" A Journal of the most remarkable Transactions and Occurrences at Severn House from 4th October 1783 to 3d August 1784 By Mr William Falconer"
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" Severn House Journal Commencing Oct. the 4th 1783 & ending July following."
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Oct. 4 1783
" Saturday Wind variable in the South East quarter. Came to the Factory with the Boat and some light goods. found only the shell of the House. The windows all broke. The Doors open and several of the Keys gone. The following Coppie of a letter was in a Bottle hanging in the Masters Chamber."

" Fort Albany 17th July 1783
Sir
The necefsity of the Companys affairs made us withdraw there Servants and valuable Effects from Severn. In case the orders you are under should require the afsistance of these men such whose Contracts are not expired will be retained for your Service and will be determined in future.
Sir
Your hum. Serv.
sign'd Edward Jarvis
To the Comander for the Honble Hudson Bay Company who may Visit Severn House."

Oct. 5
" Sunday Wind South East fresh Breezes and fine weather no flood made up could not get the Sloop higher up. Employed with the Boat getting light goods up. hauled the sein net and caught a few guiniads got a little Deers flesh and a few Partridges from the Homeguards who came up from the Marsh, there being no geese flying by there Account."

Oct. 6
" Monday Wind South and South East fresh gales & fine weather. Mustered all the men Natives and warped the Sloop acrofs the shallops shoal but could get her no further for the fresh and wind. got some goods landed with the Boats and brewed small beer."

Oct. 7
" Tuesday Wind between South and East gentle breezes and Calm at times - With the afsistance of the Natives tracking and warping got the Sloop about 1/2 a mile below the factory - The weather thick and hazy with rain at times. Landed two Boats load of goods."

Oct. 8
" Wednesday Wind Easterly fresh gales & thick rainy weather. Got the sloop to the factory and discharged most part of the Cargo."

Oct. 9
" Thursday Wind and weather as yesterday got the remainder of the Cargo landed and sent the sloop down to the creek under the Charge of William Appleby and four men. Observe we have neither suet nor pickled lard. the half a Hogshead of one and a Kildrekine of the other are specifyed in the invoice. Gave the Indians a drink for afsisting the Sloop up and unloading the Cargo. sent some of the young lads a hunting from whom we got a few geese and Partridges and traded from them a few summer pelts."

Oct. 10
" Friday Wind from East to North and North North West fresh gales and cold cloudy weather. Sloopers returned having got the Sloop secured to her winter moorings - Employed fishing with the Sein net got no fish. Trusted some of the Natives goods as usual and unpacking and stowing away the goods for Trade. could find no sashes in the package as is mentioned, wrote a letter to Mr Marten of which the following is a Coppy."

" Severn House 10th Oct. 1783
Dear Sir
We arrived in this River the 2nd Inst. but so much fresh and the wind crofs only got the Sloop to the Factory the 8th. Mr Jarvis sent a Sloop in the summer and took our people away with every thing that was removeable, so that we are distrefsed for want of many things that we depended upon being here before us. No Armourer nor hunting guns so that I'm under the necefsity of giving Trading Guns to our people. The windows of the House Broke and nothing to repair then with. No kettle to cook nor hatchet to fall wood. neither awl blades Ice chizzel nor Sashes Tho' 20 of the last article are specified in our Invoice. We have received neither suet nor pickled Lard which will be a great lofs.
I hope to be favoured with a Packet from you in the month of Feb'y or March as usual when if you can spare a few Sashes please send them and they shall be placed to your Credit.
Our homeguards being most of them hereabout I wanted your Packet men away immediately on our arrival, but they hung about ever since eating Bears flesh, which it seems our Natives have plenty of. no geese worth mentioning but partridges have appearance of being plenty. We have no tent or shoe leather nor any thing to make winter Cloathing of for our people. not one bit of old Canves to supply the want of these things. but I hope we shall be able to rough out the winter and get a little trade in the summer. as there are two Pungee Indians come for debt who I hope will carry the news of our arrival in Country and some small present which I intend to send the Leading Indians.
The Powder that was sent by your Natives for our people they have given away among the Indians here ere we arrived, all but four pound they say the fired away with our great guns, and four Pound more they delivered to me. That expended with the great guns was to alarm any body that might be in hearing as there was no body to be seen when they arrived. this is all the Account we shall ever have of that.
Wishing you a happy winter and a good trade I am with Best Compliments to the Gentlemen of your mefs
Dear Sir
Your most Obedient
Humble Servant
Wm Falconer"

Oct. 11
" Saturday Thick rainy weather Wind North North West fresh gales Employed with taking up the Launch and fishing, caught a good many guineads; Got a few Partridges from Indian hunters. no geese in the Marsh. dispatched the York Fort Indians away."

Oct. 12
" Sunday Wind North and North North East moderate with thick rainy weather. Read prayers in the fore noon. Trusted all the Natives goods necefsary for them; the Pungee Indians paddled away amd some of the Homeguards pitched away Northward."

Oct. 13
" Monday Light airs of wind variable all round the Compafs and mild cloudy weather. Caught some guinads with the Sein net. repaired some of the windows of the house and did several other necefsary jobbs. Cleared the Natives off and they all pitched away. only three Lads whome I retain to afsist us in hunting &c. Also Widows Orfans and Invalids in number seventeen."

Oct. 14
" Tuesday Wind South East and South South East Moderate Cloudy mild weather. Employed getting home Hay from the other side of the River and fishing got a few guinads."

Oct. 15
" Wednesday Wind West South West and West. Fresh gales the weather cloudy with sleet and snow at intervals. Employed Cleaning the House and collecting some firewood which was cut down formerly a small distance from the House."

Oct. 16
" Thursday Cold snowy sleeting weather with a fresh gale of wind at West North West. The Indian Lads and one Of our people a hunting Shot a few Partridges. The others a fishing caught about a Hogshead of guinads. The most of which we salted for a preventer in case of a scarcity of provifsions."

Oct. 17
" Friday Wind North West fresh gales and cold cloudy weather. Four men preparing their necefsaries to go a tenting the others caught a few guinads with the Sein and salted them."

Oct. 18
" Saturday Gentle breezes of wind variable from North West to West and South West Cloudy weather with a little frost. Employed cutting firewood cleaning House and fishing. Caught and salted a Barrel of guineads."

Oct. 19
" Sunday Thick snowy weather wind Variable between the South'rd and west Moderate. Read prayers. Prity smart Frost last night."

Oct. 20
" Monday For the most part calm and weather as yesterday. Indian Lads shot a few Partridges. the others Caught some guineads with the Seine net, brought home the remainder of the Hay with the Boat, and put it into a Rick. necefsity Oblidged me to make a Tent of the Sloops flying Topsail."

Oct. 21
" Tuesday A Small air of wind Easterly and thick mild weather with drizling rain at times. Employed cleaning rubbage from the works, a fishing and hunting, got some Partridges and a few guineads."

Oct. 22
" Wednesday Wind from North east to North. fresh gales with snow and Sleet Employed brewing small beer and fishing with the Seine net got a few guineads."

Oct. 23
" Thursday Close weather with a Gentle frost Wind variable between North and Westerly smart breezes. Sent John Carston and Daniel Cumming to goose River to fish and hunt Partridges. The others afsisted them about eight Miles off with their Baggage and returned in the evening."

Oct. 24
" Friday Wind Southerly a fresh breeze and Cloudy freezing weather Caught about half a barrel of guineads with the Seine net dryed the Sloops Sails and stowed them away for the winter."

Oct. 25
" Saturday Wind South and South South West Moderate with Cloudy mild frosty weather. Caught above a barrel of guineads salted them and cut firewood. Sent William Appleby and Thomas Davie to Beaver River to tent. also two Indian Lads to the Westward to look out for Deer and trap Martins."

Oct. 26
" Sunday keen frost and cloudy weather Wind between South and West fresh gales at times some snow fell last night a little ice driving in the River."

Oct. 27
" Monday Wind West North West and North West fresh gates and cold freezng weather some ice driving in the River; Caught near half a Tun of guineads at one haul with the Seine net at the fishng place Opposite to the Factory on the South side of the River and salted most of them. The Southern Homeguards brought about eighty pound of Dry'd Deers flesh which they traded and went away."

Oct. 28
" Tuesday Cloudy freezing weather Wind from West to South and South East Moderate. two hands a gunning got two Partridges The rest cut firewood."

Oct. 29
" Wednesday fine mild cloudy weather Wind variable and Moderate Shipwright and one man making small Sledgs the others a gunning got a few Partridges."

Oct. 30
" Thursday Wind between North and North East a hard gale attended with a heavy fall of snow and drift. Employed Grinding Oatmeal. The South Channel of the River froze over and a great part of the North channel a long the South side."

Oct. 31
" Friday Wind North West and Westerly fresh breezes and sharp frost. Employed gunning partridges and making small Sledges. the ice still driving in the North Channel of the River."

Nov. 1 1783
" Saturday Wind and Weather nearly the same as yesterday. Cut firewood and cleared snow from the inner yard. the River ice froze solid in the afternoon."

Nov. 2
" Sunday Fine mild cloudy weather Wind Southerly a fresh gale the Indian Lad a gunning shot a few Partridges."

Nov. 3
" Monday Wind West South West a fresh gale and mild weather. Employed hunting got a few Partridges from our people and some Rabbits from the Indians."

Nov. 4
" Tuesday Sharp clear weather Wind West and South west moderate Employed sledging snow out of the Yard and making sledges; got a few Rabbits from the domestick Indians."

Nov. 5
" Wednesday Wind South and South west brisk gales & close mild weather untill the evening afterwards snow. Shipwright preparing staves for Sledges the others crofsed the river (for the first time upon the ice this season) and shot a few Partridges."

Nov. 6
" Thursday The Wind North West smart gales and cloudy mild weather. Employed a hunting shot only ten Partridges. 11 rabits from snares which I set Tuesday last."

Nov. 7
" Friday A Strong gale of wind at North West and much drift. Cut a little firewood and did some necefsary Jobbs in doors. William Appleby and Thomas Davie Brought hom Twenty large Trout from Beaver River and have Sixty more at their tent which shall be sent for as soon as the River ice is in a condition to draw Sledges on."

Nov. 8
" Saturday Wind as yesterday Moderate with close mild weather. cut firewood and cleared the yard of snow. the fishermen returned."

Nov. 9
" Sunday Little wind variable between South and West and a heavy flight of snow."

Nov. 10
" Monday Some times an air of wind from North West and North and at times calm. Employed gunning and Rabbit snaring got 12 Partridges and 6 Rabbits the weather fair and mild. Sent Andrew James and an Indian to bring home fish from Beaver River."

Nov. 11
" Tuesday Wind Northerly a fresh gale and thick snowing weather. Employed making sledges and shoveling snow in heaps in the yard to clear the gaungways."

Nov. 12
" Wednesday Strong gales of wind North and North North East and thick Steely weather. Employed making sledges grinding Oatmeal and doing other necefsary work. Andrew James and the Indian returned with Fifty trout; Three Rabbits from our Snares."

Nov. 13
" Thursday Wind and weather as yesterday Employed brewing small beer and cuting firewood. Sent William Cromarty with an Indian Lad to goose River with Sledges to bring home fish or Partridges if they have got any."

Nov. 14
" Friday a continuance of blowing mouzey weather cut a little wood for fewel. the people returned from Goose River with Seventy Six Partridges and Ninty two small trout."

Nov. 15
" Saturday Wind West and West North West a brisk breeze and pretty Sharp weather. Employed clearing the gaungways from Snow."

Nov. 16
" Sunday Sharp clear weather wind West gentle breezes Performed divine Service."

Nov. 17
" Monday Calm clear fine weather. Shot a few Partridges and did necefsary Jobbs - got four Martins from an old Indian man one of our invalids who has a few traps near the house."

Nov. 18
" Tuesday Wind North West a fresh gale and thick snowy weather. Employed making small Sledges and shooting. got a few Partridges."

Nov. 19
" Wednesday Pretty sharp frost sometimes snow and a fresh gale of wind at North West all the day. cut down a little firewood about a quarter of a mile Off."

Nov. 20
" Thursday Wind Westerly a smart breeze and Sharp clear weather. Employed a gunning got Twenty Seven Partridges."

Nov. 21
" Friday Wind West North West a Strong breeze and very sharp weather for this Season, Cut firewood. John Carston brought home Seventy eight Partridges and six Martins & William Appleby with Thomas Davie Fifty five Trout & Pike."

Nov. 22
" Saturday Gentle breezes of wind in the South West quarter and clear Mild weather. the hunters returned and the others cut firewood. The frost Penetrates so into the house that our wine freezes so in the Bottles as to force the corks out of those that are not in the cellar under the house."

Nov. 23
" Sunday Wind Variable and Moderate weather as Yesterday performed divine Service."

Nov. 24
" Monday Calm and the weather clear and mild. cut down firewood a little way off. I took a walk with the Indian Lad about eight miles to the Southward to view the Country. found a large beaver house and built eleven Martin traps there being several track of these animals in our way."

Nov. 25
" Tuesday A Moderate breeze of wind Southerly and fine weather. Set three guns for foxes and fell firewood. Some Partridges from the Indian Lad."

Nov. 26
" Wednesday Fine temperate weather and most part Calm. Shipwright and Andrew James sawing some boards for factory use. the others making small Sledges. some Partridges from the Indian Boy."

Nov. 27
" Thursday Wind North West a fresh breeze and thick mild weather. Employed making an appartment to save our Wine &cc from freezing and gunning got a Dozen Partridges."

Nov. 28
" Friday Wind NEast a fresh gale with snow at times Cut firewood and did other necefsary Jobbs. set a gun on the other side the River."

Nov. 29
" Saturday Little wind variable all round and fine weather. The people cut firewood and clear'd the gaungway. Two Martins from my Traps, by the Indian Boy."

Nov. 30
" Sunday A fine breeze of wind about South and clear Sharp weather. Read forenoon prayers."

Dec. 1 1783
" Monday Wind South by West a fresh gale and mild weather with snow towards the evening. Shot a few Partridges and repaired small sledges. one Martin from my Traps. Our Northern Homeguards came in with A few Martins and one Beaver Skin. They say They could not hunt Beaver for want of ice chizzels. They Traded about Sixty Pound green Deers flesh."

Dec. 2
" Tuesday thick snowing weather Wind South West Moderate. People Employed gunning Shot thirteen Partridges."

Dec. 3
" Wednesday Little wind variable and weather as yesterday Andrew James making some necefsary house Carpenter work. the others shooting Partridges and clearing the gaungways."

Dec. 4
" Thursday Wind South West Moderate with mild cloudy weather brewed small beer and did other necefsary Jobbs. Sent two Indians away to kill the Beaver whose house I discovered."

Dec. 5
" Friday A fresh gale of wind Southerly and thick with Snow at times Employed Sledging home firewood. William Appleby brought home fourty trout from Beaver River. Indians returned from Beaver hunting without succefs."

Dec. 6
" Saturday Calm and thick with warm snowy weather. Employed cutting firewood and cleaning House and gaungways. John Carston Brought home one hundred Partridges and returned with two hands to afsist them home with their tent &c. hoping we will be able to get Partridges enough about the house. William Appleby also returned to his tent to prosecute the fishing; Indians all but domestics went away."

Dec. 7
" Sunday Wind North West and West North West fresh gales with snow and drift. Performed divine Service."

Dec. 8
" Monday fine mild weather with gentle breezes of wind Variable. Employed sledging snow out of the yard and doing some necefsary Jobbs of Joiners? work. Our people from Goose River came home with their Tent and Baggage. also Brought Ninty Partridges. one fox. two Martins and a few Rabbits."

Dec. 9
" Tuesday Got a fox at one of the Guns and set two more sledging home firewood. Wind Southerly a fresh gale with snow at times."

Dec. 10
" Wednesday Wind variable and moderate fine mild weather sledging snow from the works and set a Partridge net."

Dec. 11
" Thursday Wind from the North East quarter moderate breezes and mild cloudy weather. Employed falling and sledging home firewood. one Martin from the traps."

Dec. 12
" Friday fine mild clear weather smart breezes of wind variable. Employed cutting firewood. one Red fox from the guns."

Dec. 13
" Saturday Calm and thick with warm and snowy Weather. Employed cutting firewood and cleaning the House."

Dec. 14
" Sunday Wind variable from the South West to West fresh gales and fine weather."

Dec. 15
" Monday Wind West North West Moderate and sharp mouzy weather sent two men to Beaver River for fish the others employed falling and hauling home firewood."

Dec. 16
" Tuesday the Wind from South to South East a fresh gale in the forenoon with mild weather, afterwards a strong gale and, thick with drift, Employed as yesterday our two people returned from Beaver River with Fifty fish."

Dec. 17
" Wednesday Wind North West moderate breezes and clear sharp weather. Employed as before. arrived from Albany Peter Wildridge, James Carmichell, Robt. Wilson, Thomas Catley and Edward Tomison, with two Indian men, two Women and Six Children, our people are extreamly weak, with fatigue of the Journey - Received a letter by these of which the following is a Coppie."

" Fort Albany 23rd Oct. 1783
Sir
I hope this letter will congratulate you on your return to Severn. I have dispatched your men as I am informed you have only the sloops Company with you. before the River sets in. in full hopes they will get out of this Starving place to the land of the living, before the frost sets in and be with you before Christmas. I cannot help lamenting that notwithstanding I sent a pretty supply in the Sloop conditionally for the mens staying at Severn. They declined it, I hope however the Stores Brought from thence and now at Moose. will be no great mifs to you. I have hardly time having just unloaded the last Sloop to say more than that we have every prospect of a great famine not having killed one fifth part of the usual quantity of geese which was always our main Support. Wishing you a great Trade and happier prospects
I remain
Your Affectionate Servant
sign'd Edw'd Jarvis."

Dec. 18
" Thursday A Strong gale of wind at North West with snow and drift at times and sharp weather. people employed grinding Oatmeal and opening a hole in the River ice to freshen provisions in.
The Indian Lads whome I sent away the 25th Oct. returned with fourty one Martins and a Red fox.William Appleby and Thomas Davie came home they brought three Martins and only two fish."

Dec. 19
" Friday Wind variable from North West to North & East fresh breezes mouzy weather. The Indian Lads shot a few Partridges. The others cut firewood."

Dec. 20
" Saturday Wind North East a very hard gale and thick with snow and drift. Cut firewood and cleaned the House."

Dec. 21
" Sunday A Strong gale of Wind Easterly with snow and drift in the forenoon, afterwards the weather clear and Sharp. Read prayers."

Dec. 22
" Monday A smart breeze of wind at North West and Sharp clear weather. shot a few Partridges and brewed small beer."

Dec. 23
" Tuesday Wind as yesterday excefsive sharp clear weather. Cut firewood and Sledged snow out of the yaird. several of our people are obliged to keep within doors for want of Skins to Cloath them."

Dec. 24
" Wednesday Wind between West and South West a smart breeze and a Continuance of sharp clear weather. Employed Cutting firewood and cleaning the House."

Dec. 25
" Thursday Wind South West a gentle gale and mild weather with some snow towards night. keep't Holy Days. Myself very bad with a pain in my head and eye."

" Coppy
To Mr Humphrey Marten at York Fort
Severn 25th Decem. 1783
Dear Sir
Being in want of some Articles of trading goods and stores is the reason of my troubling you with this early packet not doubting but that you will supply us as far as lies in your power.
Five of our people that were carried down the Bay last summer returned the 17th Instant being near two months on there Journey from Albany were almost exausted with fatigue and famine and having been so ailing ever since there arrival that to all appearance they will be unfitt to do duty for some time to come. poor fellows the little Cloathing they Brought with them to cover them in the night was either tore to pieces with hauling or burnt in their wretched hutts - So that they were realy a pityful sight on there arrival. the Trade of this place last year was between fifteen and sixteen Hundred made Beaver which they carried down to Moose Fort with the trading Goods &c. So much for last year.
Since I wrote you last nothing uncommon has occured. before the River set in we salted ten Barrel of Tickomeg, Trout and Rabbits have turned out poorly - Partridge enough with the gun and we have now begun and Neted a few, the River ice set fast the first of November, and the weather has been mild and rigulair till the twentieth Instant when the extream cold commens'd. The House was so cold that we could find a place to save our small beer from freezing. and now it is with the greatest deficulty that the English Brandy is drawn off from the Cask through a brafs cock. this is occationed by the lower floars being decayed. also the Jams of the doors and windows are quit? Open. What adds to our misfortune their are not skins in the House to keep above one half of us warm at night and we want Moose skins for four men so that they are obliged to keep within doors when cold weather. I hope you are better provided. an Account of which will be very agreable to - Dear Sir
Your most Obedient Servant
Wm Falconer
NB Inclosed is a list of what things I have sent for - Viz.

Armourers Stores No.
Plane Barrel grove - 1
Saw tenon - 1
Firmers? of Sate? Set 1
gauges? do. do. 1
draw knife N. 1
Screw plate and top for gun or Musket Lock 1
guards - some
Iron Mortice N. 1

House Carpenter Stores
Plane Sash 3/8 of an Inch - N. 1
Plane plows of 1/2 inch - pr 1
Plane plows 1 inch p 1
Plane Check - N. 1
Irons Mortice of 1/? 3/8 1 inch N. 3

Lace Worsted of Colours two or three Hundred Yards
Buttons Coat 12 Dozen. Sashes worsted N. 6
Scarlet and blue buttons with Silk twist & hair, some Twine Jack coarse Skanes Six
A Contract filled up for a Coppy
Thimbles pr Taylor, 0ne Dozen
Glafses burning - Six."

" Coppy
To Mr Samuel Hearn Chief at Churchill
Severn 25th Decem.1783
Dear Sir
I take this opportunity of a packet to York Fort to inform you that we arrived safe Here with the Sloop the fourth of October and found the House empty. The people and Moveables being all carried down the Bay by a Sloop. Sent for that purpose by Mr Jarvis. This was a great disapointment as we depended upon Many Articles being at the House. Our people were in no want of provisions here last year having plenty of geese in the fall and numbers of Partridges throughout the winter, enough of fish caught with nets about the House. Our Natives were also very kind to afsist them with Venison or other provisions when in their power. we are much worse of heitherto - having got no geese in the fall, and very few fish or Rabbits since. Our whole Stock of Salt provisions Six Casks of Beef and a very small Stock of Bacon, so that partridges are our only principal food, and they are not Very plenty.
Since our arrival the weather has been rigular and mild. only these four days past have been excefsively sharp. our River froze fast the 1st November. five of our men set out from Albany the twenty-third day of October and arrived here the Seventeenth Instant. having a very fatiguing Journey were reduced to Mere Skeletons and are not yet recovered, being troubled with pains in their bowels and swelling in their extremeties. The Trade carried from here to Albany was something more than Fifteen Hundred made Beaver. Since that we have not here skins enough sufficient for Cloathing. I hope you arrived safe and got your House in such order before the winter set in as to make it a Comfortable Lodging that you have since had health peace and plenty. the news of which will be extreamly agreeable to Dr. Sir
Your most Obedient
Servant
Wm Falconer"

Dec. 26
" Friday Wind West and South West Moderate the weather Continues clear and sharp people employed harmlefs pafstime."

Dec. 27
" Saturday Wind and Weather same as yesterday people employed as yesterday. Sent off three Indians with a packet to York Fort."

Dec. 28
" Sunday Wind South West fine mild Weather Moderate and clear Indians all pitched away except invalids. I am tolerable easie with My head and eye to day."

Dec. 29
" Monday fine warm weather with a moderate breeze of wind Southerly four men a Shooting. got a few Partridges. James Carmichel making some tools necefsary for his own Bufsinefs - The Taylor making paterns for Trading clothes. the rest falling and Sledging home firewood."

Dec. 30
" Tuesday Gentle breezes of wind variable and a continuance Of mild weather. Employed same as yesterday. my head pritty easie. Our Men that came from Albany are all now recovered from the fatigue of there Journey so that they are on duty except Thomas Catley whos leggs are still swelled."

Dec. 31
" Wednesday Wind and weather as yesterday five men Set a net for Partridges near the Shallops creek and tried to catch some but without succefs the others cut firewood."

Jan. 1 1784
" Thursday Close warm weather and for the most part calm. The people at harmlefs pafstime."

Jan. 2
" Friday Calm Close warm rimmy weather Taylor and Armourer at there respective callings. five men a Shooting Partridges made a poor hunt. These birds tho plenty a little while ago are now taken off. our other men employed cutting down and Sledging home firewood. the pain in my head almost gone but the Sight of my right eye greatly impaired."

Jan. 3
" Saturday Wind Easterly Moderate and close mild weather with snow at times. Employed cutting firewood cleaning the House Yaird and guangways."

Jan. 4
" Sunday A Very hard gale of Wind at East and thick with snow and drift myself poorly with the headaik."

Jan. 5
" Monday the wind Variable gentle breezes and clear Sharp weather. Shot a few Partridges and cleaned the Yaird and gaungways."

Jan. 6
" Tuesday Wind South West a gentle breeze weather as yesterday brewed small beer two men a guning got a few Partridges and caught eighteen with a net which we Shifted from neare the house to the other side of the River - nineteen pike fish from two Indian Boys whose familys are tenting some distance up the River."

Jan. 7
" Wednesday Wind North West a fresh gale and pritty Sharp weather with snow at times. The Armourer employed repairing guns and the others hunting partridges caught fourty two with the nets the Indian lads who brought the fish returned."

Jan. 8
" Thursday Wind West South West a fresh gale and very Sharp clear weather Employed guning and neting Partridges got a few. sledged some snow out of the yaird and did other necefsary Jobbs."

Jan. 9
" Friday South West by West a fresh breeze and Weather as yesterday. Employed neting Partridges caught a few and Sledged home some firewood. Armourer did some necefsary Jobbs in the Blacksmith way."

Jan. 10
" Saturday Wind North West a fresh breeze with clear sharp air cut firewood and tried for Partridges with the Nets got none - About two OClock in the afternoon an Indian woman with a small Child arrived. She left her Husband about a mile Off he being so weak could proceed no farther. I immediately sent three men who brought him home in the evening upon Sledges. in a deplorable condition scarcely able to stand. About a month ago he was Seazed with a pain in his leggs and arms which rendered him unable for any duty so that they continued in their tent till they eat every bit skine? they hade after being reduced almost to a Skeleton the power of the mans limbs returned a little. they then set out for the Factory but being able to procure no food on the way a Stout young Lad and four of their Children became unable to Walk so that They were under the necefsity of leaving them behind it seems without a morsel to eat - and tho it is four days since they left them they still hope they are in life. I therefore at the request of the Parents fit out William Appleby, Robt. Wilson, John Carston and Thomas Catley - with flour Oatmeal and other necefsarys to go save them if pofsible. it being with reluctance they undertook the Journey I have promised them ten Beaver each for there Trouble."

Jan. 11
" Sunday Wind South West moderate and mildish weather dispatched the four men early this morning in request of the distrefsed Indians."

Jan. 12
" Monday Wind South West a fresh breeze and clear sharp Weather. Employed making and mending Partridge nets - and hunting got a few Partridges."

Jan. 13
" Tuesday Wind Westerly and weather as yesterday Employed hunting Partridges and sledging home firewood."

Jan. 14
" Wednesday Wind weather and employment as yesterday."

Jan. 15
" Thursday Wind variable moderate breezes with mild weather and a gentle fall of snow. Blacksmith and one man making falling Hatchets The others a hunting got a few Partridges. The family of Albany Indians who Brought the packet came in without any furrs. They have been up the river living upon fish and now wait for the return of the head man of their family who went to York Fort with the packet."

Jan. 16
" Friday Close mild snowy weather Little wind variable from the South West quarter. Blacksmith and his mate employed as yesterday. The others cut firewood. Our people that went in quest of the Starving Indians returned with only one of the family. They reached their tent on the third day from Hence between thirty and fourty miles to Southerd where they found them in A most deplorable condition siting trembling round a small bit of fire, sheltered from the weather by a tent of a bit of Deers skine great part of which they hade consumed for food, and in which they hade subsisted for above a week. our people attended them carefully all night and fed them sparingly with bread and Barghee? which seemed to revive them much but our people were unable to bring them home, after cutting them up a stock of firewood and pitching there tent as comfortable as pofsible they left them Seemingly prity well reconciled to there Station with about ten Gallons Oatmeal and ten pound flour. one of them that is left is able it seems to Stagger out and cut a little firewood. The Boy they brought home is about twelve years of age and has walked most of the way. being much recruited by the care our people had taken of him."

Jan. 17
" Saturday Excefsive clear Sharp weather with a fresh gale of wind from the North West and low drift. Employed cutting firewood and Sledging snow from the House. Sent two Albany Indians away to look after the distrefsed Natives."

Jan. 18
" Sunday Wind and weather same as yesterday. The packet arrived from York Factory."

" The following is a Coppy of a Letter from Mr Marten Chief at York Factory
York Factory the 8th Jan. 1784
Dear Sir
I thank you for your two favours the 1st by the Vile fellow Gubaydecquash the last by pickowap who arrived here the fifth Instant. I am very sory it is not in my power to Send you the things you wrote for. indeed I have them not. however have sent you the following Articles Vize - Buttons Coat 6 Dozen. Chizzels ice twelve. Gartering two hundred and eighty yards. Worms Gun fourty-eight. glafses burning Six, Thimbles pr Taylor two - hade but five come out. pan pudding Tin one. plane Jack one. and Chizzels three. all which you will please to Charge to Account. We have your Suet and Lard but then we are Short two Casks beef. two Hundred weight Bisquet. Three Firkins Butter. one Cask flour. Besides several thing was mentioned in the Invoice which we cannot find. these articles distrefses us greatly as it is with the greatest deficulty we can muster one days Partridges and Rabbits mixed pr week. should this continue much longer we must go to Short allowance. Have now on the Plantation fourty seven half Starved wretches to maintain and only Sixty four Bushels of Oatmeal. it grieves me to the heart to heare the poor Children crying for food as I cannot relieve them. Indeed had not it been for two Hogsheads Tickomeg two of geese and two ditto of Venison salten'd in the fall our situation for food would be Shocking. I feel greatly for the distrefs of your poor fellows hope they will speedily recover, and wish it was in my power to relieve them. We have wrote to the Chief and council at Albany Fort desiring them to Send the Sloop to you as Eary as pofsible with every thing belonging to Severn House. this Letter I send you unsealed that you may Sign it. which, which when you done, Seal it and send it by the first opportunity. The Captan in his hurry last year forgot to leave us either Buoys or Ropes and our Cooper is such a lazy dull fellow at every thing but mischief, that I fear I shall not get one third of the Coopers work done. Our River set fast the Seventeenth November. the fall was raw wet and cold and I think we have had some of the Sharpest weather I ever knew. I traded from the home Indians five Hundred Martins and a few Beaver Furs and other skins, so that I have been able to provide the men tolerable, tho not as well as I would, had it been in my power. Such a Set of Ignorant, clownish, unhandy fellows I never saw. we have not been able to get a Forge up, and William Bews cannot or will not do any real Job without one so that we are sadely Off for falling Hatchets. Those that came from England being bad in the Extreme. Inclosed have Sent you a Signal for next fall. The packet Set Off for Churchill River the Sixth Instant. if I hear not from you by the twentieth of March will Send another packet for falling Hatchets, Red Oker, Red ink, and hope to send you the Churchill letters with better news. as to Self, the weather is so cold The Chimney Smoke so badly and very little but green wood to burn, That I am almost blind and Sufficated, however be what I may I shall whilst I live to be Dear Sir
Yours most sincerly
Signed Humphrey Martin"

Jan. 19
" Monday Very sharp clear weather Wind Westerly a fresh gale. brewed small beer and caught a few Partridges with the Net."

Jan. 20
" Tuesday The wind from the South West quarter gentle breezes and clear Sharp weather. Blacksmith and one man making falling Hatchets the others Sledging home firewood and caught a few Partridges with the nets."

Jan. 21
" Wednesday Little Wind Variable and mild Weather Employed nearly as yesterday."

Jan. 22
" Thursday Wind and weather as yesterday. Employed falling firewood about half a mile from the house. the Albany Indians returned and brought home the Natives that were Starving. They are all prity well recovered seemingly. The Oatmeal &c were Sent Them was not exausted till this Day."

" Coppie of a Letter to Mr Edward Jarvis Chief at Albany Fort
Severn the 13th January 1784
Dear Sir
I gladly avail of the return of your Indian to thank you for your favour of the date the 23rd October which with our people arrived here the seventeenth of December they were in a very weak condition from the fatigue of the Journey and certainly would have been much worse hade it not been for the great care your Indian Pickowap took of them and for which I have rewarded him I believe beyond his expectations, as he did not care to return untill the day was somewhat longer. I sent him to York Factory with a packet and your letters by which am now enabled to send you the letters from that place by the above man and family.
We arrived here with the Sloop the second day of October, with only Six Casks english provisions and between two and three hundred weight of Bacon. got no geese and very few Trout fish in the fall. Salted Ten Barrels Tickomeg which is of great Service now, as there are many of our home Natives starving about us, one family of which in a deplorable condition. with nets and guns we get plenty of partridges which is our principal Standby, tho but poor food as we have no kind of fat.
The taking away of the goods from this place has proved a great disappointment to us as I depended greatly on Trading goods as well as stores that were left therefore hope you will insinuate to the Chief at Moose Fort That it is absolutely necefsary to return every article that was taken from hence. not only Trading Goods and Stores but also Books and papers and which I hope one of your Sloops will be sent with as early as pofsible in the Summer. without the sails and Cordage tis almost impofsible to fit our Sloop for the pafsage to York Fort. Therefore beg that the Marine Stores may be carefully Sent us.
The weather has been tolerable regular in its Seasons as yet . Our River set fast the first of November, have got no furs worth Mentioning yet, having not been able to clade our people properly so that some of them are confined in-doors when the Weather is keen. I hope Mr Tomas will not ommit to return the peoples necefsaries. if Convenient pray send us a breed of your Black Cattle as they are entirely rooted here, also the Books that were left for me by Mr Hutchins. Wishing you every happinefs and with Compliments to the Gentlemen of Your council - I remain
Dear Sir
Your most Obedient Serv't
Wm Falconer
NB. Pray send me a parcell of birch frames for snow shoes as we can get no such things here."

" To Mr John Tomas Chief At Moose Fort
Severn 23rd January 1784
Dear Sir
I gladly embrace the Opportunity of the return of a packet to Albany to enquire after the wellfare of you and those under your Command wishing it may find you in a state of prosperity - On our arrival the Second of October was greatly Mortified to find only the empty walls of the House remaining. indeed Sir the removal of our people and the goods greatly distrefs us in various cases already and shall feel it more so the ensuing year if the Stores and trading goods are not returned, along with the Books and papers not ommiting Common prayer Books Bible and Sermons.
Trusting so much to the Sails and cordage that were left here I have not Sufficient of either to fit our Vefsel out properly for York Fort. by this you will please to observe the necefsity for returning the marine stores in particular, and for which purpose I hope you will dispatch one of your Sloops as early as pofsible next Summer not only with the Companys goods but also that belonging to their Servants who are now returned here.
The Weather in its Seasons has been rigular hitherto - as to provisions no geese little Venison few fish and Rabbits, so that our chief standby is Partridges. Sufficient of them to be got by gun and net which with our small stock of british food will enable us to bear through the heavy winter, no trade as yet worth mentioning not even Sufficient to clade our people so that they are obliged to Shift garments and take turn about to go out in keen weather, wishing you may be better provided and prosperity may attend your undertakings in future, with best Compliments to the Gentlemen of your council I remain
Dear Sir
Your most Obed. Serv.
Wm Falconer
PS. Inclosed is a signal for either of the Companys Sloops that may approach Severn next summer. please if pofsible send us a breed of Black Cattle, also, as many Birch snow Shoe frames as Conveniently you can, and a Main Boom for the Sloop forty five feet long and at the thickest part two feet ten Inches in Circumference, and Oblige. - W. F."

Jan. 23
" Friday Close warm weather with Gentle breezes Easterly and a little snow - Employed making falling Hatchets Sledging home firewood and hunting partridges. Paid Off The Albany Indians fitted them out with provisions to return with the York Fort letters and the above."

Jan. 24
" Saturday Wind at North West a Stiff gale and drift cut firewood and cleaned the gaungways. dispatched the Albany Indians with the packet for that place."

Jan. 25
" Sunday Wind from North North West to West a smart gale and drift."

Jan. 26
" Monday Wind South West a fresh gale and mildish Weather. Employed falling and Sledging home firewood."

Jan. 27
" Tuesday Little wind variable and clofs mild weather Employed Making falling Hatchets Sledging home firewood and neting Partridges."

Jan. 28
" Wednesday Clear Sharp weather Wind Westerly - Moderate. Sledged home firewood and caught a few Partridges with the net."

Jan. 29
" Thursday Wind variable between West and South A smart breeze and weather as yesterday. Andrew James fitted a plane for Stocking guns. James Carmichel making Armourers tools. Taylor making Trading Cloathes the others employed as yesterday."

Jan. 30
" Friday A smart gale of wind Westerly and very sharp clear Weather. Tradesmen employed as before. the others Brewed small beer and cut firewood - took up the Set guns to clean."

Jan. 31
" Saturday Wind and weather as yesterday Tradesmen at their respective Calings the others cut firewood and Sledged snow out of the yaird."

Feb. 1 1784
" Sunday A Continuance of Sharp weather Wind Westerly a fresh gale. Red prayers."

Feb. 2
" Monday Little wind at South West and very sharp weather. Employed Sledging home firewood and hunting Partridges but without succefs."

Feb. 3
" Tuesday Wind West North West a gentle breeze and mildish weather Employed Sledging home firewood and making trading Cloathes."

Feb. 4
" Wednesday Wind North West a smart breeze and very sharp clear weather. Employed falling firewood and hunting partridges got a few with guns and nets."

Feb. 5
" Thursday Wind from West to South West and weather as yesterday. Employed neting Partridges Sledging home and cutting firewood mending fowling pieces and making trading Clothes."

Feb. 6
" Friday Mild Clear weather Wind South West Employed the Same as yesterday."

Feb. 7
" Saturday Gentle breezes of wind variable round all the Compafs and clear mild weather cut firewood cleaned Yard and gaungways and Shot a few Partridges."

Feb. 8
" Sunday Wind and weather as yesterday Read prayers."

Feb. 9
" Monday Wind Westerly Gentle breezes and Sharp weather Sent Peter Wildridge (as pateroon) with Seven men four miles up the River to cut down and carry to the River Bank wood for next winters fewel. the others Employed Sledging home firewood and hunting Partridges."

Feb. 10
" Tuesday Wind West by North moderate and clear sharp Weather. Employed hunting got a few Partridges. The distrefsed Indians being pretty well recovered Sent them away &? Set two guns for foxes upon this side of the River."

Feb. 11
" Wednesday Wind West South West a smart breeze weather as yesterday. Employed neting Partridges got Sixty and would have got more but the nets being made out of an old Skine and so rotten Many break her and flew away - got a Red fox from the set guns."

Feb. 12
" Thursday Excefsive sharp clear weather wind westerly a gentle breeze. Employed cuting firewood and guning partridges. a grizled fox from the Set guns returned one of the Indians that went away last a young Lad apparantly very ill, he Complains of a pain in his Back and breast."

Feb. 13
" Friday Little wind at South West and clear mildish weather Employed as yesterday."

Feb. 14
" Saturday fine clear weather the forenoon calm afterwards a gentle breeze of wind from the Easterd neted a few Partridges."

Feb. 15
" Sunday Wind Eastardly a small breeze and clear cold weather Read prayers."

Feb. 16
" Monday Clofs mild weather with a light fall of snow the wind Northardly moderate brewed small beer and caught a few Partridges with nets and guns."

Feb. 17
" Tuesday Wind &cc as yesterday Employed hunting Partridges two home Indians from the Southard arrived in the evening with a few furrs."

Feb. 18
" Wednesday A Continuance of mild weather and little wind variable with a little fall of snow. Employed sledging home firewood and guning Partridges. The two Natives Traded between thirty and fourty Beaver of Martins &cc."

Feb. 19
" Thursday Calm warm cloudy weather shot a few Partridges set some guns and Traps for foxes - Indians went away."

Feb. 20
" Friday Warm rimmy weather and for the most part calm. Employed sledging home firewood and Neting Partridges. Three Indian Lads from the Westard came in and traded between fifty and Sixty Beaver good furrs for Supply of Powder and shot &cc - Their family is tented about one hundred and twenty miles off and say they neither see'd nor heard of any other Indians this winter."

Feb. 21
" Saturday fine clear warm weather with gentle breezes Of wind Variable neted a few Partridges. The Indians went away. The wooders came home for food and returned."

Feb. 22
" Sunday fresh breeze of wind from West South West and fine cleare weather. am much distrefsed all this day with a pain in my head."

Feb. 23
" Monday Wind variable between West and North Moderate with drift at times and mild cloudy weather. Shot a few Partridges my head better."

Feb. 24
" Tuesday Wind and weather as yesterday. Employed guning Partridges and Sledging home firewood."

Feb. 25
" Wednesday A Strong breeze of wind at North and North North West with drift. Employed as yesterday Sent Daniel Cumming with an Indians Lad, Southward to trap martins &cc."

Feb. 26
" Thursday Wind and weather as yesterday Cut firewood and did other necefsary Jobbs."

Feb. 27
" Friday Excefsive sharp clear weather wind West A smart gale. Cut up and sledged home firewood."

Feb. 28
" Saturday Wind and weather as yesterday Employed making fishing nets and cutting firewood."

Feb. 29
" Sunday Extraordinary sharp clear weather wind West North West a smart gale."

Mar. 1 1784
" Monday The wind Westerly a fresh gale and Sharp weather Shot a few Partridges and Sledged home firewood."

Mar. 2
" Tuesday Wind variable and moderate with mild cloudy weather - Employed netting partridges. caught a few."

Mar. 3
" Wednesday A moderate breeze of wind at South and mild cloudy weather. James Carmichel did several Jobbs in the Blacksmith way. The others gunned a few Partridges."

Mar. 4
" Thursday Calm cloudy mild weather Employed shooting partridges and sledging home firewood."

Mar. 5
" Friday A Gentle breeze of Wind Easterly and fine weather. Shot a few partridges. They grow scarce, can get none with Nets."

Mar. 6
" Saturday Wind south east moderate fine cloudy weather. Employed cutting firewood and cleaning the gangways. Sent for Peter Wildridge and Robert Wilson to come home and hunt.The others came for food and returned to collect timber and saw it into plank and boards &cc for necefsary repairs of the Factory. The Indian Lad who returned ailing the twelfth February being pretty well recovered. sent him up The River to hunt Deer and Trap."

Mar. 7
" Sunday Wind Variable and moderate with mild thawie weather Read prayers."

Mar. 8
" Monday The wind South East a fresh breeze and mild snowy weather - Employed making guards for fowling pieces gunning partridges making fishing nets and brewing small beer. Broached a Cask Molafses which was only about half full owing it appears to the badnefs of the Cask."

Mar. 9
" Tuesday Warm thawing weather Wind as yesterday fresh gales at times with snow and Sleet in the middle of the day. The armourer stocking a gun the others shooting partridges and sledging home firewood."

Mar. 10
" Wednesday fine warm cloudy weather the wind South moderate Employed nearly the same as yesterday. and taking up the Set guns to clean."

Mar. 11
" Thursday Wind and weather as before and same employment including one hand making a fishing net."

Mar. 12
" Friday The Wind Northerdly moderate and clear mild weather Armourer stocking a gun. The others cut firewood and shot a few Partridges."

Mar. 13
" Saturday Wind North West and West strong gales and drift at times The weather Sharp and hazy Employed cutting firewood and making fishing nets."

Mar. 14
" Sunday Calm the weather clofs and mild - Read Prayers - William Cromarty having cut his left leg Very much with a hatchet came home to get cured."

Mar. 15
" Monday A Very hard gale of wind at North-West with snow and drift. Sent William Appleby to the Wooding tent instead of William Cromarty. The others employed making trading Cloaths, fishing nets Stocking a gun and drawing yarns to make Spunyarns."

Mar. 16
" Tuesday A Storm of Wind at North West with snow and drift Employed as yesterday."

Mar. 17
" Wednesday Wind weather and employment as yesterday."

Mar. 18
" Thursday A Strong gale of wind at North West and a Continuance of snow and drift. Employed making a fishing Net Trading Cloaths stocking a gun and preparing Stuff to make Spunyarn."

Mar. 19
" Friday The weather more clear than yesterday but extreamly sharp with a smart gale of wind at West north west and much drift. Employed the same as yesterday."

Mar. 20
" Saturday Wind as yesterday and very sharp clear weather Employed cutting firewood. The Wooders came for provifsions and returned."

Mar. 21
" Sunday Wind Variable moderate and clear Sharp Weather Read prayers."

Mar. 22
" Monday Very Sharp clear weather Wind North West a strong gale with drift at times. employed Shooting partridges cutting firewood and Stocking a gun."

Mar. 23
" Tuesday The Wind from West north West to South west A fresh gale and Sharp clear weather. Employed as yesterday and drawing yarns for Spunyarn."

Mar. 24
" Wednesday fine mild weather wind variable all round gentle breezes and calm at intervals. Employed sledging home firewood and gunning Partridges."

Mar. 25
" Thursday Wind North west a fresh gale and sharp rimmy weather. Employed making Trading Cloaths stocking a fowling piece and brewing small beer - Daniel Cumming and the Indian Lad came home from traping with twenty-eight martins. They would got many more had not the snow and drift burried their traps."

Mar. 26
" Friday A Hard gale of wind at North west with drift. Employed as yesterday and sledging snow out of the Yard. The Indian Lad that went up the River returned with only three Martins - Another Indian Lad with his Mother and Sister came in from the Southard. have been Starving all winter and only Brought one Otter Skine - This day Broched a Cask of flour of which eighteen pound was damaged I suppose by bildge water in the Sloop."

Mar. 27
" Saturday Wind &cc same as yesterday Employed cutting firewood."

Mar. 28
" Sunday Wind between North and East gentle breezes and Calm at times with clofs mild weather. Read prayers."

Mar. 29
" Monday Wind and weather as yesterday Employed shooting Partridges and Sledging home firewood. got a Red fox from the Set guns."

Mar. 30
" Tuesday Fine clear mild weather wind moderate and variable Employed as yesterday. one crofs fox from the Set guns."

Mar. 31
" Wednesday Wind and weather as yesterday. Employed guning Partridges sledging home firewood and Stocking a gun. saw a snow bird the first this season."

Apr. 1 1784
" Thursday Cloudy warm thawie weather wind Southardly a fresh breeze with a few drops of rain in the evening Employed as yesterday."

Apr. 2
" Friday forenoon warm with some rain Wind variable from the Southwestward afternoon a strong gale of wind from North and Westward with snow. got a crofs fox from the Set guns. took them up to clean and Sledged snow out of the yard. Taylor and Armourer at their respective dutys."

Apr. 3
" Saturday A Strong gale of wind at North west and Sharp weather till noon afterwards gentle breezes variable and the weather mild. Cut firewood Cleaned the gangways and took up the Partridge Nets wooders came for food and returned."

Apr. 4
" Sunday Little wind variable and fine weather Read prayers."

Apr. 5
" Monday A Very hard gale of wind at North west and North North West with drift and snow at times. Employed Making fishing Nets Trading Clothes stocking guns and preparing stuff for Spunyarn."

Apr. 6
" Tuesday Keen sharp freezing weather with a Strong gale of wind at North West in the forenoon and afterwards moderate. hunting for Partridges but without succefs set 4 Guns for foxes - William Cromarty.s Leg pretty well, he is able to do a little duty."

Apr. 7
" Wednesday Clear sharp weather wind variable and Moderate Sent Peter Wildridge and William Appleby away Northward to Tent and hunt Partridges they being very scarce now near the Factory. Armourer Stocking a gun and the others Cut firewood and sledged some home. the packet arrived from York Factory this evening."

" Coppy of A Letter from Mr Sam Hearne
Churchill River 27th Decem. 1783
I have been waiting with longing Expectation to hear from you by the way of York, but as I am as yet debar'd that pleasure I much fear that Mr Marten has no Indians near him that he can send with a packet if so his men will be greatly distrefsed for snow shoes without which they Cannot hunt or Travel far from home.
I hope the Ship and Sloop arrived at York in such time that the former was dispatched again for England and that on Your arrival at Severn you found the House &cc all well.
We did not arrive here till the 14th of September and for some time after The weather was so cold with Constant snow that much ice was formed in our River and we were under the most serious apprehensions that the Ship would be Oblidged to winter here. But all our fears were soon abated by a Sudden Change in the weather and after a very disagreeable Shiptime Capt. Tunstall sailed for England on the 27th day of September with a fine gale at South that lasted long enough (here) to run him quit a crofs the Bay.
We began the foundation of our House on the 17th September and by the 30th all my people were comfortably lodged therein, but myself and officers did not move into our appartments till the 16th October. Partridges and all kinds of Country Provisions is very scarce here. I hope they are more plenty with you and that you have a prospect of a good trade. for my part I hardly expect a single skin. for all the Indians that used to trade here are either dead with the small pox, Starved to death last winter, or removed so far into the heart of the Country that it will be next summer at least before the few Survivors can pofsibly here of my arrival here.
Sicknefs and famine has made such havock amongst my homeguards in my absence that out of Sixty nine that I left all well, only thirty two are arrived. most of which are Widows and young Children with only Six Hunters amongst them and the whole of there service,s hitherto has been that of making a few snow shoes for my men, which was greatly wanted as I never remember the snow to be so deep as this Season. Wishing you and all under your Command health and every other blefsing I remain Dear Sir
Your Obedient Servant
signed Sam'l Hearne
if Mr Locky should be at your place pray remmember me to him in the Kindest Manner."

" Coppy
Churchill Factory 19th Jan. 1784
By the arrival of the York packet on the Sixteenth Instant I was favoured with yours of the twenty fifth December and am very sory to heare of the disappointment you met with on your arrival at Severn. Indeed I cannot see by what authority Mr Jarvis afsum.d the Carrector of Governor General of the Bay and dispeopled and dismantled Settlements as he thought proper. in my opinion it was a very improper step and no ways to the Interest of our Masters;
Having wrote to you so resantly I have little more to add in this Letter than my Constant and best wishes for the happinefs and Succefs of yourself and all under your Command and believe me to be with much esteem Dear Sir
Yours at Command
signed Sam'l Hearne
PS. You mention not having furr enough for Clothing. for my part I have not received as yet twenty Beaver nor do I expect twenty more all the year. My Men have Nothing but Canvafs for Shoes and Mittens and only Duffle Blanketing &cc for Jackets &cc not a bit of Leather amongst them and yet they do as well as ever men did in former years with all the Additional Lumber? of furrs &cc."

" Coppy of a Letter from Mr Marten
York Factory 31st March 1784
I should have done myself the pleasure of enquiring of your health and happinefs long since. had not Mr Hearn promised to send me a packet in this Month by which I was in hopes to have received those things you wrote for but which were not in my power to send you. I have had and still have a great Number of old Sick lame Indians to feed with several Orphans and a few tolerable Hunters by whos Industry (for the Company's servants could make no hand of it) I have received about three Thousand partridges a great Addition to our small Stock of english provisions and which hath greatly prevented the Scurvy from Spreading amongst us; since my last we have burried Thomas Flett who died veneral and James Wafs with the Scurvy. Thomas Isbester now lies exceeding bad with a Complication of disorders. myself have been almost torn to pices with a wandering Gout and Nervous head ach. I thank God I am not now so bad as I have been. the rest are all through Mercy well. I hope you will please to bring what buoys you can with you, for our Cooper is such a lazy idle fellow, can hardly get any thing done. we now live much more comfortably than when I wrote you last having got our Cabbins in prety good order and the Trading Room almost fitted up. we have got about two hundred pieces of Timber to the Bank edge about Seven Miles from the Factory and two winters fireing felled. I beg Sir Save and bring me all the Staves of Beer, Beef, Pork, and Mollafses Casks you can to make Rundlets for inland. I hope that this will meet you and all under your Command in health peace and plenty which to heare will give great pleasure to all here and to none more than Dear Sir
Your Affectionate Friend
& Obliged Humble Servant
signed Hump'y Marten
pray Sir can you spare us a crofs cut saw. we have hade but one Sent out and that was broke."

Apr. 8
" Thursday Wind Easterly a Strong gale and drift. Employed as yesterday John Carston came home compleaning of a pain in his bowels.
Wrote Letters for the Northern Settlements of which the following are Coppies"

" Severn House 8th April 1784
By the arrival of two York Factory Indians last night I was favoured with yours of December the Twenty seventh and January the Ninteenth. am happy to find you have got Lodged so comfortable and hope you will weather the winter with flying colours. as to Trade I forsee next Summer will produce a small Share to us as well as you. the Natives being either gone to the pedlars or out of the world but hope time will bring things to a better bearing.
Having wrote you about the end of December have little to add since, we have been able to procure four Days pr week Partridges for some time past, and yet our english salt provisions is near a period.
Our people have been much harased in procuring wood for Factory repairs and fewel but thank God I hope the worst is now over and flatter ourselves with thoughts of a good Spring goose hunt to make up for the hard living in in winter. having nothing Material to say give me leave to wish you health and prosperity and subscribe myself
Dr Sir Your most sincier well wisher
and Humble Servant
Wm Falconer
Mr Samuel Hearne Chief at Churchill Fort"

" To Mr Humphrey Marten at York
Severn House 8th April 1783
Last night brought me yours by Mackacase and Chacastenum and for which I return my hearty thanks. am extremly happy to find your health mend with more Comfortable Lodging and that Partridges has helped you out as well as us, who have hade four Days pr week per Mefs of them almost all winter, yet our english provisions grows Scanty, but as snow birds have made their appearance we chear up in hopes of having geese seen.
Please accept of my thanks for what things you sent me by the packet in January. in Complieance with your Letter by that Conveyance have now sent you fourteen falling Hatchets and some Red ink, but have no Red Oaker tho eight pound were Specified in the Invoice. not not a bit came, am also twelve net lines Short of the Invoice. Innumerable are my grievances. Our Bacon was nothing but a thin Skinny tough Substance. beef extremly poor; Malt insipid and one half of our Mollafs almost gone by bad Cooperage it seems. The Trading Guns are also miserably bad, and the gartering and binding run very Short of the Charge. I have noted your want of Staves and Shall bring all I can with the Sloop but as to buoys twill not be in my power to procure one. I wish sincerely I could as am certain they will be much wanted, Having nothing Material to say I conclude Wishing you a plentiful share of every thing necefsary and that I am Dear Sir
Yours most sincerely
Wm Falconer
NB. I hade Almost forgot to tell you that immediately after the French carried us off from York Fort, Chepethtaquash?, Chacastenum, Teganish, Chepechace, Mestickatenue, and Wappesishes all York Fort Indians went down to Severn and endeavoured intimitate our people by telling them that a Squadron of French Ships was just at hand and that they would be all immediately made prisoners advising them to turn the Goods out of the Factory and carry away what they could but our people declined this untill they should discover the enemy for whome they keept a Strict watch two or three days and no enemy appearing resolved to keep the Factory. The above felllows understanding this the former of whome told our people that if they did not share the Goods in the Factory with them he would have there Master hanged at the Flag staff and put an Indian in his room. this rouzed our people so as to tell them they would let them know they were able to defend themselves and if they did not depart immediately they should know it by experience. they thought proper to obey this hint but carried off a Bull belonging to the Factory along with them, which we found since, they killed and made a feast on a little way off. Chepethtaquash was the only man who threatened any Violence tho all the others seemingly hoped to share of the Booty. as they were? solicitous for our people to leave the Factory.
I hope and make no doubt but you will reward these fellows according to their Merit on the above affair.
Yours &cc
Wm Falconer"

Apr. 9
" Friday Wind as yesterday with clear sharp weather. Taylor and Armourer at their respective Calings the others sledged home some tent poles. Cleared the packet men off But their eyes was so much snow blinded they could not proceed in returning."

Apr. 10
" Saturday fine clear weather and little wind Variable. Cut firewood and did necefsary Jobbs. William Appleby and Peter Wildridge brought home Ninty eight Partridges. Wooders came home as desired with Tent and Baggage having cut and Sledged to the River Bank Two hundred and fourty, two and three Inch Plank, with boards for necefsary repairs. They have also cut down and carried to the Bank about a Raft of firewood. the York Fort packetmen returned; John Carston extremly ill."

Apr. 11
" Sunday Wind Northwardly a moderate breeze and weather as yesterday. Read prayers. John Carston rather better."

Apr. 12
" Monday Cold raw weather with a gentle breeze of Wind Northwardly. Employed Sledging snow out of the Yard. Stocking a gun and brewing small beer. Appleby and Wildridge returned to their Tent ro hunt Partridge."

Apr. 13
" Tuesday Wind and weather as yesterday with a gentle fall of snow. Employed Sledging home Plank for present use. Stocking a gun and griding Oatmeal."

Apr. 14
" Wednesday A Smart breeze of Wind at North and sharp Cloudy weather. Making Trading Cloths Stocking a gun Sledging snow from the Works and shooting partridges. John Carston much better than he was."

Apr. 15
" Thursday fine weather with a genle breeze of wind Westerly Employed Cutting firewood squaring Timber and shooting Partridges. Three families of our Homeguards came in to hunt geese. paid most of their Debt in Beaver and Martens."

Apr. 16
" Friday Clear mild weather with a gentle breeze of wind between the West and South West. sawing out boards and drefsing them for repairing the bulding? of the House, Stocking a gun, making Trading Clothes, Cleaning Casks for Provisions and airing the Sloops sails. Traded some dry Deers flesh and fat from the Natives."

Apr. 17
" Saturday Warm weather Wind Southwardly Moderate Cut some firewood clean,d the House and gangways. William Appleby and Peter Wildridge came home from Tenting and brought One hundred and twenty Partridges. Indians Trading Deers flesh and drinking."

Apr. 18
" Sunday Wind Southerly a fresh gale at times and warm weather and a Show for rain. Indians Trading Meat and drinking as before. John Carston pretty well recovered. Read prayers."

Apr. 19
" Monday A fresh gale of wind at North and fine weather. William Appleby with four men went to the Sloop cleaned out the ice and snow from her inside and returned. The Others making Trading Clothes stocking a gun and smoothing boards for House use. sent all the Young able Indian men away Westward to look for Deer and hunt Beaver till the geese come."

Apr. 20
" Tuesday Wind and weather as yesterday. employed sawing boards drefsing them repairing Indian Guns and picking Oakum."

Apr. 21
" Wednesday Wind North a fresh gale with some snow and drift. Employed as yesterday and Sledging home Tent poles."

Apr. 22
" Thursday A fresh gale of Wind Westerly and cold clear freezing weather. Sledged Salt Casks powder and Shot &cc to the Sloop against the geese flying. made some Spunyarns and did other Necefsary work. five of the Homeguards returned they brought two Beaver and some partridges having seen no Deer."

Apr. 23
" Friday Clear frosty weather wind Variable from the South West to North and East Moderate breezes. The people diverting themselves Shooting at Marks and playing at other harmlefs Sports. The other Indians that went to the Westward returned and Brought a few Partridges."

Apr. 24
" Saturday A fresh gale of Wind between North and East and frost with snow at times. Employed shooting partridges and Cuting firewood."

Apr. 25
" Sunday Wind North and North west Moderate and sharp Clear weather Read prayers. Indians Shot a few Partridges for us."

Apr. 26
" Monday A Strong gale of wind at North and North East and Sharp Weather with a little snow at times. Employed repairing the pertitions of the House Sawing Boards mending the Sloops sails, fowling pieces, shooting Partridges and brewing small beer."

Apr. 27
" Tuesday Clear sharp weather Wind Variable between the North West and South West Moderate Employed nearly the same as yesterday."

Apr. 28
" Wednesday Wind from the South west to West and North fresh gales before noon warm Clear weather afterwards Cloudy and Sharp. Sent William Appleby with the Ship Wright and John Carston to Tent near the sloop to repair her and serve out Powder and shot to the goose Hunters.The others Employed Mending fowling pieces repairing an old Boat. The inside pertitions of the House and doing other necefsary Jobbs."

Apr. 29
" Thursday Wind Northerly fresh gales and thick weather with a heavy fall of snow last night and this forenoon. Employed sledging it out from the works making trading Clothes and hanges for Cabin Doors. gave the Indians goose Brandy &cc as usual and sent them unto the Marsh."

Apr. 30
" Friday Wind between North east and East a fresh gale and cold raw weather. Employed making Trading clothes cuting firewood and sawing out boards for lathing. got one Deer from the goose hunters."

May 1 1784
" Saturday fine clear mild weather with a gentle breeze of wind variable from the North to East employed as yesterday and making some necefsary iron work for the house. Sloopers came for food and returned."

May 2
" Sunday Wind Easterly a strong gale and cold cloudy weather. Read prayers. got one Deer from the Homeguards."

May 3
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Employed making Trading Clothes, some necefsary iron work, and repairing the Deer hedge. two Deer from the Natives."

May 4
" Tuesday Wind between East and South a fresh gale and a gentle thaw. employed as yesterday."

May 5
" Wednesday the Wind from South to West and North fresh gales. forenoon mild thawie weather afterwards thick with much rain. repairing the Deer hedge and setting snares theirin Spinning Spunyarns and mending Indians guns. last night heavy rain with thunder and lightening. three Deers from Indians."

May 6
" Thursday A fresh gale of Wind at North and Cold cloudy weather. employed making tieings for the Deer hedge. some necefsary iron work for the House and doing other necefsary Jobbs."

May 7
" Friday Little wind Variable fine weather Employed as yesterday also making trading Clothes and brewing small beer. got four Deer from the Indians and a gray goose the first this Season."

May 8
" Saturday A fresh gale of Wind Southerly and fine warm weather. Sent two men to the Sloop to afsist in getting her moored against the breaking up of the River ice the river ice. the others cut firewood cleaned the yard and house Several Gray geese flying near the Factory."

May 9
" Sunday fine warm weather the wind from South to West and North West fresh gales.Read prayers. ten geese from the Natives the two men returned having got the Sloop secured to her moorings."

May 10
" Monday Wind North and North north east fresh gales and very cold cloudy weather. Andrew James making a table. smith and one man making some necefsary iron work for House and Sloop the Others cut firewood. a great rise of water in the river; and the ice blown up in several places above and below the Factory. Discharged the Indian Lads whome we retained in the fall and Sent them to hunt geese."

May 11
" Tuesday Very chilly weather Wind variable between the North and East moderate. employed as yesterday the River ice gave way about three O'Clock in the afternoon and continued driving gently with about fifteen feet rise of water."

May 12
" Wednesday fine thawie weather Wind from East to South east gentle breezes employed cleaning the Plantation and making a writting Dask. the river ice Stopt last night and continued fast all day with the Water five feet higher than yesterday."

May 13
" Thursday Little wind Variable between the South east and East and gloomy. employed repairing the Deer hedge, cleaning trading guns and making a writting Dask. the River clear of ice half a mile above the Factory. and the South Channel open to sea but the North channel ice keeps still fast. the water falls gradually."

May 14
" Friday A Very cold churlish day Wind Northeast a stiff gale employed cutting firewood cleaning Trading Guns and finishing the Dask. five geese from the Marsh. the River ice as yesterday but the water takes off."

May 15
" Saturday Clear mild weather Wind Easterly a gentle breeze. made some bolts for the Sloop, cut firewood, cleaned the House and yard. Several of the Hunters came up from the Marsh no geese flying they are almost starved. gave them some powder and shot with what provisions I could spare to encourage them to continue in the Marsh being in hopes the first Westerly Winds will bring geese."

May 16
" Sunday Wind Southerly a fresh gale and fine warm weather. Read prayers. the Water still keeps high in the River and some small driving ice but the Main Body is settled about a mile below the Factory."

May 17
" Monday fine warm weather in the forenoon with a fresh breeze of wind from the South-west quarter afterwards variable to North-west and North-north-west strong gale with Sleet employed cleaning Rubbage off the plantation fixing fishing Nets, doing some necefsary House carpenter Work. the River ice broke in the channel about half way down to the Sloop and the water falls gently."

May 18
" Tuesday Wind from the North-west to North and east Moderate and cloudy weather. William Appleby came up from the Sloop to acquaint us she was forced out of the Creek by a Shoot of the River ice, about four oclock this morning so that that the people were oblidged to leave her with precipitation, about six oclock in the morning the ice came down from Inland with great force and continued driving chock from Bank to bank till about eleven when it stopt, with a rise of water above 18 feet sent six men more to afsist what they can for the Sloops preservation, others did odd Jobbs at home, observed some flocks of small gray and white Geese flieing unto the Marsh."

May 19
" Wednesday Little wind Easterly and mild cloudy Weather. got one Deer from the hedge. employed bringing home the flesh and Shooting Ducks. the River ice started last night at eleven oclock and drove with great Velocity till about two this morning since which the water has fallen about fourteen feet, and the North channel almost clear of ice, but the South channel is fast yet. four of our people returned from the Sloop brought thirty two geese. they inform us the Sloop was almost knocked to pieces with the ice last night and had not the water got vent to Southward she must have gone to Sea, but the water falling she lies somewhat near the Creek. the ice so high about her cannot tell where."

May 20
" Thursday Wind Variable from East to East South East fresh gales and very cold cloudy weather. two men did necefsary Jobbs about the House. I went down to the Sloop with the others, found her upon the upper edge of the creek Bank laying on her beam ends. with the afsistance of the Natives and a pair of old Jack screws hove her into the Creek. the ice is half mast high all round her. could observe no damage she received but some of her plank very much ragged; one stock of her lower anchor, top-sail and top-gallant-yaird broke. the water greatly subsided in the River."

May 21
" Friday A Stiff gale of wind Easterly and thick weather with much rain, dug some of the Garden cleaned provifsion casks and brewed small beer."

May 22
" Saturday Wind between North and North West a fresh gale with rain and sleet at times. I went down with the Seamen to the Sloop found her half full of water, bail'd it out of her and tried to get her out of the Creek but she did not float returned in the evening brought thirty geese. they are flying plenty in the Marsh. the others cleaned house and cut firewood."

May 23
" Sunday Wind variable and fine warm weather Read prayers. South Channel ice drove to Sea."

May 24
" Monday Wind from the North East a fresh breeze and foggy weather. Employed putting down the Slipe and bringing two Deer from the hedge. a homeguard came in from the Southard paid his debt and Went down to the Marsh to the others."

May 25
" Tuesday The wind from the South east quarter moderate and warm weather. Sent three men to the Sloop with the Boat and her sails, and to get every thing prepared for taking her out of the Creek. the others employed making small Sledges, Trading Clothes, and some iron work for the Sloop. sowed some sceed in the Gardens. a Canoe with a family of half homeguards arrived very poorly gooded."

May 26
" Wednesday Wind from the South-west to West and North West. A very hard gale and cloudy weather. Six Canoes of Pungee's arrived very poorly gooded in Beaver. employed dealing with them and bringing a Deer from the hedge. three of our people returned from the Sloop. she does not float."

May 27
" Thursday A fresh gale of wind Easterly and cold weather. employed making Trading Clothes, making some necefsary house carpenter work and cleaning rubbage off the Plantation. sent three men to the Sloop in hopes to get her out of the Creek as there was a high tide last night. Indians Trading and drinking."

May 28
" Friday Wind between the North & East Moderate and weather as yesterday employed mending Indians Guns making Trading Clothes and hand barrows. Indians traded the last of their furrs total amount two hundred and seven beaver in Coat and parchment beaver. no otter nor martens nor one bit of Castorum. the latter they throw'd away having but small hopes of any Europians being here. our people brought up the Salted geese in a Boat the Indians came in from hunting. no geese flying these three days past. Total amount killed five hundred and ninty geese."

May 29
" Saturday Wind variable gentle breezes and fine weather. Trusted the home Indians small debt and they all went away a Deer hunting. five Canoes of the Pungees Padled away employed puting Indians acrofs the River and clean'd house and gangways."

May 30
" Sunday Wind North East a fresh gale and cold hazy weather. the Indians all went away. have given them presents as usual for their encouragement."

May 31
" Monday A Stiff gale of wind at East and very cold weather. sawed a few lath boards began to dig a pit for a new lime kiln (the old one being broke down ) and angled a few trout at the Creeks below."

June 1 1784
" Tuesday Wind variable breezes and fine warm weather angled for fish at the Creeks but without succefs. brought home a Deer that was caught in the Hedge and did other necefsary Jobbs. three Deer from Indians which they Traded and went away."

June 2
" Wednesday A Very hard gale of wind at West-North-west in the forenoon and cloudy weather afterwards variable and moderate with a show for rain; Employed rooting willows off the Plantation and making some necefsary iron work."

June 3
" Thursday A very hard gale of wind at North west and squally with showers of snow and hail, got the Sloop out of the Creek and to the Factory, prepared some staves for small sledges and did other necefsary Jobbs. two Deer from the Indians that went up the River last."

June 4
" Friday A prity strong gale of wind Between the North and North West and cold weather with snow and sleet. the Carpenter and five men employed on board the Sloop the others preparing staves for small sledges and ropes for rafting down wood. in the evening three Canoes of Pungees arrived seemingly prity well gooded."

June 5
" Saturday Cold cloudy weather with some snow at times and a fresh breeze of wind at North and North West sent six men up the River to raft firewood; the others employed at the Sloop and making Clothes Traded with the Natives near three hundred Beaver all in Beaver and Cats; They knew nothing of any europians being here and say a great many of their country-men are waiting for news of our arrival. I have given them large presents of Cloth and Brandy and Tobacco upon their promising to make great dispatch back to their Country-men or the Pedlars get among them, who are very Numerous (they say) all along the great Leak."

June 6
" Sunday Wind Easterly a fresh breeze and fine weather; Read prayer, dispatched the Pungees and they padled away; Three Canoes Weenescaw River Indians arrived in the evening poorly gooded."

June 7
" Monday Wind variable all round fresh gales at times with rain and thunder. Carpenter and one man employed at the Sloop the others making Clothes, mending Indians guns and brewing small beer the Natives traded a little Brandy."

June 8
" Tuesday A stiff gale of wind at North-West with rain and sleet. Carpenter and two men employed at the Sloop. Smith making iron work for her and Taylor making Clothes. dispatched the Natives and they padled away. they Traded in all about two Hundred nett Beaver."

June 9
" Wednesday A Strong gale of wind at North-West with snow at times. Employed nearly the same as yesterday."

June 10
" Thursday Cold cloudy weather Wind Eastwardly a fresh breeze Carpenter and one man employed on board the Sloop Blacksmith and two men repairing her iron crotches, and mending the Anchor Stock, dug the lime-kiln-pit to the froze ground, and Set a net for fish on the other side of the river."

June 11
" Friday Wind and weather as yesterday Sent four men to afsist the wooders and they returned in the evening. four Canoes of Pungees arrived in a wretched condition they have only a few Paltry Beaver coats, having no powder nor Shot nor iron untenctials, could not procure furrs and have Subsisted chiefly by fishing. they are seeming in a disponding State. And as they are part of the best gang of Natives belonging to this place. I have given them presents as usual in hopes they will do better. there are no accounts of the Natives I sent presents Inland with in the fall so that no account of our arrival has reached any of the Natives in the interiour parts, as far as we can yet learn."

June 12
" Saturday Wind as yesterday and fine weather three men employed at the Sloop the others attending the natives and making Trading Clothes; they traded in all near two hundred Beaver. the wooders brought down four rafts of firewood and returned. eight trout and pike from the net."

June 13
" Sunday Wind Easterly a gentle breeze and clear weather. read prayers a homeguard Indian brought in a little Venison and traded for Brandy and set the Pungees a drinking when they were just going to Paddle away and they continued drunk all day."

June 14
" Monday Very warm weather with a fresh breeze of wind Southerly and a few Miskeetas for the first time this season. Employed caulking and rigging the Sloop making Trading Clothes and some necefsary iron work for the Sloop. The trading Indians went away and twelve helplefs Creatures of homeguards came in starving for food; one fish from the Net and set another at the Creeks below."

June 15
" Tuesday Very warm weather and a fresh gale of wind South-west till four in the afternoon when it shifted to North and North-north-East and blew fresh with cool weather. Sent two men up to afsist the wooders. Carpenter and one Man employed at the Sloop. Blacksmith making bolts for her. Six trout & pike from the Nets."

June 16
" Wednesday Wind from the North Westward to West and South-West fresh gales with rain at times. carried up the plank and boards into the yard. set a net on the other side of the river and did necefsary Jobbs on board the Sloop."

June 17
" Thursday Wind from the North-West to West and South-west (as yesterday) and squally at times; Employed making iron work for the Sloop, to secure her hudding ends in the bows and doing other necefsary work. three Canoes of Weenescaw-river Indians arrived in the evening seemingly pritty well gooded."

June 18
" Friday Wind Variable and Moderate. Employed at the Sloop, making trading Clothes and dealing with the Natives."

June 19
" Saturday Wind as yesterday and fine weather. Employed as yesterday, the wooders brought home four rafts of firewood. dispatched the trading Natives and they paddled away. they have traded in all about two hundred and sixty Beaver in good furrs; no fish to be got took up the Nets."

June 20
" Sunday Wind North a fresh gale and cold weather read prayers."

June 21
" Monday Wind variable and fine weather Employed repairing the Sloops Boat. brewing small beer and digging out the limekiln; three Canoes of Pungees arrived they brought about eighty Beaver in parchment Beaver and Coat. they had no trading goods these two years and have been living upon fish. there are not a gun amongst them all, and two of them are leaders.

June 22
" Tuesday Wind East fresh gales with rain and thunder in the evening. employed carrying the firewood up the Bank."

June 23
" Wednesday A Stiff gale of wind between East and North and thick weather with rain at times; Employed as yesterday Cleared the Indians and they paddled away. One Deer from an Indian that hunts a little above."

June 24
" Thursday Wind North and North-north West a fresh breeze and cold cloudy weather. employed as before."

June 25
" Friday Wind West-erly gentle breezes and fine weather. Employed carrying up the firewood and set a net for fish on the other side of the River."

June 26
" Saturday Wind between the West and North fresh gales and Showery Weather. carried up the last of the firewood to the Pile. one small pike from the Net."

June 27
" Sunday Wind variable and fine weather. Read prayers. two small Pike from the Net."

June 28
" Monday Warm weather with rain at times. Wind South'erly fresh gales. Sent the Sloop down to the point of Marsh with William Appleby the Carpenter and four Seamen to Search her bottom, the others employed digging out the limekiln pit making Trading Clothes and mending fowling peces."

June 29
" Tuesday thick foggy cold weather with a fresh breeze of wind East'erly. Sent Thomas Catley down to afsist the Carpenter. I went down with him and returned in the evening. Scuttled the Sloop and filled her with Water on the ways to find out the Leaks. Observed most of the trunnels very Leaky and one of the Plank of the well quit brock through; brought home a load of stones for the limekiln."

June 30
" Wednesday A fresh gale of Wind between the North-East and North cold cloudy weather with rain at times; Employed carrying home lime Stones; three Pike from the Nets."

July 1 1784
" Thursday Wind variable and fine weather employed geting home drift-wood and making iron work for the Sloop."

July 2
" Friday A Stiff gale of wind at North-west with rain at times. Employed preparing ground work for the Launch, making iron work for the Sloop and making trading Clothes."

July 3
" Saturday Wind variable from North-West to North-East cold weather with foge at times. Employed geting Stones to build the limekiln and making bolts for the Sloop. the Carpenter has found out many bad places in her bottom and has cut out four feet of one Plank entirely rotten; One Deer from an Indian."

July 4
" Sunday Wind and weather as yesterday Read prayers; I went with the Boat to the Sloop, examined her bottom great part of which is full of small holes like worm holes and the Plank much decayed. the Carpenter says (as indeed it appears to me) that she is built out of some old wreck. Seven pike from the Net."

July 5
" Monday Wind variable and warm weather with rain and thunder at times;Employed building the limekiln and doing other necefsary Jobbs. five Jack from the Nets."

July 6
" Tuesday fresh gales of wind between the North and East and cold foggy weather. Employed geting limestone and building the Kilne. three pike from the Nets."

July 7
" Wednesday The Wind varuable and squally with drops of rain at times. Employed as yesterday and making bolts for the Sloops bottom. two pikes from the Nets."

July 8
" Thursday Wind between the North and North west a strong gale and cold cloudy weather. Employed puting down part of the Launch and Stocking a fowling piece; three men came home from the Sloop as desired to afsist in Factory duty three pike from the Nets."

July 9
" Friday Wind Variable gentle breezes and warm warm weather. Employed Boating home driftwood and set two Nets for fish at the Creeks below. The Indian family that was starved in the Winter came in paid twenty three Beaver in Deer skins and Staged Martens and Traded a little Deers fat and tongues."

July 10
" Saturday Wind and weather as yesterday put the Natives acrofs the River that came yesterday; and fit some small Sledges; three trout an six pike from the Nets; the Miskeetoes so troublesome little duty could be done without Doors. I went to the Sloop and found the plank of her bottom so bad we have not half sufficient to repair it."

July 11
" Sunday Wind between the North and East fresh gales and fine weather Read prayers five Pike and two trout from the Nets."

July 12
" Monday Wind variable and fine Weather Employed geting limestone. Two Indians arrived with a packet from Albany containing letters for the Northern Settlements and the following for this place."

" Fort Moose June 3rd 1784
Dear Sir
Yours of the 23rd January was transmitted Here the 2nd Aprile, and I am much obliged by your kind enquiries after our welfare.
Your urging the necefsity for the Marine Stores being returned has induced us to comply (at a very inconvenient time) with the demands made by the Chief and Council at York Factory and one of the Sloops will accordingly sail as soon as the coast is a little clear of ice, with the Severn remains of trading Goods and Stores, Common prayer Book, Bible and sermons will not be omitted, nor will your Accompt Books amd other papers, also the peoples chests and Bedding (which are at Albany) be neglected to be sent.
I am now rebuilding the mens flanker and preparing for establishing a Settlement at Abbitibi Lake which together with Trading trading with uplanders and the Various other duties of the Factory only just leaves me time to tell you that a Breed of Black Cattle, a boom for your Sloop, birch for snow snow frames &cc &cc shall be sent you, and you could not do me a greater favour by the Sloops Man by sending some Deer Skins; I declare I dont know what we should have done had it not been for the deer skins I retained from Severn Cargo last year.
Want has been an universal cry all over the Country. Trade of consequence not very promising; A Boat and Battaux is now on their Journey to Brunswick (late Wapiscogamy) House; All was well at Eastmain the 15 April last; Several of my Trading Indians I hear have died this Winter, and out of my small compliment of men two are rendered incapable of duty. one by the scurvy and the other by a rupture.
With Wishing you better Luck; I Remain
Dear Sir
Your Humble Servant
signed John Thomas"

" Fort Albany June 5th 1784
Dear Sir
Yours by Pickowap I received on the 21st of March and was exceeding glade to hear your men arrived safe with you as I was not a little anxious at not hearing sooner.
Your requisition of the Stores I have sent to the Chief and Council at Moose to whom that Matter properly belongs now having no Sloop at Albany and all the stores and other Goods having been detained their; By the last advices from thence Mr Thomas proposed if practicable sending a Sloop to Severn by which conveyance will readily give every afsistance in the Power to bestow of Albany and Your Books desired will come.
We had the most deplorable Winter I ever knew at Albany. the famine is of late years become usual here yet the Winter preceeded by an uncommon small fall Hunt exceeded them all; Luckily Many of the Natives knowing my inability to Maintain them during the Winter as usual went away early so that we only lost two men by famine; but the old Captan of our Hunters is now dying upon the Plantation having never recovered from the Severe effects of famine he Suffered in the Winter. thus scarcity occasioned the scurvy to make its appearance and notwithstanding every afsistance of diet and Medicin. I have now four otherwise hearty men crawling upon crutches or limping about under these circumstances I can hardly expect any great increase of Trade. in fact I have not now 3000 MBeaver in the Fort, and I believe not 200 Beaver skins in the whole. the Indians having univerally either been obliged to Eat them or thrown them away. the effects of there grief for many deaths among them to make some amends for these untoward circumstances we had the noblest Spring hunt I believe ever known at Albany the Indians exerting themselves well. and I have now ten Casks at Capusco besides some Hundreds dried geese; which I hardly know how to get home for want of men having only two at the Fort capable of duty.
Our River began opening the 15th May but was not clear till many days afterwards, and on the 29th 25 Englishmen and 12 Indians set off in two Boats and three new Battaux laded for Henley and Gloster and by the last advices from those places the latter had Traded 1000 MBeaver. the former only 200 indeed the Indians seem totally to have diserted Henley from the many Murders comitted among them at or near that unfortunate Settlement; two more young fellows were cruely shot the last summer after having Traded their so that if an Indian does visit Henley now he will not even tent on the Plantation. I have neverthelefs three Carpenters their rebuilding the House with all expedition.
Poor Mr Phillips after a long tedius sicknefs departed this life the 31st of May and was in his sicknefs a pattern of patience and resignation and expired so very tranquilly that he may be said rather to have fallen a sleep, expiring without a groan. his life is much to be regretted upon a two fold account as he was peculiarly adapted for the station he was appointed to fill and a man of unblameable life and conversation?
I hope you have had better succefs and that you enjoy health and happinefs which to hear will give great Pleasure to Dear Sir
Your Humble Servant
signed Edward Jarvis."

July 13
" Tuesday Warm Weather and gentle breezes of wind variable. Miskeetoes intolerable could do no duty out of doors. employed sewing small sledges and made some bolts for the Sloop. the packetmen drinking. five trout from the Nets. three Homeguards came in from the South,ard intending to pitch Northward as there was no Deer to be got where they were - Wrote letters for the Southern Settlements of which the following is Copies"

" To Mr John Thomas Fort Moose
Severn House 12th July 1784
Dear Sir
I was agreeable favoured with your leter of the 3rd June yesterday finding a Sloop is to be sent with the Remains of goods belonging to this place. I wish she may arrive or we depart for York Factory otherwise we shall sail a mere Wreck in sails and rigging. We made a tolerable shift to get through the Winter for Provisions, having plenty of Partridges but much distrefsed for want of tenting and shoe leather.
The River ice broke up the 11th May and went away in a very disagreeable Manner having nearly carried our Sloop with it.
Spring hunt of geese near 600 and lost all the feathers for want of any thing to make bags of. got some venison in the Spring; but not any Deer near us worth mentioning in Summer. what can be spared of Deer skins shall be sent you by the Return of the Sloop.
Our trade is now I expect over but a few Deers skins expected and it is only a little above 2000. Wishing you beter succefs in that and every other undertaking. I Remain Dear Sir
Your very humble servant"

" Severn House 12 July 1784
Dear Sir
I was duly favoured with yours of the 5th June yesterday and am happy to find you have got through a winter of famine so well tho sorry for the death of honest Philips and those labouring under the Scurvy. Partridges continued so plenty with us throughout the winter. that we had no dread of that disorder for want of fresh food. The Homeguards brought us some Venison in the spring which was a Very agreeable change of diet; had only about 600 geese killed; Indeed we have but 5 or 6 men that can be called Hunters, but loaded with swarms of Widdows Orphans and infirm creatures.
Our River ice broke the 11th May and went to sea in a very disagreeable manner. the Sloop narrowly escaped being dashed to pieces or carried by it into the Marsh. am very glade a Sloop is to be sent with out Stores &cc, otherwise she must sail a wreck in rigging and sails.
The Trading Natives belonging to this place have strolled away to the pedlars, most of them not expecting any Europeans to be returned here so that only a few half starved creatures came here by chance. the Trade is now only about 2100 Made Beaver
No summer hunt of Deer I fear we shall continue to be miserable for want of tenting and shoe leather. We lost our spring feathers for want of stuff to make bags for the hunters.
I hope by this time you have a good Trade and every thing else that can tend to happinefs which is the sinceer Wish of
Dear Sir
Your most Obed. Hum. Servt."

July 14
" Wednesday Wind Variable and warm weather Employed getting Limestone; the Homeguards Went away; Two Canoes of Lake Indians arrived they Brought seven or eight Deer skins and parchment Moose skins; and have not a rag to cover their nakednefs but a few bitts of tattered old Blanketing and Cloth."

July 15
" Thursday Warm weather Wind between North and East gentle breezes; The Lake Indians Traded Six Deer Skins, two parchment Moose and two Beaver. Which is all they Brought. they say they have been at no Factory since the French took York Fort and were out of Powder and Shot and other essentials so could procure no furrs upon their promising to do well next Winter. I presented them a little Cloth and Brandy and traded them a small Debt of Powder shot and iron work, also Tobacco to enable them to perform, and they paddled away. Employed making small Sledges and mending Indians Gus. Six Pike and trout from the Nets. Sent the Albany Packetmen away."

July 16
" Friday Wind variable in the forenoon from South to West gentle breezes and fine weather, afterwards North West with a pour of rain and heavy claps of thunder; Employed breaking limestones and seting fire to the kilne. Carpenter came up for fir Plank to put in the Sloops Bottom the Oak being all expended. a Canoe of Pungees arrived in the evening with about a Dozen of Summer Beaver.'

July 17
" Saturday Warm weather wind variable all round; Employed Lathing the inside of one of the flankers, souring Lime for Plastering and brewed small beer. The Pungees that came yesterday Traded their few summer Beaver and paddled away. A family of our homeguards from the South'ard came in without a Bit a Deers flesh or skin, intending to pitch Northward."

July 18
" Sunday A Strong gale of wind between the South and West and very warm weather, in the evening the wind shifted to the North West and North with heavy rain thunder and lightening. two Canoes of upland Natives arrived middling well gooded. treated them with presents as usual and they are drinking. these are the first upland natives that heard of our arrival, which they learned from those that went away the 6th June. sent two men to afsist in getting the Sloop up as they can do no more to her bottom for want of Plank and pitch."

July 19
" Monday Wind North West and North North west A Stiff gale and cold cloudy weather. Employed putting down the Launch the sloop came up and moored abreast of the Factory. Indians Trading and drinking. sent a man to the point of Marsh to Tent and set Nets for fish."

July 20
" Tuesday fine weather with a little breeze of wind Easterly; Employed rigging the Sloop and putting down the Launch; Twenty trout from the point of Marsh; Cleared off the uplanders and they paddled away. they Traded One Hundred and sixty Beaver; Two Canoes of Nemakaseepie Indians arrived very poorly gooded; being part of a gaung who used to bring us one thousand made Beaver pr annum; they say they have not been trapping furrs all winter but living chiefly upon fish. having no hopes of any Europeans being here till late in the Spring when they heard of our arrival."

July 21
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. Employed rigging the Sloop and setting an Inner Becon. The Natives that came yesterday Traded what little Goods they had and they are clear to go away. Eight Trout from the Nets."

July 22
" Thursday Wind Variable and very warm weather with rain at times; Employed packing the parchment Beaver and rigging the Sloop the Trading Natives went away and one Indian came in with a little dry'd Venison five trout from the Nets."

July 23
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday set the Outer Becon. Brewed small Beer and packed the Remainder of your Honours Trade. total amount Two thousand four Hundred and eighteen; One Deer from the Northern homeguards and seven trout from the Nets."

July 24
" Saturday Wind Easterly a fresh breeze and fine cool weather. Employed drawing the limekilne, rigging the Sloop, and overhauling the Trading Goods &cc. Seven fish from the Nets, the homeguards went away."

July 25
" Sunday A fresh gale of wind between the North and East and cold weather with fog at times."

July 26
" Monday Wind variable and fine weather Employed at the Sloop and put down the Outer part of the Launch. five small trout from the Nets."

July 27
" Tuesday Wind and weather as yesterday Employed cleaning and rigging the Sloop and making iron work for the Launch."

July 28
" Wednesday Wind Easterly Gentle breezes and warm weather Employed Stoning the Sloop for ballast and repairing the rigging."

July 29
" Thursday Very warm clear weather and wind Variable. put wood and Water on board the Sloop and bent her Sails and Set two Nets on the other side the River for fish."

July 30
" Friday A Gentle breeze of Wind Easterly and cool foggy weather. Employed building a Cable stage in the Sloop, repairing her sails, Mending an old Boat and trying for fish with the Sein net. But without Succefs. got eight trout and guiniards from the Set nets. One Indian man and a Lad Homeguards came in from the South and they Brought only two Deer Skins the man returned to his family and I retained the Lad to afsist our men in getting Provision in the Sloop,s absence."

July 31
" Saturday Strong squalls of Wind variable with a constant weighty fall of rain attended with heavy claps of thunder and much lightening. intended to put the Cargo on board but could not for rain. Employed Lathing A flanker and laying ground work for a Floor in one of the Outer houses. A family of Homeguards from the South,erd came in. Brought very few Deer skins and not a bit of Meat or fat."

Aug. 1 1784
" Sunday Wind between the North and East gentle breezes and fogy weather with rain at times. Six trout and pike from the Nets."

Aug. 2
" Monday Wind and weather as yesterday put the Cargo on board. prepared the Sloop for Sea and brought A Boats Load of drift wood. Broached a Cask of flour One third of which is damaged by Salt-water.
Rec'd"

Aug. 3
" Tuesday 3rd August 1784
Received into Charge, The House with Trading Goods Stores and provisions &cc as pr Accompt Book now Sent home
Peter Willdridge"

"Errors Excepted
Wm Falconer"


B.198-A-29

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