This is a virtually complete transcription of the Swan River Journal 1790-91 by Alex Nicol




" A Diary of Occurences to
from & at Swan River Commencing
July 29th 1790 & ending June 23d 1791"
[cover]



"A Diary of Occurences to, from, & at Swan River. by Charles Isham Master Commencing July 29th 1790 Ending June 23d 1791"


July 29 1790
" Thursday Fresh Breezes NE part clear and part Cloudy Weather
About 10 AM left York Factory; Sailed till 12 then put up at dram Point. Sent two Men in a Canoe to the Factory for a tracking Line; late in the evening they return'd."

July 30
" Friday Fresh Breezes Ely Clear Weather At 3 AM embarked; tracked till 8 PM then put up a little below the upper Woods."

July 31
" Saturday Light Airs Sly Clear fine Weather. At 4 AM embarked tracked till 5 PM; then put up in Steel River."

Aug. 1 1793
" Sunday AM Light Breeze NW with showers of Rain; PM fresh Gales from the same quarter with heavy Rain. At 4 AM embarked; tracked till 2 PM then put up for Rain in Steel River. Met Mr Stayner with one Canoe returning to the Factory."

Aug. 2
" Monday Light Breezes Ely first part clear latter part Cloudy Weather.
At 5 AM embarked tracked till 6 PM then put up in the Hill River. Met five Canoes of Indians going to York Factory."

Aug. 3
" Tuesday Light Breezes variable Cloudy Weather At 4 AM embarked; tracked till 6 PM then put up in the Hill River."

Aug. 4
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes SE Cloudy Weather with showers of Rain at times.
At 5 AM embarked; tracked and Paddled till 4 PM then put up on the first carrying place."

Aug. 5
" Thursday Light Breezes Wly Cloudy Weather towards evening showers of Rain.
At 4 AM embarked, Paddled, handed and carried till 5 PM then put up; pafsed two carrying places."

Aug. 6
" Friday AM light Airs SE with small showers of Rain PM more Clear.
At 7 AM embarked; Paddled, handed, and carried till 5 PM then put up; pafsed seven carrying places."

Aug. 7
" Saturday Fresh BreezesWly Weather as yesterday. At 4 AM embarked, Paddled handed and carried till 4 PM then put up; pafsed six carrying places to day."

Aug. 8
" Sunday Fresh Gales NW Clear Weather. At 4 AM embarked; Paddled, handed and carried till 1 PM then put up; the Wind blowing too hard for us to proceed."

Aug. 9
" Monday Early AM a thick Fogg and Cold PM Clear warm Weather
At 4 AM embarked. Paddled, handed, and carried till 5 PM; then put up at the Jack Tent. Pafsed four carrying places."

Aug. 10
" Tuesday Early AM fresh Breezes NE afterward strong Gales from the same quarter, with heavy Thunder, Lightning and Rain.
At 4 AM embarked, paddled and Sailed till 9 then put up for Wind in the Knee Lake."

Aug. 11
" Wednesday Fresh Gales NW Cloudy Weather with showers of Rain. Evening more Calm. At 7 PM embarked; paddled till 11 then put up."

Aug. 12
" Thursday AM light Airs Wly PM strong Gales SE Cloudy Weather
At 4 AM embarked; Paddled and Sailed till 12 then put up by two Tents of Indians in the Knee Lake for to Trade Provisions."

Aug. 13
" Friday Early AM heavy Storm of Thunder Lightning and Rain; afterwards strong Gales SW Cloudy Weather with showers of Rain.
Staid with the Indians all day on Account of the Wind.
Traded 100 lb dryed Meat 30 lb beat Meat 67 lb of Fatt and the flesh of a Young Moose."

Aug. 14
" Saturday Fresh Breezes SE AM Clear PM Cloudy Weather
At 4 AM embarked, Paddled handed and carried till 6 PM then put up; at the entrance of the Holy Lake; where we found Mr Walker, who has been here, Wind bound two days. Pafsed three carrying places to day."

Aug. 15
" Sunday AM fresh Breezes Wly PM light Breezes SE Clear Weather.
At 10 AM embarked, paddled till 6 PM; then carried over and put up on the first carrying place in the Wippenepanis."

Aug. 16
" Monday Light Breezes variable; AM Cloudy PM Clear warm Weather
At 5 AM embarked, Paddled handed and carried till 3 PM then carried over and put up on the Hill carrying place."

Aug. 17
" Tuesday Light Breezes NE Clear Weather.
At 4 AM embarked; Paddled and carried till 2 PM then put up in the white Fall Lake."

Aug. 18
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes NE with small showers of Rain at times.
At 2 PM embarked Sailed till 5 then put up at the painted Stone."

Aug. 19
" Thursday AM fresh Breezes SE Cloudy Weather with small showers of Rain - PM continual heavy Rain.
At 9 AM embarked paddled till 2 PM then obliged to put up for Rain."

Aug. 20
" Friday Light Breezes SE Cloudy Weather. At 7 AM embarked; Paddled and carried till 7 PM then put up at the head of the Sea River. pafsed one carrying place to day."

Aug. 21
" Saturday Fresh Breezes Wly Clear Weather
At 4 AM embarked Paddled till 12; then put up at the play Green; where we found Mr Walker and two Tents of Indians."

Aug. 22
" Sunday Fresh Breezes W Cloudy Weather Unable to proceed for the Wind."

Aug. 23
" Monday AM light Breezes Ely PM fresh Breezes Wly Cloudy Weather
At 4 AM embarked; Sailed till 11 then put up in the Lake O'Winnepeg."

Aug. 24
" Tuesday AM fresh Gales Nly Cloudy Weather PM more Calm and Clear
At 5 PM embarked; Sailed and paddled till 12 then put up.
Received the flesh of a Buck Moose."

Aug. 25
" Wednesday AM light Breezes variable PM fresh Breezes SE Clear Weather.
At 5 AM embarked, Sailed and Paddled till 5 PM then put up."

Aug. 26
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday
At 5 AM embarked Sailed and Paddled till 3 PM then put up with two Canoes of Swan River Indians."

Aug. 27
" Friday Fresh Breezes SW Clear Weather
At 3 AM embarked, paddled till 6, then tracked up and carried over the short way of the big Fall."

Aug. 28
" Saturday Fresh Breezes Ely Clear Weather
At 5 AM embarked, Paddled handed and Sailed till 6 PM then put up a little below the narrow of the Caedar Lake."

Aug. 29
" Sunday Fresh Gales SE Cloudy Weather.
At 5 AM embarked, Paddled and Sailed till 11 then put up for Wind in the Caedar Lake."

Aug. 30
" Monday Light Breezes variable Cloudy Wea.
At 6 AM embarked; (parted with Mr Walker and took our course for the Swan River) paddled and Sailed till 3 PM then put up on the swampy carrying place.
Received the flesh of a Young Moose."

Aug. 31
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes Wly Cloudy Weather with Rain.
Carried about half way over the carrying place and put up."

Sept. 1 1790
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as yesterday.
Carried over the carrying place and put up."

Sept. 2
" Thursday AM light Airs Sly Clear Weather PM fresh Breeze SE and Cloudy
At 5 AM embarked Paddled and Sailed till 5 PM then put up in the small Lake O'Winnepeg."

Sept. 3
" Friday Light Breezes Ely Cloudy Weather with showers of Rain.
At 5 AM embarked; Paddled and handed till 2 PM then obliged to put on shore for Rain; At 5 again embarked; Paddled and handed till 7 then put up by two Tents of Indians at the head of the narrow of the Swan Lake."

Sept. 4
" Saturday Fresh Breezes NW AM Clear PM Cloudy Weather
Staid by the Indians all day; traded a little Meat and a few Moose Skins from them. From these Natives I learn that the Canadian Houses are numerous around; And had it not been your honors positive orders for me to have built a House at the Swan River; I should have chosen a better situation about three days Journey farther distant from York; at a place called the red River; as I find here is no lefs than three Houses above this spot, and three below me; therefore much cannot be expected from Natives as the Canadian Traders have it in their power to launch out in presents, their spiritous Liquors are so strong."

Sept. 5
" Sunday Fresh Breezes SE Clear Weather.
At 6 AM embarked; Paddled till 6 PM then put up by five Tents of Indians in the Swan River."

Sept. 6
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Sent two Men in a small Canoe up the River to look for a spot of Ground to build on; when they came back we embarked, and went about half a Mile above the Canadian Traders House where we put up. Cleared a path up the Bank and pitched a Tent to put the Goods in. Three Tents of Indians came in with a few Furrs and a little Meat."

Sept. 7
" Tuesday Light Breezes Wly Clear Weather. Men employed helving Hatchets and getting Tools in readinefs to begin Work tomorrow. One Tent of Indians came in. Traded 165 lb dryed Meat 246 lb beat Meat and 64 lb of Fatt."

Sept. 8
" Wednesday Light Breezes Wly Cloudy Wea. Men employed falling Trees and squaring Logs &c &c."

Sept. 9
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Mens employ the same."

Sept. 10
" Friday Strong Gales NW Cloudy Weather Men employed putting up the frame of House and laying Logs &c &c."

Sept. 11
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday. Mens employ the same."

Sept. 12
" Sunday Light Breezes Wly Clear Weather."

Sept. 13
" Monday Strong Gales SW Cloudy Weather Sent one Man with an Indian Lad in a small Canoe (to the crofs Lake) to wait the arrival of the Packet Men from York Factory; and the rest employed laying Logs and letting in Beams &c."

Sept. 14
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes Wly AM a thick fogg PM Clear fine Weather.
Men employed as yesterday."

Sept. 15
" Wednesday Strong Gales Wly Clear Weather Men employed falling Sticks for the Roof of House."

Sept. 16
" Thursday Fresh Breezes NW Cloudy Weather
Men employed putting the Roof on House &c &c Hired an Indian to hunt for us during the Winter Season.
Received 70 lb Beavers flesh and 2 Moose."

Sept. 17
" Friday Strong Gales Wly Clear Weather
Men employed fetching Grafs &c &c."

Sept. 18
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Men employed putting Grafs &c on the Roof of House."

Sept. 19
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday till the evening when it became Cloudy."

Sept. 20
" Monday AM strong Gales Wly PM light Breezes Nly Cloudy Weather.
Three Men employed chopping Logs; two at the pit Saw; and the rest putting up a Chimney."

Sept. 21
" Tuesday Wind as yesterday Clear Weather
Men employed as yesterday
Received the flesh of 1 red Deer."

Sept. 22
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes Nly Clear Weather
Men employed as yesterday."

Sept. 23
" Thursday Light Breezes SW Clear Weather
Men employed as yesterday.
About 6 PM Mr Grant the Canadian Master arrived in a small Canoe."

Sept. 24
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same
One large Canadian Canoe arrived."

Sept. 25
" Saturday Strong Breezes NW Cloudy Wea. with showers of Rain.
Two Men sawing Boards, two laying a Floor and the rest employed getting Stockadoes &c &c."

Sept. 26
" Sunday Light Breezes Nly Cloudy Weather."

Sept. 27
" Monday Strong Gales NW Clear Cold Weather
Sent two Men in an Indian Canoe to hunt Geese, and the rest employed as before
Three Canadian Canoes arrived."

Sept. 28
" Tuesday Strong Gales Wly AM Clear PM Cloudy Weather.
Men at the House employed as before; those I sent away to hunt Geese yesterday came home having met with no succefs."

Sept. 29
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Two Men at the pit Saw, one laying a Floor and the rest employed fetching home Stockadoes &c &c.
Five Tents of Indians went away."

Sept. 30
" Thursday Fresh Breezes NW Cloudy Cold Wea.
Men employed as yesterday."

Oct. 1 1790
"Friday Strong Gales Wly Clear Weather
Men employed as before, except Alex. Thompson who had the Misfortune to cut himself with an Ax so as to prevent his doing duty.
Two Indians came in with a little dryed Meat and a few Furrs."

Oct. 2
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same
The Indians of yesterday traded and went away."

Oct. 3
" Sunday Fresh Breezes SW Clear Weather."

Oct. 4
" Monday AM light Breezes Ely PM fresh Breezes Wly Clear Weather.
Five Men chopping Logs, two at the pit Saw and the rest getting Stockadoes &c &c."

Oct. 5
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes Wly part clear & part Cloudy Weather.
Two Men putting up a Partition, one setting two Nets and the rest employed as yesterday
Received 55 lb Fish."

Oct. 6
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as yesterday.
Two Men employed putting up a Partition and the rest employed getting Stockadoes &c &c."

Oct. 7
" Thursday Strong Gales NW Cloudy Weather
Two Men at the Pit Saw, two putting up a Partition, and the rest employed getting Stockadoes."

Oct. 8
" Friday Light Breezes Nly Clear Weather
Men employed as yesterday
Received the flesh of 10 Beaver from our Hunter."

Oct. 9
" Saturday Fresh Breezes Sly Clear Weather
One Man employed making a Door, two at the pit Saw, two set off to fetch a Moose killed by our Hunter yesterday; and the rest putting up Stockadoes &c &c.
Three Indian Lads came in for a supply of Ammunition and Tobacco &c &c."

Oct. 10
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday
The Men I sent for Meat came home with the flesh of a Buck Moose."

Oct. 11
" Monday Fresh Breezes SW Clear Weather
Two Men putting up Cabins, two at the pit Saw and the rest fetching home and putting up Stockadoes &c &c. The Men I sent the 13th Ulto. to meet the Packet Men from York arrived with only four Rolls of Tobacco; and one Kegg of Brandy, which they were obliged to leave at the narrow below on account of the shoalnefs of the Water. The smallnefs of this supply is a great disappointment to me, as Mr Colen promised to send a large Canoe Cargoe; which will prevent my doing as I wish for your honors."

Oct. 12
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes Sly Cloudy Weather
Sent three Men in a large Canoe to fetch the Tobacco and Brandy from the Narrow; and the rest employed as before."

Oct. 13
" Wednesday Strong Gales NW Clear Weather
Men employed as before
One Tent of Indians came in with a few Furrs and the flesh of a 11 Beaver which they traded."

Oct. 14
" Thursday Fresh Breezes SW Clear Weather.
Men at the House employed as before; those I sent away on Tuesday came home with the Tobacco and Brandy &c &c."

Oct. 15
" Friday Wind as yesterday Cloudy Weather
One Man putting up Cabins, two at the pit Saw one making a Gate; and the rest variously employed."

Oct. 16
" Satuarday Strong Gale NW Cloudy Wea, with light Snow.
Men employed as yesterday."

Oct. 17
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday."

Oct. 18
" Monday Fresh Gales NW Clear Weather
One Man putting up Cabins, two at the pit Saw and the rest variously employed
Three Tents of Indians came in loaded with Furrs and Meat."

Oct. 19
" Tuesday Fresh Gales Sly Clear Weather
Men variously employed
The Indians of yesterday traded part."

Oct. 20
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Men employed as before
The Indians of Monday finished Trade and went away.
Traded 330 lb Fatt 200 lb dryed Meat; 50 lb half dryed Beaver's flesh and 30 lb of beat Meat."

Oct. 21
" Thursday Fresh Breezes Sly Cloudy Weather
Men employed laying up Canoes &c &c."

Oct. 22
" Friday Fresh Breezes SW Clear warm Wea.
Men variously employed"

Oct. 23
" Satuarday Fresh Breezes Wly Cloudy Wea.
Men variously employed."

Oct. 24
" Sunday Fresh Breezes Sly Cloudy Weather."

Oct. 25
" Monday AM fresh Breezes Sly PM light Airs NW Clear Weather
Two Men at the pit Saw, Taylor working for Men; and the rest employed fetching Grafs for covering Canoes &c &c.
Our Hunter arrived with the flesh of a Buck Moose; and in the evening return'd (with one Man who is to Tent with him) to his Tent."

Oct. 26
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes Sly Clear Weather
Men employed laying up Canoes &c &c."

Oct. 27
" Wednesday Light Breezes Sly Cloudy Wea. with Rain
Men variously employed Alex. Thompson on duty."

Oct. 28
" Thursday Fresh Breezes NW part clear part Cloudy Weather
Men employed as before
Our Hunter arrived in order to set off by Land as the Lake is froze so as to prevent his Paddling."

Oct. 29
" Friday Light Breezes SW Cloudy Weather
Five Men employed chopping Logs, two at the pit Saw, and the rest variously employed."

Oct. 30
" Satuarday Fresh Breezes NW Cloudy Weather
Men employed as yesterday."

Oct. 31
" Sunday Fresh Breezes Wly Cloudy Wea.
One Tent of Indians came in with Beaver's flesh and a few Furrs. Two Men with our hunter went away."

Nov. 1 1790
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday.
Two Men at the pit Saw, one laying part of a Floor; and the rest variousy employed."

Nov. 2
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes W Cloudy Weather
Men employed as yesterday; except those at the pit Saw, Lawkland? Taylor having cut himself with an Ax so as to make him unfit for duty."

Nov. 3
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes NW Cloudy Wea. with Snow
Men employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Nov. 4
" Thursday Fresh Breezes Sly Cloudy Weather with Snow
Men employed as yesterday; except John Johnson, who is on the Sick list."

Nov. 5
" Friday Fresh Breezes Wly Clear Weather
All hands and Sick as before. Two Men came from our Hunter with a part of a Buck Moose."

Nov. 6
" Satuarday Wind and Weather as yesterday
One of the Men mentioned yesterday (with one Man to fetch the remainder of the Meat) return'd to his Tent; and the rest employed getting fire Wood. The Man I sent for Meat came home."

Nov. 7
" Sunday Fresh Breezes NW Cloudy Weather."

Nov. 8
" Monday Fresh Breezes SW Clear Weather.
Men at the House employed getting fire Wood &c. One Man came from our Hunter with the flesh of 4 Beaver and return'd to his Tent."

Nov. 9
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes NW Cloudy Weather with light Snow at tmes
Men variously employed."

Nov. 10
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes SW Clear Weather
Men variously employed
An Indian Man came in with a little dryed Meat and a few Furrs.
The River froze abreast the House."

Nov. 11
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Men employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Nov. 12
" Friday Fresh Breezes Nly Cloudy Weather
Men employed as yesterday
An Indian Man came in with a little half dry'd Meat, and a few Furrs; which he traded and paid his Debt."

Nov. 13
" Satuarday Wind and Weather as yesterday Mens employ the same."

Nov. 14
" Sunday Fresh Breezes W Cloudy Weather."

Nov. 15
" Monday Fresh Breezes W Clear Weather
Men at the House employed getting fire Wood &c. One Man came from our Hunter with part of a Doe Moose."

Nov. 16
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes Ely Cloudy Weather
Sent two Men (and two who are to stay with the Hunter) with Horses to fetch meat; and the rest employed getting fire Wood. The Men I sent for Meat this Morning came home."

Nov. 17
" Wednesday Light Breezes Sly Cloudy Wea.
Sent one Man to Tent out, with the Indian of Friday last, who went away; the rest of Men employed as before."

Nov. 18
" Thursday Fresh Breezes NW AM Clear PM Cloudy Weather
Men employed getting fire Wood &c &c"

Nov. 19
" Friday Strong Gales Wly Cloudy Weather with showers of Rain
Men employed as yesterday."

Nov. 20
" Saturday Light Breezes NW AM Cloudy PM Clear Weather.
Men variously employed."

Nov. 21
" Sunday Fresh Breezes Sly Cloudy Weather with light Snow at times."

Nov. 22
" Monday Fresh Breezes Nly Clear sharp Weather
Men employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Nov. 23
" Tuesday AM fresh Breezes Sly PM varied Nly Clear Weather
Four Men chopping Logs two at the pit Saw, and the rest employed getting fire Wood &c &c.
John Johnson on duty."

Nov. 24
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes Wly Clear Weather
Men employed as yesterday."

Nov. 25
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same."

Nov. 26
" Friday Fresh Breezes Sly Clear Weather
Two Men at the pit Saw, Taylor at work for Men and the rest employed getting fire Wood."

Nov. 27
" Satuarday Fresh Breezes SW Cloudy Weather.
Men at the House employed as yesterday
One Man came from our Hunter."

Nov. 28
" Sunday Fresh Breezes Sly Clear warm Weather
The Man that came from our hunter yesterday; return'd to his Tent."

Nov. 29
" Monday Fresh Breezes Sly AM Clear PM Cloudy warm Wea.
Two Men at the Pit Saw, Taylor at Work for Men and the rest employed getting fire Wood."

Nov. 30
" Tuesday Light Breezes Wly Cloudy Weather
Men employed as yesterday. One Man came from our Hunter with part of a Buck Moose. Two Indians came in with a few Furrs."

Dec. 1 1790
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes Sly Clear fine Weather
Men employed as before. Sent the Man who came yesterday for the remainder of the Meat, and with orders for the other Man at the Tent to accompany him to the House."

Dec. 2
" Thursday Strong Gales Wly Clear Weather.
Two Men employed laying the upper Floor. Taylor at work for Trade and the rest cutting fire Wood &c. &c. Late in the evening the Men mentioned yesterday came home. Our Hunter came in for Men to fetch Meat."

Dec. 3
" Friday Light Breezes Wly part clear part Cloudy Weather
Sent one Man with a Horse for Meat; and the rest employed as before."

Dec. 4
" Satuarday Light Breezes Ely Cloudy Weather
Sent two Men with Horses for Meat; and the rest variously employed. Late in the evening the Men I sent for Meat yesterday with those of this Morning came home."

Dec. 5
" Sunday Fresh Breezes NW Cloudy Weather with Snow."

Dec. 6
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Men employed getting fire Wood &c. &c."

Dec. 7
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes Ely Cloudy Wea.
Men employed as yesterday"

Dec. 8
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes Wly Cloudy Wea. with light Snow.
Men employed as before."

Dec. 9
" Thursday Fresh Breezes Wly Clear sharp Weather
Men variously employed."

Dec. 10
" Friday light Breezes SW Clear Weather
Men employed as before
Three Indians came in with a few Furrs."

Dec. 11
" Saturday Fresh Breezes Sly Cloudy Wea. Evening thick Snow.
Men employed getting fire Wood &c &c. Our Hunter came in with part of a Doe Moose; and for Men to fetch another."

Dec. 12
" Sunday Strong Gales NW Cloudy Wea. with thick Snow
Sent four Men with Horses to fetch Meat."

Dec. 13
" Monday Fresh Breezes Nly Clear Weather
Men employed cleaning Snow out of the Yard and getting fire Wood &c &c."

Dec. 14
" Tuesday AM strong Gales Sly Clear Wea. PM fresh Breezes Wly Cloudy with Snow. Men at the House employed getting fire Wood &c &c.; those I sent for Meat on Sunday came home."

Dec. 15
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes NW AM Clear PM Cloudy Weather with light Snow.
Men variously employed getting fire Wood &c."

Dec. 16
" Thursday Fresh Breezes NW Clear sharp Weather
Sent two Men to Tent with our Hunter, two getting Snow Shoe frames; and the rest employ'd getting fire Wood &c &c."

Dec. 17
" Friday Fresh Breezes Wly Clear Weather
Men variously employed
An Indian came in with a few Furrs; paid his debt and went away."

Dec. 18
" Saturday Fresh Breezes NW Cloudy Wea. with light Snow
Men employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Dec. 19
" Sunday Light Breezes Sly AM Clear PM Cloudy Weather with heavy Snow."

Dec. 20
" Monday Light Breezes Wly Cloudy Weather
Men cleaning Yard and cutting fire Wood &c."

Dec. 21
" Tuesday AM fresh Breezes SW PM light Breezes Sly Clear warm Weather
Men employed getting fire Wood &c &c. One Man came from our Hunter with part of a Buck Moose.
An Indian Man and his Wife came in with a few Furrs and a little dryed Meat.
The Canadian Traders having such an advantage over me in Trading with Natives by their double proof spiritous Liquors; obliges me thro the small quantity of Brandy in my pofsefsion to withold trading; till the Spring of the year, otherwise I should be distrefsed to purchase Provisions for my Men.
Cloth and Blankets are much called for by the Indians in this quarter; it would require Men and 12 Canoe Cargoes, for this place only; and your honors are great sufferers this Season; thro my not having a larger supply of Goods. All my Cloth and Blankets expended nothing nore? left but a few necefsary articles to purchase Provisions for my People.
The Canadian Houses are numerous around me in this quarter; and the encouragement they give to Natives to bring them Skins is much greater than the honble Company's Standard will afford me to dispose of many articles which appear of no consequence tho they are looked on by them as valuable, and which are always given as presents; such as Rings, Hawks Bells &c &c which are to expensive for me to give for nothing."

Dec. 22
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes Nly Cloudy Wea.
Sent two Men to fetch Meat, Taylor at work for Trade, one went away with the Indian of yesterday to Tent out with for the Winter Season; and the rest employed cutting fire Wood &c &c."

Dec. 23
" Thursday light Breezes Wly Cloudy Weather
Men employed as before except one who I sent with a Horse for Meat. Our Hunter came in to inform us he had killed 3 Moose yesterday and return'd to his Tent."

Dec. 24
" Friday Fresh Breezes Sly Cloudy Weather
Men at the House employed getting fire Wood &c &c; those I sent for Meat on Wednesday came home."

Dec. 25
" Saturday Fresh Breezes NW AM Clear sharp Weather PM Cloudy with thick snow."

Dec. 26
" Sunday Light Breezes Nly Cloudy Weather."

Dec. 27
" Monday AM light Breezes Sly Cloudy Weather with showers of Rain. PM strong Gales NW with heavy Snow.
Sent two Men with Horses for Meat; and the rest employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Dec. 28
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes SE Clear Weather
Men at the house employed getting fire Wood &c.; those I sent away yesterday (and one Man from the Tent) came home, with three Horses loaded with Meat."

Dec. 29
" Wednesday Light Breezes Wly Clear Weather
Sent three Men to get Birch for Sleds, Taylor at work for Trade; and the rest variously employ'd."

Dec. 30
" Thursday Light Breezes Sly Clear Weather
Two Men sawing Sleds, Taylor at work for Trade; and the rest employed getting fire Wood."

Dec. 31
" Friday Strong Gales Wly cloudy Weather
Sent one Man to fetch home his Bedding &c from the Hunters Tent; and with orders for the Man at the Tent to accompany him to the House, and the rest employed as before."

Jan. 1 1791
" Satuarday Fresh Breeze Sly Cloudy Weather with light Snow.
Men at the House variously employed; those mentioned yesterday came home."

Jan. 2
" Sunday Fresh Breezes NW part clear part Cloudy Weather
Our Hunter came to the House for Men to fetch Meat."

Jan. 3
" Monday Fresh Breezes SW part clear part Cloudy Weather
Sent two Men with Horses to fetch Meat, two making Sleds, Taylor at work for Trade; and the rest employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Jan. 4
" Tuesday Wind as yesterday Cloudy Weather
Men at the House employed as yesterday, those I sent for Meat came home with the flesh of a Doe Moose."

Jan. 5
" Wednesday Strong Gales Nly Cloudy Wea. with thick Snow and Drift.
Men variously employed."

Jan. 6
" Thursday Fresh Breezes NW Cloudy Weather
Sent two Men with Dogs and Sleds to fetch Meat; and the rest employed getting fire Wood."

Jan. 7
" Friday Light Breezes Sly Cloudy warm Wea.
Men at the House variously employed; those I sent for Meat yesterday came home with the flesh of a Buck Moose.
Three Indians came in with a few Furrs which they traded."

Jan. 8
" Satuarday Fresh Gales SW Cloudy thawing Weather
Sent two Men with the Indians of yesterday to fetch Meat; the rest employed getting fire Wood."

Jan. 9
" Sunday Fresh Gales Wly AM Clear PM Cloudy Weather."

Jan. 10
" Monday Fresh Gales Nly Clear sharp Wea.
Men employed getting fire Wood &c &c
An Indian Man and Woman came in with three Sleds loaaded with Meat and a few Furrs."

Jan. 11
" Tuesday Light Breezes Ely Cloudy Weather
Men employed as yesterday
The Indians of yesterday went away."

Jan. 12
" Wednesday AM strong Gales Sly PM varied Wly Clear thawing Weather
Two Men making Soap, Taylor making Coats for Trade; and the rest employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Jan. 13
" Thursday AM light Breezes Sly PM fresh Breezes SW Cloudy thawing Weather
Taylor making Coats for Trade; and the rest employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Jan. 14
" Friday Strong Gales NW Cloudy Weather with light Snow
The Men I sent for Meat the 8 instant, with one Man from the Indians Tent, came home with a little dryed Meat; the rest variously employed."

Jan. 15
" Saturday Fresh Breezes SW Clear Weather
Men employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Jan. 16
" Sunday Strong Gales NW Cloudy Weather with light Snow."

Jan. 17
" Monday Fresh Breezes Wly Cloudy Weather
Men employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Jan. 18
" Tuesday Light Breezes SW Cloudy Weather
Men employed as yesterday
Three Indians came in with a little dryed Meat and a few Furrs; which they traded."

Jan. 19
" Wednesday Light Breezes Sly Clear Wea.
Men employed as before
The Indians of yesterday went away."

Jan. 20
" Thursday Strong Gales NW Cloudy Weather
Men variously employed."

Jan. 21
" Friday Light Breezes Wly Cloudy Weather
Men employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Jan. 22
" Saturday Light Breezes Sly Clear thawing Weather
Men employed as yesterday."

Jan. 23
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday."

Jan. 24
" Monday Light Breezes SW Cloudy Wea.
Men employed getting fire Wood &c &c.
Our hunter came in for Men to fetch Meat."

Jan. 25
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes SW Cloudy rhimy Weather
Sent three Men with Dogs and Sleds to fetch Meat; who return'd with the flesh of a Doe Moose. the rest employed as yesterday."

Jan. 26
" Wednesday Light Breezes Wly Cloudy Weather
Men employed falling Stockadoes &c &c."

Jan. 27
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same."

Jan. 28
" Friday Fresh Breezes Sly part clear and part Cloudy, warm Weather
Men employed as before."

Jan. 29
" Saturday Fresh Breezes NW Clear sharp Weather
Our Hunter came to the House for Men to fetch Meat. Sent Men with two Dogs and five Sleds to fetch Meat; the rest employed as before."

Jan. 30
" Sunday Fresh Gales NW Cloudy Weather Evening thick Snow
The Men I sent for Meat yesterday came home with the flesh of a Buck and Doe Moose.
An Indian Man came in for Men to fetch Meat."

Jan. 31
" Monday Fresh Breezes NW Clear Wea.
Sent two Men with Dogs and Sleds to fetch Meat; who came home with the flesh of a Buck Moose; the rest employed getting fire Wood &c &c.
The Indian of yesterday went away."

Feb. 1 1791
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes variable part clear part Cloudy Weather
Men variously employed
An Indian Woman came in with dryed Meat and a few Furrs."

Feb. 2
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes Nly Clear Weather
Men employed getting fire Wood &c &c
The Woman of yesterday traded and went away."

Feb. 3
" Thursday AM light Breezes Sly PM varied SE Cloudy Weather with thick Snow at times.
Men employed as yesterday."

Feb. 4
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same
A Woman came from our Hunter for Men to fetch Meat; Sent two Men with her to the Tent; and the rest employed as before."

Feb. 5
" Saturday Light Breezes Nly Cloudy Weather
Men at the House employed as before; those I sent for Meat yesterday came home with the flesh of a Buck Moose."

Feb. 6
" Sunday Fresh Breezes Nly Cloudy Cold Weather."

Feb. 7
" Monday light Breezes SW Clear Weather
Sent two Men with Dogs and Sleds to fetch Meat; and the rest employed getting fire Wood &c."

Feb. 8
" Tuesday AM light Breezes SW PM varied Nly Clear sharp Weather
Men variously employed."

Feb. 9
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes SW Clear Wea
Men at the House employed getting fire Wood &c. those I sent for Meat on Monday came home with part of the flesh of a Buck Moose."

Feb. 10
" Thursday Light Breezes variable Clear Wea.
Sent two Men with Dogs and Sleds to fetch Meat, who return'd with the flesh of a Young Moose, (and the remainder of the Buck Moose left yesterday); the rest employed as before."

Feb. 11
" Friday Wind as yesterday Cloudy Weather
Men employed as before."

Feb. 12
" Saturday light Breezes Sly Cloudy Weather
Men employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Feb. 13
" Sunday Strong Gales NW Cloudy Weather with light Snow at times
Two Indian Lads came in for Men to fetch Meat."

Feb. 14
" Monday AM light Breezes SW Cloudy Weather PM fresh Breezes Ely with thick Snow
Sent two Men with the Indians of yesterday to fetch Meat, and the rest employed cutting and hauling home fire Wood."

Feb. 15
" Tuesday Strong Gales NW part clear part Cloudy Weather with thick drift.
Men at the House employed hauling home Stockadoes; those I sent for Meat yesterday (and an Indian) came to the House with three Sleds loaded with half dryed and dryed Meat."

Feb. 16
" Wednesday Light Breezes variable Ely Clear sharp Weather
Men employed hauling home Stockadoes."

Feb. 17
" Thursday Light Breezes NW Clear Weather
Sent three Men with Dogs and Sleds to fetch Meat; and the rest employed getting fire Wood."

Feb. 18
" Friday Fresh Breezes Sly Clear Weather
Early AM the Men I sent for Meat yesterday came home; and three others return'd with the Dogs and Sleds to fetch the remainder; and the rest variously employed. The three Men I sent for Meat this Morning came home with the flesh of a Buck Moose."

Feb. 19
" Satuarday Fresh Breezes SW Cloudy Weather with light Snow
Men employed cutting and hauling home fire Wood &c &c
An Indian Man and his Wife came in with three Sleds loaded with Meat and a few Furrs."

Feb. 20
" Sunday light Breezes variable Cloudy Wea.
The Indian of yesterday traded and went away."

Feb. 21
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Four Men employed making Pimeecan for the pafsage down; and the rest getting fire Wood &c."

Feb. 22
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes Nly Cloudy rhimy Weather
Men variously employed."

Feb. 23
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes SW Clear Wea.
Men employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Feb. 24
" Thursday Strong Gales Wly Clear Weather
Men employed as yesterday."

Feb. 25
" Friday Fresh Gales Nly part clear and part Cloudy Weather
Men employed as before."

Feb. 26
" Saturday Fresh Gales SW part clear and part Cloudy warm Weather
Men employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Feb. 27
" Sunday Fresh Gales variable Nly AM Clear PM Cloudy Weather
One Man with one Tent of Indians came in loaded with Furrs and a little Meat; part of which they traded."

Feb. 28
" Monday Light Breezes variable part clear and part Cloudy Weather
Men employed getting fire Wood &c &c.
Our Hunter came in for Men to fetch Meat."

Mar. 1 1791
" Tuesday AM light Breezes Sly PM varied SE Cloudy Weather with Snow
Men employed as yesterday
An Indian Lad came in for Men to fetch Meat."

Mar. 2
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes Nly part clear part Cloudy Weather
Sent two Men with the Indian of yesterday to fetch Meat; two getting Wooden Work for Canoes, Taylor working for Men and the rest employed getting fire Wood &c &c.
The Indians of Sunday finished Trade and went away."

Mar. 3
" Thursday AM light Breezes Sly PM varied Nly Clear fine Weather
Six Men employed getting Wooden Work for Canoes, one set off to Tent and Hunt in the Swan Lake; and the rest employed as before.
The Men I sent for Meat yesterday came home with two Sleds loaded with dryed Meat and a little Fatt. An Indian Man came in with a few Furrs which he traded and return'd to his Tent."

Mar. 4
" Friday Fresh Breezes NW Clear fine Wea.
Myself with four Men getting Wooden Work for Canoes; and the rest employed getting fire Wood."

Mar. 5
" Saturday Fresh Gales Nly Cloudy Weather
All hands employed as yesterday
An Indian Man came in with a few Furrs which he traded; and went away."

Mar. 6
" Sunday Strong Gales Nly Cloudy Cold Wea.
Late in the evening an Indian Lad came in to fetch Tobacco, for two Tents of Indians, who he says will be here in a few days."

Mar. 7
" Monday Light Breezes variable Clear Weather.
Two Men getting Wooden Work for Canoes; and the rest employed getting fire Wood &c &c.
The Indian of yesterday went away."

Mar.8
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes Sly part clear part Cloudy Weather
Men employed as yesterday
Two Tents of Indians came in with Furrs and dryed Meat."

Mar. 9
" Wednesday AM light Breezes Sly PM varied Nly Clear Weather.
Men employed as before."

Mar. 10
" Thursday Fresh Breezes Sly part clear part Cloudy Weather
Two Men set off with Dogs and Sleds to fetch Meat; and the rest getting fire Wood &c &c.
Our Hunter came in for Men to fetch Meat.
The Indians of yesterday traded part."

Mar. 11
" Friday Light Breezes variable Ely first part clear latter part Cloudy Weather.
Men at the House employed as before; those I sent for Meat yesterday came home with two Sleds loaded with dryed Meat, beat Meat and a little Fatt.
An Indian Man and his Wife came in with one Sled loaded with Furrs &c &c."

Mar. 12
" Saturday Fresh Breezes Sly part clear and part Cloudy warm Weather
Sent four Men with Dogs and Sleds to fetch Meat, two getting Wooden Work for Canoes and the rest employed getting fire Wood &c &c.
The Men I sent to Tent and Hunt in the Swan Lake, with those who went for Meat this Morning came home
The Indians of Tuesday traded and went away. Reced the flesh of a Buck Moose. Traded 300 lb dryed Meat 200 lb beat Meat and 150 lb of Fatt."

Mar. 13
" Sunday Fresh Breezes variable Nly Cloudy Weather with light Snow at times.
The Indians of Friday traded and went away."

Mar. 14
" Monday Fresh Gales NW Cloudy Weather
Sent five Men to gather Pitch, two sawing boards; and the rest getting fire Wood &c &c.
Our Hunter came in for Men to fetch Meat.
Three Indian Men came in with four Sleds loaded with Beavers flesh and a few Furrs."

Mar. 15
" Tuesday Wind and yesterday Cloudy Weather with heavy Snow and drift.
Sent two Men with Dogs and Sleds to fetch Meat; who return'd with the flesh of a Buck Moose: the rest employed as before."

Mar. 16
" Wednesday Fresh Gales NW part clear part Cloudy Weather
Two Men sawing Boards; and the rest employed getting fire Wood &c &c.
The Indians of Monday Traded and went away. Traded 260 lb Beaver flesh."

Mar. 17
" Thursday Fresh Breezes Sly part clear part Cloudy Weather
Myself with three Men getting Wooden Work for Canoes; and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."

Mar. 18
" Friday Light Airs variable Clear Weather
Men employed as yesterday; except one I sent with an Indian to look for Ceadar in the lake below."

Mar. 19
" Saturday Fresh Breezes Sly part clear and part Cloudy warm Weather
Myself with two Men getting Wooden Work for Canoes, two set off with Dogs and Sleds to fetch Meat; amd the rest variously employed.
The Men I sent for Pitch on Monday with those who went for Meat this Morning came home.
Received the flesh of a Doe Moose."

Mar. 20
" Sunday Fresh Breezes Sly Clear warm Weather
Our Hunter came in for Men to fetch Meat."

Mar. 21
" Monday Light Breezes Nly Clear Weather
Myself with two Men getting Wooden Work for Canoes, two set off with Dogs and Sleds to fetch Meat; three went away to gather Pitch; and the rest employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Mar. 22
" Tuesday Light Breezes variable Clear warm Weather
Men at the House employed as yesterday; those I sent for Meat yesterday came home with the flesh of a Buck Moose."

Mar. 23
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes NW Clear Weather
Myself with one Man getting Wooden Work for Canoes, two with Dogs and Sleds fetching home Gunnells; and the rest employed as before."

Mar. 24
" Thursday Fresh Breezes Sly Clear Weather
Two Men with Dogs and Sleds fetching home Canoe Wood and the rest variously employed.
The Men I sent for Pitch on Monday came home."

Mar. 25
" Friday Fresh Breezes Sly Clear Weather
Men variously employed."

Mar. 26
" Saturday AM light Breezes SW PM varied Nly part Clear part Cloudy Weather
Men variously employed."

Mar. 27
" Sunday Strong Gales Nly Weather as yesterday."

Mar. 28
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Sent three Men with an Indian to look for Birchrind, two with Dogs and Sleds fetching Canoe Wood, two getting Mallets and Wedges; and the rest employed getting fire Wood."

Mar. 29
" Tuesday AM light Airs Sly Clear and fine PM strong Gales NE Cloudy Weather with heavy Snow.
Men at the House variously employed; those I sent to look for Birchrind yesterday came home without finding any fit for our use."

Mar. 30
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes NW Clear Cold Weather
Men variously employed."

Mar. 31
" Thursday Light Breezes variable Clear Wea.
Four Men with Dogs and Sleds fetching home Wooden work for Canoes; and the rest employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Apr. 1 1791
" Friday AM light Breezes Wly PM varied Nly Clear Weather
Sent four Men to fetch Birchrind with an Indian, three set off to seven Tents of Indians who are tenting near us; and the rest employed as before."

Apr. 2
" Satuarday Fresh Breezes NW Clear Weather
Men at the House variously employed
An Indian Man came in with a few Furrs which he traded and went away."

Apr. 3
" Sunday Fresh Breezes Nly part clear part Cloudy Weather."

Apr. 4
" Monday Light Breezes variable Sly Clear Weather
Two Men planing Wooden work for Canoes; and the rest employed getting fire Wood &c &c.
Three Men came home loaded with Birchrind
Burnt a Roll of Brazil Tobacco Wt. 70 lb; it being so bad I was ashamed to offer it to a Native. The Canadian Tobacco is very fine and surpafses ours in flavour, which drives many Indians, with their Furrs from the Honble Companys Interest to Trade with them."

Apr. 5
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes NE part clear part Cloudy Weather
Sent five Men to fetch Birchrind and the rest employed getting fire Wood &c &c. One of the Men I sent to the Indians on Friday came home with 1 Roll of Birchrind."

Apr. 6
" Wednesday Light Airs variable SE Clear Weather
Men at the House employed as before.
The Man who came from the Indians yesterday went away."

Apr. 7
" Thursday Calm Cloudy Weather with thick Snow
Men at the House employed as before.
Five Men came home loaded with Birchrind.
An Indian Man came in with Beaver's flesh and a few Furrs."

Apr. 8
" Friday Light Breezes Sly Clear warm Weather
Sent three Men to fetch Birchrind; and the rest employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Apr. 9
" Satuarday Light Breezes Sly Cloudy Wea. with showers of Rain
Two Men planing Wooden Work for Canoes. one making a Net and the rest employed as before. Five Men came home loaded with Birchrind."

Apr. 10
" Sunday Light Airs SE Cloudy Weather with continued heavy Rain."

Apr. 11
" Monday Strong Gales Nly Cloudy Weather with showers of Rain and Sleet.
Two Men planing Wooden Work for Canoes one making a Net; and the rest employed getting fire Wood &c &c."

Apr. 12
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same."

Apr. 13
" Wednesday AM light Breezes Ely PM varied SE Cloudy Weather
Men employed as before."

Apr. 14
" Thursday Fresh Breezes SE first part clear latter part Cloudy Weather
Men employed as before."

Apr. 15
" Friday AM light Breezes Sly PM varied NE Clear fine Weather
Men variously employed
One Tent of Indians came in with Beaver's flesh and a few Furrs, which they traded.
Received 2 Geese and 1 Swan."

Apr. 16
" Saturday AM light Breezes Sly PM fresh Breezes Ely Clear fine Weather.
Two Men planing Wooden Work for Canoes; and the rest employed getting fire Wood &c &c.
The Indians of yesterday went away."

Apr. 17
" Sunday Fresh Gales Sly Clear warm Weather"

Apr. 18
" Monday Fresh Gales NE first part Clear latter part Cloudy Weather
Two Men sawing Gunnels for Canoes, two making Wedges, two planing Wooden Work for Canoes, and the rest cleaning Yard &c &c.
About 12 AM the River Ice gave way a breast the House, and drove down till 4 PM when it chocked? below and stopp'd."

Apr. 19
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes Sly Clear warm Weather
Men employed as yesterday.
About 11 AM the River Ice began to drive and by 7 PM we had a clear River."

Apr. 20
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes SW first part clear latter part Cloudy Weather with showers of Rain.
Sent two Men in a small Canoe to hunt Geese; the rest employed as before.
One Tent of Indians came in with a few Furrs part of which they traded
Received 3 Swans and 1 Beaver."

Apr. 21
" Thursday Fresh Breezes Wly part clear part Cloudy Weather
Men variously employed."

Apr. 22
" Friday AM fresh Breezes SW PM fresh Breezes Nly Cloudy Weather
Three Men turning Timbers for Canoes; and the rest variously employed.
Received 4 Geese 1 Swan and 4 Ducks."

Apr. 23
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Two Men putting the Prefs in order, two making Mallets and Wedges; and the rest variously empl'd."

Apr. 24
" Sunday Fresh Gales SE AM Cloudy with thick Snow PM Clear fine Weather.
The Men I sent to hunt Geese on Thursday came home
Received 25 Geese."

Apr. 25
" Monday Fresh Breezes Nly part clear and part Cloudy Weather
Three Men getting things ready for Canoe Building; and the rest employed getting Roots. An Indian Man came in with a little Meat which he traded."

Apr. 26
" Tuesday Light Breezes variable Cloudy Wea. with Snow and Rain PM clear and fine.
Three Men getting things ready for Canoe building and the rest employed making Fettles for Bundles."

Apr. 27
" Wednesday Fresh Gales SE part clear part Cloudy Weather.
Sent six Men with an Indian in one large and two small Canoes to hunt Geese, as our Stock of Provisions is very low; the rest employed as before."

Apr. 28
" Thursday Fresh Gales Nly Clear Weather
Men variously employed."

Apr. 29
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Men at the House variously employed; those I sent to hunt Geese, on Wednesday, came home. Received 22 Geese 8 Swans 46 Ducks & 3 Beaver."

Apr. 30
" Saturday Fresh Breezes SE Cloudy Wea.
Sent five Men in a large Canoe to fetch Stones. three Men getting ready for Canoe building; and the rest variously employed. The Men I sent for Stones, this Morning came home.
One Tent of Indians came in with Meat and a few furrs which they traded."

May 1 1791
" Sunday Light Breezes Sly Clear Weather.
The Indians of yesterday went away."

May 2
" Monday AM light Breezes Sly PM varied Nly Clear warm Weather
Two Men getting ready Canoe Work, and the rest employed packing Furrs &c &c.
Two Indian Men came in with three Horses loaded with Furrs to leave at the House till they set off for York Factory."

May 3
" Tuesday Light Breezes NE Clear Weather
Men employed as yesterday
Two Indians came in with a little Beavers flesh."

May 4
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes NE Clear Weather
Men employed Building and sewing a Canoe.
An Indian Man and his Wife came in with a few Furrs and a little Meat; and those of Monday and Tuesday went away."

May 5
" Thursday AM light Airs Nly PM varied Ely Clear warm Weather
Men employed as yesterday
The Indian of yesterday traded and went away."

May 6
" Friday Fresh Breezes NE AM Cloudy PM Clear Weather
Men employed as on Wednesday."

May 7
" Saturday Fresh Gales SW Clear Weather Men employed working at Canoes &c &c.
Four Canoes of Indians arrived of those who are going to York Factory."

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

May 9
" Monday AM light Breezes Nly Cloudy Weather PM fresh Breezes NE Clear & fine
Two Men working at Canoes and the rest employed packing Furrs.
Two Canoes of Indians went away; and two others arrived."

May 10
" Tuesday Fresh Gales NE AM Cloudy Weather with Snow. PM more clear
Men employed as yesterday."

May 11
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes variable part clear part Cloudy Weather
Men employed mending Sails and making Masts &c &c."

May 12
" Thursday Light Breezes variable part clear part Cloudy Weather
Six Men getting ready to set off tomorrow and the rest employed putting up Stockadoes &c &c."

May 13
" Friday Fresh Breezes Nly Clear Weather
Sent two Men in a large Canoe to Cumberland House; which will enable Mr Tomison to send down many Furrs to York; and I have engaged Natives to afsist down with part of mine who will be able to bring up a supply from the Factory.
Four Men set off in two large Canoes loaded with Furrs &c to set a Net in the Lake below and the rest variously employed."

May 14
" Saturday Fresh Gales SW first part clear Evening Cloudy with Rain.
The River being clear of Ice and having a number of Indians around me with furrs which I took into my pofsefsion I prevailed on them to accompany me down to York; otherwise the Canadian Traders would have got the whole. About 3 PM left the House paddled to the Mouth of the River and put up."

May 15
" Sunday Light Breezes variable Clear warm Weather
At 4 AM embarked; paddled till 7 PM then put up in the little Lake Owinnepeg. Came up with two of the large Canoes (I sent off on Friday) and seven Indian ones."

May 16
" Monday Strong Breeze NE Clear Weather
At 5 AM embarked, paddled till 11 then obliged to put up for Wind
Received the flesh of a Doe Moose."

May 17
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes variable early AM Cloudy Weather with light Snow afterwards Clear & fine.
At 7 AM embarked, paddled and Sailed till 11 then carried over part of the carrying place and put up."

May 18
" Wednesday Fresh Gales NE Cloudy Wea. with showers of Rain
Carried over part of the carrying place and put up."

May 19
" Thursday AM light Airs variable PM fresh Breezes SE Clear Weather
Carried over the carrying place and put up.
The Indians went away."

May 20
" Friday Fresh Gales Ely Am Clear PM Cloudy Weather with Rain
Unable to proceed for the Wind."

May 21
" Saturday AM light Airs variable PM fresh Breezes Ely part clear part Cloudy Weather
At 4 AM embarked Paddled till 12 then put up with the Indians at the Narrow of the Caedar? Lake."

May 22
" Sunday Fresh Gales SE Cloudy Weather with continual heavy Rain
Lay by with the Indians all day
Received 10 Sturgeon."

May 23
" Monday Light Airs variable AM Cloudy Weather with showers of Rain; PM Clear and fine
Lay by the Indians all day
Received the flesh of a Buck Moose."

May 24
" Tuesday Light Breezes Ely AM Cloudy Weather with showers of Rain PM more clear
At 5 AM embarked; Paddled and carried till 4 PM then put up at the bottom of the Fall."

May 25
" Wednesday Fresh Gales Ely part clear part Cloudy Weather
Lay by all day for the Indians."

May 26
" Thursday Strong Gales Ely Cloudy Cold Weather with heavy Rain and Sleet.
Too bad Weather for us to proceed."

May 27
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday."

May 28
" Saturday Light Breezes variable Cloudy Weather with Rain
Sent two Men in a Canoe to look at the Lake: who say the first Bay is full of Ice.
The Indians arrived."

May 29
" Sunday AM fresh Gales Nly Cloudy Weather with showers of Rain. PM varied NW Clear Wea.
Staid by the Indians all day."

May 30
" Monday AM light Airs SW PM fresh Gales Sly Clear Weather
At 5 AM embarked; paddled and Sailed till 2 PM then obliged to put up for the Wind."

May 31
" Tuesday Strong Gales NW AM Clear PM Cloudy Weather with showers of Rain
Unable to proceed on Account of the Wind."

June 1 1791
" Wednesday Fresh Gales NW part clear part Cloudy Weather with small showers of Rain.
At 5 AM embarked, Sailed till 2 PM then obliged to put up for Wind."

June 2
" Thursday AM fresh Gales Nly PM light Airs variable part clear part Cloudy Weather
At 6 PM embarked Paddled till 12."

June 3
" Friday AM light Airs variable Clear Weather PM strong Gales SW Cloudy with Thunder Lightning and Rain
Paddled on till 6 AM then put up at the Playgreen where we found an Indian Man and his family &c &c."

June 4
" Saturday Fresh Gales Nly Clear Weather
Lay by all day."

June 5
" Sunday Fresh Breezes SE part clear part Cloudy Weather
The Indian Man went a hunting and return'd with the flesh of a Buck Moose."

June 6
" Monday Strong Gales SE; AM Cloudy with showers of Rain, PM Clear fine Weather
Obliged to lay by all day for the Wind."

June 7
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes NE Cloudy Weather with Rain
At 4 AM embarked; paddled till 12, then obliged to put up for Rain in the Sea River."

June 8
" Wednesday Fresh Gales Wly Cloudy Wea.
At 7 AM embarked; paddled Sailed and carried till 7 PM then put up in Echcomamis?
pafsed one carrying place."

June 9
" Thursday Fresh Breezes Wly Clear Weather
At 5 AM embarked, paddled, handed, carried and Sailed till 3 PM then put up at the fishing place above the white Fall."

June 10
" Friday Light Breezes variable Clear warm Weather
Lay by all day waiting for the Indians."

June 11
" Saturday AM fresh Breezes SW; PM strong Gales Wly Clear Weather
At 5 AM embarked, Paddled, Sailed and carried till 4 PM then put up for the Wind at the side Pine."

June 12
" Sunday Fresh Breezes variable part clear part Cloudy Weather
At 7 AM embarked, Paddled and carried till 4 PM then put up at the entrance of the Holy Lake."

June 13
" Monday Light Breezes variable AM Cloudy PM Clear Weather
At 7 AM embarked, paddled and Sailed till 6 PM then put up at the head of the trout River."

June 14
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes SE Cloudy Wea. with Rain
Lay by all day waiting for the Indians."

June 15
" Wednesday Fresh Gales SW Clear Weather."

June 16
" Thursday Strong Gales Nly part clear part Cloudy Weather
Unable to proceed for the Wind."

June 17
" Friday Fresh Breezes N Clear Weather
At 5 AM embarked Paddled, handed and carried till 7 PM then put up in the Knee Lake.
pafsed three carrying places."

June 18
" Saturday Light Breezes Ely Cloudy Weather
At 5 AM embarked; Paddled and carried till 7 PM then put up in the Swampy Lake
Pafsed three carrying places."

June 19
" Sunday Light Breezes Ely Clear Weather
At 5 AM embarked, paddled, handed and carried till 7 PM then put up on the lower carrying place in the Hill River.
Pafsed nine carrying places."

June 20
" Monday AM light Airs variable PM fresh Gales NE Clear Weather
At 4 AM embarked; Paddled and drove, till 8 PM then put up at the upper Woods."

June 21
" Tuesday Strong Gales NE Cloudy Weather
At 3 AM embarked; paddled till 1 PM then put up on the 12 Mile Island."

June 22
" Wednesday Strong Gales NE Cloudy Wea. with Rain.
At 5 AM embarked, Paddled till 8 then put up at dram point, the Wind blowing too hard for us to proceed to the Factory."

June 23
" Thursday Fresh Gales NE Cloudy Weather
At 4 AM embarked, paddled till 6 then arrived at York Factory; with all the Furrs in good condition."

" Charles Thomas Isham"

" Copy of a Letter sent to Mr Joseph Colen
Mouth of the Trout River Aug. 13th 1790
Dear Sir
I had no opportunity of writing till meeting with Ke-keek-a-thin-ish and other Indians going to the Factory. - We all enjoy good health. I hope all Friends at York do the same.
We have had a middling pafsage so far; being much better than we expected. We arrived here yesterday were we met with the Indians who afforded us a small supply of Provisions, and inform us that Mr Walker with the other Englishmen went from this place yesterday.
I hope to hear from you in the fall, and beg you will if pofsible send a Canoe up to us with Tobacco and Brandy &c; the Water will no doubt by that time be deeper.
I shall send an Englishman with Indians to the big fall to Wait their arrival.
I have nothing more to say at present but remain wishing you health and every happinefs together with a plentiful year of Trade and Provisions.
Your very humble Servant
Cha. T. Isham
PS. Pray give my Compliments to the Gentlemen around your Table."


" Copy of a Letter received from Mr Joseph Colen
York Factory Sept. 23rd 1790
Mr Cha. Tho. Isham
Sir
Mr Tomison
returns inland with fifteen Men and four Canoe Cargoes of Trading Goods. - I could not prevail in getting ? 4 Pieces of Tobacco and 1 Keg of Brandy, which will be delivered to the Men you send to the crofs Lake. I hope this supply, tho' small will enable you to collect a few Furrs for our Employers.
Please to inform Godda and the rest of the Canadian Men with you, that the Honble Company have liberally considered their Services, and you may acquaint them that permifsion is givem at the expiration of their Contracts for their Ballance of Wages to be settled at the Factory, which when known may be the means of drawing many valuable Servants into this employ.
We are all hurry, the Ship will Sail for Church. in a day or two. Mr Tomison will give you the Invoice of Goods. I expect to see you agreeable to promise early in the Spring, with a good Trade. My Mefsmates join me in Compliments, wishing you every supply that Seasons and Natives can afford You.
I remain
Yours sincerely
Joseph Colen."



B.213/a/1


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