" A Diary of the transactions and occurrences at the South Branch House by James Bird"

"Commencing Sept. 2nd 1793 Ending 1794"


"Sept. 2 1794" [1793]
" Monday a fresh Breeze Ely clear Weather At 9 AM embarked with two Canoes loaded with trading Goods etc for the South Branch House paddled till 7 PM then put up"

Sept. 3
" Tuesday a strong Gale NW Cloudy Cold Weather Too much Wind for us to proceed"

Sept. 4
" Wednesday a light Breeze NW clear Weather At 5 AM embarked, paddled and tracked till 6 PM then put up"

Sept. 5
" Thursday a fresh Gale NW clear Weather At 5 AM embarked, paddled, poled and tracked till 6 PM then put up a little below the Sturgeon River House"

Sept. 6
" Friday a light Breeze Wly clear fine Weather At 5 AM embarked, paddled and tracked till 6 PM then put up"

Sept. 7
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday At 5 AM embarked, tracked till half past 5 PM then put up"

Sept. 8
" Sunday light Breezes variable clear fine Weather At 5 AM embarked tracked till half past 5 PM then put up"

Sept. 9
" Monday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy Weather At 5 AM embarked, tracked till 6 PM then put up. - pafsed five Tents of Indians"

Sept. 10
" Tuesday a light Breeze Ely clear Weather At 5 AM embarked tracked till 6 PM then put up a little below the mouth of the Branch"

Sept. 11
" Wednesday light Breezes Wly clear hot Weather At half past 5 AM embarked tracked till 6 PM then put up"

Sept. 12
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday At 5 AM embarked tracked till 6 PM then put up"

Sept. 13
" Friday light Breezes variable clear warm Weather At 5 AM embarked, tracked till 11 when we arrived at the South Branch House, where I had the pleasure to find all well, took an inventory of the Store trading Goods etc. and charge of the House"

Sept. 14
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday Sent two Men with Horses to the other River, the rest (at the House) getting ready to set off for Cumberland House. in the evening two Men and our Hunter arrived with part of the flesh of 5 Cow Buffalo"

Sept. 15
" Sunday light Breezes Nly clear Weather"

Sept. 16
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday Early AM one Canoe arrived from Cumberland House loaded with trading Goods etc. and at Noon returned with two more for the said place; with these I have sent Birchrind for making two Canoes"

Sept. 17
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather One Man employed putting up a Partition and the rest digging a trench for Stockades"

Sept. 18
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as yesterday Sent two Men with the Hunter on hunting, the rest employed as yesterday"

Sept. 19
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Wly till the evening when it varied NW and blew strong Gale with heavy Rain Men at the House employed as before, those who went on hunting yesterday arrived with the flesh of two Cow Buffalo"

Sept. 20
" Friday a fresh Breeze NW part clear part Cloudy Weather One Man employed in the House the rest digging a trench for Stockades"

Sept. 21
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather One Man employed in the House and the rest taking up Turnips"

Sept. 22
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday"

Sept. 23
" Monday light Airs Nly clear Weather; a sharp frost last night Men employed erecting Stockades"

Sept. 24
" Tuesday light Breezes NW part clear, part Cloudy Weather Sent two Men with our Hunter on hunting, one looking for the Horses and the others making Gate Posts"

Sept. 25
" Wednesday a fresh Gale NW part clear part Cloudy Weather Men at the House employed as yesterday, those who went for Meat came home with the flesh of one Cow."

Sept. 26
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday One Man looking for the Horses and the rest putting up Stockades"

Sept. 27
" Friday a strong Gale Nly Cloudy Cold Weather Men employed as yesterday"

Sept. 28
" Saturday a strong Gale NNW Cloudy Weather with showers of Rain & Hail Sent two Men with our Hunter on hunting and the rest employed as before"

Sept. 29
" Sunday a fresh Gale WNW clear Weather The Men who went on hunting yesterday came home with the flesh of a brick red Deer."

Sept. 30
" Monday a fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather Men employed erecting Stockades - Three Indian young Men arrived for a supply of Tobacco and Ammunition"

Oct. 1 1793
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday Men employed as before The Indians of yesterday went away"

Oct. 2
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather Men variously employed. Three Indian young Men arrived for Tobacco."

Oct. 3
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Wly part clear part Cloudy Weather. One making gates and the rest variously employed. The Indians of yesterday went away."

Oct. 4
" Friday light Breezes SW part clear, part Cloudy Weather. Sent two Men with our Hunter on hunting and the rest employed as yesterday."

Oct. 5
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Men at the House employed as before, those who went on hunting yesterday came home with the flesh of 4 Cow Buffalo. - Three Indians arrived with a few Furrs; part of which they traded."

Oct. 6
" Sunday light Breezes variable clear warm Weather. - The Indians of yesterday traded and went away"

Oct. 7
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Early Am two Canoes arrived from Cumberland House loaded with trading goods; Men at the House variously employed."

Oct. 8
" Tuesday light Breezes NE Cloudy Weather. Men variously employed. - Four Indians arrived with a few Furrs."

Oct. 9
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as yesterday. One Man employed in the House, two at the pit Saw and the rest cleaning the Yard &c. - The Indians of yesterday went away."

Oct. 10
" Thursday a fresh Gale WNW Cloudy, foggy Weather. - Sent two Men with our Hunter on hunting, two at the pit Saw, Taylor at Work for the Men and the rest variously employed."

Oct. 11
" Friday a fresh Gale Wly clear warm Weather. Men at the House employed as yesterday; those who went on hunting came home with the flesh of two Cows & one young Bull Buffalo."

Oct. 12
" Saturday a light Breeze Westly clear Weather. Men variously employed. - One South'd Indian arrived for Tobacco."

Oct. 13
" Sunday a strong Gale Nly AM Cloudy Weather with thick Snow. - PM more clear."

Oct. 14
" Monday a light Breeze Nly Cloudy Cold Wea. Four Men employed cutting fire Wood, two at the pit Saw, two building a Chimney, one looking for the Horses and one planing Boards &c. The Indians of yesterday went away."

Oct. 15
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather. Men variously employed. - One Tent of Indians arrived with a few Furrs."

Oct. 16
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Men variously employed."

Oct. 17
" Thursday a light Breeze NW Cloudy Weather. Men variously employed."

Oct. 18
" Friday a strong Gale Wly clear Weather. Sent three Men with the Horses on hunting, one working in the House, two at the pit Saw and the rest employed cutting fire Wood.
At 2 PM Mefs Thompson, Vandriel & Oman with seven Men in two Canoes (loaded with eight bundles of trading Goods) arrived from York Factory."

Oct. 19
" Saturday a fresh Gale NW Cloudy Weather. One of the Men that went on hunting yesterday arrived with the flesh of a young Bull. - Two Tents of Indians arrived with a few Furrs and a little Provisions; part of which they traded."

Oct. 20
" Sunday a fresh Gale NW Cloudy Weather. The Indians of yesterday finished trading and went away. - At 9 AM Mr Thompson with one Man set off for Buckingham House, sent two Men with them to conduct them to the other River. The two Men who went a hunting on Friday last came home with the flesh of two Cow Buffalo."

Oct. 21
" Monday Calm clear Weather. Two Men at the pit Saw and the rest variously employed. Late in the evening the two Men I sent with Mr Thompson arrived."

Oct. 22
" Tuesday light Breezes Nly Cloudy Cold Weather. Men variously employed.
On opening a Roll of Tobacco, which has been here during the Summer, I found it to be entirely rotten and unfit to offer any Indian, therefore had it thrown into the River; also opened a Roll brought up this year, which is much damaged and in its present state no Indian will trade it."

Oct. 23
" Wednesday a fresh Gale Nly Cloudy Weather with thick Snow. - Men variously employed within Doors. - One South'd Indian Man arrived with a few Furrs."

Oct. 24
" Thursday a fresh Gale Nly Cloudy Weather with Snow at times. Men employed fetching home Grafs and laying up Canoes. - Much Ice driving in the River."

Oct. 25
" Friday a fresh Breeze NW part clear, part Cloudy Weather. Men variously employed. - The River Ice set fast a breast the House."

Oct. 26
" Saturday light Breezes NW Cloudy Weather with Snow at times. Men employed cutting fire Wood and cleaning the Yard. - Two South'd Indian Men and Women arrived from below with a few Furrs."

Oct. 27
" Sunday fresh Breezes Wly clear Weather."

Oct. 28
" Monday light Breezes Nly Cloudy Weather. One Man employed at the House, two at the pit Saw and the rest cutting fire Wood. Five and twenty Canadians set off to build a House at the other River opposite to this place. The Indians of Saturday went away and our Hunter set off with them."

Oct. 29
" Tuesday light Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather. Sent James Morrowick and two Men with Horses on hunting; the rest employed as yesterday. A young Indian arrived from below who I have engaged for a Hunter."

Oct. 30
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Men at the House employed as before."

Oct. 31
" Thursday light Airs variable Cloudy Weather with light Snow. - Men at the House employed as before; those who went a hunting on Tuesday arrived with the flesh of three Cows."

Nov. 1 1793
" Friday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy Weather. Men employed as before."

Nov. 2
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather with thick sleet. Three Men getting ready to go out with the Hunter one working in the House and the rest cutting fire Wood."

Nov. 3
" Sunday light Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather inclinable to Snow. - Sent three Men with the Hunter to tent out and kill Buffalo."

Nov. 4
" Monday light Breezes variable clear Weather. One Man employed in the House, two at the pit Saw and the rest cutting fire Wood. Three? South'd Indians and their families arrived well loaded with Furrs."

Nov. 5
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather. Men employed as yesterday. - The Indians of yesterday traded and went away."

Nov. 6
" Wednesday light Breezes Nly Cloudy Cold Weather. Early AM two Men arrived from Buckingham House. Men employed as yesterday."

Nov. 7
" Thursday light Breezes NE Cloudy Wea. Sent two Men to fetch Meat and the rest employed as before. - An Indian Lad arrived."

Nov. 8
" Friday a fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather. Sent one Man with the Indian on yesterday to fetch Furrs, and the rest employed as before; those who went for Meat yesterday came home with the flesh of two Cows."

Nov. 9
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Sent five Men with Horses and Dogs to fetch Meat. the rest employed cutting fire Wood and cleaning the Yard."

Nov. 10
" Sunday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy Weather with Snow. - The Men who went for Meat yesterday came home with the flesh of 4 Cows."

Nov. 11
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Men at the House employed cutting fire Wood. Two South'd Indian Men and Women arrived with a few Furrs, part of which they traded."

Nov. 12
" Tuesday fresh Breezes Wly clear Weather. Sent six Men with Horses to fetch Meat and the rest employed cutting fire Wood. - The Man I sent to fetch Furrs, on Saturday last arrived."

Nov. 13
" Wednesday fresh Breezes Wly Cloudy Weather. Men at the House variously employed, those who went for Meat yesterday arrived with the flesh of 6 Cows."

Nov. 14
" Thursday fresh Breezes WNW first part clear latter part Cloudy Weather with thick Snow. Sent six Men with Horses and Dogs to fetch Meat and the rest variously employed. - The Indians of Monday finished trading and went away."

Nov. 15
" Friday light Breezes Wly Cloudy Weather. Sent six Men with Horses for Meat; those who went away yesterday came home with the flesh of 5 Cows."

Nov. 16
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Men at the House employed cutting fire Wood and cleaning the Yard those who went for Meat yesterday, with the Hunter, came home and brought the flesh of 6 Cows."

Nov. 17
" Sunday Wind and Weather as before."

Nov. 18
" Monday Wind and Weather as before. Six Men getting ready to go for pitch, two set off to fetch Meat, two at the pit Saw and the rest variously employed. - Our Hunter went away to the other River on a visit to his Friends."

Nov. 19
" Tuesday a fresh Gale NW Cloudy Weather with showers of Snow. Sent six Men away to gather Pitch, two at the pit Saw and the rest employed cutting fire Wood. those who went for Meat yesterday came home with the flesh of two Cows."

Nov. 20
" Wednesday light Breezes Wly part clear, part Cloudy Weather. Sent six Men to fetch Meat and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."

Nov. 21
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Men at the House employed as yesterday. those who went for Meat came home with the flesh of 8 Cows."

Nov. 22
" Friday fresh Breezes Wly clear Weather. Sent three Men with Horses for Meat and the rest hauling home and cutting fire Wood."

Nov. 23
" Saturday light Breezes NW Cloudy warm Weather. - Men at the House employed cutting fire Wood and cleaning the yard; those who went for Meat yesterday came home with the flesh of 2 Cows."

Nov. 24
" Sunday a fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy Cold Weather."

Nov. 25
" Monday light Breezes Wly Cloudy rimy Weather. - Sent seven Men with Horses for Meat; the two Men at the House employed cutting fire Wood."

Nov. 26
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Men at the House employed as yesterday; those who went for Meat came home with the flesh of 6 Cows."

Nov. 27
" Wednesday fresh Breezes NW Cloudy warm Weather. - Two Men at the pit Saw, Taylor at Work for the Men and the rest employed falling fire Wood."

Nov. 28
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather. Men employed falling and hauling home fire Wood."

Nov. 29
" Friday a light Breeze Ely Cloudy Cold Wea. Men employed as yesterday."

Nov. 30
" Saturday light Breezes Ely Cloudy Weather with light Snow. - Men employed cutting fire Wood and cleaning the Yard."

Dec. 1 1793
" Sunday light Breezes Wly Cloudy Weather. One Man arrived from the hunting Tent for Men to fetch Meat."

Dec. 2
" Monday fresh Breezes NW clear Weather. Sent seven Men for Meat and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."

Dec. 3
" Tuesday light Breezes Ely Cloudy Weather. Men at the House employed cutting fire Wood; those who went for Meat yesterday arrived, as did an Old Indian Man with his Family. Received the flesh of 6 Cows."

Dec. 4
" Wednesday a strong Gale Ely Cloudy Weather with Snow. Men variously employed."

Dec. 5
" Thursday light Airs Wly Cloudy Weather with light Snow. - Sent six Men with Horses for Meat & the rest employed cutting firewood."

Dec. 6
" Friday fresh Breezes Ely Cloudy Weather with Snow. Men at the House employed falling fire Wood; those who went for Meat yesterday arrived with the flesh of 5 Cows."

Dec. 7
" Saturday light Airs variable Cloudy warm Weather. Men employed cutting firewood and cleaning the Yard."

Dec. 8
" Sunday light Breezes Ely Cloudy Weather with Snow."

Dec. 9
" Monday light Breezes Wly Cloudy Weather with light Snow. - Sent two Men for Meat and the rest employed cutting firewood."

Dec. 10
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Sent three Men with Dogs for Meat, those at the House employed as before. - The Men who went for Meat yesterday came home with the flesh of 1 Cow."

Dec. 11
" Wednesday fresh Breezes Wly Cloudy Weather. Men at the House employed cutting fire Wood &c; those who went for Meat yesterday came home with the flesh of 2 Cow Buffalo."

Dec. 12
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Sent seven Men with Horses and Dogs for Meat; also John Irvin & Nicholas Leith? for Buckingham House; the rest of the Men employed cutting fire Wood &c."

Dec. 13
" Friday light Breezes SW part clear, part Cloudy Weather. - The Men who went for Meat yesterday arrived with the flesh of 5 Cows. those at the House employed cutting fire Wood &c."

Dec. 14
" Saturday light Breezes NW Cloudy Weather. Men employed cutting fire Wood & cleaning the Yard."

Dec. 15
" Sunday fresh Breezes Wly clear Weather. About two PM Magnus Twatt arrived from Cumberland House, with a Pacquet &c."

Dec. 16
" Monday a fresh Gale Wly part clear part Cloudy Weather. - One Man repairing the handles of Saws brought by Magnus Twatt, three set off with Horses for Meat and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."

Dec. 17
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Mens employ the same; those who went for Meat yesterday arrived with the flesh of 3 Cows."

Dec. 18
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather. Early AM Magnus Twatt set off for Cumberland House, as did three Men for Meat, who returned with the flesh of 3 Cows."

Dec. 19
" Thursday a strong Gale Wly part Cloudy, part clear Weather. - Sent four Men with Horses and Dogs for Meat, also to an Indian Tent for beat meat & Fatt (who returned in the evening); the rest employed falling fire Wood."

Dec. 20
" Friday fresh Breezes Wly clear warm Weather. Sent four Men with Horses and Dogs to fetch Meat. Taylor working for the Men and the rest employed cutting fire Wood and a Water Hole. - The Men who went for Meat yesterday, with one Man from the Tent arrived and brought the flesh of 3 Cows."

Dec. 21
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Men at the House employed cutting fire Wood and cleaning the Yard; those who went for Meat yesterday came home with the flesh of 4 Cows. - The Man who came from the hunting Tent yesterday went away."

Dec. 22
" Sunday light Breezes Nly Cloudy cold Weather with Snow."

Dec. 23
" Monday light Breezes Nly Cloudy Weather. Taylor at Work for the Men, the rest employed falling cutting and hauling home fire Wood."

Dec. 24
" Tuesday fesh Breezes Wly Cloudy Weather. Men employed as yesterday."

Dec. 25
" Wednesday light Breezes Nly clear fine Weather."

Dec. 26
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Men employed cutting a little fire Wood."

Dec. 27
" Friday light Breezes Wly part clear part Cloudy Weather. Taylor at Work for the Men and the rest employed falling fireWood."

Dec. 28
" Saturday a fresh Breeze NW part clear, part Cloudy Weather. - Men employed cutting fire Wood and cleaning the Yard."

Dec. 29
" Sunday light Breezes Wly clear Weather. An Indian Man and his Wife arrived with a few Wolves Skins and little dried Provisions."

Dec. 30
" Monday light Breezes Nly Cloudy cold Wea. Sent two Men for Meat and the rest employed falling fire Wood. - The Indian of yesterday went away."

Dec. 31
" Tuesday light Breezes Wly clear Weather. Men at the House employed cutting and hauling home fire Wood; those who went for Meat yesterday came home with the flesh of a Cow Buffalo."

Jan. 1 1794
" Wednesday light Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather."

Jan. 2
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Sent three Men for Meat and the rest employed falling fire Wood."

Jan. 3
" Friday fresh Breezes Wly clear Weather. Five Men getting ready to go down and meet Mr Rofs with Goods at the Nippoewinnic, the rest went away to fetch home Meat; those who went for Meat yesterday came home with the flesh of 2 Cows."

Jan. 4
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Three Men employed cutting fire Wood; those who went for Meat yesterday came home, as did two more from the Tent with the flesh of two Cows."

Jan. 5
" Sunday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy cold Weather. One Tent of Indians arrived with a small quantity of Provisions; part of which they traded; also a young Indian lad arrived for Men to fetch Furrs."

Jan. 6
" Monday a fresh Breeze Sly AM Cloudy Weather with Snow - PM clear. Sent two Men with the Indian of yesterday for Furrs, four with Horses for Meat and the rest employed hauling home firewood."

Jan. 7
" Tuesday light Breezes Wly clear fine Weather. Sent away five Men with Horses and Dogs loaded with trading Goods, to meet Mr Rofs at the Nippoewinnick ware there are are two Canadian Houses in opposite interest; Men at the House employed cutting fire Wood; those who went for Meat yesterday came home with the flesh of 4 Cows."

Jan. 8
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy Weather. Men employed falling fire Wood."

Jan. 9
" Thursday a fresh Breeze NW clear sharp Weather. Men employed cutting fire Wood."

Jan. 10
" Friday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather. Sent three Men with Horses for Meat, and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."

Jan. 11
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather. Men at the House employed cutting fire Wood; those who went for Meat yesterday came home with the flesh of 3 Cows. - late in the evening the Men who went to fetch Furrs on Monday last arrived; as did four Indian Men and Women from below with a few Furrs; part of which they traded."

Jan. 12
" Sunday a strong Gale NW Weather Cloudy and clear alternately."

Jan. 13
" Monday fresh Breezes Wly Cloudy Weather. Men employed falling fire Wood."

Jan. 14
" Tuesday a strong Gale NW part clear, part Cloudy Weather. - Sent four Men with Horses for Meat and the rest employed cutting fire Wood. The Indians of Saturday finished trading and went away."

Jan. 15
" Wednesday a light Breeze Nly Cloudy Weather. Men at the House employed as yesterday; those who went for Meat yesterday came home with the flesh of 3 Cows."

Jan. 16
" Thursday light Breezes variable Cloudy, mild Weather. - Sent one Man with a Horse to fetch Meat who returned in the evening; the rest employed cutting fire Wood."

Jan. 17
" Friday fresh Breezes Wly Cloudy Weather. Sent three Men with Horses for Meat and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."

Jan. 18
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday. The Men who went for Meat yesterday with those who were at the Tent came home and brought the flesh of 3 Cow Buffalo; Men at the House employed hauling home and cutting fire Wood."

Jan. 19
" Sunday light Breezes NW Cloudy mild Wea."

Jan. 20
" Monday a fresh Breeze Wly clear warm Wea. Taylor at Work for Trade and the rest employed falling fire Wood."

Jan. 21
" Tuesday a light Breeze NW Cloudy Weather. Taylor at Work for Trade, two Men making Soap and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."

Jan. 22
" Wednesday AM light Airs variable with Snow. - PM a strong Gale NW Cloudy cold Weather. - Men employed falling fire Wood and making Soap."

Jan. 23
" Thursday a fresh Gale NW clear sharp Wea. Men employed as before."

Jan. 24
" Friday a fresh Gale NNE Cloudy Cold Wea. Taylor at work for Trade. two Men making Soap and the rest cutting fire Wood."

Jan. 25
" Saturday a fresh Gale NE Cloudy cold Weather with Snow. Taylor at Work for the Men and the rest employed cutting fire Wood and cleaning the Yard."

Jan. 26
" Sunday a light Breeze Wly clear Weather. Late in the evening two of the Men that went to meet Mr Rofs arrived, after having waited seven days ware the Canadian Houses are, without any persons arriving there to meet them, when they were obliged to leave the Goods with the other three Men and return as they had scarcely sufficient Provisions left to enable them to reach the House; on their Journey home, about three days from this place, they had the Misfortune to lose their Horses."

Jan. 27
" Monday light Breezes NW clear sharp Weather. Taylor working for Trade and the rest employed falling fire Wood."

Jan. 28
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Men employed cutting fire Wood &c. Two young Indians arrived with a few Skins which they traded and went away."

Jan. 29
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather. Men at the House employed as before. Late in the evening two Men arrived from Mr Rofs who informs me that the Indians have left that quarter so that he has not been able to engage a Hunter and therefore it will be impofsible for him to remain there longer than till People arrived from this to fetch up the Goods."

Jan. 30
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Four Men getting ready to fetch up the Goods from Mr Rofs and the rest employed cutting fire Wood. One young arrived with a few Skins."

Jan. 31
" Friday fresh Breezes SE part clear, part Cloudy Weather. - Sent four Men with a little Provisions &c down to Mr Rofs, and to bring up the Goods, also two to look for their Horses; the rest employed cutting fire Wood. The Indian of yesterday traded and went away."

Feb. 1 1794
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Sly Cloudy Weather with Snow at times. Men employed cutting fire Wood and cleaning the Yard."

Feb. 2
" Sunday light Breezes Nly clear fine Weather."

Feb. 3
" Monday a fresh Breeze Sly Cloudy Weather. Taylor at Work for Trade and the rest employed falling fire Wood."

Feb. 4
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Sly Cloudy Weather with Snow till the evening when it came clear. Men employed hauling home and cutting fire Wood."

Feb. 5
" Wednesday light Breezes SE clear Weather. Men employed as yesterday."

Feb. 6
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather with Snow at times. Men employed cutting fire Wood. Two Men arrived with a Pacquet &c from Mr Tomison."

Feb. 7
" Friday light Breezes Wly clear fine Weather. Taylor at Work for Trade and the rest employed hauling home fire Wood."

Feb. 8
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Men employed cutting fire Wood and cleaning the Yard."

Feb. 9
" Sunday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy Weather with Snow at times."

Feb. 10
" Monday a fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy Weather. Men employed hauling home fire Wood."

Feb. 11
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze SW clear sharp Weather. Men employed as before. - Late in the evening the two Men who went to look for their Horses (the 31st Ult.) arrived having found only one."

Feb. 12
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze Wly clear sharp Wea. Men employed as before."

Feb. 13
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy Weather. Men employed as before. - One Indian Man with his family arrived and brought a few Furrs which they traded."

Feb. 14
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Men employed hauling home fire Wood. - In the evening the? Men who went away the 31st Ult. arrived with the Goods &c from Nippoewinnic."

Feb. 15
" Saturday light Breezes Wly clear warm Weather. Men employed cutting fire Wood and cleaning the Yard; the two who came from Buckingham House getting ready to set off tomorrow."

Feb. 16
" Sunday a fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy Weather with light Snow. - Two Men set off with Dogs and Sleds loaded with trading Goods for Buckingham House; the Indians of Thursday last also went away."

Feb. 17
" Monday a fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather with light Snow. Men employed hauling home fire Wood."

Feb. 18
" Tuesday light Breezes Nly clear sharp Weather. Men variously employed."

Feb. 19
" Wednesday light Breezes Nly Cloudy cold Weather. - Men employed hauling home fire Wood."

Feb. 20
" Thursday a strong Gale NE Cloudy Weather with Snow and drift. Men variously employed within Doors."

Feb. 21
" Friday a fresh Gale NE part clear, part Cloudy Weather with Snow. Men employed hauling home fire Wood."

Feb. 22
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Men employed hauling home fire Wood and cleaning the Yard."

Feb. 23
" Sunday a fresh Gale NE part clear, part Cloudy Weather with Snow."

Feb. 24
" Monday a fresh Breeze Wly clear sharp Weather. Men employed hauling home fire Wood &c."

Feb. 25
" Tuesday Wind variable NW Cloudy Weather with Snow. - Men employed as before."

Feb. 26
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather with Snow. - Men employed as before."

Feb. 27
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather with Snow. - Men employed as before."

Feb. 28
" Friday a fresh Breeze Cloudy rimy Wea. Men employed as before."

Mar. 1 1794
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Men employed hauling home fire Wood and cleaning the Yard."

Mar. 2
" Sunday a light Breeze NW clear sharp Weather."

Mar. 3
" Monday light Airs Wly clear sharp Weather. Sent two Men away to look for Indians who are pounding Buffalo at the other River and receive their debts, Taylor working for the Men and the rest employed hauling home fire Wood."

Mar. 4
" Tuesday a fresh Gale NW Cloudy Weather with Snow. - Men employed falling fire Wood."

Mar. 5
" Wednesday a fresh Gale NW Cloudy warm Weather. - Men employed as yesterday."

Mar. 6
" Thursday a fresh Breeze SW clear warm Wea. The Men who went away on Monday last arrived without having been able to find the Indians. Men at the House employed as before."

Mar. 7
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Men employed falling fire Wood. Two South'd Indians arrived from below for Men to fetch Furrs."

Mar. 8
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Wly clear wine Wea. Men employed hauling home fire Wood."

Mar. 9
" Sunday light Breezes Wly Cloudy warm Wea."

Mar. 10
" Monday light Breezes Nly Cloudy Weather. Sent two Men away with the Indians of Friday last to fetch Furrs; the rest employed carrying and hauling home fire Wood. - One Indian Man and his Wife arrived with a little beat Meat and Fatt, which they traded."

Mar. 11
" Tuesday AM a fresh Breeze Ely - PM varied Sly. Cloudy warm Weather. Two Men employed hauling home fire Wood with a Horse, and the rest carrying up Ice to put in the Victual Shed. - The Indians of yesterday went away and one Young Man arrived carrying a few Skins."

Mar. 12
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze SW Cloudy Weather. Men employed hauling home fire Wood. The Indian of yesterday went away."

Mar. 13
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather. Men employed hauling home Wood for drying Meat. - Two Indian Men arrived with a few Furrs; which they traded and went away."

Mar. 14
" Friday a fresh Breeze SW Cloudy Weather. About 10 AM the Men who went to fetch Furrs on Monday last, arrived with five Tents of Indians who appear to be tolerable well gooded. - These Indians traded, last fall at a Canadian House situated in the red Deers Lake, to which place they flew, for fear of being pursued by the Friends of those they so barbarously Murdered last Summer, and have been afraid, till now, to venture to come to this House."

Mar. 15
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Men employed cleaning the yard."

Mar. 16
" Sunday light Breezes Nly Cloudy Weather. Part of the Indians traded and went away."

Mar. 17
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Eight Men getting ready to go for Canoe Wood and Pitch, one drying Meat, two looking for the Horses and the rest tying up Furrs &c. - The Indians traded and went away; sent a Man with them to fetch a Tent."

Mar. 18
" Tuesday light Breezes NE clear fine Weather. Sent six Men to get Wooden Work for Canoes and three to gather Pitch; the rest variously employed. - The Man who went away with the Indians yesterday arrived with a Tent and a little Fatt."

Mar. 19
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze SW clear Weather. Taylor working for the Men and the rest variously employed. - An Indian Lad arrived for Tobacco."

Mar. 20
" Thursday a light Breeze Sly part clear, part Cloudy Weather. - Men at the House employed as before. - The Indian of yesterday went away."

Mar. 21
" Friday a fresh Breeze SW clear Weather. Men at the House variously employed. One Tent of Indians arrived with a few Furrs and a little Fatt, part of which, they traded."

Mar. 22
" Saturday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy Weather. Men at the House employed cleaning the Yard &c. those who went for Canoe Wood and Pitch on Tuesday last arrived with a small quantity of each. - The Indians of yesterday traded and went away."

Mar. 23
" Sunday a light Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather."

Mar. 24
" Monday a fresh Breeze SW part clear, part Cloudy Weather. - Sent five Men with Horses to take home Canoe Wood, two to split out Gunnels and the rest variously employed at the House."

Mar. 25
" Tuesday a strong Gale Wly Cloudy Weather. Early AM the Men who went away yesterday arrived, and seven Horses loaded with Wood; Men at the House employed hauling home Wood for drying Meat. - Five Indian Men arrived with a little dryed Provisions which they traded and went away."

Mar. 26
" Wednesday a strong Gale Ely Cloudy Wea. Taylor working for the Men, one Man drying Meat and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."

Mar. 27
" Thursday a fresh Breeze NE Cloudy cold Weather. Sent two Men to take Juniper for Canoe Timbers (who returned in the evening) Taylor at work for Trade, one Man drying Meat and the rest hauling home dry? Wood."

Mar. 28
" Friday a fresh Breeze SE first part Cloudy, latter part, clear fine Weather. Sent two Men to look for the Horses; who returned in the evening and informed me that they were all stolen; the rest of the Men employed as yesterday."

Mar. 29
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Sly clear Weather. Men employed cutting fire Wood and cleaning the Yard. - Three Indian Men and two Women arrived with a few Furrs part of which they traded."

Mar. 30
" Sunday a fresh Gale WSW Weather Cloudy and clear alternately. The Indians of yesterday finished trading and went away; and in the evening a young Lad arrived for Tobacco."

Mar. 31
" Monday a fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather. Three Men planing Wooden Work for Canoes and the rest employed fetching home Birch for Mallets and Wedges."

Apr. 1 1794
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze ESE clear Weather. Men employed as yesterday."

Apr. 2
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze Sly first part clear latter part Cloudy Weather with Thunder and Rain. - Three Men employed planing Wooden Work for Canoes and the rest making Mallets and Wedges for the Prefs. At 4 PM the River Ice gave way abreast the House and drove down for about half an hour when for want of a sufficient quantity of Water it was stopped."

Apr. 3
" Thursday a fresh Gale Sly part clear, part Cloudy Weather. - Men variously employed. The River Ice made another movement but was soon stopped."

Apr. 4
" Friday a fresh Breeze SW Cloudy Weather. Men employed as before."

Apr. 5
" Saturday a fresh Gale NE Cloudy Weather with Snow. - Men employed cutting fire Wood and cleaning the Yard."

Apr. 6
" Sunday a light Breeze NE Cloudy Weather."

Apr. 7
" Monday a fresh Gale NE Cloudy Weather. Three Men employed planing Wooden Work for Canoes and the rest packing Furrs."

Apr. 8
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather. Men employed as yesterday. - The Ice cleared out of the River."

Apr. 9
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Mens employ the same. - Two Tents of Indians arrived from acrofs the River with a few Furrs."

Apr. 10
" Thursday a fresh Breeze SW Cloudy warm Weather. - Men variously employed."

Apr. 11
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Mens employ the same."

Apr. 12
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather. Men employed cutting fire Wood and cleaning the Yard."

Apr. 13
" Sunday a fresh Gale Ely part clear, part Cloudy Weather."

Apr. 14
" Monday a fresh Gale ESE clear Weather. Men variously employed. - Gave the Indians of Wednesday last supplys of Ammunition and Tobacco &c for the Summer and they went away."

Apr. 15
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze SE clear Weather. Three Men employed planing Wooden Work for Canoes and the rest sewing Pimmecan Bags. One of the Indians that went away yesterday came back with his Family to stay at the House."

Apr. 16
" Wednesday a strong Gale Wly part clear, part Cloudy Weather. Three Men employed planing Wooden Work for Canoes and the rest employed making Pimmecan &c. - Made 20 Bags."

Apr. 17
" Thursday a strong Gale Wly clear Weather. Men variously employed."

Apr. 18
" Friday a fresh Breeze NE part clear, part Cloudy Weather. - Sent six Men for Roots and the rest employed cutting fire Wood &c."

Apr. 19
" Saturday a strong Gale Nly part clear part Cloudy Weather. - Men employed as yesterday."

Apr. 20
" Sunday a fresh Breeze NE clear Weather."

Apr. 21
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Three Men employed planing Wooden Work for Canoes, six went for Roots and returned in the evening; the rest employed as before."

Apr. 22
" Tuesday a fresh Gale NE Cloudy Weather with light Snow. - Men variously employed."

Apr. 23
" Wednesday a strong Gale NE with heavy showers of Snow and Hail. Men variously employed within Doors."

Apr. 24
" Thursday a strong Gale NE Cloudy Weather. Men variously employed."

Apr. 25
" Friday a fresh Breeze NE clear Weather Men employed as before."

Apr. 26
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather. Men employed cutting fire Wood and cleaning the Yard."

Apr. 27
" Sunday a fresh Gale SW Cloudy sultry Weather."

Apr. 28
" Monday a fresh Gale NW Cloudy Weather. Men variously employed. - Seven Indian Men arrived with a few Furrs."

Apr. 29
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy Cold Weather with Snow. - Men variously employed."

Apr. 30
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze Ely part clear, part Cloudy Weather. - Men employed as before."

May 1 1794
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Wea. Men employed as before."

May 2
" Friday a fresh Breeze NE part clear part Cloudy Weather. - Men employed as before."

May 3
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Men employed cutting fire Wood and cleaning the Yard."

May 4
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday."

May 5
" Monday a fresh Breeze Nly clear Weather. People employed building a Canoe."

May 6
" Tuesday Wind, Weather and Mens employ as yesterday."

May 7
" Wednesday a light Breeze SW clear fine Weather. - Men employed as before."

May 8
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Mens employ the same."

May 9
" Friday a fresh Breeze SW part clear part Cloudy Weather with Rain in the evening. Men employed working at the Canoes."

May 10
" Saturday a fresh Breeze SE part clear, part Cloudy Weather. - Men employed as yesterday."

May 11
" Sunday a fresh Breeze SW clear warm Wea. One Stone Indian arrived (from acrofs the other River) for Tobacco."

May 12
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Sent four Men and an Indian who is staying at the House away with the Stone Indian of yesterday to fetch some Horses said to have been stolen from Buckingham House; the rest of the Men employed as last Week."

May 13
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Sly clear hot Weather. Men employed as before."

May 14
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze SSW part clear, part Cloudy, sultry Weather. Men employed as before."

May 15
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday. The four Men and Indian who went with the Stone Indian on Monday last, arrived with four Horses we suppose belong to Buckingham House. Men at the House employed as before."

May 16
" Friday AM light Breezes Sly - PM varied WNW part clear part Cloudy sultry Weather. Two Men keeping the Horses brought yesterday and the rest employed as before."

May 17
" Saturday light Breezes Nly clear hot Weather. Sent three Men with the Horses on hunting and the rest employed as before."

May 18
" Sunday a fresh Breeze Wly part clear, part Cloudy, sultry Weather."

May 19
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Two Men employed keeping the Horses and the rest repairing and getting ready Canoes; those who went for Meat on Saturday last arrived with the flesh of two young Bull Buffalo. Four Stone Indian Men arrived with a little Provisions part of which they traded."

May 20
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze SE clear Weather. Men variously employed. - The Indians of yesterday finished trading and went away, and a South'd Indian with his Wife arrived to wait for Mr Tomison in order to take Birchrind in the course of the Summer should it be wanted."

May 21
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy Wea. Sent Mitchel Oman with three Men in two Canoes off for Cumberland House, and to trade with Indians who may be tenting near the River; the rest of the Men employed as before."

May 22
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Ely clear Weather. Men variously employed."

May 23
" Friday a fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather with Rain. - Men variously employed. About 11 AM Mr William Tomison with one Man arrived."

May. 24
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather. Sent two Men with Mr Tomison to the other River, the rest getting Canoes ready."

May 25
" Sunday a fresh Breeze Ely clear Weather. At 4 PM the two who went with Mr Tomison to the other River arrived and with them Magnus Annel who is to take charge of this House during the Summer."

May 26
" Monday a strong Gale Ely Cloudy Weather. At 6 AM embarked with ten Men in five Canoes loaded with Furrs &c for Cumberland House; paddled till 4 PM then put up to mend a Canoe which is broken, the Water being very shoal."

May 27
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Ely clear Weather. At 5 AM embarked paddled till 7 PM then put up in the other River. - Pafsed some Indians from whom I traded about 40 Beaver."

May 28
" Wednesday a strong Gale NNW Cloudy Weather with Rain, which prevented our proceeding."

May 29
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday."

May 30
" Friday a fresh Breeze Ely clear Weather. At 3 AM embarked paddled till Noon when I ovetook Mr Tomison, with twenty Canoes."


" The Copy of a Letter receivd from Mr William Tomison dated
Cumberland House 2 Sept. 1793
Mr James Bird
Sir,
You are with the blefsing of God to proceed to the South Branch House, when You arrive there, take a survey of Stores and trading Goods and take command of that Settlement untill further orders from the Honble Board; You are to direct every thing according to the best of your abilities for the interest of the Company and should any person pay disrespect or do any thing unbecoming of a Servant, You will please to send him or them to the Upper Settlements as soon as convenience will permit. - As You know the necefsity we are under to get the Goods up for want of Men You will therefore return the Canoes as soon as pofsible to make another trip; so conclude, wishing succefs to the Companys affairs, health and happinefs to You and all under your direction and remain
Dear Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant
William Tomison
P.S. Please to send John Forbis in lieu of John Halcro."


" Sent to Mr William Tomison
Kind Sir,
Being doubtful in what manner to act (without knowing your opinion) and something seeming necefsary to be done, I take this opportunity of letting You know our present situation, as that will enable You to Judge, what methods are requisite to be taken in order to frustrate the designs of this petty Canadian Company and secure (in some measure) the Trade of this place. - The above mentioned Company have not a sufficient quantity of Goods to settle and trade ware there is another House; but wish to get in a corner by themselves near ware the Indians hunt that they may get sale for their Liquor; (which as I am informed is nearly all they have they small quantity of other Goods they brought being already traded) and they have accordingly built a House at the sitting River, which has effectually prevented many Indians from coming here this fall. - Should no one go from here this Winter to oppose them and the other Canadian Company build a House there (as is certain to be the case) we cannot expect that many Indians will visit us from that quarter. - Both Companys are building Houses down below us, but these seem to be of little consequence as there are only five Tents of Indians near them and they talk of coming up this way towards next Spring.
The People arrived on Monday last from Cumberland House, Mr Twatt writes me that he has had an account of the Indians being near but they are not yet arrived.
The Indians hereabouts are all afraid the fall Indians will pay them a visit to revenge the death of their Countrymen, and it's with the greatest difficulty I have been able to keep my Hunter who has always been in the House till within these two or three days; he wants a Horse in payment for hunting, as I cannot accomodate him at present, I promised to get one from You, which he should have either this fall or next Spring as it is uncertain whether You'll receive this Letter before the People come down; but should You not I hope You wll send me an answer the first opportunity.
Wishing You a pleasant Winter with a good Trade, I remain, Sir
Your obedient
humble Servant
James Bird
South Branch Oct. 1793"


" Copy of a Letter received from Mr Tomison dated
Buckingham House 25th Oct. 1793
Dear Sir,
It is with concern I send you this disagreeable Letter, on the 5 inst. I arrived at Manchester House, at 8 PM and the other 5 Canoes arrived the next morning; finding Mr Shaw was leaving a great quantity of Goods at the Island House induced me to leave the Cargoes of 3 Canoes with seven Men not being able to spare any more as I was obliged to divide the other three Canoes into four and go in the bow of one of them myself on account of the shoalnefs of the Water. on the 12th we arrived at Buckingham House ware thank God we found all very well - there being Indians on the Plantation and more daily arriving prevented me from getting Men sent off so quick as I wished for at the same time not having least doubt of any things happening I dispatched 5 Men with several Horses and sundry Articles of trading Goods for the Island; but to their great mortification, on their arrival they found the House robbed of every article, even what the Men pofsefsed, by a large body of fall Indians that sent in for Tobacco as usual; these fell on the french People first, but after a while being repulsed they desisted and immediately fell on our People - They staved the Brandy at the Gate and what little Meat and Flour the Men had they left sowed about in the Yard. - These always having been a peaceable People till now and what they have done I judge to be out of spite as they could not be revenged on the South'd and stone Indians for murdering so many of them last Summer. -
Some time since I sent off James Gaddy and John Forbis to the Island House and since I have sent off three Men in search of those that are coming up with the Pacquet and to give them caution to avoid falling in with the fall Indians. - You will please to inform Mr Thomas, I have packed up every thing of his property and sent it down, the Medicines I have not sent as the carriage is unsafe and too little of that kind sent up here, several Indians have already been asking me for Medicines but shall not be able to supply them as there is many things much esteemed by them wanting.
As the new Company have built at the sitting River and pofsibly will cut off the Indians from visiting You, it will therefore be necefsary for You to send men and Goods to that place should You find it convenient as I find your Neighbours have already built a House there. - My Goods will be very short here several articles being already run out; I have traded about 1200 MBeaver since my arrival here and many Indians have not yet been; As to the Horse You wish to have, would have been at your service, had not the fall Indians taken five of the best I had and now there are not enough left to fetch Meat, so Conclude wishing better succefs to the Companys affairs, health and happinefs to You and all under your direction and remain
Dear Sir
Your most hble Servant William Tomison
PS. my best respects to Mr Thomas would have wrote to him by this conveyance but Mr Houses? People being in a hurry to set off I had not time. adieu. WT."


" Dear Sir,
By the arrival of John Forbes and Wm. Isbister (yesterday) I received your Letter, dated 25 Oct. the contents of which greatly surprised me; You may Judge of my astonishment on hearing of a House being plundered by a People, I thought, the most rational and inoffensive in this part of the Country, and who tho' enraged by the South'd Indians were not capable of such daring Villany; but I hope they will go no greater lengths, should they come here we are prepared to receive them and I hope we have it in our powers to give them a repulse.
As for sending Men to the sitting River it's what I cannot at present with propriety do having no person to send with them to kill Provisions. (my Hunter left me about three Weeks since and I have now only a young Lad to kill Provisions for this House; however I hope as the Buffalo are numerous he will be able to kill sufficient). - As the season is too far advanced for building a House, I propose sending Men with Goods &c after Christmas to stay in a Tent when if required they can be supply'd with Provisions from this place; I shall also by that time be better able to Judge of its Utility as the quantity of Goods that are here is almost too small to divide; several articles You mentioned that were to be brought up in the fall I have not received, some of which I shall greatly find the want of, especially Tobacco, there being only about two Rolls and a half of that commodity in the House part of which no Indian will trade. - On opening a Roll which remained during the Summer I had the mortification to find it entirely rotten and spoiled past all recovery, therefore after receiving the opinions of the Gentlemen here, I had it thrown in to the River.
I have at present about 700 MBeaver in the House but no dried Provisions of any kind, nor do I expect to get more than sufficient to serve the People from this place to Cumberland House. -
Wishing fresh prosperity to the Companys affairs, and You agreeable news from England.
I remain, Sir
Your humble Servant
James Bird.
South Branch Nov. 8th 1794" [1793]


" From Mr Rofs
Cumberland House
Mr James Bird, Sir,
As the two Houses in opposition are nigh about halfway between me and You, being Your half is rather shortest, if You can send an Officer with some Men and some articles of Trading Goods to the place above mentioned I will send four More? and of the following articles viz Brandy, Cloth, Powder and Bayonets which are all the articles I have except what are gone out in debt, but I suppose your compliment of Goods in the fall was short if your Trade is good You will have little if any thing to spare - but if so should be that you have any thing to spare You will be as expeditious as pofsible in sending People to the Place that ? get wood? - If any of your Officers that You pitch on should not choose to venture himself in a leather Tent if You will please to send down a large one I will venture myself and leave Mr Twatt in charge here; having nothing more to add I conclude wishing succefs to the Companys affairs health and happinefs to You all under your command and remain Sir
Your obedient & humble Servant
James Bird" [Not. It's "from Mr Rofs"]


" To Mr Rofs
South Branch Dec. 18th 1793
Dear Sir
I will according to your request send Men and Goods down to meet You, ware the two Canadian Houses are; it has for some time past been my wish to send People with Goods &c to that place, but for want of a proper Person (whom I could spare) to accompany them I have not been able to accomplish it.
I can send You a small supply of the articles You have not got, Tobacco & Blankets excepted; of the former there is only two Rolls in the House, part of which if I may Judge from a Roll I have used is damaged; as for the latter they were all traded ealy in the fall; a Tent will also be sent You a Hunter only I cannot afsure? of, I have spoken to a young Lad who seems to be in doubt how to act, but should I not be able to prevail with him, you will soon be able to engage one there. - Nothing shall be wanting on my part to second? your good intentions but wishing You succefs I remain Sir
Your humble Servant
James Bird."


" To Mr Rofs
South Branch Jan. 6th 1794
Dear Sir
You will herewith receive a small supply of the different articles of trading Goods You are in want of with a Tent &c, a Hunter only I have not been able to procure You, the young Lad I spoke to and who had consented to go, after a drinking a few days since with some Indians (who are tenting near the House) became delerious and has ever since remained in a state of perfect stupidity not having apparently the least use of his mental Faculties, notwithstanding , Mr Thomas has rendered him every afsistance in his power.
Three of the Men are to remain with You viz. James Gaddy, John Ballenden and James Sinclair, the other two You will please to send back as soon as pofsible.
If the following articles should turn that You may send for a fresh supply of them viz. Knives, Shot, Kettles, Combs, Flints &c, Captains Coats You may also send for should you require them and not have a Taylor with You, Wishing You a good Trade with plenty of Provisions.
I remain
Your humble Servant
James Bird."


" From Mr William Tomison
Bucking'm House 27th Jan. 1794
Dear Sir
On the 23 inst. I received your kind favor as also Mr Rofs's from Cumberland House, which gave me great satisfaction to hear that all was well - I approve of your sending Men down with those articles requested by Mr Rofs and am sorry my orders were not obeyed last fall my Goods being short induces me to send John Irvin and Hugh Houston to see if any thing rests with You that there? will not be sent for; if so You will please to send what can be spared, the Trade here is about 5000 MB and there is not Goods remaining for two thousand more, Blankets I have none, Guns I have none, Kettles none but a few very small ones, Hatchets very few, the want of Cock & hen Feathers and Orrice Lace causes much disatisfaction in those that are rigged several of them having stripped all off after they have been cloathed. - You will receive from the Bearers nine doz. of Awl blades, four doz. fire Steels and 10 yards of Cotton. the scarcity of Cloth and broad Orrice Lace has prevented me from making the number of Chiefs cloathing required, which with the scarcity of other articles will be the cause of a great lofs in Trade - There has been a large band of blackfeet Indians in at both Houses many of which were very ill behaved. several of them were cloathed in our Cloth and had a great many new Guns with them. these I judge? to have been conjunct? with the fall Indians in the robbing of Manchester House last fall, when they went away they met with three of Mr Shaws? Men coming home which they stript to their Shirts and had it not been near the House they must have perished.
Mr Shaw says that he will not have any Men at the South Branch this Summer as they intend to abandon that place. if so we must do the same. our Hunters have left us and gone off and I have not got Meat for more than two Months; as to dried Provisions there is very little and part of it has been procured by our own Men that are in the plains so conclude with wishing better succefs to the Companys affairs health and happinefs to You and all under your direction and remain
Sir
Your very humble Servant
William Tomison."


" From Mr Rofs
Nippoewinnic 25th Jan. 1794
Dear Sir
According to your appointment I arrived here the 20th inst. being detained four days at Cumberland House by the arrival of some Bungee Indians was the cause of my not getting sooner here.
If You cannot procure a Hunter (as I suppose will be out of your power at this Season of the Year) and send me with 16 Gall. of high Spirits 22 yards of blue Corded Cloth and 60 lbs of Powder and a Person capable of trading with Indians, You will please to send for the trading Goods and if You have any Provisions that You can spare You will please to send me down a little to carry me down to Cumberland House so I conclude with wishing You better succefs in all your undertakings then I shall have in this and am
with due respect
Your obliged
and humble Servant
James Bird" [again. "from Mr Rofs"]


" Sent to Mr Rofs
South Branch Jan. 30th 1794
Dear Sir
Not being able to accomodate You in your demands, I have sent down Men to fetch up the Goods and also with a small supply of Provisions which will enable you to return to Cumberland House.
I am sorry our undertakings, tho' done with good intentions have proved so unsuccefsful but it was impofsible for any one to forsee the changes that have taken place since the plan was first agreed and which only have rendered it unsuccefsful.
I am at a lofs what to say concerning the Goods You wish to keep as I could for my own part spare none of them; but they are the two very articles Mr Tomison mentions he is most in want of and that he intends sending for in the course of the Winter; of blue Corded Cloth I have only one piece which cannot be spared, so conclude with wishing You a good Trade at Cumberland and remain
Your humble Servant
James Bird."


" From Mr Rofs
Nippoeway Feb. 6th 1794
Dear Sir
Not being able to stay here without a Hunter I am glad You sent for the Goods which otherways I would have been obliged to ? the Goods in the Canadian House and returned to Cumberland House.
I have been under the disagreeable necefsity of getting from the Canadians wherewith to subsist on till such time as I should get your answer.
I am only sorry that it was ever? begun as it gives the Canadians an advantage of talking to the Indians which they do freely on every occasion when they think it will be of any detriment to our honorable Employers.
I am sorry you could not spare any of the articles I mentioned as it will be of a ? to Cumberland House that bring the Articles the Bungees runs mostly on - I received the supply of Provisions You sent me which will enable me to return to Cumberland House, so I conclude with wishing You a good Trade and I remain
Dear Sir
Your humble Servant
Malchom Rofs."


" To Mr William Tomison
South Branch Feb. 14th 1794
Dear Sir
By the arrival of John Irvin & Hugh Houston? on the 7 inst. I received your letter, as also the things You was so obliging to send.
I am sorry to inform you that I have been obliged to send for the Goods up again from Nippoewinnick, at which place Mr Rofs arrived with three Men (some time after the arrival of the People from this place) and having remained there a few days, finding the Indians had left that quarter and that there was no probability of his being able to engage a Hunter, he sent two Men up here with a Letter &c, informing me of his situation and that it would be impofsible for him to remain there longer then till he should receive a supply of? Provisions from this to enable him to return to Cumberland; unlefs I could send him a good Hunter & Trader with many other things, which not having in my power to supply him with, I sent Men down (there being no alternative) to fetch every thing up and to carry him a little Provisions; those? People arrived yesterday.
I have sent what can at present be spared of the different articles of trading Goods (in my pofsefsion) that you are in immediate want of which is as much as your People can now take; there are still several articles remaining here that I don't expect to get sent? for this Spring; the principal of which are Brandy, Bayonets, Knives and Powder &c.
I cannot at present form an Idea of what the Trade at this place may be; but it has not at present a very promising appearance, the few Indians that visit us are in general very poor the Buffalo being so numerous around that they think? of very little else but eaing. - Wishing You a pleasant Spring with a good Trade, I remain
with respect
your obedient
humble Servant
James Bird."

" Errors excepted
James Bird"



B.205/a/8

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