" A Journal of the most remarkable Transactions and Occurences at Cumberland House from 9th October 1789 to 7th July 1790 by Thomas Stayner."
[Cover]


" A Diary of Occurences in Hudson's Bay North America Commencing Oct. 9th 1789 to July 7th 1790 by Tho. Stayner."
[Title page]


Oct. 9 1789
" Friday 9th a Moderate Breeze at SSE Hazy at a Distance but fine warm W. Took our Departure from Cumberland House at 20m past Noon. two Canoes in Company containing our own lumber only. employed Sailing most of the Afternoon in the Saskachewan River at 1/4 past 6 put up on the W? side of the River. Blowing fresh all Night at 1/4 past 5 AM got Underway with a light breeze Sly hazy."

Oct. 10
" Saturday 10th At Noon handed the Canoes up about 150 yds between an Island & the Main ? side of the River, the W. fine & pleasant Sun striking great heat. at 6 PM put up on the Nth side Emp'd paddling very hard all this Day. the Drift Sticks were Numerous along the Bank side sticking in the Mud, brought down by the Deluge. This occasioned us frequently to keep out in the Stream, during the Night fresh breezes with Moon light & very clear. AM at 20m past 6 got underway Light breeze South Wly Varia.? the River remarkably Shoal."

Oct. 11
" Sunday 11th Light breezes Sly & pleasant Sun shiny W. at 1/2 past 1 PM handed over a Shoal about 30 yds acrofs. a little before 4 put up on the Nth side having arrived to the lower End of the first Tracking. blowing a fresh Breeze all Night toward Morning more Moderate. at 6 AM got underway. emp'd tracking 3 1/4 hours then continued Paddleing Wind SW & thick overcast W."

Oct. 12
" Monday 12th At 1/2 past Noon handed the Canoe over a Shoal sand, short after hoisted our Sail. Emp'd Paddleing & Sailing untill 6 OClock When we put up on the Nth Side. a Moderate breeze at SW towards Night ? to spit a little with rain. took our Canoes out of the Water it having much the Appearance heavy Rain continual Showers the Whole Night. at 9 AM put our Canoes in the Water & got underway. it still continued Raining a little at 25 m before Noon put a shore off the Ruins of an old French House & took our Breakfast."

Oct. 13
" Tuesday 13th Light Airs Sly at Noon got underway again & at 1/2 past 2 put up on the Nth Side at the lower End of the Main Tracking. took our Canoes out of the Water it beginning to rain very fast. Cloudy overcast disagreeable W. it rain'd mostly during the Night with thick Mist. - AM at 10m before 10 OClock cleared up put our Canoes in the Water & got underway. Wind Wly W. still Cloudy. Emp'd Tracking."

Oct. 14
" Wednesday 14th. Emp'd as before. at 2 took a spell at the Tracking line? myself for 3 Hours (very hard Work the Stones very sharp to walk on. I can compare it to Nothing but the Labour of a Horse) at 5 PM past by some People on the opposite of the River which we Supposed to be Canadians building a House as We observed a large pile Wood already Cut their was two Tents? of them. at 1/4 past 6 put up on the Nth side. Cloudy overcast W. found our Canoe to be leaky, took her out of the Water & overhaul'd her found the pitch only ?? AM Do. W.[morning. Ditto weather] pitched our Canoe and put her in the Water at 20 m before 8 OClock got underway. Emp'd Track'g. wind still Wly a Moderate breeze clear'g up a little."

Oct. 15
" Thursday 15th Moderate Breezes Wly & overcast PM. tracked thro' several strong Ripplings at 5 OClock put up on the Nth side a Cloudy Night looking much like rain - at 23m before 7 AM got underway Continued tracking about 10 OClock cleared up a little Sun shining short after thick Mist."

Oct. 16
" Friday 16th Moderate breezes Wly & cloudy W. at intervals clearing up; & Sun shining at 1/2 past 4 PM put up on the Nth side toward Dark Sky cleared up a fine ? - AM at 10m before 8 OClock got underway Continued tracking as before. at 11 OClock put on Shore made a good fire the Air being cool & got our Breakfast a little before Noon put off from the Shore."

Oct. 17
" Saturday 17th A cool NWly Breeze & overcast. Emp'd tracking, at 3 PM arrived at the Branches bearing NW & SE of each other. crofsed the NW branch & continued our Course up the SE one. - at 5 PM put up. the Water is very Shoal here, a great many large Stones laying in the Way makes us keep far out in the Stream to clear them. - Continual Snow thro' the Night at 1/2 past 8 got underway with a cool Nly Wind & Snow."

Oct. 18
" Sunday 18th Fresh breezes Nly with Snow & cold cloudy W. clearing up a little at times & Sun shining. a little past Noon put on Shore made a good Fire & got our Breakfast. about 1/2 past 1 OClock PM a Canadian Canoe pafsed us going down the River with 4 Frenchmen an Indian Man & Woman to the before mentioned Spot with provisions to where we observed the Canadians Building a House. put off our Canoe Continued Tracking at 1/2 past 5 put up on the Nth Side. Sharp frosty W. & a cold Nly Wind, Snow at times during the Night. at 1/2 past 7 AM got underway. a Cloudy day & Snow a sharp frost with a Cold strong Nly Wind. Ice now along shore makes it exceeding bad for the poor Men dabbling in the Water a tracking the Canoe. at 1/2 past 10 put on Shore made a good fire & got our Breakfast at 1/2 past 11 put off again. clearing a little at times & sun Shining."

Oct. 19
" Monday 19th Fresh Gales NWly & sharp frosty W. a little before 1 PM crofsed the River the Water being too Shoal. at 3 crofsed again to the Nth side. at 1/4 past 5 put up, the River this Day very Stoney a number of Strong Ripples (or rather small Falls) we tracked thro' a fine Starlight Night & warm. at 7 AM got underway crofsed the River & continued track'g on as before. at 1/2 past 7 OClock pafsed the Ruin of an Old Canadian House, a Short time after took our line in, & took to paddleing the Shoals running far out. their lay? several Islands of Poplar & Birch Trees a little above the before mentioned Ruins. We continued paddling about 2 1/2 Hours Current very strong in places. We put on shore to the South Side & tracked on an Hour?, the Stoney points running out so far & the Walk'g so bad forced us to Crofs to the Nth side. at 1/2 past 11 put on Shore made a good fire & got our Breakfast. the Wind Nly & clear Sun shiny W. the frost not quite so sharp as these 2 days past."

Oct. 20
" Tuesday 20th Moderate Breezes NEly inclineable to be overcast. at 1/2 past 12 put off from the Shore continued tracking at 2 PM crofed over to the Sth Side at 4 OClock put up. towards Even'g cool Air rather increased a clear star light Night. at 7 AM got underway with a moderate Breeze Nly & sharp frost. continued Tracking. at 9 AM arrived at the Sth Branch House. found Mr Walker Master & all his people Well. - The Branch of this River ? its greatest Width 1/2 a mile. smallest 150 yds nearly? their are Various Islands situated throughout & for the most part high Banks on both Sides & very steep, Stoney Shores. a Number of Sands & Shoals & Sandy Points, the Current is Strong & many Ripples or small Falls."

Oct. 21
" Wednesday 21st Moderate breezes Nly & overcast with frosty W. found the House likely to be much in distrefs for want of Provisions the Hunter not having killed anything for Several Weeks. a cloudy Night AM overcast W. with Snow. Wind NE a moderate breeze."

Oct. 22
" Thursday 22nd Moderate Breezes NEly & Cloudy W. with light Snow. - AM the Glush coming down the River & cool Air makes me apprehend she will soon set fast."

Oct. 23
" Friday 23rd Moderate breezes Nly & overcast at times the Sun appearing thro' a Cloud. AM Cloudy W. having much the appearance of Snow."

Oct. 24
" Saturday 24th Moderate breezes Ely towards Evening thick Snow at times only during the Night & Cloudy. AM fine pleasant Sun shiny W. Wind Wly & clear. at Noon Obs. Mer. Alt. Sun. 25 degrees 40 minutes N." [after this it will be "made observation"]

Oct. 25
" Sunday 25th Light breezes Wly pleasant Sun shiny W. & clear. [made observation]. a Moon light Night AM pleasant Sun shiny W. Obs'd the Mer. Alt. of Sun this day but differs Widely from my former Observations."

Oct. 26
" Monday 26th Fresh breezes Wly & clear sun shiny W. the Night Warm. the Moons & Stars shin'g Bright - AM overcast cloudy W. & Warm SSE wind a fresh Gale."

Oct. 27
" Tuesday 27th Fresh Gale Sly & SSE with smart Showers of rain at times. Do. W. dur'g the Night AM Cloudy & Nly Wind."

Oct. 28
" Wednesday 28th Fresh breezes Nly sun shining at times & the W. warm. a Moon light Night & clear. AM clear Sun shiny W. a Warm SbW wind.[made observation]."

Oct. 29
" Thursday 29th Fresh breezes SbW sun shining at times the W. a little colder. a Moon light Night clear & cold frost. AM Wind NNW frosty W., glush coming down the River."

Oct. 30
" Friday 30th Strong Gales NNW & hard frost the Glush gathering much thicker in the River. overcast W. a frosty Night & clear AM Sun shin'g bright & clear frosty W. [made observation]"

Oct. 31
" Saturday 31st Strong Gales NNW with frost & Sun shiny clear W. the pleasant but Cold. the Moon having a very bright Appearance. AM Wind & W. as before. Ice gathering thick in the River."

Nov. 1 1789
" Sunday Nov. 1st Fresh breezes NbW & cool Sun shiny W. a fine clear Night with sharp frost AM pleasant W. Moderate breezes WSW the Air not so keen as before. [made observation] which differs Widely from my former Observations gives me great reason to apprehend my Sextant being damaged or met with too ruff usage on the Pafsage from YFactory which was unavoidable on my side. the Situation I was in being compelled to work the same as a labouring Man, (tho' in the Station of an Officer) I cannot blame the Chief at York Factory for this usage it is Custom only. I blame which has made it become Natural to expect the same Work from every one who goes the Journey, People, who have been brought up to Labour from their Infancy are much fittest for your Honors Inland Service where such duty is required from them, for my part I don't find myself fully capable to carry Weights of burthen 200 lb or more on my back acrofs Carrying places of a mile to 3 or 4 mile long neither can I conceive it to be requisite for me to do so, it must certainly be without Your Knowledge, I must conclude with this Subject not wishing to go so far as to give Offence to my Masters, whom I hope will think otherwise of me."

Nov. 2
" Monday 2nd Moderate breezes WSW & fine Sun shiny W. between 7 & 8 OClock PM the River Ice set fast in a fine Moon light Night & clear AM sun shiny W. Wind variable & warm."

Nov. 3
" Tuesday 3rd Moderate breezes Varia. & overcast, the Night clear & pleasant AM light Snow & overcast Sly wind. a little before Noon some of our Men crofsed the River on the Ice. Arrived some Indians with their fall Trade."

Nov. 4
" Wednesday 4th Moderate breezes Sly with light snow at times & overcast W. the Night Cloudy AM continual thick snow most of this day. Wind Ely Indians trading their Furrs."

Nov. 5
" Thursday 5th Moderate breezes NEly & overcast W. with snow at times the Night Cloudy Moon shining at intervals AM overcast & Snow at times Wind Variable. Indians took their leave of us."

Nov. 6
" Friday 6th Moderate breezes Variable & overcast towards Evening Cloudy & snow the Night cold AM W. as before with snow at times Wind Sly."

Nov. 7
" Saturday 7th Moderate breezes Sly overcast with snow at times, the Night cloudy & cool AM wind & W. as before."

Nov. 8
" Sunday 8th Moderate breezes SbE & fine Sun shiny W. & Warm, the Night Cloudy AM thick W. with much Snow wind EbN."

Nov. 9
" Monday 9th Fresh breezes EbN & constant thick snow & cold, the Night cloudy AM Snow at time Sun shining at intervals with fresh Gales Nly."

Nov. 10
" Tuesday 10th Fresh Gales Nly & Cloudy W. some of our Men acrofs the River hunting after 3 Horses suspected to have been stolen by some Stone Indians, towards Evening returned without having seen them. a clear Night. AM Moderate breezes Wly & warm sun shiny W. at intervals overcast toward Noon several of our Men went again in search of Mr Walkers Horses."

Nov. 11
" Wednesday 11th Moderate breezes Wly overcast W. & Warm. our Men returned after having researched in vain, the Night Cloudy AM cool Air sun shining at times."

Nov. 12
" Thursday 12th Moderate breezes Nly & cold, cloudy at times, the Night Cold aurora Borealis appearing in the Heavens. AM Wind NWly a moderate breeze & pleasant sun shiny day. a little before Noon Mr Walker, Wm Foster & myself took our leave of those at the House & proceed'd on a Journey to Manchester House. We had 4 dogs in hauling of ? Sleds & two Horses carrying our things."

Nov. 13
" Friday 13th Moderate breezes NWly & clear. after proceeding about 2 1/2 mile up the Track I met with the Misfortune of breaking my Gun Stock in two. there being no other Gun in Company I was compelled to return back to the House for another. it was 20m past 1 OClock when I set off from the House a second time & thinking to cut off a good piece of Ground by the Advice of our people, I was informed, if I proceed'd up the River about 3 Mile I would come to a Wide Creeck, which Creeck I was to follow Mr W. intend'g to crofs it with his Baggage. I continued running up the River near 2 1/2 hours on the Ice. I then return'd back being dubious of my hav'g Mifsed the road. at 1/2 past 6 arrived at the House found myself exceeding Stiff & tired going so long on the Ice. it seems I pafs'd a small Creeck about 6 foot wide which was the one I should have followed being used to the low Country where the Creeck are very wide (that is to say 80 or 100, or 3 or 4 hundred yards acrofs) the word Wide being particularly mentioned, made be look over this small one.-
the Night was cloudy with a little snow. AM fine Sun shiny day & frost. at 1/2 past 7 Set off again in Company with Ed. Wishart. he was to direct me the strait way. we continued fast running for 2 1/2 hours at the End of which time we turned back. We found out that it was the Frenchmens Track we had been following for about 6 Mile out of our Way. Just at the Instant 2 of our Men with 3 Horses came up with us they had been in search of me by Order of Mr Walker ever since day light. I suppose We had already walked 12 mile & had 12 more to go. at 6 mile East? we arrive'd to where we had Mistaken the Track - - Ned Wishart parted with us here & went in search of Mr Walkers 3 Horses before mentioned. We follow'd the Track on."

Nov. 14
" Saturday 14th Fresh Breezes NWly & clear Sun Shiny W. & cold. at 1/2 past 12 arrived at the ? Mr W. had sent Wm Foster to the House in search of me. at 1/2 past 2 OClock he returned. at 1/2 past 6 Ed. Wishart arrived with one of Mr Walkers Horses acquainting him at the same time the rest where found, & would be sent tomorrow - this was glad tidings to us as We already found the Inconvenience of dogs they having tore? our bags & stolen our Meat, also rendered incapable almost of going much further owing to the Bites they had received from each other by fighting.
a fresh Gale NW during the Night & cold sharp frost. I observed a fine red Streamer from NW Wly to SE which at times cast a great light below, much superior to Moonlight. AM Wind NW & cold sun shiny clear W.
lay'd by this day waiting for the Horses, making every Preparation of Baggage &c."

Nov. 15
" Sunday 15th Fresh Gales NWly drift & sharp frost. short? past Noon James Johnston, David Copeland arrived with Horses Sleds &c. about an hour after Ed. Wishart, David Copeland, James Linklater & James Murwick took their leave of us to return to the House. We lay'd by this day it being too Cold With the drift to proceed. (the Night was sharp & clear) AM at 1/2 past 7 packed up all our Baggage & set off on our Journey. about 10 OClock observed 4 old Bulls feeding. found the Snow rather deep as we walk'd chiefly betwixt Hummocks of Wood. Co? SWbS. 11 mile nearly?."

Nov. 16
" Monday 16th Moderate breezes Wly & clear Sun shiny W. tho' Cold. about 2 OClock PM arrived at a Hummock of Wood at the Edge of a large plane. Put up here for the Night which was Cold & overcast. - AM 1/4 before 8 pitched away Cloudy W. with Snow & very thick at times keep'd well away to the Wd wishing to fall in with the Saskachewan River for sake of Woods as a bare Plane presented itself before our Eyes with only Scrubs of green Willows grow'g on it - dist. 13 M Nearly?"

Nov. 17
" Tuesday 17th Moderate breezes Sly the W. clearing up a little fine sun shiny W. a little before 4 OClock PM Put up at a Ridge? of Woods where Mr Walker killed a Bull. We took but little of the Meat expecting to see Cows soon. the Night was Warm & pleasant - AM at 1/4 before 8 OClock pitched away thro' a very Extensive plane not a scrub of any kind to be seen except along the side of the River. we walked near to the Edge of the plane by the bank side. our Course along the bank Edge SW 16 mile nearly."

Nov. 18
" Wednesday 18th Moderate Sly & warm at 4 PM put up by the side of the River our Course SW 9 mile nearly. an overcast Night, stars appearing at times AM at 9 OClock Pitched away, crofsed the River at the Elbow found this N side very hilly but had not so much Snow on the ground as to this side, near Noon crofsed a Creeck. our Course on this side WbN distance 7 mile nearly."

Nov. 19
" Thursday 19th Light breezes Wly & pleasant Sun shiny W. & warm with? thaw. continued walk'g betwixt stragling Hummocks of Wood. - at 3 PM Put up under the Lee of a small Hummock of Wood, short after fell a small shower of Rain. in the Night was a little frost tho' the Air was warm AM Do. W. a little before 8 OClock pitched away followed a Wide Track thro' a plane that some people had gone thro' the day before. a little before Noon met a Southern Indian Woman searching for a dog. our Course WbN nearly 20 mile."

Nov. 20
" Friday 20th Light breezes NWly & warm. short past Noon arrived at some Tents of Southern Indian 6 in Number besides 1 Stone Indian Tent.
[In the margin " this Woods is called the dog hang'g Woods from the great quantity of Dogs the Indians have hung here on pretentions of Superstition"]
We see several herds of Cows this day at a Distance it being the request of the Indians for us to put up amongst them for this Night. We complied with their desire, nothing material happened, during the Night a little Snow fell. AM a thick Haze, at 9 OClock pitched away as did some of the Indians. an Old S. Indian & his Wife with 3 Sons begg'd the favor to be admitted in our Tent as they were going to Manchester House with Skins it was granted them. we continued on betwixt Scrubs of Wood. at Noon arrived at the Edge of a large Plane not thinking ourselves capable of reach'g the other side we pitched out Tent here for the Night. our Course WNW nearly 9 mile."

Nov. 21
" Saturday 21st Light breezes Varia & clear pleasant W. the Night was Warm. AM a little before 8 OClock Pitched away in a thick hazy Morning. at Noon cleared up. one of the S. Young fellows away a head thinking to kill some Buffalo they being very Numerous before us, many thousands in Sight. our Course WNW nearly 10 mile."

Nov. 22
" Sunday 22nd Light breezes Wly & clear sun shiny W. about 1 PM the Young fellow kill'd 2 good Cows of which we only took the prime pieces leavg the rest for the Wolves devour whom were very Numerous close to us & this detained us near 2 hours. 1/2 an hour after sighted the Woods & at 1/2 past 4 arrived at some small Scrubs were we put up for the Night. I think WNW is a strait ? acrofs this plane. a clear warm Night. AM at 1/2 past 8 OClock pitched off in a pleasant Sun shiny day a warm Wind at West. we had small Hummocks of Wood on all sides of us laying low down in Valleys & under the Hills. Our Course WNW 1/2 W nearly 15 mile."

Nov. 23
" Monday 23rd Light breezes Wly & fine W. at 1/2 past 3 put up in a small Hummock of wood it be'g warm W. did not pitch our Tent. a clear moon light Night; latter part thick Rimy W. AM a little before 8 continued on our Journey in? very thick Rimy W. going betwixt Hummocks of wood. Wind at NW a light breeze .Our Course W1/2N nearly 17 mile."

Nov. 24
" Tuesday 24th Light breezes NWly & thick Rimy W. a little before 1 PM arrived close to the Banks of the Saskachewan River at 1/4 before 2 OClock crofsed the Jack Creeck one of the Indians young fellows killed a Bull about 250 yds on the other side of this Creeck we tarried here untill near 3 OClock & took the primest pieces of the Meat. at 1/2 past 3 Put up pitched our Tent a Cloudy Night with continual thick W. AM Rimy W. & sun shining, at Intervals Cloudy. at 8 OClock 2 frenchmen came to our Tent. having been to the Canadian House beside M. House with a packet? & now returning to the branch from whence they come. at 1/4 past 8 we Pitched away at 1/4 past 10 we crofsed the Turtle Creeck walking mostly in sight of the River, our Course NW 1/2 W nearly 18 mile."

Nov. 25
" Wednesday 25th Light breezes Nly & thick Rimy W. sun shining at times. at 1/4 before 4 put up, going betwixt middling large Hummocks all this day - this Night had but a very Rimy Appearance. AM a little before 8 Pitched away in a very Rimy & disagreeable day. at 10 crofsed a Creeck with open Water. - Our Course this day NW1/2W nearly 21 mile."

Nov. 26
" Thursday 26th Light breezes Nly & rimy W. at 1/2 past Noon crofsed the Horse Creeck & at 20m past 3 arrived at Manchester House, found all well the provision but scarce. our Course NW1/2 W nearly about 5 1/4 mile a Cloudy Night AM Wind NE & much Snow."

Nov. 27
" Friday 27th Moderate breezes NEly & Snow, towards Evening cleared up; the Night was clear and Moon light - AM pleasant Sun shiny W. the Air rather Cool."

Nov. 28
" Saturday 28th Moderate breezes Nly clear, overcast at times, a Moon light Night. AM fine pleasant Sun shiny W."

Nov. 29
" Sunday 29th Light breezes NEly & pleasant W. 2 Men arrived from the Hunting Tent, they mention of no Beasts being near them. a Moon light Night AM clear pleasant W."

Nov. 30
" Monday 30th Light breezes Nly clear W. a fine Moon light Night. AM inclinable to be overcast hav'g only a dark glimpse of the Sun at times."

Dec. 1 1789
" Tuesday Dec. 1st Moderate breezes NWly & cloudy a Moon light Night tho' not very clear. AM Fresh Gales NE & clear W."

Dec. 2
" Wednesday 2nd Fresh Gales NE & clear W. a Stone Indian Young fellow arrived for Tobacco to a Chief Indian. - a fine Moon light Night AM pleasant Sun shiny W. [made observation] at Noon tryed the Variation found about 16 degrees? Ely but not to depend on."

Dec. 3
" Thursday 3rd Moderate breezes NEly & pleasant Sun shiny W. one of our Men arrived from the Hunting Tent with the agreeable News of 5 Moose being killed. - the Night was Clear & Warm. AM 4 Men with dogs & Sleds accompanied the above to fetch flesh home."

Dec. 4
" Friday 4th Moderate breezes Nly & overcast. a Southern Indian Young fellow arrived for Tobacco. brought in an Account of some Indians coming in the next day. the Night was Overcast Wind Varia all round the Compafs. AM the Indians expected in arrived with a few furrs. the 4 Men before Mentioned returned with the flesh."

Dec. 5
" Saturday 5th Wind Varia a light breeze round the Compafs & overcast. a little snow fell during the Night. - AM pleasant Sun shiny W. Nich. Allen accompanied by a Frenchmen that was desirous of entering into our Service but was not clear of the Canadians, on which Account Mr W. - would not agree him, (they brought with them the remainder of the Moose flesh killed as before) on several Horses belonging to our Men."

Dec. 6
" Sunday 6th Variable Wind & clear Sun shiny W. Emp'd trading with the Indians, a Star light Night. AM Do. W. a little before Noon James Tate, Magnus Arnold Nich. Allen & Halcrow Smith, pitched from the House to hunt Buffalo & to provide Beat Meat & fat for the Master to serve the people down to York Factory."

Dec. 7
" Monday 7th Light breezes SE & pleasant Sun shiny W. two Slave Indians (or Sufsews) came in for Tobacco to 2 leading Men, we inderstand they will arrive here tomorrow. - Our Hunter paid us a Visit to day, wishing to see Mr W. - the times are very indifferent now, when we can get nothing but very poor Moose flesh & old Bull Beef. of the too I can't say which is the best, - AM Do. W. a Gang of Sufsew Indians arrived with some few furrs, 3 Chief Men among them."

Dec. 8
" Tuesday 8th Light breezes Nly & overcast at times. the Indians above mentioned were entirely troublesome for Liquor, in short before Night their were many amongst them could scarce stand, & as many Voiding what their Voracious Appetites had caused them to force down. about 10 OClock they were all pretty peaceable & retired to Sleep. - a Cloudy cool Night. AM Nly Wind & snow. Emp'd trading with the Indians, found them exceed'g hard to deal with. Nothing in short seemed to please them, I apprehend the Cause is chiefly owing to putting the Wolves down to one Beaver, & will certainly make them indigent & carelefs to procure Wolves, & gives our Neighbours a Superiority over us. our Knives are not by any Means equal to the Pedlars, which gives the Indians great Cause to murmur at their inferiority."

Dec. 9
" Wednesday 9th Light breezes Nly with continual Snow. Emp'd as before. PM 4 Blackfoots arrived informing us of 3 different Chiefs of their Tribe coming in with Meat. only a Month has expired since they were at the House. at 1/2 past 6 finished trading. towards Night cleared up. Stars shining bright & clear; AM wind & overcast with a little Snow. Sufsew Indians took their leave of us. Wm Rich & Jn Kirtnefs went to the hunting Tent."

Dec. 10
" Thursday 10th Moderate breezes Nly overcast & light snow at times (2 Blackfoots took their leave of us, one much Offend'd a sulky Ill look'g fellow) & Star light Night - AM Wm Foster, Jn Johnston & Peter Fidler went with the packet to South branch House. the Air keen & Sun shiny W. traded about 1/2 a score skins with the remaining 2 Blackfoots after which took their leave of us & appeared very well Satisfied."

Dec. 11
" Friday 11th Moderate breezes NEly & overcast W. the Night was clear & pleasant. AM the before mentioned, offend'd Black foot, returned again for Tobacco, & was Necefsitated to take what was first offered him."

Dec. 12
" Saturday 12th Moderate breezes SEly & fine Sun shiny W. a Black foot leader arrived with only one Young fellow their Stock consisted chiefly of dried Meat a few Buffalo Tongues & back fats with 1/2 a score Wolve Skins. they traded some Liquor & was pretty well intoxicated by Night. I cannot say they were anywise troublesome, (a fine Night) AM Emp'd Trading with the Indians. (I must here make a remark of the Insolence of one of these Strangers; not being fully satisfied with what was offered him, for part of his Trade, he immediately retired to the Tent which was within the Stockades for his Gun. he came in to the Masters Room where I was sitting & was on the point of loading his Gun when Mr Walker came in & prevented it by insisting on his delivering the Gun up or departing from the Room. he chose the latter went into the Tent & Sulked for a length of time without opening his lips to anyone around him.) - a Stone Indian came in for Tobacco to a leader expected in this day."

Dec. 13
" Sunday 13th Moderate breezes SEly & fine clear W. the before mentioned leader arrived with one Young fellow (the rest of his Gang not coming in untill the Spring) they immediately called out for Brandy, which they obtained for small Articles, dried meat &c. - they continued drinking untill 1/2 past 3 OClock AM, where troublesome but I cannot anyways Rude or Riotous, no further than constant Singing - the Gun Man was walking along the Ribband of the Stockades, from that on the Roof of the House, & was as Mad I think as ever I see a Mad Man in Bedlam in my days. near about Noon the Blackfoots took their leave."

Dec. 14
" Monday 14th Light breezes SEly & fine W. PM Emp'd trading with the before mentioned Indians untill Dark. the Night was clear & pleasant AM finished trading with the Indians a little before Noon they pitched off & seemed well satisfied with the Goods they had obtained for their furrs &c."

Dec. 15
" Tuesday 15th Moderate breezes Varia & a fine warm day towards Evening Wind freshened looking much like Snow. the Night had but a Stormy Appearance. AM fine agreeable Sun shiny W. the before mentioned Stone Indian Leader returned with some more furrs, which he had exchanged Goods for. with an Indian Young fellow going to the French House."

Dec. 16
" Wednesday 16th Light breezes Nly & do. W. after having finished trading with the above he took his leave. this Man intreated Mr Walker very much for an Englishman to accompany him untill the Spring of the Year, purposely to attain the Stone Indian Dialect. it would have been granted him, but their are none fit for such an Expedition. - the Night was clear and pleasant AM clear Sunshiny W. towards Noon Cloudy & hazy the Air rather cooler."

Dec. 17
" Thursday 17th Moderate breezes Nly & overcast hazy W. Hugh Leask arrived from the Hunting Tent with the News of a quantity of Red Der being killed. he brought about 1 1/2 on his own 3 horses. the Night was Cloudy & had much the appearance of Snow. about 5 OClock AM 5 of our Men with Dogs & Sleds &c went to fetch the remainder home of the Meat. short after it began to Snow very thick. the Hunting Tent being a Days Walk to it, gave us cause to fear the Men might loose themselves, as it was both blowing & drifting. about 11 OClock they returned to the House no trail being seen made them dubious of going to far."

Dec. 18
" Friday 18th Moderate breezes Ely & cloudy overcast W. & warm - the Night clear AM clear W. the above Men with Hugh Leask to direct them the Road sett off for the Tent again - I obs'd the Mer. Alt. of the Sun, my Instrument differing so much in every Observation makes me dubious to place any Confidence in them."

Dec. 19
" Saturday 19th Light Airs SE & pleasant Sun shiny W. a Stone Indian Young fellow arrived for Tobacco to a Leader. he tarried about 2 hours then returned Back. - the Night was exceeding clear. Wind gathering round to the N made the Air much Cooler. - AM pleasant W. but cold Wind. Obs. Mer. Alt. of the Sun again the difference betwixt this day's & Yesterday's near 5 degrees?"

Dec. 20
" Sunday 20th Do. W. wind Variable. Our Men returned with the Meat & with the News of some more Deer being kill'd - the Night clear & pleasant AM 3 Men with Dogs & Sleds &c went for Meat. - overcast W."

Dec. 21
" Monday 21st Light Airs Varia & overcast W. having much the Appearance of Snow, the Night continued Cloudy. AM Sun shiny clear W. the Men returned with the Meat accompanied by the residents at the Tent."

Dec. 22
" Tuesday 22nd Light breezes Varia & pleasant Sun shiny W. Nich. Allen & Halcrow Smith arrived from James Tates Tent. two days coming in they had several Horses loaded with Cows flesh (all well) - it came very seasonably Christmas day drawing near. (& poor Red Deers Meat being very indifferent flesh to live on) it was a clear Night. AM the above Men took their Leave again returned to their Tent, having informed us of most agreeable News that the Buffalo were within 12 or 14 mile of the House on the N side below. near Noon our Hunter with his family arrived & pitched his Tent on the outside of the Stockhades. he came here with an Intention to crofs the River to the North Side & pitch down to where we heard the Buffalo were plenty. I took several Alt of the Sun this day also a Mer. Alt but still find a great Error in my Instrument, but must leave it to a more experienced hand to tell where the deficiency lies."

Dec. 23
" Wednesday 23rd Light breezes Varia & pleasant W, out Hunter being very desirous of getting Drunk he obtained a Sufficiency of Liquor from the Master for that Purpose & favored us with a Stave? or two on his Vocal Instrument in Consort with the rest of his Travell'g Mates at their Tent without the Stockhades he was nowise troublesome ( the Night was clear & warm) AM we had a peep of the Sun at Rising, afterwards Cloudy & overcast looking much like Snow the Air middling Warm."

Dec. 24
" Thursday 24th Moderate breezes Varia Nly & overcast W. - a fine clear Night. AM pleasant Sun shiny W. this being Christmas Morning our small Stock of Flour afforded us a Cake to eat with a little Tea & Chocolate which we all appearently enjoyed very much. no one can know what it is to want Bread but those who experience it, which we here daily do, in this Wild Country; particular Holidays only excepted."

Dec. 25
" Friday 25th Light breezes Varia & sun shiny W. Nothing particular intervened thro' the Day, scarce any Merriment going forward - the Night was clear & warm. AM Do. W. I intended to have Obs. Mer. Alt. of the Sun this Day but was cloudy towards Noon."

Dec. 26
" Saturday 26th Light breezes NNW & clear W. Our Hunter with his Family pitched away from the House. - a fine Moon light Night. - AM the 4 following Men left the House to continue at the Hunting Tent. Geo. Rofs, Wm Rich, Jn Kirtnefs & Jn Johnston. - the W. much the same as before."

Dec. 27
" Sunday 27th Light breezes Varia & clear Warm W. a Sufsew Indian arrived with about 1/2 a score Wolve Skins. He informed us of a Number of Tents of that Tribe being near the House. - the Night was rather Cloudy (at times clear) AM overcast W. the above Indian traded his Furrs & took his leave. four of our Men with Dogs & Sleds left the House in search of Birch Wood for Snow shoe frames & Sleds (which is above a day Journey from this House) makes the Situation of this Settlement very indifferent for that particular Article."

Dec. 28
" Monday 28th Light breezes Varia Sun shiny W. & Warm. - the Night Clear AM inclinable to be overcast."

Dec. 29
" Tuesday 29th Moderate breezes SbE & cool sun shining at times. a fine clear Moon light Night. AM overcast & middling sharp frost. this Morning got intelligence from a Frenchman belonging to our Neighbour of our Hunter having killed 3 Cows. four Men with Horses & Dogs were immediately dispatched to bring home the Meat."

Dec. 30
" Wednesday 30th Moderate breezes SbE a sharp frosty W. the before mentioned four Men returned with Birch Wood for Sleds &c. - the first part of the Night a little Snow fell. had a Dark Glimpse of the Moon at times. - AM a fresh breeze at NW with snow at times & drift the air pretty keen."

Dec. 31
" Thursday 31st Fresh breezes NW & cloudy W. with Drift. about 2 OClock PM the Men returned with the flesh - overcast Night, Moon shin'g at intervals - AM fine pleasant W."

Jan. 1 1790
" Friday Jan. 1st Moderate breezes NbW & Sun shiny W. tho' cool. Night clear & sharp. [made observation] I could scarcely keep myself from freezing during the time of Observing, the Instrument being exceeding cold to handle."

Jan. 2
" Saturday 2nd Do. Wind & W. 3 Southern Indians Young fellows came into the House, short after James Spence & John Gratt arrived from the barren Ground. - the above mentioned Indians traded most of their furrs for Liquor which were but few. they were middling well intoxicated by Night - the first part of the Night a little snow fell & for the most part overcast - AM Light breezes Varia & Do. W. at 20m past 9 OClock I left the House in company with James Spence to see the barren Ground (or more properly called the Meadows) We went on Horse back. the W. not being very Cold made it middling pleasant Riding. We had a pafsable good track to go thro', see two herd of Buffalo."

Jan. 3
" Sunday 3rd Moderate breezes NbW the air rather cooler. just at Noon we observed the Smoke of 2 Tents about 2 mile off a little to the Right or Westward of our Track - we rode on toward the smoke & at 1/2 Noon arrived there found it to be our Hunter & our Mens Tents. We put up here for the Night our distance about 18 Mile within & below the House together nearly on an EbN1/2N Direction. a clear still Night & sharp frost. AM it was near 11 OClock before we set off from here our horses having strayed away a considerable distance."

Jan. 4
" Monday 4th Moderate breezes Varia & sun shiny W. at 1/2 past 1 PM we arrived at the Tents found all well. the Ground was entirely Hilly, their were 2 Tents of our People 6 in one & 4 in the other. the Night was exceeding Cold. the E:? Brandy a small Quantity of which was in our Pofsefsion freezed equal to thick paste. AM the wind being very Varia perverted my Intention of Hunting the Buffalo this day. there were some Herds in Sight, some of the People in each Tent were making preparations to go to the House on the Morrow with beat meat &c."

Jan. 5
" Tuesday 5th Westarly Wind & Warm. - a clear star light Night AM Moderate breezes Westarly & overcast (Sunshining at times) at 1/4 before 9 OClock AM set off for the House with a long Train of Horses in Company. I found the air rather Cool this day not being able to continue any length of time on the Horse for Cold."

Jan. 6
" Wednesday 6th Do. Wind & W. betwixt 1 & 2 OClock PM crofsed the Turtle Creeck, met our Hunter who was returning from the House with a Gun. - shortly after pafsed by a french Tent betwixt 4 & 5 crofsed the Horse Creeck shortly after. I rode on before & arrived at the House betwixt 5 & 6 - it was past 6 before all our Encampment arrived. - a Clear Night AM strong Wly Wind with drift & Snow. Stone Indian Young fellow came in for Tobacco to 2 Leaders. he presently took his leave."

Jan. 7
" Thursday 7th Strong Gales Wly & drifty W. with Snow towards Evening blowing harder. about 8 PM favored a little & was a clear Star light Night - AM fresh breezes drifting a little. between 9 & 10 OClock Js. Tate & Mag. Arnold returned to their Tent. the Horses belonging to Js. Spences Tent could not be found. the Wind still increased & the W. grew much Worse drifting very hard the Air Cold."

Jan. 8
" Friday 8th Strong Gales NW & cloudy drifty W. & Cold. about 4 OClock PM the Horses were found & brought to the bank Edge off the House. towards Evening the W. cleared up, a fine Night - AM Light breezes Varia & Sun shiny W. - short past 9 OClock Js. Spence, Wm. Flett, Jn. Gratt & myself left the House to return to their Tent. for my part I begg'd Permifsion of Mr Walker to continue in the Meadows about a Month; the House being so very smoky there was no living in it."

Jan. 9
" Saturday 9th Light breezes Varia & pleasant Sun shiny W. we arrived at the Tent about 1/2 past 4 OClock PM the W. being Warm made it very agreeable Riding. - Our Tent now consisted of 5 with myself (that is to say) James Spence, Wm. Flett, James Batt, & John Gratt. a Clear Night AM thick Misty W. blow'g a fresh breeze When the day got up W. Cleared."

Jan. 10
" Sunday 10th Moderate breezes Wly fine W. a Man away from each Tent, Js Batt, having killed a Cow the day before - - during the Night blow'd fresh at times - AM - Js Tate killed a Cow, a Man from each Tent to fetch it."

Jan. 11
" Monday 11th Moderate breezes & fine Sun shiny W. toward Night began to blow & drift wind SE with a little Snow AM toward Noon cleared up fine W. Wind Nly two of our Men a hunting killed nothing seeing only a few Bulls that were Old & good for naught."

Jan. 12
" Tuesday 12th Moderate breezes Nly & clear sun shiny W. Star light Night. AM thick Misty W. with snow Wind Varia. toward Noon clear'd up fine Sun shiny W. one of our Men out a hunting."

Jan. 13
" Wednesday 13th Light breezes Varia clear sun shiny W. - Night rather inclined to be Overcast AM thick Misty W. with light Snow."

Jan. 14
" Thursday 14th Light breezes still Varia, cleared up a little, tho' at times thick. one of our Men out a hunting near Dusk he returned having Wounded 4 Cows without killing any. - clear sharp frosty Night & very cold. AM a little before Sunrise fetched our Horses Home, it was past 10 OClock before we were in readinefs to pitch off, betwixt 11 & 12 put up our distance about 2 Mile WbS nearly up the River, Js. Tate pitching away to the East'd, or down the River."

Jan. 15
" Friday 15th Light Airs SW & clear Sharp frosty W. Sun shining bright the whole day. - James Batt killed 2 Cows, one having been Wound by him the day before, fetched the flesh of one on two Horses. - a clear Night - AM first part of the Morning had every appearance of a fine day as the Sun got up the Wind arose to a Strong Gale Nly drifting much in the Plane & Cold. one of our Men out a hunting but soon returned when the bad W. broke out, which prevented us from fetching the Meat that was killed yesterday."

Jan. 16
" Saturday 16th Strong Gales Nly with much drift. our Tent is surrounded with hill & Hummocks of small Poplar wood; whch keeps us in a Lee, in short the Country over? is chiefly hills & some very high. (We have a very extensive View of the Country from one about 1/2 a Mile from the Tent, which commands a great Prospect of several Miles Round?. We have the pleasing sight of several herds of Buffalo at one look.) - the Night was clear & exceeding sharp. I think the coldest we have had this Year. - AM one of our Men out a hunting. Js. Batt & myself with 2 Horses & Sleds went for the before mentioned Meat about 2 1/2 mile distance. W. was sharp with a kind of Mist tho' not very thick. the Sun shined the whole day. wind NWly varia on that Quarter."

Jan. 17
" Sunday 17th Light breezes Varia NWly sharp frosty W. after day set Wm. Flett returned having killed 2 Cows - Night was very keen. - AM fine sun shiny W. rather warmer than yesterday. 3 Men with Horses &c fetched the Meat home. one & myself a hunt'g I found it exceeding hard Work crawling for some Hours. I was going sometimes on my hands & knees. at other times on my belly the snow being very deep made it both fatigueing & cold. in short my fingers paid the debt all of them having got touched with the frost."

Jan. 18
" Monday 18th Light breezes Sly Do. W. it was near Sun set when I returned to the Tent having broke the fore Leg of a young Bull that was in my way crawling to a large herd of Cows. My hands were so entirely benumbed with Cold I could not fire a second shot - Js. Batt killed 2 Cows on another Quarter. - a clear Star light Night & warm - AM Js. Spence, Js. Batt & myself went to fetch the Meat home. - the W. was warm & pleasant the Buffalo very Numerous as we went."

Jan. 19
" Tuesday 19th Light Airs & warm sun shiny W. - a Star light Night. AM fine W. 3 Frenchmen with dogs & Sleds arrived at our Tent near Noon in their way to their own. to? this side the Jack Lake bear'g SEbE of us."

Jan. 20
" Wednesday 20th Fresh breezes NEly with Snow & drift & Cloudy thick W. during the Night drifting - AM do. W. & very thick at day break. the Frenchmen took their leave of us."

Jan. 21
" Thursday 21st - Do. W. - a star light Night & very warm. AM light Snow & thick W. all of our Men (myself excepted) out a hunting. shortly after they all returned the W. being to boisterous."

Jan. 22
" Friday 22nd Fresh Gales NE with Snow & drift - a fine Star light Night. AM Light Airs Varia & exceeding Warm. two of our Men & myself out a hunting, in company the Wind continually shifting prevented us from getting near the Beasts the Buffalo were very plenty."

Jan. 23
" Saturday 23rd Light Airs & warm W. toward Night fresh breezes had much the appearance of Snow - Cloudy Night AM Strong Gales Sly & drift."

Jan. 24
" Sunday 24th Strong Gales Variaing Round to the North'd cloudy W warm thawy day with light Drops of Rain towards Evening cleared up a Moderate breeze & clear star light & warm. - I think this Night was as Stormy one as I have seen since I first arrived in the Country, the Wind was so boisterous, We were in dread every Minute of our Tent blowing over although surrounded by Hill & Hummocks. the Wind was on the NW Quarter in general came in Violent puffs or Squalls with hail at times. toward Daylight the Gales decreased & at SunRise favor'd to a fine pleasant & Moderate day. 2 of our Men out a hunting."

Jan. 25
" Monday 25th Moderate breezes Nly & clear fine Sun shiny W. - toward the Dusk of the Evening Js. Batt returned having killed 3 Bulls for sake of their Marrow Bones to make fat off. - it was near 8 OClock before Js. Spence arrived hav'g killed 3 Cows. a Moon light clear Night Squally at times - AM short after Sunrise Js. Spence, Jn. Gratt & myself with 6 Horses went for the Cows Meat."

Jan. 26
" Tuesday 26th Light breezes Varia & sun shiny W. near 3 OClock before we returned it was about 4 1/2 distance - a fine Moon light Night AM thick Misty W. and Warm toward Noon clear'd up a fine sun shiny day."

Jan. 27
" Wednesday 27th Light breezes Varia & Warm W. not freezing in the least. I set a Gun this day for Wolves, near 1/4 mile from the Tent. I see several Flocks of snow Birds as I walked along. they inhabit this part of the Country I think all the Winter as I have frequently observed them in my Travels. it differs much from the lower Settlements where they are a Bird of Pafsage only coming in spring & fall. (- a Moon light Night, Fresh Gales at times) AM short after daylight began to rain Wind Wly a fresh Gale a continual thaw this day."

Jan. 28
" Thursday 28th Fresh Gales Wly & thick Misty W. with rain. at 1/2 past 1 clear up & began to freeze a little. about 3 OClock PM hail'd & snowed very thick. all the Tops of the hill bare, the snow being entirely thawed off; toward Evening cleared up a little but still continued fresh Gales, during the Night snow AM drift & freezing."

Jan. 29
" Friday 29th Moderate Gales Westly & overcast W. the Night was clear & Moon light. AM about Sun rise thick Misty W. & snow thawing."

Jan. 30
" Saturday 30th Fresh Gales Varia & thick at a distance & overcast. - the Night was clear & warm. - AM one of our Men out a hunting the Air rather cool."

Jan. 31
" Sunday 31st Moderate SEly & cold W. toward Evening much colder, sharp W. I? doubt? is set in again - an overcast Night the Moon shining at times. - AM frosty sun shiny W. Js. Spence & myself in Company went a hunting. - the Cows keeped continually Walking & feeding prevented us from getting near them. I killed a 6 year old Bull that I really believe had not 2 Ounces of hair on his whole Carcafs. ( head & top of the Neck excepted)"

Feb. 1 1790
" Monday Feb. 1st Moderate breezes SE fine Sun shiny W. - the Night was clear & warm. AM pleas't Warm W. one of our Men out a hunting, short after returned not any Cows to be seen."

Feb. 2
" Tuesday 2nd Moderate breezes Varia & fine W. preparing & gathering my things together to go to the House on the Morrow - the Night was clear & warm - AM a little before daylight I arose Rigg'd myself for my Journey. at 1/4 past 7 OClock took my leave of my Tentmates. Westly Wind & clear Sunshiny warm day. I had 3 Horses to carry myself & Baggage."

Feb. 3
" Wednesday 3rd Light breezes Wly & fine clear W. at 1/4 past 3 OClock I crofsed the Turtle Creeck the road hitherto has been exceeding bad the Snow was not only Deep but a hard crust of Ice covering it, occasioned by the Rain, made it very irksome Travelling every step being amost up to the Middle & that with a severe Jurk?; it's true I had Snow Shoes but could not put them on being obliged to beat a Track for the Horses, their Legs were very much Cut by the Ice. - from Turtle Creek - I followed our old pitching Track which was to be seen only in pieces. - at 20m before 7 Crofsed the Horse Creeck it was now Dark; & was with much diffculty I keep'd the Track to the House where I arrived a 1/4 before 8 OClock. found all well. a Starlight Night AM overcast W. with light snow at times. 3 Southern Indians Young fellows arrived with a few Skins from a Pound a days walk below the House."

Feb. 4
" Thursday 4th Light breezes Nly & overcast at intervals Sun shining & warm W. Short past Noon 4 of our people who went for Meat from the hunters Tent returned. the Night was clear but Cold. - AM continual overcast at day light 4 of our Men with Dogs &c went for flesh the young fellows above Mentioned returned to their Tent."

Feb. 5
" Friday 5th Moderate breezes Nly & overcast with a little snow at times. - a clear Night; at Intervals Cloudy with a little Snow. AM a Stone Indian young fellow came in for Tobacco from the Badger but had no token to shew for which his Bow was detained & Tobacco given him near Noon Men returned with the Meat."

Feb. 6
" Saturday 6th Moderate breezes Varia & overcast. Halcrow Smith arrived sick from his Tent about 5 mile below the Turtle Creeck. a Southern Indian Young fellow came in he acquainted us of the rest of the gang coming in; 3 hours after they arrived - short after some Stone Indians came in for Tobacco to different Chiefs - the Southern Indians commenced Brandy drinking immediately on their arrival & continued the whole Night which was clear & Cold. AM Sun shiny W. but very sharp frost. 2 Men with Dogs & Sleds went to James Tates Tent about 5 miles below Turtle Creeck to fetch beat Meat, fat &c."

Feb. 7
" Sunday 7th Moderate breezes Wly & very cold W. & clear, one of the Southern Indians traded his Furrs this Afternoon having about 60 Skins. - toward Night the Air rather Warmer, very clear & star light - AM do. W. Emp'd trading with the before mentioned Indians. the Stone Indians took their leave this day. Men away for Meat."

Feb. 8
" Monday 8th Light Breezes Wly & clear W. the before Mentioned two Men returned from James Tates Tent with Pamecan, beat meat & fat. - Emp'd trading &c. - Clear Night at times heavy Squalls of Wind. AM a fine Warm pleasant day. finished Trading a little before Noon Indians took their leave & appeared very well Satisfied they brought near 300 skins? in Beaver."

Feb. 9
" Tuesday 9th Light Airs Wly & do. W. short past Noon our people returned with the flesh & brought the News of 2 more Cows being killed. a fine Star light Night - AM fine W. wind Varia overcast at times & Warm. 4 of our Men away for flesh."

Feb. 10
" Wednesday 10th Light Airs Varia & Warm day. Emp'd preparing myself to return to James Spences Tent again, as I found the House exceeding dull & lonesome. - a fine Star light Night - AM at 1/2 past 8 OClock left the House, had 3 Horses to carry my things had a very good Track for about 15 mile. the W. overcast a little drift & Ely fresh Wind."

Feb. 11
" Thursday 11th Fresh breezes Ely overcast & cold. at 1/4 past Noon crofsed Turtle Creeck Continued my Road thro' a very indifferent Track untill 1/2 past 5 OClock, put up short of the Tent near 4 mile having Mifsed the Track & Night coming on. - a Star light Night with squalls of Wind at times. My lodging was by no means good having only a few Scrubs or small dried Sticks to the Wind'd of me & most of them blown down. - tho' I made a good fire & had plenty of bedding &c. still my feet were excefsive Cold the whole Night. I very fortunately brought two Buffalo Tongues with me which served for Supper. - AM at 1/4 before 9 set off again, I fell in with various Tracks could not tell particularly which to follow but by applying to my Compafs set me right at once. it was 1/4 past 11 OClock before I reach the Tent owing entirely to the badnefs of the Track. - found all well."

Feb. 12
" Friday 12th Moderate breezes Ely & overcast - a clear Star light Night - AM 3 of our Men out a hunting, a numerous quantity of Buffalo in sight from the Tent."

Feb. 13
" Saturday 13th Light Airs Variable & overcast. I killed an Old Bull close to the Tent this Day. - our Men returned without any Succefs the Wind shifting so frequently - a Star light Night - AM Light Airs W and a clear Sun shiny Day & thaw. - some of our Men out a hunting, it being Calm at times. prevented them from getting near the Beasts."

Feb. 14
" Sunday 14th Light Airs Wly. short past Noon one of our Men went to the Buffalo but soon returned the Beast having gone far off - a fine clear warm Night - AM James Batt went a hunting (also James Spence and myself in Company) Wind was very Variable by the time we came within Shot of the Buffalo Wind shifted round blowing off from us which set the Beasts on all Quarters to running, some smelled us, others run, seeing those who scented us so to do. - made us return home they having run a great distance."

Feb. 15
" Monday 15th Light Airs Varia & fine W. Js. Batt killed one old Cow. - a fine clear Night. - AM a little before 8 one of our Men went a hunting, near an hour after I went myself - I was constantly disappointed when I came near to Beasts by the Variation of the Wind."

Feb. 16
" Tuesday 16th Light Airs Varia & a little thaw it was betwixt 6 & 7 OClock before I returned to the Tent. what with the Variation of the Wind & exceeding hard snow together I could not get one Shot at the Buffalo & it was Sun set before I left them. on my Arrival I was informed of an Affair which had like'd to have proved fatal to two females & a little Boy of 8 Years old. the Circumstance was this. a poor Cow having been killed yesterday about 2 miles from the Tent, the before mentioned persons with two Dogs (or rather puppys) & a Sled went for it to fetch home only the prime pieces & Marrow bones; during the time of their being engaged in cutting up the Beast. - a large Grey Wolf appeared before them within the distance of about 3 Yards. fear immediately pofsefsed them, the Wolf began his Attack on the Dogs, one of them became an easy prey, having the Sled fast to him, prevented his Escaping. the other ran off. - the eldest of the Females was the Mother of 3 Children, the other a Young Girl of 14 Years. the former constantly kept betwixt the Wolf & the Children, she hove her hatchet, knife, & some Flesh at him, he only jumped on one side. While he was taring at the Dog, they took to their heels for the Tent, leaving their Blankets & every thing of burthen behind them. short after the Wolf sett off in their Track but they happily reached the Tent before he overtook them. two of our Men went in search of him, but he could not be found. the dog only they discovered his jaw bone & all his Teeth where smashed to Nothing, so knocked him on the head first bringing him to the Tents. these Wolves what the Natives call Kis,que or Mad Wolves. at this time of the Year, or when the Bitches are done running, will not go the least out of the way, for one Man, & if 3 or 4 Women are in company together so well do they know one Sex from the other, many of the Indians get hurt by them. - the Night was warm a kind of Mist at a distance. some of the Stars were out. AM fine sun shiny W. - Wm. Flett killed the above Wolf within 20 yds of the Tent, he had follow'd the blood of the dog, to the very Tent door."

Feb. 17
" Wednesday 17th Light breezes Varia. Wm Flett killed two Cows this Day. - a Star light Night. AM One of our Men a hunting, two Men with 4 Horses away for flesh; - I went a hunting this day at Noon returned home Wind hav'g shifted."

Feb. 18
" Thursday 18th Light breezes Wly & clear W. a fine clear Night. - AM do. W. I went out to the Buffalo this Morning but could not get a Shot."

Feb. 19
" Friday 19th Moderate breezes Wly & fine W. - a clear Night. - AM Do. W. - at times Overcast. Jn Gratt went to the Horse this Morning - Js Spence & me a hunting. we had about 1/2 a mile of crawling when we come within Gun Shot of the Buffalo. found the whole herd so poor not worth fireing at. - we started them as considerable distance then returned home."

Feb. 20
" Saturday 20th Moderate breezes Sly & warm W. James Batt killed a Cow this day. towards Evening Wind Wly a few drops of Rain fell then Snow. first part of the Night fresh Gales & thaw'g looking much like Rain - Middle & Latter Strong Gales & sharp frost & Cold. AM Do. W. Js Batt & myself with 3 Horses went to fetch home the Cow."

Feb. 21
" Sunday 21st Moderate Gales NWly & clear sharp frosty W. - a star light Night & clear AM fine sun shiny W. - a light Air at Sth rather Warmer. two of our Men out a hunting."

Feb. 22
" Monday 22nd Light breezes SEly & clear Sun shiny W. not quite so cold as before. short past Sun set John Gratt returned from the House, all well, . a clear Night. AM a little before Daybreak a gale of Wind broke out at NW with snow & drift toward Noon cleared up a little."

Feb. 23
" Tuesday 23rd Fresh Gales Varia with drift at times & Cloudy W. - an overcast Night at times Moon shining. AM 2 of our Men a hunting, still drifting at times."

Feb. 24
" Wednesday 24th Fresh breezes NW and a little Drift & Sun shiny W. - James Batt killed a Cow. a clear Moon light Night & Cold - AM Moderate breezes Ely & Sun shiny W. Js Spence, Js Batt & myself in Company went a hunting; the Buffalo were very plenty within 1 1/2 mile of the Tent. Js. S. & myself Wound'd two Cows could not get a second shot. so returned home."

Feb. 25
" Thursday 25th Moderate breezes Ely & fine W. - Moon light Night & clear. AM fresh breezes with Snow, clear at times."

Feb. 26
" Friday 26th Fresh Gales Ely & snow at times with Drift. towards Evening cleared up a fine Moon light Night - AM 2 of our Men a hunting NE wind with light snow at times."

Feb. 27
" Saturday 27th Light breezes NEly with light snow at times & Cloudy W. Js Batt killed a Cow - a fine Moon light Night. - AM Js Spence, Js Batt & myself with five Horses went for 2 Cows kill'd by Js B. one a lay up of 3 or 4 days."

Feb. 28
" Sunday 28th Light breezes NEly sometime before Sun set Wind Varied round to the Sd? & Warm W. - a Moon light Night & very Cold. - AM overcast W. with snow at times sun shining at intervals."

Mar. 1 1790
" Monday Mar. 1st Light breezes Sly & overcast W. - a fine Moon light Night but very sharp - AM Calm Sun shiny W. & clear."

Mar. 2
" Tuesday 2nd Light breezes Sly at times Calm clear W. & Cold - a clear Moon light Night & sharp frost. AM fine clear sun shining W. Wind Varia & at times Calm."

Mar. 3
" Wednesday 3rd Light Airs Varia. Js Spence killed a Bull within 1/2 a mile of the Tent he cost him 4 Balls before he died. the third Shot, the Bull ran at him & took the knife from his back tied by a belt by Running thro' a Drift of Snow, escaped the Violence of that Animal. the Bulls in this Country are very furious. & if when wounded they should discover the Object that was the cause of it they will immediately run at you, a drift of snow is the only Resource a Man can take by its baring his Weight but not that of the Bull. - Stars out. - but a dark Night & Warm. - AM fine Warm W. sun shining at times. I went out a hunting this Morning."

Mar. 4
" Thursday 4th Light breezes Wly I fired Six Shot at Cows this day, only wounded them all going clear off. - the Buffalo were exceeding numerous for the space of about 1 1/2 mile square. - it contained some Thousands - Js Spence killed a Cow this Day. one of our Men fetched it home. a dark Night Stars giving a glimmering light. AM overcast & snow, with ? thick W; at times clear & sun shining Warm W. - Js Batt & myself went a hunting Wind SEly."

Mar. 5
" Friday 5th Moderate breezes SEly with light snow? at times & overcast W. having a dull Glimpse of the Sun at Intervals. Buffalo were very plentiful, the? Bulls were so very numerous could not get at the Cows for them. - Js Batt killed 2 Bulls, myself 1 & wounded two, near 5 OClock returned home. my partner went in search of a Wound'd Cow & Bull. killed two Cows in his Way. - it was exceeding laborious crawling hav'g at least 3/4 mile to go thro' Deep Snow 1 1/2 foot Deep. the hills are entirely bare but the Drift make up for it. - for the most part about our Tent, it is beat up by the feedings of the Buffalo. - the Night as before. - AM a cold Wly fresh breeze. 3 of our Men out a hunting. Sun shiny W. - I went this Day with my Horse & Sled to fetch the Marrow Bones of the Bull I killed yesterday, to make bone fat of."

Mar. 6
" Saturday 6th Moderate breezes Wly & sun shiny W. but cool. Js Batt killed 1 Cow. - a Star light Night & very sharp frost. - AM our Men away fetching the before mentioned Cows. one of them was entirely devoured up by the Wolves. the Method taken to prevent these Animals from falling on the Meat is by hanging up something that has a human smell such as a Handkerchief, Cap, &c. which if not left too long in the Plain will sufficiently shy them from coming near. the above mentioned devoured one had nothing left at it to keep the Wolves & Foxes off."

Mar. 7
" Sunday 7th Moderate breezes Wly clear W. Js Batt kill'd another Cow this day. - the Stars appeared, but it was neverthelefs a Dark Night - Strong Gales SEly & overcast cloudy W. at times light Snow & Warm."

Mar. 8
" Monday 8th Strong Gales SEly & overcast cloudy W. with snow at times - a dark cloudy Night & warm - AM light breezes NEly & warm W. one of our Men with 2 Horses away for a Cow. Js Batt & myself went a hunting this day. Wind Variable."

Mar. 9
" Tuesday 9th Light breezes Variable & sun shiny W. & Warm. we crawled to a considerable large of Buffalo but the Wind shifting round on our Backs caused them all to run off. - Js Batt killed a Wolf & myself wounded one. among a Number of Old Bulls. - a Star light Night & warm. - AM one of our Men out a hunting; I went out a short time, the Wind not proving fair to the herd I was going to, made me return home tho a very steady breeze at South."

Mar. 10
" Wednesday 10th Moderate breezes Sly & clear sun shiny W. Js Batt killed a Cow & a Bull a Warm Night. Stars shining - AM overcast W. fresh Gales Varia & drift at times thawing a little."

Mar. 11
" Thursday 11th Fresh Gales Varia drift at times. a Star light Night - AM Light Airs Varia & Warm. this Morning I set off for the House, met Wm Rich coming with Orders from the Master for us at the Tent to pitch in to the House. this Man left the House yesterday. having arrived within 1/2 a mile of our Tent & even walk'd in among our Horses, he unluck'ly follow'd a wrong Track, which led him to one of our Setting Guns, there he sleeped all Night & was discovered by one of our Men this Morning."

Mar. 12
" Friday 12th Light Airs Varia & warm sun shiny W. our Men away fetching flesh, towards Evening light Snow & overcast W. - during the Night snow at times & warm. AM Do. W. but Cold."

Mar. 13
" Saturday 13th Light breezes Varia & Warm overcast W emp'd preparing to pitch towards the House on the Morrow. - a Star light Night & warm. AM overcast with light Snow at times & a moderate breeze Sly. at 9 AM pitched towards the House - did not find the Day very cold."

Mar. 14
" Sunday 14th Moderate breezes Sly & overcast W. at 1/2 past 2 OClock put up on an almost bare Ridge, we went thro' our old Pitching Track, which to take it in general was but very indifferent some places the snow being very deep. - during the Night an Ely Wind & fresh Gales. AM Moderate breezes but airish. at 1/4 before 8 OClock Pitched on to the House thro' a pafsable good Track & about Noon arrived all well."

Mar. 15
" Monday 15th Light breezes Varia & warm thawy W. found some Slave (or Muddy River) Indians & Southern Indians on the Plantation, having accompanied Js Gaudy from the Stoney Mountain, with middling good Trade of Wolve Skins. - the last of the Slave Indians pitched off from the House; this Afternoon, these Indians were exceeding hard to deal with, the reducing the Standard of Wolves from two to one Beaver, will I fear injure this Trade much, as the Master has it not in his Power, to give them? Encouragement for those Skins which was formerly given. - I presume if your Honors would take it into Consideration the great Distance these Indians come & more Commonly thro' their Enemies Country their chief trade to mostly consisting of Wolves the lofs also that has already been sustained by some of the best of our Leaders going to the French House where they receive more Encouragement. at the same time to recollect the many different Articles which are unavoidably given away & never traded (Viz. paint, Gun worms, Steels, awls, Needles, Rings, &c &c. Yet neverthelefs You require a return) by mature Deliberation I flatter myself with the thoughts that if you would put the Wolves at the late old Standard by so doing your Traders Inland will have an opportunity of convincing Your Honors of their Afsiduity in procuring furrs. We are given to understand their is another Canadian Company on foot & are Creditably informed of their Intention to proceed up the Country from the Grand Portage this Spring - I fear your Settlements Inland will become an entire Ridicule to those Pedlars who every year bring in double & sometimes treble the quantity of goods that we can get up for want of a sufficient Number of Men to convey them. You have now in my Opinion a fair Opportunity to dispel those Intruders of your Privelages. by only convey'g a large quantity of trading Goods Inland sufficient to deal out to the full extent of the Standard by this means your Chiefs would not only be able to make great returns but would entirely impoverish the Canadian Traders."

Mar. 16
" Tuesday 16th Light breezes Nly & warm thawy W. overcast towards Sunset. a fine Night & warm. AM do. W."

Mar. 17
" Wednesday 17th Moderate breezes NEly & overcast W. a Cloudy Night AM Moderate breezes & clear sun shiny W. but cold. towards Noon thawing a little."

Mar. 18
" Thursday 18th moderate breezes SEbE & clear W. towards Evening fresh Gales with light Snow & Drift. - during the Night snow at times M Cloudy overcast W. & Drift towards Noon sun appearing at Intervals."

Mar 19
" Friday 19th Moderate breezes NEly with light snow at times & overcast W. - the Night Cloudy AM overcast W. & cold."

Mar. 20
" Saturday 20th Moderate breezes Ely & overcast W. a clear Night. AM fine calm Sun shiny W. rather Airish."

Mar. 21
" Sunday 21st Fresh breezes SEly & sun shiny W. at times overcast a clear warm Moon light Night. - AM overcast W. & Cold with a light breezes Sly."

Mar. 22
" Monday 22nd Light breezes Sly & overcast a clear Night AM Wly wind & fine sun shiny W. toward Noon thawing a little."

Mar. 23
" Tuesday 23rd Fresh Gales Wly with thick Snow - towards Evening cleared up a Moon light Night. AM clear Sun shiny W. & NW Gales."

Mar. 24
" Wednesday 24th Strong Gales NW & clear W. Airish & Drift - towards Evening Moderate breezes and clear W. a fine warm Moon light Night. AM fresh Gales Sly & sun shining W. towards Noon the Puddles in & about the yard thaw'g."

Mar. 25
" Thursday 25th Moderate Gales Sly & clear W. about 1/2 past 1 OClock PM began to snow very thick for about an hour - afterwards cleared up a little but still continued overcast. a fine clear Night. AM a pleasant clear sun shiny day thawing a little towards Noon - Js Gaudy & Magnus Arnold went to a Pound half a days ride below us to demand 2 Horses that had been Stolen some time ago & were at this time in the Pofsefsion of those Southern Indians to the Number of 6 Tents residing there."

Mar. 26
" Friday 26th Light breezes Sly & fine W. it was after dark before the above two Men returned. they brought one of the Horses along with them. the other was coveted by the Indian who gave an old Gun & the promise of 5 Skins when he comes into the House - ? light Night AM fine sun shiny W."

Mar. 27
" Saturday 27th Light breezes Varia & clear sun shiny W. - a fine Moon light Night - AM fair W. towards Noon thaw'g a little."

Mar. 28
" Sunday 28th Do. wind & W. short past Noon freez'g? again - a Moon light Night - AM sharp frosty W. & clear sun shining bright."

Mar. 29
" Monday 29th Moderate breezes Varia. this Even'g some Stone Indians Arrived. they traded fat & Tongues for Liquor & made merry. about 11 OClock retired to rest. - AM Emp'd trading with the above. only obtained two Wolves Skins, some pound'd Meat & Marrow Fat from them. near Noon they pitched away."

Mar. 30
" Tuesday 30th Light breezes SE & clear W. a fine Moon light Night. AM thick & overcast but warm thawy W. towards Noon cleared up sun shiny W. - Js Spence, Robt Garson & Mag Tate left the House with most of the Horses belong'g to the people to Tent about a days walk off with an Intention to keep them from the Indians, who are much given to Horse stealing, as the Company mostly receives the benefit of those useful animals, two Men are appointed to look after & watch them."

Mar. 31
" Wednesday 31st Light Airs Varia & overcast; at times sunshiny W. a compleat thaw this Day, a clear Night & frost AM fine sun shiny W. & thaw."

Apr. 1 1790
" Thursday 1st Moderate breezes Wly & fine W. toward Evening light Snow. during the Night fresh Gales NW with snow at times. AM Do. Gales with snow & Hails at Intervals. - thawy W."

Apr. 2
" Friday 2nd Fresh Gales NW & Cloudy with light Snow at times. three Southern Indians with their Wives &c arrived this day they brought parchment Skins to make Pemacan bags off. - they were paid in Liquor and immediately took their leave: at the same time thick Snow & fresh Gales. - towards Evening cleared up, a fine Night. AM clear Sun shiny W. - 3 Men went with the remainder of the Horses this day to join James Spence."

Apr. 3
" Saturday 3rd Light breezes Varia & clear Sun shiny W. - a fine Star light Night. AM do. W. towards Noon thaw'g."

Apr. 4
" Sunday 4th Moderate breezes Varia & rather cool - a star light Night - AM moderate breezes & Cloudy cool W. Emp'd this day prefsing Furrs."

Apr. 5
" Monday 5th Moderate breezes Varia with a little Drift & Cloudy cold W. about 2 PM a little Snow fell. - an overcast Night AM first & middle part thick Mist, latter fine Sun shiny W. not quite so cold as before. 7 Swans in a flock flew past the House this day. - Emp'd prefsing Furrs."

Apr. 6
" Tuesday 6th Light Airs SEly & fine thawy W. Emp'd prefsing Furrs. - a Moon light Night - AM thick Mist & rheumy W. the Trees all covered with Ice. towards Noon clear sun shiny W. thawing much. Emp'd as before."

Apr. 7
" Wednesday 7th Light Airs Varia & warm thawing W. Emp'd prefsing Furrs - a clear Star light Night - AM clear Sunshiny warm W. thawing. - Emp'd as before."

Apr. 8
" Thursday 8th Light Airs Varia SEly & warm thawy W. Emp'd prefsing the Furrs - a star light Night at times Cloudy & light snow. AM overcast W. Emp'd as before."

Apr. 9
" Friday 9th Moderate breezes Varia & cool W. Emp'd prefsing Furrs - a star light Night - AM clear sun shiny W. Emp'd as before."

Apr. 10
" Sunday [Saturday] 10th Moderate breezes Nly & fair W. Emp'd prefsing Furrs - a star light Night - AM Do. W. & thaw."

Apr. 11
" Sunday 11th Light breezes Varia pleasant W. betwixt 1 & 2 OClock PM 4 frenchmen arrived with some Horses loaded with furrs. - these were free Men wishing to enter in our Service - towards Evening 3 Southern Indians young fellows Arrived with upwards of 100 Skins - after dark traded. they immediately had a drinking Match. which was kept up untill betwixt 1 & 2 AM cloudy W. with flakes of Snow scarcely perceptable the whole day. the above young fellows took their leave."

Apr. 12
" Monday 12th Light breezes Varia & cloudy W. with Snow scarcely perceptable. Emp'd trading with the frenchmen - a Star light Night. AM fine Sun shiny W. Emp'd prefsing Furrs."

Apr. 13
" Tuesday 13th Light breezes Wly & sun shiny W. a start light Night - AM Do. W. at intervals overcast with light Snow. 3 of the frenchmen returned to their Tent."

Apr. 14
" Wednesday 14th Light breezes Wly & Cloudy W. with Snow at times. a Stone Indian young fellow came in for Tobacco to a gang that had nothing but provisions. as we were by no means in want of that Article and our Stock of Tobacco being very small Mr Walker very Judiciously refused send'g any. - toward Sun set the gang arrived. after dark they traded their small Stock of beat Meat & only 3 bladders of fat for Liquor in part. - a Star light Night - AM fine W. wind Ely the above finished trad'g & took their leave."

Apr. 15
" Thursday 15th Light breezes Ely & fine W. a clear Night. AM first part overcast middle & latter Sun shiny clear W. & warm with much thaw."

Apr. 16
" Friday 16th Light Airs Wly at times Calm & clear sun shiny W. 3 Frenchmen with a Horse load'd with Furrs &c arrived being free Men wish'g to enter into your honours Service. about 4 OClock Robt. Garson & an Indian lad arrived with 3 horses loaded with Calves flesh. Emp'd preparing myself to accompany the above Men - a clear Night. - AM it was 1/2 past 9 OClock before we set off from the House. Robt. Garson, Hugh Baikie & myself on horse back. the day was exceeding pleasant & warm; thawing the Ground very much. it being already bare of Snow in several pieces."

Apr. 17
" Saturday 17th Light breezes Ely fair W. & thaw. at 5 PM we arrived safe at the Tent found all well. - a clear Moon?[uses a symbol] light Night. AM warm Sun shiny W. NW Gales We pitched to the ESE near 1/2 a mile ow'g to the Number of Hills around us being bad to keep the horses together."

Apr. 18
" Sunday 18th Fresh Gales NW & clear Sun shiny W. with? thaw about 4 PM Wind ceased a moderate breeze. a clear ? light Night. - AM at 10 OClock Js Spence and Indians young fellow & myself run the Buffalo on Horse back. they killed each of them a Cow. I only wounded one which had liked to have cost me dear. only just escaping my horse being ripped? by the Horns of that Wild Animal. - the Badger holes are very numerous here which gives many a brave fellow a fall by the Horse treading in them. it brakes the bones of some & terminates the Life of others. the Horses are pofsefsed of much Sagacity. hav'g a quick Eye they avoid the holes as much as pofsible."

Apr. 19
" Monday 19th Light breezes Varia & fine W. about 3 OClock PM returned to the Tent. the Snow deep in pieces. a fine Moon? light Night - AM overcast W. Wind Varia towards Noon clear Sun shiny W."

Apr. 20
" Tuesday 20th Moderate brezes SEly & fine sun shiny W. about 1/2 past 4 observed some Red Deer feeding at a small distance. an Indian young fellow went in pusuit of them. he fired 4 Shot only Wounded them. it was near Dark before he returned. - a fine [symbol]? light Night AM fine Sun shiny W, & thaw. Mornings & Evening as well as Nights are cold but from 10 AM Sun strikes great heat & thaws the snow fast at this time of the Year. Indian young fellow away in search of his Wounded Deer. the Natives are very expert in hunting this Animal as it requires great agility in running as well to be long Winded, which is a Natural Instinct to these people. they will kill on foot 10 or 12 Red deer at a hunt. Indian lad returned with part of a Deer & 2 swans. the latter were very poor as the birds of Pafsage at this time of the year generally are."

Apr. 21
" Wednesday 21st. Light breezes Varia & warm. Js Spence the Indian Young fellow & myself went after some Buffalo on Horseback. at a distance with an Intention to run them. found them all to be Bulls. crofs'd a Creeck that was running with a Strong Current the Ice being entirely thaw'd out of it. return'd to the Tent at 1/2 past 5 PM. a herd of Cows appeared at a short distance. Js Spence Indian Young fellow Run them. I could not catch my Horse otherwise would have accompanied them for its pleasant sport tho' very dangerous ow'g to the vast Number of Badger holes this Country is infested with. - they killed a Cow at dark Returned - a clear ? light Night - AM the above killed a Bull. - Wind Sly."

Apr. 22
" Thursday 22nd Light Airs Sly & fine Warm W. the Ground most entirely bare of Snow. only here & there Drifts in low Valleys. - a ? light Night. - AM Strong Gales NE & clear Sun shiny W. & cool."

Apr. 23
" Friday 23rd Strong Gales NE & clear sun shiny W. towards Even'g favored a Moderate breeze. - a ? light Night Cold & haze. AM Cold frosty W. - short past 9 some Cows appeared in sight. We immediately saddled our Horses & run them. a Cow & Calf was killed myself wounded a Cow as usual. I can't say but I have very bad luck."

Apr. 24
" Saturday 24th Moderate breezes varia & fine W. - but cold a sharp frosty Night & Moon [a drawing of a crescent moon] light. AM Do. W. & Sly wind .preparing to return to the House. at 1/2 past 9 AM set off on Horseback accompanied by Js Spence. We found the snow deep in places Yet which made us take many round? turns? to clear it such as following the Ridges &c &c."

Apr. 25
" Sunday 25th Moderate breezes Sly & fine sun shiny W. but cool. at 3 PM arrived at the House found all well. - a Tent of Southern Indians on the Plantation. a Moon light Night. - AM fine pleasant Sun shiny W. & clear. - 3 Men went away to fetch all the Horses to the House as Mr Walker is going to send them to the branch House with furrs. the Number of Canoes here not being sufficient to convey them down."

Apr. 26
" Monday 26th Light breezes Sly & overcast cold W. - the above Indians pitched off. a clear Moon light Night. AM overcast cold W. - toward Noon cleared up a fine sun shiny day."

Apr. 27
" Tuesday 27th Fresh Gales Sly & cold at times overcast. two frenchmen arrived. they continue here intend'g to go down to the Factory. much Water in the River a strong Current running. - a fine Moon? light Night - AM the Men arrived with all the Horses."

Apr. 28
" Wednesday 28th Moderate breezes Ely & warm overcast W. preparing to set on a Journey to the Sth branch House. towards Sunset had a smart Shower of rain & continued for great part of the Night. AM thick Snow & cold thick W. & drift Wind blow'g a fresh Gale at North."

Apr. 29
" Thursday 29th Fresh Gales Nly & drift with continual thick Snow & cold. - toward Night cleared up a little. - AM fresh Wly Gale & clear but very Cold. I suppose near 10 Inches of Snow fell this day past. the Air sharp like a Winters day."

Apr. 30
" Friday 30th Moderate breezes Wly & fine W. at times overcast PM the Air a little Warmer. where the Sun shone thawing a little. - a clear Night - AM do. breezes & fine Sun shiny W. a litle before Noon 11 Men & myself left the House with 64 bundles of Furrs on Horses to proceed to Sth branch House. 2 fenchmen from our Neighbours house joined us on the same Journey."

May 1 1790
" Saturday May 1st Moderate breezes Wly & overcast W. - about 3 PM crofsed the Turtle Creeck. on the Ground Ice. Water on her about knee deep. put up about 2 1/3 ? on to this? side. - a fine Night AM overcast looking much like Snow. about 9 pitched away, began Snowing very thick went 2 1/2 mile then put up; short after fine clear sun shiny W. warm & thawing much."

May 2
" Sunday 2nd Moderate breezes Wly & fine Sun shiny W. - toward Evening Sleet & Snow. an overcast Night toward Morning fresh Gales NNW & sharp frosty W. as the Sun rose the W. clear'd up but still continued very Cold. the snow being very hard prevented us from pitching this day."

May 3
" Monday 3rd Moderate NNW & sun shiny W. but cold - a fine Star light Night AM at 1/4 before 8 pitched in a fine Sun shiny day. wind Sly not fully so cold as Yesterday. we continued thro' tufts of Poplar most of the day."

May 4
" Tuesday 4th Fresh breezes Sly & fine W. about 1 PM Jack Lake appeared at a short distance and about 3 put up by side the Lake in a plane close to Mouth of Jack Creeck. at 20 m past 7 Walked betwixt 3 & 4 Mile away Sth along the Creeck, then crofs'd on the Ice our Course nearly ESE. I unfortunately broke my Compafs this day."

May 5
" Wednesday 5th Moderate breezes SEly & clear W. short past 1 OClock arrived at some thick Tufts of Poplar Wood a little before 3 only Stragling Tufts where we put up. Js. Spence killed 2 Bulls but neither of them were fit to eat. - a fine Night AM fine sun shiny W. thawing a good deal. it was 1/2 past 10 before we pitched. soon came to the Edge of a large plane only small Tufts of Poplar Stragling - a long ridge of hills bearing NbE of us & running along the Jack Lake. - Js Spence , a frenchman & myself went before a hunting. We killed a Bull among us having fired 9 Balls at him before he died, being really illnatured, not permitting us to come near him at all with the Horses."

May 6
" Thursday 6th Light breezes SEly & warm thawy W. it was 6 OClock before we arrived at the Tent the was very deep in this plane, made the running very fatigueing for the Horses - a clear Night toward Morning cloudy W. continual Showers of rain thro' the day."

May 7
" Friday 7th Moderate breezes NW & continual showers of rain the Air rather cool, clear'd up a little at Night AM overcast at 9 pitched away. - towards Noon Js Spence, Frenchman & myself went a head to hunt. sighting the Woods on the other side the plane before we parted from our Company. I suppose about 16 or 17 mile ESE & WNW."

May 8
" Saturday 8th Moderate breezes NEly we have a long ridge of Woods from above Jack Lake, along the plane 6 mile from you nearly. Eagle Hill again bearing SEly on to this side the River the distance rather more. 2 Cows & 3 Calves were killed this day. it was 5 when we arrived at the Tent. 2 of the Calves follow'd the Horses for 6 or 7 mile - untill their Strength was entirely exhausted. after the same manner as they would to their Mothers. short past sun set We had a shower of rain & a fresh Gale at NNW. during the Night mostly rain - AM do. W."

May 9
" Sunday 9th Strong Gales NNW & cloudy W. showers of rain and Hail at intervals. towards Evening Sleet & Snow during the Night do. W. AM overcast & a kind of Sleet or light snow at times."

May 10
" Monday 10th Moderate breezes NW sometimes rain. at other times Sleet & Snow. towards Evening cleared up a fine Star light Night. AM warm sun shiny W. at 1/4 before 7 pitched away in lefs than 1/2 an hour We arrived to the Edge of a very large plane - about 7 mile on their is 3 remarkable Knowls near a mile from the Woods to the S. we still continued along the edge of the plane. the Buffalo were very numerous. Js Spence killed a very good Cow."

May 11
" Tuesday 11th Light breezes Varia & fine warm W. the snow is mostly off the Ground. I killed a Calf on Horseback. at 3 put up by the side of a small Tuft of ? Wood. We Observed the Bloody berry hill & Lake at a distance bearing NE. our travel this day 24 M nearly on an Eastward Course. - a clear Star light Night AM at 10 OClock pitched off. - it was a considerable time before our horses could be found this day. We had excefsive hilly Ground all this pitching."

May 12
" Wednesday 12th Light breezes Sly & fair W. Js Spence Run a poor Cow & Calf myself 2 Calves. the Buffalo were very numerous before us. short past 2 We put up at a small Tuft of Wood to the Edge of another plane the bank of the river in sigh. We had a smart shower of rain & a little thunder with strong Gales at SSW. during the Night showers of rain AM cloudy W. & very warm. at 1/2 past 7 pitched away at 1/4 before 10 arrived at a deep Creeck a strong Current running in it. it was 1/2 past 10 before We got the Horses all acrofs & with much difficulty Escaped wetting the Bundles."

May 13
" Thursday 13th Light breezes Varia Sly & very warm Sun shiny W. Obs'd Mosketos flying this day. we still continued thro' a large plane having a long ridge of hills & the Woody hill on one side: the Bank of Saskachewan on to this side, a little before 4 arrived at the Woods. We put up. Js Spence killed 2 Calves. - myself for the first time a very good Cow & calf - short after our Arrival it thundered & lightened, towards Night it rained hard - AM fine sun shiny & Warm W. short past 7 we pitched away thro' Tufts of Poplar Wood. edging away for the River towards 10 OClock Arrived at the Crofsing place. put up found the Canoes from M. House not yet arrived."

May 14
" Friday 14th Moderate breezes Varia & very warm; towards Sunset Cloudy overcast W. - a cloudy Night & rain at times AM fine sun shiny W. at times overcast. The Frenchmen left us this Morning hav'g prepared a Parchment Skin Canoe since their Arrival here for the Purpose of crofsing the River."

May 15
" Saturday 15th Light breezes Wly & warm W. a fine Moon light Night - AM do. W. light breezes Varia. pitched up this Morning about 1 1/2 mile to a better crofsing place. a Frenchmen came to us in a wooden Canoe, short after And. Corigall & Wm Sebeston two Men belong'g to the Sth Branch arrived in an Indian Canoe they were hunting in the River for Beaver."

May 16
" Sunday 16th Light breezes Varia & warm W. at 1/2 past 6 PM 2 Men arrived acrofs land from branch house. they informed us that their Horses were all Stolen. & that several Tents of Indians were near & about the House now. this is bad Tidings to those among the People that have horses. - for tho' they are on the Company's Duty now We cannot demand Payment for any that may be lost. yet we flatter ourselves with the hopes that in that case your? Honors will extend your Generosity to the loosers. - a fine Night AM do. W."

May 17
" Monday 17th Light Airs Wly & warm W. (a fine Night) AM do. Warm W. the above 2 men returned to the house crofs'd the River in a small Canoe."

May 18
" Tuesday 18th Light Airs Ely & excefsive warm W. We are now living on Beaver & are entirely dependant on a small Canoe that 2 branch Men have here for our Subsistance Buffalo being very far off from us. - a Clear Night AM near 11 OClock 3 of our Canoes arrived from Manchester House. - they immediately crofsed the River? with our Furrs. - the Trees are now bud'g & the Young Grafs sprouting up."

May 19
" Wednesday 19th Light Airs Nly & clear sun shiny W. & warm. short past Noon 2 Men arrived from the branch with 5 horses which were restored from the Indians after being Stolen. towards Evening crofs'd 27 horses to carry the remainder of the furrs - AM do. W. betwixt 4 & 5 set off for the branch house. met some Southern Indians pitching up to Man. House."

May 20
" Thursday 20th Light Airs Sly & warm sun shiny W. - betwixt 1 & 2 arrived at the Edge of the South branch after going thro' a mireing place the Water up to the Horses bellies for the space of 5 or 600 yds from the Edge of a ridge of Wood to the side of the Sth branch River. - a BirchRind Canoe & a wooden one took our Furrs acrofs to the house. some Southern & Stone Indians on the Plantations found the House but very scarce of Provision. some of our bundles being Wet, several of them were opened & lay'd in the Sun to dry. The Men were emp'd here in Canoe building having 3 already finished & 3 more very near compleated. I think if I may presume to speak that Your honors Generosity is not badly bestowed on thosr Men who build Canoes. from first of the Spring these people toil Morn'g Noon & Night untill the Canoes go down. while? other people who have little or nothing to do but attend to their Wolves traps. which brings in a great many Skins to your honors. - I was much hurt to find the Trade so small here & dried Victuals so scarce at this House and the french house so much Superior both of Trade & provisions - a fine Night AM do. W. Upperhouse Men took their leave this day having some trading Goods in charge to Mr Walker - Men Emp'd gathering furrs together for Prefsing."

May 21
" Friday 21st Light Airs Sly & overcast at times but warm W. towards Evening spitting with rain a little. the Indians have been entirely Drunk ever since I arrived tho' some of them made shift to pitch this afternoon. an overcast Night AM do. W. spitting with rain at times Men Emp'd Prefsing the furrs. Indians still Drinking."

May 22
" Saturday 22nd Light breezes Sly & sun shiny W. Men Emp'd prefsing of furrs. a light Canoe with 4 Men Arrived from Cumberland House. they brought the fatal? News of the Death of Mr. Geo. Hudson hav'g departed this Life the 19th day of April 1790. - a fine Night AM Cloudy W. & rain. Indians still drinking. our fresh Meat is finished this day & we thank God there is a small Stock of dried Meat left yet."

May 23
" Sunday 23rd Moderate breezes Ely & rain at times with cloudy W. - a Cloudy Night having a dark Glimpse of the Moon at times. AM do. W. & almost constant rain. Indians still drinking. Men emp'd tying of furrs up in the House."

May 24
" Monday 24th Light breezes Sly & Cloudy rainy W. Indians still drinking - towards Night cleared up a little - I cannot but take Notice of the hardship I think an Inland Master is under when he is compelled to sit up Night after Night to attend on this Drunken Sots & serve out Liquor to them which it is true is all to the Company's Interest for without that many a Skin would go to our Neighbours that now comes to us. - AM Cloudy W. with rain. at intervals sun shining. Men Emp'd prefs'g of furrs & Mending of Canoes."

May 25
" Tuesday 25 Moderate breezes Ely & rain at times. - Emp'd prefsing of furrs & Mending of Canoes a Rainy Night AM Cloudy W. at intervals Sun shiny & clear Emp'd as before."

May 26
" Wednesday 26th Light Airs Ely & Cloudy. some the Indians pitched away this day. - a Cloudy Night - AM fine sun shiny clear W. 2 Indians Arrived from W side of the River with 2 Horses loaded with Red deer flesh."

May 27
" Thursday 27th Light Airs Ely & clear W. the Women emp'd pitch'g of the Canoes Men finished packing the Furrs this day having to the No. of 102. - a fine Moon light Night. - AM do. W. Canoe builders Emp'd at the Canoes Women pitching them."

May 28
" Friday 28th Light breezes Ely Men all Emp'd at the Canoes Women pitching them. betwixt 9 & 10 OClock Mr Walker Arrived. We were very happy to hear from Mr W. of the great increase of Trade at Manchester House. tho' I'm sorry to say that upwards of 3000 good Skins were lost for want of Goods. - a fine Moon light Night - AM Sun shiny W. the Mosketos began to be very troublesome. 2 Canoes 13 Bundles in each left the House this Morning on their pafsage for Cumberland House."

May 29
" Saturday 29th Light Airs Ely & fine W. Emp'd preparing some Canoes for the Water on the morrow. a fine Night AM light Airs Wly: 5 Canoes with 13 Bundles in each left the House on their pafsage for Cumberland House."

May 30
" Sunday 30th Light Airs Wly & fine sun shiny - a fine clear Night - AM at 1/4 before 10 OClock Mr W. and myself in one Canoe & 3 other Canoes set off for Cumberland House Wind Nly."

May 31
" Monday 31st Moderate breezes NEly & warm Sun shiny W. a little before 6 put up. a clear Night AM 1/2 past 3 set on our Voyage again at 1/2 past arrived at Mouth of Sth Branch."

June 1 1790
" Tuesday June 1st Fresh breezes ENE & Cloudy with thunder; showers of rain at times. a little before 6 put up the bad W. rather increasing. Unloaded our Canoes & turned them up. the Claps of thunder were very heavy with Light'g. smart showers of rain. Continual Rain during the Night - it was 10 OClock before We could proceed on our Pafsage Owing to the heavy showers of rain."

June 2
" Wednesday 2nd Fresh breezes NEly & cloudy W. about 1 OClock arrived at a Canadian House Mr Wm Thoughbourn? Master. We tarried about 1 1/2 hours then took our leave. short past 6 put up. we had a shower this afternoon clear Night. AM sun shiny W. at 4 continued on our pafsage - a little before 8 had a smart shower of rain & hail. - W. was Cloudy & continual hard Showers of rain thro' the day, sun shining at Intervals."

June 3
" Thursday 3rd Fresh Gales Nly & cloudy W. with continual showers of rain Sun shining at Intervals. at 20m past 4 PM pafs'd upper end of Sturgeon River & 5m past 7 OClock pafsed the lower end, the Wind being right ahead this day & that with a fresh Gale made the paddleing very fatigueing for 16 hours together. near 8 put up. towards Evening Sky cleared a little - a fine Night - AM fair W. & fresh breeze at NE. at 1/4 before set off. - at 1/2 past 9 arrived at the lower end of the little River. - the Current very fortunate for us was running up owing to the fullnefs of the River running in the Lake at 11 arrived to the End of the River."

June 4
" Friday 4th Fresh breezes NE & clear at 1 arrived at Cumberland House found all well but very indifferently off for Provisions. there was a great deal of sea in the Lake a clear Night AM fine sun shiny W."

June 5
" Saturday 5th Strong Gales Nly 2 Canoes arrived from the Branch. one unfortunate Man (Wm Sebeston) caught the Shot of another Mans Gun in his back or towards his left Shoulder. - light showers of rain & Cloudy W. an overcast Night - AM Do. breezes but clear & cool."

June 6
" Sunday 6th Moderate Gales Nly & clear Sun shiny W. towards Evening wind abated - a fine Night AM fine W. - a light breeze at SW some Indians left the House this day proceed'g with some packs of Furrs to York factory."

June 7
" Monday 7th Light breezes SWly & fair W. - James Batt & an Old Wife with 3 Bundles of Furrs arrived from M. House. - in an Indians Canoe left all well. Emp'd all this day in working about my Canoe & preparing for to proceed to York Factory. - a fine Night AM do. W. 10 Canoes of our Men with 12 & 13 bundles of Furrs in each. left the house this day to proceed to York factory & some Indian Canoes with packs."

June 8
" Tuesday 8th Light breezes SWly & fine W. - Emp'd fitting out more Canoes to take their departure in the Morning - a fine Night - AM do. W. - Mr C. Isham with 8 Canoes in Company proceeds on their way for the Factory."

June 9
" Wednesday 9th Moderate breezes Wly & fair W. at 1/2 past 12 I set off 4 Canoes in Company with orders to drive down with the Current untill Mr Walker ? Canoes should join us - We had a fair Wind from the house into the little River. at 5 OClock arrived in the Saskachewan River short after Mr W. & Malchom Rofs joined us. at 1/2 past 8 put up on the Nth side at the fishing Wire - a clear Night AM at 3 set off continued Padd'g & Sailing at intervals."

June 10
" Thursday 10th Fresh breezes NW with showes of rain and cloudy W. short after Noon pafsed by some Tents of Frenchmen at Basquaw or Paw. they were building a log Tent for Stowing of Provisions to their Nd Men. We tarried near an hour then set off again at 5 put up on the W side just below Mouth of the branch leading down the middle Trackway. rain not permitting us to proceed unloaded our Canoes & took them out of the Water. a Cloudy Night - AM fine W. loaded our Canoes a little before 3 drove down the River for 2 or 3 hours about 1/2 past 3 joined James Batt & 2 Indian Canoes going with packs of furrs to york factory. a little before 8 entered South Branch leading to the Lake where the devil beats his drum - we were fortunate in sometimes Sailing this day. as well as yesterday which is very favorable to people in a loaded Canoe. to paddle Constantly lays a very heavy strain on the Arms."

June 11
" Friday 11th Fresh Gales Wly & Cloudy about 1/2 past 2 Arrived to the Lake. Named Devil beats his Drum from a superstitious Notion of the cloven footed Gentleman doing the office of a drummer on an Island here - their was a little Sea running but as the Wind blowed fair We hoisted Sail & reefed it. set acrofs - Indians Canoes where soon forced to make for the Shore - Our Course nearly Ely acrofs the Lake. in places was particularly Shoal. in short we Stuck in the Mud at times - at 5 arrived at an old French hunt'g? house in the Cedar Lake. the Gale increasing we were compelled to put up beside a Tent of Bungee Indians - unloaded our Canoes & took them out of the Water - a cloudy Night - AM Strong Gales Wly & cloudy W."

June 12
" Saturday 12th Strong Gales Wly & cloudy W. [made observation] an Island 3/4 mile my horizon - during Night wind ceased a little AM Moderate breezes NNE & cloudy at 4 AM loaded our Canoes & set off. Wind shifting round to the NW hoisted our Sail a great deal of Sea in so much the Canoes could scarcely W. it. - about 6 came up with 4 of our Canoes & some Indian Canoes - they had been laying here two days - immediately followed after us - had a fine sail Wind mostly acrofs the Cedar Lake tho' the Sea ran high."

June 13
" Sunday 13th Light breezes NNE wind head'd us. at 4 PM arrived at Mouth of the River. Went from SE1/2E to EbS 28m & E along lower side of long point 2m NE a little Ely 19m? hav'g Nth main on one side poplar & pine Islands on to'ther - bore away E 1m to Narrow of Cedar Lake a Stony shore on each side a pine & poplar Island bear'g NW of the Narrow, some bare Sticks on Nth opposite the bay. crofsed a small fall to a Creeck adjoining the River. Lay'g SE another fall NE going down another ENE & WSW a long fall 4 minutes go'g down. - crofs'd the crofs Lake a fresh Wind at E & much Sea. at 1/2 past 5 gain'g the other side at 6 shot a fall 4m going down as mentioned above - at 1/2 past 6 arrived at big fall. carried all our Cargo up the Bank which was very steep & some part of it? 3/4 mile on the Carry'g place. - a Clear Night - AM at 2 Commenced carry'g at 1/2 past 4 got all over a 1 1/4 mile carry'g place. this is excefsive hard labour. I would not be bound to undergo the like of this Voyage (that is to say to be compelled to work as a labouring Man) not for all your honors could or would give me, as I think it is an unreasonable thing for one in the station of an Officer to labour that way & demeans your Service very much. the Canoes shot the fall from the Bason? hav'g got all to the Bottom of the fall by 1/2 past 8. We laid by the remainder of the day being all sufficiently tired. for my part in short my bones were so sore & Stiff cannot get up to Walk. indeed it would be requisite that I should serve my time at least3 years to a London Porter before I could come under the Notion of Carrying. even the very diminutive Pedlars, their Master, Clerks & Interpreters are treated like Gentlemen, not compelled to paddle or carry the least thing. - some Bungee Indians were tenting here. - Sturgeon very plentiful."

June 14
" Monday 14th Light breezes Ely & overcast W. short past 5 AM loaded our Canoes & entered the big Lake 1st? points bearing NbE & SbW 8m N & S 12m a Wide Opening from NE an Island to the SE 12 or 14 Mile Main Sand? NbE & SbW a large bay. a big Island of pine pts. ENE & SSE. - several large pieces of Ice laying on the Shore. a high lime Stone shore towards lower End 12m. to a far off pt N1/2E 12m a
Tuesday 15th
stoney beach short pts. between of high lime Stone - grow'g small pines intermixed with Young poplar to the Edge. a wide opening from N1/2E to SE 12 mile. Nth acrofs a bay 7 mile some Islands to the NE. NbW acrofs a bay open Sea at 1/2 past 8 put up at first carry'g place. finding the Inconvenience of beginning my days at Noon I commence from this time at Midnight."

June 16
" Wednesday 16th Light Airs Ely and overcast W. sun shining at Intervals at 1/4 past 6 got underway went from NE to ENE & E. round a bay. after going about 5 Mile put on shore unloaded our Canoe in a hurry a Storm appearing to arise. about an hour after abated loaded our Canoes again. continued the same as before for about 8m a Storm then arising forced us to the Shore again - short after one - showers of rain at times during the Afternoon. towards Night cleared up a little."

June 17
" Thursday 17th Light Airs Varia Middle & latter fresh breezes NWly at 4 AM loaded our Canoes & got underway Sailing along a Bay Course Varying from NE to SSE. at 9 OClock we turned the Mofsy point hav'g gone about? 20 m. hav'g? our Wind to the Nd & NNW at 1/2 past 4 arrived at Play Green - hav'g a strong head Wind from big Lake to Play green Lake. with? latter their are a great Number of small rocky Islands. - this Evening Mr Walker gave the Indians in Company whom were bringing down Furrs some Liquor agreeable to his promise.[made observation] my Watch keep'g time so bad as well as the Sextant being entirely out of Order gives me reason to judge the last Observations fully erroneus. - a little rain in the Night."

June 18
" Friday 18th Light breezes Sly & hazy W. Emp'd Watering & pitching of Canoes &c. - Jack fish are very plentiful here as well as Sturgeon. the latter the Natives shoot with a Gun & shot - a clear Night."

June 19
" Saturday 19th Light Airs Varia & warm sun shiny W. - at 1/4 before 5 AM loaded our Canoes & set out on our pafsage - went from N to NE thro' the branch to Sea River Lake. then NbE & NNE thro' it 6 or 7 mile nearly. at 1/2 past 10 entered Sea River & at 1/4 past 2 PM carried over a Rock about 60 yds good load'g & unloading. Wind shifted round to the Southward which was a fair Wind for a short distance. went over 2 Strong Ripplings, then entered narrow Branch go'g E & ENE to NE - a little before 7 crofsed another Rippling opposite Mouth of middle Track bearing WNW then entered black? Water. at 20m before 8 put up. - We had a Shower of rain this Evening."

June 20
" Sunday 20th Moderate breezes NW & cloudy W. Showers of rain at Intervals thro' this day. at 20m past 6 got underway at 7 entered hairy Lake sail'd along her go'g NE1/2E 4 or 5 mile. at 1/4 before 8 entered lower? of? Each,wew,maw,mus River a slack Current against us here at 20m past 1 OClock handed over a Beaver dam which gave us some trouble to clear away. hand'd over 7 more after this, which gave us more or lefs trouble. at 6 OClock arrived at Paited Stone - carried acrofs 100 yds & put up for the Night. had several showers of rain - a Cloudy Night."

June 21
" Monday 21st Fresh breezes NE & clear sun shinyW. at 1/4 before 5 AM got underway. We had 2 hours good paddling thro' still Water a Rocky shore on both sides towards lower End high Steep Rocks on Sth side Swamp Ground Nth pine & poplar Wood intermixed - a little before 7 entered a Namelefs Lake several Islands covered with Wood in it. our Course mostly East a little Nly it took us 2 1/2 to paddle thro' this Lake the Wind being against us & Sea Rising We entered a narrow branch of a River steering Nth near 1/2 a mile. at 1/2 past 9 arrived at white fall - the unloading was bad sinking deep in the Mud. the walking was middling good but hilly. at 1/2 past had all over near 1 mile carry'g place. a very steep hill on lower side put up for the remainder of the day our bones being sufficiently tired without proceeding further this day."

June 22
" Tuesday 22nd Moderate breezes Varia SWly & squally W. a thick Fog first of the Morning at 4 AM got underway Paddleing & Sailing at times about 7 arrived at hill Carrying Place out of one Lake into another. short past 9 got all over. a hilly & swampy Portage near 1/2 mile. continued our Cos. betwixt N E, Quarters thro' a narrow Lake near Noon pafsed the side Pine the Water particularly shoal here. bore away to the E along the side of a Lake at 1/4 past 2 OClock entered Wepenaw panish River. Went down a Spout - some Canoes handed & shot down a small fall below. a little before 3 carry'd over a Rock about 10 yds at 1/4 before 4 arrived at another carry'g Place about 80 yds. at 1/2 past 5 came out to the Holy Lake going ENE & NE 8 m. at 7 OClock put up in a small Rocky bay NW side. - ground afire all around us for many Miles."

June 23
" Wednesday 23rd Moderate breezes SW & fair W. tho' the smoke around shaded the Sun made it simular to thick Mist. at 3 AM got underway Sailed SE1/2E, Ely thro' Holy Lake about 25 m. short past 8 arrived at Paw thi pow win na peg or narrow of the Lake. Some low Country Indians were arrived from York Factory, they informed us of the Water being excefsive Shoal - in short they readily said We Would find it very difficult to reach York factory. we laid by here Waiting for Mr Walker he having gone acrofs the Lake to the SW side hav'g heard the Report of several Guns from that Quarter Suppos'd to be Indians from YF. - as we had no Pilotes. the Shoalnefs of the River made Mr W. very desirous of hireing them to direct the Channel down - towards Evening Mr W. arrived bringing several Canoes of Indians with him. as he had a Liquor he divided it out betwixt 2 or 3 of them in hopes of their complying with his Request to go down. - Wind shifted round to the NE a fresh breeze. - a Cloudy Night."

June 24
" Thursday 24th Moderate breezes Ely & cloudy W. at intervals Sun shining - laid by this day, Indians not being in a State to accompany us from Liquor. small Jack fish are very plentiful here also Suckers & Trout are Middling. a little Rain during the Night."

June 25
" Friday 25th Fresh breezes NE & cold cloudy W. River too rough to proceed this day. towards Evening had a Glimpse of the Sun. W. clearing & growing calmer."

June 26
" Saturday 26th Fresh breezes Nly & cold snowed about 2 or 3 hours this Morning very thick - PM at Intervals sunshining a few drops of rain fell."

June 27
" Sunday 27th First part Light breezes & thick W. Middle & latter clear & fresh breezes Nly & cold; sun shining; at Intervals Cloudy. 2 more Indian Canoes arriving from the Factory having some Liquor on board prevented our Pilots from going this day. make us doubtful they will deceive us at last & not accompany us down. towards Night W. very boisterous."

June 28
" Monday 28th Fresh Gales Nly & clear Sun shiny W. all the Indians Pitched away for want of Victuals but We were still forced to remain here - towards Evening Light breezes hav'g the appearance of being a fine day on the morrow - a Calm Night."

June 29
" Tuesday 29th First & latter Calm middle a light breeze at NW. at 1/4 past 3 loaded our Canoes got underway. an excefsive thick Smoke much resembling dew made it very difficult to pursue the strait Track Wounds around us all on fire these 7 days past: on entering the Trout River shoal Water & trouble stare'd us in the Face. what with the sharpnefs of the Stones like that of Knives, the many Falls & handing places, which creates so much difficulty & danger in Consequence. that its how Men get the better of it. I can say with Sorrow to myself that I received a Wound this day at the knife hand'g place that will retain its mark all the days of my Life. - the poor Men its astonishing to See the many Cuts the receive here. Carried over 3 Carrying places also hand'd down 3 falls. at 1/2 past 2 entered Knee Lake - at 7 put up on North side our Strait Course thro' this Lake ENE - a little Nly had a Sail Wind most of the way. We put up 3 or 4 Mile below Sandy Bay. Nth side - some of our Indians had killed a Moose? here of which We had our Share. - a fine Night."

June 30
" Wednesday 30th First part Calm middle fresh breezes Varia latter more moderate. 1/2 past 2 got underway at 1/2 past 4 turned knee of Knee Lake Obs'd the Compafs to stand here for 1/2 mile then run round 2 or 3 times at last steadied. had a strong head Gale most of the day. our Courses from N to E mostly ENE. at 1/2 past 4 PM at Jack Tent Creeck. - the Lake is full of Rocky Islands covered with pine. from Mouth of Jack River We had a very shoal piece of big Stones with much difficulty we cleared ourselves of them. - a fine Night."

July 1 1790
" Thursday July 1st First part light breezes Middle and latter Fresh breezes - at 3 got underway. at the End of an hour and half arrived at 1st Carrying place. from Jack Tent unto here we could not paddle otherwise than steadying the Canoe betwixt the Stones. River being exceeding Shoal - Carried all over. the littlenefs of the Water forced us to make another portage to a Rock Canoe going down the fall with 2 Bundles in the Whole near 350 yds & some of it very Ragged. the unloading on upper side Particularly so - We soon arrived at another. in short had 4 Carrying places in the River 2nd one shot the Canoe down with lumber. 4th ? half Cargo. Bags lumber &c - at? a? Shoot above the last Portage broke our Canoe on a Stone which she stuck fast on for 5 or 6 Minutes neither could any of us get out of the Canoe the Water being above our Depth all around the Stone. by the time we reached the Shore she was half full of Water nearly. We found the birch rind very much broken which took some hours to repair - at betwixt 3 & 4 OClock entered Swampy Lake - Sailed thro her at 5 arrived at Sandy bay Steering NEbN all the Canoes waiting our Arrival - one except'd Gilbert Laughton & Mag. Tate being in her she was unfortunately broke in two on the last fall Jack river the Men happily escaped with their Lives. as also all the Furrs were saved. this is the 5th time of that Canoe going down to the Factory - as it is reckoned a very good Canoe that make 3 trips certainly these Men must have been particularly carefull of one that was going her 5th trip. - this Lake Narrow & very Shoal a number of large Stones throughout her."

July 2
" Friday 2nd First & middle part fresh breezes latter light Airs NE & fine warm W. - laid by this day waiting for an Indian who arrived here from the Factory yesterday & agreed to pilot us thro' the bad Track - Lat. 55.19.30 N. there are a few Jack fish here - an overcast Night."

July 3
" Saturday 3rd Light Airs NE & cloudy dark W. had a smart shower of rain. - latter fresh breezes. at 3 got underway - soon entered hill River. being first Gang Mich. Oman our guide - such a man I think deserves Encouragement. hill River is mostly an entire fall. We had 9 Carrying Places this day put up on one a little below short burnt wood carry'g place which we shot down very easy. - Shoalnefs of the Water made us have 3 More Carrying Places than common. we knocked the Pitch off our Canoe but thank God keeped whole birch rind. - at 7 put up."

July 4
" Sunday 4th Moderate breezes NE & cloudy W. - sun shining at Intervals - carried over 7 carry'g places 4 of which more than usual. broke our Canoe this day on a fall called the flats. shooting her some shot down some hand'd here & some carried. at 1/2 past put up at the Rock - or last carrying places in hill River."

July 5
" Monday 5th Fresh breezes Ely & excefsive cold W. at 1/2 past 3 AM got underway. - continued down hill River which was very shoal the like never seen before had several hand'g places, we were forced to unload twice this day having knocked the pitch off our Canoe. at 1/2 past 1 OClock bottom of hill River bearing E & W went South for a little down Steel River then going betwixt NW? & ESE Points in both Rivers - it detained us 1 1/2 hour Pitching our Canoe, at 10m past? 6 pafs'd a small Creeck on our Right hand or E'd at 1/2 past 9 put up."

July 6
" Tuesday 6th Fresh breezes NE & overcast W. at 20m before 3 got underway & at 5 arrived at bottom of Steel river went to the N'd or NNE down Pan ifs a we chu won River. drove & sometimes Paddled at 6 PM met 2 of the Factory Boats. at 1/2 past put up at dram Gut."

July 7
" Wednesday 7 Light Airs NE & thick fog first of the Morn'g Middle & latter clear pleasant W. - 1/4 past 5 OClock AM the Tide Answering got underway - a little before 7 arrived safe at York Factory."


"Errors excepted
Thos. Stayner"


B.121/a/5

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