" A Diary of the Transactions & Occurrences at the Nippoewin House &c.
Commencing July 14th 1794
Ending [Blank] 179 Inclusive
, by James Bird in charge of the above Settlement."
July 14 1794
" Monday a fresh Gale Nly Cloudy Weather with Rain. - At 9 AM embarked from York Factory for Cumberland House with thirteen Men in four Canoes loaded with Trading Goods &c. Sailed and Track'd till 7 PM then put up at Pennycutaway."
July 15
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Wea.
John Halcro being taken very ill, obliged my sending three Men to convey him back to the Factory and fetch another Man in his stead."
July 16
" Wednesday AM light Breezes Sly - PM varied WNW part clear, part Cloudy sultry Weather
At 1 PM the three Men I sent away yesterday with one Man from the Factory arrived and at 2 PM we set off, tracked till 7 then put up."
July 17
" Thursday a strong Gale Nly Cloudy Weather with Rain in the Morning.
At 8 AM embarked tracked & Sailed till 6 PM then put up in Steel River
Past four Canoes of Indians on their Way to the Factory with Provisions."
July 18
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday
At 8? AM embarked, tracked till 6 PM then put up."
July 19
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Wly clear hot Weather
At 5 AM embarked tracked till 6 PM then put up about halfway up the tracking in Hill River."
July 20
" Sunday a fresh Breeze SW part clear part Cloudy Weather, with heavy Showers of Rain, Thunder & Lightening.
At 7 AM set off tracked till 7 PM then carried over the first carrying place & put up."
July 21
" Monday a fresh Breeze Wly clear sultry Weather. - At 10 AM embarked, paddled, handed & carried till 7 PM then put up at the still Water."
July 22
" Tuesday a strong Gale Wly part clear part Cloudy Weather. - At 5 AM embarked paddled, handed & carried till 11, when the Rain obliged us to put up till 4 PM then set off again and put up in the little burnt Wood carrying place."
July 23
" Wednesday a fresh Gale NW Cloudy Weather with Rain. - At 5 AM embarked, paddled handed and carried till 11 when the Rain obliged us to put up on the Mofsey? carrying place."
July 24
" Thursday a strong Gale NNW Cloudy Cold Weather with Rain which prevents our being able to proceed."
July 25
" Friday a light Breeze variable, part clear part Cloudy Weather
At 4 AM embarked, paddled, handed & carried till 5 PM when we arrived at the Sandy Bay in the Swampy Lake and put up."
July 26
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Wea.
At 5 AM embarked, paddled, handed and carried till 6 PM then put up at the Jack Tent."
July 27
" Sunday fresh Breezes variable clear Wea.
At 5 AM embarked paddled & Sailed till 6 PM when we put up at the Knee Lake."
July 28
" Monday a strong Gale Wly clear Weather
Too much Wind for us to proceed."
July 29
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Wea.
At 4 AM embarked, paddled, handed & carried till 6 PM then put up in the Trout River."
July 30
" Wednesday a light Breeze Sly clear sultry Weather. - Paddled till 7 PM then put up in the Weappenepanis River."
July 31
" Thursday a fresh Gale NE clear Wea.
At 4 AM embarked, paddled, handed, Sailed and carried till 8 PM when we arrived at the white Fall & put up."
Aug. 1 1794
" Friday a fresh Gale Wly clear Wea.
Carried over the carrying place and put up."
Aug. 2
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday. - At 5 AM we embarked paddled till 9 when we met Mr Tomison with eight Canoes and put up."
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"Oct. 3 1794"
" Friday light Breezes variable clear Wea.
At 10 AM embarked with eighteen Men in five Canoes lightly loaded for the Neippowin, paddled till half past five then put up."
Oct. 4
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather
At 6 AM embarked, paddled & tracked till 6 PM then put up."
Oct. 5
" Sunday a fresh Gale Wly part clear, part Cloudy Weather with Rain.
At 6 AM embarked, paddled & tracked till 5 PM then put up at the bottom of the Fall."
Oct. 6
" Monday a strong Gale Wly clear Weather
At 6 AM embarked tracked & Paddled till 6 PM then put up."
Oct. 7
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Wea.
At 6 AM embarked, paddled and tracked till 5 PM then put up."
Oct. 8
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze SW clear Weather. - At 6 AM embarked tracked till 10 when we arrived at the Neippoewin, looked out for a place to build on and erect a Tent &c to put the goods in."
Oct. 9
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Men employed helving Hatchets and putting other Tools in Order &c.
The Indians I find have all been in here with their fall Trades and are gone away for the Winter, so that where to find Hunters, or how to procure subsistance I know not, at present."
Oct. 10
" Friday a fresh Gale Wly part clear part Cloudy Weather. - Four Men getting ready to set off for Buckingham House, the rest falling Wood for building a House.
Employed a young Ind. Man who is staying at one of the Canadian Houses & sent him to look for a Tent of Indians who are living near this, and desire them to come with some Meat as soon as pofsible."
Oct. 11
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Sent four Men in one Canoe with the Pacquet two Bundles of Trading Goods &c, off for Buckingham House. the rest employed as yesterday. - The Lad I sent away yesterday with three more Indian Men arrived and brought the meat of 4 B."
Oct. 12
" Sunday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather
Employed one of the Indians of yesterday for a Hunter and they went away."
Oct. 13
" Monday a fresh Gale SE clear Weather
Mr Oman, with two Men who are unwell embarked for Cumberland, the rest employd carrying in Logs for a House. - Two Men arrived, pafsengers in a Canadian Canoe from Buckingham House, as did two Indian Men with a Little Meat."
Oct. 14
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather
Men employed building a House. - The Indians of yesterday went away."
Oct. 15
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze SW clear Wea.
Men employed as yesterday."
Oct. 16
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday, Mens employ the same."
Oct. 17
" Friday a strong Gale NW clear Weather
Men employed as before."
Oct. 18
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday, Mens employ the same."
Oct. 19
" Sunday a fresh Breeze Wly part clear, part Cloudy Weather with light Snow."
Oct. 20
" Monday a fresh Breeze SW clear Wea.
Men employed building the House &c."
Oct. 21
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday.
Men employed roofing the house. - Our Hunter arrived with the flesh of a Moose and a red Deer."
Oct. 22
" Wednesday a light Breeze SE clear Weather. - Men employed as yesterday."
Oct. 23
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Wea.
Two Men at the pit Saw, the rest employ'd building Chimney. - The Hunter went away."
Oct. 24
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same."
Oct. 25
" Saturday a fresh Breeze SW clear warm Weather. - Men employed plaistering the House. - An Indian I sent for to come and Hunt arrived, as did another & his Wife with a few Skins & a'little Meat."
Oct. 26
" Sunday a fresh Breeze SW clear Wea.
The Indian & his Wife of yesterday went away."
Oct. 27
" Monday a light Breeze variable clear fine Weather. - Sent two Men away with the Hunter, the rest employed making a Chimney and plaistering the House."
Oct. 28
" Tuesday a light Breeze Nly Cloudy Weather with Rain.
Men employed plaistering the House
One Indian Man and his Wife arrived with the flesh & Skins of 7 Beaver."
Oct. 29
" Wednesday light Breezes variable Cloudy Weather
Men employed making a Chimney and plaistering the House. - The Indians of yesterday went away."
Oct. 30
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather with Snow.
Men employed as yesterday. - Two Men came from the hunting Tent with the flesh of a Buck Moose."
Oct. 31
" Friday a fresh Breeze Ely cloudy Wea.
Two Men at the pit Saw, the rest employed getting Sleepers, those who came home with Meat yesterday return'd to their Tent."
Nov. 1 1794
" Saturday a light Breeze Ely Cloudy Cold Weather with Snow.
Men employed as yesterday."
Nov. 2
" Sunday Wind & Weather as yesterday"
Nov. 3
" Monday light Breezes variable Cloudy Weather. - Two Men at the pit Saw and the rest employed cutting down Timber Pieces &c."
Nov. 4
" Tuesday a light Breeze NE Cloudy Wea. with Snow. - Two Men at the pit Saw one laying a Floor and the rest putting up a Partition of Logs."
Nov. 5
" Wednesday a light Breeze Ely Cloudy Cold Weather.
Men at the House employed as before. those who were with the Hunter arrived with part of the flesh of two Moose."
Nov. 6
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday
The Men who came with Meat yesterday return'd to their Tent. those at the House employed falling and chopping Timber Pieces."
Nov. 7
" Friday Wind and Weather as before
Two Men at the pit Saw, one working in the House, two chopping Timber Pieces & the rest falling Logs for a Shed."
Nov. 8
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday - Mens employ the same.
Two Indian Men arrived with two Horses loaded with Meat, as did two of our Men."
Nov. 9
" Sunday a fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy Cold Weather with Snow.
The Indians of yesterday went away. also the Men who came with Meat return'd to their Tent."
Nov. 10
" Monday a strong Gale NW Cloudy Weather with Snow at times.
Two Men at the pit Saw, one chopping Timber Pieces and the rest building a Shed.
Much Ice driving in the River."
Nov. 11
" Tuesday a fresh Gale NW Cloudy Wea.
Men employed as yesterday
The River Ice set fast."
Nov. 12
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy thawing Weather with Rain.
Two Men at the pit Saw, one putting up a Partition, the rest falling and chopping Timber Pieces."
Nov. 13
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy Wea.
Men employed as yesterday."
Nov. 14
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Two Men at the pit Saw, one putting up a Partition and the rest building a Shed
The Hunters with the two Men who are tenting with them arrived & brought the flesh of 3 Moose and a red Deer."
Nov. 15
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Wea.
Men employed as yesterday."
Nov. 16
" Sunday a light Breeze Nly cloudy Cold Weather. - The two Men who came with Meat on Friday return'd with the Hunters to their Tent."
Nov. 17
" Monday a light Breeze Nly Cloudy Wea.
Two Men at the pit Saw, one putting up a Partition and the rest employed at the Shed."
Nov. 18
" Tuesday a light Breeze Sly clear sharp Weather. - Men employed as yesterday."
Nov. 19
" Wednesday a light Breeze Nly clear sharp Weather. - Men employed as before."
Nov. 20
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same. - One Man arrived from the hunting Tent for some Medicine one of the Hunters having burnt himself very much."
Nov. 21
" Friday Wind and Weather as before
Two Men at the pit Saw, one putting up a Partition and the rest employed falling and chopping Timber pieces."
Nov. 22
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Wly clear mild Weather.
Two Men at the pit Saw, two working within doors, the rest employed cutting for? Indians to come through and fire Wood."
Nov. 23
" Sunday a fresh Breeze wly Cloudy Wea."
Nov. 24
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Two Men at the pit Saw, two working within Doors, the rest falling and chopping Timber Pieces."
Nov. 25
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy Wea.
Two Men at the pit Saw, two working within doors, the rest falling and chopping Timber."
Nov. 26
" Wednesday a fresh Gale Nly Cloudy Weather with Snow.
One Man employed making Snow Shoe Frames, one putting up a Partition, two at the pit Saw and the rest cutting fire Wood."
Nov. 27
" Thursday a light Breeze variable clear sharp Weather
Men employed as yesterday."
Nov. 28
" Friday AM a light Breeze Wly clear Weather. - PM a fresh Gale N and Cloudy.
Two Men at the pit Saw, two falling and chopping Logs, one getting Snow Shoe Frames, one putting up a Partition and the rest employed cutting fire Wood.
Erected a Flag Staff."
Nov. 29
" Saturday a fresh Breeze SW clear Weather
Men employed as yesterday. - Two Men came from the hunting Tent with the flesh of two Doe Moose and a small red Deer."
Nov. 30
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday."
Dec. 1 1794
" Monday a fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather
Two Men at the pit Saw two working within Doors, two fetching home Birch for Sleds and the rest cutting fire Wood. - The Men who came home on Saturday return'd to their Tent."
Dec. 2
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Two Men at the pit Saw, two working within Doors, two making Soap and the rest cutting fire Wood."
Dec. 3
" Wednesday a light Breeze SW part clear part Cloudy Weather
Two Men working in the House, two at the pit Saw and the rest cutting fire Wood."
Dec. 4
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same."
Dec. 5
" Friday Wind, Weather and Mens employ as before."
Dec. 6
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Wly clear fine Wea.
Two Men employed making Sleds, the rest cutting fire Wood. - An Indian Man arrived for Men to fetch some Buffalo Meat."
Dec. 7
" Sunday a light Breeze Wly clear Weather
Sent four Men and Dogs and Sleds with the Indian of yesterday to fetch Meat."
Dec. 8
" Monday a light Breeze Wly Cloudy Wea.
Two Men employed making Sleds and the rest cutting fire Wood."
Dec. 9
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday
One Man making Sleds, two Men getting ready to go to Cumberland House for goods, the rest cutting fire Wood. - Those who went for Meat on Sunday arrived with the flesh of a Cow Buffalo."
Dec. 10
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as before.
Sent two Men away for Cumberland House, two making Sleds, Taylor working for the Men and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Dec. 11
" Thursday Wind and Weather as before.
Sent two Men with Dogs and Sleds to fetch Meat, one making Sleds, Taylor at Work for the Men, one putting up a Cabin and the rest cutting fire Wood. - An Indian arrived with a few Furrs and a little beat Meat & Fatt."
Dec. 12
" Friday a light Breeze Wly clear fine Wea.
One Man putting up a Cabin, Taylor at work for Trade and the rest employed cutting fire Wood. - The Indian of yesterday went away."
Dec. 13
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same."
Dec. 14
" Sunday a fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather
Mefs Thomas & Swain arrived on a visit from Cumberland House, also the Men who went away on Thursday last with some Meat."
Dec. 15
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Sent two Men with Dogs and Sleds for Meat. one putting up a Cabin and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Dec. 16
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as before.
Men employed as yesterday."
Dec. 17
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy Weather with Snow.
Men at the House employed as before, those who went for Meat arrived with the flesh of a young Bull Buffalo."
Dec. 18
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Wea.
Sent two Men with Dogs and Sleds for Meat. Taylor at Work for the Men, one putting up a Cabin and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Dec. 19
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same."
Dec. 20
" Saturday a fresh Gale Wly part clear, part cloudy Weather, with Rain.
Men at the House employed as before, those who went for Meat arrived with the flesh of young Bull Buffalo."
Dec. 21
" Sunday a light Breeze Wly Cloudy Wea."
Dec. 22
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Sent two Men for Meat, two chopping a Timber Piece & the rest cutting fire Wood."
Dec. 23
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy Weather with Snow
Two Men at the pit Saw and the rest cutting fire Wood. - In the afternoon the two Men I sent off for Cumberland House the 10 inst - arrived with two Bundles of Trading Goods."
Dec. 24
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze Wly first part clear latter part Cloudy Weather
Men at the House employed as yesterday. those who went for Meat on Monday arrived with part of the flesh of a Bull and a little beat Meat and Fatt."
Dec. 25
" Thursday a light Breeze NW Cloudy Weather."
Dec. 26
" Friday Calm cloudy Weather with light Snow
Sent three Men for Meat, Taylor working for the Men and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Dec. 27
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Taylor working for the Men and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Dec. 28
" Sunday a light Breeze Wly cloudy Weather
Two Tents of Cumberland House Indians arrived, as did a young Man from the South'd for Men to fetch beat Meat & Fatt &c."
Dec. 29
" Monday a fresh Breeze NE Cloudy Cold Weather with Snow
Taylor at work for the Men and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Dec. 30
" Tuesday a light Breeze Wly Cloudy Cold Weather
Sent two Men with the Indian of Sunday to his Tent, the rest employed as yesterday."
Dec. 31
" Wednesday a light Breeze NW clear Cold Weather
Men employed as yesterday."
Jan. 1 1795
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday."
Jan. 2
" Friday a light Breeze Wly clear cold Wea.
Taylor at Work for the Men and the rest employed cutting fire Wood.
The Cumberland House Indians of Sunday last finished Trading and went away."
Jan. 3
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Sent two Men after the Indians of yesterday to fetch Keggs? and Trade what Furrs they may have at their Tents, the rest employ'd as before. those who went away with the Indian on Tuesday last arrived with 54 Wolves and a little beat Meat & Fatt."
Jan. 4
" Sunday a light Breeze variable clear cold Weather."
Jan. 5
" Monday a light Breeze Sly clear sharp Weather
Sent three Men with Dogs and Sleds for Meat, the rest at the House employed cutting fire Wood. - The Men who went away on Friday arrived with 32 Beaver Skins."
Jan. 6
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Taylor working for the Men and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Jan. 7
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as before
The Men who went for Meat on Monday arrived, the rest employed as before.
An Indian Man arrived with a few Furrs. he slept eleven Nights on his way here and he informs me that the Indians of this & Swan River are all afsembled where he came from, with an intention of going to War on the Fall Indians."
Jan. 8
" Thursday Wind and Weather as before
Sent three Men for Meat, Taylor at Work for the Men, one putting up Shelves in the Trading Room, those who came home yesterday resting themselves and the other cutting fire Wood &c."
Jan. 9
" Friday a fresh Breeze Wly clear sharp Wea.
Men at the House employed cutting fire Wood."
Jan. 10
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday
The Men who went for Meat on Thursday arrived, those at the House employed as yesterday."
Jan. 11
" Sunday Wind and Weather as before."
Jan. 12
" Monday Wind and Weather as before
Sent three Men with Dogs and Sleds for Meat, Taylor working for the Men, one Man making Sleds and the rest employ'd cutting fire Wood."
Jan. 13
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as before
Men at the House employed as yesterday."
Jan. 14
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as before.
The Men who went for Meat on Monday arrived, those at the House employed as before."
Jan. 15
" Thursday Wind and Weather as before
Sent three Men for Meat, the rest employed as before."
Jan. 16
" Friday Wind and Weather as before
Men at the House employed as the preceeding Days."
Jan. 17
" Saturday light Airs variable, part Cloudy, part clear mild Weather
The Men who went for Meat on Thursday arrived, the rest employed as before."
Jan. 18
" Sunday light Airs Wly clear mild Wea."
Jan. 19
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Two Men at the pit Saw, one making Sleds and the rest cutting fire Wood."
Jan. 20
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as before
Sent three Men for Meat and the rest employed as before."
Jan. 21
" Wednesday light Breezes Wly cloudy Wea.
Taylor at Work for the Men and the rest employed as yesterday."
Jan. 22
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same."
Jan. 23
" Friday light Breezes SW part clear, part Cloudy Weather
The Men who went for Meat on Tuesday last arrived, the rest employed as before."
Jan. 24
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Men employed cutting fire Wood."
Jan. 25
" Sunday a fresh Breeze WNW clear Wea."
Jan. 26
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Sent three Men for Meat and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Jan. 27
" Tuesday a light Breeze NW Cloudy Weather
Men employed as yesterday."
Jan. 28
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Men at the House employed as before, those who went for Meat on Monday arrived."
Jan. 29
" Thursday a light Breeze Wly part clear part Cloudy Weather
Sent three Men for Meat, those who came home yesterday resting themselves and the rest cutting fire Wood."
Jan. 30
" Friday a light Breeze Wly Cloudy Wea.
Men at the House employed cutting fire Wood &c."
Jan. 31
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday
The Men who went for Meat on Thursday arrived, the rest employed as yesterday."
Feb. 1 1795
" Sunday a light Breeze NW clear Weather."
Feb. 2
" Monday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Sent three Men for Meat, one Man making Sleds, Taylor at work for Trade and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Feb. 3
" Tuesday a light Breeze NW Cloudy Wea.
Men employed as yesterday."
Feb. 4
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as yesterday
The Men who went for Meat on Monday arrived, the rest employed as before."
Feb. 5
" Thursday, Wind, Weather and Men's Employ as before."
Feb. 6
" Friday, Wind Weather and Men's employ as before."
Feb. 7
" Saturday a light Breeze Ely Cloudy Wea.
The Men who went for Meat on Thursday arrived, the rest employed as before."
Feb. 8
" Sunday a light Breeze NW part clear part Cloudy Weather."
Feb. 9
" Monday Wind & Weather as yesterday.
Sent three Men for Meat, one making Sleds, Taylor at work for Trade and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Feb. 10
" Tuesday a light Breeze NW Cloudy Weather with light Snow
Men at the House employed as yesterday."
Feb. 11
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as yesterday
The Men who went for Meat on Monday arrived, also one Man from the Tent the Buffalo having left them. The rest employed as before."
Feb. 12
" Thursday Wind and Weather as before.
Sent four Men for Meat, those who came home yesterday resting themselves, one Man making Sleds and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Feb. 13
" Friday a light Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather.
One Man making Sleds and the rest cutting fire Wood."
Feb. 14
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Those who went for Meat on Thursday arrived, the rest employed as before."
Feb 15
" Sunday a light Breeze Sly clear cold Wea."
Feb. 16
" Monday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Sent three Men for Meat and one to remain at the Tent in Order to remove it nearer home, as the Buffalo have left that quarter, one Man making Sleds and the rest cutting fire Wood."
Feb. 17
" Tuesday a light Breeze variable Cloudy Wea.
Men employed as yesterday"
Feb. 18
" Wednesday a light Breeze Ely Cloudy Wea.
The Men who went for Meat on Monday, arrived the rest employed as before."
Feb. 19
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Sent four Men for Meat, the rest employ'd as before."
Feb. 20
" Friday Wind & Weather as before
Mens employ the same."
Feb. 21
" Saturday a light Breeze Wly Cloudy Wea.
The Men who went for Meat arrived, with the rest employed as before.
An Indian arrived for Men to fetch Furrs."
Feb. 22
" Sunday a strong Gale NW Cloudy Cold Wea.
A Man from the hunting Tent, with the two Hunters arrived."
Feb. 23
" Monday a light Breeze Nly clear Wea.
Sent two Men with the Indian of Saturday to trade Furrs &c at his Tent. - The Man who came home yesterday with the Hunters return'd to their Tent. the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Feb. 24
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Four Men getting ready to go to Cumberland House for Goods, Taylor working for Trade and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Feb. 25
" Wednesday a fresh Gale NW Cloudy cold Weather.
Sent four Men with Dogs and Sleds to fetch up Goods &c from Cumberland House, the rest employed as yesterday."
Feb. 26
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather
Men employed as before."
Feb. 27
" Friday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Men employed as before."
Feb. 28
" Saturday a fresh Breeze SW clear fine Weather
Men employed as before."
Mar. 1 1795
" Sunday Wind and Wea. as yesterday
One Man came from the hunting Tent with the flesh of a Doe Moose and returned to his Tent."
Mar. 2
" Monday Wind and Weather as before.
Two Men getting dry Wood &c for making Soap, Taylor at Work for Trade and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Mar. 3
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as before
Two Men making Soap and the rest employed as yesterday."
Mar. 4
" Wednesday AM a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather, PM varied Nly and Cloudy
Men employed as yesterday. - One Man came from the hunting Tent with part of a Buck Moose and returned with another Man, to fetch the remainder to his Tent."
Mar. 5
" Thursday a light Breeze Nly Cloudy Weather with Snow.
Two Men chopping and Sawing a Log for Window Shutters, Taylor at work for Trade and the other Man cutting fire Wood &c.
The Man who went for Meat yesterday arrived."
Mar. 6
" Friday a light Breeze Nly Cloudy Weather
Two Men getting Wood for Canoe building and the rest cutting fire Wood."
Mar. 7
" Saturday a fresh Breeze NE Cloudy Wea.
Men employed as yesterday."
Mar. 8
" Sunday a light Breeze Nly clear sharp Wea.
The Men who went away the 25 Ult. arrived with Goods &c from Cumberland House, as did a Cumberland House Indian with a few Furrs."
Mar. 9
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday
The Indian of yesterday went away. sent two Men with him to fetch his Debts and trade what may be his Tent, two Men getting Wood for Canoe building."
Mar. 10
"Tuesday a strong Gale Nly Cloudy cold Weather
Two Men getting Wood for Canoe building one cutting fire Wood &c and the rest resting themselves."
Mar. 11
" Wednesday a fresh Gale Nly Cloudy cold Weather with Snow
Two Men getting Wooden Work for Canoe building and the rest employed cutting fire Wood &c - One Man came from the hunting Tent for Men to fetch Meat."
Mar. 12
" Thursday Wind and Weat. as yesterday
Sent two away with some Bungees to their Tent to fetch their Debt &c, two for Meat and the rest employed as before."
Mar. 13
" Friday a fresh Breeze Nly cloudy Wea.
The Men who went away with the Indian on Monday arrived with some Furrs; as did those who went for Meat yesterday, the rest employed as before. - Two Indian Men arrived who have Furrs in the House"
Mar. 14
" Saturday a light Breeze NE Cloudy Wea. with Snow
Sent one Man with the Indians of yesterday to fetch Furrs; those who came home yesterday resting themselves and the others employed as before. - The Men who went away Thursday arrived."
Mar. 15
" Sunday a fresh Gale Nly part clear part Cloudy Weather.
The Man who went away yesterday arrived with a few Furrs."
Mar. 16
" Monday a fresh Breeze NW cloudy Weather
Sent three Men for Meat, one fitting in Window Shutters and the rest cutting fire Wood &c."
Mar. 17
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as yesterday
The Men who went for Meat yesterday arrived; the rest variously employed."
Mar. 18
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze Ely part clear part Cloudy Weather
Sent four Men with Dogs & Sleds to fetch Meat and the rest employed as before."
Mar. 19
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday
The Men who went for Meat yesterday arrived, the rest variously employed."
Mar. 20
" Friday a fresh Breeze Sly clear Wea.
Men variously employed."
Mar. 21
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Mens Employ the same."
Mar. 22
" Sunday a fresh Breeze NE Cloudy Weather."
Mar. 23
" Monday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Men variously employed."
Mar. 24
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as before
Two Men getting wood for Canoe building, five carrying up Ice & the rest variously employed."
Mar. 25
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as before
Five Men getting ready to go for Pitch. Taylor working for the Men, two getting Canoe Wood and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Mar. 26
" Thursday a fresh Gale Wly Cloudy Wea.
Sent five Men to gather Pitch, one mending Kegs and the rest employed as yesterday."
Mar. 27
" Friday light Airs Sly clear fine Weather
Two Men splitting wood for Canoe building and the rest employed as before."
Mar. 28
" Saturday a fresh Breeze NE part clear part Cloudy Weather
Men employed as yesterday."
Mar. 29
" Sunday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather"
Mar. 30
" Monday Wind & Weather as yesterday.
Two Men getting Canoe Wood and the rest getting Birch for the Prefs"
Mar. 31
" Tuesday a fresh Gale NE Cloudy Weather with heavy Snow."
Apr. 1 1795
" Wednesday a strong Gale NE Cloudy Wea. with light Snow
Men employed cutting fire Wood &c."
Apr. 2
" Thursday a fresh Gale Wly clear sharp Wea.
Men employed as before."
Apr. 3
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday
One Man getting Wood for Canoe building and the rest employed as before."
Apr. 4
" Saturday Wind and Weather as before
The Men who went away to gather Pitch on Thursday last arrived; the rest employed as before."
Apr. 5
" Sunday a fresh Breeze SW clear Weather."
Apr. 6
" Monday a fresh Breeze SW part clear part Cloudy Weather.
One Man getting Wooden Work for Canoes. Taylor at work for Trade and the rest employ'd cutting fire Wood &c."
Apr. 7
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze NNW part clear part Cloudy Weather
Men at the House employed as yesterday. One Man arrived from the hunting Tent for Men to fetch Meat."
Apr. 8
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as yesterday.
Sent three Men with Dogs and Sleds to fetch Meat, the rest employed as before."
Apr. 9
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy Weather
The Men who went for Meat yesterday arriv'd the rest employed as before."
Apr. 10
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Sent three Men with Dogs & Sleds for Meat and the rest variously employed."
Apr. 11
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Sly clear fine Wea.
The Men who went for Meat yesterday arrived. the rest employed as before."
Apr. 12
" Sunday a fresh Breeze Nly cloudy Weather."
Apr. 13
" Monday a fresh Breeze NE Cloudy Wea. with thick Snow.
Our Hunters arrived."
Apr. 14
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday."
Apr. 15
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy Wea.
Men variously employed."
Apr. 16
" Thursday a light Breeze Sly clear Weather
Sent two Men with an Indian to borrow some horses to fetch Birchrind, from Indians who are tenting near this; the rest variously employed."
Apr. 17
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday
The Men who went away yesterday arrived, the rest employed as before."
Apr. 18
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Nly clear Weather
Men variously employed."
Apr. 19
" Sunday a light Breeze NE Cloudy Wea."
Apr. 20
" Monday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Men variously employed."
Apr. 21
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as before.
Men variously employed."
Apr. 22
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather
Men employed as before."
Apr. 23
" Thursday Wind as yesterday Cloudy Weather with heavy Rain
Men variously employed. - An Indian Lad arrived for Tobacco."
Apr. 24
" Friday a fresh Breeze SW Cloudy Wea.
The Indian Lad of yesterday went away and two Tents of Indians arrived with a few Furrs. - Men variously employed."
Apr. 25
" Saturday a light Breeze NE Cloudy Weather with Snow.
Men employed as before."
Apr. 26
" Sunday a fresh Breeze Sly clear Weather."
Apr. 27
" Monday a light Breeze NE clear Wea.
Sent three Men & an Indian with five Horses to fetch Birchrind; the rest employed as before."
Apr. 28
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Ely part clear part Cloudy Weather.
Four Men getting ready to go up to the South Branch for the Liquor buried there last Spring; the rest employed as yesterday.
One of the Men who went away yesterday arrived with a Horse that is Lame and unfit to perform the Journey."
Apr. 29
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze NE Cloudy Weather
Men at the House employed as yesterday. - The Indians of Friday went away."
Apr. 30
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Four Men employed repairing a Canoe and the rest pounding Meat &c."
May 1 1795
" Friday Wind and Weather as before
Men employed as yesterday."
May 2
" Saturday a strong Gale WNW clear Weather
Sent four Men in one Canoe to fetch the Spirits buried at the South Branch; the rest employed turning Canoe Timbers &c."
May 3
" Sunday light Airs Sly Cloudy Weather"
May 4
" Monday a fresh Breeze NW part clear part Cloudy Weather.
Men at the house variously employ'd
Mr Oman with two Men in one Canoe arrived from Cumberland House with some articles of Trading Goods and for Birchrind to mend Canoes."
May 5
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze NE Cloudy Weather with thick Snow."
May 6
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as yesterday."
May 7
" Thursday a fresh Breeze SW part clear part Cloudy Weather.
Men variously employed."
May 8
" Friday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy Weather.
Men at the House variously employed; those who went for Birchrind arrived having been forced to leave it with their Horses about a days Journey from this."
May 9
" Saturday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy Weather with Snow.
Men variously employed."
May 10
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Sent four to fetch home the Birchrind."
May 11
" Monday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy Weather
Men at the House variously employed; those who went away the 2 inst. arrived with six Kegs of Spirits."
May 12
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Men at the House variously employed; those who went away on Sunday last arrived with four Horses loaded with Birchrind."
May 13
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as before.
One Man employed making Canoe Work. Taylor working for the Men and the rest employed making Pimmucan."
May 14
" Thursday a fresh Breeze SSW Cloudy Wea.
Sent away three Men in one Canoe with Birchrind for Cumberland House, one Man employed at Canoe Work, one putting the Prefs in Order, one looking for Horses and the rest taking Roots."
May 15
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same."
May 16
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Ely part clear, part Cloudy Weather
Men employed making a Canoe &c."
May 17
" Sunday a fresh Breeze WNW part clear, part Cloudy Weather."
May 18
" Monday a fresh Breeze NW part clear part Cloudy Weather.
One Man employed looking for Horses and the rest scuring? a Canoe."
May 19
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same."
May 20
" Wednesday Wind, Weather and Men's employ as before. - Two Indians arrived for Tobacco and Brandy which they receiv'd and went away."
May 21
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy Wea.
One Man employed working at Canoes and the rest packing Furrs. - Ten Tents of Indians arrived with a few Furrs; as did a young Man for Tobacco &c."
May 22
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Men variously employed."
May 23
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy Cold Weather with Rain."
May 24
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Sent three Men with the Indian of Thursday to fetch Furrs &c"
May 25
" Monday a fresh Breeze Nly clear Weather
Men employed working at the Canoes."
May 26
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same."
May 27
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather
Men at the House variously employed; those who went away on Thursday last arrived with a few Furrs."
May 28
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday
One Man employed repairing a Canoe and the rest packing Furrs."
May 29
" Friday a fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather
Men variously employed."
May 30
" Saturday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Men variously employed."
May 31
" Sunday light Airs Sly part clear part Cloudy sultry Weather. - Three Tents of Indians arrived."
June 1 1795
" Monday a fresh Gale Nly Cloudy Weather with showers of Rain
Men employed pitching Canoes &c."
June 2
" Tuesday a fresh Gale Nly Cloudy Weather
Men employed as yesterday."
June 3
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy Wea.
Men variously employed. - The Indians went away. - At 11 AM Mr Wm Tomison with 11 Canoes arrived. at 4 PM went away."
June 4
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Employed packing up things &c. Four Canoes arrived from Buckingham House."
June 5
" Friday a fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy Weather with Rain
An Indian Man arrived with a few Furrs, Received his Debt &c. at at 4 PM embarked for Cumberland House; paddled till six PM then put up for Rain."
June 6
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy Weather with Rain in the Morning
At 9 AM embarked, paddled till !0 PM then put up."
June 7
" Sunday a fresh Breeze Nly clear Weather
At 2 AM embarked paddled till 3 PM when we arrived at Cumberland House."
" Copy of a Letter received from Mr Wm Tomison. Dated 6th Sept. 1794
Dear Sir
I with pleasure inform you that 3 Days ago I found a few lines left by Mr Shaw at the place where they slept all night which informed me that all was well at the upper House on the 25th of Aug., but that they were still in apprehension of danger, and by a Letter received from James Spence this Morning confirms it; the above intelligence was brought by Jas.? Findley? John Grott, the little Stone and another Frenchman in a small Canoe by Water. - I intended to have staid a few Days here and collected wood for building a House, but James Spence wishes in his Letter the greatest dispatch to be made to their afsistance, which I am under the necefsity to do as Mr Shaw and all his Canoes are now setting off from this and we must go under their protection as he has 14 or 15 Men to go ahead? on Horseback to reconnitre in case of danger, as for my part I have no Men to send a head and I believe it will be difficult to get the Canoes up as many of them are already complaining. - I am of opinion it will be necefsary to leave a Canoe load of Goods here in case of the Cumberland House Indians coming here; there will be another Settlement above this, but where I cannot tell. the above I leave to your Judgement as I do not know what number of Men may come up, or the quantity of Goods You receive. - You will please to send up half the Knives? that comes up as also any thing else that can be spared and should the bundles come that were left out of your Canoe on Andrew Flett's account please to send them up - so conclude with wishing you health and happinefs with a pleasant Winter and remain - Dear Sir
Your very hble Servant
Wm Tomison."
" Copy of a Letter sent to Mr Twatt
Nippoe Dec. 10th 1794
Dear Sir
The want of large Blankets occasions my sending down James Park and John Ballenden to fetch up some of those that remain with You; the great distance we have to go for Meat, without either Horses or Dogs to haul it home prevents my being able, at present to send more Men; I should therefore be glad (is it convenient) if you would send a couple up with some Goods; also Robert Linklatter if You can spare him to remain here and tent with the Hunters, as I have not a Man who is it fit for that purpose. - I have now sent the Hunters off to endeavour to kill some Buffalo, tho' they are still a great distance from us, but I hope however in the course of the Winter to procure a tolerable Stock of Meat.No Indians that signify have been in or heard of, since my arrival here, I have only about fifty Skins in the House and not a morsel of dried Provisions of any kind; the Bungees are all tenting within a small distance of this, but are continually supplied with every thing at their Tents by the Canadians and I am inclined to think that unlefs You can send a Person up here to go out to their Tents and receive your Credits from them, a great part will not be paid this Season
As there is more Tobacco remaining with You than you are likely to want, I wish You would be so kind as to open it and see if there is any worth sending; if there should please to send a Roll with a bundle of large Blankets the parcel of Hats, No.10 Cloth and any thing else they may be able to take.
Wishing You plenty of Provisions with a good Trade, I remain
Your humble Servant
James Bird."
" Copy of a Letter received from Mr Twatt, Dated
Cumberland House Dec. 16th 94
Dear Sir
By the arrival of James Park and John Ballenden on the 14 inst. I receiv'd your Letter which gave me great satisfaction to hear that you and all under your command were well. - I have sent No.2 of large Blankets No.10 Cloth & the parcel of Hats; Mr Oman & myself overhauld 5 Rolls of Brazil Tobacco and there is not above one Roll out of the whole that ever will be used?; As for the few Men that are here I am not able to spare any of them for we are obliged to have two sets of Nets and in different places - that and other necefsary duty keeps them employed. - I have not seen an Indian since you left this place but the Hunter and he is very little Worth, so conclude with wishing better succefs to the Companys affairs, health & happinefs to You and all your direction and remain Dear Sir
Your most humble Servant
Magnus Twatt."
" Copy of a Letter receiv'd from Mr Tomison
Buckingham House 12 Dec. 1794
Dear Sir
Your kind favor Oct. 9 I received 6 Nov. by the arrival of James Gaddy, Jas Davey, Hugh Houston & Benjamin Bruce, having left their Canoe and what they had in her at Hudson House where they waited two Days for those I sent to meet them which went no farther than the crofsing place then return'd back at the end of 21 days with the Horses almost starved for want of food; James Gaddy was fifteen Days from the Hudson House to this, after staying four Days I sent them off to bring the Goods and their own things and on the 7 Dec. one of them return'd for fresh Horses as those they had were laid up and could not travel so they were induced to leave them a little on this side Hudson House; I was sorry to find no more than 4 Canoes arrived at Cumberland House las Autumn and not the Cargoes of 2 in them? those not being dispatched in due time and the detaining the brot Men at York for other places is plain proof they wish to use every means to injure the Trade from this quarter; indeed it's a true observation the Traders from Canada made to us the other day, which was that the Hudsons Bay Company carried on this Trade as if it was drawn by a dead Horse; your small stock of Goods prevents me from giving you any advice how to manage them for a poor Man that has but little must be the more frugal of what he has - The Trade here is much short of what it was at this time last year, the want of Guns, Blankets & Beads we have already lost many Skins. for several Years past I had 25 Belts made of Beads for which I receiv'd 125 Beaver, but this Year I cannot make any. I find it's uselefs to make any indent for Traders Goods as there is so little attention to that request; God knows our Salarys are little enough when we are supplied but when we are curtailed of that, it must be still lefs - I had Wooden Work taken in the Fall for six Canoes but shall not be able to build so many for want of Men to conduct them down. I have paid more Goods for Birchrind since my arrival than would have purchased 300 Beaver. no good Birchrind can be got here occasioned by the Countrys being so often on Fire. as yet my stock of dried Provisions is very small and am doubtful I shall be able to procure the quantity I had last year; I was both at trouble and great expence before I could procure Hunters for the Winter and they are but indifferent. I have got two Months fresh Meat in the House and I want three more - if you have any thing for Eye water, please to send me a little and some blue Vitriol for nothing of the kind was in the Box sent here. - I find great waste in the Brandy and much inferior to that of last year. as for the Tobacco one half of it is rotten and the other half of it is unfit for Trade, I have only 6 small Rolls in the House. The taking of John Park from here will be a lofs to the Company of three times his Wages. I have been obliged to send out neat Liquor for want of Kegs so conclude with wishing succefs to the Companys affairs health & happinefs to You and all under your command and remain
Dear Sir
Your very humble Servant
William Tomison"
" Sent to Mr Wm Tomison
Nippoe Jan. 15th 1795
Dear Sir
I am happy in having an Opportunity of writing to you, as from last you must have concluded that we were in a very disagreeable situation; but I have the pleasure to inform you that I have been very fortunate hitherto in procuring sufficient Provisions; for this two Months past we have had Buffalo Meat, but fetched such a distance that I have not yet been able to get any Stock, which with the poor prospect I have of there being any occasion for it prevents (at present) my sending for the Spirits that was buried at the South Branch; I have only about 300 MB in the House; none of the Indians belonging to this place, that signify, have been here since my arrival nor is there any probability of their bringing many Furrs this Season; an Old Man arrived a few days since after sleeping twelve Nights on his way to the House who informs me that the Indians of this place, and Deers, Swan & red, Rivers are all gathered together (seventy Tents) where he came from, with an intention of going to War on the Fall Indians; he left them making a Pound in order to kill a number of Buffalo for their Families to eat during their absence after which they are to set off. Cumberland House also I doubt will have but a poor Trade, most of the Indians belonging to that place have been here but brought very few Furrs; and they are now tenting within thirty Miles of this.The Tobacco both here & at Cumberland is all (about 11 Rolls) entirely rotten; I brought three Rolls up with me which are so bad that I cannot get three fathoms out of them fit for Trade; the few Indians that have been here I have supply'd principally with Roll Tobacco & a little of the above made black on the outside, but should any number come in the Spring I don't know what I can do for this Article. - The little Birchrind that was taken in the Summer I have been forced to pay for before hand and intend sending for it as soon as Horses can walk in the Spring. - I should be glad to know (should you have an opportunity of Writing) whether you would wish to have new Canoes built or old ones repaired as I am inform'd that there are many Canoes at Cumberland in their present state uselef that would be good as new, with fixed bottoms.
The Medicines you sent for, I have none of, Mr Thomas, I believe, did not bring any of them as he trusted to those left at the Branch.
As to dried Provisions, this is not a place I can think of procuring much at, but however I hope if I am able to get Meat enough home for the Spring, to be able to make ten or dozen bags of Pemmucan.
Wishing you plenty of Provisions with a good Trade I remain, Sir
Your obedient
humble Servant
James Bird."
" Sent to Mr Twatt
Nippoe March 25 1795
Dear Sir
The distance we have had to fetch Meat and the fear of not being able to get sufficient home (as this a place where it cannot be got at any time) prevented my being able, till now, to spare Men to fetch up the Goods the shoalnefs of the Water occasioned my leaving with you, last Fall; nor can I at present send a sufficient number to bring all up.
I find myself very much at a lofs for a Man or two capable to going to Trade with Indians at their Tents as there is nothing to be got here otherways, and even then very little; my Neighbours (independent of the new Opposition) have no lefs than six Interpreters of the South'n & Bungee Languages employed for that purpose, who are continually running about with Liquor &c where any thing is to be got.
Please to dispatch the Bearers as soon as pofsible and send by them, two Kegs of Spirits & Goods a particular account of which, with a Letter from Mr Tomison, I have inclosed. - Wishing you a pleasant Spring I remain
Your humble Servant
James Bird."
" From Mr Twatt
Cumberland House March 2nd 1795
Dear Sir
By the arrival of your Men on the 28 Ult. I receiv'd your kind favor with the inclosed an Account of goods now sent you. I have also sent by your request two Men, John Davey & Tho. Isbister the former of which I can but ill spare there being so much work to be done at this place, on which account I hope you'll return them as soon as an Opportunity permits.
I cannot at present form an Idea of what the Trade at this House may be but it has not a very promising appearance, the few Indians that reside in this quarter are in general very poor the ground being so hunted up these many Years past.
As to Provisions thank God we have a sufficient quantity to serve over the Spring when Nets cannot be used. - I have inclosed a particular Account of the Goods now sent. Wishing you health & happinefs with a good Trade, I remain
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Magnus Twatt."
" From Mr Twatt
Cumberland House April 27th 1795
Dear Sir
By this conveyance I am enabled to write these few lines and to send the Goods up You requested in your last Letter. I have also sent a bundle of 3 point Blankets that you may get sent? for. - I am very glad you sent me an Account of the Indians Debts You received and should any more visit You I hope you will endeavour to get the remaining part; so conclude wishing you a pleasant & plentiful Spring I remain
Your humble Servant
Magnus Twatt."
" Errors excepted
James Bird."
1M102 B.148/a/1