" Book of Correspondence between York Fort and the other Settlements of the Hudson's Bay Company Held in the years 1775 & 6"
[cover]


" From Mr And. Graham to Mr Humphrey Marten
Dated Prince of Wales Fort August 14th 1775
Good Sir
Hoping you arrived safe at York Fort I congratulate you. I am to return to England this year and to be succeeded by Mr Hearne who I would advise to come down to Churchill River. hope he will arrive safe here this fall. It is the opinion of the Gentlemen here that it will be requisite to send the Ship to York Fort for what Tent leather and 2 1/2 inch iron you can spare the place being in great want of these articles and to bring Mr Hearne's cloaths &c.wishing the ship a safe departure.
I remain Good Sir
Your most humble Servant
Andrew Graham"


" From Mr And. Graham to Mr H. Marten
Dated Prince of Wales Fort
August 23d 1775
Good Sir
We are very uneasy not having the pleasure of hearing from you. hope your Pacquet will arrive 'ere here? with agreeable news. Mr Johnston is ready to set sail. Mr Jefferson is left in charge of the Factory 'till the arrival of Mr Hearne he being capable of managing the Company's affairs it is not material when Mr Hearne arrives. so he arrives safe here. Shall esteem it as a favour if you can supply us with what Tent and Shoe leather also with what 2 1/2 inch iron you can spare. Wishing you a good arrival and departure to the Ship. I remain
Your most obedient humble Servt.
Andrew Graham
PS The Captain receives his dispatches to morrow he and all of us present our respectful compliments to Mr Marten and all the homeward bound Gentlemen. We have sent a sheet, bed and pillow belonging to Andrew Garrett, House Carpenter at Basquea"


" From Mr Humph. Marten to Mr Isaac Batt inland
Mr Batt
Your diserting the Company's service surprizes me much especially when I consider how very kind Governor Lake was always to you and surely you can not be ignorant of his and the other Gentlemen of the honourable Board's intention to reward you to the utmost of your merit as to myself who have the command at York Fort. I declare I was and am resolved to be your Friend at every opportunity and to prove it, give you this honest advice viz. to return to your Duty in the Company's service directly, for be afsured if you do not, you must not think of ever returning to England, as you will be liable to a Prosecution for not fulfilling the tenor of your contract, on the contrary if you return to your duty. I promise that what is past shall be forgot and you treated with regard and esteem by him who is.
Your friend and Servant
Humph. Marten"


" From Mr Humphrey Marten to Mr M. Cocking
Dated York Fort Aug. 24th 1775
Mr Matthew Cocking
Sir
As it is thought highly necefsary to the well-being of the Company's affairs inland. that Isaac Batt be if pofsible induced to return to his duty in the Company's service. I have wrote a letter to him on that subject which you will please to forward to him directly Should it have the desired effect I know your usuage of him will be such as to give him no cause of complaints. I am
Sir with esteem and regard
Your humble Servant
Humph. Marten"


" From Mr Humphrey Marten to Mr M. Cocking on his going to succeed Mr Hearne inland.
Dated York Fort Aug. 25th 1775
Mr Matthew Cocking
Sir
The Committee of the honourable Hudson's bay Company having ordered us to consider of and appoint a proper Person to succeed Mr Hearne at their establishment Inland. Mr Samuel Hearne being appointed to command at Prince of Wales Fort. We after mature deliberation on that subject are convinced that you are the properest person to succeed Mr Hearne in the command of the inland expedition. You are therefore to proceed with all pofsible dispatch to where Mr Hearne has erected a Sttlement to which place you will have four Indians to attend you, one of whom perfectly understands and is well acquainted with the road to the said Settlement. On your arrival at said Settlement you are to give Mr Hearne a receipt for all Trading Goods Stores and Provisions left with you. You are to examine the packages whereby you will be afsured that every thing is right. You will please to acquaint us with such things as you stand in need of, as also of every occurrence that is material, promising to afsist you with all in our power and join you with heart and hand. We remain Sir
Your sincere Friends
Humphrey Marten
PS You will please to instruct William Walker in every thing that may render him completely fit to command occasionally Inland in the absence of the Master."


" From Mr William Jefferson to Mr Humph. Marten
Dated Prince of Wales Fort August 25th 1775
Dear Sir
With pleasure we received the agreeable news of the safe arrival of Captain Fowler, but was sorry to hear of the bad weather he met with on his arrival. I must own I cannot agree with Mr Jacobs in referring to send for Mr Hearne 'till the arrival of some Indians from him, being of the opinion that had two young men been dispatched immediately on the arrival of the news. Mr Hearne would then in all probability get here this fall. Dear Sir wishing you a good winter with plenty of Provisions &c I remain
Your most obedient humble Servt.
William Jefferson
PS Our respectful Compliments to the Gentlemen at York Fort."


"From Mr Humph. Marten to Mr. Thomas Hutchins
Dated York Fort Aug. 26th 1775
Dear Sir
I have the pleasure to inform you that Capt. Jonathan Fowler of the King George arrived safe in 5 fathom hole the 14th at noon and yet we did not get to the Fort 'till Wednesday at noon. the weather being exceeding bad, it blew in a storm at EbS East and NbE with much rain we found all well at the Fort. Mr Jacobs trade 16,657 1/6? in furs sent home this year of which 1647 is from Mefs Hearne and Cocking. Mr Hearne being appointed to the command of Prince of Wales Fort. We dispatched Mr Cocking to succeed him at or above Basqueah where a Settlement is in great forwardnefs but as to the exact distance or dimensions of it, we are intirely ignorant. At present twelve men exclusive of Mr Hearne are inland. If Mr Cocking is blest with a quick pafsage. I think it probable Mr Hearne may be at his new command this fall. Our friends at Churchill were well the beginning of this month. the trade at that place is 7373 made beaver and that at Severn river 4451 ? Captain Fowler this day receives his sailing orders but will not leave the Fort 'till tomorrow. The Spring Season of Geese very plentiful Venison as yet but middling.I hope sir you have long since had a happy sight of the Ship, that your various seasons have been plentiful, your trade flourishig and that you and those under your command enjoy health and peace which to be informed of will give great pleasure to Dear Sir
Your affectionate Friend and
humble Servant
Humphrey Marten"


" The same as the preceding from Mr Humphrey Marten to Mefs Kitchen Favel and Moore"


" From Mr Matthew Cocking to Mr Humphrey Marten.. Dated North river above the 1st fall
August 28th 1775
Sir
All the Indians we have met declaring the falls very bad at present, owing to such a great fresh of water, and my Indians thinking they could not get up as they are unacquainted. I have been obliged to prevail with a canoe of these Indians to accompany us as Guides, accordingly I gave them some liquor last night when Mr Secock after privately stealing near 2 quarts scalded himself so that he is not fit to proceed. I have therefore sent him back taking the Goods which you gave him as payment and given them to the Indians who are going with us.
I am Sir
Your most obedient Servant
Matth. Cocking"


" From Mr HumphreyMarten to Mr Wm Jefferson
Dated the 30th August 1775
Sir
By Mr Johnson's safe arrival I had the pleasure to receive yours' of the 25th instant on the 29th in the morning at which time Captain Fowler and Mr Jacobs sailed for England. Mr Cocking after much hesitation consented to go with four Indians that I found were not intirely unacquainted with the road to Basquea to releive Mr Hearne. he set off the 23d instant consequently if he is expeditious Mr Hearne will be with you this fall.
Have sent you 6 bars iron 2 1/2 inch flat. 6 Tents and some leather. Mr Falconer sailed for Severn this day about noon. Wishing you and all under your command a good winter. I am Sir
Your humble Servant
Humphrey Marten"


" From Samuel Hearne to Mr Jacobs or the chief in command at York Fort
Dated Pine island Lake 22d Aug. 1775
Sir
As the home Indians who afsisted in getting the men and Goods up were desirous of returning this fall. I have fitted him out for the voyage and sent by him a few lines to acquaint you of our safe arrival at the new Settlement on the 19th of this month.
The villians of Indians who accompanied me from the Fort embezzled at least 100 Gallons of Brandy, a bag containing 43 lb of Brazil tobacco besides other articles and 56 lbs of Ball.
On my arrival here I found Charles Isham had arrived 12 days before and all the Goods which was sent with him came safe. I am Sir
Yours' at command
Samuel Hearne
PS We are already removed into the new house but as yet the roof is not covered in.
Please to present my Compliments to the Gentlemen at your mefs.
To Mr Jacobs or the chief in command at York Fort"


" From Mr Matthew Cocking to Mr Humphrey Marten.. Dated North river above the Swampy Carrying place September 3d 1775
Sir
I send this by some Indians we have met here to acquaint you of our being well in health, and every thing else only vexed at the slownefs of our proceeding. In my last I acquainted you of my having prevailed with a Canoe of the North river Indians to accompany us, as the Indians with whom I left the Fort were unacquainted. these have served us for Guides but in fact have been a great hinderance to us in our progrefs, having continually to wait for them and our canoes being at present very crazy is also very detrimental. We expect to spend two days more before we reach the first Lake. To my shame and vexation I was near being obliged to return the 31st ult. the Indians our Guides refusing to proceed saying that they were spent and tired. After trying all persuations and promises in vain. I proposed for my Indians to try if we could not proceed by ourselves but they were unwilling alledging their old excuse of being unacquainted. at last as a ? resort I was obliged to apply to the keg when after making our Guides half mellow I prevailed with them to change their intent of leaving us and we proceeded but was obliged to give them my Gun, notwithstanding my having before given them all the things which Secock received from you as Payment. There is at present a great fresh in the river and we have had much hard tracking and paddling against the Current, and I am led to suppose the falls are much worse than usual from the accounts of the Indians we have met, but if we could have proceeded without our Guides we should have been much forwarder. The Indian Wappesish who pretended to carry me up deceived both you and me on saying that he was but little wanting in his knowledge of the Falls. He does very well when he is shewn the road, but otherwise is deficient. indeed he pretends in excuse that he has but once been up here. how ever both him and the other two have hithero behaved very well exerting themselves greatly and I believe would glady be forwarder on our Journey.
I remain wishing you and yours every other Felicity Sir
Your most obedient Servant
Matthew Cocking
PS Please to remember me to your mefs mates - Please to excuse my Letters not being sealed having no wax at hand."


" From Mr Eus. B. Kitchen to Mr Ferdinand Jacobs
Dated Moose Fort Feb. 20th 1775
Sir
Your favour of September 1st 1773, as also the 13th January 1774 came safe to my hand and the pleasure I received to hear that you and all those under your comm'd were well, was very considerable. The quick transit of our Friends into Eternity I was sorry to hear of, but when we reflect it is a law omnipotent decreed that we shall surely go but that they will not return. we ought not to repine but bear it with fortitude and resignation. I have never enjoy'd my health since I commenced Master which I attribute to my want of exercise? as I have never been accustomed to.
Now Sir to inform you of the occurrances of Moose Fort since my last. I have had Mr John Thomas to make the discovery of the French house up our river which he perform'd in forty days, where he found three French men including the Master and one French woman. the Master was down at Montreal when he arriv'd but they expected his return soon, an old Indian man was then Master, the whom who took our Esquimau man many years agone. they behav'd with the greatest civility and good humour towards him.
It will give me pleasure to hear that your upland Settlement turns out advantageous to the Company's interest. I believe we are going on in a similar project here.
Captain Richards with Mr Thomas Hutchins arrived here September the 5th and the former with Mr Marten sail'd for England on the 20th idem. Our Trade still keeps on the rise being last year 5542 53/120 made beaver in which was 3198 martens; our Castorum trade was fine 150 lbs which was more than has been produced here in any two two given Years. We salted 27 Hhds of Geese last Fall, and our fall trade was very good about 1000 beaver. Country Provisions scarce such as Partridges and Rabbits. Foxes more plentiful than any year since I have been Master. This winter I think hath been the mildest I have ever saw tho' our Glafs fell to 390? rose in the space of 3 hours to 36 again it was then very sharp weather - Now Sir having informed you wih all that hath befel us permit me to subscribe myself in wishing you all the happinefs you can wish yourself and beleive me to be with the greatest respect
Your most obedient and most
obliged Servant
Eus. B. Kitchen
PS The Gentlemen of the mefs join me in their Compliments to you and Yours"


" From Mr Tho. Hutchins to Mr Humph. Marten
Dated Albany Fort Sept. 18th 1775
Dear Sir
I take the earliest opportunity of forwarding the Letters to the Nor'ward which were received here last March and acknowledging the receipt of two letters from Mr Jacobs. I hope York Fort has already received a rise of Trade from the Basquea Settlement. I was much concerned to find that of last year had fallen so low.
I hope Captain Fowler arrived safe in good time. Captain Christopher arrived in Moose roads the 15th August and sail'd from thence for England the 6th of September after having been aground on the bar but without any Damage. The trade at Albany was 5117 1/20 made beaver including 560 35/60 made beaver after Package last year. Eastmain 2880 35/60? Henly 647 2/3 Moose Fort I believe had about 5600 made beaver. Our friends there were well the 9th instant. Mr Moore sailed for Eastmain yesterday; Henly is established a place of Trade with 20 men. Mr Favell set off the 11th instant. I am in hopes to send the boats two trips this fall otherwise that Settlement will be distrefsed for trading goods and Provisions.
I had a poor winter for Provisions no Partridges to be got with nets and hardly any by the Gun. My spring hunt was tolerable but Henly at this time requiring an immediate supply for so many men until the river is open in June has left me without any supply and I have now only one Cask of Geese salted this fall which distrefses me much.
I sent Mr Edward Jarvis accompanied by Questach and Jemonas in March to proceed inland but Shapautie nor any other Indian would conduct them so they returned without succefs having been no farther than Henly. - I hope to be more fortunate this spring considering the establishment at that place and I am determined to push the discovery of the Country with all my power. The Company have particularly directed lake St Ann's to be survey'd which they informed me by your account is only 150 miles above Henly you would greatly oblige me by sending the Indian name of that lake as nobody here knows it by that name and any other particulars conducive to the Company's service which your knowledge and experience in these parts may suggest. As that is a matter of consequence and I have given Mr Favell orders to send his men at proper Seasons to explore the Country. I would wish you to give him every intelligence and information I can to forward the intention of the Company. I should therefore take it as a favour if you would send me an answer as soon as pofsible and desire the Master of Severn to forward your Letter without delay.
I have had a violent fit of sicknefs which made my life dispaired of a few days before the Ship arrived. Judge yourself what an unlucky event it was at such a busy Juncture. I thank God I am now almost recover'd. Mr Jarvis bled me five times and for three days I could neither eat, drink, or speak, but gave my orders by writing on a Slate. I hope you feel nothing of your old complaint and that health peace and plenty are your constant companions, be afsured the knowledge that my hopes are accomplished will rejoice the heart of Dear Sir
Your affectionate Friend and
humble Servant
Thomas Hutchins
PS My best respects to the Gentlemen of your mefs.
The Key of a quadrant case belonging to Moose Fort is mifsing. perhaps it may have been inclosed in the York Fort Pacquet. if so please to send it by the first conveyance"


" From Mr Thomas Hutchins to Mr H. Marten
Dated Albany Fort 17th Oct. 1775
Dear Sir
By Willy Tomison and two Indians I received your Letter of the 26th and Mr Jacobs of the 17th August and am very happy to find the trade at York Fort is so much more than it was last year and that Mefs Hearne and Cocking have succeeded in establishing a house inland in all probability it was the only method that could have preserved the Companys trade from fall'g into another Channel and I hope every year will more fully evince it's utility.
I did myself the pleasure of writing to you about a month ago by some Indians who were travelling to the Nor'ward and have very little to add since that period only that I have sent Mr Edward Jarvis my Surgeon with a couple of Indians to survey ? sepy? and its communication with Moose river and hope he will be back again before our river sets in. after which he is to go to Henly so that I shall be quite alone. however I blefs God my health is much better, and I have had 24 casks of Geese killed this fall. the fish are not numerous but I get a few. Mr Favell was well at Henly the 29th September. I was obliged to send two trips with both boats this fall and expect my men to return from the second in a day or two. Cold weather has destroy'd all our Gardens. We could not rear a single mefs of Pease or beans. I wish you every happinefs And am
Dear Sir
Your affectionate Friend
and Servant
Thomas Hutchins
PS My Compliments to the Genltemen of your mefs.
Ent.d? g.g.?"


" From Mr William Falconer to Mr H. Marten
Dated Severn House 13th Dec. 1775
Dear Sir
The early arrival of letters from our Southern Settlements induces me to write to you sooner than I otherwise should have had the pleasure of doing as I am certain you will be anxious about hearing how the Companys affairs go on in that quarter.
Here we enjoy a good state of health with peace and plenty thank God. Had a few bungees for debt in the fall who brought us about 300 made beaver in summer Goods. The Goose hunt very poor; but since that plenty of other provisions.
The cold weather was surprizingly late of coming on it being the 3rd instant before our river ice was froze over. In October I sent two of our men with an Indian a Martin hunting. one of whom is not yet arived, tho' the others came above a week ago with little succefs. Having nothing to add but my warmest wiahes for your happinefs and succefs to the Company's affairs, I remain
Dear Sir
Your most obedient
Humble Servant
William Falconer
PS My Compliments to the Gentlemen of your mefs."


" From Mr Humphrey Marten to Mr T Hutchins
Dated York Fort Jan. 1st 1776
Dear Sir
Your kindnefs in informing me at the earliest conveyance of sending the Southern letters of the health of my friends down the bay demands my sincere thanks particularly as it relieved the anxiety I was under to hear from those I esteem love and honour. In mine by Mr Falconer I informed my bay Friends of the situation of things at this place since which period the following occurrences hath happened. Mr Cocking was 42 days getting to Mr Hearne, who hath almost compleated a Settlement a good distance above Basquea. Mr Hearne was 21 days getting down to this place. he arrived the 27th October he is now with me and is for Churchill on Tuesday or Wednesday. he informs me the Indians he went up with stole upwards of 100 Gallons of Brandy, 43 lbs of tobacco, and 56 lbs of Shot. This will ever be the case while Indians are for want of Englishmen employ'd to afsist the latter in their Journies inland. - We killed about 1000 Geese last Fall, Partridges are too scarce to get by nets. Fish not plenty. Salted but eight Hogsheads Venison. had a large Trade of Fat, moderate as to dried meat. the fall trade upwards of 1300 made beaver mostly Deer skins: these I never look at, nor the Moose tenting or fat but with a heart felt sigh. I think of the hardships the bay Settlements labour under in want of these very necefsary articles. I wish it were pofsible for the Moose Sloop to get to Severn House. it would then be in my Power to execute what now I can only vainly wish.
I sincerely wish succefs may attend your Inland expedition. The Situation and distance of Lake St Ann's may be pretty nearly known by Mr Poslethwait's map of North America. I believe Rogers and Salmon have both in theirs taken notice of it The Indians I think have two names of it, the first Nemaye Sockahaganish, the other Cowsish Sockahaganish. You know the first signifies the little? Sturgeon lake, as the latter doth finch? lake. Indian account of distances or situation maybe taken with great Latitude. I informed the honble board that I had no other to go by and that the only way to come at truth was to send proper persons to explore the Country. there is as good an Indian as any I know called Sonnucappo, who is a Cristinaw or as some pronounce it a Callisteen Indian. if he could be prevailed upon to take a couple of men up to his Country, which is a fine one. I think it would turn to good Account. Keechentamena knows the lakes exceedingly well and the French huts too. could you put confidence in him it might turn to good account, it certainly will be attended with great expence, but that at this critical Juncture is not to be minded. Shapautie is also well acquainted with the roads. Mr Falconer shall be requested to forward this as expeditiously as pofsible.
The account of your illnefs gave me much pain as that of your recovery doth pleasure. As to self I am frequently melancholy. to read or write much is death to my eyes and as to conversation I am so dull that I cannot enjoy a tale told fifty times over of kill'g a Partridge, shooting a Goose or catching a Fish, however I take all the exercize I can in which I take great Pleasure but far greater in suscribing myself Dear Sir
Your affectionate Friend
Countryman and humb. Servt.
Humph. Marten."


" From Mr Humphrey Marten to Wm Falconer
Dated York Fort January the 1st 1776
Dear Sir
I return you my hearty thanks for so speedily forwarding the bay letters as I always receive great pleasure in hearing from my friends, of which number I am very happy in knowing you to be one. Since your departure the following occurrences hath taken place. Mr Cocking was 42 days getting to Mr Hearne. the latter 21 days getting to this place - and will set off for Churchill in a day or two at most. he says the Indians he went up with stole upwards of 100 Gallons of Brandy - 43 lb of Tobacco and 56 lb of Shot. Mr Cocking desired Mr Hearne to inform me that he would not go Inland again for £ 500 each Journey as this is the case. I must desire you to spare William Tomison at the best opportunity to be sent as master of that Settlement, which Mr Hearne hath called Cumberland house which is 26 feet broad 38 ft long and 26 ft in height. As there is no Person at this place fit to take charge of Severn House in your absence you must pitch upon the most proper you have with you, taking care to leave as few things as pofsible with him particularly brandy. should he be not tolerably qualified for the trust. We salted very little Venison but upwards of 1000 Geese killed.Partridges too scarce to get by nets. Fish and Rabbets a few. the weather in general since Oct. last warm. In March next please God I intend to send you a Packet when perhaps I may receive more letters from the bay. Mr Hutchins and I beg you to dispatch this pacquet down the bay with the utmost expedition. Adieu Dear Sir, and believe me to be with truth
Your obliged Friend and
humble Servant
Humph. Marten
My and my Mefs mates Compliments and the Compliments of the Season to you &c."


" From Mr Sam'l Hearne to Mr Hum. Marten
Dated Prince of Wales Fort the 19th Jan. 1776
Sir
The weather proved so bad while on my Journey that I did not arrive here 'till the 17th instant when I found Mr Jefferson and all well. I have looked over my Blankets and think I can spare you one hundred. Oil of Juniper and Ether we have none. but the oil of Anniseed, Rhubarb and Orange peel. have sent you a little of each according to your desire.
Provisions is tolerable plenty. We have served two days Partridges pr week from the first of the Season and in the Fall Wm Jefferson traded upwards of 10,000 lbs of Venison from the Northern Indians. Fish and Rabbets scarce as usual and as yet very few furs.
I am Sir
Yours at command
Sam'l Hearne
PS My Compliments to the Gentlemen of your mefs"


" From Mr Sam'l Hearne to Mr Humph'y Marten
Dated Prince of Wales Fort
Mar. 6th 1776
Dear Sir
Knowing that you stand in need of a Taylor I have sent you one accompanied by two Indian men and hope to hear he arrives safe, and that the Indians took proper care of him, as he is a stranger to travelling. You will please to send him back some time in the summer. Since the return of your Pacquet in January last Partridges have been but scarce, but hope they will prove more plenty as the Spring advances.
If you think I can be of any Service to George Hudson by way of learning him to draw a little, pray send him by the return of these Indians, and it will give me great pleasure if I find I am likely to be of service to him in that way. I am Dear Sir
Yours at command
Samuel Hearne
PS My Compliments to the Gentlemen of your mefs."


" From Mr Humph. Marten to Mr T Hutchins
Dated York Fort Mar. 19th 1776
Dear friend
The Churchill Packets arrived with letters for the bay. I gladly embrace the first opportunity of forwarding them to Mr Falconer. I am happy to inform you that all at this plac live in peace and plenty. I serve five and often 6 days a fortnight partridges, most of which are netted. Rabbits we have a few but as to fish now none.
We buried old John on the 26th January. All Jan. and 'till the 13th February hardly a day pafs'd without my being on horse back, but on that day the Gout paid me a cruel visit which laid me up in both legs and from which I am now slowly recovering, all the rest of our men are in health.. Furs are very scare, every thing I can muster amounts not to more than 1700 made beaver.
We had not much snow 'till the latter end of February, but since that period we have had enough. the coldest day the Thermometer was at 49° below the Cypher which is 2 digrees lefs than last year. This Factory is shockingly cold when compared with Albany.I hope to hear Sir that you and all under your command enjoy health, peace and plenty.I remain Dear Sir
Your affectionate Servant
Humph. Marten"


" From Mr Humph. Marten to Mr Sam. Hearne
Dated York Fort March 20th 1776
Dear Sir
It gives me pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of both your favours. In answer to that of the 19th January I congratulate you on your safe arrival at your command and thank you for the medicines you sent me. I rejoice at the noble stock of venison you mention and that partridges were then so plentiful.
Yours' of the 6th instant came to hand the 16th at 5 PM your kindnefs in remembering my want of a Taylor is a strong proof of your readinefs to confer obligations.
Partridges I serve generally three days a week a great help as I have no other sort of fresh Food but a few rabbets and furs are very scarce. I muster not more Deer skins included than 1700 made beaver.
I thankfully accept of your offer to instruct George Hudson in drawing. it is doing an act of charity to the Youth and of real service to the Company.
The Taylor shall be return'd as per desire.
We buried John Reeve the 25th January all the rest are tolerably in health tho' I have had a severe fit of the gout. I remain Sir with great truth
Yours at commnd
Humph. Marten
Compliments to the Gentlemen of your mefs
PS I have sent for your inspection our Shipwight's draft of a Canoe with a calculation of the grofs weight of it when fit for Service. a model he cannot make."


" From Mr Humph. Marten to Mr Wm Falconer
Dated York Fort Mar. 21st 1776
Dear Sir
The Season of the year being far advanced I now take the opportunity of sending the Churchill and York Fort letters. Mr Hearne's pacquet did not arrive till the 16th in the evening at which time I had but one Indian man on the plantation or should have sent sooner.
William Tomison having agreed to go Inland. I have sent Robert Flat in his room should you have any other Persons at Severn that was willing to go inland and you can spare them it will be doing a great service to the Company. if you will please to send them particularly Richard Robarts who shall be advanced forty shillings Pr annum whilst on that service also the same advance to any others that are willing to go.
When you leave Severn House you will please to bring William Groundwater labourer whose time expires next year leaving any other persons you think proper in his room. Should you have any old stores not fit for Country use please to bring them with you to be returned to England.
We lost old John Reeve the 25th January all the rest are well. I serve out sometimes five and often six days a fortnight partridges which are caught with nets which is a great help having very little other fresh food.
Wishing you and those under your command peace health and plenty as also a good Trade and sight of York Fort. I remain Dear Sir
Your faithful humb. Servt.
Humphrey Marten
PS My respects to William Tomison I hope to have a happy sight of him."

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