Beaver. the same day 2 young fellows came in with some Moose flesh."

Mar. 1 1779
" Monday Wind SW the men employed cutting of Firewood. Isaac Batt sett off a hunting. an Indian brought some meat."

Mar. 2
" Tuesday Wind SW the men as yesterday."

Mar. 3
" Wednesday Wind NE the men getting of Firewood. James Batt and an Indian man sett off a hunting."

Mar. 4
" Thursday Wind NW fine Clear Weather the men as yesterday."

Mar. 5
" Friday Wind West the men cutting firewood. this day arrived a young fellow from the Stone Indians for tobacco."

Mar. 6
" Saturday Wind SW the Indians arrived with a great deal of provisions. the men as yesterday."

Mar. 7
" Sunday Wind at South the Indians traded a great deal of provisions but no Skins."

Mar. 8
" Monday Wind East the men cutting firewood. this day another gang of Stone Indians came in. some of the young fellows was Coming to us for tobacco but was Stopped by some of the Canadians by telling them we had Nothing to give them. I believe they had some Skins for they locked them all within the Stockadoes."

Mar. 9
" Tuesday Wind NE with thick weather.the People employed as usual."

Mar. 10
" Wednesday Wind North blows very hard with snow all day."

Mar. 11
" Thursday Wind North Clear sharp weather. the men employed as usual."

Mar. 12
" Friday Wind SE the Men employed cutting of Firewood."

Mar. 13
" Saturday Wind SW thick weather with a little Snow. the Men employed as yesterday."

Mar. 14
" Sunday Wind NW this day arrived some Indians very well gooded. they all came to us for tobacco and pitched close by us."

Mar. 15
" Monday Wind South Our Master arrived Late in the evening with a very Good return of goods. The Indians Drunk. the men employed getting of Firewood."

Mar. 16
" Tuesday Wind SE the Men as yesterday the Indians traded all they had."

Mar. 17
" Wednesday Wind at South fine clear Weather the Men employed in getting of Firewood."

Mar. 18
" Thursday Wind SW with clear Weather. the Men making of Sleds to sett off to meet the Packet, coming from Cumberland House."

Mar. 19
" Friday This morning Magnus Twatt and James Spence Junior, set of with Provisions and dogs to meet the Men coming up; at Night Mr Philip Turner, George Hudson, and Robert Davey arrived here with the account of seeing Charles Isham and James Lisk within two days Journey of Cumberland House."

Mar. 20
" Saturday Wind SW hard Gales of wind. the men cutting of Firewood."

Mar. 21
" Sunday Wind SW hard Gales of wind with snow."

Mar. 22
" Monday Wind North Hard Gales of Wind with Snow and very cold. the Men cutting Firewood."

Mar. 23
" Tuesday Wind South the men employed as yesterday. No account of any Indians at present which I am very much surprised at."

Mar. 24
" Wednesday Wind SW fine clear Weather. the Men employed repairing the Chimney."

Mar. 25
" Thursday Wind South the men employed in clearing the Snow from the House and cutting drains to carry off the water from the House."

Mar. 26
" Friday Wind SW the men getting of firewood."

Mar. 27
" Saturday Wind Westerly hot weather the men employed Clearing the Snow off the Canoes."

Mar. 28
" Sunday Wind SW clear Weather snow going off fast."

Mar. 29
" Monday Wind SE with snow an Indian arrived here for Tobacco and so I have no Liquor. I have sent off James Banks and William Omen, to meet the packett a second time, to hasten them with the Brandy as my Liquor is done."

Mar. 30
" Tuesday Wind SE thick weather with snow. The Indians waited till Noon Charles Isham James Lisk Magnus Twatt and James Spence Senior with the other men that was Sent to meet them arrived; a great deal of Water in the River."

---

" Copy of a Letter from Mr Wm Tomison
Dated Cumberland House March 15th 1779
Sir,
By the arrival of Charles Isham and James Lisk March 9th I received your kind favour Dated Feb. 23rd which gave me great Pleasure to hear that you and all under your Command was well.

As to the Indians not bringing furrs I am not in the least surprised at, as the greater part can be supplied for Bringing Provisions, indeed I am positive that Indians will never trouble themselves with any Labourious work when they can live without. - By the present proceedings of the Canadian Traders Striving against each other not only will but has already drove the Indians into a State of Debauch and Indolence. it is a great Pity such a body of Natives should be destroyed by a parcel of wild fellows Such as Mac Cormick going about Sword in hand threatening the Natives to make them trade with him, whither they will or no: - as to this Place I do not expect to get 1500 Skins this Year. indeed I do not no where there to come from, as to the Northward you know their will be no chance by all account Pond has got so far into Athappuskow Country that the Indians think it will be late the next summer before he gets back. there is also Canoes at 4 different places besides so that it will be of no use to send men with goods there, as it will be unpofsible to reach the Indians before it to be too late.
According to your desire I have sent by the bearers 10 small Hatchets, 6 narrow Ice Chizzels, 4 Dozen of yew handle knives, 4 Dozen of roach. as to Kegs of one Gallon I have not got one in the House, nor a Gun except them which was damaged in the pafsages up. which is of no use either to me or you.
The bad succefs we had with our Nets Lately and have had but little provisions come in. has shortened our Stock in hand greatly. you will therefore do your endeavour to get provisions to Supply the men on their Journey down to York Fort as I shall have none left without there comes a greater supply than what I expect. I conclude wishing Better Succefs to the Companys affairs and remain
Your most Obedient
Humble Servant
William Tomison
PS
If you find it convenient send what men you can spare down with Furrs by the earliest Opportunity"

---

Mar. 31
" Wednesday Wind SE thick weather with snow the Indians traded a small quantity of Provisions and there small quantity of Skins and went off. 3 Men belonging to the Stone Indians that went to York Fort formerly came here for tobacco for two of their Leaders and directly went off. a Custom which the Canadian traders has adapted them to. but? Iron work and Tobacco is all I have to trade. the men employed Cleaning the Plantation."

Apr. 1 1779
" Thursday Wind NE with snow. the men cutting of firewood. Carpenter making a Cabin and Bed place for Mr Turner."

Apr. 2
" Friday Wind NE with Snow the men employed in cutting Firewood."

Apr. 3
" Saturday Wind North clear Shar Weather. the men cutting of firewood."

Apr. 4
" Sunday Wind South fine Weather the Stone Indians arrived and as my Liquor was out they went to the Canadians and was all locked up so that I have got no Skins from them as yet."

Apr. 5
" Monday Wind NE the men employed in Clearing the Plantation of Rubbish. the Stone Indians as yet Locked up, with a Sentinel at the Gates, had I had any Liquor they would not have got them and all that stands in your Honors way is only the want of Men to bring up a large quantity of goods."

Apr. 6
" Tuesday Wind SW fine warm weather 6 gone to get Pitch. the rest cutting firewood."

Apr. 7
" Wednesday This mornng Sent one man to bring in 2 old Men to try if they will build Canoes, with tobacco to give them, to make them come in with him.the Carpenter making a place to Pack the Furrs in."

Apr. 8
" Thursday Arrived here one tent of Indians with a smal quantity of provisions and 7 Wolf Skins. Traded with them, two old Men which I spoke too for to build Canoes came in. the men getting of Pitch, getting ready to go with the Indians to get Birch rind. wind at West with Clear Weather."

Apr. 9
" Friday Isaac Batt James Batt and James Banks gone to hunt Buffaloe. the rest cutting of Firewood. Wind NE with frost."

Apr. 10
" Saturday My-Self and 3 men gone over the River for Birch rind. as my Trading goods is done. I intend to have Canoes built and repaird as quick as pofsible. Wind SE with Frost."

Apr. 11
" Sunday Wind Westerly fine clear Weather at 9 OClock this Morning two English and one Indian sett off to get Birch rind and timbers for building canoes. at 2 PM an afsinee poet man and his Wife came to the House. traded a few furrs and then went to the Frenchmen."

Apr. 12
" Monday Wind Northerly clear Weather the People employed cutting Firewood."

Apr. 13
" Tuesday Wind NW blows hard with flying clouds. the People employed as yesterday."

Apr. 14
" Wednesday Wind Northerly clear Weather the People employed as on Monday last."

Apr. 15
" Thursday Wind Southerly clear Weather the men cutting firewood. James Banks and an Indian came home with 2 horse loads of meat."

Apr. 16
" Friday Wind Westerly clear weather. two men went away to fetch home meat. the People employed as usual."

Apr. 17
" Saturday Wind South clear hot weather. 3 Indians arrived, had nothing but pitch. they went to the French men. the men employed as usual."

Apr. 18
" Sunday I arrived with 5 English men, one Indian with Birch rind to build and repair Canoes. at 2 PM 5 Indian men Arrived but went to the Frenchmen. fine warm day with wind at South. Geese and Swans flying."

Apr. 19
" Monday Wind South Repair'd one Canoe to go up the River with Mr Turner this day the River broke up a brest of the House and Stoped a little below."

Apr. 20
" Tuesday Wind NE hard Gales of wind with Clear Weather . this morning 4 Young men arrived here for tobacco but as my goods is out they went to the Canadians. I compute there trade to be between 900 or 1000 Bev. in Trade. So that your Honors is at a Lofs for nothing but men and goods. as for the Indians that I have been encourageing for building of Canoes they have all gone off after the great expences I have been at."

Apr. 21
" Wednesday Wind SW with flying Clouds the Indians traded a few Skins for Iron work. the Last Indian that was Staying to build canoes is gone off with this Band he has had for getting Birch rind; and to encourage him to Build canoes, 25 Beaver in goods, and gone when the time is at hand, so that there is no trusting of an Indian. the water in the river raised about 2 Foot, the Ice Stoped below."

Apr. 22
" Thursday Wind SE the men employed mending the Canoes. this day the Indians set off, a great deal of Ice going in the River, fine clear Weather."

Apr. 23
" Friday In the morning I went off with 3 men to get Roots for mending of Canoes, and to see if I can fine wood for to build two new ones. I have not Canoes to carry the provisions and furrs to Cumberland House. this day the River is clear of Ice as far as we can see. Wind NE with cold weather. the men making of Paddles."

Apr. 24
" Saturday All hands employed in Packing of furrs the fore part Cloudy with rain and hail. the Latter part clear weather. 3 men came Home with 3 Horse loads of meat from Isaac Batt and his brother."

Apr. 25
" Sunday Wind N Cloudy weather. 2 Canoes belonging to Geboch &c came down the River and informed us that they had beem obliged to fly and leave above half their goods and all their provisions; for the Indians to the amount of 25 tents, have fallen upon them, and have kill'd one Cole a canadian trader, and one of Pangmans men, that they killed two Indians and wounded 2 which happened on thursday last. they then got a sefsation of arms by giving them 5 kegs of rum, Cont'g about 40 Gallons and a great quantity of other Goods. on Friday morning they gave them 1 more and offered them all their Goods if they would but let them go with their furrs to which they answered they would have all their Goods and then kill every one of them. these 2 canoes stole away one left and another in the water but for who I do not no. the Indians was Joined by 30 Tents of Indians from the other Side of the River. the French on the N Side. Our people employed in mending Canoes."

Apr. 26
" Monday Wind N Cloudy weather Blows hard. I this Morning learned by the French People that came yesterday morning that the Indians are in Pofsefsion of their Houses when they came ? that they got 15 Packs of Beaver &c each pack 85 lb and that they left 17 Packs of Furrs of the same Wt? consisting of Martins and the Primest of their furrs. the terms the Indians demanded on the Sefsation of arms, which was agreed too on thursday last, was that the Canadians should give them 5 kegs of Liquor which contains above 40 Gall. and a great quantity of other goods & all their Guns Powder Shott Ball &c. the Canadians complied with the Liquor and Goods but not their Guns Powder Shott or Ball on Friday they got 2 Kegs of Liquor and afterwards have taken the whole which consist of 30 Kegs of rum cont'g about 240 Gallons but at present I do not know what other goods they have got. the People repairing the Canoes as fast as Pofsible."

Apr. 27
" Tuesday Wind N Clear Weather our People employed repairing the Canoes ready for going away tomorrow. this Morning Graves, Pangman, McCormick & Holmes talked to their men that was threatening to kill us upon which they seemed more quiet, but at the same time advised us to get away as fast as pofsible, for we are of opinion that we have more friends than enemies amongst the Indians but neverthelefs, think it prudent to leave the Place as soon as pofsible. as should the Indians come upon the Canadians, we should share the same fate, the Frenchmen being as much to feared as the Indians, being a set of abandoned Villains.
All hands employed in getting ready for Cumberland House."

Apr. 28
" Wednesday All this Morning getting ready to go off Loading the canoes and at last was obliged to leave a very large quantity of Provisions to the amount of twelve hundred weight of Pounded meat and dry meat but nothing else. only 4 large parcels of Provisions left in the care of Mr Graves to bring for me as I was so very much loaded he came and acquainted me, that he thought he could carry me down some small quantity and deliver it safe at the House. at 11 AM Arrived a young man from the Stone Indians that formerly went to York Fort to carry off tobacco. Embarked at 12 OClock and sent off William Omen, James Spence Junior, Isaac Batt and one Indian with 6 Horse loads of dryed meat to meet me at the Lower french House in hopes of getting canoes to carry it down. Wind SW with fresh Gales."

Apr. 29
" Thursday 6 AM got underway and proceeded to drop down the river went about 30 miles from ESE to NE and arrived at the mouth of the setting river. at 11 OClock and Stopped, being the place appointed to meet the Horses, where they arrived we put up in a House built by some of the canadians, but deserted. Mr Blondish and Mr Grants Houses being very near one another. My-self and Mr Turner crofsed the river and went to try if we could not get an Indian Canoe or two the Indians having no use for them make none as they get goods brought to them. Mr Blondish offered us a Canoe of the small kind which we thought most Prudent to accept. and one Fisher a Clark gave Isaac Batt another which with we think we shall be able to proceed towards Cumberland House. Light Breeze with Showers of rain Wind E."

Apr. 30
" Friday Weather Part clear part Cloudy with rain at times. our People employed in mending Canoes."

May 1 1779
" Saturday Wind SW 4 Canoes belonging to McCormick and one to Geboch arrived. as they Pafsed by they said all was quiet above. Only Graves and Holmes remains 3 of Graves Men Pafsed us at Night by land. the Indians arrived and made about 15 French Packs. fine clear weather. finished repairing the Canoes and all ready for setting off in the Morning."

May 2
" Sunday Embarked at 6 OClock and droped down before the Current about 30 Miles. Cloudy with small rain Wind NE Put up at 1/2 Past 5."

May 3
" Monday At 6 OClock embarked Blowing hard at SE. Shooting of Rapid currents. Put up at 4 OClock Distance about 50 Miles."

May 4
" Tuesday At 5 OClock this morning embarked blowing hard in the SE quarter with hard Showers of rain. at 3 PM was obliged to put up for heavy rain. two Canoes behind. Dist. 36 Miles."

May 5
" Wednesday At 1/2 past 5 this Morning embarked. at Half past ten flying Showers. at eleven was obliged to put up. heavy rain all day. large quantitys of Ice along Shore, that we can scarce get on Shore for it. Wind variable from E to SE Dist. 20 miles."

May 6
" Thursday All the fore Part of this day rain. At noon embarked, some small Showers of rain. 3 French canoes came up with us. afterwards we pafsed them and put up at 1/2 past 6 OClock. Dist. about 36 miles."

May 7
" Friday Embarked at 5 OClock Cloudy with Wind at ESE at 7 AM Clear Weather. at noon 3 french Canoes pafsed us as we was Staying for one Canoe behind. at 5 PM Pafsed one of the French Canoes. at 1/2 Past 6 OClock Put up Distance about 70 Miles."

May 8
" Saturday Embarked at 7 AM very hard Gales of wind at WNW Came to very good hunting for Geese. left two Canoes to kill Geese and went on with the rest. Put up about 10 Miles from Cumberland House to hunt. blowing hard and the Lake not Pafsable. Malchom Rofs and James Banks killed 8 Geese. the two Canoes still behind. Wind North blank hard."

May. 9
" Sunday At 11 AM got underway (our Canoes being Come up that we left yesterday to hunt Geese) and proceeded down the river about 7 Miles then came to a little River which comes out of Pine Island Lake. paddled about 1/2 a Mile up against the current then put up. Sent a light Canoe up the River to see if it was pofsible to get to the House. they returned and said the Lake was unpafsable. on hearing that my-Self and Mr Turner took a light Canoe to proceed as far as Pofsible by Water and then walk to the House by Land. Wind at NE With flying Clouds."

May 10
" Monday I returned with Leather to Cover the Furrs and Powder and Shott to hunt Geese 7 men hunting. the rest employed in drying of Pounded meat which has got wet and furrs Likewise a great deal of Ice coming down the River. Wind NE."

May 11
" Tuesday Wind NE fine clear weather. the river full of Ice coming out of the Lake that there is no putting a Canoe in the water. the 7 Men still a hunting. the rest as yesterday."

May 12
" Wednesday At Noon two English men arrived from Cumberland House, to let us know the Lake was clear, and that we was ordered to come to the House. accordingly we loaded directly and proceeded towards Cumberland House but could not get quite to the House for Ice, being forced to cut part, and then carry to the House. in which we got all our things in by 6 PM I remain.
Honorable Gentlemen
Your most Obedient and
most Dutiful Servant
Robert Longmoor"


B.87/a/1

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