This is a collection of HBC entries mentioning James Peter Whitford who was my Great-Great-Great-Great Grandfather and probably kind of dull if you aren't a relation.

James Peter Whitford arrived in Canada to work for the Hudson's Bay Company in August 1788.

Joseph Colen York Factory Journal
Aug. 18 1788
"Entered on your Honors Books Mefs JP Whitford and Bird Writers."
1M160 B.239/a/88

Severn Journal John Ballanden
Sept. 10 1788
..." Mr. Moore came on shore as did Mr. Whitford Writer and William Dean in the Room of James Sutherland who had the misfortune to hurt himself by the firing of one of the Sloops Swivel guns"...


List of servants at Severn House Sept 10,1788
John Ballanden Master of the House
Mr. Moore Sloop master
Geo. Foreman Sloops mate
Mr. Whitford Writer
John Jennings Assistant ditto
John Jones Armourer
John Harrison Carpenter
Thomas Flett Taylor
William Cromartie Sailor
Thomas Huntley ditto
William Dean ditto
William Colley ditto
Thomas Catley ditto
Beaky Goudie ditto
John Taylor Labourer
John Wood ditto


Oct. 15 1788
" Taylor employed for trade Thomas Catley making small Sleds. Nine men prepairing to go a hunting. the others except Mr. Whitford which is not well at necefsary Jobs."


Oct. 21 1788
" Mr. Whitford as before, complaining much of a violent Belly ach and pains all over his body"

Oct. 22
..." Mr. Whitford still continues very ailing with sundry complaints."

Nov. 11
..." Mr. Whitford still continues very unhealthy."

Nov. 12
..." One man attending Mr. Whitford"...

Dec. 3
..." Mr. Whitford much easier to day than for some time past."

Dec. 11 1788
" Mr. Whitford able to walk about the Guard Room"
1M134 B.198/a/38

Severn House Journal John Ballanden
Feb. 2 1789
..." Employed as follows 11 Men at the woods hauling out firewood to the bank edge ready for rafting next Summer - The five men that is remaing at the House is Tho. Flett employed tayloring for trade, Mr. Whitford copying over some rough papers, John Wood attending the Cattle and Cooking - Mr. Moore at what he pleases. Your Honours humble Serv. gunning Partridges."
1M134 B.198/a/38

Mar. 23 1789
..." Mr. Whitford copying over the allowance books"...
1M134 B.198/a/38

Severn
May 6 1789
" Mr.Moore Mr.Whitford Geo. Foreman and Beaky Goudie went down to the Marsh to attend the Goose hunt and Sloop at the breaking up of the river."
1M134 B.198/a/38

Severn John Ballanden
May 24 1789
" At 8 AM the River Ice began to break up in sundry places abreast the House and at 10 Do. she got underway the water rising sevr'l feet above the Bank and the ice therewith equal. At 3 PM she stopt and at 10 Do. got again underway the water then coming in within our Stockades which still encreased. Employed at the same time securing the boats Timber pieces and firewood. At 11 Do. the water had rose within our works - Warehouse, Offices etc. near four feet and with the utmost difficulty got the powder from out the Magazine (which the water had got near way to) in safety. What Oatmeal Pease and Malt is remaining must be much damaged as the Casks were floating in the Warehouse. Iron Work and Tobacco all under water. People attending the House in Canoes. What Indians was on the Plantation,obliged to give them shelter on the House top. The water and Ice having surrounded all our Works. The damage already done cannot yet be ascertained everything nearby in confusion. At the close of the Evening saw the Sloop in safety. Cattle swimming around the Factory."
1M134 B.198/a/38

June 13,1789
Sick again.
..."Mr.Whitford ailing"
only a few days this time.

Aug 3,1789
John Ballanden ...."delivered up the Charge of the House to Mr.James Whitford"
Until he returned early Oct.


Severn Journal John Ballanden
Oct 9,1789
..."Early in the morning sent Mr.Moore, Mr.Whitford and William Cromartie to Waweastnock to snare Rabbits and angle fish"
1M134 B.198/a/39

Nov. 26 1789
" Mr. Moore came to the House from Waweastnock brought 16 Rabbits the produce of seven Weeks hunt to him and two others."
1M134 B.198/a/39

Severn John Ballanden
May 9 1790
" In the Evening sent Mr. Whitford and two men to attend the Goose tents acrofs the River in serving ammunition etc. to the Indians"...

May 28 1790
..." Mr. Whitford and his partners with the Indians that has been hunting on the south side likewise came home having killed 347 Geese"...
1M134 B.198/a/39

Severn Journal John Ballanden
July 26 1790
..." Mr. Whitford very much out of order with pains all over his body"
1M134 B.198/a/39

Severn
Aug 6 1790
..."Mr.Whitford still continuing very ill. I have sent him on board the Sloop, so that he may be able to get the advice of the Surgeon at York Factory. Poor man, ever since his arrival at Severn, he hath kept his health but poorly and in consequence was little able to give one any assistance in Writing or Warehouse duty."

York Factory Journal
Aug 13 1790
"JP Whitford Writer very ill"
1M160 B.239/a/90

York Factory
Oct. 9 1790
" Sent JP Whitford Writer and Turner to Hunting tent at French creek"
1M160 B.239/a/91

Oct. 15 1790
JP Whitford returned due to " his ill state of health"
1M160 B.239/a/91

From a letter from J. Colen to J. Ballanden
Severn Journal
Jan. 31 1791
..." Mr. JP Whitford would have accompanied the packetmen to Severn (in order for Thomas Wiegand to return here to go Inland next season) but has nearly lost the use of his hands, requested permifsion to remain at York till the arrival of the Ship as he intends to go to England for recovery but should he get the better of his complaint he will return to Severn by the Sloop in the Summer"
1M134 B.198/a/40

From a letter from J. Ballanden to Joseph Colen
Severn Journal
Feb. 14 1791
..." I am sorry to hear Mr. JP Whitford still continues ailing as I had hoped eir this he had been restored to his pristine state of health - Mr. Thomas Weigand shall return to you with the Sloop. his behaviour hitherto hath given me great satisfaction and I flatter myself with the thought that he will make a bright Officer with the experience of a few more years over his head."...
1M134 B.198/a/40

Feb. 15 1791 York Factory
" JP Whitford went to join WM Cook at his tent at Crofs creek."
1M160 B.239/a/91

York J Colen
Apr. 16 1791
" Mefs Cook and Whitford came home with their Tent and Bedding"
1M160 B.239/a/91

July 24 1791
" J.P. Whitford has gone to that Settlement [Swan River] in room of James Bird writer taken by Mr. Tomison to Manchester."
1M160 B.239/a/91

From a letter from Joseph Colen received by John Ballanden Aug. 10 1791
" P.S. Mr. Tomison having taken James Bird from his station at Swan River I prevailed on JP Whitford yesterday to accompany Mr. Isham therefore as you find Thomas Wiegand so useful an Afsistant he may remain at Severn."
1M134 B.198/a/40

"List of Servants" 1791
James Peter Whitford
"Writer"
"15" pounds per year
Character "Good"
1M785 B.239/f/1

Swan River Journal 1791-92 complete

Swan River Journal 1792-93 complete

Swan River Summer Journal 1793 complete

Swan River Journal Charles Isham
April 5 1792
"Sent Mr Whitford & one man with a net to the shoal River to fish as there being a scarcity of Provisions."...
1M144 B.239/a/2

Swan River Journal Charles Isham
Nov. 11 1792
"This morning Mr. Whitford & two men set off for the Barren Ground."...

Nov. 19 1792
" This morning Mr. Whitford return'd to the House very ill"...
1M144 B.213/a/3

"List of Servants" 1792
James Peter Whitford
Character "very good & gives great satisfaction to Mr. Isham"
1M785 B.239/f/1

April 1 1793
" Mr. Whitford & two men went up the river to fix a spot to make maple sugar"...

April 11 1793
" Mr Whitford & tent mates came home for Provisions. brought 10 lbs maple sugar"
1M144 B.213/a/3

Swan River Journal James Peter Whitford
May 12 1793
..." About nine oClock Mr. C.T. Isham embarked for York Factory with six large Canoes. J.P.Whitford and two men with him in charge of the house and goods."


May 13
..." Two Tents of Indians repairing their Canoes to go away. Men employed clearing the Garden ground."

May 14
" Men employed as before. Gave the above Indians a little supply afterwards they sett of for the Lakes."

May 15
..." Mr. P. Pangman the Canadian Master left his house for the Grand Portage leaving one Large Canoe full of Goods to trade in the summer. Myself went in a small canoe to the shoal River. put up about half down in company with the Canadian Master."

May 16
" about noon I took my leave of Mr. Isham and the men. they proceeded on their Journey. Myself sett of for the house."


May 17
" myself came on towards the house & put up at the Lake."

Swan River Journal JP Whitford
May 18 1793
" Early this morning Myself embarked and call'd upon the Hunter who gave me 6 Green Beaver 2 Geese and a few Ducks afterwards I arrived at the house."
1M144 B.213/a/4

To James Peter Whitford from Joseph Colen dated July 5/1793
"Sir
It ever gives me concern, when I have reason to complain of the misconduct of any Servant in my Employ; how much more so are my feelings hurt, when My Duty compells me to report unfavorably of a brother officer and one I respect. It having come to the knowledge of the Council (by several hands) that you purchased Skins from the men to Trade Articles of the Canadians. obliged them to examine into the affair.-The transaction became too public to be dropt. Your purchasing a Gun from them, at a rate of paying 20 Beaver skins shows plainly that you neither studied your Employers Interest or your own reputation. you will know that all clandestine traffic is prohibited - by doing what you have done you forfeit all the Penalties contained in your Contract.- and placed an incomparable? bar to your advancement in this service.- I'm sorry the task has fallen to my lot to communicate this disagreable intelligence. The Council reprimands your conduct in the severest terms.They are under the necessity to report your transaction to the Honorable Hudson's Bay Company.
Joseph Colen"


York Factory Joseph Colen
July 7 1793
" It having also be represented that Mr James Peter Whitford Writer had a purchased a Quantity of Furrs from the Men at Swan River for which he gave Bills on order for Goods to be taken up in his name from the Hon'ble Company's Warehouse at York. and that he afterwards traded the same skins with the Canadians, particularly twenty skins for which he gave an order to the Boson? he purchased them up? to three pounds value from out of the Warehouse for which skins he purchased a Gun of Mr. Pangman the Canadian Master at Swan River. - As such proceedings if pafsed over might prove prejudicial to the service it was judged necefsary that Mr. JP Whitford be ordered to the Factory next Summer. and Mr. Isham had orders given him for that purpose that he may be at York in 1794 to wait the arrival of the Ship when the Hon'ble Company's determination respecting him shall be enforced. Mr. Isham acquainted the Council that he would have brought him down this Season but has not a single person that he could leave in Charge of the Goods & House, one and all of his men positively refused to remain inland and necefsity compelled him to leave Mr. Whitford in charge."
1M161 B.239/a/95

Sept 19 1793 Swan River House
"At 10 AM, Mr. Charles Thomas Isham, Mr.Whitford, Wm Mowat, John Johnston jun., George Stainger, George Robinson, Robt Whitley, Charles Hay, Magnus Cooper went away to the red river with 6 Horses loaded with trading goods"..."men left here, Wm Sabbiston as Master, Peter Sabbiston, Hugh Sabbiston, John Johnston Sen., Robt Randall & Thomas Stainger"

Swan River Journal William Sabbiston
Nov. 14 1793
"Mr Whitford & 5 men went away with 6 sleds loaded with trading Goods to Malborough so call'd by Mr. Charles Tho. Isham"

Fort Pelly [aka Marlborough House] Charles Isham
Dec. 30 1793
" the men fetching meat. Mr. Whitford and 3 men arrived from swan River with information the People being at starving there if it was not for a few fish"
1M116 B.159/a/1

"List of Servants" 1793
James Peter Whitford
Character "a thoughtlefs young man"
1M785 B.239/f/1

York Factory
July 18 1794
" I sent Thomas Swain writer with Mr.Isham to supply the room of James Peter Whitford whose indiscretions rendered him unfit to be continued in this service."
1M161 B.239/a/96

York Factory Joseph Colen
Sept. 1 1794
" Having no other person at the Factory that can be spared capable to take charge of the House in Hill River obliged me with the consent - nay reccommendation of the Council to appoint Mr. J.P. Whitford Writer, who was brought down from Swan River to be sent to England for mismanagement - As he appears sensible of his folly and promises faithfully to be attentive in future - I am in hopes of him still becoming a useful Officer - very probable no other oppertunity will offer this Season to accompany Natives - he made preparations to leave the Factory tomorrow"...
1M161 B.239/a/96

From the York Factory Accounts book 1794
James Peter Whitford
Blanket large 5
3 pt 1
Brandy 4 1/2 Gals.
Baize Blue 4 1/2 yds.
White 1 1/2 yds.
Cloth Blue 3
Green 1 1/2
Red Corded 7
Flannel ?
Hatt common 1
Handkerchief Silk large 5
Shou prs. 5
sugar loaf 10

signed James Peter Whitford

James Peter arrived at Gordon House
Sept.15 1794
"James Peter Whitford as Master, James Halcro & James Hourie with an Indian in a small canoe arrived at the Rock, Hill River"

Sept 29 1794
"Sent two men a hunting. they had not seen any birds. One man cutting firewood. About noon myself was taken very ill"
1M58 B.81/a/1

Oct. 6
"Myself very weak"

Oct. 8
"Myself much better"

Oct. 13
"Myself continues ill"


Oct 21 1794
"Men employed as yesterday. Indians finished the snowshoes,the Women drefsed three beaver skins for Caps & mittins. Rec'd from Ind. 4 porcupines"

Nov.29 1794
" Men employed cutting firewood Myself taken ill"

Dec. 12
"In the Evening two young men came here with about 10 skins and a few beaver tails to trade for liquor"

Dec. 13 1794
"Myself employed trading with the above Indians, afterwards they went away"

Dec.16
"myself very ill"


Dec.24 1794
"Myself a little better"
1M58 B.81/a/1

"List of Servants" 1794
James Peter Whitford
20 pounds per year
1M785 B.239/f/1

Jan 13 1795
"Employed cutting wood and boiling soap"

Mar.5 1795
" Early this morning five Indian men came here with Sleds loaded with skins and some meat to trade for liquor etc. Men variously employed"

Mar.6 1795
"Myself employed trading with the Indians. Sent a few presents to Old natives. At noon the above men went away. Traded from the Indians Furrs 140 M.B.[made beaver],Half dried meat 100 lbs., Dried meat 150 lbs, pimican 30 lbs,and 5 moofe nofses."

June 26 1795
" Men employed putting up the Logs of theDwelling house - At noon Mr. Isham with three large Canoes and one canoe of Indians loaded with furs arrived here. Mr. Bird Mr. Oman and Mr. Thomas Surgeon with Nineteen large Canoes loaded with furs. Mr Oman,the guide shot down the main spout of the Fall at the Rock with his canoe and came safe,being the first Person in the Companys service who undertook so dangerous a performance,being so steep."
1M58 B.81/a/1

York Factory George Sutherland
Aug 17 1795
" Mr Whitford came down from Gordon House with the Canoes being in a very poor state of health."
1M161 B.239/a/97

Jan. 2 1796 Joseph Colen York
"Mefs Cook Whitford and Ward came home from Sumattaway River with their Bedding Etc."
1M161 B.239/a/99

York Factory
Mar. 8 1796
" In the Evening four Natives arrived from Pathepow Nippee or Deep Water Lake, they were twenty Days on their Journey and tell me that a quantity of furs are torn to pieces and scatired around Gordon House which they say is done by wolverines one of which they found in a loft but escaped from them"..." that House was evacuated last fall".
1M161 B.239/a/99

York Factory
June 1 1796
..." Mr. Whitford accompanied them [to Gordon House] to take charge of the Goods on delivery"
1M161 B.239/a/99

Gordon House Journal
June 7 1797
"Early in the morning went up the Hill where I had a delightful view of the Country for Miles around. & to my surprize I saw the Hill river Above the Hill not broke up yet, counted 20 Lakes that was fast with ice.I compute the high of the Hill to be one mile & a half perpendicular from the surface of the water."

July 12/1797
"Messers Sutherland, Longmoor, Isham, Fidler & Oman arrived here after 30 days journey from Cumberland House."

July 13 letter

July 24 letter

July 31 1797 letter

Aug 9 1797 letter

Gordon House James Peter to Joseph Colen
Aug. 17 1797
"Ps. I have my new House closed in & lined with Clay which will make it very warm"
1M257 B.239/b/6
The whole letter - Aug 17 1797 letter

Aug 27 1797 letter

From a letter sent to James Peter at Gordon House by J. Colen at York.
Sept. 20 1797
..." of the many articles you wrote for we have none in the wharehouse No Trowsers, no spoons, no large trunks, not an oval Eyed Hatchet besides those weighty ones which the Indians refuse trading - very few Cotton shirts, not one for each man"...
1M59 B.81/a/3

Sept 23,1797
...."in the afternoon one of the Indians grew exceedingly riotous & troublesome, my endeavouring to pacify him, he grew the more outrageous,and I at last got him out of the stockades but had no sooner shut the Gates, then the others assisted in breaking down the Gates,and were determined to kill an Englishman as they had done to a Canadian, in this dilemma I did not know what to do, having only one man who had just come out [Robert Flett], after they entered my room with their Knives in their Hands. I told them if they not Instantly put away those knives I would certainly fire at them, when they consented and I gave them a little more liquor and I heard no more of them that night."

"List of Servants" 1797
JP Whitford
30 pounds per yr to 1799
Remarks " Master of Gordon Store House - Leaves his terms to the Co. Hopes your Honors will put him on the same footing as Mr. Bird. He came out the same year"
1M785 B.239/f/5

Jan. 1 1798
"At 10 oClock AM Joseph Howse arrived here from York Factory, after fourteen days passage"

Jan. 25 1798
..."Myself & Mr.Howse went out a hunting but could not find the track of any Animal whatever except one small porcupine which I found. Mr. Howse no succefs"
1M59 B.81/a/3

Gordon House
Feb. 18 1798
" An Indian Man and his family came here from the Holy Lake and paid part of his debt. He Informed me that the Canadians had arrived at the Side Pine last fall, also a young lad from Thomas came here with a little provisions"

Feb. 19
" At noon sent the above Indian away gave him a Keg of liquor to encourage the Natives to come down here instead of trading with the Canadians. Sent Mr Howse & one man to the Swampy lake for a young lad to go to the factory"
1M59 B.81/a/3

Feb 24/98
"At noon Mr Howse & one man with a young lad named Sowenafs came from Swampy lake, & brought some fish."

Feb 25/1798
"In the evening,two little girls arrived here after three days journey from the Swampy Lake.neither food or firing these 4 days past."

Feb 26/98
"Sent Thomas Strickland & Sowenafs to York."


Gordon House Letter to Joseph Colen from James Peter
Feb. 26 1798
..." the 18th Inst Cha cha As tawnish or Bungee Boy & family arrived here & paid part of his Debt trusted last fall.
" And am very sorry that I'm obliged to put the Company to further expence of a Packet but I thought it was Indespensably my Duty to inform you as early as possible of the disagreeable Intelligence I received from this Man of One Canoe of Goods with the Canadians (five in number) arrived at the place called Side Pine last Fall. There were three canoes of Canadians arrived at Jack River, and afterward they dispatched this one to the Side Pine"...
"It is the intention of the Canadians to explore the Holy Lake this Summer and build a House there and not at the Side Pine as they had told the Indians. This man tells me they have very few Goods remaining and very little Ammunition left. this is certainly a proof that some of the Natives have visited them, or they could not have known what they have. Mefsergommescum & party were there pilots. I hope the Hon'ble Companys Intrest not be materially injured this Season by the Natives in that quarter as a great number of them are tenting at Knee Lake.
"Also I have been informed of another settlement that the Canadians arrived at last Fall, the name of which place is Na,cow,oopow Sackahaggon. if it is true, this settlement will be more injurious then the one at the Side Pine it is a little distance from the Gods Lake and seven days walk from this House, it is on the borders of York & Severn Bungee Country and also the Hunting Ground of two thirds of the HomeGuards."...
"I should be much oblige to you to send me your advice"...
1M59 B.81/a/3

Joseph Colen's reply from York
Mar. 6 1798
..."you acted very proper by dispatching a packet to me, the intelligence is of consequence, Altho' it is out of my reach to Check the Canadian Traders this winter, yet I hope to arrange our next Summer persuits, as to defeat in some measure, their wary designs. but circumstanced as I am at present it is totally out of my power to make a vigorous opposition, as York wharehouses does not contain half sufficient Cloth, and other articles, to supply it's own Trade and the present Inland stations."...
"All those Natives who withstand the temptations of the Canadians and bring the produce of their hunt to you or convey it to York shall be liberally rewarded, but those who carry their Furs elsewhere shall be treated accordingly, and I wish you to make this Public among the Indians who visit you, your own decrestion will direct you how to act in this Case, and do the best you can with respect to preserving provisions for Inland Servants. I approve your liberallity to the Bungee Boy"...
1M59 B.81/a/3

June 5 1798
"Myself and Mr Howse employed trading with the Indians. Traded upwards of 400MB & 78 belonging to York Debt."

June 14 1798 " About the middle of the day the roof of the middle store House felling during the thunderstorm. only two young Hands remains with me Obliges me to let it remain till more men arrives"
1M59 B.81/a/3

The journal ends June 16/1798.

James Peter was at or near Gordon House till 1801

From a letter from James Peter Whitford at Gordon House to John Ballenden at York
June 6 1799
..." I have been very badly ever since April last from a Violent blow on my right side and I am fearful that a Bone is broken"..."also I have had the Rheumatic Gout in both feet."


John Ballenden at York to JP Whitford at Gordon House
Sept 13 1800
"Dear Sir
Mr Sinclair being on the eve of proceeding towards you, I have to inform you that a new regulation has taken place respecting Keeping of our accounts which we are strictly ordered to adhere to. you will therefore be particularly careful in noting down every article you receive as give away. Receiving or giving a receipt for the same.
Mr Sinclair will inform you fully in what manner?
It grieves me I am not able to send you Two or Three Men to remain with you during the coarse of the winter. Not having an Old hand at the Factory to conduct them? & Mefsers Tomison & Sinclairs Canoes being so Loaded this could not be sent by them. However will do all I can to send you supplys the first opportunity. Your Iron is sent also 2 lbs Tea the articles or ?? come out for you I know nothing of but That I am certain there is one or two for you by the List. May Health & happinefs ?? you
I remain with regard
Dear Sir
Your Obedt Servt
JB"

John Ballenden at York to JP Whitford at Gordon House
Nov. 29 1800
"Dear Sir
I have been waiting with anxious desire to hear from you. no opportunity hath offered since tho the departure of Mefsers Tomison and Sinclair from this place for Inland to send you a Packet until this present?. I now send Mr Thomas Colen with Wilkes, an Indian and two young Lads John Moat and John Wafs. they are to remain with you to afford you any afsistance that they are capable of.
The Prince Wales and Queen Charlotte Ships both sailed from here as did the Severn Brig on the 23rd Sept. and for a few Days afterward they had fine weather and a fair wind. The fall commenced soon and very cold yet our River did not freeze over with any Degree of safety to crofs Her until the 27 Instant. We had no hunt of Goose and all Kinds of Game as has been usual here for some time past very scarce. It will give me pleasure to hear that you have experienced the Season more comfortable.
The Honorable Commitee exprefses a desire to have their accounts in this Country more explicate sent them, which I shall endeavour to obey to the best of my power and in order to convey the same sentiments to you It's requisite that you keep a fair and distinct? account for the Hon'ble Commitee's satisfaction of all goods you may receive from this Factory of whatsomever kind, giving a receipt and likewise receiving a receipt for what you may deliver from out your Store House, and as I hinted to you in my last respecting of these matters and no doubt Mr Tomison has likewise, I shall only add that it will be absolutely necefsary for you to begin your accounts from the first August last so that it may correspond with York Factory acc'ts. Let no articles be omitted when you take an overhaul in your Store House. As much trust is impowered to the Master of Gordon House it will be necefsary for him to keep a regular Journal also to be sent home annually. Mr Thomas Colen will inform you of every particular you may wish to have information of respecting keeping the accounts.
Wishing you a pleasant winter with the Compliments In the approaching Season I remain
Dear Sir
Yours Sincerely
John Ballenden"
1M257 B.239/b/66

James Peter Whitford to John Ballenden
Dec. 11 1800
"Dear Sir
I received your Favour by Mr Tho Colen, two young Men & the Indian Man Wilkes the 9th Inst. I am very sorry I have to announce to you my inability of keeping those Men you have sent to me owing to the great disappointment of not receiving supplys from York this last Fall. The extreme poverty which now reigns all over the Country is truely deplorable. The Indians are all starving for the want of Snowshoes & shoe Leather to go a Hunting with. The Deer are so extremely scarce that not one has been killed this four Months past and not a track to be seen for many days walk all around here.
I have been obliged to supply them with Deer Skins to make them Netting for Snow Shoes etc. 4 Indian Men since that time have brought me a few Jack Fish which is my present subsistance
Ohe che ke sic informs me to let you know that they doubt very much whether They'll be able to pay their Debts This Year or not owing to their families being so weak for the want of provisions. I have Traded about 130 MB from the Indians but no provisions.
With respect to my Honble employers acc'ts you may be afsured I shall do my uttermost endeavour to fulfill their orders with exactnefs
To keep Accounts at this place with exactnefs is utterly impofsible till a more convenient place can be made for the receiving & delivering the Honble Companys property.
I am realy astonished at my superiors in this Country to neglect their Honble Masters Interest so much as to suffer such miserable Huts to contain their property to be exposed to the inclemency of all sorts of Weather notwithstanding I have made several applications but without effect. I have had the honor of holding This Station Seven Years for the Honble Hudsons Bay Company & I am sorry to relate I never had the Command of Good Men to erect a building but quite the reverse, an Instance I have lately experienced by your sending me Jn Mowat who by his most obstinate folly has frozen one of his feet badly, of course he is an Invalid at the House. this Man resided with me four years ago and was dismifsed for his behaviour. The last time I wrote you was by Mr Sinclair who also took down a small Indent of Trading Goods etc. to be sent up in the Fall, your not complying with my request distrefses me very much - as James Halcrows Canoes when last fitted out made a clean succefs?of Trading Goods & Stores for the new Settlements.
I refer you to Mr Tho Colen for further particulars. I conclude with that you and the Gentlemen at your Table may experience better times is the sincere wish of
Dear Sir
Your most Obedt Hmble Servant
signed James Peter Whitford"
1M257 B.239/b/66

James Peter Whitford to John Ballenden
Jan 10 1801
"Dear Sir
As nothing has pafsed of any consequence since the departure of Tho Colen last Dec. I am sorry I am compelled to send down my three Men Mag Grieve, John Moat and John Wafs being uncapable to keep them any longer for the want of Provisions. The weather has been remarkably severe lately and there is no Game stirring about any where, every exertion has been made in our Power to keep ourselves but without effect as the Men are by no means capable of snaring Rabbits or Shoot Partridges The very great scarcity Provisions every where this Season I believe is the cause of no Indians visiting since I wrote last, had any Indians arrived here I should certainly have sent one down with these Men. should you think proper to send any supplies to me please to let Magnus Grieve return to me again. A small list of Trading Goods is enclosed wanted here. I hope you'll please to grant my request. Having nothing further to add but that you and the Gentlemen around you may experience better times is the
sincere wish of
Dear Sir
Your Obedt Humble Servant
JP Whitford"
1M257 B.239/b/66

York Factory Journal John Ballenden
Jan. 20 1801
Written and then crossed out but very readable
"I cannot help informing Your Honors that Mr. Whitford is a very unfit person to be in Charge of Gordon House. His liberal ways does not suit that place & I verily think had he the whole that is now in the Factory it would give him very little concern in how short a time it was expended whilst this place was so nigh to resort to."
1M161 B.239/a/105

Ballenden to Whitford
Jan 29 1801
"Dear Sir
Late in the evening of the 20th Instant your three Men arrived here and am sorry to say brought me such accounts of your Distrefses that much grieves me and more so as it is not in my power to afsist you I have at this Instant sixty men to provide for without being able to give them one Days allowance of fresh Provisions altho every exertion is made
You may naturally think by having such a number of Men Several might well be spared to haul such supplies to you as requested. I readily grant you such a thought, but when I inform you that out of the above number of Men not above two or three is capable of going your Distance so as to haul even so much Victuals as to last themselves the Journey to you and back, you will not then I hope be much surprised.
The situation this Winter has been truly miserable what with the continual complaints of sicknefs and want from every quarter belonging to this Place as yet that I have heard from. my greatest Enemy cannot help sympathizing in some Degree for my distrefses - The natives that harbour'd? within some Days walk of this Place were so reduced to a starving state that many of them were obliged to be hauled to the Factory and notwithstanding all my attention two Men fell a victim to mere want before afsistance could be got to them
The Latenefs of the Ships arrival last fall has been severely felt Mr Cook with the greatest part of his Men were under the necefsity of waiting here until her arrival for necefsary articles which he could not conveniently want. On the 24th September he set off in a light Canoe with three Indians as guides - His Men a few Days before - After perservering for some Days thro Fort Nelson River. the Ice at last prevented him from getting scarce above halfway to his highest Settlement as well as his Men whom he had com'd up with. Finding it impofsible to get the Goods he had up in Canoes landed the greatest part and left six Men to secure it in the best manner they were able from being plundered from Annimals. taking the Strongest and best Men for walking with himself to endeavour to get up where he urgently wished. On the 8th Dec. the six Men arrived at the Factory almost entirely spent with Hunger, freezing and other complaints. Mr Tate likewise with eight Men proceeded Inland last fall but by the latenefs of his setting off which he could not do sooner being in want of many necefsaries for making a Settlement in the Bungee Country did not get to the proper place he wished by which means the Indians not knowing of him being in their Country to afsist him with Provisions was under the necefsity of sending three of his Men to the Factory to be provided for, accordingly they and the six Men that came from Fort Nelson River is in the Surgeons List being severely afflicted with the Scurvy. Mowat and Grieve whom I return to you with this, will inform you of the Distrefses of the Factory. they scarce had been two Days here before they wished themselves back again with you, from this you may judge my situation.
Should no Indians visit you with supplies of provisions; for from the Factory it is absolutely out of my power until the River Ice breaks up which I shall then lose no time. You will secure the Goods you have in charge of in the safest manner you are able, so as not to be endangered by natives or Annimals and come to the Factory, but by no means without the greatest necefsity.
If the two Men whom I now send to you should give you any uneasinefs to get provisions for & you rather be without them and remain with your Family at Gordon House send them down to the Factory. The articles you wrote for are complied with as per List. May helth and plenty be your Companion. I remain
Your Obedt Humble Servant
John Ballenden"
1M257 B.239/b/66

Whitford to Ballenden
Feb 20 1801
" In the evening of the 10th Inst. Mag Grieve and John Moat arrived here from York when they delivered me Your Letter to gether with Trading Goods etc. all safe, a receipt for the same is now sent. It gives me great concern to hear such melancholy accounts from all parts and truly do I wish from my heart that it be made better times.
For my part I have not the least prospect of any amendment of any better or at least at present, for I have not seen an Indian since the 5th Dec last which is very well accounted for as Mr Tate could not arrive at the Place he wished for in time enough last fall is i suppose the reason of no indians visiting me this winter.
Should have sent the Men down sooner had John Moat been capable of walking, by some means or other he froze both Hands and feet very severely nigh the House notwithstanding the finenefs of the weather With respect to securing the House, Goods and Furs and to come to York is by no means what I can agree to, therefore Dear Sir spare me trouble of coming to York for it is my determination let whatever be the consequence of not leaving the House while I have Goods and Furs to take care off. I have some Bundles of Cloth Blankets etc. belonging to the Inds in my pofsession? which if they found this House destitute and no person to take care of it they would not scruple in the least to break it open and would not adhere strictly to take what was their own, but their Honours property also this my Good Sir is my reason for not quiting my station at this distrefsed time.
I am sorry to become again troublesome to sollicit supplies of provisions to enable me to live till the River ice breaks up as the approaching thawing weather comes on it will be impofsible for me to maintain myself. I feel very much for your present situation particularly that dreadful disorder Scurvy among your Men and that it may speedily be removed is my fervent wish Much Health and more prosperous times attend you is the best wishes of
Dear Sir
Your Obt Humble Servant
JP Whitford"
1M257 B.239/b/66

York Factory J Ballenden
Mar. 1 1801
" the two men I sent with Provisions to Mr. Whitford the 30th January arrived bringing me accounts that they left Mr. Whitford still in want and requesting supplies sent him as soon as pofsible."
1M161 B.239/a/105

To Whitford from Ballenden
Mar. 13 1801
"Dear Sir
I am under the necefsity of taking the Pateroon of the Woods and his Afsistant to convey to you the following Articles of Provisions 112 lbs Flour 46 lbs Oat'l 24 lbs Bacon and 2 lbs Chocolate which I hope will enable you topfs the time? over? together with your own endeavours and what afsistance Indians may bring you from time to time until the Boats comes to You in the Spring which shall be as early as pofsibly I can.
Nothing new to relate since my last. You will send by the Bearers down to the Factory what Furs you are in pofsesion off what they are able to haul as it will lighten the Boats in some small Dergree on their return from your Place. Wishing you a pleasant and plentiful Spring. I remain
Dear Sir
Your Obt Servant
John Ballenden"
1M257 B.239/b/66

Whitford to Ballenden
Mar 20 1801
"Dear Sir
James Yorston & Donald Laughton arrived here the 19th Inst with supplies of provisions and gave me to exprefs my most Gratefull acknowledgement for this timely afsistance with which together with my own exertions I hope will be able to support me till the River opens
On the 16th Inst two Indians Ath? co ca sish & Shag ga wah tum arrived here with very few Furs to Trade Ammunition & their accounts of the Indians are very deplorable all the Natives where ever they have been this Winter are starving and very few have got their Debts compleated as yet. These poor Indians came here with a view to get a small supply of provisions from me. I am sorry it was not in my power to relieve them however I gave them a few necefsaries and sent them away. they are allthe Natives I have seen this Season. I have nothing further to add then that it may be more plentiful time with an Early Goose Season is the sincere wish of
Dear Sir
Your most Obt Humble Servant
J.P.W."
1M257 B.239/b/66

Aug. 27 1801
" At noon Mr. Sinclair and Mr. Whitford arrived from their respective Houses."...
1M161 B.239/a/105

"List of Servants" 1801
James Peter Whitford
Pay 50 pounds per year
Remarks "home pofsitively"
1M785 B.239/f/6

From the General Letter from London
May 24 1802
"20 In the factory Book at the beginning of the year the remains at Gordon House is stated to be 1881 MB There appears sent to Mr Whitford 33,896    Total 35,777 whereas the Expenditure according to the Factory Book appears to be 37,660 so that the Expenditure exceeds the receipts by 1883 MB this requires some explanation tho upon the whole the Acct Books are more satisfactory than heretofore."

" 21 Mr Whitford informs us that he receives the Distilled Brandy at 1 Gn for 8 B but that other Inland traders take it as 1 Gn for 6 B - that he takes one Cotton shirt for 2 B and other traders take it as 1 per B so that by these variations it is impofsible the Factory Acct should Correspond with the Inland Acct. Books - several other articles in the like predicament - let the Standard in General be kept"...

"23 Mr James Peter Whitford now returns and we hope he will prove as attentive and diligent as before"
1M258 B.239/b/78

The reply

General letter to London Office
Sept. 1802

"20 We are sorry that any error should appear in the Acct Book as we have always taken the greatest pains to avoid all pofsible mistakes"
21 Due notice shall be taken of this Paragraph.
23 We are happy to receive Mr. Whitford again have no doubt but he will be very useful."
1M258 B.239/b/79

York Factory John McNab
Sept 21 1802
" 4 men conveyed Mefs Whitford & Colen to their Hunting tent at Pennycutaway"
1M161 B.239/a/107

York Factory
Nov. 10 1802
" Mr. Whitfords men brought 100 partridges and a number of Methy fish. Mr. Whitford not well."
1M161 B.239/a/107

York Factory Journal
June 4 1803
" set off early for Inland. Mr. Whitford accompanies to stay at the Rock and act as formarly there during the businefs"
1M162 B.239/a/107

John McNab's Journal
June 21 1803
" Mr. Whitford lame with the Gout."
1M162 B.239/a/107

Oxford House
From James Peter Whitford
July 18 1803
"You'll be rather surprized when I inform you that since your departure from here different arrangements has taken place. I arrived here on the fourth day after I left the Rock when Mr. Bird informed me from Mr Tomison that I was not to go Inland for there was no vacancy for me after having come thus far with every thing necefsary I must Confefs I am disappointed I have obtained leave of Mr. Sinclair to remain here till such times Canoes arrived here again with your future Orders"..." is immaterial which I go to for I really believe that the Inland Gentlemen does not want my services The Inland Gentlemen have arrived to such A pitch of authority that they absolutely determined not to go by your Standard of Trading Goods as they have one of their Own."...
1M257 B.239/b/68

A letter from John McNab to James Peter Whitford, Sept.3, 1803.
"Mr. Whitford,
I rec.'d yours by Mr. Tomison his reasons for not sending you I shall tell you Candidly as I trust it will put you on your guard in future and becomes a duty I owe the Company you and myself your being rather too free in the Spiritous liquors, and at times too liberal to the Indians and supposes the defaults in your present account at the Rock[Gordon House] to have arisen from this cause how it is be accounted for I do not yet know-if you can get to astation where you can add to our returns and the Companys interest I tell you it shall be your own if no exertion and resolutions are formed by you, it would be injust? for me to Countenance, or for you to expect it. I therefore rely on your spirited measures and Mr. Sinclair is to do everthing in his power to further your proceedings which must be guided by spirited execution. I am yours J.M.N."
1M257 B.239/b/69

From a letter by William Sinclair at Oxford House
Feb. 18 1804
" Mr. Whitford was dispatched 20th"..." If Mr Whitford does but use Occonomy in the expenditure of his Goods he will make well out. he has six Rundlets of High Brandy besides other Articles of Trading Goods in proportion as they could be taken"...
1M257 B.239/b/69

From James Peter Whitford at Oxford House
June 11 1804 [It says 1803]
"Dear Sir
"I must beg of you to accept of this as an apology for not sending you a longer account of my proceedings at Island Lake this last winter owing to my right hand being in a weak State from my old complaint the Gout. I had last fall a very flattering prospect of making a Good Trade but I am sorry to say those hopes were frustrated by the Canadians who arrived with three Canoes and 20 men in October last & in winter six more men came from Mr. Munro at the Windy Lake these men were dispersed all over the Lake"..." I gave four & twenty men debts to the amount of 700 MB and never set eyes on them since last fall except one old man & family who staid by me"...
1M257 B.239/b/69

From William Sinclair at Oxford House
June 11 1804
"Sir
"It is with regret I inform you of Mr. Whitfords bad Succefs at the Island Lake his trade Only 150 MB and his Debts? in Trading Goods better than 800 MB"...
1M257 B.239/b/69

John McNab's Journal at Oxford House
June 30 1804
..." As I mean him [James Halcro] to go to the post Mr. Whitford occupied last winter stopt for the night and settled that business - Mr. Whitford goes to the Saskatshewan."
1M162 B.239/a/109

James Bird at Edmonton House
Sept 22, 1806
"Had the pleasure to find Mr Whitford and Men well but the mortification to hear of fresh massacres among the Indians, and Even that an attack on Acton House is threatened. Four tents of South'rd Indians who were returning from the Muddy River Indian Country quite ignorant of the late Quarrel were on a sudden attacked about 100 miles from this [place], by 2 or 3 hundred blackfeet. two men made their escape but the rest, men women and children were either butchered or taken Slaves."
1M49 B.60/a/6

Edmonton House James Bird
May 17 1807
" Mr. Whitford I have left in charge of Edmonton with Mr. Isham & six Men."
1M49 B.60/a/6

Edmonton House J. Bird
Sept. 30 1807
" Arrived at Edmonton all safe & had the satisfaction to find Mr. Whitford and Men well."
1M49 B.60/a/7

From a letter at Oxford House James Bird
July 30 1808
..." The News from inland is I am sorry to say not of the most satisfactory nature. Mefsr's Hallet and Whitford seem to be under the most lively apprehension of an attack from the Slave Indians"...
1M258 B.239/b/76

Edmonton House Journal James Bird
Sept. 23 1808
" Arrived at Edmonton House & had the satisfaction to find Mr. Whitford & Men well tho' very poorly off for provisions."
1M49 B.60/a/8

Edmonton House James Bird
May 14 1809
" Mr. Whitford I have left in Charge of Edmonton till Mr. Howse who I expect to meet at Paint River arrives"
1M49 B.60/a/8

York Factory William H. Cook
Sept. 2 1810
" Mr. Whitford with the remainder of the Pafsengers for England went on board Ship"
1M162 B.239/a/116

[Gets married but that is another story]

From the minutes of the Governors meeting London
Feb 20 1811
" The Commitee of Trade also recommend to the Board to allow to Capt. Turner the usual Allowance for Alexander Macklachlan, J.S. Mackfarlane & Ja. Peter Whitford Pafsengers on the Ship King George"
Reel 6 a.1/50

From a letter to Mr Hillier at Seal Creek Nelson River From Wm Cook at York
Oct. ? 1811
..."I write to advise you to make all possible dispatch with the Deer Hedge & to appoint Mr Whitford to superintend as he is well qualified for the job"...
1M258 B.239/b/82

William Cook To Miles MacDonell
Oct. 12 1811
..."I am glad"..." that Mr. Whitford is carrying on the Deer Hedge with Spirit."...

Capt. MacDonell at Nelson Encampment to William Cook
Jan. 26 1812
"Mefs Whitford & McDonald? the first from ill health the other from the effects of Frost are both incapable of being sent off on any expedition at present."...
1M258 B.239/b/82

York Factory Journal
July 2 1812
" 5 Boats for Hill River in which was Mefs Whitford, Carswell, Fisher, McDonell & Alex Robinson left the Factory."
1M162 B.239/a/118

From the Edmonton Accounts Book
"State of Mens Accounts"
1814
James Peter Whitford
"Trader"
Pay 50 pounds per annum
Residence - Carlton
Remarks " Henceforward he is only to receive 20 pounds per ann. being unfit to have a charge of any post. W. Auld."
1M467 B.60/d/5

Edmonton House James Bird?
May 24 1816
" Mr. Pruden remains at Carlton House during the Summer and he has with him Mr. Whitford, James Sandison Sen. John Harriott Hugh Munro John Irvin James Spence and Oman Norquay"
1M49 B.60/a/15

From the Edmonton Accounts Book
"State of Mens Accounts"
1816
James Peter Whitford
"Trader"
Pay 20 pounds per annum
Residence - Carlton
Remarks- "disabled by occaisional fits of the Gout"
1M467 B.60/d/8

Carlton House
May 28 1817
" Mr. Pruden now has with him Mr. Whitford, James Sandison Sen., Robert Sandison, Richard Colen, James Spence, Edward Simmons, Oman Norquay, George Rofs & Mr. John Harriott"
1M19 B.27/a/6

" General Account of the Northern Factory 1818"
" List of servants of the General Establishment of the Northern Factory and state of their Accounts"

JP Whitford
Wages 20 Pounds
Book Debt at the Factory 23 12 10

Residence 1816-1817 "Carlton"
Residence 1817-1818 "Carlton"

Contract expires 1818

Remarks "Died May 15th 1818"
1M683 B.239/d/195

Here are a couple of Bills of James Peter Whitford.

Sept 8, 1797. Drawn by JP. Payable to: John Whitford. Sum: 1 pound 10 shillings. Signature "Inland"

Sept 8, 1797. Drawn by James Peter Whitford. Payable to: Thomas Whitford. Sum: 16 pounds 16 shillings. Signature: "Inland"

Date: 1796. Drawn by James Peter. Payable to: Alex Lean Esq.. Sum 70 pounds. Signature: "James Peter Whitford"

A note from the London Office Records, reel number 498
"Rec'd 10 Dec. 1798 Four Pounds six shillings in account of my brother Peter Whitford at York Fort Hudson's Bay
Dorothea Elizabeth Bullock"
Meaning James Peter Whitford's sister married someone named Bullock.

In 1816 JP Whitford was 5 ft 4 and 1/2 inches tall. "28 yrs." in the Company. Age "50" yrs.

James Whitford junior was in Edmonton in 1816.
James jr. was 5 feet 5 and 1/2 inches tall, "dark complexioned"," an able Boatman". Age"20". And "6" yrs with the company.

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HBCA microfilm numbers:
Reel 1M257 Doc. Ref. No. Coming
Reel 1M785 Doc. Ref. No. Coming
Reel 1M134 Doc. Ref. No. Coming
Reel 1M58 Doc. Ref. No. Coming
Reel 1M144 Doc. Ref. No. B.213/a/5
Reel 1M675 Doc. Ref. No. Coming