" From Mr Ferdinand Jacobs to Mr Eus. Bacc. Kitchen
York Fort September the 1st 1773
Sir
Yours of January the 5th 1773 I received on the 9th August last. It gave us great pleasure to hear you were in such great plenty: & that there is a prospect of your increasing the Trade. a circumstance that ought to employ our utmost Care & attention to prevent the Canadian Trader from carrying away so much of the Companies property.
Our Trade this Year is 22790 1/2 made Beaver & something more than 500 fall Trade & am in hopes it will increase next year.
The Winter Season was but indifferent for Provisions but we kill'd 4000 Geese in the Spring & am in hopes of a good fall of Geese & Venison.
Captain Fowler arrived the 22d ult & received his dispatches the 31st & is now detained by a fowl wind.
Our friends at Prince of Wales's Fort are all well, their Trade is 14,000.
I conclude with my best wishes for Succefs to attend you in all Your undertakings. And Am with esteem
Yr most obedient
Humble Servant
Ferdinand Jacobs.
PS Our respectful Compliments attend you, & the Gentlemen of your Mefs."


" From Mr Ferdinand Jacobs to Mr Humphrey Marten
York Fort Septem. 1st 1773
Sir
Your favours of Dec. 31st 1772 & 28th last May I received with pleasure; was glad to hear Capt. Christopher arrived safe with you & sailed safe for England.
The Pedlers are also very numerous up this way & carry away a very considerable part of the Company's Trade. The trade this Year at this place is 22790 1/2 made Beaver & I expect to have about 3 or 400 Beaver fall trade to send in the Ship. The Severn Trade is 3968 both Trades a small matter more than last Year.
We are sorry to hear of the Death of Mr Garbut. And rejoice to hear your Seasons of Provisions proved so Plentiful which was otherwise with us, except last Springs Goose Season when we killed 4000 Geese.
It gives us pleasure to hear our friends at Eastmain & Henly are all well, but sorry to hear your disorder is so troublesome to You.
We had a mild breaking up of our river. The Ship Arrived safe the 22d ult. & on the 31st I gave Capt. Fowler his Dispatches & now only waits for a fair Wind.
I remain Dear Sir
with great respect
Yr most obedient
Humble Servant
Ferdinand Jacobs."


" From Mr Ferdinand Jacobs to Mr Andrew Graham
York Fort Sept. 1st 1773
Dear Sir
Yours' of the 1st of February & 2d of August last I received & received the Cargo & papers you sent which are sealed & delivered to Capt. Fowler for the Company.
Our Trade is 22790 1/2 & 573 !/2 fall trade & 180 was stopped from Peter Pangman one of the Pedlers which makes the total sent home 23544 made Beaver. we klled 4000 Geese in the Spring , but no fresh Victuals could be got 'till within these 4 Days. I received about 24 Deer by which I was enabled to Supply Capt. Fowler with a Sea Stock of fresh Victuals.
The Company have Ordered a Settlem't Inland. I have sent Isaac Batt, James Allen & James Batt, Isaac's Brother with Nonose, Black Tom, & another Indian Man & his Family to acquaint the Natives & get what large Canoes they can & bring down with them as there was not one of the Canoes you bespoke last Year brought down. - Mr Hearn is appointed to conduct it & Mr Cocking his Second. If any thing should occur to You to promote the undertaking Please to let me know that I may put in Practice. The wainscot Canoe built for Severn I keep here in Case we should be disappointed of the Birch-rind Canoes we must make use of it.
I have sent You the Laths & 500 = 6d nails with one Ton iron bound Casks & 3 Spades.
I remain Dr Sir
Yr Obed.
Humble Servant
Ferdinand Jacobs."


" From Mr Moses Norton to Mr Ferdinand Jacobs
Prince of Wales's Fort 26 Aug. 1773
Dear Sir
According to my last Letter to You, have sent the Brigg as soon as pofsible with Mr Hearn & Rob. Longmoor. as Mr Hearne is to be accompanied by one of the Companies Servants from here, such as he sh'd approve of, have sent by the said Brigg one Hogshead of neat? boild oil from the Fort & Mr Johnston has as much on board of the Brigg of the Esquimaux Trade (he says) as will make another Hhd of Oil for your use. I cannot tell justly what the present Cargo will amount to, as we are packing the Brigg's Trade. She arrived here the same Evening that our Pacquet set out for York Fort. She has had a middling Trade, but w'd have had much more if he had had a handier Vefsel, for he could not go into some of the harbours that was Shoal Water.
Sir I hope you will excuse my being so troublesome for necefsity obliged me to apply to you for afsistance in the following Article. As we have of late (at times) been so unfortunate by Gales of Wind & a great Sea coming on suddenly of having our Launch carried away & broke to pieces in such a manner as not to be fit for that Service again & as we have not any Proper Stuff nor know not where to get timber pieces sufficiently substantial to rebuild the said Launch. hav'g already selected the best wood that can be procured all about Churchill for about 30 miles up the River & Sokorakiskow? River, therefore if it is in your power to Supply us by this opportunity of the Brig with as many timber Pieces if you have any & can Spare them as will make the upper framing of our Launch which will take 420 feet in Length of timber Pieces 18 feet long each & 6 or 7 inches Square at the small end. If you can afsist us in this material request it will of infinite Service to this place.
On the 7th instant just as we had got the Launch finished that Morning a gale of Wind came on & a great Sea & carried it all away & broke up Principal Pieces in such a Manner that we was at a great Lofs to get it patched up for the reception of the Ships Cargo - May every happinefs always attend You in all your undertakings is the sincere wishes of Dear Sir
Yr affectionate friend &
Obedient Servant
Moses Norton
PS Captain Richards & the rest of my Officers joins with me in our respectful Complim'ts to all you Gentlemen at York Fort.
Please to dispatch the Brig back again as soon as convenient."


" From Mr Moses Norton to Mr Ferdinand Jacobs
Prince of Wales's Fort 21 Aug. 1773
Dear Sir
With pleasure I Acquaint you of the Safe arrival of the Prince Rupert Captain Joseph Richards on the 20th Instant. Sincerly hoping the King George is as Safe arriv'd with you by this time. our Trade is something more then it Was When You heard from us Last and we have had good Luck in the Whale Fishery, having killed another Small Black Whale in the River on the 5th Inst which Produced about 4 Ton of Neat Oil & 4 Ton more of white Whale Oil besides What is for the use of Your Fort & ours.
I shall send the Brig as soon after she arrives as pofsible with the Oil you want, and we also think it will be the Quickest Dispatch for you to know Mr Hearn's Resolution in Regard to the New Expedition in Land if he should agree to go it will be much easy'r & better for Mr Hearne to go up from York Fort, then from here it being a better River and we have no Indians here fit to go up from this Fort with him & I am not certain of any uplands Indians coming down this Fall Dear Sir This being all that Occurs at present.
I Remain
Your Most Hble Servant
Moses Norton
PS Capt. Richards & Officers Join me in our Respectfull Compliments to Mr Jacobs Capt. Fowler & all the Gents at York Fort."

" NB This Letter was omitted to be Entered before the Last Letter where it ought to be placed"


" From Mr Ferdinand Jacobs to Moses Norton
York Fort 6th Sept. 1773
Dear Sir
Yours of 21st & 26th Ult. I received which gave us great Pleasure to hear of the safe Arrival of Capt. Richards. You Brigg arrived Safe & am much Obliged to you for the oil which we Stand in great want of. Captain Fowler Sail'd Yesterday with a fair wind but very much rain which Prevented Our Saluting him and the Severn Sloop this day it have been agreed in Council that Mr Hearne Could not be sent up inland this fall for want of Canoes & Indians that are acquainted with the road. I have Pickt out 20 pieces of Timber which are the best we Could find for the Repair of Your Launch and Told Mr Johnston he may take as many more as he pleases for you. So that if you have not a good Supply it is because they Could not Carry them in the Brigg or get them on Board. I sent Batt and Allen and Batts Brother with 3 good Indians inland to Provide for the Expedition Next Summer when I shall Send men & Goods Under the Command of Mr Hearne & Mr Cocking to Erect a house and Supply the Natives with goods. I hope Captain Richards Sail'd safe for England. I remain wishing you a good Season of Geese & Plentifull winter attended with health and happinefs is the Sincere wishes of Dear Sir your Affectionate
friend & Obedient
Servanr Ferdinand
Jacobs
PS Our Compliments to the Gentlemen of you Mefs I will Send to Enquire how you all do when Portnelson is frose over.
I have now sent you a very young Bull and Cow to renew your Breed."


" From Mr Moses Norton to Mr Ferdinand Jacobs
Prince Wales's Fort Sept. 7th 1773
Dear Sir
Your kind favours of 20th & 23d Ult. I Received which gave us great pleasure to hear of Captain Fowlers safe arrival at York Fort and that your Trade is better than it was Last Year. I hope the Brigg arrived with you in good time So as to have Mr Hearne there to execute his Expedition before the fall advances too Late. I wish him Succefs. I have Dispatched the bearers back as soon as I Could and the rest will soon follow. - Captain Richards got his Dispatches on the 2d Inst. but has been wind bound ever Since till this Day at Noon falling little wind he Towed out of the River with 3 Boats a head & in the Evening a Breeze sprung up in his favour & was out of Sight before Dark. I hope Capt. Fowler is also sailed before this time. We had Very fine Weather all Ship time.
I wish you a Plentifull Winter attended with a full Injoyment of Health and every other Blefsing you Can Desire is the Ernest prayers of Dear Sir
Your Most Obedient
and very Humble Servant
Moses Norton
PS Captain Richards and my Officers Joins me in our Respectfull Compliments to Mr Jacobs and Gent. of his Mefs."


" From Mr Moses Norton to Mr ferdinand Jacobs
Prince Wales's Fort Sept. 15th 1773
Dear Sir
Your kind favour of the 6th Instant I received by our Brig which Arrived here safe in 47 hours from 5 Fathom hole. My Kind thanks for the 2 Calves & Timber pieces which will be of great Service to us at this place. We are sorry Mr Hearne Could not proceed in Land this fall but it may Answer as well next Spring. We wish Mr Hearne & Mr Cocking good Succefs when they go. I had a few? of the Musquerat River Indians down for Credit as usual but Not one of them had any knowledge of the way that Mr Hearne was to be Conducted. So if we had Depended on Mr Heane's Proceeding from here we should have been greatly disapointed as those Indians that came down is the? near? hand men?. Am Glad to hear Captain Fowler & the Severn Sloop saild safe in so good time. Captain Richards was wind bound Several Days after he got his Dispatches as will appear by my Last Letter to you dated the 7th Inst. I embrace this opportunity of Writing to You by the Young Man and his family that came to see his friends who is returning again to York Fort. I have only to add my Warmest Wishes for Your health and all those under your Command and may you be blefsed with a plentifull Winter and every other Happinefs You can wish for is the True wishes of Dear Sir
Your affectionate
& Most obedient
Humble Servant
Moses Norton
PS My Respectfull Compliments to Mr Jacobs & Gentlemen of his Mefs.
I received the Signal & shall be sure to Charge the Young Bull & Cow Calf in our accounts as Received from York Fort."


" From Mr Ferdinand Jacobs to Mr Moses Norton
York Fort December 21th 1773
Dear Sir
Your Letter of 7th & 15th of Last Sept. I rec'd they gave us much Satisfaction to hear you are all well as also of the Departure of Capt. Richards whom I hope is with the Companys other Ships Safe arrived at London, also glad to hear the Brigg got Safe Back. Isaac Batt made a broken Voiage? of it, he & the People with him returned back the 8th of Last Sept. Could Proceed no further then Chuck hee tee naw River for want of water. we are now packing up Trading Goods & Stores for the Expedition & making the necefsary Prerperations that there may be no Stopage noe Hinderance when they Proceed on Said Businefs. We had a middling Deer season Last fall & Kild 800 Geese & got Some Fish & now gets 2 Days Partridges a week for Our men. most of our home Indians Came to the Factory in a very Poor Starved Conditions with very few Furrs nor have we got any thing at the Guns & Traps that is Sett in the Neighbourhood of the Factory, tho they they are duly attended. I never See so few Foxes about, hardly a Track to be seen, by the return of those Indians from you I will send a Packet to Severn at which time I will send Your Last Letters for the Bay & also what you may now Send. we are all well at this place, but Lost Sam. Brooks who Dyed in an Apoplexy. we have now 70 Indian men women & Children to maintain whom I Employ in Killing Partridges & making Snow Shoes till the days are Longer, when I will send Some of them away to Trap Martins & kill Beaver. I have Sent you a Sturgeon which Craves your Acceptance. I conclude with mine & my officers best wishes for your Health & Prosperity with the Compliments of the approached Season & am Dear Sir
Your most Obedient
Humble Servant
Ferdinand Jacobs
PS Key-key coshish being desirous to see his Daughter I have Permited him to go withe the Packet men but desire you will Send him back as he has promised to go with our men inland Please to send the Land Compafs and false magnet for the Expedition."


" From the Council at Prince of Wales to Mr Ferdinand Jacobs
Prince Wales's Fort January 2d 1774
Sir
Your General Letter to Mr Norton dated 21st Ult. We Rec'd on the 29th which gave us great Pleasure to hear that Mr Jacobs and all the Gentlemen at York Fort are well & should have been happy had it pleased God we could have sent the Same account from hence but am Sorry to say we cannot for on the 14th October last Mr Isaac Leask Departed this Life after a Short Illnefs & on the 29th Dec. our Worthy Friend Mr Norton Died. We need not add any thing further to inform you of the unhappy Situation we are in & if you will please to inform us in what manner we are to act for the Company's Interest shall esteem it as a favour & shall conduct ourselves according to your pleasure & Totally depend on your Superior Judgment. We are sorry to hear of the Death of Samuel Brooks & that Batt & his People are oblidged to Return, also of your not having Succefs with your Guns & Traps. but am Glad to hear that Country provifsions have been tolerable Plenty. We have had upwards of 100 Nor'd Indians this fall who brought us a middling supply of Venison but very few Furrs. Partridges are as yet very Scarce not being able to Serve our Men more that one Day Pr Week. We conclude with our Sincere Wishes for your Health & happinefs & those under your Command & Remain with Due Respect
Your most Obedient
Humble Servants
R. Wills
Mag. Johnston
William Jefferson
PS Am much obliged to you for the Sturgeon. have Sent you a Brace of Hares according to Mr Nortons Desire also the Compafs & Magnet you sent for. Our Respectfull Comp'ts waits on Mr Jacobs & the Gentlemen of his Mefs."


" From Mr Ferdinand Jacobs to Mr Andrew Graham
York Fort 13th January 1774
Dear Sir
Our Packet from Prince Wales's Fort Returned the 10th Instant with the disagreeable news of the Death of Mr Norton & Mr Leask. the Circumstances of their Disorders you will receive? ? ? from Mr Wills & Mr Johnston who have now the Joint Command of the Factory and if you are able would advise you to Come here to York Fort with the return of the Packet, with what other Indians you may bring to Afsist You and from hence after you have rested & refreshed Yourself proceed to Prince Wales's Fort and take the Command upon you until the Company's further Orders are known. Please to observe I only give this by way of Advice, not as an Order. Mr Hearne who at his own Request accompany's those Indians will be an agreeable Companion should you undertake the Journey. - We killed 800 Geese in the fall, had a middling Venison season.We got a few Fish the first of the Winter, and We get a few Partridges but scarce enough to Serve two Days a week. - We made some Preparations towards the Expedition Inland. - I never heard of so few Foxes about hardly a Track to be seen. And the Partridges are much Scarcer than they were the first of thie winter
Please to send the weight of the adjoining Kettles sent you last Fall by the Sloop
1/2 Pints .... No. 40
1 do. ....... 10
2 quarts ... 12
1 gallon .... 10
2 gallons ... 6
5 do. ....... 2
6 do. ....... 2
9 do. ....... 2
I hope to hear Mr Falconer got safe back to Severn and that you received every thing Safe. - If you should come here now, I need not point out to you that Mr Falconer do manage the Company's affairs until he proceeds on his Voige to this Place and that you agree with him who shall take care of the House until the Sloops Return. I wish you Health & succefs And Am
Dear Sir
Your obedient Servant
Ferdinand Jacobs.
PS I have sent the Letters for you & down the Bay. - Samuel Brooks of this Place died in the Fall of an Apoplexy. Have forwarded two Hares sent you from Prince of Wales Fort."


" From Mr Ferdinand Jacobs to Mr Humphrey Marten
York Fort 13th January 1774
Dear Sir
The 10th Instant I received the disagreeable news of the Deaths of Mr Norton & Mr Leask at Prince of Wales's Fort and that Mefs Wills and Johnston have the Joint Command of the Factory. - We killed 800 Geese last Fall. Had a middling Venison Season and got a few Fish the first of the Winter, but now can hardly get two Days Partridges a Week. - I have got about 1000 Skins in Deer & parchment Moose & a few Furrs. - The Ship sailed for England from this Place last Fall the 5th September and the other from Prince Wales Fort the 7th of the Same. - We are now preparing for an Expedition Inland to build a House for Trade. Mr Hearne is to Command It and Mr Cocking is appointed his Second and to proceed on it next Summer. - Samuel Brooks of this Place died of an Apoplexy last October, the rest of us are pretty well, a few Slight Disorders excepted. - I have at this time sent all the Letters I received from Prince of Wales Fort to Mr Graham who will I presume take care to send them to you the first Oportunity. - I have not heard from Inland, nor has any thing else happened worth your notice, therefore Conclude with wishing you prosperity in the Company's affairs and that Health Happinefs Peace & Plenty may always attend you are the Sincere Wishes of
Dear Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Ferdinand Jacobs.
PS Please to present mine and the Gentlemen of my Mefs's Comp'ts to the Gentlemen down the Bay."


" Mr Ferdinand Jacobs to Mr Eus. Bacc. Kitchen
York Fort 13th January 1774
Dear Sir
In my last I did myself the pleasure to acquaint you of the Occurrances at this Place until the arrival of the Ship. - I have now the Satisfaction to acquaint you Capt. Fowler saild safe for England the 5th Sept. - We killed 800 Geese last Fall, had what we thought a middling Venison Season, got some fish the first of the Winter, but now am very hard put to it to get two Days Partridges a Week. - on the 10th Instant I received the disagreable news from Prince of Wales Fort of the Deaths of Mefs Norton & Leask & that Mefs Wills & Johnston have the Charge of the Factory Jointly. - We are now prepairing for an Expedition to build a House inland which we will proceed upon as soon as pofsible next Summer. - I have received no news from inland. Have got about 1000 Skins Fall Trade but there is no Vermin to be got either with Traps or Guns. I never knew Foxes so scarce. - I hope to hear your Trade has continued to Increase and that the Seasons of Provisions may answer your utmost wishes are the Sincere prayers of
Dear Sir
Your most obedient Servant
Ferdinand Jacobs.
PS Our Compliments attend you & the Gentlemen of your Mefs. Samuel Brooks of this Place departed this life last October."


" From Mr Andrew Graham to Mr Ferdinand Jacobs
Severn House January 4th 1774
Dear Sir
Your favour I was honoured with by Mr Falconer, also the Cargo and Stores as mentioned pr Letter compleat and in excellent good condition since that time nothing worth notice. We jog on in the old way peace and plenty of provisions. Indeed I expect little trade next Summer as my Bungee natives are with the pedlers. these People are powerfully Supported by Merchants of figure, who find a good account in such Game. Please to observe they annuely receive the prime furs from our Indians for no expence but the goods they give in exchange. Whereas the Company must be at an enormous expence weather good or bad Trades.
I am sorry John Cole did not bring down the Canoes. I hope Isaac Batt will do better. I heartily wish succefs to the intend expedition. now will be the time to Display our abilities not only in our Conduct towards conveying up goods &c but when they are got up to carry on businefs in such manner as may make the Canadians weary of coming such a Distance. It is my humble opinion that they will not easily give up the cause. Primo will do us harm. He told me Corry had given him a strong invitation and Which I informed the Company of. -
I have sent inclosed 2 Sheets containing my sentiments on the intended expedition by way of Question and Answer, if you and the other two Gentlemen should think them worth notice it would give me pleasure, if not, I shall rest satisfied from a Conciousnefs that I framed them out of an intent to do Service.
Please to supply us with 6 pr pumps large Size. Files 6 ? rough flat. NE? Do. flat smooth No. 2 Do. half round smooth No. 2 & a little Alkenet root. Six heel plates, one Accompt book & some drought papers if you have none demipaper will do.
I conclude wishing you a happy new year & remain Dear Sir
Your obiged
and obedient
Humble Servant
Andrew Graham"


" From Mr Ferdinand Jacobs to Mr Andrew Graham
York Fort January 18 1774
Dear Sir
By the arrival of your Packet men I received Yours it gives us Pleasure to hear the Sloop got safe back and your Cargo Rec'd in good Order and that you abound on Plenty. What we can not Brag off Partridges being now very Scarce. I have heard of some of the Bungee Indians going to the Pedlers, I expect part of them here next Summer if they Keep their word, but you know well enough how far an Indians word may be depended upon. I am very Sensible of the Lofs the Company Sustains by the Pedlers & the great Expence the Company is at, but am hopes if we can not strike at the root which is those Merchants of Figure you mention that plays such a Game, at least to Lop of some of the Branches by making it not worth the Petty Pedlars while to Come So nigh us, if it Please God to prosper our undertakings.
I have seen John Cole & fitted him out again. I see nothing in him more than Common. Isaac Batt Returned for want of water. I am much obliged to you for your kind wishes to the Expedition we will Endeavour with the utmost of our abilitys to Plan & Carry it on, but Let me tell you Room was not built in one Day neither would I have you Expect we should do wonders, or work meracles. Time, Patience & Perseverance I hope will over come all Difficultys & make it not worth the Pedlers while to intercept So much of the Companys Trade.
The Gentlemen of the Council is obliged for your Questions & Answers and I Sent you their Sentiments thereon.
I have Sent the Following Articles you writ for 6 pair Pumps 6 Heel Plates 3 Smooth Files the Sorts you writ for, as to the 6 Flat Rough have Sent but one having but two more Left. the Trading Files are the Same Sort. An Acct. Book Some Alkenet Root. the Draught paper you will Receive all I had from Mr Hearne.
I have sent Mr Hearne & 3 Indian men to afsist you if you chuse to come here at this time on your way to Churchill. I shall Conclude with wishing you the Compliments of the Season and a Continuance of that plenty you seem to enjoy at present with Succefs in your Undertakings and am
Dear Sir
Your most obedient
Humble Servant
Ferdinand Jacobs."


" From Mr William Falconer to Mr Ferdinand Jacobs
Severn House 4th February 1774
Dear Sir
By the Arrival of the Pacquet to Mr Graham has informed me of the decease of the worthy commnding Officers at Prince Wales's Fort which we are Sorry for. I return you thanks for your appointing me to Succeed Mr Graham I shall follow his directions and do my endeavours to promote the Companys interest. We received the Trading Goods &c as mentioned per Letter. The weight of the Kettles are as follow,
Kettles
1/2 pint ..... No.40 weight 16 lb
1 do. ........ 10 ... 8
2 quarts ..... 12 ... 26
1 Gallon ..... 10 ... 30
2 do. ........ 6 ... 24
5 do. ........ 2 ... 14
6 do. ........ 2 16 1/2
9 do. ........ 27 1/2
Provisions hitherto continue plenty. I shall embrace the first Opportunity to forward the Letters for the Southern Settlements. Mr Tomison is to take care of the house in the Sloop's Absence as formerly. Charles Isham accompany's Mefs Graham and Hearne having agreed to go inland. Please to send two men to supply the Compliment of Severn in lieu of Charles and Mr Grahams Servant.
I conclude with my Sincere wishes for your welfare, a good trade and Succefs to the Company's intended expedition remain
Good Sir
Your most obed. humb. Servt.
Wm Falconer
NB Please to send a few sheets of Sand paper & some copper rivets."


" York Fort Feb. 24th 1774
Gentlemen of the Council at Prince of Wales Fort
On the Malancholy and disagreable news of Mefs Norton & Leask Deaths by the return of our Packet. I directly sent to Mr Graham to come and take the Command of Prince of Wales Fort & Charge of the Company's Affairs there. And I hope you will join heartily with him & coincide in every Salutory Measure that he shall think most conducive for the management of the Company's Affairs & promoting Trade. - with great pleasure we hear of the good supply of Venison you received from the northern Indians; but are sorry to hear that Furrs & Partridges are scarce. they are also scarce with us. What Partridges we get are killed above 40 miles from the Factory. - the Compafs & magnets are charged in our account Books. - I have desired Mr Graham to send me a few of the smallest sized Gimblets there are in the Factory. And what Hatchet-helves or Ash Billets can be spared. - my best thanks are due for the Brace of Hares and please to accept mine and my Officers best wishes for your Healths & the Prosperity of the Company's Affairs and believe me to be with respect
Your Obedient Servant
Ferdinand Jacobs"


" From Mr Andrew Graham to Mr Ferdinand Jacobs
Prince Wales's Fort 9th March 1774
Good Sir
We arrived safe here on Thursday last when I took charge and directly ordered Mr Jefferson to act as second Factor. We shall go on very well at present busy looking over the Warehouses.
I serve two days Partridges in a Week and am in hopes to add another day when weather turns Warmer.
I have occasion for Mr Hearne at present so you need not look for him before April. I have nothing further to enlarge upon so Remain
Good Sir
Your obedient Humble
Servant
And. Graham
PS Sent 2 Gimblets of the Smallest size we have also Ten Hickery billets blocked into Hatchet Helves."


" From Mr Ferdinand Jacobs to Mr William Falconer
York Fort march the 21st 1774
Good Sir
Your men returned the 17th Instant having seen Mr Graham Safe to Churchill I am glad you received the Goods Safe and do not Doubt your Endeavours to promote the Company's Intrust and heartily wish you Succefs.
I am glad to hear Provisions Continues Plenty with you, With the afsistance of 12 of our own men & 8 or 9 Indian men. I make Shift to get nigh 3 Days Partridges a week, no other Kind of Provisions to be got at this time. I have sent Alexander Sebbiston in the Room of one of the men that Came here but can not Spare another man. John Budge Died the 19th Instant, Nathaniel Dent desired to be recalled next year. I mentioned it to the Company therefore let him Come up in the Sloop, that if the Company Should Comply with his request he may be here to go home, but no Person Else is to come with you Except your Sloops Crew or those who writ last year to be recalled home. I have sent the Copper Rivets & Sandpaper I wish you health & am with Esteem your Most
Obedient Servant
Ferdinand Jacobs."


" From Mr Andrew Graham to Mr Ferdinand Jacobs
Prince Wales's Fort 4th April 1774
Good Sir
The reason of my detaining Mr Hearne here so long was his Knowledge of their Honours affairs in general at this place by which I have received great afsistance. I have sent my House Carpenter who has contracted for three years at 30 £ pr Annum to go inland to build the intended Settlement. I considering that you had none and Mr Hearne would make but a bad figure without such a person. I make no doubt but you will send me a Labourer in lieu of him as I have one man at present in a low condition. Excepting a drunken Shipwright all the others are in good health and behave like good fellows. Our Craft is in a shocking condition and the Brig will scarcely float.
Partridges continue scarce but I push on three days pr Week. and if we have a good Season of Geese shall do very well. Remains at present only 6 Hogsheads Biscuit & Wines, Butter Rice &c &c were almost expended before my arrival. have finished overhauling. Our Home Natives are come in with a few Martins. I wish you health a good Goose season and a large trade. And Remain
Good Sir
Your most obed. Servant
Andrew Graham


" From Mr Andrew Graham to Mr Ferdinand Jacobs
Prince Wales's Fort 4th June 1774
Good Sir
The two Bearers who are coming your way to see their Friends gives me an Opportunity to inform you that we are at present all well except Joseph Mills Shipwright who has not done an Hours duty since my Arrival here; his Disorder is swelled Legs &c, the fruit of former Irugularities. We feel the Lofs of him as our Shallop must remain all the Summer on the Blocks unfinished. We interred David Bank Labourer who went off in a consumption. From my Arrival to the Month of May I served out Partridges 3 Days pr Week, but our Goose Season has been very poor only 1500 killed in total. We are at present under Short Allowance, our Stock being so small. by the afsistance of the Salmon Season, your kind supply which we shall be thankful for & our Fall Goose Season we shall recover our Strength and then may keep a Stock a fore hand which certainly is the most prudent Method. Be pleased to send what Handkerchiefs you can spare & permit my Daughter to come with the Bearers. I wish you general Succefs and remain
Good Sir
Your Obedient Humble Servant
Andrew Graham
PS Our Compliments to the Gentlemen of your Mefs. If this place can foreward Mr Hearnes Expedition he may depend on our best Endeavours."


" From Mr Ferdinand Jacobs to Mr Andrew Graham
York Fort July 1st 1774
Good Sir
I received your Letters of March the 9th April 4th and June 4th and congratulate you on your safe arrival at Prince Wales Fort. Mr Hearne and the Carpenter got safe back here; and I have dispatched them & Robert Longmore with five Canoes of Indians with them to Basquio; but being disappointed in getting the large Canoes, they could take but a Small quantity of Goods. I am just now on the point of sending some more of our Men with other Indians now being here, but how many Men or what quantity of Goods they will take cannot be known until they Embark.
I am glad to hear Partridges continued plenty with you. It was otherwise at this Place being very scarce in the Spring. Your Goose Season was much better than Ours. What our Men and above twenty Indians killed amounted but to 682 Geese. And last Fall's Goose Season was but 800 so that we have not killed 1500 Geese since last May was Twelve Months. We have and are now living on the main Stock of Salt Provisions which has reduced it very much. nothing of any kind of fresh Provisions is to be got except very few Small fish, not more than will serve two Mefses one day a Week, and sometimes not so much, however if the Venison Season a plentiful one, and a Good season of Geese in the Fall, you may be sure I will procure some of these two Articles for you. - Have sent you 24 Handkerchiefs and your Daughter comes with these Indians.
Mr Hutchins, at Mr Nortons request, sent to Churchill a Paper of the Application of Medicines for particular Disorders with cautionary notes how to use them; which Paper was to be sent back at Mr Hutchins request for the use of this Place & Severn after a Copy of it had been taken for the Use of Churchill. I desire it may be sent back. I mentioned it to you when you where here. I wish you general Succefs
Good Sir
Your obedient
Humble Servant
Ferdinand Jacobs.

The Pedlers have been amongst the York Fort Trading Indians with 56 Large Canoes & Carried off the York Fort Trade. I have also been Informed that 6 Large Canoes have been a mongst the Churchill Trading Indians and that Lewis Primo is with them So that I am afraid the Trade at your Factory will also be Intersepted. We have had but 39 Canoes in all down this year & I hear of but very few more that is Coming. it is very Vexatious but I am in hopes the Expedition will put a stop to it & in a few years recover the Company's Trade. I have Dispatched Mr Hearne & Mr Cocking with 8 other men & two Home Indians & am now going to Dispatch two more men & Goods with Escon if he keeps is Promise.
Good Sir
Your obedient
Humble Servant
Ferdinand Jacobs.
PS We Enterd John Budge
Our Compliments to te Gentlemen of your Mefs. We are obliged to your Intentions tforward the Expedition."


" From Mr Eus. Bacc. Kitchin to Mr Ferdinand Jacobs
Moose Fort December 15th 1773
Sir
As Mr Marten Informed me his intentions sending a Packet to our Northern Friends, embrace the Opportunity of Enquiring after your Health with all those under your Command. We all live here in Health & Plenty. Our Seasons in the Different kinds of Provisions hath Turned out Extraordinary fine, the Discovery of Heddeway? River hath been made, but as to Particulars therein must beg leave to Relinquish Saying further at Present on that Head. - The Ship Arrived the 26th of August & Sailed for England on the 11th Sept. Our Cargo, 3361 115/120 made Beaver, in which 1600 Martins. Our Weather at this time more like Summer than Winter, the Wind at South with heavy Thaw, the Ground intirely Denudated from Snow and large Fresh of Water on all the Land as well as River Ice; Trapping about 100 Martens, Foxes Scarce as yet, have not further to add but my Warmest Wishes for your Health.
I am with Respect
Eus. Bacc. Kitchen
PS I have more Reason to believe that the Company's Affairs at Moose Fort will meet with a Refutation?, under that management of Bacchus the God or Wine than Fall to the old Ebb again."


" From Mr Humphrey Marten to Mr Ferdinand Jacobs
Albany Fort May the 26th 1774
Dear Sir
Had not Mr Graham Promised to send a Packet to this Place as early in the Winter as pofsible, I should long Since have done myself the Pleasure of Sending Letters to Our Friends in the North, but as I am now out of hopes of hearing from Severn I gladly embrace the first Opportunity of informing you that Capt. William Christopher arrived in Moose Roads the 24th of August and at this Place the 5th of September, he sailed for England the 11th at 6 oClock AM. the Trade at East Main 2342 made Beaver and the miserable one at this Place 3125. Mr Moore sailed for East Main September the 20th as did Mr John Favell for Henley, the former were all well the 8th of February but Mr Favell had the misfortune to lose Mr George Humble, on the 27th of March who on the 26th till 7 Oclock in the Evening was as hearty and cheerfull as ever in his Life, but then fell from his Chest, in an apoplectic Fit, in which he lay senselefs untill 7 Oclock the next morning whe he expired he was a remarkable hearty man Aged 48 years. Myself during the whole Winter enjoy'd a greater Share of health than usual, but on the 2d of April began to feel a heavynefs in all my Limbs, this continued until May the 2d when I was seized with a violent Palpitation of the heart, since which time the Gout in my Stomach hath been a costant attendant, at this moment I am not free from it, though not in very great Pain. - As to Trade have about 1500 made Beaver in the Fort so that I have but a gloomy Prospect. As to Provisions, the Fall hunt was good, the Winter tolerable, and the Spring indifferent. We are not in want thank God. hitherto except a few days the Spring hath been raw and? Cold. Our River was not clear of Ice at the Fort till the 15th Instant but three miles higher it was fast on the 17th. The Winter was mild with very little Snow. the 10th, & 13th of December much rain. On the 24th Instant 14 English and 4 Indians set off for Henley House with two Boats. Most of our Indians are going an Esquimaux hunt being invited thereto by the Moose Fort Indians. - I most sincerely wish you Sir and all under your Command Health Peace and Plenty and that you may have a good Trade and a happy sight of the Ship.
I remain
Dear Sir
Your Faithfull
Humble Servant
Humphrey Marten"


" From Mr Humphrey Marten to Mr Ferdinand Jacobs
Albany Fort June the 19th 1774
Dear Sir
Your Favors of the 1st of September and Jan. 13 came safe to hand June the 19th at 11 oClock AM. Poor Mr Norton I loved him, Sir he was one of those few that makes life desireable. I did myself the Pleasure of writing to Mr Jacobs the 26th Ult. since which time nothing worthy of communicating hath happened except it be that the Trade at this Place is seemingly crawling upwards that we have had a cold unwholesome Spring and that I am with great Truth
Dear Sir
your obedient
humble Servant
Humphrey Marten
PS Our Compliments attend you and the Gentlemen of your mefs, also Please to present the same to the Capt. and Officers of the Company's Ship."


" From Mr Ferdinand Jacobs to Mr Andrew Graham
York Fort August the 20th 1774
Sir
Captain Fowler in the King George Arrived Safe the 18th Instant when I Received the Companys Packet in which I found by the General Letter you were Permitted to Return home. I now Send you all the Letters in it Directed to you as well as those from Down the Bay which I Received from Mr Falconer who arrived with 5000 Skin Trade the Trade at York Fort is but 7652 made Beaver, two of the Large Canoes of Pedlers Wintered with the Bungee Indians Who you know used to Come frequently to the Factory in the Winter with Furrs for a Supply of Goods but this Summer 12 Canoes of Sow-wy-nafs Gang Came here after the Trade was Over with very few bad Furrs. Sow-wy-nafs Says they Intend to Return with more Canoes this Fall with a large stock of Trading Goods. I used all the Influence I could and gave him & his gang Large Presents to Perswade him not to Trade with them, he Promised me he would not Trade any more with them, but bring his Gang & Furrs to this Factory. But I hear Since he was gone that he has Deceived me and wanted to Decoy Potter-kis-cowow and his Family away with him, but he refused & has Promised me he never will Leave York Fort. the Port nelson Indians tells me the reason they have no Furrs they Traded them with Northern Indians which Mr Norton Sent from Churchill for that Purpose. the Expedition I hope will put a Stop to the Encroachment of the Pedlers and in time Recover the Company's Trade. I have heard nothing as yet from Mr Hearne & Mr Cocking & those with them but hope they are well. they went away in high Spirits with Determined resolutions to Prosecute the Companys Orders in the best manner they Can. there is Eleven of them & two home Indians with another home Indian that I sent with the Last gang whom Mr Hearne may keep if he Thinks Proper nothing material has happened since my Last. there fore Conclude wishing you Succefs in the Companys affairs and Remain
Your Obedient Servant
Ferdinand Jacobs
PS Our Compliments to Captain Christopher & the Gentlemen of your Mefs."


" From Mr Andrew Graham to Mr Ferdinand Jacobs
Prince Wales's Fort August the 20th 1774
Good Sir
We have the pleasure to inform you that Capt. Christopher Arrived here safe on the 18th Instant all well. hope Capt. Fowler arrived safe with you about the same time. the Brigantine arrived the 16th Instant. Our trade at Churchill 15846. the Brigs trade 1006 1/2. Joseph Hansom arrived with some Natives he resided with one Joseph Frobisher great part of the Winter in Which Company Lewis Primo who was interpreter to the aforesaid Peddlar. we had about fifty seven Canoes of Southward Indians who realy are the support of Churchill. I am sorry the Peddars has robbed York Fort of its trade and am of opinion they will robe us all of our trades if they are not by some means or other prevented. -
Our Shallop not being half finished the small Craft and Brigg being in a poor condition induced Capt. Christopher to go Home without a Shipwright. - On second consideration I think it will not be prudent to send the Brigg this fall to York Fort fearing she may get hurt by straining in the autumn gales having to go to England next year. I remain
Good Sir
Your Most Obedient Humble Servant
Andrew Graham
PS My respectful Compliments Joining with Capt. Christopher waits on you and Capt. Fowler and Mr Falconer."



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